Alabama QB commit Eli Holstein previews Elite 11 Finals

This is a fun time for Eli Holstein.

The Zachary (La.) signal caller is less than a month removed from committing to the Alabama Crimson Tide. He and his teammates are in the process of building toward what they hope to be back-to-back state titles. And, next week, Holstein will head to Los Angeles for the annual Elite 11 Finals competition.

While speaking with BamaOn3 at his high school this week, Holstein says he’s ready to showcase his skill set in California during the Tuesday-to-Thursday event.

“I can’t wait to get out there and compete,” Holstein said. “Supposed to be the best quarterbacks in the country out there. I’m very pleased and very excited that I’m considered one of those top guys in the country. Get to go out there and compete. Always love competition. Always love competing against guys.”

Per the 2023 On3 Consensus, Holstein is the eighth-ranked quarterback in his class and the No. 54 prospect overall. Holstein is in the mindset that he’s rated lower than he should be, and is using that to motivate him ahead of next week’s event and beyond.

“I really feel like this is my time to go out there and show the country that I really am one of those top guys,” Holstein said. “I really am an Alabama-caliber player. Just being able to go out there and compete against the best guys in the country. Showing what I can do. Still feel like I’m a little underrated. Still keep that chip on my shoulder.”

There are a few quarterbacks participating in the Elite 11 Finals that Holstein knows. He has done a couple of camps with Nico Iamaleava, participated in the Elite 11 Regionals in Indiana with J.J. Kohl last year, and is obviously familiar with fellow Baton Rouge signal caller Rickie Collins.

Holstein, however, isn’t going to take it easy on any of the attendees mentioned above.

“It really is a competition,” Holstein said. “I’m going out there to compete against everybody. Yeah, I have a couple of relationships, but I’m not out there to make friends. I’m out there to compete. Step on their necks and make sure I win the Elite 11 MVP. Show the country what I can do.”

Eli Holstein sees similarities between himself, Josh Allen

Holstein lit it up at the Elite 11 Regionals in Las Vegas last month. He ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, notched a 38.3-inch vertical jump, and shattered the SPARQ record with a 133.56 rating.

Dominating with his physical ability a few weeks ago, Holstein will also now prove that he can throw with the best of them in Los Angeles.

“I’m hoping to show my elite arm talent,” Holstein said. “I can make all throws. Intermediate, short, deep balls, all types of stuff. I can put the ball wherever, I feel like, right now. Feel like I’ve gotten a lot better, even since my junior season.”

A humble young man with a healthy amount of confidence, Holstein credited his father, Scott, brother, Caleb, and offensive coordinator, Kenny Langlois, for his development as a quarterback.

Holstein wanted to shout them out for helping improve his craft, both in his mechanics and from an IQ perspective.

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“I don’t have the elite trainers that I drive four hours to,” Holstein said. “Every time I throw, I throw with my dad, my coach, or my brother. They’re always invested in me. They want what’s best for me. That’s why I stick with those guys; I know they are people I trust and care about, and they care about me.”

As a player, there are numerous comparisons you can make for Holstein. He has similar testing numbers to Andrew Luck, with former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger being another name we’ve heard thrown around.

The player that Holstein mirrors his game after and compares himself to is none other than superstar signal caller Josh Allen.

“He’s my favorite quarterback,” Holstein said of Allen. “Definitely a Bills fan because of him. When I watched him in the [NFL] Combine, I was like, ‘Hey, that’s who I want to be.’ A big, strong-armed dude that’s freakishly athletic for his size… comparing myself to Josh Allen has really motivated me. I want to be just like that dude. Hopefully, one day, I’m competing against him.

“My brother used to have a quote on his phone: ‘Work and work until your idols become your rivals,'” Holstein added. “So, I feel like one day I may make it to the NFL and I’ll play against him. They’ll talk about me versus Josh Allen or me versus Patrick Mahomes.”

BamaOn3 will have plenty more on Holstein in the coming days, so stayed tuned for more on the future Alabama quarterback.