Mike Farrell Sports

College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

Meet the Elite 11 Finalists: Part 2

Cory Lemer is back with part two of his series introducing the 2023 Elite 11 finalists.

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2024 four-star quarterback Colin Hurley from Jacksonville
2024 four-star quarterback Colin Hurley from Jacksonville

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. Michael Hawkins Jr (Frisco Emerson, TX) (Oklahoma Commit)

Michael Hawkins Jr will play his first season at Frisco Emerson this fall. The 6-2 QB played at Allen High School in Texas before transferring. Hawkins hails from an athletic family, with his dad playing in the NFL for four years and his brother being a top 2025 Recruit. During his recruitment, Hawkins garnered 17 offers from schools across the country. On decision day, he was down to two, TCU and Oklahoma. As a legacy to Oklahoma, it was no surprise when he choose to commit to the Sooners. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“He is a playmaker due to his speed as a runner. Michael has a quick release with ok accuracy allowing him to get the ball out before the defense can react.” Can Michael become the next Elite 11 winner from Texas?

2. Hauss Hejny (Aledo, TX) (TCU Commit)

Aledo, Texas, signal-caller Hauss Hejny is the 7th QB selected to the finals. The 5-11 QB quickly rose in rankings after his commitment to Duke. As a recruit, Hauss ranks 475th in the nation and 30th at the QB position. Hauss eclipsed 13 offers during his recruitment and eventually backed off his pledge to Duke. With the Blue Devils out of the picture, Hauss opened his recruitment and felt the home state Horned Frogs and Sonny Dykes were the best fit for him. As a junior, Hauss eclipsed 20 touchdowns and over two thousand yards helping him to be named a finalist. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“Hejny displays above-average accuracy to complement a decent arm. He tends to vary in accuracy when the pocket collapses but is clean with space.” Can Hejny bring the MVP back to Aledo?

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3. Colin Hurley (Trinity Christian Academy, FL) (LSU Commit)

Huley is the youngest finalist gunning for the MVP. The 6-0 gunslinger was originally part of the 2025 class, but with his commitment to LSU, he announced he would jump to the 2024 class. Before his switch to the 2024 class, Hurley was a top-five QB in 2025, ranking in the top 100 everywhere. Many believed his rankings would drop due to this; however, Hurley ranks 14th at the QB position and 244th in the nation, showing despite his age, he is one of the top signal callers in the country. In his short recruitment, Hurley garnered 25 offers and fell in love with Coach Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers. Many call Colin a QB protege, with the proof potentially coming during the Elite 11 Finals. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“Scans the defense pre-snap, knows the coverage before the play develops, and shows good anticipation to hit the open man in stride. Quick release at a near-perfect angle with an above-average zip on the ball. ” Can Hurley become the youngest MVP winner?

4. Trever Jackson (West Orange, FL) (Uncommitted)

Trever Jackson is the second uncommitted QB in this Elite 11 Finals. The 6-2 signal caller hails from Winter Garden, FL, and attends West Orange High School. As a junior, Jackson launched over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, helping him to be named a finalist. Trevor holds 25 offers from schools across the country, with many believing FAU will be his likely destination due to his brother playing there. He has no timeline for his commitment and could take months to announce his college choice. Listed below is the 247 Sports evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“A promising quarterback prospect with a live arm and a good feel for the pocket. Trever seems his best when attacking the intermediate parts of the field as he can rip a tight spiral and hit his marks.” Can Trever bring the MVP back to Winter Garden?

5. Daniel Kaelin (Bellevue West, NE) (Nebraska Commit)

Kaelin became the first signal caller to commit to Matt Rhule and the new Nebraska staff. Daniel hails from Bellevue, Nebraska, and attends Bellevue West High School, where he tossed 36 touchdowns and over three thousand yards as a junior, helping him to be named a finalist. Kaelin originally committed to Missouri but later flipped his commitment to the home state Cornhuskers. Listed below is the 247 Sports evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“Smart, accurate passer who had his first year as a full-time starter as a junior and was very productive. He takes good care of the ball with an over 5:1 TD to INT ratio. Daniel shows the ability to anticipate and throw into windows and throw his receivers open. ” Can Kaelin bring the Elite 11 MVP to Missouri?

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