Elite 11 Orlando: Ranking the Top 5 Seniors
The Orlando Elite 11 regional showcased players from across the country. Some of the best came down to the Sunshine State from Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina to name a few states.
From that list, here were the five quarterbacks that consistently performed the best from the rising senior class.
1) Luke Kromenhoek, Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine Military School - Florida State commitment
The most consistent feet when releasing the football gave Kromenhoek an edge. He was excellent at driving off of his back foot and finishing his throws with a consistent release.
This is a tough drill. #FSU commit @LukeKromenhoek during @Elite11 | @SBLiveGA | @DustinLewisNG pic.twitter.com/Hb93y1cNYy
— Brian Smith (@fbscout_florida) April 2, 2023
When Kromenhoek needed power, he certainly threw a fastball. His command of passes to running backs and shorter throws overall, that’s what made him today’s top overall performer though. Kromenhoek was given a ticket to compete at the Elite 11 finals in Los Angeles.
2) Trever Jackson, Orlando (Fla.) West Orange
Jackson’s confidence showed from the outset. He was on target and sharp throughout the contest. Most noticeably, Jackson’s ability to quickly change directions, set his feet, and quickly fire a strike stood out.
He was also a fast learner. Some of the drills from Elite 11 were intended to challenge the mind more than the arm of a quarterback. Jackson embraced different drills and passing concepts, as well as the heat on the turf that left everyone tired by the end of the event.
He has a natural throwing motion, good velocity, and the ability to make plays with his feet. Jackson’s recruitment has finally started to pick up and a Power 5 school will get a prospect with a lot of upside. Great guy, too. Like Kromenhoek, Jackson received an invite to the Elite 11 finals.
3) Cedrick Bailey, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna - North Carolina State commitment
Accuracy improved from seeing Bailey prior to yesterday. Also made great decisions with when to use touch for short or intermediate throws. It’s incredible how much he’s grown in one year.
When it was time for Bailey to plant his feet and drill a pass, he was as good as anyone. That's always been a strength and it was again today but with even more accuracy than has been prior to Sunday. Bailey also showed the ability to fire several passes down the field and hit a receiver in stride when it was truly a small window.
4) Cole Welliver, Argyle (Texas) Liberty Christian
The classic pocket quarterback, the 6-foot-6 Welliver looked and acted as calm as any signal caller this reporter remembered seeing at this Elite 11 event or any other in the past. His belief in what he’s able to do was high from the beginning, and so was how he executed drills from start to finish.
On time with his passes, as well as accurate the vast majority of the time, there was a sense of comfort from watching him throw the football. That’s the way Welliver should be defined, based on watching him pass after pass. Welliver will be great in a spread or air raid offense at the Power 5 level.
5) Alberto Mendoza, Miami (Fla.) Columbus
Few knew about Mendoza until he helped lead Columbus to a state title last fall. After watching his throwing motion and just how accurate he was, no question he’s capable of playing at the Power 5 level.
Good ball 🏈 placement by @amendoza2024 from @ColumbusFtball | @Elite11 | @SBLiveFL | @Andy_Villamarzo pic.twitter.com/FFBDKzgIpW
— Brian Smith (@fbscout_florida) April 2, 2023
Perhaps the item that stuck out the most was Mendoza’s release. Like Kromenhoek, Mendoza was consistent with his release point and that aided his accuracy. His ability to hit passes on the run also helped, too.
Honorable mention
The number of senior signal callers that were close was higher than at any other Florida Elite 11 in recent memory.
In no specific order, among the names that will likely end up in the Power 5 to play college football include A.J. Hairston from Coconut Creek (Fla.) Monarch, Adrian Posse from Miami (Fla.) Northwestern, Riley Trujillo from Jacksonville (Fla.) Bartram Trail (UCF commitment), Karson Siqueiros-Lasky from Orlando (Fla.) Lake Highland Prep, Jadyn Glasser from Venice (Fla.) High School, Jake Merklinger from Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Baptist Day, JC Evans from Miami (Fla.) Central, and James Resar, Jacksonville (Fla.) Bishop Kenny (Iowa commitment), among others.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.