Pops’ Illinois QB Film Room and Grades: 2/18/25

The amount of prospects that are now posting up film has become both a blessing and a curse. There are a lot of 2029-2031 prospects that post up quality film that is easy to digest and make some grades. However, there are plenty more that simply don't have quality film or any film at all. In the film room, I take a look at some prospects and do my best to grade based off what I have seen.    <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Strengths: Ball placement, Throws on the run</li> </ul>   Looking at Mortiz's film from this season, there are a ton of positive signs and potential for The Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL) All-Star Selection. He has a long, sweeping, and somewhat unorthodox, overhand release which comes seemingly with some combination of three results: 1.) Perfectly placed ball for only his WR; 2.) A high throw with a ton of air under it; or 3.) His arm gets hit during the release/follow through. His size is above average (comparatively across the country) which is a plus. As his ability to throw the ball on the run and off-platform.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Quarterback Grade: B-</li> </ul>     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Strengths: Fundamentals, accuracy</li> </ul>   If Torok had the size of some of the other Quarterbacks in this series of film review, he would be challenging them in terms of top grades amongst the 2029 Illinois Quarterbacks I've seen in this cycle. Starting from his pre-snap movement and through his follow through, Torok's fundamentals are buttoned all the way up. I'm not sure if he plays lacrosse, but he darts around like an Attackmen looking to create space for a shot and it's impactful. My biggest takeaway from watching his 2024 film is just how scary accurate he can be with his passes. It didn't seem to matter if he was sitting comfortably in the pocket or falling away, out of bounds and off one foot--this dude can put it on the money.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Quarterback Grade: B</li> </ul>     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Strengths: Mobility, improvisation</li> </ul>   To be fair on both sides of the coin, Jaramillo didn't have the easiest film to watch and decipher from this 2024 season. The majority of the film came from field level, making it difficult to get the full scope of his ability. With that said, I think there is potential here but also ample room for improvement at the QB position. He's undersized as of this writeup (listed at 5'6, 140 lbs.) and there weren't any real "ah-ha!" throws in his clips. However, this kid is an athlete--no doubt about it. He was under duress on nearly every throw I saw, but his ability to escape and at least improve a way to get rid of the ball was notable and commendable. Not to be taken for granted is what he did defensively as a Safety. He seemed to be in the right spot all the time and pounced on the errant throws or tipped ball from the opposing offense. I think it's safe to say seeing the field as a Quarterback on the defensive side of the ball, is a huge plus for him.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Quarterback Grade: C/C+ / Athlete Grade: B-</li> </ul>     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Strengths: Arm talent, size</li> </ul>   Similar to how I love Linebackers/Offensive Linemen who wrestle or Running Backs/Wide Receivers who run track, I'll take a Quarterback who also stands out in baseball any day. That's the case with the talented arm of Schroedter, whose fastball has been clocked at 81 mph and outfield velocity has hit 85 mph. That arm strength allows him to make throws that not all QBs can make at this point, hitting his targets in stride across the field. On top of the arm talent, he has a great frame with height and length that he should easily be able to fill out over the next four years. Additionally, his mobility is also a plus right now. Not necessarily a burner or a prospect I'd label as dual-threat, but he can easily keep the chains moving and even surprise defenses with some designed QB keepers at this point.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Quarterback Grade: B+</li> </ul>     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Strengths: Arm talent, physical strength</li> </ul>   Some kids were just born to play Quarterback and do nothing but flat out dominate the competition--enter [player_tooltip player_id='1625093' first='Thomas' last='Elliot']. Just to get it out of the way, Thomas is the younger brother of 2025 Vanderbilt signee Jack Elliot enters the SEC after being a three-time Illinois State Champ and securing every passing record at Mount Carmel High School. Those are big-time accomplishments but from what I saw on the younger Elliot's eighth-grade film, those records may have a short shelf life. A muscled up kid with arm strength I have yet to seen be matched by any other 2029 Illinois signal caller. With one step and a simple flick of the wrist, he routinely pops the rock 40+ yards with elite accuracy. I'd argue his pocket presence could possibly be the best I've seen out of any 2029 QB in the country. If the coverage takes away his passing options, make sure you get the license plate of Elliot when he runs over and through defenders.   Quarterback Grade: A

The amount of prospects that are now posting up film has become both a blessing and a curse. There are a lot of 2029-2031 prospects that post up quality film that is easy to digest and make some grades. However, there are plenty more that simply don't have quality film or any film at all. In the film room, I take a look at some prospects and do my best to grade based off what I have seen.