Year of the Quarterback profile: Santiago's Blake Barnett (VIDEO)
It took a little longer for Blake Barnett to get noticed than his 2015 quarterback counterparts. It was one magical night that changed his fortunes during was Zero Week of the 2013 season. Barnett and his Corona Santiago teammates were opening the season against Brady White and Hart. White, who like Barnett was entering his junior season, was a pretty well known name at that time. Barnett, however, was an unknown. The quarterback went toe-to-toe with White during a game that was televised on Prime Ticket. Barnett finished the game 23-43 with 289 yards, and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown in his first career start. The Sharks came up short that night but just weeks later the scholarship offers started pouring in for Barnett.
Strengths: Barnett is as accurate as they come. He can make any throw, anywhere. The deep out from one hash to another? He can do that. A deep post? He can do that, with touch. Comeback? Back shoulder? Anything you ask of Barnett, he can do it and of all the quarterbacks in this talented class, he's not taking a backseat to any of them when it comes to athleticism. Barnett is just as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm and that's saying something ... he's also a tremendous leader. Barnett has just about anything you could want in a quarterback.
Weaknesses: Compared to the others in his class, Barnett is pretty young when it comes to playing the position. Remember, it wasn't until his junior year that he became the starter for Santiago. With that youth and his athleticism, like most quarterbacks, brings along the possibilities of taking off too early instead of truly allowing the play to develop. Scouts have also talked about Barnett's long delivery. As a former baseball pitcher, he still has a little of that in him.
Key stat: 2. The number of championships he came back home with after a trip to Oregon for The Opening. Barnett was named the MVP of the Elite 11 and also led his 7-on-7 team to a championship as well.
Quotable: "In an era of new age quarterbacks I think Blake will set the standard. His combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism is off the charts." Famed quarterback coach Steve Clarkson (as told to Scout.com)
Final thoughts: In a class loaded with sensational quarterbacks, you could argue Barnett is the best of the bunch and wouldn't get much pushback at all. Even if you feel he's not the best right now, there's a thought among scouts that Barnett has the most upside of any of the local quarterbacks in the 2015 class. There's a reason Alabama wants him. Barnett is expected to graduate early and join the Tide in time for spring practice. What separates him from most is his athleticism. Alabama head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin have not been ones to go after dual-threat quarterbacks. Saban has said he'd like to go in that direction and have a quarterback who could be a little more versatile. Bringing Barnett along is an example of that. It doesn't mean the Tide will stray away from the pro-style offense but they're looking for a quarterback who can do more than just sit and deliver from the pocket.
