Gunslingers on the Rise: Inside the Throw It Deep Camp

If you love football, you'd love the Throw It Deep Arizona camp. No nonsense, no gimmicks — just real, high-level quarterback development. I've been around plenty of offseason showcases, but there's something different about this one. The coaching here is the real deal, breaking down mechanics in ways that make sense. And the players? They soak it up and apply it instantly. It's not just a camp; it's a proving ground. You can see the growth happening in real-time, from footwork tweaks to deep-ball placement.   As a spectator, it's easy to appreciate the intensity — every rep matters, and the competition pushes these guys to be their best. The attention to detail is top-notch, but they keep things fun and engaging. When you get some of the best quarterbacks in one place, the energy is different — guys are locked in, feeding off each other, and taking real steps forward in their game. It's no surprise this has quickly become one of my favorite offseason events to attend.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Camp MVP</h2>    Tee Smith made it crystal clear why he walked away as the Camp MVP, and trust me, it's way more than just a flashy title. This kid throws a football with such an effortless grace that you'd think he's been doing it since before he could walk. But what really stands out is his confidence — he steps on the field with the kind of swagger that says, “Yeah, I can put this ball exactly where I want it.” He's not the type to just stand tall in the pocket, either. He uses nimble footwork to escape the pocket quickly, then somehow still finds a way to deliver pinpoint strikes on the move. Even more impressive, he keeps things loose and fun; he's smiling between reps and talking with his teammates, showing off a love for the game that translates into real performance. It's one thing to have the physical tools, but Tee's positive energy makes him a total package quarterback you don't want to miss.   P.S. Be on the lookout for Tee's younger brothers who both played with a similar effortless grace at the wide receiver position.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Standouts</h2>    If you've seen [player_tooltip player_id='1177569' first='Damir' last='Ilicic'] in action before, you probably know how effortlessly he launches the deep ball. At this camp, he proved he's more than just a big arm, but still has it when he needs it — winning the deep-ball contest for the second consecutive year. This guy's upper body technique looks close to textbook, with fluid arm mechanics and a smooth release that makes every pass look like it's shot out of a cannon. While he's always had good height, he's clearly added some weight onto his frame. I get the sense he's starting to refine the smaller nuances of his game — like reading a defense pre-snap and then adjusting on the fly if a corner drops into coverage. I expect a bit more consistency in his short-to-intermediate throws which could catapult him to new heights this year. The raw tools are there, the confidence is growing, and I see Damir putting it all together for a standout final season of high school ball. Keep him on your radar if you're hungry for a quarterback who can sling it anywhere on the field.     If you're looking for a quarterback who's got all the pieces to be a genuine game-changer, take a closer look at Rayce Alvarez. Physically, he's built to handle a long, grueling season — he's got the sturdiness and lower-body strength to stand tall in the pocket without getting rattled. But what really makes him special is his consistency in mechanics, no matter the situation. I watched him handle rollouts, quick-hitter routes, and your standard pocket passes, and in each scenario, his hips and shoulders were working in rhythm and his footwork was deliberate. That's a tough thing to teach, and Rayce already has it down. Every pass seems purposeful, and he places the ball where receivers can make a play after the catch. If you're a coach, you love seeing that level of polish in someone who can still improve in areas like post-snap reads and disguising his intentions. Rayce's ceiling is high, and he's only going to get better the more reps he gets.     Standing head and shoulders above most of the camp's participants (literally), [player_tooltip player_id='1001161' first='Dane' last='Eisenmenger'] initially looks like the classic tall quarterback who might be a tad slow on his feet. But appearances can be deceiving. Despite his towering frame, he moves with surprising ease — covering ground in a few long strides and effortlessly transitioning into his throwing motion. There's a deceptive speed to how quickly he can fire off a pass, thanks in part to that long reach which doesn't hinder him at all. He's mostly quiet, but that seems more like a humble confidence than any sort of shyness. He knows he's got the toolset: arm power, mobility, and a keen sense of timing. In a high-stakes situation, that composure can be invaluable. If he refines his footwork even more and continues building that mental side of the game, Dane could be a true nightmare for defenses at the highest levels. Put simply, he's got superstar potential written all over him.     When you talk about a player who's not the biggest, not the fastest, but still manages to capture everyone's attention, you're describing [player_tooltip player_id='739448' first='Jaidyn' last='Crist'] to a tee. This young QB showed up with a rock-solid skill set — his footwork is crisp, his release is quick, and his passes just have that easy catchability that coaches crave. But what really made me sit up and take notice is how coachable he is. Every time he got feedback, he'd nod, absorb it, and then immediately incorporate those pointers into his next rep. That willingness to learn goes a long way in a pressure environment like this, especially when you're surrounded by bigger, stronger guys. Yet, Jaidyn never backed down. On rollouts, he used his lighter frame to his advantage, showing agility and a knack for placing the ball exactly where it needs to be. Stepping into a leading role at Mica Mountain fresh off a state championship, he's got every intangible you'd want in a quarterback, plus the hunger to keep growing.     Jamari Milton may have gone about his business without a ton of flash, but don't let that fool you — this kid can straight-up play. His deep ball looks like it's on autopilot, landing in his receiver's hands with such ease that sometimes you don't even realize he's unleashing serious power. The secret, I think, is his sense of timing and touch. He knows when to zip the ball through a tight window and when to loft it just right so his guy can run under it. He demonstrated this awareness in the mental drills, too, where he had to quickly process complex formations and choose the correct target. Not once did he look rattled or even slightly unsure of what to do next. That calm under pressure is what separates the average players from those who'll thrive at higher levels, and Jamari's got it in spades. Expect this well-rounded performance to be just the start of his ascent.     From the moment I saw him last year, I knew [player_tooltip player_id='1258670' first='Roman' last='Thuyns'] had that special spark, and he's only gotten better since then. He's grown a bit, and that added strength is helping him zip the ball with a confidence that says he knows exactly what he's doing. But here's the kicker: He's also showing a new level of maturity in how he decides where and when to throw the deep ball. Last year, he already had decent command, but now you can see him using more touch and better setting up his receivers for added yards after the catch. That really shows he's moving beyond raw talent and stepping into the realm of strategic — almost chess-like — quarterback play. Headed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, he's well on his way to turning heads at the college level. I'm excited to see the leaps he'll make when the lights are really on, because Roman's got that rare mix of determination, power, and the mental edge you want in your field general.     Wyatt Tewell's game is all about control and precision. He doesn't blow you away with raw power or sheer athleticism, but you know what he does have? Consistency, intelligence, and a silky release that produces one of the prettiest spirals you'll see. He aced the mental drills, which tells me he's able to keep calm in the midst of chaos in the pocket which translates to knowing exactly where the ball should go before the defense even reacts. That then leads to minimal hesitation and that can truly make all the difference when you're facing a blitz or a disguised coverage. He might not have the strongest arm in the group, but he compensates by placing the ball in perfect spots — receivers barely have to slow down, which is pure gold if you're trying to rack up yards after the catch. In other words, Wyatt is the ideal quarterback for a team that values precision and a calm, collected leader in the huddle.     Richard Valdez is one of those athletes you watch and think, “Alright, there's definitely another gear in there.” Even in a non-contact setting like this camp, you can see his dynamic athletic ability ready to burst out at any moment. Combine that with improved mechanics — his motion is smoother, and he's getting his feet set faster — and you've got a guy who seems poised to take the next big step. He moves incredibly fluidly when he's scanning the field or sliding away from pressure, and it's clear he's focusing on being consistent in his release point. The raw tools were evident last year, but now you see them melding with a more focused approach. It's a hint that he's maturing as a player, understanding that being athletic is one thing, but blending that athleticism with solid fundamentals makes you a real threat. Under the right coaching staff, Valdez could be an explosive playmaker who surprises a lot of people.

If you love football, you'd love the Throw It Deep Arizona camp. No nonsense, no gimmicks — just real, high-level quarterback development. I've been around plenty of offseason showcases, but there's something different about this one. The coaching here is the real deal, breaking down mechanics in ways that make sense. And the players? They soak it up and apply it instantly. It's not just a camp; it's a proving ground. You can see the growth happening in real-time, from footwork tweaks to deep-ball placement.