| 24 November 2009
Ohio is not known for producing quarterbacks. That is why I don't really need to do any research or much pondering on whether the class of 2011 is going to be the best quarterback class ever in Ohio.
Braxton Miller and Cardale Jones are the best quarterbacks I have seen in Ohio and it is not really close. I know some will mention Justin Zwick. I saw him play twice as a senior and once in an all-star game. I never saw him be a great quarterback. I was on record at the time as saying Troy Smith would win the quarterback job. He did not have the same tools so Zwick was rated higher. Smith was not even a sure qualifier until right before he committed. Both Miller and Jones have better tools.
Mechanics - Both of these kids will come in and be able to immediately start absorbing the
play book. I don't see where you can find fault in either as far as motion is concerned or with their footwork. Both plant their feet and deliver the ball off the front foot. I would say Miller is the more consistent with his mechanics but neither will force a college coaching staff to waste time ironing out the kinks. All high school quarterbacks need some tweaking but with these two it is part of the process of becoming a college quarterback, not getting back to basics before they can start becoming college quarterbacks. Miller has the better release. As quick as you will ever see.
Arm strength - Both have fine arms. On a scale of 10 I would say each rates at least a 7 and more like 7.5. Jones might be an 8. Plenty of arm strength for both. They can throw the deep out and get the ball 50-60 yards down the field and have the velocity to get it there before defensive backs can break on it.
Running - Both excellent runners. Both are very athletic. I think Miller has the better top end speed but both are dangerous runners once they break the pocket. Miller is the more elusive and has the better top end speed.
Intangibles - This is where Miller has the edge. He is already quite a polished kid. He is the more ready to step in and play early. Jones is so raw. He is just now getting the coaching he needs to realize his potential.
Bottom line - I see two five-star recruits. I want both to wear scarlet and gray. If I have a gun to my head I take Jones. He has the better upside. He is a bigger version of Miller. He is so raw. He has had so little coaching. We are just now seeing him scratch the surface of what he is going to be in time.
I need to remind everyone of Cole Stoudt. Any other year he is surely the best quarterback in the state. Another quarterback that will be someone to watch is Walsh Jesuits Connor Cook. He is a big mobile kid. Very athletic. Runs great. If he shows the arm next summer he will be a hot commodity.
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