Mike Farrell Sports

College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

Meet the Elite 11 Finalists: Part 3

Cory Lemer returns with part three of his series introducing the 2023 Elite 11 Finalists.

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The 2023 rendition of the Elite 11 finals is set to kick off on Wednesday. Elite 11 is an annual competition where the top High School Quarterbacks compete to be named the Elite 11 MVP and arguably the best high school Quarterback in their recruiting cycle. Elite 11 held its inaugural competition in 1999, with 15 of the nation’s top signal callers from across the country. After several grueling on-field drills, Brock Berlin took home the MVP over Quarterbacks like Matt Cassell and Jeff Smoker. The 24 Elite 11 competition will host 20 signal callers from twelve different states. With the competition set to begin in Los Angeles, let’s meet the top High School signal callers gunning for the MVP.

1. Luke Kromenhoek (Benedictine, GA) (FSU Commit)

Starting part three is Luke Kromenhoek. Luke is from Savannah, Georgia, and plays at Benedictine Military School. As a recruit, he ranks 63rd in the nation and 8th at the QB position. As a first-year starter, Luke led his team to a 12-3 record tossing over two thousand yards and 27 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Kromenhoek served as the primary backup in 2021 to Auburn signee and Elite 11 finalist Holden Geriner. During his recruitment, he has garnered interest from twelve colleges across the country. Kromehoek committed to FSU in March of 2022, which is typically early for the class of 2024; however, he has remained solid in his commitment ever since. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“Despite limited playing time, Kromenhoek is a serious athlete and is someone defenses will have to respect as a runner. A quick release allows him to drive the ball downfield. In camp settings, Luke has impressed with his footwork and mechanics.” -MFS Evaluation Team

2. DJ Lagway (Willis, TX) (Florida Commit)

The top Texas signal-caller is next. DJ Lagway hails from Willis, Texas, and attends Willis High School, where in a shortened junior season, he tossed 24 touchdowns and over two thousand yards. DJ comes from an athletic family as his father, Derek, played for Baylor as an RB between 1997-2001. Lagway is ranked 43rd in the nation and 6th at the QB position. As a recruit, he eclipsed over 30 offers as every school from California to New York had an interest in him. After lengthy recruitment, DJ chooses Billy Napier and the Florida Gators as his next home for the next 3-4 years. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“High-ceiling prospect with plenty of physical tools and a good frame. Quick footwork to get through his dropback and stay mobile in the pocket. He displays good patience, goes through his progressions, and knows concepts well enough to throw receivers open.” -MFS Evaluation Team

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3. Air Noland (Langston Hughes, GA) (Ohio State Commit)

Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Air Noland, what do all three QBs have in common? All three have dominated Georgia High School football and have an out-of-this-world stat line. Noland ranks as the 47th-best player nationally and 7th at the QB position. As a junior, he tossed over 50 touchdowns and over four thousand yards with just four interceptions. As a Sophomore, Noland led Langston Hughes to a 13-2 record and the Georgia 6A runner-up. During his recruitment, he eclipsed over 30 offers from colleges, and while many thought he would commit to Auburn, after receiving an offer from the Buckeyes, he chose to head to Columbus to play for Coach Day. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“An accurate lefty who makes minimal mistakes is what you see in Air Noland. Standing at 6-2 and 190 pounds, he holds a quick release, making him one of the fastest throwers in the 2024 class.” -MFS Evaluation Team

4. Danny O’Neil (Cathedral, IN) (Colorado Commit)

Deion Sanders landed his first prep QB as a Power Five HC when Danny O’Neil committed to Colorado. The 6-0 signal caller ranks 633rd in the nation and 39th at the QB position. Danny hails from Indianapolis, Indiana, and plays at Cathedral High School. As a junior, he tossed over 30 touchdowns and eclipsed over 2,500 yards. During his recruitment, he garnered 19 offers to play college ball at the next level. Many recruiting experts believed O’Neil would commit to the Wildcats; however, the Elite 11 Finalist found his home in Boulder with Sean Lewis and Deion Sanders. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“Smooth QB with excellent pocket awareness. Above-average accuracy makes both stable and off-platform throws. He can hit tight windows and can place the ball where only his receivers can catch it. Danny can hit receivers in stride and excels at targeting fade routes. Accurately delivers throws to all three levels and can properly time throws to all different route trees.” -MFS Evaluation Team

5. Ryan Puglisi (Avon Old Farms, CT) (Georgia Commit)

Puglisi is one of two Georgia commits heading to the Elite 11 Finals. Puglisi ranks 201st in the nation and 12th at the Quarterback position. The 6-3 signal caller hails from Avon, CT, and plays for Avon Old Farms High School. Puglisi committed to Georgia in October of 2022 and has remained committed despite the Bulldogs landing Dylan Raiola. Ryan holds 20 offers and is one of the underrated finalists heading into the Elite 11 competition. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“Ryan Puglisi has a sturdy frame and good length for a QB. Puglisi is a work-in-progress QB and has improved since his Sophomore season.” -MFS Evaluation Team

Read Part Four to learn about the last five finalists.

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