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We are halfway through the 2024 high school football season and have seen some amazing players make names for themselves. As of August 1st, coaches have really been keeping an eye on the class of 2026. Everybody knows that game changing QBs are incredibly high in demand and difficult to find, especially coming out of high school. There are, however, a few players that have the potential to be immediate contributors. Jackson QB, Landon Duckworth, has been one of the hottest names in the class of 2026. His film always jumps off the screen and he constantly manages to put up videogame numbers.

While Landon has made some ridiculous plays so far this season, he really started gaining traction late in his freshman year. He picked up his first offer from the University of Arkansas in mid-November of 2022. When asked about the emotions he felt when realizing he wouldn’t have to pay for college, he said: “I was speechless and happy to receive my first offer from Arkansas. It was like a dream come true.” Most people truly don’t understand how much work goes into securing that first offer. To most, it’s just a simple as a kid being able to play ball. To the athletes and their families, it means so much more. It removes a massive financial burden and allows them to play the sport that they love at the next level. While recruits of Landon’s caliber do typically receive more opportunities, the feeling you get when you get that first one is truly unexplainable.

As more programs began to recognize Landon’s talent, more opportunities came his way. Heading into 2023, he picked up several offers including: TCU, Vandy, Texas A&M, Troy, Mississippi State, and UCF. After a Spring visit to Columbia, South Carolina, the Gamecocks were added to the list of offers shortly after. On August 5th, 2023, Landon made the decision to commit to the University of South Carolina as a sophomore. Even whilst committed, the offers kept on pouring in from FAMU, Ole Miss, Alabama A&M, Marshall, Jacksonville State, West Virginia, Jackson State, Virginia Tech, Oregon, and Maryland. On June 25th, 2024, Landon made the difficult decision to decommit from South Carolina saying: “I just wanted to make sure I was exploring all my options during this process. I didn’t want to feel limited, so I decided to open my recruiting back up while not committed anywhere.”

Now currently sitting as one of the top QBs in the nation, Landon is currently exploring his options. I asked about any unique experiences he’s had while navigating his process. He said: “I’ll definitely say that the bounce house at UCF was a unique experience. The stadium really does bounce.” I also inquired about any visits that are coming up. Landon was at the Alabama vs South Carolina game this weekend. The 4-star QB was a former SC commit and does not yet hold an offer from Alabama so it should be interesting to see what happens.

With all the options that Landon has, it is important to understand what it is that he wants out of the recruiting process. He laid out what it is he wants in a program: “I’m looking for a program that runs a spread offense and will allow me to throw the football.” It’s also important for a program to know what they’re getting out of the recruits. When asked about the things that he can provide to a program, he responded with: “They can expect to get a winner and a QB that likes to score a lot of points.” If he performs anywhere remotely close to how he has thus far, expect him to score a lot of points at the next level.

There are very few players across the country that simply possess a rare skillset. Since his freshman year, Landon has had the arm strength to throw 60+ yards downfield. When forced out of the pocket, he can make pinpoint throws on the run or takeoff with his legs. The biggest improvement he has made thus far has been his mechanics. If you watch his freshman tape, you willnotice inconsistent feet and a lack of upper body rotation. This led to longer release time and less drive on the ball. Now, he can drive the ball into tighter windows and get the ball out of his hands quicker without losing any of his touch on deep routes and layered passes. His basketball highlights are also box office, featuring self-lobs and windmill dunks. The combination of QB fundamentals and athleticism is what makes Landon Duckworth one of the top players in the 2026 class.

Current Offer List: Arkansas, Texas A&M, TCU, Vandy, Troy, UCF, Florida, Nebraska, South Carolina, Alabama State, FAMU, Ole Miss, Jacksonville State, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Oregon, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Maryland, and Marshall

Written By:
Coach E (X: @EricOfficialDMV)

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