SAN PABLO, Calif. – Johnny Stanton is a winner. He proved that by leading his Santa Margarita (Calif.) Catholic team to a state championship in 2011. He’s an athlete, proving that by starting for the perennial power as a sophomore at safety. He’s also a quarterback.
If Stanton hadn’t already proven his capabilities as a quarterback on the field in the fall, he did so at the Elite 11 on Friday. Stanton was one of the final seven finalists for the MVP award and a trip to the Elite 11 finals later this summer. He was also named a top performer by 247Sports. However his college offer list suggests that some college coaches still need some convincing.
“I definitely try to take advantage of [camps like the Elite 11],” Stanton said following the event. “I wouldn’t leave it all up to this. There’s definitely the season where I get to show what I can do.”
The season is definitely where Stanton excels. He’s a strong, physical athlete that can make plays with both his legs and his feet and he was the primary offensive weapon for Santa Margarita as a junior.
Currently, his offer list consists of Air Force, Cal, Washington, San Diego State and most recently Navy. Washington has only offered him as an athlete and Cal, having already secured a commitment from Jared Goff, is in the process of deciding if they are offering him as an athlete or taking a second quarterback.
While the ‘athlete’ tag won’t cause Stanton to completely rule out a program, it doesn’t help their cause either.
“I’d definitely rather play quarterback,” he said. “At this point in time, I want to play quarterback and the schools that offer me as an athlete are as appealing.”
The other schools that Stanton is hearing from include Vanderbilt, Duke, Washington State, Oregon State and Colorado.
There are only three weeks this summer during which Stanton won’t be working out with his high school and he plans on making several visits and camp appearances during that period.
“There are a couple schools I know I’m going to go to but I’m not sure when,” he said. “I think I might be going to the Vandy camp and I might be going to Oregon State, I’m not sure.”
At times, Stanton’s athleticism, leadership-qualities, his success on the field and his style of play have led to comparisons with both Tim Tebow and Jake Locker. But Stanton wants to be his own man.
“It’s definitely an honor to be compared to those guys with all the success they’ve had but I kin do want to be my own person and just be Jonny Stanton.”
- Barton Simmons
- National Recruiting Analyst - 247Sports