2024 Top 10 East Texas Preseason Quarterbacks

The quarterback position is my favorite position of all sports. There’s not a more important guy on the field in the game of football than the man who makes decisions to spread the wealth. QB is the only position where guys get credit for the win or loss as a starter. In 2024, East Texas returns a slew of quality signal callers. Here’s the Top 10 Returning QBS for 2024. 

Young, but was Ready

10. Soph. DeJuan Johnson - New Diana

The Eagles surprised the majority of East Texas last year with an 8-3 record, including a thrilling one point loss with District Champion Harmony. The main catalyst for such a great season came in last year’s freshman, DeJuan Johnson. Johnson is as electric as they come with the ball in his hand. Used as a kick returner as well, Johnson’s running ability and elusiveness was too much to handle for most teams. Throw in the fact that Johnson is a functionable passer (1,132 yards 17:8 tds to int) and you’ve got one of the best dual threats in the Sophomore class right here in ETX. 

9. JR. Caden Grandberry - Tyler High

Talk about a dude. At about 5’6 165 pounds, Grandberry plays as big as anybody at this position. He is tough as they come and can consistently deliver the ball from the pocket, even at his size. His mobility makes him a major playmaker and innovator, and with another year to grow with 2nd year head coach Rashaun Woods, I’m expecting big things from Grandberry. 

The Senior Class

8. Sr. Jaxon Moffatt - Van

Van’s offense has been run heavy since 2021, but with going into his 3rd year of starting Jaxon Moffatt should be ready to take more of the toll. Moffatt is a strong runner and leader, and is effective in the RPO game as well. Van is full of tough dudes that care and play for each other, and I’m expecting the last 2 seasons of experience to pay off for Jaxon Moffatt and Van this season. 

7. Sr. Jordan Smiley - Kilgore

A true dual threat, Smiley can run it on the inside or outside. He has a live arm and can make all the throws on the field for the high school game. Smiley transferring to Kilgore is a real game changer. His skill set mixed in with a great run game and receivers to go and get it makes Kilgore a real threat to hoist the State Trophy in 2024.

6. Sr. David Potter - Texas High

David Potter is a protoypical Texas High quarterback. He’s got great height, a big cannon, and can throw the football upright. Potter has two great backs to lean on in Javari Johnson and Tra Ball, but T-High will be replacing top receiver Tavarus Gray. Potter can play ball, and has been a great QB for the past two years. Texas High is expected to compete and will go as far as their offense can produce. 

5. Sr. MJ Cates - Pine Tree

Cates can do it through the air and on the ground. He’s one of the faster QBs on this list and has the ability to house call the ball from almost anywhere. Cates showcases a great deep ball with a tight spiral, and with Jordan Taylor returning, he brings back his top receiver from 2023. Cates is going to have to ball to take PT back to the playoffs, as they should be ready to compete with Kilgore and Chapel Hill.

The Cream of the Crop

4. Sr. Chase Johnson - Daingerfield

Chase is a 3 year starter and improved greatly from his sophomore to junior year. Chase has always had a strong arm, but the timing of his throws improved as he hit receivers in stride more in 2023. Chase improved vastly as a runner as well. He’ll never be confused with a true dual threat, but Chase has the athleticism and size to move chains and break, especially at the high school level. Chase loses perhaps Daingerfield’s best player ever in Aeryn Hampton, and it will be up to him to try to lead the Tigers to the promised land. 

3. Sr. Demetrius Brisbon - Chapel Hill

An absolute stud. Brisbon is the best runner on this list. He makes fantastic plays on a regular basis, and is truly a runner at the QB position. He has 3 years of playmaking experience, but his receivers for this season are unproven. It took a Superman effort to get the Bulldogs to state in ‘23, he’ll have to put the cape on again in ‘24.

2. Sr. Cadon Tennison - Gilmer 

Cadon Tennison had one of the greatest playoff runs in recent history. After an embarrassing loss to Pleasant Grove in district, Gilmer went on a 10 game run to win state. Tennison played better each week. Gilmer’s offense scored 56, 49, 59, 64, 69, 41, 34, 47, 79, 28 in their last ten games. Gilmer had a slew of weapons to get the ball too, and Tennison, who threw for 2,703 yards and 27 touchdowns will be called upon again to defend the Buckeyes state title. 

1. Jr. Jett Surratt - Carthage

Jett was everything you expected him to be with the last name of Surratt. He put up senior type numbers in his sophomore season and led the Bulldogs to the quarterfinal round, before losing to Gilmer in OT. Surratt was 3rd in Texas in passing yards with 3,807 yards and 46 touchdowns. While not being a burner, Surratt has functional athleticism that can get away from a lot of people. Surratt loses his top 2 receivers for 2024, but returns an awesome back in KJ Edwards. Coming off a loss, I expect a motivated Carthage team, possibly 16-0.