Sleeper QB has the right stuff

Hilmar, Calif., of the central valley area of the Golden State first developed Nathan Costa, who signed with the Oregon Ducks in the class of 2006. Once again it appears that Hilmar high school has another signal caller with the potential to play on the D-I level.

Hilmar's latest gunslinger to keep your eye on is Quinton McCown (6-3.5, 185, 4.75). He has received recruiting interest from Iowa, Arizona, UCLA, Washington State, Troy and Portland State.

Washington State, Troy and Portland State have called Hilmar offensive coordinator, Craig Handy for more information. Once the word gets out on McCown there will be even more interest.

One of the reasons that McCown was in Hilmar's preseason scrimmage he busted out a 60-yard run and at the end of the run was pushed out of bounds landing hard, he snapped his collarbone. He had surgery and was back practicing five weeks later and took his first game snap during the seventh game of the season.

The most impressive thing about McCown is he didn't lose a game as a starter and led Hilmar to the CIF Sac Joaquin title.

Hilmar beat Modesto (Calif.) Central Catholic, according to Handy, a team that hadn't lost to a public school in 100 games. Central Catholic beat Hilmar the week before McCown returned to the field. In that championship game, McCown was 9-14 for 201, 1 TD and 1 INT leading his team to a 17-6 victory.

In his eight games, McCown was 50-95 for 919 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. It must be brought to your attention that McCown sat in the second half in three of his eight games because of blowouts

"Quinton's No. 1 strength is that he is coachable," Handy said. "He's a really smart kid that really grasps what we try to do offensively"

"If you watch the tape closely, there are a few plays where he doesn't like his first or second option, steps up and hits the check down route," Handy said. "He just get's it."

"Second, he doesn't get rattled," Handy said. "Quinton doesn't panic in the pocket and take off, he'll go through the progression, feel the pressure of the defense, step up and do what is necessary. "

"Quinton has played big time AAU basketball and has become oblivious to pressure," Handy said. "Now I understand that the pressure of football at a small school is different than the D-I level, but I believe that he would make the transition well."

"Next, the ball jumps out of his hand," Handy said. "Quinton reads quickly gets and gets rid of the ball. His ability to run the ball out of our offense is serviceable for what we try to do. He'll never be confused with Pat White or Tim Tebow, but again his understanding of what we want to do allows him to hurt teams with his feet."