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Florida State quarterback recruits performing well at Elite 11

By Bud Elliott Updated
Deondre Francois -- Student Sports
Deondre Francois -- Student Sports

Monday afternoon update:

The first Elite 11 rankings are out. FSU commit De'Andre Johnson did not make the top 11, while 'Noles target Deondre Francois came in at No. 10. This is pretty fluid, though I can't say I thought either player had a true shot to win, because I think there are 7-10 guys who are clearly better at the event.

Through a day and a half at the Elite 11, everything seems status quo. No quarterback has drastically changed his abilities over the last few months. The guys who win with accuracy and smarts are continuing to do so, and the guys with true next-level arm talent are separating themselves a bit, according to those there.

SB Nation will arrive today, and I am excited to see the quarterbacks throw to targets when they are actually going against a defense on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday -- not the routes on air that are run at the Elite 11. I think the Elite 11 is better for development than it is evaluation.

Florida State has two recruits of interest at the event.

Barton Simmons of 247sports ($) broke down FSU commit De'Andre Johnson and Seminoles target Deondre Francois (FSU is expected to land Francois later this month.

De’Andre Johnson – We love what Johnson brings to the table. Though he’s not big, he has an extremely quick release, he changes speed on his throws nicely, shows nice touch and he can put it on a rope when needed. The Florida State commit had a nice day.
Deondre Francois – Francois had a good morning at the Elite 11 but we really woke up to his day in the afternoon. The uncommitted four-star put together a flurry of big-time throws and showed a live arm. **Top performer candidate
More: FSU at Elite 11, The Opening

-One of two Scout.com writers has Francois No. 4 on its hot board, and neither have Johnson listed.

Arm strength is what you see right away. The ball got on the wideouts quickly and at times, caught them off guard. He has a short, quick release and he was sharp on short, intermediate, and deeper balls.

-ESPN's update did not mention either quarterback.

Reading the tweets from those I follow, it seems that Johnson is still maximizing his potential (or close), while Francois and Penn State commit (potential Stanford flip) Brandon Wimbush are still learning not to throw every ball at 100 MPH. Johnson is still the better quarterback right now, while Francois has the higher ceiling due to clearly superior physical tools.

On another note, I miss on plenty of prospects, but one I will mention is that Alabama commitment Blake Barnett (formerly committed to Notre Dame), of California, is performing just as well as the perceived California "Big Two" of Josh Rosen (UCLA) and Ricky Town (USC). I've long maintained that California has three elite quarterbacks, and if Sam Darnold and Travis Waller keep improving (both are inexperienced), it could have five who end up rated as five-stars or high four-stars.

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