THE 805 IS THE PLACE TO BE RIGHT NOW FOR QUARTERBACKS

Max Gilliam is one of many faces dominating the Central Coast quarterback scene, as the Cal commit and Thousand Oaks star has helped lead a new crop of 805 signal callers (photo by Lorenzo Reyna). 

The 805 of California is 15 deep at the quarterback position this season.

There are gems sprouted down Highway 101 from Arroyo Grande to the Los Angeles County line. One signal caller is already PAC-12 bound, another is starting to pick up steam from the PAC-12, while a dual-threat has shredded defenses for the state’s No. 11 ranked team.

This area has got to have some of the best quarterback play under the stadium lights right now. And looks like the 2018 class for the 805 is stacked too.

Here’s who has been balling out at quarterback for their teams and who to keep an eye on down the road:

MAX GILLIAM, THOUSAND OAKS

Currently committed to Cal, Gilliam continues to run Thousand Oaks’ offense with mastery; with 2,374 combined yards and 32 touchdowns for the 6-1 Lancers. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Gilliam comes equipped with a rocket arm, quick release and the speed of a gazelle.

CAMERON RISING, NEWBURY PARK

The sophomore is off to an unbelievable start with 1,972 yards, 28 touchdown passes and just one pick. He could become the next Gilliam in the south 805 region because of his ability to run and throw. Rising is one of best quarterbacks in the section at fooling defenders with the play action fake. Washington State and Cal have made early offers for Rising.

Darius Vines escapes pressure against Camarillo during the Seraphs' 49-20 loss on Oct. 9. Vines currently has an offer from Eastern Washington (photo by Lorenzo Reyna). 

DARIUS VINES, ST. BONAVENTURE (VENTURA)

Though he had a rather rough outing against the state’s No. 11 ranked Camarillo on Oct. 9, plus happens to be a multi-sport athlete who reportedly is swinging toward baseball, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound Vines is an electrifying one with the ball in his hand. He may not have previous Seraph legend Ricky Town’s arm or high football intelligence, but Vines is a raw athlete and plays like a young Russell Wilson. 

MATT CORRAL, OAKS CHRISTIAN (WESTLAKE VILLAGE)

Corral got his varsity start as a freshman and hasn’t looked back since. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Corral has a knack for fooling defenders with the pump fake then unleashing the long ball. He’s also a powerful runner on read option plays. UCLA has shown early interest.

TANNER DARLING, SIMI VALLEY

Though Simi Valley is 2-5, Darling has been a highlight for the Pioneers. He’s combined for 2,074 yards and 22 touchdowns as a thrower and runner. Darling is a solid bomber and is slippery when under pressure.

Camarillo quarterback Jake Constantine hands the ball off to Elijah Alexander during the third quarter of the Scorpions' dominant 49-20 rout of St. Bonaventure (photo by Lorenzo Reyna). 

JAKE CONSTANTINE, CAMARILLO

All he’s done at Camarillo is the following: lead an aerial assault, make ridiculous throws when under duress and now…knock off three of the biggest heavyweights in the 805 (Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande and St. Bonaventure). He raised his value even more with 225 yards and a combined five touchdowns in the 49-20 trouncing of the proud Seraphs on Oct. 9. Mid-majors have been watchful of Constantine.

BLAKE JAECKELS, ST. JOSEPH (SANTA MARIA)

From Mark Brunell’s alma mater, Jaeckels has become the running/throwing threat that the legendary Knight quarterback once was. Jaeckels not only has 1,394 yards, 15 touchdowns, two interceptions and five rushing scores, but he’s helped guide St. Joseph to the best record (6-1) among the teams in the Santa Maria/Orcutt area.

BRENT PEUS, SANTA BARBARA

Last year, Peus looked like a quarterback relying more on his arm and legs but not the cerebral aspect. Now, the senior has become more of a student of the game and it’s shown in his quick release and decision making. He also isn't afraid to take aggressive shots down the field, as he's darted the ball between two defenders for his receiver to haul in the touchdown grab. 

TANNER SHEAN, SANTA YNEZ

The Pirates have been one of the best stories in the 805 at 7-0 and Shean’s play has been a contributing factor. Only 5-foot-11 and 165-pounds, Shean has been the accurate game manager for the undefeated Pirates with a 73.6% completion percentage, 11 touchdown passes and zero interceptions.

SAWYER MAY, ARROYO GRANDE

Look for May to headline the 805’s 2017 quarterback class. Like Shean, the two-year varsity starter May has limited his mistakes with 1,236 yards, 12 touchdowns and one pick for the usually run-heavy Eagles. May’s strength has been the deep ball.

KELLEN ROBERTS, DOS PUEBLOS (GOLETA)

The Chargers are still searching for an identity with their 2-5 start, but the Class of 2017 prospect gives DP some hope for this season and the next. Roberts has completed 70.6% of his throws with 13 touchdowns, six interceptions and a QB rating of 103.5. He’s a fearless runner in the read option as well.

GRANT BUCKNER, WESTLAKE

He was once the backup to Malik Henry before Henry went to IMG Academy in Florida and then Long Beach Poly. While the 6-foot, 185-pound Buckner may not have Henry’s athleticism or overall skill set, he’s shown precision passes and accuracy when the Warriors call on him to deliver downfield strikes.

EDDIE GUERRERO, RIO MESA (OXNARD)

Guerrero is part of a quarterback rotation at Rio Mesa, but he’s clearly been the more consistent running and deep pass option for the Spartans. He’s known as “Steady Eddie” among his peers.

KESHAUN MATA, SANTA PAULA

Mata has been one of the best stories in the last two years for the 805. He conquered cancer, plays with a prosthetic leg and the junior is in his second varsity season with the Cardinals. He’s dismantled defenses with his mobility and long ball game.

KEEP AN EYE ON: MASON QUANDT, ST. BONAVENTURE

The Class of 2018 prospect and West Hills (Chaminade) transfer already has size (6-foot-3, 190-pounds) and can make the throws that not too many sophomores can make. Once he polishes his footwork, he could become Bonnie’s next most highly-touted quarterback.