ADFC Quarterback Rankings

     There were four quarterbacks who were turning heads up and down the East Coast coming into this season, and I've been lucky enough to see all of them thus far.  Here is the scary part for opponents: all four will be back at the helm for their respective teams next year.
     I'm going to rank these athletes in five areas: feet, mechanics, arm strength, athleticism, and leadership ability.  So we're clear, I have all of these players being able to play at the FBS or FCS level.  So their rankings will be a reflection of where I see them match-up against other top quarterbacks in their class.
     No more small talk, here are the rankings, 1 to 4.  Note:  I am ranking the players on how they play the quarterback position, not how dynamic/how much of a game changer they are.

1. DJ Crook, Barnstable - Puts it all together the best out of every quarterback I've seen.
1. Feet - The best in the state.  Doug's feet are always under him, and he maintains the proper spacing between his front and back foot.  When throwing, he steps in front of his intended receiver, causing him to put the ball ahead of his target, decreasing the chance of an interception and allowing his wide outs to go and get it.  He also keeps great spacing between his feet during his drop back, which allows him to move quickly and gain depth.  GRADE: A-/B+
2. Mechanics - Also my vote for the best in the state.  Very good.  He points his shoulders where he wants the ball to go.  He stays tall, using every inch of his 6'2-ish frame.  His release is quick, with no dip or pause (a la Tim Tebow).  He does an above average job of using his torso to get more behind his throws, which is something that will be worked on more when he gets to the next level.  When throwing the deep ball, he does a good job arching his shoulders and getting the proper trajectory on the ball.  GRADE: A-
3. Arm Strength - Good arm strength.  He is fully capable of throwing the deep ball where he wants anywhere from 40-50 yards.  Also capable of getting a good amount of velocity on his throws, fitting it into tight spaces.  GRADE: B
4. Athleticism - Definitely not solely a drop back passer.  He executes the zone read with efficiency, picking up tough yards when needed.  He is also an above average punter, getting good hang time and rotation on his kicks.  Good speed, very good toughness.  GRADE: B-
5. Leadership - I was able to watch Doug while his team was getting pummeled by Everett, which is when you can learn the most about how good of a leader a player can be.  For the most part, I liked what I saw.  You could see his frustration at times, but he managed to stay engaged, trying to keep his offense's spirits up as they struggled against a superior Everett team.  GRADE:  B/B+
6. The Bottom Line: I love this quarterback, especially his form.  He is the real deal.  Big time Division 1 prospect with the ability to start.   
2. Adam Doyle, Catholic Memorial - Incredibly strong arm compliments an impressive frame and solid mechanics.
1. Feet - Sound foot game for Doyle.  This is the one part of his game that he needs work on, however.  He has great form dropping back and throughout his throwing motion.  But when going through his reads, he stands flat footed, which affects his velocity and, on deep balls, his distance.  Beyond that, it affects his ability to escape the rush.  GRADE: B  
2. Mechanics - Excellent throwing motion.  The ball stays high, the release is quick with no dip or pause.  His shoulders where he wants the ball go go, and does an amazing job squaring himself.  Can tend to be juuuuust a bit lazy, relying on his arm to do a more than it needs to.  But when he puts it all together, its beautiful. Best mechanics of the group throwing on the run.  Can stop on a dime, square his shoulders, and deliver a great pass.  GRADE: B+
3. Arm Strength -  Naturally gifted.  He throws the deep ball with ease and accuracy.  He can thread the needle if need be.  His shoulders cock back nicely when throwing it down field.  Highly accurate with relative ease throwing 45-55 yards down field.  GRADE: A-/B+
4. Athleticism - Good quickness and a mean stiff arm.  Not afraid to tuck it and run, and can do so quite well.  Also throws on the run beautifully.  Above average change of direction skills and speed.  Once he fixes the flat footed problem, he will be a whole heap of trouble for defenses.  GRADE: B/B-
5. Leadership - I liked what I saw.  His team was in a struggle and he kept them in it.  Vocal when he needs to be.  GRADE: B/B+
6. The Bottom Line - I love the way this kid plays.  Moves well and throws a beautiful ball.  Maturity will make him that much better.  Once he stops relying too much on his arm, he will make some 1A team very happy.  May have the highest ceiling of the bunch as a quarterback.  And the coach I was able to talk to says he is a stand-up kid from a great family, something that can never be overlooked.    
3. Nick LeSpada, Billerica - The best player in the state, bar none.  Explosive, electrifying, fast, and strong.
• Feet - Needs improvement here.  He has a tendency to move them dangerously close together during his drop back and before he releases the ball.  This results in the slowing of his drop back, loss of velocity, and it decreases his chances of eluding the rush (which he excels at more than the majority of HS quarterbacks in the country).  Ironing out these deficiencies will make him that much more tougher to slow when throwing the ball.  GRADE: C+
• Mechanics - Another area LeSpada can improve.  He has a long release, where he drops, dips, then releases.  This causes added wear and tear on his arm.  He does an above average job getting his shoulders squared.  One thing he does with the best of them is arching his shoulders when throwing the ball down field.  Does a great job throwing on the run as well, although much of that success is due to his arm strength.  GRADE:  B-
• Arm Strength - Wow.  45-55 with ease, with 60 well in his sights.  15 yards outs on the money.  Most certainly his strong point. GRADE: A-
• Athleticism - The best of the best. Opposing defenses would rather him not try and make something happen with his feet.  He is elusive, fast, shifty, and, well, fast.  Most dangerous runner in the state, no matter the position.  Also a top 5 defensive back in the area.  Great hips, ball skills and tackling ability.  Plays under control.  The most exciting player I've seen thus far.  GRADE: A
• The Bottom Line - If he is able to work hard and sure up his mechanics, he shoots to the top of this list.  It's no fluke he's on the ESPN 150 watch list.  There is no team i the country he couldn't play for.   
4. John DiBiaso, Everett - A leader on a team on leaders.  Quietly leads his team into battle week after week, exemplifying the poise every coach hopes to get from his signal caller. 
• Feet - Good feet.  Proper distance in the pre-throw position, and his drop back steps are quick and concise.  His feet stay active while going through his reads.  Well coached.  GRADE:  B  
• Mechanics - Solid here as well.  Does have a dip in his throw that slows his release down, but that can be fixed.  Has not been forced to throw on the run very much (a testament to his offensive line), but when he has to, he squares his shoulders well, staying square and putting the ball where it needs to be.  Chucks it down field with grace and style.  Great shoulder arch.  Puts the ball precisely where his receivers need it, allowing them to accelerate past defenders and make big plays.  GRADE: B
• Arm Strength - Good arm strength.  Not quite in the same class as the three I have above him, but definitely in the same ballpark.  Mechanical fix will improve this department as well.  35-45 with accuracy and great arc.  Throws a pretty, pretty ball on all routes.  Good zip when its needed.  GRADE: B
• Athleticism - Behind only LeSpada.  Runs well with very good vision.  Not afraid to put his head down.  The second biggest asset to the Everett running backs besides the offensive line due to his ability to execute the option at a Division 1 level.  GRADE: B+
• Leadership - Tops.  He plays in Trash Talking Central (otherwise known as the GBL), yet always keeps his cool.  Has complete command of the huddle and is getting better.  Able to calm his teammates down if needed.  Will be a very big reason Everett wins the state title should they do so.  GRADE: A
• The Bottom Line - Ivy, FCS type player.  Did I mention he was a leader?  Smart, cunning, doesn't force the ball.  Everything you could want in a quarterback.