How It Works
Your journey from profile to pro-grade evaluation.
The metrics change by position. The mission does not: identify real ability, project growth responsibly, and show athletes exactly what it takes to compete at the next level.
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Upload Your Film & Data
Add highlight videos, photos, verified measurables and stats so evaluators see the full picture.
Get Evaluated by a Pro
A former professional athlete or coach at your position grades you across ten pro-created criteria with written feedback.
Gain Real Exposure
Verified evaluations and holistic profiles give coaches and recruiters data they can trust.
Develop & Advance
Track progress over time, follow your development roadmap, and prepare responsibly for NIL and the next level.
Step 03, in detail
The criteria you’re graded on, position by position.
Every position has its own ten-trait evaluation sheet built by the pros who played it. Nothing is hidden — pick your position below to read each trait’s definition and the exact standard for every score from 1 to 10.
Quarterback
10 criteria · graded 1–10
Universal APS 1–10 scale
- 10
- Exceptional / rare / elite trait
- 9
- Outstanding / consistently high-level
- 8
- Very good / clear strength
- 7
- Above average / dependable positive trait
- 6
- Solid / functional with limitations
- 5
- Average
- 4
- Below average / recurring weakness
- 3
- Poor / significant limitation
- 2
- Very poor / consistently exploitable
- 1
- Deficient / severe limitation
01QB Drops — ShotgunQuick Game, IntermediateShowHide
Definition
The quarterback's ability to efficiently execute his footwork from shotgun in quick-game and intermediate passing concepts, maintaining rhythm, balance, timing and readiness to throw.
This trait evaluates whether the quarterback's feet allow the concept, route timing and throwing mechanics to work together.
1–10 scoring guide
9–10 — Elite
Extremely efficient from shotgun
Feet consistently match the concept
Quick game is fast and rhythmic
Intermediate drops are controlled and repeatable
Rarely wastes movement
Maintains a balanced throwing platform
Can reset and release without disrupting timing
7–8 — Very Good
Consistent and efficient
Generally synchronized with route concepts
Minor mechanical inconsistencies
5–6 — Average
Functional footwork
Can execute standard concepts
Occasionally oversteps, bounces or loses rhythm
3–4 — Below Average
Inconsistent base
Wasted movement
Footwork frequently disrupts timing
Throws late because feet are not ready
1–2 — Deficient
Major inefficiency
Poor rhythm
Inconsistent platform
Footwork routinely prevents timely execution
Elite example
The ball is snapped, the quarterback catches it, hits his rhythm, and releases precisely as the route window opens—with no unnecessary hitching or gathering.
Deficient example
The quarterback catches the snap, takes extra movement, repeatedly resets his feet and allows quick-game windows to close.
02QB Drops — Under Center3-Step, 5-Step, 7-StepShowHide
Definition
The quarterback's ability to execute traditional under-center drops with consistent depth, rhythm, balance and synchronization with the passing concept.
This includes the ability to transition cleanly from the center exchange into the drop.
1–10 scoring guide
9–10 — Elite
Smooth and natural under center
Consistent depth and rhythm
Excellent transition from exchange to drop
Feet consistently arrive on time
Can execute multiple drop types without mechanical breakdown
7–8 — Very Good
Comfortable under center
Reliable depth and timing
Minor inconsistencies
5–6 — Average
Functional
Can execute standard drops
Occasionally loses balance or varies depth
3–4 — Below Average
Awkward transition
Inconsistent depth
Footwork disrupts concept timing
1–2 — Deficient
Significant discomfort under center
Inability to consistently execute traditional drops
Elite example
On a 7-step concept, the quarterback reaches proper depth, plants on schedule and delivers without drifting or needing excessive recovery movement.
Deficient example
The quarterback consistently shortens or overruns his drop, forcing throws from an unstable platform.
03Pocket Mobility & Out-of-Pocket MobilityShowHide
Definition
The quarterback's ability to move efficiently and purposefully both inside and outside the pocket while maintaining vision, balance and the ability to continue functioning as a passer.
This is not simply running speed.
A quarterback can be a fast athlete and have poor pocket mobility.
1–10 scoring guide
9–10 — Elite
Excellent feel for pressure
Moves naturally without panic
Creates space while maintaining vision
Can escape and continue functioning as a passer
Efficient both inside and outside the pocket
7–8 — Very Good
Consistently avoids pressure
Good lateral movement
Effective when forced outside
5–6 — Average
Can move when necessary
Limited in some directions or situations
3–4 — Below Average
Poor pocket navigation
Drifts into pressure
Struggles to escape
1–2 — Deficient
Consistently trapped
Little ability to navigate pressure
Elite example
Interior pressure develops. Rather than immediately escaping, the quarterback subtly climbs, maintains his eyes downfield and delivers on time.
Deficient example
The quarterback repeatedly runs backward, exits clean pockets or creates pressure through poor movement.
04Passing Arm FundamentalsHigh Release • Follow Through • Velocity • Touch • Accuracy • Ball PlacementShowHide
Definition
The quarterback's overall ability to consistently deliver a football with sound, repeatable mechanics and the appropriate combination of velocity, touch, accuracy and placement.
This is the most technically broad trait and should be evaluated as a complete passing package—not based solely on arm strength.
1–10 scoring guide
9–10 — Elite
Highly repeatable delivery
High/clean release
Strong velocity when required
Excellent touch
Consistently accurate
Advanced placement based on coverage and leverage
7–8 — Very Good
Strong overall throwing package
Minor inconsistencies
Can make most required throws
5–6 — Average
Functional arm
Can execute standard throws
Inconsistent on one or more elements
3–4 — Below Average
Mechanical inconsistency
Limited velocity, touch or accuracy
Ball placement creates unnecessary difficulty
1–2 — Deficient
Significant throwing limitations
Inconsistent delivery
Cannot reliably execute required throws
Elite example
The quarterback drives a seam ball between defenders when necessary, then drops a layered touch throw over underneath coverage on the next series—placing both balls away from the defender's leverage.
Deficient example
The quarterback may complete passes but routinely puts receivers in danger, behind them or in locations that eliminate yards after the catch.
05CreativityOutside Pocket • Off Schedule • Scramble Ability • Off-Platform ThrowsShowHide
Definition
The quarterback's ability to create positive outcomes when the original structure of the play breaks down.
Creativity is not reckless improvisation.
The key question is:
When the play stops going according to plan, can the quarterback create an advantage?
1–10 scoring guide
9–10 — Elite
Dangerous when plays break down
Creates without panicking
Maintains passing vision
Can make difficult off-platform throws
Excellent instincts for escaping and extending
Consistently turns negative situations into positive plays
7–8 — Very Good
Effective improviser
Can extend plays and make throws outside structure
5–6 — Average
Can escape and occasionally create
Limited consistency off schedule
3–4 — Below Average
Struggles when structure breaks down
Panic or poor decisions common
1–2 — Deficient
Becomes ineffective outside the original structure
Elite example
Protection breaks down. The quarterback escapes without dropping his eyes, manipulates the pursuit and delivers an accurate throw from an altered platform.
Deficient example
The first sign of pressure causes the quarterback to abandon the concept and run without surveying available receivers.
06Ball HandlingRB Mesh Point • Play ActionShowHide
Definition
The quarterback's ability to execute exchanges, mesh points, fakes and ball presentation cleanly and convincingly.
This trait measures how effectively the quarterback handles the football as part of the offensive system.
1–10 scoring guide
9–10 — Elite
Clean and consistent exchanges
Excellent timing with backs
Strong ball security
Convincing play-action
Seamless transition from mesh/fake into passing position
7–8 — Very Good
Reliable ball handler
Good mesh timing
Effective play-action
5–6 — Average
Generally functional
Occasional timing or ball-security issues
3–4 — Below Average
Inconsistent exchanges
Poor mesh timing
Unconvincing fakes
1–2 — Deficient
Repeated ball-handling issues
Significant threat to ball security or offensive timing
Elite example
The quarterback sells outside-zone action convincingly, gets the second-level defenders to react and transitions immediately into a balanced throwing position.
07Decision-Making in the RPOShowHide
Definition
The quarterback's ability to correctly identify, process and exploit the conflict defender within an RPO concept.
This is more than simply deciding to hand the ball off or throw it.
1–10 scoring guide
9–10 — Elite
Quickly identifies conflict defenders
Rarely predetermined
Consistently makes advantageous decisions
Excellent timing
Can process pre- and post-snap information rapidly
7–8 — Very Good
Generally makes correct reads
Occasional late decision
5–6 — Average
Understands basic RPO concepts
Inconsistent against disguised or complex looks
3–4 — Below Average
Frequently predetermined
Late decisions
Misses obvious reads
1–2 — Deficient
Repeatedly misreads the conflict defender
Decisions consistently put offense in disadvantageous situations
Elite example
The quarterback recognizes the apex defender collapsing on the run, immediately pulls and delivers the attached throw into the vacated window.
Deficient example
The quarterback repeatedly throws because the play was called as an RPO, even when the conflict defender remains in position to eliminate the throw.
08Physical ToughnessShowHide
Definition
The quarterback's demonstrated willingness and ability to absorb physical punishment, compete through contact and continue functioning effectively under physical adversity.
This is not about recklessness.
A quarterback does not need to seek contact to score highly.
1–10 scoring guide
9–10 — Elite
Stands in and delivers under pressure
Does not become visibly affected by routine contact
Competes consistently
Maintains mechanics when anticipating hits
7–8 — Very Good
Willing to absorb contact
Generally unaffected by physical pressure
5–6 — Average
Handles normal contact
Occasionally altered by heavy pressure
3–4 — Below Average
Frequently rushes throws because of anticipated contact
Physical pressure noticeably affects play
1–2 — Deficient
Consistently avoids necessary contact
Physical adversity severely disrupts performance
Elite example
The quarterback knows the pressure is coming, keeps his mechanics intact, completes the throw and absorbs the hit without allowing the rush to alter the decision.
09Mental ToughnessShowHide
Definition
The quarterback's ability to maintain composure, confidence, discipline and decision-making through adversity, mistakes, pressure and changing game circumstances.
Physical toughness is about absorbing contact.
Mental toughness is about absorbing adversity.
1–10 scoring guide
9–10 — Elite
Exceptional composure
Quickly recovers from mistakes
Does not compound adversity
Same demeanor in success and failure
Can perform in high-pressure situations
7–8 — Very Good
Generally composed
Responds positively to adversity
5–6 — Average
Normal emotional fluctuations
Usually recovers but can occasionally be affected
3–4 — Below Average
Mistakes visibly affect subsequent performance
Confidence or decision-making fluctuates
1–2 — Deficient
Repeatedly unravels after adversity
Compounds mistakes
Elite example
Throws an interception, comes back the next possession and continues reading the defense correctly rather than becoming overly cautious or forcing a hero throw.
10LOS CommandAudibles • Advantage Checks • Must ChecksShowHide
Definition
The quarterback's ability to operate the offense from the line of scrimmage by identifying defensive structure, communicating adjustments and placing the offense into the best available play or protection.
This trait should be graded carefully because high-school quarterbacks do not all receive the same level of freedom or responsibility from their offenses.
An evaluator must distinguish:
"The quarterback cannot do it"
from
"The offense does not ask him to do it."
1–10 scoring guide
9–10 — Elite
Demonstrates advanced control at LOS
Consistently recognizes advantages
Makes correct adjustments
Communicates effectively
Shows evidence of understanding fronts, pressure and coverage
7–8 — Very Good
Strong command
Consistently identifies common adjustments
Effective communicator
5–6 — Average
Can handle standard checks
Limited evidence of advanced responsibility
3–4 — Below Average
Misses obvious advantages
Slow or uncertain communication
Limited demonstrated command
1–2 — Deficient
Repeated pre-snap confusion
Cannot consistently organize or adjust when responsible for doing so
