Washington QB commit Derek Zammit checks off 'lifelong goal' with Elite 11 Finals trip

As the nation’s top quarterback recruits prepare to fly out to Los Angeles for the annual Elite 11 Final event, Washington quarterback commit Derek Zammit is checking off a lifelong goal. The Wayne (N.J.) DePaul Catholic four-star quarterback picked up an invite at an Elite 11 regional event in State College in May.

Now he’s ready to compete in the finals this week with 19 of the other top-ranked quarterback recruits in the nation.

“Being a kid and seeing guys like CJ Stroud and seeing them all do it, it’s great,” Zammit said. “Obviously, it’s a lifelong goal if you’re playing quarterback. It’s a blessing, for sure. And I’m just excited to get out and meet the guys and be around a bunch of people who have similar stories, similar goals to me.

“I just want to prove that I can hang with anybody. Not a lot of people probably know about me. I want to go out there and compete, show what I could do, mentally and physically. Build connections with people, learn as much as I can, ask as many questions and just take it all.”

As he continues to emerge as one of the top signal-callers in the nation, Zammit has already taken his name off the board with a commitment to Washington dating back to in April. He pledged to Jedd Fisch and the Huskies over Alabama and Mississippi State.

To date, Zammit is one of 14 commits in a class that ranks No. 16 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. He is the No. 512 overall prospect and No. 29 QB in the cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

“To be honest, I’m locked in with Washington,” Zammit said. “A couple of schools have called and reached out, but no really serious pushes. I think we’re building something special. I really trust coach [Jedd] Fisch and the entire staff. We’re getting going with the recruiting here, too. Guys that I went on my official visit we’re trying to flip, so Vance Spafford. We’re really trying to get Brian Bonner, too.”

The 6-foot-1, 193-pound quarterback is coming off a junior season where he threw for 2,582 yards with 35 touchdowns and only four interceptions while completing 68 percent of his passes. He added 560 yards rushing and four additional scores. 

Derek Zammit said NIL was not a priority in his decision to commit to Washington, but the Huskies have made clear what opportunities are in Seattle once he enrolls.

“Money is definitely not a priority to me,” Zammit said. “I’ve heard coach Fisch take care of his players, but again, we really haven’t gotten into specific numbers yet, to be completely honest with you. They gave a range, just so we were aware of it. But the money is not really important.”

The 2025 Elite 11 Finals will bring together top performers to receive advanced one-on-one quarterback instruction in a highly competitive setting. A three-day event, the finals will include on-field drills, competition, classroom instruction and off-field development. 

The 2025 Elite 11, and 2025 Elite 11 MVP, will be named at the conclusion of the Elite 11 Finals.