Eli Holstein “Not Out To Make Friends” at Elite 11 Finals

The Elite 11 Football Camp serves as the premier high school quarterback camp in the nation ever year. Founded in 1999 the camps alums boast 26 or the 32 current starting quarterbacks in the NFL and 14 of the last 15 quarterback Heisman winners.

Crimson Tide quarterback commit Eli Holstein will be participating in the Elite 11 finals after putting on a dominant performance at the Las Vegas regional camp in May. The competition begins on Tuesday in Los Angeles and the Louisiana-native isn't just happy to be invited, he told Joseph Hastings of On3 Sports he's out to win the Elite 11 MVP.

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“I really feel like this is my time to go out there and show the country that I really am one of those top guys,” Holstein said to On3 Sports. “I really am an Alabama-caliber player. Just being able to go out there and compete against the best guys in the country. Showing what I can do. Still feel like I’m a little underrated. Still keep that chip on my shoulder.”

Holstein can join elite Crimson Tide company by winning the Elite 11 MVP. Brodie Croyle won the 2000 competition, Blake Barnett won in 2014 and Tua Tagovailoa won in 2016.

Other notable quarterbacks who went to the Elite 11 Finals include Star Jackson (2007), A.J. McCarron (2008), Jameis Winston (2011 Co-MVP) and Bryce Young (2019).

Holstein is considered by 247Sports as a 4-star prospect and the No. 8 quarterback in the 2023 class but many consider the Zachary High School prospect to be the best quarterback in the class.

His 133.56 athletic score at the Las Vegas regional puts him in the upper echelon of all-time scores. Holstein scored far better than Tagovailoa, Mac Jones and Jalen Hurts as well as 2021 NFL first overall pick Trevor Lawrence.

Holstein helped Zachary High School to a 15-0 record and a Louisiana 5A state championship as a junior in his championship campaign he passed for 3,228 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for another 523 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The Crimson Tide commit will be competing with Tennessee commit Nico Iamaleava, Clemson commit Christopher Vizzina and USC commit Malachi Nelson among others. New Texas commit and consensus No. 1 quarterback in the class Arch Manning will not be participating.