On Eve of 7-on-7, Breaking Down The Elite 11 Finalists LINK

Paul Myerberg and Daniel Uthman,
USA TODAY Sports 12:37 p.m. EDT July 8, 2014

---Note: Edited to just SEC commits ---

BEAVERTON, Ore. — If all invitees enter the competition with an even grade, it's common to see three or four prospects quickly freight train to the front of the pack at the Elite 11, the hyped summertime quarterback showcase featuring some of the best senior-to-be talent in each year's recruiting class.

This isn't the case in 2014, where 19 quarterbacks have come, played, thrown and remained tightly packed through two days of competition. This isn't an indictment of a lack of talent — it's the opposite, in fact, with recruits set for Alabama, UCLA, USC and all points in between alternating turns as the field's best quarterback.

When Elite 11 counselors Bryce Petty, Connor Cook, Sean Mannion, Everett Golson, Travis Wilson and Davis Webb aren't participating, at least. Yet the talent abounds: Drew Lock, Travis Waller, Josh Rosen, Ricky Town and others are impressive alone, to put it lightly, and together this might be the most impressive Elite 11 group since at least 2011 — a group then paced by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston.

"No one has really pushed out in front," coach George Whitfield said. "Rosen might be the most polished, but no one has really just ripped out front, and no one's getting left behind. They're more talented than last year's group."

Yes, the talent is obvious. Here's a breakdown of each invitee, with on-field observations and comments from Whitfield and fellow Elite 11 coaches Trent Dilfer and Jordan Palmer:

Blake Barnett, Corona (Calif.) Santiago | Committed to Alabama

Barnett certainly looks the part, every inch of his 6-4 frame, and seems to fit perfectly into what Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin want from the position — smarts, pocket presence and the ability to deliver the ball from sideline to sideline.

"Blake Barnett has been Steady Eddie," Dilfer said. "And he's Steady Eddie with, obviously, major physical traits.

"He's been so good, but nothing spectacular, but we're not asking him to be spectacular. We're asking him to be consistent, and he's doing everything we've asked."

Dilfer's on point with his assessment: Barnett hit top gear from the start and never slowed, showing the sort of consistent delivery and mental approach that bodes well for his turn with the Crimson Tide.

Deondre Francois, IMG Academy (Fla.) | Considering Auburn, Florida State and Oregon

Each Elite 11 event has its built-in stars — maybe Josh Rosen or Kyler Murray heading into this week — and its under-the-radar success stories. Whitfield calls the latter his "tall grass" prospects, those who sneak up on the competition and flash one unquestioned strength — leadership, poise, footwork — that might have gone unnoticed during the recruiting process.

Francois certainly qualifies. Though somewhat new to the position, Francois' arm strength — Whitfield calls it "arm talent" — was on display at every drill and in every session; lost in the shuffle was his ability to layer the ball over the top with some touch, though he's still learning the trade.

"That's the exciting part, because he hasn't really been a quarterback," Whitfield said.

He's a "quiet assassin," Dilfer said. "The ball just spits off his hands. He's making the right reads, it's just really, really good."

Torrance Gibson, American Heritage (Fla.) | Considering LSU, Ohio State and Tennessee

One thing is sure: Gibson wants to play quarterback in college. What's undecided is whether Gibson can actually contribute at the position in college, or whether his future lies at another skill position.

One other thing we know for sure: Gibson is one heck of an athlete.

"He wants to be a quarterback," Dilfer said. "If he's going to stay as a quarterback, one he's going have to really get some real quarterback reps in the next year, or two, he's going have to be in a true zone-read, run-first offense that will set up the pass."

But as with any athlete-first quarterback, the fear is that Gibson's talents won't translate to the spot in college — or that he'll never develop the skills needed to succeed at the position.

"He's really worked hard at this," Dilfer said. "I'm really proud of that kid. I think he deserves a chance to develop as a quarterback. Because he's such a great kid. He's so pliable. He has so much room for growth, and he'll do the work."

Sheriron Jones, Rancho Verde (Calif.) | Committed to Florida

Jones battled with inconsistency, alternating moments of unbridled athleticism — hence why he held offers from Florida, Tennessee, Arizona State and Nebraska before opting for the Gators — and up-and-down battles with pre-snap reads and coverage assignments. Not that any on-field missteps altered his positive mindset: Jones "makes you feel good about yourself," Dilfer said. "He's the guy who's busting my chops non-stop, and I wish more guys did that.

It might be merely a matter of time before Jones' game comes together, Dilfer said.

"Consistency's going to be Sheriron's thing," he said. "He needs to be more consistent. He's very, very talented, and he's going to get bigger and stronger, so he's going to get away with being inconsistent, but I don't want that to ever be said about my guys. I want my guys to be consistent. Surgeons."

Drew Lock, Lee's Summit (Mo.) | Committed to Missouri

Lock has quietly made his case as the top quarterback at the event. Very quietly: Lock didn't enter the Elite 11 finals with the cachet of a Rosen, Town or Murray yet impressed each coach and counselor at the event with his physical skills and rock-solid mental makeup. Whitfield called Lock "a Kevlar type of dude," meaning he was unfazed and unflappable amid the Elite 11 noise.

He's not stressed by the environment, Dilfer said, just comfortable. Lock has "owned the room, owned each situation" he's been in, Dilfer said. Lock would arrive on campus at Missouri and immediately be viewed as the program's future at the position. He has been the greatest surprise of the competition.

Kyler Murray, Allen (Texas) | Committed to Texas A&M

Murray's dual-threat tendencies don't necessarily translate perfectly to this sort of drill-based work, though even a casual observer could take note of the athleticism and elusiveness packed into his diminutive frame.

Perhaps like another smaller-bodied Texas A&M quarterback – you know, the Aggies' last starter – Murray is at his best in pads, or at least in the sort of game-like situations provided during the seven-on-seven drills.

"Kyler Murray made real strides with me today," Dilfer said. "Kyler's a guy who is probably going to be better the closer to real football this comes."

Look for Murray to be one of the top quarterbacks during the team sessions at The Opening.