Playmaker: Jacob Anzaldua
By John Evered: Playmaker Recruiting Analyst
Overview
Jacob Anzaldua is an undersized quarterback who can sling it. His release is quick, and he regularly hits his second option on a whim after looking for his first read. Getting reps as a freshman, he struggles more statistically speaking, but since then has excelled and improved YoY. Recently, Anzaldua threw for 441 yards and three passing touchdowns with 22 completions in a triumph win of 42-22 against Twenty-Nine Palms. I chose to cover Anzaldua not just because of his leading passing statistics in the state of California as a junior, but because he’s playing with the confidence of a collegiate player. His dropback is technical and his reads on tape have been superb. He slings the ball down the middle of the field over multiple defenders with accuracy and poses as a dual threat quarterback in the pocket. He’ll get flak from scouts for his height and weight, but it’s obvious through his progression over the last two years at Banning High School that he can develop into an impact player with belief from a coaching program. Anzaldua drops the ball just over defensive backs’ heads in double coverage, showing faith in his foundation in the pocket before releasing the ball. Many coaches and scouts I know automatically cut players off their lists because of height and weight - I’m not as much of a true believer in that method. With the right belief system and optimistic learning approach, Anzaldua can develop into a starting collegiate quarterback
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Strengths
Great pocket presence with ability to take a hit
Not shy to run the ball if the passing opportunity isn’t there
Great downfield passer who believes in each throw
Consistent progression in athleticism and skill each year in high school
Ball placement is superb, placing the rock away from defensive backs
Display’s positive body language through adversity
Stays in the pocket with a great upright stance.
Weaknesses
His weight needs to increase to play at the collegiate level
Speed needs to increase in the pocket as an undersized quarterback
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