STILLWATER – Judging by his comments in interviews and so many observations from media and recruiting analysts in attendance in Redondo Beach, Calf. for the finals of the 2022 Elite 11, Oklahoma State commitment and Gretna, Neb. quarterback Zane Flores performed well and could easily finish in the top 11 of the Elite 11. Most observers had him in the top 11 after day one and day two. Student Sports and Elite 11 announced on Twitter Friday “The Elite 11” following competition in the event from June 28-30. Flores was not on the list. The final rankings were based roughly on 50 percent off performance at the event and physical traits and 50 percent off video study by the staff of the quarterback’s previous high school season.
Some outlets released their own rankings. These come from media that attended the event in person. 247Sports had Flores ranked No. 10 among the quarterbacks and said this:
Flores was steady throughout the week and never left our top 11 following Day 1. He's one of those quarterbacks who just does a little of everything well and there's still a lot of development left with him. He has a prototype 6-3, 190 pound frame and will have no issue adding good weight. He can make throws in and out of the pocket, has a smooth, easy delivery and throws a very catchable ball.
Sports Illustrated had Flores ranked No. 15 among the 20 quarterbacks in attendance.
Despite throws like that one posted all over Twitter, Flores wasn’t on the final 11. He was impressive and he did finish in the top 10 in the Mega Target Challenge.
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Another big part of the final day was the 7-on-7 competition and On3 compiled and posted these stats from that portion of the final day.
Jackson Arnold: 10-for-16 with 1 TD and 1 INT off a drop
Rickie Collins: 8-for-17 with 2 TDs and 1 INT
Brady Drogosh: 9-for-16 with 2 TDs and 1 INT
Zane Flores: 10-for-16 with 1 TD and 1 INT
Brock Glenn: 11-for-16 with 1 TD and 1 INT
Eli Holstein: 13-for-18 with 3 TDs
Avery Johnson: 9-for-17 with 1 TD and 1 INT
JJ Kohl: 13-for-16 with 6 TDs
Kenny Minchey: 10-for-18 with 1 TD, 1 INT and 1 timed sack.
Dante Moore: 16-for-19 with 4 TDs
Malachi Nelson: 11-for-19 with 3 TDs and 2 timed sacks
Austin Novosad: 12-for-17 with 1 TD and 2 INTs
Chris Parson: 14-for-17 with 3 TDs
Jaden Rashada: 10-for-19
Malachi Singleton: 8-for-16 with 2 TDs
Jaxon Smolik: 9-for-17 with 3 TDs and 1 dropped INT
Marcus Stokes: 11-for-17, 2 TDs and 1 INT
Christopher Vizzina: 12-for-19, 4 TDs
As far as the final rankings, Oklahoma pledge and Denton Guyer quarterback Jackson Arnold was selected as the MVP. Oddly enough, Arnold played against the MVP of last year’s Elite 11 in Cade Klubnick in the Texas Class 6A Division I State Championship Game last year.
I can tell you this from having watched Flores on video from last season and in person, at “The Show” at Oklahoma State that I believe the Cowboys have a very talented quarterback to head up their 2023 recruiting class. Flores has excellent arm talent, very good accuracy, and is a mature leader on the football field.
