The first commit from the class of 2018 is a big one.
On Tuesday, Stanford received its first verbal commitment from class of 2018. Quarterback Jack West, a pro-style passer from Alabama announced his intentions of joining coach David Shaw and the Cardinal to further his football career.
West is a highly regarded prospect. Ranked the 8th best pro-style passer in the class of 2018, West holds 24 total offers so far, including some from the most prestigious college football programs in the nation like Alabama, Auburn, and USC. Here’s Scout.com’s take on West.
He has the prototypical quarterback look in his size and intelligence while he’s developed a strong arm in the process. Progressing with his footwork of late, West is coming off of his first year as a starter at the prep level so the sky is the limit over the next two seasons as he continues to work on his pocket presence and when to take risks or not. But with his build, passing diversity and trajectory, he’s going to be an ideal pro-style signal-caller in college.
While Stanford didn’t take a quarterback in the 2015 cycle, this marks the fourth time in five years that they’ve grabbed a four star or better passer (including Ryan Burns, Keller Chryst, KJ Costello and Davis Mills). It’s a nice reminder that in spite of the academic rigors, David Shaw and company are having little trouble finding elite talent.
Of course, recruiting in college football is fluid. Even without considering the academic requirements that so frequently deter Stanford hopefuls late in the cycle, there’s considerable change from initial commitment to signing day. That’s not to say West isn’t serious in his commitment or that you should temper your expectations a huge amount, but just a reminder: it’s a long process.
Also fluid are the rankings from sites like 247 and Rivals. Stanford has proven a top evaluator of high school talent, frequently finding top talent from lower ranked players. West is already a blue chip recruit, but don’t be surprised to see his stock rise even more as he attends more camps and we get more data from his junior and senior years of high school football.