Should Jets look into Tommy DeVito for the future?

The New York Jets have had quarterback issues for a long time. So, it may be time to start looking earlier. Which begs the question, who is Tommy DeVito?

The New York Jets have had their fair share of quarterback issues over the years. Certainly no one has lived up to the lofty expectations set by ‘Broadway’ Joe Namath. Even now, the Jets are in the middle of a contract stand-off with their incumbent starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The Jets have attempted to keep their stocks invested by way of the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft in Christian Hackenberg, and last year in the fourth round with Bryce Petty. Perhaps though, it’s time for the Jets to look even farther back than college. How about high school?

Tommy DeVito is a New Jersey kid, local product, who is currently playing football for Don Bosco Prep. Devito has made a verbal commitment to the Syracuse Orange as their lone 2017 quarterback recruit.

But the reason why DeVito is making waves is because of an exclusive club he has just competed in and now has joined, The Elite 11. What is the Elite 11?

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The Elite 11 is the United States’s premier and original quarterback competition for high school quarterbacks across the nation.

The Elite 11 was founded in 1999 by Andy Bark and is now run by Elite 11 head coach Trent Dilfer and his staff.

DeVito was one of the 11 selected out of the 24 possible best high school quarterbacks in the nation.

He wasn’t one of the players who stood out through the first two days, in fact, Syracuse.com reporter Stephen Bailey had this to say:

“But on the third and final day of the high-profile quarterback competition, the Syracuse commit showcased his understanding of the playbook, accuracy and efficiency. Enough so, that he earned a spot in the Elite 11 final group and an invitation to The Opening Finals in Beaverton, Ore., on July 5-10.”

“It just came down to at the end who knew the playbook and who was playing the best in 7 on 7,” DeVito said.

Throughout the contest, DeVito displayed a rocket arm, laser accuracy, and a determination not seen since possible Aaron Rodgers. That’s what Dilfer, head coach of the Elite 11 competition had to say after seeing DeVito.

“Dilfer compared DeVito to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was overlooked to the point of not receiving an offer out of high school.”

So what are all the experts talking about? Taking a look at DeVito’s high school career, he’s posted some eye-popping statistics.

DeVito threw for 1,689 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions last season, per NJ.com, and he did it facing what MaxPreps.com ranked the toughest schedule in the country. He completed 88-of-142 passes in the eight games logged by NJ.com.

The sky is the limit for DeVito and he is one of the most highly touted high school quarterbacks in the nation. It’s important for the Jets to address the quarterback position sooner rather than later.

While DeVito may not be on the Jets’ draft board until as early as the 2020 NFL Draft, it doesn’t hurt to look a little bit earlier than usual.

The Jets need to make sure that they continue to hone their homegrown talent. DeVito is a New Jersey guy born and bread and he could be destined to be the future signal caller of the Jets.

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The scouts of the Jets already have their plates full looking hundreds of colleges across the nation. But to one-up their competition, they should start looking at some of the high school gems, particularly in their own backyard.

The New York Jets have had quarterback issues for a long time. So, it may be time to start looking earlier. Which begs the question, who is Tommy DeVito?

More from The Jet Press

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