On January 3rd the nation's top 8th grade athletes participated in the UA Next Game, hosted by Under Armour in Orlando, FL. The UA Next Game is an invite-only event, where the nation's top 8th graders are selected to compete against each other.
Among the elite performers at the UA Next Game was 2023 QB Dylan Lonergan, who is proving to be the cream of the crop from his class at his position.
Lonergan recently came in at #75 overall in Youth1's Elite101 rankings. For those unfamiliar, the Elite101 rankings have been a valuable resource for pinpointing the nation's absolute best athletes entering their 8th grade season.
That ranking currently isn't doing him justice, as he has clearly proven to be among the top overall 2023 prospects.
Lonergan was excited for the opportunity to get to Orlando after earning an invite to the UA Next Game.
"When I found out that I got the “golden ticket” from the UA Camp I was really happy and excited to get down to Orlando and play," Lonergan said.
"Going into the game I just wanted to have fun and compete with some very good players from the other side of the country," he added.
Standing at 6'1" 180 lbs., Lonergan is a smooth passer with the ability to make quick reads and a strong arm to deliver the ball with real zip. His accuracy is among his best attributes, as he can rope the ball into tight windows.
Lonergan was a bright spot for Team Clark during his time on the field. He was able to move the ball down the field, while the other QBs on Team Clark struggled most of the game. Lonergan threw 2 touchdown passes, one during the 1st quarter and another during the 4th.
Overall, Lonergan believes he performed well at the UA Next Game.
"I feel like I performed very well in the UA Next game. I probably performed best in throwing the football down the field because I completed 3 passes for 30+ yards," Lonergan said.
As he works hard to take his game to another level, Lonergan is focused on becoming a better leader and working on enhancing the mental side of the game.
"I feel like I’m becoming a better leader with my teammates on and off the field. I also feel that the work I have been putting in is paying off because I am able to read defenses faster and my foot work has become much better," Lonergan said.
"The areas of my game I’m working to improve the most is the mental side of the game. That is one of the most important things in being a quarterback," he added.
2023 QB Dylan Lonergan is one of the top QBs from his class. He continues to rise as a prospect and is working hard to become the best player he can be. If his performance at the UA Next Game is any indication of what's to come, Lonergan will be a force to reckoned with going forward.
Being invited to participate in the UA Next Game event is a prestigious honor that only a select number of 8th grade athletes receive and Lonergan made the most of it.
"My experience with UA next makes me wanna work harder and make it back to the All America game in four years from now," Lonergan said.
With his work ethic and talent level, Lonergan is sure to be there 4 years from now.
For more on the UA Next Game, check out the Top Performers -> here.
For more on Dylan Lonergan, check out his Youth1 Player Profile -> here.
View his highlights below.
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Ryan Oliver @RyanBOliver 4 years ago