The 2020 class is loaded, but Gilbert quarterback Josh Strickland already has his name near the top of the list.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pounder is already turning heads at the next level, taking visits to Georgia State and South Carolina in the past month. Strickland took over the starting job at Gilbert as a freshman in 2016, helping the Indians to a 10-2 record. This past season, Strickland was even better, leading a Gilbert offense that averaged 43.5 points a game over a 12-game winning streak before eventually falling to state champion Dillon in the third round of the playoffs.
Strickland has a strong arm and is an accurate passer, especially on intermediate throws. In Gilbert's system, he is asked to make several throws usually reserved for college passers.
While he is not a true dual-threat quarterback, Strickland is athletic. He maintains his accuracy when throwing on the run and excels at going through his progressions on the move.
Strickland throws a tight spiral and improved his arm strength between his freshman and sophomore seasons. It's a trait he'll need to continue to improve to succeed at the next level, but Strickland has great arm talent and potential for growth. Quarterback trainer Perry Orth has seen Strickland's progression firsthand.
"[Strickland's] an extremely athletic kid with a live arm," Orth said. "He has the frame to be 6'4" or 6'5"."
At this rate, Strickland looks like a top college prospect.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pounder is already turning heads at the next level, taking visits to Georgia State and South Carolina in the past month. Strickland took over the starting job at Gilbert as a freshman in 2016, helping the Indians to a 10-2 record. This past season, Strickland was even better, leading a Gilbert offense that averaged 43.5 points a game over a 12-game winning streak before eventually falling to state champion Dillon in the third round of the playoffs.
Strickland has a strong arm and is an accurate passer, especially on intermediate throws. In Gilbert's system, he is asked to make several throws usually reserved for college passers.
While he is not a true dual-threat quarterback, Strickland is athletic. He maintains his accuracy when throwing on the run and excels at going through his progressions on the move.
Strickland throws a tight spiral and improved his arm strength between his freshman and sophomore seasons. It's a trait he'll need to continue to improve to succeed at the next level, but Strickland has great arm talent and potential for growth. Quarterback trainer Perry Orth has seen Strickland's progression firsthand.
"[Strickland's] an extremely athletic kid with a live arm," Orth said. "He has the frame to be 6'4" or 6'5"."
At this rate, Strickland looks like a top college prospect.
