Cleveland High School freshman Blaine Lowe recently attended an invitation-only quarterback camp featuring 50 of the top prospects in the nation. QB Universe brings together nationally-recognized trainers and coaches to work with and evaluate the young quarterbacks. Lowe walked away with the Highest QB IQ awarded, scoring in a tie for the highest in the nation among all high school contests.
QB IQ is a system of making good in-game judgment calls during football games. The assessment gauges a quarterback’s on-field aptitude and quick decisions.
“I can’t tell you how hard it is.” expressed QB IQ co-creator and coach Chris Hixon in a video of the awards presentation. “This is tied for the best in United States.”
Coach Hixson is best known for his work with former NFL and Superbowl great Trent Dilfer in developing the QB IQ system and the Elite 11 Quarterback competition.
To win the award, Lowe competed and trained with 20 selected athletes of from the graduating classes of 2022 and 2023. Some of the competition was hosted by the XFL team the St. Louis Battlehawks.
“We spent three days doing drills that challenged you physically and mentally.” said Lowe. “The coaches were encouraging but tried to mess you up at times.”
Of the experience, Lowe stated it was his chance at redemption.
Last year, Lowe was invited to Miami, FL to compete in another national contest for quarterbacks entering high school. The Future 4 competitions have produced dozens of notable Division 1 alumni. While competing in Miami, Lowe was injured.
“I knew that something was wrong in Miami and when we got home, I had to have surgery on my throwing elbow to fix my growth plate.” said Lowe. The surgery left him with a screw in his elbow. He played his entire 9th grade season as a member of the Cleveland Raiders JV and varsity squads with the screw in his arm.
After another surgery to remove the screw, Lowe finished rehab in time to qualify fo the QB Universe camp.
“I went to St. Louis to show everyone that I could be much better than what I showed in Miami. I wanted to prove that I belonged there.” He said winning the Highest QB IQ award made him feel like he achieved his goal and earned respect of the coaches and other competitors.
Lowe is currently competing as a decathlete for the Cleveland track team but will return to the Blue Raiders football roster this fall.
“I am very thankful for all that I did and learned from QB Universe,” said Lowe. “But I am ready to help my Raider teammates win some games.”
When asked about what he plans for the future, Lowe said he wants to help the Blue Raiders win a state championship before he graduates.
“There is another trophy I want, and it says ‘State Champs’ on the front.”
The Cleveland Raiders started rebuilding last season with new Head Coach Marty Wheeler and finished the season 4-6 with many close contests.