While it feels inevitable that there will be dozens and dozens of "Mini Mahomes" comparisons over the next decade, referring to the next generation of great quarterback prospects that model their game after the NFL's best passer, this "Mini Mahomes" comparison seemingly has some real legitimacy to it.
His name is Santi "Showtime" Cruz, and he's been turning heads over the past few months. His Instagram account, run by his parents, touts him as the "#1 Dual-Threat QB in the Nation." He's been mentioned by various media outlets. He rocks his Oakleys like Mahomes, has his hair cut like Mahomes and sure can fling the ball downfield like (a mini) Mahomes.
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He even got to meet Mahomes in March, later posting a brief clip about their interaction.
And now, with the 2021 NFL season getting underway and Mahomes looking to lead the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl, Cruz is looking to give the 2018 MVP yet another challenge. Teaming up with Whistle Sports, "Showtime" ran through some drills in an impressive video — which can be seen in full here — and went so far as to extend a friendly competitive offer to Mahomes.
"If I played Patrick Mahomes in these challenges, I think I could compete with him and make him work for it," he said. "Patrick, let me know if the challenge is accepted... I'm coming for you."
According to QB Hit List, "Showtime" is the third highest-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2029 — which I just learned is apparently scouted nine years ahead of time — with a 77.18 overall grade. Some notes are that he's "unstoppable when on the run with cuts, spins and bursts of speed," he fires away with "sharp precision... (and) doesn't lose much accuracy while on the run" and he thrives under pressure with "strong confidence to lead his team in any situation."
Sounds pretty good, eh? We'll be following along over the next decade to see what the future holds for "Showtime" and if he can realize his dream of dominating like Mahomes.
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