The Elite 11 competition has established itself as a kingmaker at the quarterback position. The event, which hosts the top senior high school quarterbacks, boasts Heisman Trophy winners, first overall NFL Draft selections, and College Football National Championship winners among their distinguished alumni.
The 2023 Elite 11 Finals take place from Jun. 14-16 in Los Angeles, CA and features 20 of the top high school quarterbacks competing against each other in on-field drills and routes on air while also receiving classroom instruction and off-field development.
But, who are the Elite 11 finalists for 2023?
Who are the Elite 11 Finalists?
Dylan Raiola | Pinnacle
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 1
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 1
- CFN Fusion Grade: 99.951
- School: Georgia (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 230 pounds
As the top quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class, it’s no surprise that Dylan Raiola leads the QBs at the Elite 11 Finals.
MORE: College Football Recruiting Rankings 2024
The Pinnacle standout had offers from over 25 top-tier FBS programs and after a flirtation with Ohio State, he’ll take his prototypical size, alluring arm strength, and highly-developed pocket awareness and football IQ to Georgia in 2024.
Julian Sayin | Carlsbad
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 2
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 9
- CFN Fusion Grade: 99.733
- School: Alabama (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’1 1/2″, 190 pounds
Alabama commit Julian Sayin emerged on the scene as a sophomore and the Californian kid has solidified himself as the best in the state ever since. His elevated football IQ and well-developed arm allow him to be a clean, accurate passer who makes extremely few mistakes for a young QB. The Crimson Tide fought off SEC foes Georgia and LSU to capture their future QB.
DJ Lagway | Willis
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 3
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 20
- CFN Fusion Grade: 99.483
- School: Florida (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’2 1/2″, 225 pounds
A true dual-threat despite boasting a well-put-together frame — remind you of anyone, Gators fans? — DJ Lagway was a significant recruiting coup for Billy Napier’s Florida team. The Willis wonder has the arm strength and velocity generation to make all the throws. Meanwhile, his ability to create outside the pocket resulted in 517 rushing yards and seven scores last year.
Jaydn Davis | Providence
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 4
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 28
- CFN Fusion Grade: 99.278
- School: Michigan (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’0 1/2″, 190 pounds
Michigan overcame stiff competition from multiple schools including bitter rivals Ohio State to land Jaydn Davis — one of the best QBs on show at the Elite 11 Finals. While the Providence product might not boast the same arm strength as some QBs in the class, he’s capable of easy velocity generation and is mechanically sound. Davis is also a dangerous off-script weapon.
CJ Carr | Saline (Mich.)
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 5
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 45
- CFN Fusion Grade: 98.840
- School: Notre Dame (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’2 1/2″, 195 pounds
Unsurprisingly for a player who is headed to one of the most academic institutions in the nation, the hallmark of CJ Carr’s game is his football intelligence. He should impress off-the-field at the Elite 11 Finals, but he’s also a clean and accurate quarterback on the field who Notre Dame snatched out of the state of Michigan despite Wolverine and Spartan offers.
Air Noland | Langston Hughes
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 7
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 64
- CFN Fusion Grade: 98.445
- School: Ohio State (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’2 1/2″, 185 pounds
When you’re a QB and your name is “Air,” you better be able to produce the goods, and Noland certainly did while powering Langston Hughes to a state championship. He’s statistically one of the best on show at the Elite 11 finals, having thrown for over 4,000 yards and 55 touchdowns as a junior. The left-hander launches the ball quickly and with considerable strength.
Elijah Brown | Mater Dei
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 8
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 70
- CFN Fusion Grade: 98.345
- School: uncommitted
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 180 pounds
The top uncommitted passer on show at the Elite 11 finals, Elijah Brown has a visit to USC next week and is expected to make a decision shortly after. Whoever lands the Mater Dei magician is getting an experienced signal caller who has started every year at high school. Brown is not afraid of contact but is adept at avoiding it while having the arm to accurately hit the deep third.
Luke Kromenhoek | Benedictine Military School
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 10
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 149
- CFN Fusion Grade: 96.389
- School: Florida State (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’2 1/2″, 190 pounds
Less experienced than some of the other QBs at the Elite 11 Finals, Luke Kromenhoek earned his first starting role in 2022. However, he led Benedictine to a state title while flashing his multi-faceted usage. A true dual-threat who is comfortable out of structure, his ability to get the ball out accurately and on time also makes him a perfect replacement for Jordan Travis at FSU.
Ryan Puglisi | Avon (Conn.)
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 11
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 151
- CFN Fusion Grade: 96.268
- School: Georgia (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 195 pounds
Even following Raiola’s commitment to Georgia, Ryan Puglisi hasn’t cooled off his intention to play for the Bulldogs, giving Kirby Smart two of the top QBs at the Elite 11 Finals. The Connecticut kid also plays basketball and baseball at Avon, and that multi-sport profile is evident in his athletic capability and how he plays the quarterback position.
Colin Hurley | Trinity Christian Academy
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 13
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 163
- CFN Fusion Grade: 95.726
- School: LSU (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’0 1/2″, 219 pounds
Ranked higher by us than some of the other recruiting sites, Colin Hurley has clear physical upside as a quarterback prospect and will get the chance to showcase that at the Elite 11 Finals.
The LSU commit throws an absolute dart with a ton of velocity behind it and is mechanically impressive. He’ll be one of the younger QBs on display in Los Angeles as a 2025 reclassification.
MORE: 2024 WR Rankings
Demond Williams | Basha
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 14
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 248
- CFN Fusion Grade: 92.927
- School: Ole Miss (commit)
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 180 pounds
One of the more compact quarterbacks at the Elite 11 Finals, Demond Williams is also one of the more dangerous and productive dual-threat prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. He flashed his ground game magic with 764 yards and five scores as a state champion last fall, but also boasts the arm to stretch the field as a deep ball passer.
Isaac Wilson | Corner Canyon
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 16
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 264
- CFN Fusion Grade: 92.279
- School: Utah (commit)
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 180 pounds
Watch out college football world, there’s a new Wilson in town who is about to take the sport by storm. The younger brother of former BYU quarterback Zack chose Utah over the Cougars after helping Corner Canyon to the state championship game. If he can cut down on some of the turnover-worthy plays, Wilson has the arm, off-script ability, and swagger to establish his own story.
Michael Hawkins Jr. | Emerson (Frisco)
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 17
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 304
- CFN Fusion Grade: 90.468
- School: Oklahoma (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 pounds
Although he ranks as the 17th quarterback in the 2024 CFN Recruiting Rankings, the Elite 11 Finals might be the start of an ascent for Michael Hawkins Jr. The son of a former Oklahoma cornerback, he committed to the Sooners ahead of his first season at Emerson. The system at his previous school limited his deep ball and creative potential, which is very high.
Dante Reno | Cheshire Academy
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 27
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 406
- CFN Fusion Grade: 84.191
- School: South Carolina (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 205 pounds
At 6’2′ and over 200 pounds, Dante Reno certainly looks the part of a college football quarterback. With his quick release, accurate arm, and impressive decision-making, he plays the part well too. Reno has also flashed the ability to manipulate the pocket well.
Daniel Kaelin | Bellevue West
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 29
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 456
- CFN Fusion Grade: 79.351
- School: Nebraska (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 pounds
Originally committed to Missouri, Daniel Kaelin heads to the Elite 11 Finals as a Nebraska commit. Like Kromenhoek, he got his first start as a junior last season and proved to be productive with his blend of accuracy, anticipation, and above-average arm strength.
Danny O’Neil | Cathedral (IN)
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 30
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 465
- CFN Fusion Grade: 79.143
- School: Colorado (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’0 1/2″, 180 pounds
A key component of Deion Sanders’ 2024 recruiting class, Danny O’Neil has the potential to take over from Shedeur Sanders immediately if the current Buffs QB was to head to the 2024 NFL Draft. O’Neil is an accurate passer with good pocket presence who has two years starting experience — winning a state title as a sophomore.
Will Hammond | Hutto (Tx.)
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: 34
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: 509
- CFN Fusion Grade: 78.773
- School: Texas Tech (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 pounds
He might be listed as a pro-style QB by some recruiting sites, but Will Hammond is most definitely a dangerous dual-threat who led his team in rushing yards during the 2022 season. His offseason focus has been on weight gain and building his arm strength, something to keep an eye out for at the Elite 11 Finals. A natural leader, he should shine off the field as well as on it.
Hauss Hejny | Aledo
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: N/A
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: N/A
- CFN Fusion Grade: N/A
- School: TCU (commit)
- Height/Weight: 5’11 1/2″, 185 pounds
Initially committed to Duke, Hauss Hejny rescinded his pledge to the Blue Devils and flipped to TCU — giving the Horned Frogs two passers at the Elite 11 Finals. Although he doesn’t currently possess a CFN Fusion grade, the Texas native has the athletic profile to elevate himself as a game-changing dual-threat in this 2024 class.
Ethan Grunkemeyer | Olentangy
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: N/A
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: N/A
- CFN Fusion Grade: N/A
- School: Penn State (commit)
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 pounds
The Elite 11 Finals is going to be a phenomenal opportunity for Penn State commit Ethan Grunkemeyer. Although he boasts a strong arm, he has flown under the radar in recruiting circles and earned the right to compete in Los Angeles at the same time as securing an offer to Penn State. He’ll be one of the more intriguing quarterbacks to watch over the three days.
Trever Jackson | West Orange
- CFN Fusion Position Rank: N/A
- CFN Fusion Overall Rank: N/A
- CFN Fusion Grade: N/A
- School: uncommitted
- Height/Weight: 6’2 1/2″, 185 pounds
A lack of experience and statistical production means that Trever Jackson is one of the more low-key quarterbacks competing at the Elite 11 Finals. He’s currently uncommitted but holds offers from several Power Five programs including Pittsburgh and Texas A&M. While there’s development required, Jackson’s impressive athletic capability should prove alluring at the next level.
