Elite 11: Julian Lewis, Bryce Baker, and KJ Lacey Evaluations

Article photo of Bryce Baker; photo credit to Brian Smith of All Hurricanes.

CARROLLTON, Ga. - There were talented 2024 signal callers at the Elite 11 regional, but there were also several talented underclassmen as well.

Here’s a combination of three of the underclassmen quarterbacks that performed well, among many.

Julian "Ju Ju" Lewis - Carrollton (Ga.) High School - 2026

Playing on his home field, Lewis walked into Grisham Stadium like it was any other day. He was calm and relaxed like a veteran would be.

Perhaps that’s a major reason why numerous programs such as Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Miami, Florida State, Notre Dame, Michigan, and many others have already extended a scholarship offer.

Keep in mind, however, this was a quarterback that still had not earned the right to pass his driving test because he’s simply not old enough. It did not matter based on how well Lewis performed on the gridiron.

Most impressive, the natural delivery for Lewis. It was consistent – rep after rep – like one would expect from a college signal caller or even a NFL quarterback. Here’s a direct look at one of Lewis’s throws:

Next, he adjusted well. Whether a swing pass or a deep shot, Lewis understood touch and timing; that’s the type of understanding – that once again – generally has come from more experienced signal callers. In short, Lewis threw catchable passes no matter the situation or distance to the intended target.

Perhaps most importantly, Lewis showcased an easy going personality and wanted to learn from the Elite 11 coaches, as well as enjoy the day. He was competitive. That’s not being debated, but someone that’s as young as Lewis should still enjoy the process despite being the No. 1 recruit in the nation for the 2026 class. He most certainly did that as well.

Overall, he’s as impressive a total package as one will see for a player that’s just now finishing up his freshman year of high school.

Bryce Baker - Kernersville (N.C.) East Forsyth - 2025

Make no mistake, Baker impressed during the Georgia Elite 11 regional. The following tweet provided an overview of his skills:

🚨 No question, @B2YCEBAKER was excellent @Elite11. He's somewhat under the radar now, but he's going to be a 40 offer #recruit.

Props to @BrooksAustinBA for pointing Baker out to me early on yesterday.

☑️ Athletic
☑️ Accurate
☑️ Consistent
☑️ Great personality@EFHS_Football pic.twitter.com/tdoJemYrRN
— Brian Smith (@fbscout_florida) May 14, 2023

Baker has been offered by several schools including Wake Forest, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Duke, Virginia Tech, Louisville, Maryland, Appalachian State, and James Madison among others.

Also a talented basketball player, this young man’s skills on the gridiron were unique.

Most impressive was his ability to throw on the run. He could go against the grain while running left (Baker is right handed), quickly and naturally turn back towards the center of the field to help align his hips for maximum power, and complete a pass with plenty of velocity.

He was not just a runner that sometimes made a quality pass on the move. Baker showcased natural in-the-pocket footwork that kept him balanced as he went through his throwing motion.

That’s an area that many young signal callers falter; not Baker. He was pretty darn good at completing passes from the pocket throughout the day.

Finally, and also the bottom line, he was simply accurate. Regardless of situation and distance, he threw the football to an area that allowed receivers to make a play on the ball.

Baker has a fantastic future and his recruitment will soon blow up. He also has achieved a 4.3 GPA, so that’s definitely going to help on the recruiting front.

KJ Lacey - Saraland (Ala.) High School - 2025

He’s already led Saraland to a 6A state title, and he has two years left in high school. That’s a good starting point for discussing Lacey.

Accustomed to pressure and performing well, his natural arm strength has been noticeable for over a year (he’s been the signal caller for Gulf Coast Athletics 7v7). A naturally powerful arm has also been augmented by Lacey’s athleticism.

That’s brought the usual suspects in to recruit this young man. Bama, Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Oregon, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma have offered Lacey among others.

Having seen him throw several times to date, there was a primary improvement that was noticed during Elite 11.

The understanding of when to throw a dart, i.e. a fastball, or, adjust the trajectory and/or velocity of a throw to pinpoint a pass on a seam route, corner route, etc.

Lacey has grown his quarterback competency, and it was on display in Carrollton. Now, it was still fun to watch him throw bullets. That he did well, too.

Also a really good athlete that can beat a defender in a one-on-one situation to pick up a first down with his legs, Lacey has the all-around skills of a quarterback that can fit into just about any offense. He’s one heck of a talent.

For the near future, the scary thing will be that he’s improved and will be leading a defending state champion Saraland team with 19 returning starters including Alabama state player of the year in wide receiver Ryan Williams (he won the award as a sophomore!). Good luck to the other teams in Alabama’s 6A division.

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