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National Recruiting Director Pegs Dia Bell as Top Player From Day 1 at Elite 11

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 2:28 PM ET

The Elite 11 Finals kicked off with a bang on Wednesday, and Texas Longhorns commit Dia Bell emerged as the standout performer, earning the No. 1 spot on Rivals’ Top Ten list for Day 1, as named by national recruiting director Adam Gorney.

The highly anticipated event, held at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, showcased the nation’s top high school quarterbacks, and Bell’s exceptional display set the tone for the competition.

Bell, a five-star prospect committed to the Longhorns, dazzled onlookers with his fluid mechanics and pinpoint accuracy. His ability to deliver precise throws across all levels of the field, particularly near the goal line, left scouts and analysts impressed.

The Texas pledge’s natural arm talent and composure under pressure were evident, reinforcing his status as a future SEC star.

Gorney’s ranking places Bell ahead of a talented field, including Landon Duckworth (No. 2) and Keisean Henderson (No. 3), highlighting his dominance in the initial drills.

The Elite 11, a prestigious platform since 1999, has launched the careers of NFL greats like Andrew Luck and Trevor Lawrence, and Bell’s early success suggests he’s on a similar trajectory.

Despite some social media critiques questioning his footwork, his Day 1 performance silenced doubters, with Rivals’ footage showcasing his elite potential. As the competition unfolds, Bell’s leadership and skill could solidify his MVP candidacy.

For Texas fans, this is a promising preview of the future, while rivals take note of the rising talent. With more days to come, Bell’s reign atop the leaderboard signals an exciting week ahead at Elite 11.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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