Now that the dust has settled on another college football recruiting season complete with reneged NIL deals, the start of the “Prime Time” era, and a continuation of Georgia’s dominant reign as the top team in college football, let’s take an in-depth look at who really should be crowned the top quarterback in the class of 2023.
What is apparent when evaluating the incoming class of freshman is that the future is bright in the sport of football. There is an obscene amount of talent at the quarterback position in the class of 2023. So much so that it was really difficult to leave some players off this list because they will be productive starters at the highest level for the next few years and some will be NFL players one day.
Arm talent, speed, quickness, accuracy, poise. These are just some of the qualities that jump out at you about the top 2023 quarterbacks. The road to the college football playoffs starts with talent and leadership at the quarterback position and some lucky coaches might get there quicker than they imagined with the type of offensive weapons available in this class.
Let’s take a look at the criteria used to evaluate these quarterbacks.
Criteria for Scoring Each QB
The criteria used to determine a players overall skills are the top factors I believe are most predictive of future success as a top college football quarterback in today’s game. They are accuracy, pocket presence, athletic ability, and physical tools. The top 62 quarterbacks in the country were evaluated to arrive at the top ten that have the most talent and potential to achieve greatness at the next level.
The most important quality of any successful college quarterback is accuracy, or putting the ball in the right place at the right time. As a result, we will weight it two times as important as the other factors. Given the extensive use of the run/pass option in addition to designed quarterback runs in college football today, athleticism is now a requirement of the position and quarterback prospects should have their overall grade reflect this.
Physical tools are what separates the great quarterback from the above average quarterback when making the jump to college football, where everyone is a well-trained athlete. Finally, all of the great college quarterbacks have an ability to stand in the pocket under duress, keeping their eyes down the field and making good decisions.
It’s impossible to try to determine a player’s mental make-up due to limited information. Keep in mind this factor can override all of the most important qualities that determine a successful quarterback and it involves a lot of factors that won’t be determined until they get on campus and see how well they adjust to their environment.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the factors and scoring that determined the top quarterbacks in 2023:
| ACCURACY: their accuracy displayed on film along with completion percentage and interceptions. | 10 POINTS (X2 for importance) |
| POCKET PRESENCE: their footwork, eye discipline, and decision making under duress in the pocket. | 10 POINTS |
| ATHLETIC ABILITY: how much athleticism they display on film relative to their peers. | 10 POINTS |
| PHYSICAL TOOLS: the player’s physical size, combined with their arm strength, compared to the other top quarterbacks. | 10 POINTS |
| TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE: | 50/50 POINTS |
Ranking the Top 10 Quarterbacks
Now that you know the top qualities used to compare these quarterbacks, let’s get on with the list. Presenting, in reverse order, the top 10 quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class:
10. Gabarri Johnson
School: Lincoln
Location: Tacoma, WA
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 200
College: Missouri
Statistics (Junior Yr)
Passing Completions: 115
Passing Attempts: 168
Completion Percentage: 68.5%
Passing Yards: 2,050
Passing TDs: 24
Interceptions: 4
Record: 11-1
Evaluation
Accuracy: 7/10
Pocket Presence: 6/10
Athletic Ability: 10/10
Physical Tools: 8/10
Total Score: 38
Gabarri Johnson is not very tall by quarterback standards. Rely on that information at your peril. Gabarri Johnson is a touchdown waiting to happen. A smooth runner with great feet, Gabarri is the type of quarterback that will improve a team’s passing game and running game. He is the quarterback most likely to resemble Lamar Jackson.
Gabarri Johnson has great vision and lateral quickness as a runner, allowing the offense to employ essentially two running backs from the same offensive set. He excels on designed quarterback runs.
As a senior, Gabarri carried the ball 150 times for 1,458 yards, an average of 9.7 yards per carry, while scoring 19 touchdowns. He is the prototypical spread quarterback and an RPO coach’s dream, and he will be causing long nights for defensive coordinators around the SEC. Did I mention that he can throw the ball on a rope with accuracy?
Gabarri Johnson is able to buy time in the pocket with his escapability, allowing his receivers get open. He is comfortable sitting in the pocket and making his reads but he can also make accurate throws on the run.
Gabarri has a high release which will help get his throws off with defenders in his face. He has the arm strength to throw the deep ball with accuracy, and can make the short and intermediate throws as well.
Because of his ability to beat you with his legs, Gabarri is a strong candidate for early playing time. He will be able to create space in the defense which will allow for high percentage throws that will offset his lack of experience.
Missouri just found a big boost in offensive production and if he makes the adjustment to college football they will have a legitimate chance to compete for an SEC championship.
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9. Nico Iamaleava
School: Warren
Location: Downey, CA
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 180
College: Tennessee
Statistics
Passing Completions: 162
Passing Attempts: 272
Completion Percentage: 59.6%
Passing Yards: 2,244
Passing TDs: 33
Interceptions: 1
Record: 9-2
Evaluation
Accuracy: 8/10
Pocket Presence: 6/10
Athletic Ability: 6/10
Physical Tools: 10/10
Total Score: 38
Nico Iamaleava can be described as a tall and long quarterback, with a smooth setup and delivery. He throws a heavy ball and can really zip it in with authority on throws over the middle or to the corners.
Nico shows the ability to read the defense and go through his progressions to find the open receiver. He displays a deft touch on short and intermediate passes and can throw the long pass with accuracy.
Nico displays natural anticipation skills, throwing the ball where the receiver is going to be. He can throw outside the pocket but is better suited to dropping back and making the throw from a set position.
He needs continued development on making his throwing process more efficient, including his footwork and throwing motion. Nico is athletically stiffer than some of the other quarterbacks due to his tall frame and the fact that he is still growing. Once he grows into his body and further develops his agility, he will really elevate his game.
Nico needs some additional development but his combination of size and skills are very unique. This is why he has one of the highest ceilings of any quarterback in this group, and why he was number one on some lists. You can’t make quarterbacks that are 6’5” with the skills he presents. The Tennessee Volunteers got a great one but he needs time.
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8. Israel Carter
School: Centennial
Location: Corona, CA
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 175
College: South Florida
Statistics
Passing Completions: unknown
Passing Attempts: unknown
Completion Percentage: 60%
Passing Yards: 1,863
Passing TDs: 23
Interceptions: 1
Record: 9-2
Evaluation
Accuracy: 7/10
Pocket Presence: 7/10
Athletic Ability: 9/10
Physical Tools: 9/10
Total Score: 39
Israel Carter is a well rounded quarterback with a knack for making big plays. He displays accuracy throwing the football to all areas of the field, including the deep pass.
Israel has a quick release with very little wasted motion and he can throw on the run to all areas of the field. He can improve at setting his feet before deliving the throw, while under pressure in the pocket.
Israel is a shifty runner with the ability to score on any play. He excels at designed quarterback runs, using his cutting ability and vision to break down the defense.
Israel has some room to grow and will be even more dangerous after he gets in a college program and puts on good weight.
Video
7. Malachi Nelson
School: Los Alamitos
Location: Los Alamitos, CA
Height: 6’3”
Weight:180
College: USC
Statistics
Passing Completions: 192
Passing Attempts: 286
Completion Percentage: 67.1%
Passing Yards: 2,898
Passing TDs: 35
Interceptions: 4
Record: 9-3
Evaluation
Accuracy: 8/10
Pocket Presence: 7/10
Athletic Ability: 9/10
Physical Tools: 7/10
Total Score: 39
Malachi Nelson is a raw talent with a very high ceiling as a quarterback. Malachi has a strong arm and excels at throwing the deep ball with accuracy.
Malachi shows the ability to avoid the rush and keep his eyes downfield and find open receivers. He displays touch on the short and intermediate throws.
Malachi has a long throwing motion that is better suited to a set position. He needs to continue to develop his efficiency at setting his feet and releasing the ball in a compact motion.
He is efficient as a runner when the play breaks down. He also has the athleticism and elusiveness to extend plays.
Malachi has a lot of room to grow physically which will help his throwing development and ability to maneuver in the backfield.
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6. Arch Manning
School: Isidore Newman
Location: New Orleans, LA
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 210
College: Texas
Statistics
Passing Attempts: 140
Passing Completions: 229
Completion Percentage: 61.1%
Passing Yards: 2,270
Passing TDs: 34
Interceptions: 2
Record: 8-3
Evaluation
Accuracy: 8/10
Pocket Presence: 8/10
Athletic Ability: 7/10
Physical Tools: 8/10
Total Score: 39
Arch Manning is fundamentally sound in all aspects of the quarterback position, as you would expect him to be. He is a strong armed, accurate quarterback who throws a heavy ball. He shows the ability to scan the field and make multiple reads.
He possesses bloodlines that cannot be ignored when you consider all of the football success his family has enjoyed at the quarterback position as well as the history of relatives of big-time football players carrying on the tradition.
Arch Manning has a quick release and is deceptive with his eyes, making it difficult for the defense to read where he is going with the ball. He throws a beautiful deep ball with accuracy to any part of the field. He is comfortable outside the pocket and can throw on the run with accuracy.
Arch shows decent lateral quickness to avoid the rush in the pocket and has good eye discipline when on the run. He is a sneaky quick, long striding runner, with the ability to gain yardage when the play breaks down or on limited designed runs.
Arch just needs some additional experience and difficulty to take his game to the next level. In a lot of his highlights he has a lot of time to sit back and pick apart the defense, something he won’t have at the next level.
With continued refinement and proving he can adjust to a completely new environment, I believe we will see Arch Manning leading Texas to a new era of prosperity.
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5. Aidan Chiles
School: Downey
Location: Downey, CA
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 195
College: Oregon State
Statistics
Passing Completions: 197
Passing Attempts: 269
Completion Percentage: 73.2%
Passing Yards: 3,350
Passing TDs: 38
Interceptions: 5
Record: 12-3
Evaluation
Accuracy: 7/10
Pocket Presence: 6/10
Athletic Ability: 9/10
Physical Tools: 10/10
Total Score: 39
Aidan Chiles is a tall, raw quarterback with long arms and legs. He has a strong arm to throw the ball deep with accuracy and shows great touch on intermediate passes over the midde and down the seam.
He is able to avoid defenders when being rushed and extend plays and he is comfortable throwing outside the pocket and on the run. Aidan is a fast staight ahead runner who hits the hole quickly, making him a strong candidate for designed quarterback runs.
Aidan would benefit from continuing to develp his throwing motion, including his footwork and shortening the length of his throwing motion. He can also improve his skills sitting in the pocket and making multiple reads without resorting to running with the ball.
Aidan will improve his overall game with the increased physical maturation and agility that occurs with being part of a college training program. He is another quarterback with a potentially limitless ceiling.
Video
4. Jaden Rashada
School: Pittsburg
Location: Pittsburg, CA
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 175
College: Arizona State
Statistics
Passing Completions: 211
Passing Attempts: 338
Completion Percentage: 62.4%
Passing Yards: 3,055
Passing TDs: 32
Interceptions: 13
Record: 12-3
Evaluation
Accuracy: 7/10
Pocket Presence: 9/10
Athletic Ability: 8/10
Physical Tools: 10/10
Total Score: 41
Jaden Rashada is an athletic quarterback with a quick, easy release. The ball jumps out of his hand. He has above average arm strength and can throw the ball on a line with accuracy inside 40 yards. He also has great footwork and balance.
Jaden makes receivers look good. He throws a catchable ball and puts the ball in open areas where his receivers have a greater chance of success. Jaden is particularly skilled at throwing the fade pattern. He displays good poise in the pocket and doesn’t get rattled with somebody in his face.
Jaden has plenty of elusiveness to avoid the rush and buy time in the pocket and is accurate and mechanically sound throwing on the run. He can gain yards when the play breaks down and on select running plays but is more comfortable standing in the pocket.
Jaden can benefit from continued development with making multiple reads, and using his eyes to look off the defense. Because he is so developed from a fundamental standpoint and because of the arm talent that he possesses, he is a strong candidate for early playing time.
Video
3. LaNorris Sellers
School: South Florence
Location: Florence, SC
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 232
College: South Carolina
Statistics
Passing Completions: 71
Passing Attempts: 126
Completion Percentage: 56.3%
Passing Yards: 1,374
Passing TDs: 18
Interceptions: 2
Evaluation
Accuracy: 7/10
Pocket Presence: 7/10
Athletic Ability: 10/10
Physical Tools: 10/10
Total Score: 41
LaNorris Sellers is an explosive athlete with big time arm talent to go along with a unique combination of size and athleticism. He throws the deep ball with accuracy and excels at the intermediate corner route.
He has a low center of gravity which allows him to get good leverage on his throws and stay balanced in the pocket. He has quick feet in the pocket, allowing him to escape from defenders.
LaNorris Sellers is a strong runner with the ball in his hands and has the top end speed to finish big plays with touchdowns. He runs the ball with an attitude and is like a running back with tremendous lateral quickness and explosiveness through the hole.
LaNorris is comfortable throwing the ball on the run and on designed runs, making him a great fit for an RPO happy offense.
He needs more development with his footwork and making multiple reads under pressure. That is a natural progression that comes with taking the next step and joining a quality coaching staff like he will have at South Carolina. If they can put him in a position to be successful, LaNorris Sellers will be a dangerous weapon in the Southeastern Conference.
Video
2. Dante Moore
School: King
Location: Detroit, MI
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 210
College: UCLA
Statistics
Passing Completions: 175
Passing Attempts: 252
Completion Percentage: 69.4%
Passing Yards: 2,392
Passing TDs: 32
Interceptions: 3
Evaluation
Accuracy: 9/10
Pocket Presence: 8/10
Athletic Ability: 8/10
Physical Tools: 8/10
Total Score: 42
Dante Moore a highly decorated high school quarterback. He was the State of Michigan’s player of the year and won MVP at the All-American Bowl where he threw four touchdown passes. He has has proven that he can excel in big moments and possesses intangibles that all the great quarterbacks have.
Dante Moore has a quick and compact delivery with good footwork. He displays accuracy throwing the football to all areas of the field.
Dante shows good vision to find the open receiver and is adept at using the play action fake. He is skilled at looking off the secondary before delivering the ball.
He can throw from different angles but has a high release that allows him to get his throws off over defenders. He is also comfortable throwing the ball on the run.
Dante is much more comfortable as a pocket passer than a runner. He needs to continue to develop the ability to stand in the pocket and make multiple reads, something he hasn’t been asked to do much to this point.
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1. Kenny Minchey
School: Pope John Paul II
Location: Hendersonville, TN
Height: 6’2”
Weight:215
College: Notre Dame
Statistics
(4 games)
Passing Completions: 47
Passing Attempts: 64
Completion Percentage: 73.4%
Passing Yards: 768
Passing TDs: 11
Interceptions: 1
Record: 8-4
Evaluation
Accuracy: 8/10
Pocket Presence: 10/10
Athletic Ability: 9/10
Physical Tools: 10/10
Total Score: 45
Kenny Minchey is an electric playmaker with the best combination of arm talent, athleticism and physical tools in this group. He possesses great footwork and a quick, effortless release. Where he really excels is with his poise in the pocket, instinctually keeping his eyes down field and staying focused when pressured by the defense.
His accuracy throwing the football is apparent by his pinpoint placement of the football to all areas of the field and his high completion percentage. He can deliver the ball with velocity but has a deft touch with short and intermediate passes.
There is not a lot of movement with his delivery and he keeps his head (and therefore his eyes) very still, even on the run. He has a low center of gravity which provides him with leverage to deliver the ball on time and with accuracy.
Although you want a quarterback of Kenny Minchey’s caliber sitting comfortably in the pocket, he has good quickness in space to avoid defenders and extend the play. He can throw on the run and from different angles when necessary to make the completion.
Kenny Minchey would be at the top of many more lists if he hadn’t missed all but 4 games of his senior season due to a shoulder injury. Health is certainly a concern going forward, however, from all indications there are no lingering issues.
As his composite score suggests, when it comes to accuracy, pocket presence, athletic ability, and physical tools, Kenny Minchey is a step above any other quarterback in the country. That’s why for the Class of 2023, Kenny Minchey is the “Best of the Best”.
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The Top Ten Quarterbacks in Review
1. Kenny Minchey
2. Dante Moore
3. LaNorris Sellers
4. Jaden Rashada
5. Aidan Chiles
6. Arch Manning
7. Malachi Nelson
8. Israel Carter
9. Nico Iamaleava
10. Gabarri Johnson
What They’re Saying About the Top 2023 Quarterbacks
