Vote now: Who is Florida’s top-rising junior quarterback heading into 2023?

We have 22 candidates for your consideration

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rising junior quarterbacks in high school football for the 2023 season in the Sunshine State.

Our list includes some of the best in the country and players who look to be the top up and coming signal callers throughout the Sunshine State in 2023. We compiled 22 names of quarterbacks who figure to among the best in Florida as sophomores turning into juniors. 

There are plenty of worthy names on this list, so be sure to vote in our poll for who you think will be the top rising junior signal caller for the upcoming season. Voting will close on August 31st, just in time for the start of the regular season.

Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. This poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.

Jayce Nixon, Gaither: Nixon put up some video game-like numbers for the Cowboys in 2022. The quarterback completed 218-of-343 passes for 3,269 yards for 36 touchdowns and also rushed for 252. 

Ennio Yapoor, Miami Norland: Nevermind the concerns about Yapoor being undersized, he plays as big as any signal caller out there. Yapoor threw for 2,924 yards and 27 touchdowns versus just seven picks. 

Austin Simmons, Moore Haven: Though Moore may reclassify, he hasn’t as of yet and remains a Class of 2025 prospect. Having already committed to the University of Florida, the southpaw is still one of the top passers heading into 2023. 

Bekkem Kritza, Miami Central: Transferring over from Santa Margarita (CA) in the off-season, Kritza is battling for the QB1 spot for the defending Class 2M state champions. In his freshman season, Kritza threw for 3,192 yards and 22 touchdowns. 

Locklan Hewlett, St. Augustine: A Wake Forest commitment, Hewlett is in store for a huge 2023 season. Hewlett last season threw for 2,126 yards and 23 touchdowns and just six interceptions. 

Zander Smith, Lakeland: Transferring over from Palmetto over the off-season, Smith is line to be the starting signal caller for the defending Class 4S state champion Dreadnaughts. Smith threw for 1,638 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022. 

Carter Smith, Bishop Verot: There’s a slew of universities on the chase for Smith and for good reason. Coming off a 2022 season in which Smith threw for 3,104 yards and 29 touchdowns against just six picks. 

Jamar Malone, IMG Academy: Transferring over from Higley (AZ), Malone looks to be the national team starter at IMG Academy after a tremendous 2022 campaign. Malone threw for 4,017 yards and 44 touchdowns last season. 

Cibastian Broughton, Fleming Island: Broughton is a dual-threat for the Golden Eagles and could go for over 1,000 yards through the air and on the ground this fall. The junior threw for 1,504 yards, 16 touchdowns and rushed for 763, seven scores. 

Jershaun Newton, Clearwater Central Catholic: One of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state of Florida returns for another chance to lead the Marauders to a state championship. Newton threw for 2,219 yards, 23 touchdowns and rushed for 1,355 and 15 scores. 

Ethan Crossan, First Baptist Academy: Leading the Lions to the Class 1S state championship last year, Crossan returns to try for the repeat. As a sophomore, Crossan threw for 1,978 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2022. 

Lincoln Graf, Atlantic: Statistically, Graf had one of the best seasons of any sophomore quarterback in 2022. Graf threw for 2,648 yards and 26 touchdowns against just six interceptions. 

Camden Hartzell, Somerset Academy: After a strong 2022 season under center for the Panthers, Hartzell is back for what could be another big campaign. Hartzell threw for 2,455 yards and 30 touchdowns. 

Tramell Jones, Mandarin: Jones can do it through the air and on the ground for the Mustangs. With Jones already committed to Florida State, the quarterback is primed to lead Mandarin on a deep playoff run through Class 4M. 

Sammy Freitas, Mosley: The 6-foot, 200-pound signal caller had himself a solid 2022 campaign for the Dolphins. Freitas completed 138-of-223 passes for 2,087 yards and 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

John Kostuch, Winter Haven: Through nine games, Kostuch was the steady hand for the Ridge Community Bolts at quarterback in 2022. Kostuch completed 120-of-225 passes for 1,758 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. 

Eric Archield Jr., Robinson: With Mike Williams coming over from Wharton as Robinson’s new head coach, Archield Jr. could see himself in store for a big 2023 season. The quarterback has offers from Arizona and Ole Miss already. 

Preston Wright, Trinity Catholic: Leading the Celtics to the Class 1S state championship game, Wright returns for his junior season with high expectations. Wright threw for 1,274 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

Jordan Magwood, Carrollwood Day: Transferring over from Seffner Christian over the off-season, Magwood brings a new dynamic at the quarterback position for the Patriots. Magwood in 2022 threw for 1,286 yards and 16 touchdowns and has offers from Ole Miss and Rhode Island. 

CJ Ingram, Hawthorne: Ingram led the Hornets to the Class 1R state championship over Northview after a strong 2022 season. The dual-threat signal caller threw for 1,016 yards, seven touchdowns and rushed for 504, 14 scores. 

Dwayne Stuckey, University Christian: The sophomore quarterback led the team to the Class 1M state semifinals and will be relied upon even more so this fall. Stuckey in 2022 threw for 1,564 yards and 16 touchdowns and just five picks. 

Ryan Downes, Venice: Downes looked good in the Indians’ spring game against Naples and has previous experience under his belt playing at IMG Academy. The junior is battling South Plantation transfer Jadyn Glasser for the starting position. 

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.