The Elite 11 Finals take place starting today and wrap up July 3rd in Los Angeles, CA. The top quarterbacks have a mock pro day, engage in classroom sessions, and have a training camp where they test their skills in a 7-on-7 versus defensive players. Nineteen of the top 20 NFL passers in 2019 attended Elite 11 camps as preps and all of these future stars are hungry to be named to the Elite 11. These signal callers are listed in order of their 247sports.com rank.
Quinn Ewers, Southlake, TX — Committed to Ohio State
Ewers is the highest-rated quarterback on 247 since Vince Young. He checks in with a perfect 1.000 score and is the number one overall player in the 2022 class for all three major recruiting services. It is difficult to overstate how good of a prospect he is, but he checks so many boxes I struggle to find any negatives. Briefly, he plays the position with a calm control making every play look easy. His arm strength allows him to fire balls all over the field without having a perfect platform, and his placement is extremely accurate. As a junior, throw after throw landed on time in the right spot during the Texas state championship game. One thing that stood out especially was his anticipatory throws on curls and outs where the ball was on its way before the receiver was in position.
What I’d like to see more of during the Elite 11 and his senior year would be consistently stepping into throws and driving the ball with his lower half. He can get away with it, but there are too many instances where he launches from his back foot, one of which resulted in an underthrown interception. He has acceptable athleticism, but Ewers won’t be confused with a dual-threat quarterback, so that’s something to keep in mind when considering fantasy points. – Alfred Fernandez
Walker Howard, St. Thomas More, LA — Committed to LSU
A strong, well-built passer, Walker Howard has quite a presence on film. It is immediately evident he has a cannon and can make big-time cross-field throws on the mark. I did not see any balls flutter or lose velocity in the air. I like his athleticism which appears to be good enough to extend plays and suggest enough danger to defenses they will need to consider it. He put a few plays on film that show strong throws on the move. I think he has some excellent upside and can envision a difference-making quarterback at the next level. Areas to tighten up would be anticipation and processing, as he seemed to hold the ball and wait on guys to get open at times. – Alfred Fernandez
Ty Simpson, Martin, TN — Committed to Alabama
Westview High School product Ty Simpson might be the next great Alabama quarterback. Currently ranked 3rd among QBs in the 247 Composite (25th overall), Simpson has the potential to become the future for the Crimson Tide as early as 2023 when super-recruit Bryce Young potentially declares for the draft. Simpson is an athletic quarterback who can make plays on the run while also delivering accurate throws from inside the pocket. His athleticism, high football IQ, and decision-making stand out as key attributes in his profile. One thing I am looking for at the Elite 11 is how he utilizes his mobility and what his arm strength looks like, as it is currently adequate. – Chris Moxley
Conner Weigman, Cypress, TX — Committed to Texas A&M
Conner Weigman is a five-star quarterback who is staying close to home to play at Texas A&M. Although not blessed with top-tier size or athleticism, he has all the tools needed to be a big-time collegiate producer. Weigman combines a quick release, a strong arm, and the ability to keep his eyes downfield while scrambling that should make Jimbo Fisher quite happy. I expect Weigman to compete immediately for the job at A&M, and his name should be on radars for those in C2C and devy leagues. – Austin Nace
Cade Klubnik, Westlake, TX — Committed to Clemson
Cade Klubnik is a 2022 Clemson commit who plays in the highest division (AAAAAA) football for Westlake HS in Texas. Klubnik brings functional athleticism and excellent accuracy (69.4% completion percentage for his career). As 247 Composite’s QB6 (65th nationally), Klubnik is likely the next man up at Clemson after DJ Uiagalelei and represents C2C upside for that reason alone. However, long-term Klubnik seems to lack elite traits to take the next step into the elite tier. His arm strength leaves much to be desired, and his accuracy stems from completing short and intermediate throws. I’ll be paying close attention to Klubnik at the Elite 11 to see the velocity on his throws, his arm strength, and the ability to hit players in-stride deep. – Chris Moxley
A.J. Duffy, IMG Academy, FL — Committed to Florida State
This is a huge opportunity for Duffy, a four-star quarterback who transferred to IMG, to play amongst the best in high school. 2020 was a wash for him, he was slated to start for Rancho Verde in California, and the season was canceled in the fall. He started for the team as a sophomore and showed poise, maturity, a good arm, and mobility. The Finals will give scouts and coaches a good chance to see where he is as far as tools and his mental approach. – Dwight Peebles
Maalik Murphy, Gardena, CA — Committed to Texas
Murphy is a four-star quarterback and the eighth-rated quarterback in the 2022 class. Murphy is committed to Texas and has many Longhorn fans buzzing after seeing his throws from the L.A. regional. He is credited with throwing the ball 70 yards, which won him the long toss competition. He’s athletic and can not only extend plays with his legs but make off-platform throws when needed. He shows good touch passing and knows when to throw the ball with touch instead of firing the ball in. He shows good accuracy to all three levels of the field and has one of the strongest arms in this class. Playing well and sticking close to the top guys in this competition will be huge for him. While he has all the tools to be a high-end college producer, he hasn’t produced yet on the high school level. With him finally being the starter for Sierra High, this competition and his senior year could boost his stock higher in this class. – Matt Bruening
Gavin Wimsatt, Owensboro, KY — Committed to Rutgers
The gem of Greg Schiano’s 2022 Rutgers recruiting class is Gavin Wimsatt. The 247 Composite’s QB10 and 94th player nationally, Wimsatt is 6’3 200lbs – a good frame to add the requisite weight to make him a hard-to-bring-down QB at the collegiate level. A good athlete, Wimsatt can make plays out of structure using his legs but struggles with his accuracy at times. Evidenced by a career 54.7% completion percentage, Wimsatt needs to take the next step forward as a passer to provide high-end upside in C2C formats. At this week’s Elite 11, I am paying close attention to how he performs with making throws on time and accurately. – Chris Moxley
Drew Allar, Medina, OH — Committed to Penn State
Hailing from Medina, OH, Allar is the eleventh-rated QB in the 2022 class. If there is a true prototype for the position, Allar certainly fits it. The Penn State commit weighs in at 6’4.5 and 228 pounds and possesses all the tools you want from a starting quarterback. Beyond his strong arm and rushing ability, Allar is great at throwing off-platform, which allows him to use his mobility to his advantage. Whether he’s in the pocket or scrambling, he’s a threat to beat you downfield. His decision-making needs some refinement — he’s not afraid to throw into traffic — but I expect him to excel at this event. – Austin Nace
Jacurri Brown, Lowndes, GA — Committed to Miami (FL)
The twelfth-rated QB in the 2022 class, Brown is taking a unique skill set to the U, and this Finals will be a great chance for him to showcase how his skills are from a technical standpoint. He’s one of the most electric runners in the class and has rushed for 100 yards in 14 games at the varsity level. As a passer, he is raw and needs work with mechanics and touch. The Finals will be critical for him, and we can get a better idea of where he is as a prospect. The rushing upside is tantalizing, and he’s an exciting QB. – Dwight Peebles
Holden Geriner, Savannah, GA — Committed to Auburn
Geriner is an unspectacular 4-star quarterback in this 2022 class. While he has solid downfield accuracy and throws with a solid amount of anticipation, something is lacking in his game that most of the other top guys in this class possess. There is minimal “wow” factor in Geriner’s game. He’s very steady and often makes the correct play. With the thin depth chart at Auburn, Geriner could compete immediately. Auburn HC Brian Harsin has worked with “steady” QBs before, most recently Hank Bachmeier at Boise State, so the two should be a solid duo. I’m just not betting on high-end NFL potential. – Austin Nace
Nick Evers, Flower Mound, TX — Committed to Florida
Evers is the type of quarterback that is rare as a high schooler. While he certainly has adequate tools, what really sets Evers apart is his accuracy. Of all the quarterbacks in this class, Evers may have the best ball placement. The Florida commit balances downfield aggressiveness with the ability to put the ball where only his receiver can make a play on it. His nuanced approach is a breath of fresh air in this new age of toolsy QBs with nothing between the ears. Evers is one of the lower-ranked guys in this competition (QB21 according to the composite), but don’t be fooled. He belongs here and should have a strong showing this week. – Austin Nace
Devin Brown, Queen Creek, AZ — Committed to USC
Brown enters a muddy situation with the Trojans after landing top QB recruits in Miller Moss and Jaxson Dart. Both will only be sophomores when Brown arrives on campus. A four-star prospect, he has a strong arm and fires in the ball with authority. I would like to see from him; touch, varying arm angles, and different velocities to put his targets in more catchable situations. – Dwight Peebles
Katin Houser, St. John Bosco, CA — Committed to Michigan State
Houser recently flipped his commitment from Boise State and will enter East Lansing next fall as the most talented QB the Spartans have had in some time. He’s the third-ranked high school team leader in the country and has a phenomenal arm – Houser can make any throw already. He has good awareness in the pocket and can extend plays with his mobility. He’s already 6’3”, 200 pounds, great size, and will be tested by the highest level of competition before he arrives on campus next fall. Houser has a chance these next few days to showcase why he belongs with the top quarterbacks. A three-star prospect, Houser can rise with a good camp and then a strong 2021. – Dwight Peebles
A.J. Swann, Cherokee, GA — Committed to Maryland
It’s been a very good day @ajswann10 at @Elite11 . One coach here told me, “that is the dude.” #Maryland commit at QB. pic.twitter.com/DA1GkoPAPD
— Rusty Mansell (@Mansell247) March 7, 2021
Swann is a three-star prospect and earned his invite to the Finals by dominating the Atlanta regional. He made every throw in the event, and after watching his game tape – his arm really pops. Swann sets his feet when throwing and shuffles around the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. On the move, his accuracy doesn’t suffer, and he leads his receivers. The mechanics look impressive, and he gets some mustard on his throws. Swann is a riser for me, and the Finals will be a good chance for him to show how good he is alongside the other elite signal-callers. – Dwight Peebles
Zachary Pyron, Pinson Valley, AL — Committed to Baylor
I was thoroughly impressed watching Pyron’s throwing at the Nashville regional and the limited tape I could find. At 6’2” and 215 pounds, he is solid and has a powerful arm. Throwing on the run, throwing at different angles, he throws a live ball with accuracy. He isn’t a rushing threat as much as a guy like Brown, but he moves well and can take off and gain yards. Pyron is another to watch as a three-star who earned an invite and has a lot to prove. – Dwight Peebles
Nate Johnson, Clovis, CA — Committed to Utah
Johnson, a three-star and 23rd ranked QB per 247sports.com, committed to Utah and is perpetuating that they may have a type. Last year Utah recruited a track star/quarterback in Peter Costelli; they are doing the same here with Johnson. Johnson is credited with running a 10.56-100m this spring. The first thing that stands out when you watch Johnson is his speed. He’ll compete as the fastest quarterback in this 2022 class. However, he’s not just legs and speed as Johnson is quite impressive with his arm as well. He displays a quick release and is fairly accurate in the short and intermediate areas of the field. He has the ability to throw deep as well. The Elite 11 and his senior year will allow him to focus solely on QB and hopefully improve. He spent time as a wide receiver his sophomore year. Johnson has tremendous upside and may just be coming into his own, which alone is scary when you think of what his upside could be. He needs to be more consistent passing the ball; seeing him in this contest hanging in with the top guys will be very promising. – Matt Bruening
Tevin Carter, P.U.R.E. Youth, TN — Uncommitted
One of the lower-ranked quarterbacks making it to the Elite 11 finals is Carter, out of P.U.R.E. Youth in Memphis. He has had an unusual high school career, playing at three high schools over the last three years. I was not terribly impressed with Carter on the field as he did not look comfortable as a passer. He is 6’3″ and 230 pounds, with long levers that look awkward at times. He doesn’t seem to have a feel for the position, and despite his size, the arm strength wasn’t striking. Carter is listed as a “dual-threat” on rivals but “pocket passer” on ESPN and I agree with ESPN here. There was not much evidence at all of pocket mobility nor rushing ability. I struggle to find a reason to be excited about Carter in this competition or at the college level unless many aspects of his game improve. – Alfred Fernandez
Luther Richesson, Lipscomb Academy, TN — Uncommitted
I’m just going to come out and say it: Richesson is a diamond in the rough. Currently ranked as the 1048th player on 247sports.com, he will shoot up many lists after this week. Before evaluating the E11 participants, I came across this article from The Athletic outlining his unusual story. It’s a fascinating read, but the take-home is that Richesson has football pedigree, coaching mentorship, and the skills to explode. Still, lack of camp attendance and social media presence has stymied his recruitment.
Flip on the tape, however, and it’s immediately clear this kid’s got game. One of the first throws I caught was an off-platform bomb 50 yards in the air in stride to his receiver. Over and over, Richesson fires college-level darts with a quick, efficient release hash to hash as well as vertically. His placement is great, too, finding pockets of grass between defenders. As a bonus, there is some juice in his legs – think Aaron Rodgers style rushing. Suffice to say, I am in love and think this event will send Richesson to the moon. I saw one throw he made falling sideways that didn’t have enough on it and was intercepted, so he’s not perfect. Write Luther Richesson down, and he is a name you will hear about in the future. – Alfred Fernandez
