Athletic QB will open eyes in 2004

Quarterbacks who are athletic and can buy time with their feet are very much in vogue these days. Everyone is looking for the next Michael Vick, you know, the quarterback who is blessed with the arm of John Elway and the feet of Barry Sanders. The problem with that is there is only one Michael Vick. Still, getting an athlete who can throw and run is key in today’s game of football.

One player who brings a lot of athleticism to the quarterback position is Josh Portis (6-4, 190, 4.57) from Woodland Hills (Calif.) Taft.

After a year off the job Troy Starr is back as Taft high school’s head coach and that should bode well with Portis.

The last three quarterbacks that Starr has coached have gone off to the D-I level.

Portis has the skill level to make it four in a row.

You want to talk about athleticism?

Portis has a recorded a 42-inch vertical jump. The vertical is used scouts as a measuring tool for explosiveness.

Portis benches 225 and squats 315.

Look for those numbers to improve. Portis knows what’s at stake and has the work habits to achieve it.

As a junior while performing for a running team, Portis threw for 1,881 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also had three touchdowns on the ground. He ran one in from 65 yards out.

The scouting report on Portis is he is raw but has a tremendously high ceiling and his athleticism is off the charts. He is known as an extreme playmaker.

Portis is improving is quarterback skills under the guidance of southern California quarterback guru, Steve Clarkson and Air 7.

Portis has great bloodlines, too. His first cousin is former Alabama standout and Tennessee Titan Marico Portis. His third cousin is running back former Miami Hurricane and now one of the best in the business Clinton Portis of the Denver Broncos.

Portis has already received letters from the likes of Michigan, Oklahoma, Colorado, ASU, Oregon State, Oregon, Washington, Washington State and Marshall. He wouldn’t mind hearing from Alabama.

What is Portis looking for in a college?

“Education first,” Portis said. “Then the school’s environment.”

“I want to feel comfortable at a school,” Portis said. “And of course the school’s athletics will also be a consideration.”

Another thing to like about Portis is he’s outstanding in the classroom. He is fully qualified with a 3.3 GPA and a passing test score.