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The rising seniors were good, but the class of 2016 was the story of the Elite 11 regional stop in Atlanta.
Friday brought many of the top passers from across the country to Atlanta for the Elite 11 quarterback recruit regional. While there were no super-elite of five-star prospects, the event more than made up for it with depth, as 30 quarterbacks could potentially end up playing football at the FBS level.
Youth rules the day
While there were plenty of decent-to-good FBS prospects in the 2015 class in attendance, the players with big-time potential were mostly found in the classes of 2016 and 2017. I spent a good part of my day focusing on the freshmen and sophomores who will surely make Atlanta a "must stop" on the Elite 11 over the next two years.
Austin Kendall, of Charlotte (NC) Christian, was very good on the day, and one of the best overall, regardless of class. The 6'2, 205-pound QB threw a great ball, and already holds offers from Clemson and Tennessee.
Stockton McGuire, of Fairburn (Ga.) Landmark Christian threw quite well, and as he fills out, I expect the 6'3, 165-pounder to pick up some FBS and BCS offers.
Jawon Pass, of Columbus (Ga.) Carver, was very good in a setting that didn't let him use his best attribute -- his legs. If he works on his passing and can get it to the level of his running, he'll be an even bigger prospect than he already is (Pass has multiple top offers).
Logan Byrd, of Kathleen (Ga.) Veterans, threw the ball with velocity and seems fairly polished, though a bit robotic at times. He is well built at 6'2, 215, and already holds a Duke offer.
Zerrick Cooper, of Jonesboro (Ga.) has a great build at 6'3 and about 200 pounds, and he's super athletic. His good was very good, but he is fairly raw and has a ways to go. He already holds offers from Kentucky and N.C. State, among others.
Rex Culpepper, of Tampa (Fla.) Plant, needs to work on loosening up his hips and his overall motion, but he has real potential to be an FBS player.
D.J. Vanderwerf, of Sweetwater (TN), threw the ball very well and was consistently on target.
Josh White, of Marietta (Ga.) Walton had a bit of an up-and-down day, but the tools are there. White is 6'5, 215 and has a good arm when he puts it together. His offer list should continue to grow in the next two years.
And Davis Mills, of Greater Atlanta Christian, is a member of the class of 2017, and certainly a name to watch. He threw the ball as well as some kids 20 months older than him.
