ELITE 11 QUARTERBACK CLASS PASSES MUSTER
Recruits prep for senior year and beyond
Each summer, the nation’s top quarterback recruits convene on Nike’s campus for the Elite 11, a competition featuring a series of on- and offthe-field tests for the next crop of college standouts at the position.
This year’s group might lack the star power of the recent past, even if it’s far too early to peg exactly how these 12 quarterbacks will pan out in the Football Bowl Subdivision ranks.
But these quarterbacks were “the best group of learners we’ve had,” Elite 11 coach Yogi Roth said, in the way they quickly and effectively digested not just the offense installed by their coaches and counselors but also embraced even the most mundane aspects of the competition.
From here, these quarterbacks will prepare for their senior seasons in high school and, in the not-so-distant future, a move to college football’s highest level.
With insight from Roth, who broke down the quarterback class for USA TODAY Sports, here’s an in-depth look at the Elite 11 class of 2017.
CAMMON COOPER, LEHI (UTAH)
Committed to Washington State
Cooper’s delivery — not to mention his southpaw throwing style — made onlookers immediately think of Kellen Moore, the winningest quarterback in college football history.
But Cooper is more than just a pocket passer: He has the athleticism to potentially expand Mike Leach’s playbook at Washington State. In addition to his strong arm, Cooper has the legs to “add another dimension” to Washington State’s attack, Roth said.
MATT CORRAL, LONG BEACH POLY
Uncommitted
Once committed to Southern California, Corral has garnered attention from several major programs since reopening his recruitment this summer. He had his moments at the camp but also made a few throws he’d love to take back. But the potential is obvious: Corral can make every throw from inside the pocket and out, and he has the physical tools to make an immediate impact in 2018.
“I think he’s going to be a star,” Roth said.
JUSTIN FIELDS, HARRISON (GA.)
Uncommitted
In terms of his immediate ability and long-term potential, Fields might be the best quarterback to come through Elite 11 during his nine years with the camp, Roth said. The MVP of the event, Fields oozes everything you’d want from the position — size, arm strength, footwork, speed, athleticism and smarts. He was outstanding.
“I think we’re looking at a guy who’s a potential No. 1 draft pick. He does everything right. He makes some of the difficult things look real easy. You go down the checklist of things that make an elite player at the quarterback position, and he checks all of them.”
TREVOR LAWRENCE, CARTERSVILLE (GA.)
Committed to Clemson
Lawrence and Fields were almost unquestionably the top two quarterbacks in attendance. Maybe that’s not surprising: The two top the 247Sports.com rankings of the position, after all.
Mechanically and physically, Lawrence showed throughout the week why he’s destined to arrive at Clemson and immediately compete for the starting job, if not win it.
“When you just lock in and watch him, you’re reminded of just how unique his physical gifts are,” Roth said.
Every other summer or so, a quarterback appears at this event who you just know is going to be a wonderful college player and eventually reach the next level. Lawrence was that guy in 2017.
DEVIN LEARY, TIMBER CREEK (N.J.)
Committed to North Carolina State
Leary packs a rocket arm into a smaller frame. It’s easy to see why N.C. State coaches jumped all over the New Jersey product during his recruitment. But he has been overlooked as a prospect, which might explain the mentality he brought to the competition.
Said Roth, “Devin Leary is a guy with a consistent chip on his shoulder.”
TANNER MCKEE, CORONA CENTENNIAL (CALIF.)
Uncommitted
McKee is as good as they come in terms of pro-style, pocket-passing prospects. A true 6-6 with the frame to add another 1520 pounds, McKee is accurate as a thrower and holds the physical tools to rival any quarterback at the event.
“I think when you look at pro prospects, he’s what you want,” Roth said.
QUINCY PATTERSON II, SOLORIO (ILL.)
Committed to Virginia Tech
Every person who came into contact with Patterson at camp fell in love with the future Virginia Tech signee. He’s smart and driven. In terms of his intelligence, Patterson reminded many of former Elite 11 participant Josh Dobbs, who just completed his career at Tennessee.
And he’s only scratching the surface of his potential as a quarterback, Roth said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins some major awards in college football once his career gets going.”
JUSTIN ROGERS, PARKWAY (LA.)
Committed to TCU
Rogers was one of the nice surprises from Elite 11. Though there was no doubting his athleticism — he’ll be an absolute terror on defenses as a runner — Rogers made great strides during the week as a traditional passer. As time wore on, he impressed coaches with his accuracy and anticipatory skills. He might need time to develop further when he gets on campus, but TCU is getting a good one.
TYLER SHOUGH, HAMILTON (ARIZ.)
Committed to North Carolina
Much like former Elite 11 participant Sam Darnold, who was wildly underrated as a recruit, Shough blew up during a regional camp, flashed untapped potential during the finals and showed well during The Opening. In terms of his skill set, Roth made the comparison to Jared Goff; they have the same frame, share similar intangibles and show the same high level of focus.
“I think he’s an absolute star,” Roth said.
DORIAN THOMPSON-ROBINSON, BISHOP GORMAN (NEV.)
Committed to UCLA
Thompson-Robinson is an interesting case. He has yet to start at Bishop Gorman, one of the premier high school programs in the country. If he’s ahead of the curve athletically, he’s still catching up, to a degree, as a quarterback. But the potential is obvious.
And the fact that Thompson-Robinson handled the event well despite his lack of experience is a hugely positive sign, Roth said. In the past, quarterbacks who arrived at the event without playing as a junior found things move too fast. Not so with Thompson-Robinson. Depending on how he develops this fall, he could be a contender to replace Josh Rosen as UCLA’s starter.
JACK TUTTLE, MISSION HILLS (CALIF.)
Committed to Utah
Consistency. While Tuttle was frustrated by his play during 7on-7 drills, he as a whole illustrated a rare ability to replicate his delivery and routine from snap to snap. Not surprisingly, Tuttle hit on far more throws than he missed.
He has blown up as a national recruit in recent months, drawing interest from USC and Alabama, among others, but Tuttle told USA TODAY Sports that he’s very solid with Utah. His plan is to sign in December and enroll early in time to participate in spring practice.
JARREN WILLIAMS, CENTRAL GWINNETT (GA.)
Committed to Kentucky
After last month’s Elite 11 finals in Redondo Beach, Calif., coaches weren’t sure whether to include Williams in the main event. They made a good choice. If not quite as polished as others in this class, Williams has a magnetism that draws in teammates.
“I don’t know if he knows it,” Roth said, “but he’s got this quality, this lean-in quality that we like to utilize here at Elite 11. He has it.”