In-depth look at the quarterbacks in this year's Elite 11 class

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Each summer, the nation’s top quarterback recruits convene on Nike’s campus for the Elite 11, a competition featuring a series of on- and off-field tests for the next crop of college standouts at the position.

This year’s group might lack the star power of the recent past, even if it’s far too early to peg how exactly these 12 quarterbacks will pan out on the Football Bowl Subdivision ranks.

But these quarterbacks were “the best group of learners we’ve had,” said Elite 11 coach Yogi Roth, in how they quickly and effectively digested not just the offense installed by their coaches and counselors but embraced even the most mundane aspects of the competition.

Take film study, for example. Or in how each quarterback made substantial strides in how to study defenses and take notes, Roth said.

From here, these quarterbacks will prepare for their senior seasons in high school and, in the not-so-distant future, a move to college football’s highest level. With insight from Roth, who broke down the class for USA TODAY Sports, here’s an in-depth look at the Elite 11 class of 2017.

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CAMMON COOPER, Lehi (Utah)

Committed to Washington State

Cooper’s delivery — not to mention his southpaw throwing style — made onlookers immediately think of Kellen Moore, the winningest quarterback in college football history.

But he’s more than just a pocket passer: Cooper has the athleticism to potentially widen Mike Leach’s playbook at Washington State. In addition to his strong arm, Cooper has the legs to “add another dimension” to Washington State’s attack, Roth said.

MATT CORRAL, Long Beach Poly (Calif.)

Uncommitted

Once committed to Southern California, Corral has garnered attention from several major programs since reopening his recruitment this summer. He had his moments this week; he also had a few throws he’d love to take back. But the potential is obvious: Corral can make every throw from inside the pocket and out, and has the physical tools to make an immediate impact in 2018.

“I think he’s going to be a star,” Roth said.

JUSTIN FIELDS, Harrison (Ga.)

Uncommitted

In terms of his immediate ability and long-term potential, Fields may be the best quarterback to come through Elite 11 during his nine years with the camp, Roth said. The MVP of the entire event, Fields just oozes everything you’d want from the position — size, arm strength, footwork, speed, athleticism and smarts. He was outstanding.

“I think we’re looking a guy who’s a potential No. 1 draft pick. He does everything right. He makes some of the difficult things look real easy. You go down the checklist of things that make an elite player at the quarterback position and he checks all of them.”

TREVOR LAWRENCE, Cartersville (Ga.)

Committed to Clemson

Lawrence and Fields were almost unquestionably the top two quarterbacks in attendance. Maybe that’s not surprising: the two top the 247Sports.com rankings of the position, after all. Mechanically and physically, Lawrence showed all week why he’s destined to arrive at Clemson and immediately compete for the starting job, if not win it outright.

“When you just lock in and watch him, you’re reminded of just how unique his physical gifts are,” Roth said.

Every other summer or so, a quarterback appears at this event who you know — just know — is going to be a wonderful college player and eventually reach the next level. Lawrence was that guy in 2017.

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DEVIN LEARY, Timber Creek (N.J.)

Committed to North Carolina State

Leary packs a rocket arm into a smaller frame. It’s easy to see why N.C. State coaches, notably offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Eliah Drinkwitz, jumped all over the New Jersey product during his recruitment. But he’s been overlooked as a prospect, which might explain the mentality he brought to the competition.

Said Roth, “Devin Leary is a guy with a consistent chip on his shoulder.”

TANNER MCKEE, Corona Centennial (Calif.)

Uncommitted

McKee is as good as they come in terms of pro-style, pocket-passing prospects. A true 6-6 with the frame to add another 15-20 pounds, McKee is accurate as a thrower and holds the physical tools to rival any quarterback at the event.

“I think when you look at pro prospects, he’s what you want,” Roth said.

QUINCY PATTERSON II, Solorio (Ill.)

Committed to Virginia Tech

Every person who came into contact with Patterson this week — fellow players, coaches, even the media — fell in love with the future Virginia Tech signee. He’s smart. Driven. In terms of his intelligence, Patterson reminded many of former Elite 11 participant Josh Dobbs, who just completed his career at Tennessee.

And he’s only scratching the surface of his potential as a quarterback, Roth said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins some major awards in college football once his career gets going.”

JUSTIN ROGERS, Parkway (La.)

Committed to TCU

Rogers was one of the nice surprises from Elite 11. Though there was no doubting his athleticism — he’ll be an absolute terror on defenses as a runner — Rogers made great strides during the week as a traditional passer. As time wore on, he impressed coaches with his accuracy and anticipatory skills. He might need time to develop further when he gets on campus, but TCU is getting a good one.

TYLER SHOUGH, Hamilton (Ariz.)

Committed to North Carolina

Much like former Elite 11 participant Sam Darnold, who was wildly underrated as a recruit, Shough blew up during a regional camp, flashed untapped potential during the finals and then showed up well during The Opening. In terms of his skill set, Roth made the comparison to Jared Goff; they have the same frame, share similar intangibles and show the same high level of focus.

“I think he’s an absolute star,” Roth said.

DORIAN THOMPSON-ROBINSON, Bishop Gorman (Nev.)

Committed to UCLA

Thompson-Robinson’s an interesting case. He’s yet to start at Bishop Gorman, one of the premier high school programs in the country. If he’s ahead of the curve athletically, he’s still catching up, to a degree, as a quarterback. But the potential is obvious.

And that Thompson-Robinson handled the event well despite his lack of experience is a hugely positive sign, Roth said. In the past, quarterbacks who arrive at the event without playing as a junior find things move too fast. Not so with Thompson-Robinson. Depending on how he develops this fall, he could be a contender to replace Josh Rosen as UCLA’s starter.

JACK TUTTLE, Mission Hills (Calif.)

Committed to Utah

Consistency. While Tuttle was frustrated by his play during 7-on-7 drills, he as a whole illustrated a rare ability to replicate his delivery and routine from snap to snap. Not surprisingly, Tuttle hit on far more throws than he missed.

He’s blown up as a national recruit in recent months, drawing interest from USC and Alabama, among others, but Tuttle told USA TODAY Sports that he’s very solid with Utah. His plan is to sign in December and enroll early in time to participate in spring practice.

JARREN WILLIAMS, Central Gwinnett (Ga.)

Committed to Kentucky

Coming out of last month’s Elite 11 finals in Redondo Beach, Calif., coaches weren’t sure whether to include Williams in the main event. They made a good choice. If not quite as polished as others in this class, Williams has a certain magnetism that draws in teammates.

“I don’t know if he knows it,” Roth said, “but he’s got this quality, this lean-in quality that we like to utilize here at Elite 11. He has it.”