Scout’s view: Ohio State’s latest commitment, quarterback Air Noland

Although Prentiss “Air” Noland had to wait until last week for his Ohio State offer, it was the one he was waiting for. The Georgia lefty quarterback committed to the Buckeyes tonight.

He becomes the first true left-handed quarterback on OSU’s roster since steve bellisari in the early 2000s. Yes, Torrance Gibson came in as a quarterback, but that didn’t last long as he  transitioned to wide receiver shortly after trying his hand at quarterback.

Noland has steadily risen in the recruiting rankings, initially ranked as the No. 200 overall recruit and now sitting as No. 84 overall. The 6-foot, 3-inch, 195-pounder selected Ohio State over offers from Alabama, Clemson, Oregon, and others.

The ninth commit for the Buckeyes will have plenty of weapons at his disposal and is reunited with high school teammate, tight end Jelani Thurman. After watching his highlight tape, Ohio State fans should be ecstatic about the future of the position.

Find out what I liked about Noland’s game after watching his junior season recap in my scout’s view and what to expect during his tenure in Columbus.

Winner

Breakdown

The Ohio State staff is putting together a group of winners at the quarterback position, as Noland follows [autotag]Lincoln Kienholz[/autotag], who also won a state championship this past season. The lefty’s numbers were absurd, throwing for 4,095 yards and 55 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions. Noland is a team player who knows what it takes to win and he’s bringing that mentality to Columbus.

Elite ball placement

Breakdown

There’s a reason you don’t see many left-handed quarterbacks, their passes tend to tail and bad things happen with inaccuracy. Noland is the opposite of that, he’s extremely accurate. His ball placement is elite, something the Buckeyes fans got used to with [autotag]C.J. Stroud[/autotag] at the helm the last two seasons. Noland can fit the ball into tight windows when needed and typically gives his receivers a chance for yards after the catch.

Touch

Breakdown

It might seem like touch and accuracy are the same, but they aren’t. Some quarterbacks have cannons for arms but have no idea when to take a bit off their throws. Noland knows when to give extra loft to his throws or use his strong arm to let a dart go. His release is extremely quick, the ball explodes out of his hand.

Footwork / running ability

Breakdown

Noland shouldn’t be viewed as a true dual threat, but he can run when he needs to. He scored five rushing touchdowns this past season, but really just ran when necessary. Noland is best at moving around the pocket to buy himself some extra time as receivers work their way open. Having the threat of him running helps lure safeties toward the line of scrimmage, so he can take deep shots over their heads. Noland does well throwing on the move, squaring his shoulders without losing and zip on his throws — his great footwork allowing this to happen.

Conclusion

Breakdown

Noland has all the qualities you’re looking for in a quarterback: Size, arm strength, athletic ability, and a winner’s mentality. When he sees the field will depend on the players in front of him, so expect maybe a redshirt during year one. It’s hard to say how the room will shake out but I’m excited for a Kienholz and Noland battle for the starting job in the future.

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Story originally appeared on Buckeye Wire