As we head into the 2014 season we take some time to look at some of the top signal callers we will see this fall. Overall, the group has not only great talent, but the intangibles it takes to compete at a high level and win. Let's take a look at some of the returning quarterbacks who look to create some buzz this fall.

Jon Wassink (Senior, 6'3" 186 lbs, GR South Christian) - Wassink is probably the most recognizable name in the area and one of the best quarterbacks in the state. As a junior he led South Christian to the Division 4 State Finals and the 2015 prospect recently committed to Western Michigan. Wassink picked up All-State honors in 2013 and was the MLive/GR Press Offensive Player of the Year as well. He does it through the air and also on the ground as he threw for over 2,800 yards and 24 touchdowns, while adding over 1,000 yards rushing and 22 scores on the ground in 2013. Wassink missed the 2012 State Title game with a shoulder injury and was on the losing end of a State Championship in 2013. We doubt he needs a lot of motivation heading into the 2014 season.

Tyree Jackson (Senior, 6'4" 200 lbs, Muskegon Mona Shores) - Jackson is heading into his 4th season as the Mona Shores starting QB and coming off a Junior season in which he blossomed into a legitimate QB prospect. With an impressive arm and solid decision making Jackson threw for 31 touchdowns last season in the spread offense. He led Mona Shores to their first playoff appearance ever in 2013 (34-24 loss to Lowell in the Division 2 Pre-District) and looks to build on his success in 2014. This kid not only has a high ceiling in terms of potential, but also the talent to play Division I football next year. The 2015 dual-threat QB has committed to Buffalo.

Travis Russell (Senior, 6'1" 185 lbs, Grand Rapids West Catholic) - Russell and West Catholic got off to a rough start in 2013 (1-4), but they were on fire when it counted and rolled to a 2013 Division 5 State Championship. Russell uses his strong arm and legs to run West Catholic's fast-paced spread offense that has produced 2 state titles in the last 4 years (2010, 2013). In the 2013 State Final vs Menominee, Russell threw 2 touchdowns and ran for one in the 27-14 win. Check out the West Catholic school record book and you will find Russell's name all over it. He is the career leader in yards (5,066) and TD passes (44).

Mason Opple (Senior, 6'3" 205 lbs, Hudsonville) - Hudsonville hadn't reached the playoffs since 2008 and hadn't won 2 playoffs games since 2007, but Mason Opple helped the Eagles do just that in 2013. After knocking out East Kentwood 40-20 in the Pre-District, Opple and the Eagles stunned Rockford 19-14 in the District Final. The athletic Opple had close to 2,500 total yards and 29 total touchdowns last season and he is looking to help Hudsonville reach the top the OK Red Standings for the 1st time since 2007.

Pat Naughton (Junior, 6'2" 200 lbs, Comstock Park) - As a sophomore, Naughton surprised the area by leading Comstock Park to a 12-1 record and a State Semifinal appearance in 2013. He threw for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, while leading his team to an OK-Blue Conference Championship. Comstock Park has fallen short vs South Christian in the State Semifinals each of the past 2 seasons, but with a year of experience under his belt, don't be surprised to see Naughton and Comstock Park make another playoff run.

The group doesn't stop there either. Brett Miller (Senior, 5'11" 185 lbs, Forest Hills Central), and Mikey Roth (5'11" 190 lbs, East Grand Rapids) are some names to watch out for this fall. Each QB has the tools to put together a very successful season in 2014.