re: Class of 2015 Recruiting MEGATHREAD - Twilight Edition

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We're ranked #11 in 2016 team rankings.

Oh noze! The decline is real

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The top high school quarterbacks in America tested their skills in Beaverton, Oregon, this week. Challenges at the Elite 11 finals and The Opening revealed plenty about each passer.

The collection included several committed standouts and a strong collection of California prospects. We were on the sidelines for all of the action at Nike's world headquarters and ranked the top five quarterbacks in attendance based on their performance and potential.

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2. Blake Barnett, Alabama commit

Case for No. 1

Alabama entered June still searching for a 2015 quarterback commit. A month later, it appears Nick Saban may have landed the best of the bunch.

Blake Barnett, a 6'4.5", 200-pound prospect from Santiago High School (Corona, California), never looked rattled during five days of competition. Aside from consistency, he flashed glimpses of stardom as a pocket passer who can drill the ball into tight spots.

Given his prowess as a rusher (1,000 yards on the ground last season), the combination of abilities creates a dynamic talent capable of dominating in Tuscaloosa. Though quarterbacks didn't run for yards in Beaverton, Barnett exhibited outstanding footwork and looked nimble during hurdle and ladder drills that others struggled to master.

He was named the Elite 11 MVP.



Highlight of the Week

Barnett quickly developed a rapport with future Alabama teammate Calvin Ridley, a Florida receiver who earned seven-on-seven tournament overall MVP honors. The two hooked up repeatedly during game action, leading their squad to a title at The Opening.

If it was a sign of things to come, SEC defensive backs better start preparing.

"We really found a rhythm together," Barnett said. "He's such a talented receiver, and it's big that we have a chance to build some chemistry before we both arrive at Alabama."



What the Future Holds

Barnett, who accounted for 35 total touchdowns as a junior, has several compelling quarterback showdowns this season. He'll battle Brady White in a rematch of their 2013 showdown that featured 105 total points.

His dual-threat abilities should provide a new dimension in Tuscaloosa, where Lane Kiffin is now the offensive coordinator.

"Coach Kiffin and Coach Saban were very fond about the idea of their quarterback being able to run the ball several times in each game," Barnett said. "It's something they were looking for, and it made sense as a fit for me."

Don't be surprised if he adds a new wrinkle to the Crimson Tide attack by his sophomore campaign.

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Sure, sure, Blake Barnett is already a well-known recruit. He's a 4-star quarterback who is headed to Alabama, and many regard him as having among the biggest upside of any recruit in the 2015 class.

However, Barnett broke out in Beaverton by winning the Elite 11 MVP, according to 247Sports. This honor will likely take him from being an "average" 4-star quarterback prospect to a sure-fire 5-star stud.

The California native may be on his way to becoming a household name.

Barnett told the following to Charles Power of BamaOnLine on July 10:


"I think what set the tone was the first day. We had the workout and it was about seven hours. To say the least, it was about seven hours. We learned a lot from that as far as mental strength and physical strength. We pushed our body and pushed our mind. I think pushing our mind helped out tremendously. When times are bad or times or good, it's the balance of being composed and that's what made the difference."

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