Anthony Youngblood is a Class of 2029 quarterback out of Maryland who will play this year at the high school level. It won't be the first time Youngblood has decided to compete against the toughest competition. He admits that last season was the first one he found himself challenged as a football player.

Reflecting on his growth as a player, Youngblood acknowledges the challenges he faced when he first played higher-level football. "Since last year was my first time playing higher-level football, adjusting to the game's speed has made me improve," he shares. As he prepares to enter high school football as an 8th grader, he is eager to continue developing his skills and make a significant impact.

Youngblood gave reasons for not setting any upcoming goals for the season. Youngblood focuses on the present rather than setting specific season goals, aiming to take each day as it comes.

"I don't set season goals for myself; my objective is to take it day by day, sometimes week by week, and not get into my head too much about the overall season," Youngblood explains.

Youngblood has had a busy off-season, attending camps such as QB Takeover Black Ops, where he earned recognition as Regional and National MVP, and The Show By NXGN, where he was part of an undefeated champion team with 21 touchdowns and just one interception. He also attended the Syracuse Camp, which he found particularly rewarding. "My favorite was Syracuse because the coaches invited me to the camp and visited the school," Youngblood said.

All State Preps had an opportunity to watch Youngblood in a camp setting this past Spring. He is a competitor because he has faced and done well against other quarterbacks nationwide. Youngblood's love for the quarterback position is rooted in his complete control over the game.

"I play quarterback because having complete control of the game is the most enjoyable part for me," he states confidently. Youngblood's passion for football is evident in his speech about the sport. "I enjoy playing football because it is the greatest sport in the world. No other sport balances how you need to be mentally and physically intact," he says. His game enjoyment extends to his daily love of throwing the ball.

For Youngblood, the mental aspect of the game is as important as the physical. "The most important skill in football is only letting yourself be in your head; as soon as others enter, you've gone wrong," he says. Youngblood is committed to improving this skill by blocking external noise and focusing on his performance.

The blocking out of distractions extends to how Youngblood gets himself ready for a football game. Preparation is crucial to Youngblood's game-day routine, which focuses on maintaining a calm demeanor. "Just being calm is key when preparing for a game, both mentally and physically," he emphasizes.

When asked who his favorite football player was, Youngblood revealed that it was Justin Herbert (current NFL quarterback for the San Diego Chargers). He admires Herbert Herbert for his playing style, which he feels aligns with his own. "I love how he plays, and we have similar-style games," Youngblood notes.

Playing any high school football as an eighth grader will always have challenges. Youngblood doesn't plan to cloud his mind with thoughts on what might or might not happen. He plans to stay focused on whatever task is put on him and not look too far into the future.

"The more you focus on the future, the more you lose sight of what is in front of you."