Guarantano Emerging As Top Five QB Class Of 2016

I understand Jarrett Guarantona was offered by Rutgers the summer following his eighth grade year, while on an unofficial visit to the school with his father. It may sound crazy to some but, to the Rutgers Coaching Staff and other coaching staffs around the country, it makes good sense. The talent and physical ability is obvious. 

This young standout athlete from Bergen Catholic has been performing at a high level on the field. He is a pocket passer with great feet and no fear of tucking the ball and taking off. And, it is because of these consistent great decisions behind the center that he has created this abundance of attention. 

The four-star recruit is currently ranked 5th in the state of New Jersey, 3rd among pro-style quarterbacks, and 92nd among 2016 high school recruits by 247Sports.

It is important to note Scout.com has him listed as a 5 star pro-style quarterback.

He has great measurables at 6-3 and 195 lbs. Most that evaluate him believes he has the tangibles to compete in the best and the toughest conference. Being from Oradell, NJ has not stopped programs from around the country from recruiting him.

Simply put, he is emerging as one the elite in the Class of 2016.

He is also the son of James Guarantano, former Rutgers wide receiver and Rutgers Football Hall of Fame inductee. His Dad played for Rutgers from 1989-92.

And, his Dad left the school as one of the most productive offensive players to ever don the Scarlet. At the time, he was first all-time in receptions (158), second in receiving yards (2,065) and third in touchdowns (11), earning the loyalty his alma mata showed him in offering his son, Jarrett.

Guarantano started the last four games of the 2013 season and split time the previous five with senior Colin McGovern. He accumulated 449 passing yards, 59 rushing yards and four total TDs in his limited role.

The expectation is he will be the starter this year.

Although he’s a 2016 recruit, Guarantano, he has offers from Illinois, Clemson, Ohio State, Tennessee, Arizona State, Boston College, Connecticut, Louisville, Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Rutgers, Syracuse, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

When I asked him has he narrowed down his choices yet, he responded….

"They were all pretty nice, I liked them all," he said. "But there were a few that stood out more so than others. He also indicated he would like to wait a little longer to name some leaders.

He did say though, that he hears a lot from Urban Meyer and that he is definitely one of his favorite coaches right now. He wants to be an early entry into college; and, he wants to commit to a school that has a reputation for higher learning.

When I asked who does he like right now? He was sure to point out his heavy favorites were Cam Newton and Peyton Manning.

But, he credits Coach Tony Ballard for his development mentally and physically. He said, “Working with Coach Ballard since my 7^th grade year has really helped me and kept me focused. “I owe Coach Ballard a lot,” he said.

The Scouting Report from SBNation states….

“This Oradell, New Jersey, prospect from Bergen Catholic is

going to have some hype behind him as he comes into his junior and senior years. A big arm and a 4.59-second 40-time will do that to a person. As for the Badgers, they may have come too late."

It was on a day when Louisville (always Louisville) and Syracuse offered, and his offer list already includes Arizona State, Clemson, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Rutgers and Tennessee. Add to that interest from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and Oklahoma, and it could be a moon-shooter to land Guarantano.”

This Class of 2016 QB is definitely emerging as a leader on everyone's board. 

Vol Nation is hopeful about this talented QB also. His Dad played under Butch Jones at Rutgers. 

And, Jarrett was quoted as saying....

“Tennessee really has everything I’m looking for. Like I said, I loved everything about the visit,” Guarantano said. “The crowd was awesome and I love tradition. And you can’t get much more tradition than down here. Payton Manning, of course, one of my favorite quarterbacks. I would love to shadow everything he’s done.”

My thoughts are, "A very talented athlete but, a even better person and young man. At the end of conversation...he thanked me for taking the time to talk to him. 

Just awesome!!