QB Competition Breakdown

For the past 7 years, the Quarterback position for the Miramar Patriots has been one of the most high profile positions in all of High School Football.

Geno Smith, 2005-08

Beginning with Parade magazine All-American Geno Smith, this group has been incredibly productive over the better part of the last decade. Smith led his team deep into the playoffs for 4 years, culminating in the first Regional Championship in school history, and a berth in the 2008 Class State Semi-Final, where the Patriots lost to Miami Northwestern.

Ryan Williams, 2009

After transferring from American Heritage, Ryan Williams built on that success and guided the team to the 2009 Class 6A championship. In the title game, Williams had a record breaking performance, where he shattered previous marks set by players you may have heard of: former Wake Forest QB Riley Skinner and Florida Gators 2 time National Champion and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.

Camren Hudge, 2010-11

Following those prototypical QBs for the previous 5 seasons, Miramar went in another direction the last 2 years. Undersized at 5’9”, but possessing a big arm and huge heart, Camren Hudge took the reigns under center for the Patriots, and led the team to a 22-4 record. Hudge led the team to the 2011 Class 8A State Championship game, where his team was defeated by Tampa Plant.

Now, with those former Miramar QBs all having moved on to the FBS (Division 1A) college ranks at West Virginia, University of Miami, and Florida Atlantic, the Patriots are in search of the next player who can continue to guide this program into the upper esceleon of State and National powers.

This year, there are 3 players who are competing to be the next Miramar Quarterback. Let’s meet the candidates (in alphabetical order) and look at their strengths and weaknesses:

#18 Gernald Hawkins, Sophomore, 5’10” 175lbs

Hawkins is the only returning player at this position. He’s already played some good games in Branca Stadium, both as the JV starter and the Varsity backup.

Strengths

• Prior knowledge of the system with his 2 years in this version of the Spread Offense.
• Very athletic, and can use his running ability as a weapon in the Read Option game
• Has been around the program, and understands the Patriot Way
• A proven winner, having led the JV team to a 11-1 record over the last 2 seasons, including their first undefeated season this past year.

Weaknesses

• Like Cam Hudge, less than prototypical size for the position
• Not very consistent throwing the ball
• Struggles to read the defense
• Tends to panic and run if first option is covered on a pass play

#12 Nick Jeanty, Sophomore, 6’2” 180lbs

Jeanty has starting experience from his time at Archbishop McCarthy, earning a reputation as one of the next great South Florida quarterbacks. No Miramar player has worn #12 since Geno Smith wore the Red, White, and Blue. That could change with Jeanty on campus.

Strengths

• Great height for the position. Looks the part.
• Good feel for the rush in the pocket. 
• Has a good on-field relationship with 2 receivers who will see lots of snaps (Kwasim West and Tyler Williams)
• Previous starting Varsity experience, so he understands what it takes to compete at the highest level
• Throws a beautiful ball up the sidelines

Weaknesses

• A bit on the thin side. Needs to add size to his frame
• New to this system, so he can be confused by his reads at times
• Not as accurate on intermediate and crossing routes as he is on sideline throws
• Not fleet afoot. Needs good protection to be effective

#14 Lee “Bud” Martin, Sophomore,  6’1” 210lbs

Another player with experience playing for a top program after being at St. Thomas for the last 2 years. He's the biggest of the players at this position, and uses his size well on the field.

Strengths

• Tough, Physical approach to the game from his days at Linebacker as a youth
• Very strong arm, can make all the throws in any offense
• Surprising overall athleticism. A good dual threat player, who runs with power when outside the pocket.
• Very upbeat demeanor. Seems to have connected with all of his teammates

Weaknesses

• Accuracy needs to improve  to take advantage of his arm strength in this offense
• Can be overly emotional on the field at times
• Tends to fall in love with chasing the big play, sometimes missing other more effective options
• Only player in competition for QB job who has never taken a Varsity level snap.

Handicapping the competition

As Spring Practice ends, and summer workouts begin, I don’t anticipate hearing anything official on a decision on this position from the coaching staff until the week of the Norland game in August.

The motivation for this is simple: push each player to work their hardest to improve, which will add depth and quality at this position, no matter who ends up winning the job heading into the season.

In my opinion, Nick Jeanty has the inside track for this job after a strong showing this spring. He has shown good accuracy, and is advancing in his knowledge of the system. Bud Martin would be my #2 right now. His arm strength and fiery demeanor lend themselves well to this team, and this offense. Gernald Hawkins is a nice player, but I just don’t think that he has the arm strength or consistency throwing the ball to make up for his lacking ideal size for a Quarterback.

Obviously, it’s early, and each player has a long time to develop their skills and prove to the coaches that they should be the next player at the controls of the potent Miramar offensive attack. 

Those are my thoughts. What are yours?

Until Next Time,

Cameron J. Underwood
Miramar Sports