From pure passers to scrambling playmakers, there is no shortage of excellent high school quarterbacks in Georgia for 2022. Here are the 10 best returning quarterbacks who will keep Georgia in the spotlight.
1. Malachi Singleton – North Cobb
Malachi Singleton may be the most dynamic and impactful player in the state. The dual-threat quarterback passed for 21 touchdowns through the air at a 73% completion clip while adding 22 more scores on the ground last season.
Singleton totaled over 3,000 yards from scrimmage, but his impact looms much larger than any statistic could portray. The Warriors weren’t ever shut down offensively with Singleton starting last year, and they might not falter this season either.
2. Dylan Lonergan – Brookwood
Dylan Lonergan is Georgia’s best passer. The rising senior tallied almost 3,400 yards passing with only three interceptions and 32 touchdowns. Lonergan has excellent decision-making skills, reflected in his ability to create plays even with stellar defensive coverage, either through the air or on his feet.
His experience as a top-notch pitcher in baseball complements his football ability well, setting the stage for a highly-anticipated commitment on July 5.
3. Jalen Woods – Woodward Academy
Looking at Jalen Woods’s 2021 season statistics doesn’t do justice to his abilities as a quarterback. The 6’2” transfer from Marietta passed for only 13 scores last season, but attempted merely 137 passes. Woods is a consistent and reliable passer who avoids risk and comfortably throws checkdowns, something that several other quarterbacks lack the maturity for.
Woods was mostly overshadowed last year by running back Damari Alston, but may be thrust into the spotlight in 2022.
4. Prentiss “Air” Noland – Langston Hughes
Despite being a sophomore, Prentiss “Air” Noland put on an aerial display with 34 passing touchdowns on 64% completion last season. After a slow start to the year, he caught fire quickly, passing for a career-high 368 yards and three touchdowns against Glynn Academy.
The future is bright for Noland, as he can rely on top target Jelani Thurman this season to maximize production.
5. RJ Johnson – Westlake
Consistency has been the theme for RJ Johnson the past two seasons, as he’s compiled 53 passing touchdowns to only eight interceptions. There had been no shortage of talent at the receiving end of his passes in 2020, but that didn’t stop Johnson from spreading the ball this past season extremely well. He has grown both physically and mentally, so expect another solid campaign from the rising senior in a few months.
6. Kasen Weisman – South Paulding
There are not many quarterbacks as gifted as Kasen Weisman outside the pocket in Georgia. The three-star prospect excels under pressure, using his quick feet to evade pass rushers, often resulting in deep completions as coverages break down. Weisman’s scrambling skills extend beyond the line of scrimmage as well; he scored on the ground in all but two games last season.
Small improvements can be made, but Weisman has more than enough time to fix those imperfections.
7. Dylan Wittke – Buford
Dylan Wittke has not seen the field as much as any other quarterback on this list. Ashton Daniels mostly led the Wolves last season, relegating Wittke to action in certain situations only. Regardless, the Virginia Tech commit is talented, as exhibited at Orlando’s Elite 11 showcase, where he had the highest testing rating.
Wittke steps into a bigger role at Buford this season. Expect him to lead the team on a deep playoff run in Class 7A.
8. Colin Houck – Parkview
Colin Houck’s stats aren’t mind-blowing, but his impact on the field is transcendent. This will be the rising senior’s third year starting, and Houck will have the benefit of a strong junior class at his disposal. In his senior year, Houck can increase his stock with better ball security, as he turned it over 21 times in the last two seasons.
The baseball third baseman has several offers for football, including Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Miami, and Virginia Tech.
9. Jake Merklinger – Calvary Day
Sophomore play-caller Jake Merklinger had a breakout 2021 campaign that featured 36 total touchdowns and over 2,800 total yards. A four-star prospect, he has already garnered high praise from schools like Auburn, Arkansas, and Georgia Tech. Additionally, his leadership skills were on full display as he led Calvary Day to an undefeated regular season and a win over a dangerous Prince Avenue Christian squad.
10. Keegan Stover – Rabun County
Keegan Stover has flown under the radar for quite some time. He totaled a solid 25 touchdowns to only three interceptions during a tumultuous last season at West Forsyth.
Now, he will have the opportunity to lead Rabun County and continue their legacy of a high-volume passing attack. The state’s leader in receiving also returns to the Wildcats (Jaden Gibson), so expect massive totals from Stover once again.
