5 Top Performing Quarterback Recruits from 2016 Los Angeles Elite 11 Regional
Southern California perennially produces top-tier talent at the quarterback position, providing extra incentive for college football coaching staffs to scour the area in search of potential program-elevating passers. The next crop of playmakers took center stage Feb. 28 during regional Elite 11 action at Redondo Union High School in Los Angeles County.
The event offered prospects an opportunity to prove themselves against respected contemporaries, competing for a spot in the Elite 11 finals and The Opening, an invite-only showcase held in July at Nike's world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
Past competitors include notable NFL stars such as Jameis Winston, Matthew Stafford and Andrew Luck. Bleacher Report was live on location in Los Angeles, where we witnessed drills and discussed top performers with Student Sports instructor Matt James.
MVP: 3-Star Chase Garbers
1 of 5High School: Corona Del Mar (Newport Beach, California)
Size: 6'3", 205 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 48 pro-style quarterback; No. 931 overall in 2017 class
Chase Garbers commands increased attention after his performance in Los Angeles, where he earned an invitation to the Elite 11 finals. His efforts are likely to lead to an ascension in recruiting rankings, given his physical stature and all-around efficiency.
Though he arrived at the Los Angeles regional well under the radar relative to other quarterback contemporaries, Garbers' track record suggests folks shouldn't be surprised by Sunday's success. His junior campaign included an elite completion percentage (69.0 percent) and career highs in passing yards (2,715) and touchdown tosses (33), according to MaxPreps.
Garbers claims offers from Boise State, Boston College, Colorado State and Washington State.
James' Comments
“Chase had the most consistent day of any QB throughout the event. He made all the throws with good footwork and a good frame. He was probably a little bit down on the list when things started, but as the day progressed, he got more and more in the conversation and moved his way up the board. He really separated himself in the skelly showdown, and that pushed him to MVP.”
5-Star Tate Martell
2 of 5High School: Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Size: 5'10 ½", 203 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 dual-threat quarterback; No. 27 overall in 2017 class
Tate Martell returned to Southern California as the headliner in a loaded quarterback group, and though he didn't earn MVP honors, his invitation to the Elite 11 finals arrived in its aftermath. He began his high school career in the region before transferring to Bishop Gorman, where he's led the team to a 30-0 record since 2014.
Though he lacks elite size, Martell is a masterful improvisational talent and displays a powerful arm. His mobility makes him a threat to salvage plays that seem to break down.
He's tallied 6,182 total yards and 86 touchdowns during the past two seasons, per MaxPreps. Martell initially committed to Washington in middle school, though he backed off that pledge as an underclassman and eventually joined Texas A&M's class in August after considering Washington, Alabama and USC.
“Right now, I’m solid with A&M. That’s where I want to go, and I have a good shot at starting as a freshman," he told Bleacher Report.
James' Comments
“He’s a great competitor and athlete. He had the best day and dominated in a lot of ways entering the final event, where Garbers passed him. I want to see him make the second-level throw. With him, he wants to drive everything 1,000 mph and drill it. With his size and frame, touch is very important. I think that’s where we’ll see his biggest improvement.”
4-Star Braxton Burmeister
3 of 5High School: La Jolla Country Day (La Jolla, California)
Size: 6'0", 211 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 8 dual-threat quarterback; No. 243 overall in 2017 class
Braxton Burmeister completed 58 percent of pass attempts in 2015, per MaxPreps, compiling 2,771 yards and 31 touchdown tosses. His abilities as a rusher were also on full display, as he gained a career-best 868 rushing yards and 20 rushing scores.
He committed to Arizona as a sophomore, providing Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez with another compelling pupil behind center. That longstanding verbal pact hasn’t prevented other programs from pursuing Burmeister, though, and South Carolina became the latest to extend an offer in February.
“Everything is definitely picking up. I’m going to listen to what other teams have to say. At the end of the day, I’m making the best decision for me and my family, so I’m open to hearing from everyone,” Burmeister told Bleacher Report.
James' Comments
“He had a good day, but we would have liked to have seen a little more consistency from him with accuracy. He missed on a couple reads, but I think he still has a good chance to make the finals. We want to see him again [at the Oakland regional] and see how he improves between the events.”
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3-Star Connor Neville
4 of 5High School: Wilsonville (Wilsonville, Oregon)
Size: 6'1 ½", 180 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 18 pro-style quarterback; No. 371 overall in 2017 class
Connor Neville came down from the Northwest and made that trip count, completing several difficult passes and establishing himself as one of the more college-ready recruits from a mechanical standpoint.
He posted significant production during his past two seasons, per MaxPreps, totaling 5,012 yards and 53 touchdowns through the air. Neville is a prototypical pocket passer who doesn't hesitate to test defenses deep.
His offer sheet features Boise State, Hawaii and Washington State.
James' Comments
“Connor has a lot of upside to him. He’s very polished and fluid in the pocket. He spins it like one of the best in the group. He had some issues with a knee injury last year, but you can tell he’s done a nice job rehabbing it and growing stronger. He was driving the ball downfield. I’d like to see him make some quicker reads. That will help him get the ball out faster.”
Unrated JT Daniels
5 of 5High School: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
Size: 6'1", 195 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No rankings available for 2019 class
Naturally, the focus on Sunday shifted toward prospects heading toward their senior seasons, but freshman JT Daniels warrants early attention. The 2019 recruit received validation when he was selected to compete in the final drill, which is hand-picked by Elite 11 staff.
“It was really exciting when they called my name [for the final event]. There were a lot of D-I athletes out there, so it was an honor to have that opportunity. It was a lot of fun," Daniels said.
He stepped into the starting role as a freshman at Mater Dei, where the program perennially produces prized college prospects. Daniels quickly emerged as a steady force (3,042 passing yards and 35 total touchdowns, per MaxPreps) and appears primed to follow in the footsteps of former Mater Dei quarterbacks Matt Leinart, Colt Brennan and Matt Barkley.
His recruitment continues to gain momentum with early offers from Arizona State, BYU, Cal, Notre Dame, UCLA and Washington. His initial efforts in Elite 11 action should only expand the spotlight for this youngster.
James' Comments
“He’s a kid who already understands tempo. He has a good feel for pace, and when he needs go to the 'fireball,' he can laser the ball in. I put him in with the No. 1 group throughout the day just to kind of watch him compared to the more experience guys, and it wasn’t too big a stage for him.”
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