Clarksville's top five quarterbacks returning for 2017

 While every coach will tell you that every position on the football field is important, no position affects the game in more ways than the quarterback.

Montgomery County had its share of standouts under center in 2016.

Here are the top five returning quarterbacks for 2017 and what their coaches said about them:

Skyler Luna, Clarksville High

As the quarterback of the oldest football program in the county, Luna's senior year has big upside as he tries to improve on his team's two-win season a year ago. How far the Wildcats go will depend on just how successful Luna is.

Isaac Shelby: "He's had a lot of growth and maturity. He has a strong arm, which makes him a great baseball player, but he's more athletic than what people give him credit for. He can make plays happen, and he's a confidence kid, but quiet as well. Other kids see that. They see he believes in himself."

Madison Murphy, Montgomery Central

He may be short in stature, but his heart is huge and his mentality to make a play may be even bigger. Often referred to as a "gunslinger", Murphy threw for 958 yards last year and 13 touchdowns. He also ran for 235 yards and three scores.

Jeff Tomlinson: "He has a motor that never stops. He is high energy. He's fast pace and never slows down. He hates to lose. You can be tying your shoes and he'll try to beat you tying your shoes."

Isaiah Phillips, Rossview

Phillips takes over at quarterback after the departure of Kole Monson. The Hawks gain an extremely elusive runner with Phillips. He had 134 carries for 809 yards and six touchdowns last year as a running back. His 1,296 all-purpose yards were the best on the team.

Todd Hood: "Isaiah has developed into a quarterback. He was a running back and receiver last year and to see him work and develop and make good decisions and create an extra weapon on offense is exciting. And him accepting this role has been a positive for our team in terms of the kind of leadership we need."

Hunter Silverstrim, Northwest

Silverstrim was the quarterback of the most successful football team in the city last year as the Vikings erased a seven-year playoff drought. Silverstrim completed 58 percent of his throws for 1,142 yards with 15 touchdowns and ran for 333 yards and four scores last year.

Bryce Robinson, Clarksville Academy

One of the most accurate passers in Montgomery County, Robinson threw for 363 yards on 20-of-25 passing and seven touchdowns against Perry County last year, setting a school record for TD passes in a game.

J.D. Sellers: "He's an exceptional leader. He's on top of every little detail that he's responsible for. He gets our concepts and he understands what we're trying to do offensively, but I'd say his attention to detail is his biggest strength."

Reach George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or 931-245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.