McDade ready to impress

After impressing at last week's Top Gun Camp in Paisley, Fla., Stockton (Calif.) St. Mary's quarterback Marcus McDade is ready to prove he's one of the top passers in the nation.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound pro-style quarterback has no offers at this point, but that could soon change following his showing at the camp.

"I enjoyed it," McDade said. "I got a chance to compete with the top players in the nation. I always want to compete with the best, there's nothing better than that. It was a great experience for me."

McDade said he struggled at times in the first day of the camp. He was trying to do too much to prove himself and wasn't having fun.

"The second day, I settled down and started completing my balls and making the right reads, and I started having fun," he said. "I think I did well the second day."

During the camp, McDade spent time hanging out in the dorms with Connor Wood. On the field, he was impressed by the Texas commit.

"He was a good guy," McDade said. "I respected how he played, how he made his reads and how he carried himself."

McDade showed off good mobility and a cannon of an arm at the camp and quickly earned the label of sleeper prospect. He believes the performance shows he's a Division I-quality prospect.

"I think I definitely proved I should have been there and that I was in the right place, and that I can also be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation," he said. "I competed a lot of college, D-I passes out there."

McDade received little playing time last fall for St. Mary's, as he backed up Oregon State-bound senior Cody Vaz. He called the experience "a blessing in disguise" and said he's excited to lead the program this fall.

"I think we have a chance to go back to sections and hopefully back to state," he said. "We have four great receivers coming back and just a bunch of great guys. Our coaching staff is great, too, and we'll have a successful season. I'm looking forward to being a leader for our team, I can't wait for the season to start."

McDade Washington State, Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon are among the schools he likes.

Though Washington State already has a commitment from Connor Halliday of Spokane, Wash., McDade thinks he might still have a chance of earning the Cougars coaches' attention.

"They said they'd take two quarterbacks, at least that's what coach Jody Sears said," McDade said. "I'll have to call them soon and see what they're thinking."

Due to the low amount of college interest thus far, McDade admits he'll start the season with a chip on his shoulder. He still has a lot to prove to schools, and he's ready for the challenge.

"Coaches want to see me in a game and see how I do in pressure situations," McDade said. "They want to see how I conduct a team and how my leadership comes out.

"It's kind of frustrating for me because I felt I had a good summer and I think I proved I can be a D-I prospect," he said. "It's ok, though, I'm just getting ready and working hard with my team."