As the 2024 high school football season approaches, two quarterbacks in Louisville are looking to lead their teams to repeat state championships.
Sophomore Zane Johnson is back to lead a Trinity squad seeking its second straight Class 6A title. Senior Connor Hodge is the new quarterback at Christian Academy, which will try to win its third straight Class 3A crown.
Here’s a look at 10 of the top quarterbacks in the Louisville area for the 2024 season, listed alphabetically:
Raymond Cornish, Jeffersontown
Year: Senior
Height/weight: 5-10/210
What to know: Had a big junior season while helping the Chargers go 9-2. He completed 54.7% of his passes (76 of 139) for 1,626 yards and 21 touchdowns with four interceptions. He also rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
Colin Daniels, North Oldham
Year: Junior
Height/weight: 6-5/210
What to know: Also a basketball prospect, Daniels is expected to shine at North Oldham after transferring from Christian Academy. As Cole Hodge’s backup last season at CAL, Daniels completed 16 of 31 passes for 278 yards and four touchdowns
Kade Goodin, Collins
Year: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-3/185
What to know: He’s the definition of a dual-threat quarterback, combining for 37 touchdowns last season (21 passing, 16 rushing). He completed 59.6% of his passes (162 of 272) for 2,071 yards and was intercepted six times. He also rushed for 1,100 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Was named Class 5A, District Five Player of the Year by the Kentucky Football Coaches Association.
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Connor Hodge, Christian Academy
Year: Senior
Height/weight: 6-1/160
What to know: Hodge is moving to quarterback after an outstanding junior season in which he prospered as a wide receiver and safety. He led the state with 11 interceptions and earned first-team All-State defense honors from The Courier Journal. As a wide receiver, he was among the state’s leaders in catches (114, first), yards (1,494, second) and touchdowns (23, third). He has committed to East Carolina.
Larry Irvin, Ballard
Year: Junior
Height/weight: 6-1/190
What to know: Helped the Bruins go 10-4 and reach the Class 6A state semifinals last season. Irvin completed 47.6% of his passes (119 of 250) for 1,746 yards and 15 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 218 yards and five scores.
Zane Johnson, Trinity
Year: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-1/205
What to know: The rare freshman quarterback to win a state championship, Johnson is looking for a repeat trip to Kroger Field this season. He completed 58.4% of his passes (173 of 296) for 2,289 yards and 30 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Earned second-team All-Louisville and first-team all-district honors.
Kaleb Passmore, Fern Creek
Year: Senior
Height/weight: 6-2/190
What to know: Passmore enters his third year as the starter in a run-first offense. He completed 46.9% of his passes (114 of 243) for 1,535 yards and 19 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He has offers from Florida Central Tech, Mount St. Jospeh, Ohio Northern and Thomas More.
Steven Smith, Central
Year: Senior
Height/weight: 6-0/180
What to know: Smith returns as the starter after completing 50.3% of his passes (77 of 153) for 1,203 yards and 14 touchdowns with nine interceptions. He also rushed for 286 yards and three touchdowns. Has an offer from Florida Central Tech.
Zane Wagner, Eastern
Year: Senior
Height/weight: 6-0/147
What to know: Wagner enjoyed a solid junior season, completing 55.6% of his passes (119 of 214) for 1,745 yards and 18 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He also rushed for three scores.
Javis Wallace, Moore
Year: Sophomore
Height/weight: 6-0/160
What to know: Got the starting nod as a freshman and accounted for 22 touchdowns (10 passing, 12 rushing). Wallace completed 49% of his passes (76 of 155) for 888 yards with 10 interceptions and also rushed for 525 yards.
More high school football: Meet 10 top candidates for 2024 Mr. Football honors
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Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KHSAA football 2024: Top QBs from Kentucky high schools in Louisville
