It's not Texas, Western Pennsylvania or Southern California.
But New Mexico, relative to its population, has produced a few notable quarterbacks.
It may be best known for being the birthplace of Ronnie Lott and Brian Urlacher, but the Land of Enchantment has also produced standout signal-callers Jim Everett and
Landry Jones.
Everett spent more than a decade in the NFL, compiling nearly 35,000 career passing yards playing for the Rams, Saints and Chargers.
Courtesy photoZach Gentry, Eldorado
Jones, a Heisman Trophy contender this season at Oklahoma, threw for 3,580 yards and 44 touchdowns as a senior at
Artesia (N.M.).
Zach Gentry, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound sophomore from
Eldorado (Albuquerque, N.M.) could be next in line.
As a freshman last fall, Gentry backed up brother Sam, now a quarterback at the University of New Mexico. He saw limited action, but his highlight tape was enough to catch the eye of San Diego State, which offered him a scholarship last month.
"Rocky Long called my head coach about a month ago. He was asking about another player, then he saw me (on film)," Gentry said.
New Mexico is also showing early interest in Gentry, who said that his arm strength and accuracy are his biggest strengths right now. With Eldorado moving to a spread offense, Gentry will likely have an opportunity to make more plays with his feet, though he admits, "I tend to be more of a pocket passer."
Gentry said he's been compared to Everett, who was 6-5 and also attended Eldorado, though the two have never spoken.
Gentry gets his advice and guidance instead from older brother Sam.
"He [Sam] is working with me, getting me on a schedule," Gentry said. "He's given me a lot of pointers."
Gentry adds to an already-deep pool of Class of 2015 quarterbacks that includes
David Sills,
Austin Kafentzis,
Michael O'Connor,
Kevin Dillman and
Jayru Campbell.
A strong sophomore campaign from Gentry will thrust him firmly into the national spotlight.