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Boston College commit Anthony Brown earned MVP honors.
Boston College commit Anthony Brown earned MVP honors.Credit: 247Sports

5 Top-Performing Quarterback Recruits from 2015 Columbus Elite 11 Regional

Tyler DonohueJun 1, 2015

Ohio State is home to perhaps the deepest quarterback depth chart in college football. The arm talent on campus further increased Sunday when Columbus hosted Elite 11 regional action on campus. 

More than 70 high school passers assembled on the Buckeyes' practice fields for hours of competition featuring several prospects committed to Power 5 programs. Rising seniors stepped into the spotlight, while younger players like Ohio State pledge Danny Clark and 5-star sophomore Hunter Johnson also commanded attention.

Here's a look at the top five performers from an action-packed afternoon, as selected by Elite 11 coaches. Bleacher Report enjoyed an up-close view throughout the day and spoke with Brian Stumpf, event leader and Director of Football Operations at Student Sports.

4-Star Jack Allison

1 of 5

Class: 2016

High School: Palmetto (Palmetto, Florida)

Size: 6'5", 200 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 107 overall; No. 7 pro-style quarterback

Jack Allison traveled all the way from the Sunshine State to measure up against some of his top contemporaries in the 2016 class. The Miami Hurricanes commit displayed confidence in his individual talents and the class head coach Al Golden is putting together in Coral Gables (rated third nationally in composite rankings).

"We'll compete for a national championship," Allison said.

Allison flashed one of the strongest arms Sunday, delivering darts with an effortless throwing motion. He completed 60 percent of his pass attempts for 1,622 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2014, per MaxPreps.

Few 2016 quarterbacks carry as much upside as Allison when it comes to arm talent. His quick release and desirable stature set the stage for success in the future.

Stumpf's Comments

"Jack was right up there with anyone in the camp in terms of guys who can rope the football on deep and intermediate throws. His biggest improvement will come with anticipating stuff and not needing to see a receiver open. Physically, when his feet are set, he can throw it with anyone in the country. When his mechanics are right, the ball comes out great."

3-Star Anthony Brown

2 of 5

Class: 2016

High School: St. John Vianney (Holmdel, New Jersey)

Size: 6'1", 195 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 736 overall; No. 18 dual-threat quarterbacks

Anthony Brown maximized his second Elite 11 opportunity in five weeks. He previously competed at the New York/New Jersey regional in late April and claimed positional MVP honors this time around.

His efforts in early drills demanded attention, and Brown never tired during a challenging day. He launched well-placed passes throughout a series of drills, showing off the strides he's made since his last Elite 11 appearance.

Brown wasn't the best-known quarterback in this bunch when Sunday arrived, but he made his mark before heading home. It's also important to note he's a multi-dimensional offensive threat, evidenced by 811 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground in 2014.

Boston College beat out Syracuse and Northwestern for his commitment in May.

Stumpf's Comments

"He was high on people's boards when we first saw him in New Jersey, probably right up there with Jarrett Guarantano (Tennessee commit), Brandon McIlwain (South Carolina commit) and Anthony Russo (Rutgers commit). Today, he was probably the most consistent guy from start to finish. He attacked drills from the beginning. Other quarterbacks had some great moments, but Anthony kept it up all day."

3-Star Thomas MacVittie

3 of 5

Class: 2016

High School: Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Size: 6'4", 210 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 845 overall; No. 22 dual-threat quarterback

Thomas MacVittie represented his home state well and was the only Ohio prospect to make this list. He is set to lead perennial powerhouse Archbishop Moeller as a senior after contributing in a supplemental role behind center last season.

His past experience includes time at wide receiver, and MacVittie brings significant athleticism to any offensive attack. He pulled the trigger on several pinpoint passes Sunday and should only continue to improve with an increased volume of live-action situations.

MacVittie pledged to Pittsburgh in March. His offer list also includes Toledo, Ohio and Cincinnati.

Stumpf's Comments

"Thomas is one of those guys who flashes some incredible physical stuff every once in a while. It's just a reps thing for him as he becomes more comfortable. He's going to be in a good position this year to make leaps and bounds with his game. For Pitt, he's more athletically gifted than some of the guys they have there now. It's going to come down to how quickly they can get him up to speed."

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3-Star Deuce Wallace

4 of 5

Class: 2016

High School: Sevier County (Sevierville, Tennessee)

Size: 6'2", 200 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 647 overall; No. 25 pro-style quarterback

Deuce Wallace isn't the most physically imposing player in this collection of quarterbacks, but he brings a gamesmanship to the field that quickly grows on you. His accuracy shined in drills and against defensive looks, as he routinely exploited seams with precise passes.

He makes smart decisions and seems to have a firm grasp of what is realistically within reach on each play. This attribute became clear during his junior campaign, which featured just six interceptions on 327 pass attempts.

The 2014 season featured 2,812 yards and 26 touchdowns through the air. Wallace committed to Vanderbilt in April, picking the Commodores after a flip from Northwestern.

Stumpf's Comments

"Deuce is a 'dude', as we like to say. He's a ball player. If you told him we were competing in the middle of the forest, he'd come out chucking the ball with a smile on his face. Vanderbilt is getting a guy who loves to compete and brings some leadership qualities. We liked his film and saw him put all that together today in person."

3-Star Jake Zembiec

5 of 5

Class: 2016

High School: Aquinas Institute (Rochester, New York)

Size: 6'3 ½", 211 lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 341 overall; No. 12 pro-style quarterback

Who's next to step up at quarterback in Happy Valley when the Christian Hackenberg era concludes? Keep a close eye on Jake Zembiec, who pledged to Penn State last November.

A high school starter since his freshman year, he displays the poise and positive fundamental habits to compete for early playing time in college. Zembiec was easily one of the most impressive performers in Pressure Chamber competition Sunday, highlighted by a pass toward the sideline in traffic to 4-star wide receiver Austin Mack that required excellent  touch.

He suffered a broken wrist early last season, so Zembiec will enter his final high school campaign with extra motivation. If Sunday is any indication, his rebound should take him to new heights.

Stumpf's Comments

"The biggest thing with Jake is going to be gaining more experience moving forward after a shortened junior season. He did some really good things today in a lot of drills, but things were maybe a little too fast for Jake when we put him in some of the more high-speed stuff. He acclimated himself well toward the end during the 'Pressure Chamber' and made some strong throws. You have to love his physical tools. He competed his butt off. Penn State has to be fired up."

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.

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