Last season was a notable one for area quarterbacks with many setting school records for passing yards and touchdowns, all while leading their teams in deep playoff runs. This season could be memorable, too, with plenty of signal callers returning to contending teams. Here is the breakdown in Hillsborough County in Classes 4-3M to get ready for the season.

Big time numbers

Four years ago, former Gaither standout Tony Bartolo had the most prolific season in school history, throwing for 3,194 yards and a state-leading 45 touchdowns while leading the Cowboys to the state semifinals.

Another Gaither quarterback, Jayce Nixon, put up numbers that were just as impressive last season. He surpassed Bartalo’s yardage total with 3,269 and had 36 touchdowns through the air. 

With a talented receiving corps and an experienced offensive line, Nixon, a junior, has everything he needs to improve upon those stats. 

Maybe even surpass them. 

After all, the Cowboys return 19 starters on offense and defense. And that list doesn’t include Andrew Brinson, a transfer receiver from Steinbrenner who will offset the loss of Eugene Wilson III, now at Florida. 

Mr. Versatile 

It is hard to label Sumner’s Greg Smith III with just one position. The senior thrives as a quarterback, accounting for more than 2,200 yards passing and running and finishing with 25 touchdowns last year. 

But he does much more than that. 

He can line up as a running back. Or as a receiver. Or as a defensive back.  

Smith III can even punt. 

His ability to do so many things makes him a valuable prospect. 

The only question is which position. 

247 Sports has Smith III listed as an athlete. Rivals has him as a quarterback. 

This past weekend, Smith III whittled his list of offers down to a top five of Howard, Florida State, Mississippi, Northern Illinois and South Florida. He plans to announce his commitment on Aug. 1. 

Senior superlatives  

Three senior quarterbacks – Wharton’s Jackson Jensen, Steinbrenner’s Ty Robinson and Sickles’ Brandon Royal – are each three-year starters. 

All with remarkably similar numbers in career passing touchdowns.

Royal has 40 while Jensen and Robinson each have 33. 

Rising star

Jesuit’s Will Griffin, who helped the program reach the Class 3M state semifinals as a freshman last season, has continued to impress this summer. 

Earlier this month, Griffin was named the MVP quarterback at Rivals Five-Star Pro Day by NEXTGEN. 

He already has eight offers, including Florida, Florida State, Michigan and Ohio State. 

Now, Griffin will try to provide some stability for the Tigers at the position after going through three starting quarterbacks in as many years.  

Quarterback battles

The quarterback competition at Tampa Bay Tech includes three candidates – Xzavier Jackson, Logan Rogers and Jaden Rosebury – all of whom are vying to replace Xavione Washington. 

Plant has already named Trey O’Malley as the starter, but Panthers coach Hank Brown said JC Marisola will see playing time. 

“Each week will be a competition,” Brown said.

It is a similar situation Plant had last season during its run to the Class 4M region semifinals. O’Malley threw for 1,678 yards and 16 touchdowns while Mirasola finished with 615 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago. 

Sensational sophomores

There are seven sophomores worth keeping an eye on this season, many of whom are first-year starters. 

Rhys Brush, Armwood: The baseball standout takes over as the starter for the Hawks this season.  

Will Griffin, Jesuit: Took over as the starter early last season and threw for 1,653 yards and 18 touchdowns for the Class 3M state semifinalist Tigers.  

Noah Guenther, Newsome: Takes over as the starter after playing in a limited role last year.

Darryon Jones, Hillsborough: The dynamic playmaker moves into a starting role this season for the Terriers. 

Nathan Richardson, Spoto: Started the final three games last season and threw for a combined seven touchdowns to help the Spartans go 2-1 in that stretch. 

Logan Rogers, Tampa Bay Tech: The Jefferson transfer is competing with two others for the starting spot. 

Dillon Rose Bailey, Bloomingdale: Emerging star threw for 1,048 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. 

End zones

Alonso’s Joseph Glennon, a transfer from Mitchell, takes over as the starter after Terrell Russell Jr. moved out of state….Durant’s Michael Ryan is back after throwing for 1,655 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore last season.