Bama Central

Alabama Commitment Julian Sayin Wins Elite 11 Pro Day

Crimson Tide prospect the favorite to win the overall MVP title heading into the final day of the prestigious competition.

Christopher Walsh

Elite 11
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Alabama Crimson Tide commitment Justin Sayin is heading into his final high school season, but is already standing out against some of the quarterbacks he'll be facing in the Southeastern Conference and in college football. 

Thursday evening, he won the Pro Day competition on Day 2 of the prestigious Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles. 

Among those he topped were many of the top-rated prospects in the recruiting Class of 2024 including Dylan Raiola (Georgia), Jadyn Davis (Michigan), Elijah Brown (uncommitted, but expected to play at Stanford), CJ Carr (Notre Dame), DJ Lagway (Florida), Prentiss Norland (Ohio State) and Luke Kromenhoek (Florida State). 

The major recruiting services are all on hand for the three-day competition and providing their own commentary and evaluations, however the official results done by the Elite 11 coaches had Sayin topping the standings on the opening day, and then first again following the Pro Day workout on Day 2.  

The Pro Day competition at Redondo Beach Union High had each of the 20 quarterbacks going through drills, similar to what they hope to do for scouts and team officials someday before the NFL draft. The players attempt 20 throws to receivers all over the field in eight minutes, and are judged on everything from accuracy to endurance, pace and touch. 

Sayin got into a good rhythm while completing 17, and according to numerous reports looked strong in the process. 

The one throw he was docked for, at least on social media, was a long attempt toward an end zone pylon in which he seemed to be channeling the spirit of Harry Gilmer (the only player in Alabama history other than Bryce Young to be the first-overall selection in an NFL draft) and attempted a jump pass. 

The throw looked great, but he missed the receiver.  

Nevertheless, by winning the first two nights, Sayin has emerged to become the favorite to be named the event's overall MVP.

The Elite 11 Finals is promoted as having advanced, one-on-one quarterback instruction in a highly competitive setting. The three days include on-field drills, routes-on-air, classroom instruction and off-field development.

It features most of the top quarterbacks in the nation, most of whom are committed to the top teams, so of course everyone wants the bragging rights. 

Tua Tagovailoa was the 2016 Final MVP and former Crimson Tide player Blake Barnett won it in 2014. Other recent winners include Justin Fields, Spencer Rattler, C.J Stroud and Caleb Williams. Prominent previous winners include Jared Goff, Trevor Lawrence, Andrew Luck, Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford and Jameis Winston.

Sayin, from Carlsbad, Calif, is considered a consensus 5-star prospect and the top recruit in his home state. He committed to Alabama in November over Georgia and LSU.

SEE ALSO: Alabama Football Recruiting Tracker

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Christopher Walsh
CHRISTOPHER WALSH

Christopher Walsh is the founder and publisher of BamaCentral, which first published in 2018. He's covered the Crimson Tide since 2004, and is the author of 26 books including Decade of Dominance, 100 Things Crimson Tide Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die, Nick Saban vs. College Football, and Bama Dynasty: The Crimson Tide's Road to College Football Immortality. He's an eight-time honoree of Football Writers Association of America awards and three-time winner of the Herby Kirby Memorial Award, the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s highest writing honor for story of the year. In 2022, he was named one of the 50 Legends of the ASWA. Previous beats include the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, along with Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Originally from Minnesota and a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, he currently resides in Tuscaloosa.

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