Making the Case: Who should be the next five-star QB?
As Rivals prepares to roll out the updated rankings for the class of 2022, attention naturally shifts onto the quarterback. Quinn Ewers is currently the only five-star quarterback in the 2022 class and he currently sits atop of the rankings. However, prospects like Walker Howard, Ty Simpson and Gunner Stockton have certainly entered the five-star conversation after putting together stellar junior seasons.
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MORE: Who will be the first five-star DE? | Who will be the top-ranked RB in the 2022 class?
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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Howard was a well-known commodity in The Boot for years before he finally stepped into a starting role for St. Thomas More last offseason. It didn't take long for the LSU legacy to make noise either. Howard completed better than 65-percent of his throws for 3,400-plus yards, 42 touchdowns and five interceptions along with five rushing touchdowns. Howard has a scorching release with tremendous arm talent and a knack for pushing the ball downfield. His ability to control his offense and make timely plays in an array of different game situations has him among the best in the country regardless of position.
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Simpson is a quarterback that has been on the recruiting radar for a couple of years now. He has a big-league arm, can throw well on the run and he distributes the ball all over the field. Alabama, Clemson, Ole Miss, Tennessee and others are in pursuit, and it is easy to see why. Simpson is also a son of a coach, so he knows the game well.
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Stockton has made a very strong case for a fifth star. After throwing for 3,128 yards, rushing for 1,581 yards, and accounting for 71 touchdowns in 2020, he has been evaluated further in 2021, and continued to impress. He has the arm to make any throw, is more athletic than most know and is very advanced technically. Stockton was at one time committed to South Carolina, but backed off that once a coaching change was made. He is now committed to Georgia.