Alabama Football: Crimson Tide Open the Book of Ely

Crimson Tide fans got a surprise commitment Wednesday from Tampa, Florida QB Phillip Ely. Ely didn’t list Alabama as an option on any of the services.

Apparently, there was a camp meeting between Nick Saban and Phillip Ely and something clicked. 

The "Book of Ely" is one of contradictions.  

He does not have the freakish measurable that fans looks for these days.   Listed at 6’ 1” some are saying that is generous.  Max preps went ahead and downgraded him to 6’ 0”.   He tips the scales at only 186.  This is the size you might expect at division II than at the home of the defending national champions.

Though height is a valuable trait for a quarterback, it's worth noting that Superbowl winning quarterback Drew Brees is six foot flat. 

At the national Elite 11 camp he was not given any of the big awards, instead winning the “best fit in any system”.  I suspect this is the football equivalent of Miss Congeniality. 

He’s listed as only a three star recruit by Scout and ESPN recruiting services.

Having noted the cover of the book, lets look at whats inside.

Rivals has him rated a four star recruit. Unlike other services Rivals separates pro-style quarterbacks from the spread-style.  They list him as the fourth best pro-style quarterback in the country.

Ely led Plant high school in Tampa to an undefeated state title season as a junior.   During that season, he threw for 1,860 yards and completed 58% of his passes.    Plant is a big time program playing big time competition, so his on the field resume speaks for itself.   

In addition to the above numbers, he threw for twenty touchdowns to only three interceptions.  This does not happen by accident or luck, and clearly, Ely is smart and accurate.

His performance at Elite 11 did not overwhelm, but he was there.  There are hundreds more college quarterback recruits that did not get that far.

Like Greg McElroy, Ely has not lost a game as a prep starter.  That includes five games his sophomore season when he went in for current Georgia Bulldog Aaron Murray after an injury.

Ely has 4.5 second 40 speed and it has been noted he can pull the seven step drop as fast as anyone.

At his commitment ceremony, he pulled a stunt that showed a unique wit and style, revealing his choice when he unbuttoned his blazer to reveal the Crimson A on his tie. 

Ely is a smart kid and a winner.  His commitment was unexpected by fans and won’t be met with much hoopla,  much like the commitment of Greg McElroy in 2006.  

McElroy went on to grow another inch, put on about ten pounds of muscle, and win a National Championship.    

In the end, Alabama fans have learned to trust the instincts of Nick Saban when it comes to recruits.  He’s not always right, but he’s right more often than not.