5-Star Plus+ QB Malachi Nelson goes off for 3 TDs in win

Up against an undefeated Huntington Beach (Calif.) Edison program, Los Alamitos (Calif.) Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Malachi Nelson rose to the occasion.

He completed 18 of his 28 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns with one interception as Los Alamitos High won the game 52-27.

Nelson is the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He is one of six Five-Star Plus+ recruits along with New Orleans Isidore Newman quarterback Arch Manning, Lakeland (Fla.) cornerback Cormani McClain, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman wide receiver Zachariah Branch, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and Katy (Texas) Paetow defensive lineman David Hicks.

Nelson currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $779k. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Malachi Nelson Scouting Summary

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. Throwing to two blue-chip receivers in fellow 2023 Oklahoma commits, Makai Lemon and Deandre Moore, Jr.