It goes in a rotation when discussing quarterback recruiting.
In 2019 the Oklahoma Sooners added No. 1 quarterback Spencer Rattler. The following year, Lincoln Riley added three-star quarterback Chandler Morris. In the 2021 class, they went big game hunting again with No. 1 dual-threat quarterback Caleb Williams. Given the trend, Riley will likely not add a top quarterback prospect in 2022, instead focusing on the 2023 class. One of the guys at the top being Los Alamitos quarterback Malachi Nelson.
Nelson is the No. 2 quarterback in the country according to 247Sports, he sits just behind Arch Manning. Nelson is reportedly close to narrowing his list of schools. Early indications are Oklahoma and Lincoln Riley are in the lead for his commitment.
“I love the Oklahoma offense and really like coach Riley as well. He’s personally recruiting me and we talk all the time. He’s a great coach and really knows what he’s doing. We’ve had a chance to get on zoom calls and go over the offense and I think it would be a great fit for me. The success he has had with quarterbacks over the last few years has been incredible. Not many schools have shown the ability to develop and get his guys drafted like he has so I definitely have a lot of interest in their program, that was a huge offer for me.” – Nelson on Oklahoma
Nelson is very much the caliber of quarterback that would do very well under Riley in Norman. Other schools listed among his shortlist thus far include the Sooners most bitter rivals, the Texas Longhorns. When discussing new head coach Steve Sarkisian and Texas, Nelson mentioned he had a really good relationship with Sarkisian. He also mentioned he trains with Texas quarterback commit Maalik Murphy, and that could sway his decision.
Nelson is expecting to narrow his list of schools to 10. He currently holds 23 offers. Texas, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Florida, Ohio State and USC among the contenders.