Florida Elite 11: Top Underclassmen Quarterbacks
Article photo of Zander Smith; photo credit to Brian Smith
It was hard to decide which quarterbacks to focus on from the underclassmen groups.
There were simply too many good players. A good problem to work through, for sure. Here’s a first look at how some of these young men looked physically as well as how they performed. Note, it’s a partial list as the number of underclassmen worthy of mention was truly huge.
List in alphabetical order
Sean Ashenfelder, St. Johns (Fla.) Creekside - 2025
This young man exemplified what a modern spread quarterback should be like. Quick release, quick feet, and not afraid to throw a dart when it’s needed.
Want to watch him live and in pads based on seeing his Elite 11 performance. Ashenfelder was one of the best underclassmen signal callers in attendance at Elite 11.
Niko Boyce, Naples (Fla.) Barron Collier - 2025
It was obvious that Boyce has been training hard. He’s a natural passer. Easy going delivery and a compact throwing motion. Liked his game. As will be noted below, Boyce was one of the young quarterbacks that acted older than his age. He had the mentality of an established quarterback and the throwing motion to match.
Carson Boyd, East St. Louis (Ill.) Cardinal Ritter - 2025
Tremendous athlete. Watching him throw it was hard not to notice that he was physically impressive like a running back. In fact, Boyd should be considered a dual-threat for sure based on his sophomore film. That stated, he has been trained well to date as his throwing motion was easy going and looked second nature to him.
Boyd’s abilities will fit in well in today’s spread offenses that also seek out quarterbacks that can take off at a moment’s notice.
Dereon Coleman, Orlando (Fla.) Jones - 2026
Very confident. That’s the first point to note about Coleman. He was relaxed and was not overwhelmed by being around older players. Still needing to gain quite a bit of weight, Coleman has the ability to run or pass quite well.
Need to see him this fall as Jones High School will certainly play a lot of talented teams. It always does and that helps to grade prospects better, Coleman included.
Carter Emanuel, Orlando (Fla.) Lake Nona - 2026
As well built as one will find for a player that’s currently a freshman and playing quarterback, Emanuel looked like a rising senior based on his frame and bulk. He certainly sent off some rocket shots, and he did well during his accuracy test for a player his age.
The ceiling is incredibly high. It’s up to Emanuel for how good he can become.
Will Griffin, Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit - 2026
Griffin has been well known around the Tampa area for a couple of years. Just to be blunt, he’s already grown into becoming a major prospect. The size, arm, and overall understanding of the quarterback position were clear with Griffin even a year ago.
He was constantly chatting up counselors about the finer points of how to be more accurate, as well as being on time and how to out-think the opposition.
Noah Grubbs, Lake Mary (Fla.) - 2026
Big dude, big arm, big upside. That’s the overall evaluation for Grubbs. While seeing him – like any other quarterback on this list – avoid the rush and make throws will be the true benchmark, Elite 11 helped to show why there’s been talk about Grubbs being a Power 5 signal caller.
He just needs to stay the course and develop. Great attitude helped and it was noticed, too.
Troy Huhn, Mission Hills (Calif.) High School - 2026
Troy Huhn has the talent and mentality to be a big-time college quarterback
Based solely on the Elite 11 event, one could argue the California prospect was the top overall prospect that was not a rising 2024 recruit. Huhn made numerous passes that made one say, ‘Wow! Look at how good that pass was!’
His uncanny accuracy was easy to notice, and he was a competitor in every drill. Another way to put it, Huhn wanted to learn from the Elite 11 camp counselors as he went through his workout. It was obvious. Not many 15-year olds like him from a physical and mental perspective. He’s going to be a 40-offer prospect if he continues on this trajectory.
Jordan Magwood, Seffner (Fla.) Seffner Christian - 2025
Just on the edge of Tampa there’s a hidden quarterback prospect at a small private school named Magwood. He’s capable of taking off and running with the football, but he’s also a passer that showed he’s improved his overall mechanics and awareness.
In short, Magwood looked better on Sunday and he’s made improvements each time he’s been viewed to date. Keep an eye on the underclassman.
Joel Morris, Lakeland (Fla.) Lake Gibson - 2026
Polk County was in the house for Elite 11 with multiple signal callers (see below), and Morris showed why he belonged. His overall athleticism and quick release showed out. He’s still developing, obviously, as a 2026 prospect. That stated, Morris will be a big-time prospect.
Austin Simmons, Pahokee (Fla.) High School - 2025
One of the smoothest deliveries of any quarterback in the country, Simmons was consistent throughout the day. He’s a big-time pitcher in baseball, too. The ability to throw the football with the same motion, overall, was the best attribute for Simmons during Elite 11. Tremendous upside as a player and a great young man as well.
RELATED: Simmons Announcing His College Decision
Carter Smith, Fort Myers (Fla.) Bishop Verot - 2025
Who was this guy? After being ranked the No. 14 player in the country, many folks were curious as to why there was so much hype for Smith. Watching his mechanics and overall consistency, there was certainly much to like.
He’s also a thinker. Smith took some time to talk ball off-camera. He gets it as it relates to the big picture of how football works, i.e. it takes scheme and talent to win big. Huge upside for Smith.
Zander Smith, Lakeland (Fla.) High School - 2025
I dub thee “The Hulk.” After shaking Smith’s hand, it became quite clear that he’s been blessed. His strength aside, his arm talent was just as impressive. Additionally, he’s a well spoken young man that’s humble:
Bullets. That’s what he threw. If anything, Smith needed to occasionally dial it down a notch. One cannot teach Smith’s 6-foot-3 and 215-pound frame though. He’s already close to being physically college ready right now.
Will Wilson, Columbia (S.C.) Richland Northeast
Watching Wilson move, it was obvious that he’s natural at just about any sport he’d want to play. Baseball, basketball, football, track, whatever. He moved effortlessly, and he threw the ball like that as well.
To gain the full exposure of what he can do one needs to see him in pads while he makes defenders miss and extends plays before launching the football down the field. That’s on the list of things for this writer to do.
Ennio “Ejay” Yapoor, Miami (Fla.) Norland - 2025
Yapoor has not received nearly enough attention to date. He’s shown a knack for hitting receivers in stride on film, and did so again at Elite 11. In particular, he’s good at letting it fly and finding a wide receiver deep down the field.
What will get Yapoor to the next level would be refinement. It’s that simple. All the little aspects of working the pocket and keeping his eyes down the field. In short, it’s just the next step in the quarterback maturation process. He’s going to destroy teams this fall with all the talent at Norland. Repeat, destroy.
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