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College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

Meet the Elite 11 Finalists: Part 4

Cory Lemer drops his final piece diving into the basics of 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 states. With the competition set to begin in Los Angeles, let’s meet the top high school signal callers gunning for the MVP. 

1. Dylan Raiola (Pinnacle, AZ) (Georgia Commit)

Dylan Raiola became the second 2024 QB in Georgia’s class. Raiola hails from Phoenix, Arizona, and plans to attend Pinnacle High School his senior year. Pinnacle is also known for producing South Carolina Gamecocks QB Spencer Rattler. Raiola has transferred high schools twice, as he played at Chandler last season, and in Texas before that. As a recruit, Raiola ranks first in the 2024 class and first in the quarterback position. During his recruitment, he garnered 28 offers, with many experts viewing his final three being Nebraska, USC, and Georgia. Despite his father Dominic having played at Nebraska, Raiola chose the Dawgs and Kirby Smart in May. Being highly ranked, Railola was one of the favorites for the finals. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“Elite processing and understanding of most offensive pass concepts. Dylan displays very good accuracy at all levels. Quick feet and good dropbacks to play in rhythm. Shows poise in the pocket and has the courage to throw it into tight windows.”

2. Dante Reno (Cheshire Academy, MA) (South Carolina)

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Shane Beamer locked in his QB commit in the 2024 class with Dante Reno. The 6-1 QB plans to attend Cheshire Academy this fall after transferring from The Loomis Chaffe School. Like Raiola, Dante’s father also has a football history with his dad Tony the Head Coach at Yale. As a recruit, Dante ranks 32nd nationally and 23rd at the QB position. Dante also ranks as a four-star. During his recruitment, he eclipsed 20 offers from the nation’s top schools. Many experts viewed Reno as a South Carolina lock, which was no surprise when he announced his commitment to the Gamecocks and Shane Beamer. Reno is a QB who can turn heads during the finals, and it would not surprise me to see him win the MVP. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist.

“Scans for mismatches before the snap. Clean dropback and reads the defense before settling. Quick release and good follow-through mechanics. Mobile enough to evade pressure and shift before throwing. Good zip on the ball upon release with good accuracy on short throws and solid accuracy on intermediate and deep throws.”

3. Julian Sayin (Carlsbad, CA) (Alabama Commit)

It would not have been an Elite 11 final without a Nick Saban QB Commit. Alabama commits have won two [now three] Elite 11 MVPs in the past ten years, with Blake Barnett in 2014 and Tua Tagovailoa in 2016. Sayin hails from Carlsbad, California, and plays for Carlsbad High School. As a recruit, he ranks 34th in the nation and 4th at the QB position. During his recruitment, Sayin eclipsed 25 offers from schools across the country wanting the 6-1 signal caller. Sayin chose Nick Saban and the Tide in November of 2022 and has remained solid in his commitment ever since. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist.

“Julian displays adequate pocket presence with a high football IQ. Sayin has an advanced feel for the position with a ready arm that can hit receivers across the field. He has the ability to elude defenders on the run by using his solid playmaking ability. Sayin has a tight release and throws exceptionally well off-platform and with different arm angles.”

4. Demond Williams Jr (Basha, AZ) (Ole Miss Commit)

Lane Kiffin landed his signal caller of the 2024 class in Demond Williams Jr. The 5-11 QB hails from Chandler, Arizona, and attends Basha High School, where he guided them to the Open Division State Championship while throwing 23 touchdowns and over two thousand yards. As a recruit, Demond hauled in 27 offers from colleges across the country but ultimately chose Lane Kiffin and the Rebels. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“Quick feet in the pocket with a clean dropback. He scans the field quickly and is able to anticipate the open man. Good arm strength and very good accuracy at all levels.”

Isaac Wilson (Corner Canyon, UT) (Utah Commit)

The final Elite 11 finalist is Isaac Wilson. Wilson is the younger brother of Jets QB Zach Wilson, and many believe he is more talented by far. Isaac hails from Draper, Utah, and attends Corner Canyon High School, where as a junior, he tossed over 40 touchdowns and over three thousand yards to lead Corner Canyon to the Utah 6A title game. As a recruit, Isaac ranks 350th in the nation and 22nd at the QB position. During his recruitment, many thought Wilson would follow in his brother’s footsteps and chose BYU; however, he shocked the world and picked the in-state rivals Utah and Kyle Whittingham. Listed below is the MFS evaluation of this Elite 11 finalist. 

“A high-pedigree prospect that knows what it takes to succeed at the next level. Good grasp of most offensive concepts and has the touch to deliver the ball where it needs to be for any given route. Quick release with good arm strength to deliver the ball. Mentally tough and rebounds from bad plays.”

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