There is a quarterback battle at DeSoto, one of the top programs in Texas football and the nation.
In last week’s release of the USA TODAY Sports Preseason Super 25, DeSoto was fourth nationally.
Last year, DeSoto was led by quarterback D.J. Bailey who is now with Sam Houston football. Bailey threw for over 3,600 yards with 44 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Following a 15-0 season, DeSoto finished fourth in the final USA TODAY Sports Super 25 football rankings.
According to Greg Riddle of the Dallas Morning News, one of the top prep reporters in the nation, there is a quarterback battle between two incoming transfers to DeSoto. Senior quarterback Kelden Ryan and junior Legend Howell are duking it out to take over for one of the top programs in the nation.
Transfers Kelden Ryan, Legend Howell duel for starting QB job as DeSoto looks for state title three-peat.
Ryan, a Virginia Tech pledge, accounted for nearly 3,000 yards of total offense at Fort Worth All Saints last year.Read: https://t.co/n29RlGgS7v#txhsfb @desotoisdeagles pic.twitter.com/szQZesta1r
— Greg Riddle (@DMNGregRiddle) August 13, 2024
Ryan is a transfer from All Saints Episcopal (Fort Worth, Texas) who is committed to Virginia Tech over offers from Arkansas, Boston College, Colorado Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami, Missouri, SMU, Texas Tech and Vanderbilt among others.
As for Howell, he transfers from Bishop Lynch (Dallas, Texas) following a season where he threw for 1,692 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Howell was a bright spot on a Bishop Lynch team that went 3-9 last year.