With high school football camps heating up across Florida, a fresh wave of quarterback talent is set to lead the way in Lake and Sumter counties this fall. From seasoned veterans to first-year starters with something to prove, here are five quarterbacks drawing attention ahead of the 2025 season.

Tre Kelly, South Lake High (Jr.)

Arguably one of the most intriguing quarterback in the region, South Lake’s Tre Kelly enters his junior season as a two-year varsity starter who’s already shown flashes of elite dual-threat capability. At 6-foot, 185 pounds, Kelly has added muscle in the offseason and brings a blend of speed and arm strength that makes him a headache for opposing defenses.

Last season, Kelly threw for 1,258 yards and added 270 yards on the ground. With an experienced offensive line returning and a talented group of skill players—including 6-foot-6 wideout Isaiah Pina, 6-foot-2 senior Kendrick Powell, and bruising 5-foot-10 running back Malik Holman, Kelly is poised for a breakout year.

“He’s got everything you want,” says head coach Brad Lord. “And now he’s going to have the time in the pocket to really show it.”

Landen Sherman, South Sumter High (Sr.)

After years of waiting in the wings, Landen Sherman finally gets his shot as the starting quarterback at perennial power South Sumter. Sherman has spent his career learning behind standout QBs Will Ammons and Eian Finkley, and now the 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior will get his chance to lead.

Landen has been active in the offseason, refining his technique and building strength under coach Chris Gauntlett’s rigorous program. Head coach Ty Lawrence is quick to point out his leadership off the field, noting that Landen holds one of the highest GPAs (4.85) among quarterbacks in the region and scoring an 1150 on the SAT.

South Sumter graduated several key players from last season, but history suggests the program will reload. Targets like Bubba Boone, Milo Patterson and Weston Ammons will give Sherman reliable weapons as he takes the helm.

Nicholas Kerr, Mount Dora High (Jr.)

Nicholas Kerr may be the biggest mystery on this list. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior has bounced between schools, Eustis, then Leesburg, and now Mount Dora, but has finally found stability under head coach Luke Hutchinson. Nick spent last year learning behind Jake Sepe, who led the Hurricanes to their first playoff appearance in a decade.

While Nick lacks varsity starts, he has impressed on Junior Varsity teams and during offseason camps. Coaches have noted steady improvement in his mechanics, arm strength, and football IQ.

Nick has got the look of a prototypical quarterback. If it all comes together, he could be one of Lake County’s biggest breakout stars this upcoming season. He is also one of the areas tallest quarterbacks which will allow him to see over most offensive lineman, a huge advantage in high school football.

Mount Dora also returns star running back Tymir Gaines, which could ease the pressure on Nick early in the season.

Jadence Kennedy, The Villages (Jr.)

With Patrick Harding transferring to Zephyrhills, the quarterback job at The Villages appears to belong to junior Jadence Kennedy and he’s already shown flashes of being the real deal. Jadence appeared in eight games last season, throwing for 666 yards and six touchdowns while demonstrating mobility and a much-improved arm. He did all that despite splitting time with Patrick Harding.

He enters 2025 bigger, faster, and stronger, and could become one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the region if he continues his progression.

If he gets time in the pocket, watch out, he has a cannon for an arm and can air the ball out downfield. Under head coach Richard Pettus, Jadence could be in line for a huge breakout year. This kid has talent and this season we are certainly excited for what he will bring to the table.

Jacob Kinsey, Leesburg High (Sr.)

After two years of learning behind Salomon Georges and Xavier Irizarry, Jacob Kinsey finally gets the keys to the Leesburg offense and expectations are high. The senior is a mobile playmaker with a strong arm and isn’t afraid to throw deep.

Jake had a good spring game and enters the fall under the guidance of first-year head coach Kenard Lang, a former NFL defensive end. Behind a large offensive line and with Leesburg’s recent success (back-to-back FHSAA playoff appearances), Kinsey is well-positioned to make an immediate impact.

Leesburg High always puts together a team of athletes. The upcoming season will be highly interesting for the Yellow Jackets and expect Kinsey

Jackson Currie, Eustis High (So.) 

This young man is very intriguing. While Eustis High went through a rough patch last year, the team comes in much more complete than a year ago under second year head coach Darnell Henderson. Jackson has looked really good during the summer and comes in with a full varsity season under his belt. While he is still young, he has a lot to prove. He will have some good receivers to throw to this year including Jaheem Anderson, CJ Troutman and Amari Jackson among others. All of those players bring some height with them.

Jackson will also have a much more efficient offensive line in 2025. It will be great to see Jackson have time to throw in the pocket this year in order to throw downfield a bit more. Last year Jackson didn’t get the time he needed in the pocket to throw but 2025 will tell a different story.

Jackson had a huge summer in 7 on 7 competition and even got Eustis High to a quarterfinal matchup in The Villages earlier this summer which is a huge deal considering Eustis only won 1 game last season. With some transfers and some more size in front of him this season, Jackson Currie could have a breakout year in 2025.

Karon Palmer Jr. East Ridge High (Jr.) 

Karon is a a rising junior who transferred to East Ridge High this season after playing with Lake Minneola High. Karon brings phenomenal leadership and poise to the East Ridge High offense this season. Karon will have some incredible targets to throw to this season. Lamar Garrison one of the top wide receivers in the state of Florida and Tony Brown. Karon will be well protected up front as the East Ridge High offensive line has grown in size immensely since last fall.

Karon is not just a rising junior on the field but a phenomenal leader since he first stepped onto the East Ridge high football field. He could be in for a huge season with the weapons that East Ridge high has this season. While Lake Minneola High did not keep statistics last season, everything points to this young man having a big season at East Ridge High. He should certainly be a one to keep an eye on as the season gets under way.