Holden Geriner reflects on Elite 11

Benedictine quarterback Holden Geriner recently returned from Elite 11 in Los Angeles. The event brings together the top prep quarterbacks from around the country to “receive advanced, one-on-one quarterback instruction in a highly competitive setting.”.

At the end of the event, the top 11 are named the Elite 11. Clemson commit Cade Klubnik was named the camp’s MVP.

Though he wasn’t selected as one of the top 11, Geriner, an Auburn commit, reflected positively on his time in California.

“It was incredible. Having my name in the mix of the top twenty guys in the entire country is an absolute blessing. With all the names that have come through the Elite 11, it’s really cool to have my name added to that list. It was really cool to see all the guys I’ll be playing against in the SEC. Just a really cool experience.” said Geriner

The camp has become a right of passage for the nation’s top quarterbacks. From Elite11.com “12 of the past 13 quarterbacks to have won the Heisman Trophy attended the Elite 11 Finals or an Elite 11 Regional.”

Geriner discussed what the competitive atmosphere was like with all of that talent in one place.

“The first day, everyone wanted to go out there and just rip it and try to be perfect. Once we all got to know each other, it was more like a ‘We all know each other, let’s have fun balling together.’ We obviously know we’re the top guys in the country, so we know we can throw it. We just wanted to have fun and meet all the other guys.”

Quick hit questions

• Coolest moment of the camp: “My college mentor was Spencer Rattler. That was cool, meeting him.”
• Biggest arm at the camp: “Probably between the three, either: Cade Klubnik (Clemson commit), who won it, Walker Howard (LSU commit), or Quinn Ewers (Ohio State commit).”
• His best moment: “I performed really well on my run. Then, my pro day. I feel like I did pretty well. Being really accurate, that’s what I was known for. I was really proud of myself, and how I did, and how I handled myself.”
• Biggest takeaway: “Just the leadership aspect. Leading my team, and doing everything we can to win a state championship.”

Geriner and the Cadets are heavy favorites to repeat as region champs heading into the 2021 season. During his team’s march to the GHSA-AAAA semifinals, Geriner threw for 2,770 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. The Cadets are looking to take the next step and bring a title back to Savannah. The roster is loaded, and Geriner and the rest of his teammates are already back to work.

“We have practice four days a week. We’re rolling with that. Getting everyone there is the main thing. Making sure everyone is buying into [it] and just wanting to work hard. That’s the main thing that I’ve been preaching on. We’re going through everyday, working as hard as we can in the weightroom and on the field. We’re ready to roll this year.”

The Cadets have plenty of weapons for Geriner to play with. Two of the main ones, Justin Thomas (senior – Georgia commit/baseball) and Zaquan Bryan (sophomore – offer from Coastal Carolina) are having big offseasons.

“Oh, they’re looking great. They’re making plays and making my job way easier. It’s great to have them on my squad.”

Bryan wasn’t the only Cadet to receive an offer from the Chanticleers. Geriner’s backup, Luke Kromenhoek has now received offers from Coastal Carolina and Florida State.

“It’s incredible. I know how hard he’s worked, and everything he’s put into it. Seeing him get these offers is really cool.” said Geriner. 

Holden Geriner is ranked as the number 15 quarterback in the country per 247 Sports Composite Rankings. Though Geriner is laser focused on winning a state championship for the Cadets, he’s still in constant communications with the Auburn coaching staff. Specifically, head coach Bryan Harsin.

“I’m talking to him regularly. We got to know each other really well when I visited, so I’m mainly just talking with him about things in the offense. Now I’m just recruiting guys to build our class and make it the best that it can be.”

The Cadets will kickoff their season on August 20th at Burke County. Catch every Benedictine football game on ESPN Savannah 104.3 & 1400 and ESPNCoastal.com.