Football Preview: Top 10 quarterbacks

A look at the area’s best quarterbacks this season.

1. Jeremy Hunt, Oak Park-River Forest senior, 6-2, 226 pounds

Hunt has a big arm and great size. After a junior season hampered by injury he’s ready to hit the ground running his senior year. The Huskies are a promising squad, and add an entirely different dimension to their attack with Hunt’s arm strength and accuracy.

2. Cam Thomas, Marian Catholic senior, 6-3, 180

Thomas is a two time East Suburban Catholic All-Conference selection and an Illinois commit. The senior has good footwork and athleticism and the ability to run the ball. Thomas’ big-play ability makes him one of the area’s really fun players to watch.

3. Chris Katrenick, Jacobs senior, 6-3, 205

When Katrenick is on, he’s special. He has good size, accuracy and arm strength. The Bowling Green commit can make plays downfield and also is capable of rushing if necessary. Katrenick passed for 1,367 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior.

4. Ben Bryant, Lyons junior, 6-3, 190

Bryant burst onto the scene as a sophomore with arm strength that noticeably set him apart from other quarterbacks. He added his first scholarship offers this offseason after leading Lyons to the first round of the playoffs. Bryant is a young gun, with a strong arm who sees the field well.

5. Johnny Carnage, Minooka senior, 6-2, 200

Poised and powerful, Carnagio passed for 1,787 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He’s capable of making nearly every type of throw and averaged 223 passing yards per game last season for the Indians.

6. Jared Drake, Providence senior 6-3, 195

Drake showed sparks of genius as a junior, with quick decision making and the ability to make something out of nothing. The Celtics are expected to charge back onto the scene this season and Drake should be a large part of that.

7. Connor Lowman, Lincoln-Way West senior, 6-0, 175

Lowman looked confident under center in the snaps he took last season and he’s shown the ability to make difficult throws. With another year of experience under his belt, the left-handed signal caller’s ceiling looks high.

8. Quincy Patterson, Solorio junior, 6-4, 229

Patterson, a dual-threat quarterback, is one of the most athletic field generals in the area. He’s a pure athlete that knows how to make things happen.

9. Tom Herion, Loyola senior, 6-1, 183

Herion had a big offseason on the combine circuit. He proved he’s got the arm and the skill set to succeed and now the stage is set to see if he can help the Ramblers post an encore to last season undefeated run to the Class 8A state title.

10. Brad Norgle, Montini junior, 5-11, 185

Montini has reloaded with talent after last season’s state title run. The quarterback slot is a question mark for them, but Norgle has put together an impressive offseason. He’s just a few steps away from being considered one of the top five quarterbacks in the area.