6-0ft, 188lbs, 2300 yards passing, .64 completion percentage, 14 TD, 4 ints and no offers; what’s the problem?  Tarpon Springs QB, Louie Pappas has done everything right.  He has performed well in the best combines and showcases.  He has trained with the best quarterback coaches and he has performed at a high level.  So why aren’t colleges kicking down the door?

According to QB personal trainer, Chip Bennett, the answer is frustrating but simple.  “Louie is a sharp QB, but the answer is his height.  Schools love the way he plays, love the ball that he throws, but his height is it”, says Bennett who works with John Kaleo at the “Kaleo QB Academy” and speaks with college coaches regarding area prospects on a daily basis.  Pappas stands a shade over 6-0, but the magic number for QBs in 6-2.  If a prospect is under 6-2, he better be “Aaron Murray” special.

Pappas is not alone.  Jesuit’s Tommy Eveld and East Lake’s, Pete Dinovo are both 2300 yards passers, playoff starters and have killed the showcase circuit.  Why do they sit at home with no offers?

Tommy Eveld has the size you look for in a college quarterback. At 6-feet 5-inches he is tall enough to see over the offensive line. Although a pure pocket passer at 195 lbs Eveld is a load to bring down. He moves well in the pocket and always keeps his eyes downfield. 

Eveld’s arm strength and accuracy are both above average. He won the 2011 Golden Gun Accuracy competition at the ESPN Rise Elite 11 Quarterback Camp. He also was the long-ball champion at John Kaleo’s QB Academy. The accolades point directly to Eveld’s effectiveness as a passer. ~Kyle Bennett, BCP 

“Tommy situation is timing.  He did not have junior film (1 year starter as a senior) and was not under center.  College coaches had no film to evaluate him.  By the spring of his junior season, college programs have 10 other guys who they have been hot on since their sophomore seasons”, says Chip Bennett.  As Jesuit 2012 QB, Tommy Eveld can do it all; he entered the recruiting game late.  Not necessarily his fault, but at the QB position, college recruiters rely heavily on experience and junior film.

East Lake’s 2013 QB, Pete Dinovo is warming up.  Schools are starting to come around.  Dinovo has plenty of big school interest, but no verbal offers yet.  Bennett says he expects Pete to start pulling a few offers before or during the spring.  He is pushing 6-2 and has started since his sophomore year.  He threw for 2326 yards this year in the 8A FHSAA classification.  “It will come for Pete.”~Chip Bennett

While Pete Dinovo has the size and experience working in his favor, Eveld and Pappas are waiting it out; waiting on a school to take a chance on them.  But the reality is size and experience does matter when you are the signal caller with aspirations of playing college football.