Elite 11 Finals: Day 1 Report

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Day 1 of the Elite 11 Finals took place Tuesday at Mira Costa High in Manhattan Beach, CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quarterbacks took part in various drills and the Rail Shot Challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some notes on top performers from Day 1 of the event:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MVP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284173"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1693226,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68527e64d9a54"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Henderson stood out early in the day with the livest arm of the group in the early drills. His release is compact and quick and the ball jumps out of his hand. He had some impressive deep throws early and looked comfortable with all the footwork. Henderson was accurate while rolling out and was putting the ball right on the receivers throughout the night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Houston commit Keishean Henderson of Texas competing at the Elite 11 Finals in LA. Ball jumps out of his hand <a href="https://twitter.com/Elite11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Elite11</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZVicCastillo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRZVicCastillo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KeiHenderson1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KeiHenderson1</a> <a href="https://t.co/yYWygfcDFP">pic.twitter.com/yYWygfcDFP</a></p>&mdash; Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikehuntley63/status/1935171660598100197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER TOP PERFORMERS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1247423"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1693227,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68527e64d9b01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bell was named MVP by one publication and he had a strong case. He made the furthest throw of the day connecting from 55 yards out. He gets his whole body into his throws and has great torque with his core. His mechanics were clean and he was consistently making impressive throws near the sidelines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texas commit Dia Bell of American Heritage (FL) working out at the Elite 11 Finals in LA <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DiaBell3QB1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiaBell3QB1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HookEm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HookEm</a> <a href="https://t.co/MRWXqmGSmO">pic.twitter.com/MRWXqmGSmO</a></p>&mdash; Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikehuntley63/status/1935172301945000366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284090"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1693228,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68527e64d9b9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brandon was one of the more physically impressive players at the event and stands out when you look at the group. He won the Rail Shot challenge and was consistently getting the ball out on time. Brandon drops back into his spot quickly, is clean mechanically and has a cannon of an arm. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5-star Tennessee commit Faizon Brandon wins the <a href="https://twitter.com/Elite11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Elite11</a> Rail Shot Challenge 🎯<br><br>Check out every throw on his way to victory. 5-star for a reason‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/faizon_brandon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@faizon_brandon</a> <a href="https://t.co/bjyrMQrXeG">pic.twitter.com/bjyrMQrXeG</a></p>&mdash; Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport/status/1935205541418356753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["350449"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1693229,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68527e64d9c31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Duckworth wasn't as consistent as some of the above quarterbacks, but in moments he was one of the most impressive guys of the group. He excels throwing on the run and had some zip on the shorter throws. His delivery is smooth and was placing the ball in good spaces near the sidelines. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Landon Duckworth is the top ranked uncommitted QB competing in the <a href="https://twitter.com/Elite11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Elite11</a> Finals 👀<br><br>It's down to South Carolina and Auburn for the No. 1 dual-threat QB in the ESPN 300 <a href="https://twitter.com/LandonDuckworth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LandonDuckworth</a> <a href="https://t.co/tazhoFoaM0">pic.twitter.com/tazhoFoaM0</a></p>&mdash; Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport/status/1935168735960330654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["277685"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1693232,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68527e64d9cba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walker showed impressive arm strength throughout the day and was tied with Henderson with the top spin rate on balls that were tracked. He looked comfortable with all the footwork and was very accurate in the early portion of the day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Duke commit Terry Walker threads the needle at the Elite 11 Finals😈<br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesPower?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CharlesPower</a>) <br><br>Live Updates: <a href="https://t.co/4ytFDIElgf">https://t.co/4ytFDIElgf</a> <a href="https://t.co/qxiTnb1xy6">pic.twitter.com/qxiTnb1xy6</a></p>&mdash; On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) <a href="https://twitter.com/On3Recruits/status/1935189962917298197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405300"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1693234,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68527e64d9d11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coleman wasn't the biggest guy of the group, but he had a crazy quick release and whips the ball around the field. He was best on the short and intermediate throws, but impressed during the Rail Shot challenge and was fun to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Miami commit Dereon Coleman throws in the rail shot challenge <a href="https://t.co/VzpdL99p6K">pic.twitter.com/VzpdL99p6K</a></p>&mdash; Max Torres (@mtorressports) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtorressports/status/1935191326678761836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401299"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1693237,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68527e64d9d5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Huhn was incredibly impressive in the middle of the day, particularly on out-breaking routes near the sidelines. He dropped back into his spot quickly and had serious velocity on the intermediate throws. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mission Hills Quarterback and Penn State Nittany Lions commit [player_tooltip player_id='401299' first='Troy' last='Huhn'] competes against the best QBs in the nation at the Elite 11 Finals. <a href="https://twitter.com/Troyhuhn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Troyhuhn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Elite11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Elite11</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KUSIPPR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KUSIPPR</a> <a href="https://t.co/rtO18lKSyP">pic.twitter.com/rtO18lKSyP</a></p>&mdash; Chase Izidoro (@chaseizi) <a href="https://twitter.com/chaseizi/status/1935167059853459942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1084960"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1693238,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68527e64d9da7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ponatoski is an impressive athlete and was the Gatorade Player of the Year in football and baseball. The baseball player in him was apparent at times on Tuesday with his ability to throw from different arm angles. He can get the ball up the field nicely and was consistently good throughout the drills I saw him in. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">4-star Cincinnati (OH) Archbishop Moeller QB Matt Ponatoski at the Elite 11 Finals <a href="https://t.co/5Pn8jCBJoJ">https://t.co/5Pn8jCBJoJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/ko2IyejLEg">pic.twitter.com/ko2IyejLEg</a></p>&mdash; Max Torres (@mtorressports) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtorressports/status/1935163666820899158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283681"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1693239,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68527e64d9dee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rios stood out at the Elite 11 regional and while he blended in with the crowd at times Tuesday, he was consistently sharp in all the drills. He was consistently getting the ball out on time and had great touch on deeper throws near the sidelines. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Downey QB [player_tooltip player_id='283681' first='Oscar' last='Rios'] working out at the Elite 11 Final. He will announce his commitment on June 27. Down to UCLA and Arizona. <a href="https://twitter.com/Elite11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Elite11</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_OscarriosQB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_OscarriosQB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/johnwdavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@johnwdavis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/latsondheimer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@latsondheimer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzone</a> <a href="https://t.co/UkZr6pCIzD">pic.twitter.com/UkZr6pCIzD</a></p>&mdash; Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikehuntley63/status/1935169387646095765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["275127"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1693240,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68527e64d9e34"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zammit had a lot of zip on his throws and the numbers beared that out. He was in the top three of hardest throws that were tracked and the furthest balls tracked. Zammit was accurate throughout the drills and hitting receivers in stride. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/derek_zammit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@derek_zammit</a> » 2025 Elite 11 Finalist 🎯 <a href="https://t.co/GXrLnGCLy9">pic.twitter.com/GXrLnGCLy9</a></p>&mdash; Elite11 (@Elite11) <a href="https://twitter.com/Elite11/status/1924194419902910823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->