Accuracy trophy helps Nebraska QB commit Danny Kaelin earn Elite 11 honors

Danny Kaelin was ordering a pepperoni pizza at the airport when he made the final cut in a prestigious prep quarterback event. After three days of competition in Redondo Beach, Calif., the Bellevue West signal caller was among the Elite 11. He’s the first Nebraskan to get in the final 11, although Gretna’s Zane Flores, now at Oklahoma State, competed in the event last year. “I came out and wanted to be among the 11 – definitely thought I was good enough to be in that group,” Kaelin said Saturday. “I proved myself in that area. That’s definitely something that means a lot to me.” Kaelin went into the event – which includes among its instructors former Boise State and Washington coach Chris Peterson – as the No. 33 quarterback, according to 247 Sports Composite ranking. He’s likely to move up after three days in California. The top six quarterbacks in 247’s rankings – including Georgia commit and one-time Husker target Dylan Raiola – made it. So did Penn State quarterback commit Ethan Grunkemeyer, whom impressed Kaelin, as well. Kaelin said some might have thought he struggled on day one of the competition, but he thought he performed well. By the third day, when he won the accuracy competition, Kaelin was clearly among the camp’s best. In the accuracy test, quarterbacks are given a variety of throws – a curl, comeback, a deep post, other routes – and a target to hit. Quarterbacks get bonus points for throwing the ball through a hole in the target, Kaelin said. He said he won the competition on several deep post throws toward the end of his circuit. “I hit the targets on those so that definitely helped give me the lead,” Kaelin said. “I think my accuracy is definitely one of my best attributes as a passer, so I was happy to put that on display and come out with the victory.” At Bellevue West last season, Kaelin threw for 3,186 yards and 36 touchdowns. He originally committed to Missouri when it appeared possible Nebraska would land Raiola, then backed away from Mizzou when Raiola picked Georgia. He committed to the Huskers and has been an active recruiting presence at June camps. His Elite 11 designation may help Nebraska land some of its top receiver recruits, such as Burley (Idaho) speedster Gatlin Bair and Ainsworth tight end Carter Nelson. Kaelin said he learned a lot at the Elite 11 camp, with the designation serving as a “cherry on top.” “It was about learning and growing as a quarterback, and showing what I can already do, and I think I did that,” Kaelin said. “Even if I didn’t make it, I mean, every quarterback was there for a reason. Being a finalist is what it’s all about.”