As we slowly make our way to the season, we’ll start to share some new names we have discovered over the last six months. Today we’ll start with the signal-callers: The quarterback.
Gavin Rupp, Berkeley Prep 2021 QB 6-3/200-210: To start, he can make all the throws. Put the route tree in front of him and let him go to work. The Bucs are not known as a heavy passing team as legendary Coach Dominick Ciao has made a career on dominating the ground. With only 81 attempts last season, Rupp finished with 9 TDs, 2 INTs, and a 122.4 QBR. He has a strong arm and shows good vision. If Coach Ciao unleashes him, Rupp could put up big numbers and help the team win plenty of games.
Maleek Huggins, Bradenton Southeast 2021 QB 5-11/160-170: He is a fantastic athlete who can play any skill position on the field. Why not give your best athlete the ball as much as possible? When the called play goes haywire, Huggins has the burst and agility to create a good result from a not so good situation. When asked to throw the ball, he can do that well. Surprising good field vision and shows good touch. Southeast is expected to be much improved. If the offense is going to produce big numbers, it will go through Huggins.
Enzo Tedesco, Chamberlain 2021 QB 6-4/205-215: We admit, we have been watching Enzo for years now. We have watched him go through his ups and downs and think this is the year for major movement. He has found a new home at Chamberlain. A program that has shown faith in their quarterback and we expect the Chiefs to allow Tedesco to sling it and show his true skills. He has a strong arm. More accurate than not and he moves well in the pocket. We think he throws best while on the move. Chamberlain has made progress as a program the last three seasons. Can Tedesco help them make the next step?
John Busha, Charlotte 2021 QB 6-3/200-210: Have you seen this kid move yet? If not, you should. Moves like a receiver with the ball in his hands. Really good runner and super agile in the pocket. Take a look at his film and check his sense to avoid the rush. He is a gamer. The situation is never too big for him. He throws a fabulous ball with good touch and velocity. A coach can do anything with a mobile QB which can throw every ball. In 2019 Busha finished with a .526 completion percentage and averaged 14.4 yards per completion. Look for improvement in 2020.
Dylan Zervos, Saint Stephens 2021 QB 6-3.5/190-200: 116 completions, .571 completion percentage, 11.6 yards per completion last season. Never heard of him? Good! Now you have. He has the ability to avoid the rush. Not a panic guy when the pocket collapses and has good delivery stationary or on the run. We have tracked him during the offseason months and his work ethic is refreshing. His leadership will be needed for Saint Stephen’s Episcopal to run the table and go undefeated as they did in 2017.
Lutarus Adams, Lakewood 2022 DTQB 6-0/165-175: Another crazy good athlete behind center for Lakewood. The norm for the Spartans. Lutarus Adams is an elusive runner with great balance and outstanding vision as a runner. Five games as a varsity player so not a large sample size to breakdown. This year should be interesting for Adams. Stay tuned.
Zach Tanner, Auburndale 2022 PSQB 6-1/185-195: A transfer via Discovery (Lake Alfred, FL), Introduced to this gutsy passer not too long ago. Last season he posted impressive numbers, 168 completions, 3099 passing yards, 31 passing TDs, and 15 INTs. He can take a hit and deliver. Throws a timely, catchable ball with great touch. He can squeeze the rock into tight spaces. This young man could really elevate the Hounds offense which produced 3,425 total yards of offense in 2019.