Who is the best quarterback in Class AAAAA?
That’s an interesting question, because there is not a perfect answer. Each school has different standards and expectations from their quarterback. Some want a thrower, others want a runner. All want a leader – at least if they have expectations of going deep in the playoffs.
And just because a player is a good high school quarterback and puts up great numbers – statistical and wins – doesn’t mean he’s automatically considered a college prospect. So this question can’t be answered by the amount of interest a player receives from colleges.
Here’s a look at some of the top quarterbacks in the classification – in alphabetical order – with reasons why they should be considered among the elite.
Joseph Cambridge, Riverdale: Another two-way threat, the senior has thrown for 1,075 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Cambridge (6-2, 190) got on the map by throwing five touchdown passes in the season opener against North Clayton.
Kenderick Duncan, Stockbridge: Duncan has thrown for 696 yards and had some crucial completions in last week's win over Locust Grove. The senior (6-3, 195) has also run for 373 yards for the No. 2-ranked Tigers, who prefer to keep the ball on the ground.
Bradley Hunnicutt, Jones County: A two-sport standout, Hunnicutt may have to decide between football and baseball. The senior has thrown for more than 5,000 yards in his career and has bounced back from an ankle injury early in the season.
John Lampley, Kell: An experienced on-field leader (6-2, 195) has carried a young, developing offense. The senior has thrown for 992 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 277 yards.
Reid Larsen, Woodland (Stockbridge): The senior (5-11, 180) was thrown into the fire this year since his team's top running back, running back and offensive linemen graduated. He's responded by throwing for 992 yards and 10 touchdowns in helping the Wolfpack climb into the top-10.
Cameron Lewis, Eagle's Landing: Working from the shotgun, the junior (6-3, 195) has thrown for 1,328 yards and 16 touchdowns. He isn't afraid to run and has ability to pick up yardage on a draw or occasional bootleg.
Tylan Morton, Griffin: The 6-foot-4, 230 pound senior leads the state in passing yards (2,360) and has 23 touchdowns. He is blessed with some excellent game-breaking receivers and plays in perhaps the most explosive offense in the state. He is considered a dual-threat QB, but has been more inclined to pass first this season.
Caylin Newton, Grady: The youngest brother of NFL star Cam Newton is drawing plenty of attention on his own. Newton (5-11, 185) has thrown for 1,745 yards and 18 touchdowns, with only two interceptions. The senior has also rushed for 417 yards, 207 of those in the upset win over Woodward Academy.
Samad Noble, Arabia Mountain: The senior is a two-way threat who benefits from being part of an experienced group. He's rushed for 264 yards and four touchdowns and thrown for 450 yards and four touchdowns in helping the Rams climb into the state rankings for the first time.
Mic Roof, Buford: The senior (6-2, 180) has verbally committed to East Carolina. A pro-style quarterback, Roof has a good, accurate arm, and is adept when used in a play-action or dropback situation. He can also pick up yardage on scrambles when necessary. Roof will never have the gaudy numbers, because that's not the style at Buford.
Kelias Williams, Thomas County Central: The senior is sometimes compared with Leonard Guyton, who helped the Yellow Jackets win a couple of state championships and is now the team's offensive coordinator. Williams (5-10, 200) can beat you with his arm (565 yards, three TDs), but is especially dangerous as a runner (750 yards, 11 TDs).
Did we miss someone? Leave a comment below and tell us why.
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