Which Fort Worth-area high school quarterbacks should you keep an eye on this season?
With the Texas high school football season less than one month away, quarterbacks are preparing to start the next chapter of their athletic careers.
Here are 10 Fort Worth area quarterbacks to keep an eye on during the 2023 season:
1. Hauss Hejny, Aledo
Aledo senior Hauss Hejny commit to the TCU Horned Frogs on April 6. He tallied 2,094 passing yards and 1,276 rushing yards while leading the Bearcats to a Class 5A-D1 State Championship.
Hejny, 247Sports’ No. 12 QB in the nation and No. 1 in the Fort Worth area, was named the 2022 District 3-5A D1 MVP. With a 62.5% completion rate, the Bearcat QB tossed 20 touchdowns and added 10 on his legs.
Hejny stands at 5-foot-11, but he makes up for the lack of size with elite speed. As a junior, he ran a sub 11.00 100-meter dash.
2. Graham Knowles, Southlake Carroll
In 2022, Graham Knowles, a Georgia Tech commit, took over for Kaden Anderson, who suffered a season ending injury on Oct. 8. Knowles led the Dragons to the Class 6A D2 Quarterfinal.
Now, Knowles will have an entire season as Southlake Carroll’s primary quarterback. With a 6-foot-7, 220 pound frame, the Dragon QB tallied 1,864 passing yards and 18 passing touchdowns.
He finished the season with a 72.5 completion rate. Knowles said he is aiming for above 75% in 2023.
“I just want to get my guys some touchdowns,” Knowles said.
3. Cole Welliver, Argyle Liberty Christian
Former Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten and the Warriors had a solid season in 2022, winning 10 games. QB Cody Welliver, a transfer from Flower Mound Marcus and UConn commit, will booster the offense.
In 2022, Welliver recorded 2,263 passing yards and 17 passing touchdowns. With a 6-foot-6, 200 pound frame, Welliver will target wide receiver Brady Janusek, who had 1,228 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore.
4. Chris Jimerson, North Crowley
Chris Jimerson, a class of 2025 QB, had a monster season for North Crowley in 2022, tallying 2,217 yards and 27 passing touchdowns while rushing for 379 yards and three touchdowns. He led the Panthers to a regional semifinal, where Prosper dealt them their only loss of the year.
Jimerson, who is set to start for a third season, will target wide receiver Mason Ferguson, a Louisiana Tech commit, and senior wide receiver DeKoryian West-Davis.
5. Jarion Basped, Everman
Class of 2024 quarterback Jarion Basped had a phenomenal year in 2022, gaining 2,675 total yards and 30 total touchdowns. The Bulldogs won nine games last season with Basped running the offense.
Will Basped and the Bulldogs make a splash in District 5-5A D2? Everman will need to take down Midlothian Heritage and Mansfield Summit.
6. Kelden Ryan, Fort Worth All Saints
The Saints added some firepower for junior quarterback Kelden Ryan with running back Reid Watkins, a transfer from Brock with 25 rushing touchdowns, and wide receiver Dozie Ezukanma, a Keller Timber Creek transfer and Oklahoma commit.
247Sports lists Ryan as the No. 30 class of 2025 quarterback in the nation. He has offers from Baylor, Texas Tech, Colorado, Oklahoma State and SMU to name a few.
7. Noah Lugo, Northwest Eaton
Northwest Eaton returns nine offensive starters from 2022, one of which is QB Noah Lugo, a UTSA commit. The Eagle quarterback was a dual threat last season, throwing for 1,612 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushing for 962 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Efficiency was an issue, as Lugo threw 11 interceptions. With another year under his belt, Lugo may have the experience necessary for a breakout season in his senior year. Junior Wide receiver Talan Holmes will be one of Lugo’s top targets.
8. Tristan Battle, Arlington Martin
Tristan Battle had a solid year in 2022, throwing 15 touchdowns while leading Arlington Martin to 10 wins. The Warrior offense returns offensive lineman Makai Saina, a 247Sports four star prospect.
Chad Rives was Arlington Martin’s offensive coordinator for 17 years. He was promoted to head coach on Feb 14. Can Battle make a jump and take the Warriors to new heights in another year running Rives’ offense?
9. Cameron Bates, Mansfield Timberview
Cameron Bates plays many positions and can compete with the best as a quarterback. Bates may be listed as a wide receiver by 247Sports, but his 2022 stats as a QB are undeniable.
Bates recorded 1,049 yards and 15 touchdowns as a passer and 477 yards and 11 touchdowns on his legs, leading the Wolves to a Class 5A Regional Final.
10. Iverson Moore, Burleson Centennial
Iverson Moore played cornerback for the Spartans in 2022, picking up 51 tackles and an interception. He also played a bit of quarterback, scoring eight total touchdowns.
Will he start as a quarterback this season? Time will tell. If he does, District 3-5A D1 will have to contain an all around athlete.
