Link: *** QB Phillip Ely commits to Bama ***

[Crimson Surfer]

In the top right is says soft verbal, though.http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Phillip-Ely-97276

I believe that is either a mistake in the Rivals.com profile or they believe that he will be taking official visits. Ely certainly looks like a solid commmitment to me. Scout.com lists him as a firm commitment or verbal.

http://alabama.scout.com/a.z?s=14&p=8&c=1&nid=4353702

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Phillip Ely, Alabama: Tampa Plant QB Phillip Ely picks Alabama - OrlandoSentinel.com

Tampa Plant quarterback Phillip Ely has not lost a game as a varsity starter. The string includes two state championships and a 19-0 record. So it makes sense that an unbeaten team would strike Ely's interest.

Ely impresses with his footwork, versatility and accuracy. He gets back in a 7-step or 5-step drop as fast as anyone and has a quick trigger that allows him to release a little later than most quarterbacks. He's the fifth-ranked quarterback in the country by Rivals.

 

[Tider@GW_Law]

I like QB's from big time high school programs.

Me too. I think the crowds, expectations, attention, etc. of big-time high school programs really help out on the mental and emotional side of quarterbacking in college.

JP Wilson (Hoover High) and Greg McElroy (Southlake Carroll) have worked out pretty well for us, especially on the mental and emotional side of things.

 

[bamachile]

Shocked? Check. Happy? Check. RTR, Phillip, and welcome aboard.

 

[runtheoption22]

definitely a biiiiiig surprise here

 

[runtheoption22]

"Ely impresses with his footwork, versatility and accuracy. He gets back in a 7-step or 5-step drop as fast as anyone and has a quick trigger that allows him to release a little later than most quarterbacks. He's the fifth-ranked quarterback in the country by Rivals."


This is the reason he was taken and the reason 6'1'' is not that big of a concern.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Plant's Ely picks Alabama; Posada picks Michigan

Ely, who will wear No..12 like Joe Namath, showed up on Alabama's radar during spring practices while the Crimson Tide were checking out Plant two-way starter James Wilder Jr. Ely's beefed-up physical appearance and workout performances opened Alabama's eyes.

His news conference announcement, which included the unveiling of an Alabama tie and hat, left a lot mouths open and drew gasps from a few people in the crowd.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

A look back at Ely at the Tuscaloosa Regional Elite 11 camp and an evaluation of him at the Elite 11 final camp.

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1087275

Phillip Ely
PQB, 6-1/186, Tampa (Fla.) Plant

Easily the top performer on the day because he was good at everything he was asked to do. Ely has a quick release and nice wrist flick causing the ball to spin like a military projectile. He has no problem throwing on the run and is comfortable in the gun or under center. His stock has really skyrocketed as he currently claims 15 offers. This was his second tremendous performance on the spring camp circuit as he staked claim to being one of the top pro-style signal callers in the Southeast. Do not be surprised if he ends up being better than some of the more heralded quarterbacks in this class.

Breaking down the dozen QBs in the final Elite 11 - ESPN

Phillip Ely(Tampa, Fla./Plant)
QB rank: No. 60 | ESPNU 150 rank: NR | Stars: 3
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 188 pounds | College: Undecided
Scout's Take: What Ely lacks in height and bulk, he makes up for with accuracy, a quick release and a clear command of the scheme. Ely is confident in his style of play, and his ability to know where to go pre-snap, as well as his ability to work through progressions, is impressive. He has good feet and works from the shotgun exclusively. Most of the throws required of him will be to the short and intermediate areas of the field, but he will flash the occasional deep seam throw and comeback throw to the sideline while on the move, which gives you an idea of his deceptive arm strength. He has a quick, compact delivery despite propping the ball up by his ear, which can give him somewhat of an awkward appearance. Nevertheless, the ball comes out with good pop and zip, giving the impression he possesses a stronger arm than he actually does. What stands out about Ely is his uncanny ability to hit the strike zone. He does such a good job of placing the ball in a catchable spot.

 

[Mystical]

Nice surprise

 

[derek4tide]

OK. While I'm in a panic about QB depth and future,,,,, the staff has done sneaked around and added diversity to the position. The knock on Ely is size and arm-strength. More specifically often tends to throw a "soft" ball rather than zip it. More west-coast than vertical suited. BUT,,, his strength is the versatility to run(and comprehend) multiple offences. In the matter of a few days I've been sent from hand-wringing about only two scholarship pro-type back-up QBs and one burning a red-shirt to..... '10 G-Mac/AJM+ B Sims... '11 AJ/P Sims+B Sims.... THEN P Sims/Ely+B Sims. Now I'm getting that warm-n-fuzzy feeling about QBs but,,,,, NOBODY TELLS ME NOTHING!!!!!

Dude, you don't watch Plant play football.:biggrin2: He can throw a rope and it is not a "soft ball". Check out the video:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfkmt72wHe4]YouTube - Phillip Ely Junior Highlights[/ame]


[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyqfYmjU1kE]YouTube - Plant Panthers Crush Alonso Ravens 77-16 Playoff Game[/ame]

 

[Crimson Surfer]

QB Phillip Ely picks Alabama Crimson Tide - ESPN

Although he currently plays in a spread offense, Ely should have no problem switching to Alabama's more traditional style of play.

"I like their offense a lot, I think it's a great system for quarterbacks," Ely added. "The successful quarterbacks at Alabama have all had great leadership and discipline."

"It's a great day for Phillip and he embodies everything you want in a student-athlete," Plant coach Robert Weiner said. "He not a young man that's concerned about individual accomplishments, he wants to be part of team success and there's no program that's more successful right now than Alabama."

 

[/////Alpine]

I wouldnt call 6'1 a knock against him. One of the finest QB'S I have ever had the privelage of watching play football is only 5'10. Dylan Favre.
You could be 6'6 225 and if you dont have what it takes on the inside then you will just be 6'6 225.

I believe Phillip Sims will be tough to beat out at QB.

 

[GMacFan]

I believe Phillip Sims will be tough to beat out at QB.

And Winston after him. Having said that though, this guy could be the surprise of this class. However our depth chart isn't exactly on his side. Can you imagine having McCarron and Sims in front of you and Winston behind you? Talk about pressure.

 

[Harmost]

This is curious for a number of reasons, but it's good practice to take a QB every year.

 

[BigGunn]

Most wonderful. Welcome, Phillip!

RTR

 

[BamaRevT]

Welcome Ely Roll Tide Roll !!!:BigA:

 

[BEATtutorsee]

A very nice surprise. And this guy is no "project" QB either, he's one of the best in the country. Welcome aboard Phillip and RTR!!!! :BigA:

 

[JPT4Bama]

So going back to with John Parker Wilson, all of our recent and future QB's have come from championship programs, correct?

Do you think this is something Saban regards as an important quality? I realize he didn't sign Wilson or McElroy but I do believe we have us a trend here..
or perhaps it's just coincidence. :BigA: Nah, it's definitely a trend. :biggrin2:

 

[Alanbama27]

All I know is that we MUST find a way to keep McElwain after this year! He's gonna get some serious offers for head coaching jobs in my opinion if our "O" is half what it should be and it's going to EXTREMELY difficult to keep him! Way to go Coach Mac!

 

[buzzincuzzin]

Dude, you don't watch Plant play football.:biggrin2: He can throw a rope and it is not a "soft ball". Check out the video:

YouTube - Phillip Ely Junior Highlights


YouTube - Plant Panthers Crush Alonso Ravens 77-16 Playoff Game

That "tends to throw a softer ball" was not my assessment. I read the Ely breakdown of half-dozen top QB coaches, including the Elite 11 preliminary and finals scouts. They(being them) ALL say the same thing. This guy is not Freddie Kitchens,,,,,, in arm-strength nor thought process.