The ability to run, escape trouble or even be a crucial part of a run based offense adds value to a quarterback. It’s not uncommon for a high school QB to lack passing statistics because he plays in a run oriented offense even though he possesses the skills and mechanics to be a deadly passer. It happens, kids deal with it and understand the team goal to win games becomes the highest priority. This may be the case with Lakewood Ranch rising senior QB Justin Curtis.

With no stats to research online, few passes to evaluate on his film, we are left guessing “How good is this kid really?” Here is what we do know: Lakewood Ranch runs a wing-T style offense. Not blessed with a bunch of talent across the board so they use misdirection to their advantage. Curtis can run and did so often. Many designed runs are displayed on his film and just as many plays where he is fleeing the pocket and making plays with his legs getting the offense out of trouble.

In an article at footballstudyhall.com the author writes “How dual-threat QBs are used in high school…They’ll still use the QB run game, often to an even greater degree than 2nd generation dual-threat offenses because they aren’t using as many passing concepts and need enough variety in the run game to attack different parts of the line of scrimmage and counter different defensive responses.”

Now see, we think Curtis possesses many skills to be a 2nd generation DTQB but can’t grasp enough from his film. Strongest quality is his ability to stretch the pocket and leave the pocket if need be. But we also think he throws the ball well. Mechanics can be tightened up including his release. But his arm strength when throwing on the run is pretty good. He is a perfect example of a kid who needs to camp. A kid who needs to throw the route tree in front of talent evaluators and college coaches. Being under 6 foot tall is not attractive. But it doesn’t kill him because he overcomes his lack of height with his running ability.