Behind Lincoln's Gabarri Johnson, who is the best senior high school quarterback in Washington? Here are 5 names to consider

Lincoln of Tacoma's Gabarri Johnson sits high on the throne as the best high school quarterback in Washington, regardless of classification or year.

The reigning 3A PCL player of the year has dominated summer showcases for years, including the Northwest 9 Showcase as a two-time winner. He accounted for more than 3,000 total yards and 44 touchdowns in nine games for the Abes as a junior.

The Missouri commit is the state's highest-ranked quarterback recruit in the 2023 class - a four-star player by 247Sports.com

So, who is No. 2?

Based on recruitable talent, on-field production and role in team success, here are five seniors, rated in order of preference, to consider for that spot:

RIVER LIEN, Glacier Peak

Measurables: 6-1, 210

Skinny: In terms of matching Johnson's total-offense output this fall - Lien might be your best bet. For starters, he runs with the reckless abandon and physicality of a rugby player (which he is). And with the plethora of weapons surrounding him in 2022, including tight end Cooper Jensen and running back Trey Leckner, Grizzlies coach Shane Keck noted that Lien could approach 3,500 total yards (after he had nearly 2,000 yards as a junior). "I want him to just go play and let it rip," Keck said. "I am going to allow him to be an athlete." Lien was Team FSP's top signal caller in the offseason.

What talent evaluator Brandon Huffman says: "He's got arm talent ... strength and zip. But will the offense hold him back because they've done more running that passing?"

DEMPSY JAMES, Spanaway Lake

Measurables: 6-1, 185

Skinny: Of the contending quarterbacks on this list, his physical skills - ability to make all the throws with zip and accuracy, composure and mobility - are the closest in the range of his 3A PCL counterpart. And entering his third season as the starter, James has an opportunity to elevate his profile even higher. Sentinels coach Cam Robak has seen offseason improvement. "His arm strength has gotten so much better - his spiral has been so much tighter in the camps we've done," Robak said. "He has all the intangibles." But the biggest question with him - has basketball replaced football as his top priority?

What talent evaluator Brandon Huffman says: "He is very smooth. ... It looks like everything is in slow motion with him."

GABE DOWNING, Olympia

Measurables: 6-0, 180

Skinny: It's clear that the 4A SPSL's top returning passer (2,373 yards, 29 TDs) has a couple of clear one-up advantages. For starters, he is the only signal caller on the list that has committed to an FBS/FCS school (Portland State). And he's throwing to one of the best pass catchers in the state in Mason Juergens in a high-powered passing offense. Bears coach Nick Mullen said it's almost a guarantee that Downing, a third-year starter, will throw "at least 30 times a game." He isn't the biggest guy, but by the way in which Downing can fit passes in tight windows utilizing a variety of arm angles - it's obvious he'll do whatever it takes to move his offense down the field.

What talent evaluator Brandon Huffman says: "I think he's a stud ... and he has the best system for him to put up the biggest numbers."

BRADY MCKELHEER, Eastside Catholic

Measurables: 6-1, 185

Skinny: Crusaders coach Dominic Daste heard a sweet-music comment at a passing league from an opposing player who recently tried defending a McKelheer pass. "He said the ball was whistling when it went by my head," Daste said. Pair that added arm strength to one of the most accurate passers in the state - and McKelheer is poised for a breakout second season as a starter. Daste said a benefit of having a shutdown defense a year ago was the team allowed McKelheer to take chances and learn from mistakes. "We've worked on pre-snap decision-making," Daste said. "And if he knows where he is going with the ball, people won't have a chance."

What talent evaluator Brandon Huffman says: "He's probably the best game manager in the group, and him and Bump (offensive coordinator Michael Bumpus) started getting into a groove later last season."

SKYLER CASSEL, West Valley of Yakima

Measurables: 6-0, 175

Skinny: The first Twitter-handle mention says it all - "Run N’ Shoot QB." This fall, the Rams are all in on the pass-first, pass-all-the-time offense with Cassel running the show - and his older brother, Kolney (ex-Hawaii, WSU assistant) calling plays. "That has been helpful for him to take the next step - and he has," Rams coach Dan Eyman said. "He's always had the physical skills. Where I see growth in him is mentally reading coverages." After throwing for 2,026 yards and 22 TDs in seven games last season, Cassel could be the state's leading passer in 2022, regardless of year - and 3,000 yards certainly isn't out of the question for the 4A CBBN contenders.

What talent evaluator Brandon Huffman says: "There are some tools here as a pocket passer, He could very well be a Big Sky kid."

Just missed: Keegan Bishop, Liberty Christian; Kayde Bodine, Sumner; Kade Bomberger, Goldendale; Luke Elliott, Washington; Payton Faker, Kennedy Catholic; Gavin Fugate, W.F. West; Chance Gaudiz, Rainier Beack; Kole Hunsaker, Lakeside of Nine Mile Falls; Taylor Ioane, Camas; Mitch Johnson, Mountain View; Joshua Perez, Toppenish; Carter Steinwand, Clarkston.