Replacing two multi-year starters at quarterback can be a trying process, especially when the quarterbacks became consistently known for their play-making abilities.
For Jasper and Cordova, there is a mountain to climb for both programs.
Jasper did have the luxury of having Tanner Morrow get meaningful snaps in the absence of Spencer Rosenfeld, starting aginast Cullman and making many other appearances.
Cordova’s mountain is much steeper in replacing Cody Headrick, whose four-year leadership under center leaves a lasting legacy. Headrick left the Blue Devils as the top passer in the Wal-Win area at the end of last season and had a 23 to 7 touchdown to interception ratio. Rising junior Trent Keating had one pass attempt and completion listed statistically from last season, will he get the starting nod for the Blue Devils, or will they look elsewhere?
While teams like Jasper and Cordova go mining for quarterback gold, other teams have playmakers under center that have the potential to be some of the state’s best. Here’s a sampling:
Cale Tittle, Lynn
WJLX’s overall Player of the Year for the 2022 season will be back after a third-round playoff appearance. During the regular season, he threw for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns, while running for over 800 yards and nine touchdowns. It will be fun watching what he does as an encore.
Sean Pryor, Dora
Pryor was magic under center, with a 98 of 150 completion rate for over 1,600 yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions during the regular season. Even scarier? Some of his favorite targets are back with him.
Walker Kimbrell, Carbon Hill
Kimbrell has been attending camps in the early part of the summer, and new head coach DJ Emerson probably couldn’t be happier. The Bulldogs might have won a single game in 2022, but Kimbrell was a bright spot, throwing for 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns, with six interceptions.
Jake White, Sumiton Christian
The Eagles worked on rebuilding last season after a stellar 2021 class departed, but White provided some key contributions under center for Sumiton Christian, throwing for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Trace Cagle, Oakman
2022 was a tough season for the Wildcats, but Cagle bears a lot of watching in 2023. He’ll need to be kept healthy and continue to build connections with his receivers, but don’t rule out a breakout season for Cagle and Oakman.
