The Elite 11 is mostly about the top high school quarterbacks in the nation coming together to compete against each others at the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Ore. Eighteen enter the finals with only 11 coming out as the true “Elite 11” for the 2016 class.
But the Elite 11 brings in some help from the current collegiate ranks to serve as counselors for the high school players. Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs joined Clemson’s Deshaun Waston, USC’s Cody Kessler, Penn State’s Christian Hackenburg, Notre Dame’s Malik Zaire, Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett, Arizona State’s Mike Bercovici and North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz – many of whom are considered some of the best collegiate QBs in the nation – as the counselors for this year’s event.
And while teaching is the main focus of the counselors, they also get some practice, learning and throwing time in themselves.
Based on multiple reports, Dobbs seemed to stand out among even this talented group of counselors, coming in second in the counselor competition and drawing praise from numerous analysts.
Could make good argument #Vols have two best QBs at #Elite11. Current QB Joshua Dobbs looks great & pledge Jarrett Guarantano spinning it.
— Jeremy Crabtree (@jeremycrabtree) July 6, 2015
Mike Bercovici wins the counselor competition at Elite 11. Beats Josh Dobbs in the finals. Bercovici's been dialed in all week.
— Paul Myerberg (@PaulMyerberg) July 7, 2015
According to most everyone here at #Elite11, JT Barrett and Josh Dobbs have been most impressive. Unofficial competition starting now.
— Travis Haney (@travhaney) July 7, 2015
And while Dobbs is working with all the Elite 11 finalists, there’s a natural bond between him and UT commitment Jarrett Guarantano, who is performing well himself, heading into the final day of competition ranked third overall among the 18 finalists.
“Me and Josh have a very good relationship already,” Guarantano said, via OregonLive.com. “Every time I go to Tennessee, I’m always hanging out with him, always with him. It wasn’t really a big difference, but I’m glad I get to learn from him on the field, instead of just hanging with him off of it. He’s been telling me a little bit about my drops. He’s a great guy and I’m really proud that I’m going to be his teammate.”
