On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 30, QB Malachi Nelson

On3 has released its final recruiting ranking for the 2023 class after the completion of the high school football season and all-star competitions. Los Alamitos (Calif.) quarterback and USC signee Malachi Nelson ranks No. 30 overall and five-stars in the 2023 On300.

The latest edition of On3’s 2023 rankings features 32 five-star players, up from 26 in the previous update in November. Of those 32 prospects, 30 are signed to college programs, with two still yet to make their decisions official.

This final update comes after the end of the high school playoffs and postseason All-American games, where top prospects across the country faced off in a week of practices and ended with nationally televised games.

Malachi Nelson On3 Scouting Summary

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Malachi Nelson:

“Quick-armed, accurate passer with strong functional movement skills. Considered one of the more talented quarterback prospects in high school football dating back to his early high school career. A natural, nuanced passer with a quick release. Shows some aggressive tendencies in throwing downfield. Has touch with the ability to layer his throws. Accurate with good ball placement dating back to his sophomore spring season which was shortened due to COVID-19. Good arm strength, which could improve with overall strength progression.

“Adept at running the quick game out of spread looks, flipping the ball out quick to the boundary. Loose and fluid in his movements. Plays with bouncy footwork and lower body twitch. Looks to pass first, but has good burst as a runner with the ability to run zone read or pick up yards when the play breaks down. Plays at a relaxed pace and typically seems unbothered in the pocket. Has a lean, streamline frame and will need to continue adding mass.”

On3 compares Nelson’s style of play to former Oregon and current Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota.