Florida 2026 QB Ely Hamrick named IMG Varsity starter, Toledo offers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
BRADENTON, Fla. – Already with the physical embodiment of a college quarterback, Ely Hamrick is getting his chance this fall to show what he can do. The 6-4.5, 218-pound, Class of 2026 gunslinger wrapped up the starting job for IMG Academy’s (Bradenton, Fla.) Varsity team this spring building anticipation for the 2023 schedule. The spotlight playing for one of the nation’s top high school football programs has brought an offer from Toledo with a very long list of teams evaluating Hamrick.
On May 11, Hamrick picked up his first Division-I offer.
“It was awesome,” Hamrick said. “My mom was down that day for our first of two spring games, she got to witness the moment seeing my dreams coming true.”
How the Rockets’ dropped their offer was explained, “Coach (Robert) Weiner, their QB coach, he came out to our practice. I threw to about five or six receivers, he ended up offering.”
That offer is set to receive some company.
“NC State, Duke, UNC, Nebraska, West Virginia, FSU, Pitt, USF, Kansas, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Penn State, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Louisville, those are the teams I have received camp invites from,” Hamrick stated.”
On April 21, the Blue Devils hosted Hamrick for their spring game.
“That visit went well,” Hamrick shared. “Duke has an awesome program, and they are showing a lot of interest. They went 9-4 last year. Their QB coach, coach (Kevin) Johns, is showing a lot of interest. They are looking at the 2024s before looking at ‘26s, but I think they just landed a 2024 (Tyler Cherry).”
Some of the camp invites sent out are being taken advantage of by Hamrick.
“My camp schedule so far is UT (Tennessee) May 31, Duke on June 2, NC State on June 3, UNC on June 4, Penn State on June 11, West Virginia June 12, Auburn June 14, and Ole Miss on June 16,” Hamrick said. “We are working on getting to Texas A&M; it is a logistical challenge with Penn State set.”
Preparing for the college camps and the 2023 challenge that lies ahead, Hamrick spoke about his spring training.
“I have been working on my mechanics, my front shoulder and hand, and throwing on the run,” Hamrick stated. “I am getting bigger and gaining muscle to get ready for next season.”
Differences are already noticeable in Hamrick’s game.
“I am seeing a lot of improvements just from a mindset,” Hamrick shared. “I am going through reads faster, I’ve improved my arm strength and accuracy, and I have improved my speed.”
Details to the style of offense Hamrick will execute with the Ascenders were given, “We run a Spread offense, RPOs (run-pass option), some inside zone, and stuff like that. Next year we will run a lot of spread with down the field kind of stuff. There will be a lot of choice, curls, posts, and fades.”
Being tabbed the starter is something Hamrick is not taking lightly.
“It is awesome,” Hamrick said. “It feels awesome to have their confidence. This season will be great leading a team of seniors. I will be one of the youngest starting on the team, from that aspect it is really cool.”