Elite 11: Evaluating USC Commit Ricky Town

Competing in the most prominent and star-driven quarterback camp in the country, the Trojans five-star commit continues to battle against the best and brightest pocket passers in high school football. While the first few days have been both intense and extremely worthwhile, some leaders are beginning to emerge.

Ricky Town was not mentioned inside the overall top-11 rankings after the first two days of competition, which take apart all 18 quarterbacks invited to the competition. But after an impressive third day distributing the football in the pocket with composure and strength, the newest rankings placed Town 11th overall on the quarterback big board.

#USC commit Ricky Town was sharp on day two. I love his intangibles - natural leader, loves to compete, smart, hungry. #Trojans

— Chad Simmons (@ChadSimmons_) July 8, 2014

Ricky Town just put together maybe the best session yet. 5 of 6. Two TDs. Live updates http://t.co/WgrNf5uJ2j

— Barton Simmons (@bartonsimmons) July 7, 2014

Former NFL quarterback and Super Bowl Champion Trent Dilfer is an intense human being both on and off the football field, and his integral quarterback development system tests players strengths to new heights. That one-on-one attention translates right to the field, where Town's development has been well noted on Nike's Oregon Headquarters.

"I'm learning a lot," Town told USCfootball.com publisher Ryan Abraham. "I know a lot of people say that I'm advanced with the mental side, but I feel like you can always progress. So I'm just learning a lot, bouncing stuff off Trent, and it's been really great."

Battling against six other quarterbacks from the state of California, including UCLA commit Josh Rosen (St. John Bosco) and Oregon commit Travis Waller (Servite H.S.), the competition is especially fierce. "I mean, we're all competing. That's why we're here," Town said about the Elite 11 experience. "These are all the best quarterbacks in the country. It's fun to see where you compare, let it rip, and have fun."

What makes this competition even more interesting is that following Elite 11, many of these players will remain in Beaverton, Oregon to compete at Nike's equally prominent The Opening. The Trojans five-star quarterback is competing for Team Land Shark alongside quarterbacks Ryan Brand (Air Force commit, 2016) and Deondre Francis, the strong-armed quarterback deciding between Florida State, Auburn and Oregon.