5 Top-Performing Quarterback Recruits from 2016 Washington DC Elite 11 Regional
The 2016 Elite 11 regional series rolled into the Washington D.C. area Sunday, as dozens of quarterbacks competed at Centreville High School in Clifton, Virginia. Passers predominately represented the 2017 recruiting class, though there were multiple compelling sophomore athletes in attendance.
Bleacher Report was situated just yards away as quarterbacks underwent drills and instructions that tested their mental and physical fortitude. Here's a look at the five 2017 prospects who qualified for final "pressure chamber" action that capped off an eventful day, along with an impressive underclassman who stepped up.
Elite 11 coach Paul Troth, an Elite 11 alum himself and former starting quarterback at East Carolina University, helped B/R break down each top performer.
MVP: 4-Star Kasim Hill
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High School: St. John's College (Washington, D.C.)
Size: 6'3", 215 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 13 pro-style quarterback; No. 295 overall
A new Maryland regime led by head coach D.J. Durkin could quickly count on Kasim Hill to contribute in College Park. The Terrapins failed to seal the deal last cycle with coveted in-state passer Dwayne Haskins, who flipped his longstanding commitment to Ohio State weeks before national signing day.
Haskins, the 2015 Washington D.C. Elite 11 regional quarterback MVP, nearly claimed national MVP honors at the Elite 11 finals last summer, and his departure was a big blow for Durkin. Hill pledged to Maryland earlier this month, spurning offers from Northwestern, Boston College, Syracuse, Utah and other programs.
An above-average athlete, he displayed consistency in the pocket throughout Sunday's challenges and clearly looked the part of an MVP-caliber quarterback as he confidently digested information coaches threw his way. Hill transferred to St. John's College this winter from the Gilman School (Baltimore), where he emerged among the Mid-Atlantic's most impressive young offensive playmakers.
Troth's Comments
"I've seen him from 2014 through now and he's probably the most improved year-to-year here. You can tell he's really worked on his craft and he was very competitive today. Years before, he was just kind of happy to be here. This year, it was his show. He was mentally sharp and his ball spoke for him."
3-Star Kenny Pickett
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High School: Ocean Township (Oakhurst, New Jersey)
Size: 6'3", 191 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 32 pro-style quarterback; No. 760 overall
It appears Temple is primed for an elevated passing attack in the near future with Kenny Pickett potentially joining 2016 signee Anthony Russo, a 2015 Elite 11 national finalist. The Owls landed a commitment from the Garden State standout on April 9, beating out Buffalo, Toledo and Connecticut.
Expect other programs to eventually give chase in an attempt to make him reconsider that pledge, as Pickett posted a quality performance in Elite 11 competition Sunday and is coming off an excellent junior campaign. He collected more than 1,700 passing yards in 2015, per Shore Sports Zone, tossing 19 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
Pickett appears to recover well following mistakes, adjusting as the action develops downfield. He fired one of the finest balls in a pressure-chamber setting Sunday, delivering a dart along the sidelines from approximately 40 yards out.
Troth's Comments
"Temple is getting a steal. This kid will go in there and compete right away. He struggled a little bit in the pressure chamber because I think he was trying to do too much, but overall he was very consistent all day long. I was really impressed by his coachability and his velocity on the ball. Whether it was a deep pass, a dig route or an arc, he probably had the most ball control."
3-Star Tyler Lytle
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High School: Servite (Anaheim, California)
Size: 6'5", 205 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 34 pro-style quarterback; No. 779 overall
Tyler Lytle wasn't the most consistent quarterback in attendance Sunday, but it's clear few passers in this class carry as much potential. Given his formidable frame and live arm, there's plenty of promise ahead for a collegiate staff willing to approach the grooming process with patience.
He delivered some of the prettiest deep balls during one-one-one passing drills, served up some of the event's best moments against quality defensive backs and showed a lot of energy just one day after an unofficial visit to Vanderbilt. Rather than a return trip back to the West Coast from Nashville, his next destination was the D.C. regional.
Lytle missed a major chunk of the 2015 season due to a hamstring strain, as an abbreviated junior campaign included more than 1,200 passing yards and 10 total scores, according to the quarterback. Despite that setback, his offer list is now at 18 universities following recent scholarships from schools such as Illinois, Oregon State and Arizona State.
Lytle told B/R he expects to visit Colorado on April 30. He plans to throw for coaches from Purdue, Indiana and San Diego State on Monday, potentially opening the door for new opportunities.
Troth's Comments
"He came all the way from Cali so that obviously proves he wants to compete. He was a little hesitant in the five-step and seven-step game, but the ball comes off his hand great, and he's a big kid, so that projects well at the next level. [Servite] produces top talent every year so I look forward to seeing him improve as a senior."
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3-Star Shon Mitchell
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High School: Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Virginia)
Size: 5'11", 170 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 18 dual-threat quarterback; No. 800 overall
Shon Mitchell looked most comfortable while operating on the move, displaying a smooth level of mobility many contemporaries lacked in D.C. While his physical measurements won't wow many scouts, he pressed the ball downfield with the acceleration of a much larger thrower.
Mitchell made a statement by shredding defenses throughout last season while leading Virginia powerhouse Oscar Smith High School to the state title game. His record as a starter with the program stands at 40-4, according to Andy Hilton of Recruit 757.
Last fall, he racked up 2,957 passing yards in 15 games, per Hilton, and enters the 2016 campaign with 8,159 career yards through the air. His offer list includes Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.
Troth's Comments
"He's a guy who I think is a little undervalued in Virginia. Shon has great tape and he had the best stroke of 2017 kids. He relied too much on his power in the pressure chamber, waiting a little too long, but he had a solid day, especially in my drill. 'Conflict climb' is probably the hardest drill and he showed great body control with short, quick mechanics."
Unranked Stetson Bennett IV
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High School: Pierce County (Blackshear, Georgia)
Size: 6'0", 171 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: Unranked
Stetson Bennett IV makes his second appearance of the year on this list, rapidly becoming a mainstay on the 2016 Elite 11 tour. He also qualified as a finalist in Miami, competing at Orlando and Atlanta regionals as well.
Despite his lack of prototypical size, Bennett has earned admiration for his determination and the repeated appearance of a United States Postal Service hat. It's become a calling card of sorts for the Peach State product, who plans to return for even more Elite 11 action next weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina.
"They call me 'The Mailman,'" Bennett said. "It's kind of a trademark."
He threw for 2,924 yards and 23 touchdowns as a junior, per MaxPreps. Bennett reports offers from Columbia (Ivy League) and Mercer (FCS).
Troth's Comments
"He's feeling the grind right now. A lot of times I encourage kids not to chase because [Elite 11 coaches] already know what they can do. Miami was his best regional. That being said, you never want to deter a kid from competing and that's what he loves to do. He has good demeanor, good velocity, good mechanics. Somebody has to take a shot on the kid because he can spin it."
Underclassman Finalist: Devin Leary
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High School: Timber Creek (Sicklerville, New Jersey)
Size: 6'2", 172 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: Not available
Devin Leary was the lone underclassman selected for final pressure-chamber reps, placing two New Jersey prospects in the mix down in D.C. While only rising seniors can qualify for national Elite 11 finals, this young passer is surely worth monitoring as things heat up in the competition for coveted spots next spring.
He displayed poise beyond his high school grade, giving greater-established quarterback recruits a run for their money from start to finish Sunday. His stature projects to be at least slightly above-average among 2018 quarterbacks by the time he signs with a college program nearly two years from now.
Leary led one of southern New Jersey's strongest programs to offensive fireworks during the 2015 season, routinely connecting with 2016 Michigan State wide receiver signee Cam Chambers. Leary, who holds a reported offer from nearby Temple, completed 64 percent of passes for 2,605 yards and 23 scores as a sophomore, per MaxPreps.
Troth's Comments
"In terms of feeling someone's presence today, it was him by far. I knew when he was throwing because the ball spoke for itself. I knew when he was competing because he raised the level of everybody around him. He has to do a little better with timing deep over the middle instead of just relying on arm strength, but he's going to be very intriguing to watch. He should pile up the offers this spring after coaches see the tape and everything we saw today."
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