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The Gophers are quietly adding some serious talent to their 2024 recruiting class. Bogart, Georgia QB Aaron Philo became the latest to grab an oar when committed to Minnesota Thursday afternoon. Listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, 247sports ranks Philo as the No. 57 QB in the country. His top offers included Georgia Tech, UCF and Liberty among others. He confirmed his pledge to Maroon & Gold one day after unofficially visiting the program on March 1st.
I’m all in!! Let’s roll! pic.twitter.com/0rtZoKDyxI
— Aaron Philo (@PhiloAaron) March 2, 2023
Who is Aaron Philo?:
Aaron Philo is a junior student-athlete that attends Prince Avenue Christian School (~850 students) in Bogart, Georgia (pop: 1,366). He burst onto the scene as a sophomore, totaling 4,540 passing yards, and 47 passing TDs while adding 9 more touchdowns on the ground. Last season as a junior he earned Peach State Class A Division 1 Offensive Player of the Year. Led Prince Avenue Christian to a perfect 14-0 record and a title. He finished with 4,598 yards with 54 TDs on the season along with 361 rushing yards and 8 more scores. In the State Championship victory, he was 21 of 32 for 477 yards with 6 TD and 1 INT. He has a close relationship with Jon Richt (son of former Georgia/Miami (FL) head coach Mark Richt). When not dominating on the gridiron he is also a star basketball player on the hardwood.
- Scouting Report:
Listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Philo is a fascinating quarterback prospect. The first thing that jumps off the page is his arm talent, he doesn’t have a perfect throwing motion, but his highlight tape opens with some absolute missiles of 50+ yards. He is a plus athlete for the position and can run when he needs to, but he looks most comfortable in the pocket. Overall he throws with great anticipation and accuracy for someone his age. Currently listed as a borderline top-800 player he has all of the tools to be a Big Ten QB and he could quickly rise up the ranks after another impressive season.
**High School Football Hudl Highlights**
Instant Reaction:
Aaron Philo is a really exciting commitment the 8th notable QB that the Gophers have recruited under P.J. Fleck.
- ’21 Athan Kaliakmanis (Natl. 319)
- ’19 Jacob Clark (Natl. 454)
- ’22 Jacob Knuth (Natl. 854)
- ’23 Drew Viotto (Natl. 950)
- ’18 Zack Annexstad (Natl. 1,468)
- ’17 Tanner Morgan (unranked)
- ’19 Cole Kramer (unranked)
If I had to be completely honest with you, I would rank him in the Jacob Clark/Jacob Knuth level of prospect. He has great raw tools and intangibles to be a Big Ten QB, he just doesn’t play the level of competition Athan Kaliakmanis did in Illinois HS football. Overall, when it comes to the level of QBs Fleck can recruit to Minnesota, Philo should get Gophers fans excited. He has a really high potential and will add another very talented arm in a young QB room in 2024.
What’s Next?:
Spring is typically when the recruiting cycle begins to seriously heat up. With plenty of camps, visit events and school ending, you can expect to hear plenty more noise over the coming months when it comes to Gophers football recruiting. It is far too soon to get a real feel for how this class will turn out, but Philo is an exciting addition to a growing class.
Full 2024 class:
- LB Mason Carrier
- LB Brady Pretzlaff
- RB Jaydon Wright
- QB Aaron Philo