There's still a lot of time left before it's technically their time to stand out, but the 2015 quarterback class is getting a head start.
Rising juniors Ricky Town, Tyler Hilinski, Brady White and Josh Rosen are making a splash this offseason.
"I think that's the quarterback class to watch," said B2G co-founder Ron Allen of the 2015 quarterback class.
There are rumblings that this could be the best crop of quarterbacks to come out of the southland since the Matt Barkley-led class of 2009. A Barkley-like impact would be huge shoes to fill for any of the four, but Rosen could certainly end up as the top quarterback in the class once it's all said and done.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound signal caller from St. John Bosco turned heads during a national camp in Chicago last month. There are some who believe, despite his youth, he was the best quarterback at the event.
Rosen and St. Bonaventure's Town attended the USC camp last week and both left after putting together good performances.
White started last season for Hart and is as accurate as they come. Meanwhile, Hilinski is the wildcard of the bunch. There's been quite a buzz surrounding him this offseason, but unlike the other three, he didn't start last season. In fact, he barely played -- he spent the year backing up his brother, Kelly, at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.
This fall, Hilinski will be suiting up for Upland where he will get the chance to see what he can do on the field.
There's been an overwhelming theme this summer that Rosen may be the best of the bunch, but the gap may be closer than people think.
"I wouldn't put him as a glaring No. 1 because I've gotten to see Hilinski and Brady White a lot as well and to me they're all tied for No. 1," Allen said. "Just when you think one stands out above the rest, the other comes up and shows you some greatness that you didn't necessarily expect."
Allen says the production of the 2015 class along with that of the 2014 class is a byproduct of more reps. Athletes are playing more elite 7-on-7 competition than in years past. Allen says he recalls watching USC signees in the 2011 recruiting class, Cody Kessler and Max Wittek, in just one passing tournament in the offseason heading into their senior seasons.
This offseason alone, Rosen, Hilinski and Co. have probably participated in around six tournaments, Allen estimates.
"Take a look around," Allen said. "Almost every weekend there's an opportunity to play elite 7-on-7 travel teams.
"This year has been crazy filled with top level 7-on-7 competition and I think that of any position that benefits from that is the quarterbacks."
