Gainesville's Star QBs Shine: Meet the Top Players for 2025 Season!

Hawthorne, Florida, USA - The high school football frenzy is just around the corner, with the Gainesville area gearing up for a thrilling season starting on August 21. The opening showdown features Vanguard taking on Buchholz, setting the stage for another year of competitive play and rising talents. As teams prepare for the gridiron battles ahead, the spotlight turns to the quarterbacks—the heartbeat of every offense. The Gainesville Sun is kicking off its preview with a look at the top signal-callers expected to shine in 2025.

Leading the pack is **Richard Roundtree** from Hawthorne. He’s no stranger to the spotlight after stepping in as a backup last season, where he started two games and delivered a memorable game-winning Hail Mary against Oakleaf. Following him is **Nelson Tambling** from Gainesville High, who threw for nearly 1,300 yards in 2024, showcasing an impressive 11 touchdowns against just five interceptions.

Up-and-Coming Stars

One of the exciting new faces is **Andrew Sutherland** of Eastside, who, as a freshman, showed significant promise in 2024. Fans are eager to see how he develops in his sophomore year. Similarly, **Jayden Jackson** from Fort White is a senior looking to bounce back strong after guiding his team through a playoff upset win. Not to be overlooked is **Matt Goodale** from Chiefland, who contributed six touchdowns to his team’s success last season, despite the adjustments that come with a coaching change.

Injuries hampered **Xavier Collins** of Columbia last year, limiting him to just six games. Yet, he still managed to amass 754 yards and 11 touchdowns, leaving fans hopeful for his full return. The statistics game was ruled by **Tywan Williamson** from Lafayette, who had an outstanding year with 24 touchdowns and only three interceptions while throwing for over 1,700 yards. Rounding out the top eight is **Andrew Whittemore** from Buchholz. After overcoming a challenging 2024 season where he recorded less than 30 yards passing, he’s stepping up as the new starting QB following Trace Johnson’s departure.

The Importance of Quarterbacks

In today’s game, the complexity of high school offenses is increasing, requiring quarterbacks to make quick decisions and read defenses like seasoned pros. For context, last year’s top players included **Jordan Durham** from WCU, who dazzled with 6,047 passing yards and a staggering 62 touchdowns. His ability to maintain a 71% completion rate underscores the high expectations facing emerging quarterbacks like Roundtree and Tambling this season.

• Top Quarterbacks for 2024:
• Jordan Durham (WCU): 6,047 passing yards, 62 touchdowns, 71% completion rate
• Brady Hart (Cocoa, Texas A&M)
• Jack Cunningham (Jefferson)
• Trace Johnson (Buchholz): 3,522 passing yards, 29 touchdowns; offers from Central Michigan, Georgia Southern, Troy, Wake Forest, West Virginia
• Dereon Coleman (Jones High School, Orlando): Miami Hurricanes commit; 3,412 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 455 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns; 73% completion rate

With all eyes on these budding stars, the upcoming season looks promising. Each quarterback brings a unique style and a story, adding layers of excitement for fans and teams alike. As the August kickoff draws closer, the role of these quarterbacks will be paramount in shaping their school’s fortunes this season. Cheers to the game and to the many young athletes ready to make their mark!

For more details on the quarterbacks leading the charge this season, check out the comprehensive coverage from Gainesville.com and insights on the statewide scene from SI.com.