Quarterbacks are traditionally the focal point of a football team. Their command on the field is paramount for the team’s success. UCLA football recruited three freshmen signal-callers for the 2024 season. Daily Bruin Sports contributor Matthew Niiya breaks down each of the three’s high school film, analyzing the expertise they will bring to Westwood.

Dermaricus Davis
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 187 pounds
Rating: Four-star recruit, No. 17 class of 2024 quarterback

Dermaricus Davis rode an unconventional path to UCLA.

The incoming signal-caller signed with Washington coming out of Etiwanda High School but entered the transfer portal just 12 days after enrolling. Navigating a barrage of decisions, Davis eventually landed in Westwood under newly-minted head coach Deshaun Foster.

The Rancho Cucamonga, California, local completed nearly 70% of his passes while tossing 25 touchdowns to seven interceptions in his senior campaign. Davis’ arm strength immediately jumps out as what earned him a four-star rating out of Etiwanda.

When allowed to step into throws, Davis demonstrated his ability to effortlessly and accurately deliver the ball deep down the field.

Davis added seven scores on the ground in his final year of high school – despite not being renowned for his running ability. His mobility gives him the flexibility to roll out of the pocket or scramble and extend plays while surveying the field for open receivers.

Where Davis struggled most was with his timing throws – occasionally releasing the ball late. His arm strength was enough to rifle the ball into his receivers’ hands at the high school level – but college defensive backs will not allow such leeway.

Davis – like the others – will have to adapt to the speed of collegiate football, but his pure arm talent and ability to maneuver in the pocket could help him jump up the depth chart as a freshman.

Karson Gordon
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 171 pounds
Rating: Three-star recruit, No. 26 class of 2024 athlete

Karson Gordon brings a unique skill set to the gridiron.

A three-star recruit, Gordon was the first commit of UCLA’s incoming quarterback trio and signed under then-coach Chip Kelly. Despite Kelly’s departure, Gordon remained steadfast in his pledge to UCLA, where he was recruited to compete for track and field in addition to football.

The Episcopal High School product is anything but a conventional quarterback – setting the national high school triple jump record his senior year.

Both in and out of the sand pit, Gordon’s legs and athleticism are his most valuable traits as an athlete.

Gordon’s elusiveness in the pocket and speed in the open field allow him to excel as a runner. In his junior season, he registered 699 rushing yards and eight end zone trips on just 84 carries.

Combining mobility with a talented arm, Gordon can scramble effectively and throw from outside of the pocket using unconventional arm angles. His utility could allow him to see the field as a change-of-pace option – similar to that of former quarterback Collin Schlee.

Henry Hasselbeck
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 180 pounds
Rating: Three-star recruit, No. 56 class of 2024 quarterback

From one Westwood to another, Henry Hasselbeck will transition from the frigid Westwood, Massachusetts, to its sunny Californian counterpart.

The son of former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, Henry, like his father, starred at Xaverian Brothers High School, where he led his squad to a state title in 2023.

If there is one word to Hasselbeck’s play style, it’s toughness.

Hasselbeck is more than capable of standing firm in the pocket and delivering the ball down the field, fully aware a hit from an oncoming defender is inevitable. Not only does he put his body on the line in the passing game, but in the running game as well – often blocking for his teammates in the open field.

Though extremely physical at times, the incoming freshman also displayed a feathery touch on high-arcing deep balls.

Despite winning a state championship in Massachusetts, Hasselbeck did not have to contend with the same level of competition that Davis or Gordon saw in California and Texas, respectively. Now all sharing the same field at UCLA, Hasselbeck’s combination of physicality and finesse could help to separate him among a crowded quarterback room.