One thing I love about Delbarton’s Gavin Gilardi is that the kid is out there, pounding pavement, and getting his work in. A hustler much like myself, it is rare that Gilardi is not at an event I am at, and that I am not at an event is at. Gilardi showed his standard clean play. His drops were clean, fluid, and effortless. In terms of ball placement, he has improved since the last time I saw him, delivering strikes right on the money in anticipation of where his target will be. For as great and majestic of a thrower-of-the-ball that he is, timing with his receivers was an issue – which is excusable and to be expected at a public showcase/camp. To conclude the event during 7v7, Gilardi threw a total dime, leading his receiver on a crosser, that equated to a one-play scoring drive.

In his first season as a varsity starter, Gavin Gilardi Gavin Gilardi 6'4" | 185 lbs | QB Delbarton | 2028 NJ showed encouraging poise. From the outset, he operated Delbarton’s offense efficiently, especially out of the pistol, where his timing and rhythm consistently stood out.

Most notably, Gilardi executes quickly on his first read. He identifies leverage, delivers the ball on time, and keeps the offense on schedule. As a result, Delbarton was able to play with pace and move the ball down the field methodically. He looks most comfortable when not under center, where his decision-making and tempo shine.

Physically, Gilardi brings good size at 6’2”, though he still has room to add weight at 150 pounds. Even so, he already shows the ability to push the ball downfield with accuracy and enough velocity to challenge defenses vertically.

While he entered the season relatively green, his growth was evident week to week. The offense consistently looked more in rhythm with him at the controls. Heading into 2026, the next step will be handling pressure situations more consistently — and if that comes, Gilardi is positioned to take a significant jump in his development and production.

Gavin Gilardi Gavin Gilardi 6'4" | 185 lbs | QB Delbarton | 2028 NJ has clearly taken a big step forward since his last appearance at the PRZ Middle School Combine, both physically and in his game. He’s grown noticeably taller, and that added size has only enhanced his presence in the pocket. His first throw of the weekend—a perfectly placed ball down the sideline—was a sign of what was to come. Even though it was dropped, the throw was on the money. Gavin stands tall under pressure, keeps a strong base, and consistently scans the field with active eyes, showing a mature understanding of coverage for his age.

His quick release and confidence in tight windows stood out throughout the event. On one play, he floated a perfect pass just over the linebacker in the back of the end zone for a touchdown—showcasing elite placement and touch. Delbarton has a future star under center in Gilardi, a true gunslinger with all the tools to make a big impact.

I am not perfect – in fact I am far from it. An attendee of Prep Redzone Next’s Northeast Middle School Camp, Gavin Gilardi is a prospect that I missed and overlooked. Man enough to admit when I whiff, the Delbarton quarterback has tremendous upside and, from what I have read of my colleague’s scouting reports of him, has the goods to be one of the top quarterbacks in the class of 2028.

A quarterback I have highlighted a few times now, Gavin Gilardi Gavin Gilardi 6'4" | 185 lbs | QB Delbarton | 2028 NJ , in my opinion, is the number one QB to keep your eye on in the 2028 NJ class. One of the most flawless throwers that I’ve had the chance to see perform in person, Gavin has set the stage to become a household name early in his career. Gavin already has the height necessary to thrive (6’2″), and as he continues to grow and add size to his frame he will become one of the more sought after players in the state. Pay close attention to Gavin as he releases the ball. He can throw the ball with exceptional touch and has the ability to hit his man in stride in an effortless manner. Gavin will be lining up for Delbarton this season, and I am excited to see him get an opportunity to compete for years to come.

While he may not be the starter for Delbarton quite yet, there is good reason to get familiar with Gavin Gilardi Gavin Gilardi 6'4" | 185 lbs | QB Delbarton | 2028 NJ before the season begins. I got the chance the see Gavin win MVP at the Prep Redzone Combine this past May and I have to say, Gavin is a star in the making. Delbarton has arguably the best QB in the NJ 2028 class, it is just a matter of time until Gavin is leading the charge for the Green Wave.

Gavin has all of the skills required to be a top tier talent in the state. At the event, Gavin displayed poise, precision, and phenomenal mechanics throughout the throwing drills. You can tell Gavin has dedicated a large chunk of his free time this offseason to becoming the best QB he can be. Standing over 6 foot as a freshman, Gavin has plenty more growing to do and will become a household name in the state in no time.