Uncommitted 4-Star QB Jawon Pass on Competition: 'I'm Not Afraid'

LOS ANGELES — Columbus, Georgia, 4-star quarterback Jawon Pass isn't the type of guy who will blatantly call out anyone he respects—particularly the quarterbacks he already knew and the ones he got to know and admire over the weekend at the Elite 11 semifinals on the USC campus.

But don't mistake that kindness for weakness. And don't believe that Pass, the nation's No. 3-ranked dual-threat quarterback, is afraid to compete against them.

Over the weekend, Pass was one of 30 quarterbacks showcased. Of those 30, the 6'5", 220-pound Carver High School standout was one of only two uncommitted players in attendance, the other being Houston's Dillon Sterling-Cole.

He has a top five of Auburn, Alabama, Louisville, Virginia Tech and North Carolina.

Of those schools, only Virginia Tech is without a quarterback commit. In fact, Pass competed against Auburn commit Woody Barrett and Alabama commit Jalen Hurts at the Elite 11 semifinals.

For Pass, having a quarterback already committed to a team's recruiting class isn't something that will turn him away from giving a verbal pledge.

"I'm not afraid. Anywhere I go, there will be competition," Pass said. "I want to be the guy wherever I go."

Pass has 22 reported offers, but he said his five and Florida are the schools that intrigue him. This means there's a good chance he could be a part of a class with two quarterback commits.

While there's still plenty of time for him to choose a school—or for a committed quarterback to potentially look elsewhere—Pass wants to make sure he does everything at his own pace.

"There's no pressure. I'm taking my time and enjoying the process," he said. "Most of my top schools have a [quarterback] commit, but that doesn't affect me. Most of the schools I'm interested in said they'll take two [quarterbacks] if I want to go there. I just want to make sure I'm enjoying it all."

On Sunday, Pass said he was planning to visit the six aforementioned schools before making the trip next month to Beaverton, Oregon, for The Opening. He qualified for The Opening with his performance at the Atlanta regional in March.

Late last month, he announced that he would make his decision on July 13, which is three days after The Opening concludes:

"

I will officially be commiting on July 13th ‼️‼️‼️ https://t.co/ONfwOS87a8

— Jawon Pass (@Puma_Blessed2) May 29, 2015"

In the meantime, Pass said he's having fun and learning more in preparation for his senior year and, ultimately, for college. Participating in the Elite 11 semifinals was a great diversion for his recruitment, as he not only received tutelage from highly respected coaches who know the game but also took in his first trip to the West Coast.

"It was a great experience," he said. "I felt like I got better every day and learned some new things. It was a blessing being out here with the best. It's big being out here as one of the top 30 in the country."

"

Was an honor to work with George Whitfield today! #Blessed #Elite11 

— Jawon Pass (@Puma_Blessed2) June 6, 2015"

When it's time for him to make a college decision, Pass said he has an idea of what he wants in a winning program. What he's focused on with recruiting is the overall comfort level with the campus environment and coaching staff.

Louisville has a slight lead over Alabama in Pass' 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions. Whether or not that becomes a reality, Pass said, is still to be determined.

"The main thing I'm looking for is what school I'm going to fit the best at," Pass said. "I don't want to go to a losing school. I want to go someplace where I can win and also where I'll stand out and be the guy."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter @DamonSayles.