To start, this is not a QB ranking. It is not a prospect list of which QB will be highly recruited. This is a list of one person’s opinion on the quarterbacks that made the biggest impression; Balls thrown, games won, handling tight situations, just making plays. The list below has no bearing on the prospects’ recruiting or talent level.

30 plus quarterbacks took the seven fields at FishHawk for the 9 Route 7 on 7 Tournament and many performed to expected or unexpected levels. The kids listed below made the biggest impression. They threw great balls, won big games…They made plays. These are NOT the top 5 QBs at 9 Route, but the Top 5 QBs who made the biggest impression.

1 JIMMY KEALY, FREEDOM ORLANDO
The only Orlando team entered 9 Route with a quarterback I was not aware of and I assume most of the coaches and kids in our coverage area were not either. Today, BCP and Freedom Orlando 9 Route opponents know “The Freedom Orlando QB!” Jimmy Kealy challenged each defense he faced, armed with accuracy, velocity and field vision. He was really, really good. He commanded the offense and his teammates responded to his leadership. I am not a QB coach, but I loved his base, mechanics and delivery on all his passes.

2 KYLE PLOUCHER, TAMPA CATHOLIC
Since Kyle Ploucher took the lead at Tampa Catholic last year, he has been climbing “Mount Success.” He is improving each outing he performs. 9 Route may have been the climax of his 2013 summer. “Ball Placement” would be the best words to describe how Ploucher’s game at 9 Route. Over and Over again, even more than what is shown on film, Kyle put the ball in the right place at the right time. He displayed arm strength, set up and accuracy.

3 ALEX McGOUGH, GAITHER
Of 30 plus quarterbacks, only one stands as the champion. The one who led his team to victory, past several teams, bounced back from a loss and kept moving forward. Alex McGough put the team on his back when they needed him the most. He grinded past Spoto in the Elite 8 and jumped on Alonso early in the Final Four. When the time came for McGough to sink or swim in the championship game, he competed and jumped in the deep end with a big splash. Alex was really good with leadership, throwing tight spirals and arm strength.

4 CHASE LITTON, WHARTON
Pretty standard Chase Litton performance. I expected him to play well and so he did. As usual, chopped up secondaries, especially on day 1 (Saturday) leading Wharton to a number 1 seed. Litton continued a big summer making throws that a rising senior QB with his ability would be expected to make. The best part about watching Chase work, he doesn’t let you down with his performance. He has yet to have the “let down” showcase that makes you question his hype. Quick release, threw the ball high or low, only where his receivers could catch it. Threw very catchable balls and worked both sides of the field and operated the offense like a coach on the field.

5 KEVIN HOBBLEY, SPOTO
Who? I did not even know this young man’s name. Do NOW! Knew it after Spoto started so strong on day 1. Sometimes kids don’t strike you as a quarterback, but more so a kid who can throw the ball. Not in Hobbley’s case. This kid is a QB!  If his 9 Route performance is any indication of how his season will go, Spoto has a chance to shake some things up. Hobbley gave his receivers a chance to make a plays. Had complete confidence in his guys and was not afraid to make the tough throw. His mechanics can use some work. Not as sound and polished as the four QBs listed above. But, he can be coached and he does have a good arm, field vision and a good release. Excited to follow this player this year.