Cal Football Recruiting Scouting Report: Dane Weber (QB)
The Battle for Temecula resulted in a landing of a California Golden Bear.
Cal and UCLA recently went head-to-head in what was arguably the most important moment in Temecula history since 2014’s Kobe vs LeBron Twitter beef.
Instead of hands, this time the prize was quarterback Dane Weber (Chaparral HS).
Measurements and Stats
Self-reported: 6’2”, 215 pounds
Official camp measurement reportedly closer to 6’0”
4.68s 40 yard dash
Passing: 3,645 yards, 70.1% completion rate, 41 TD, 9 INT, 11.7 YPA
Rushing: 115 carries for 668 yards, 14 TD
Recruiting Profile
Elite 11 Finals invitee
High 3-star on 247 / 4-stars on ESPN and Rivals
Strong national recruiting interest, as he sat near the top of several teams’ quarterback boards, including Cal, UCLA, Michigan, and Cincinnati, while also drawing interest from Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon, and others.
Film Analysis
Weber projects as the modern quarterback archetype, equally comfortable on-platform as he is scrambling to make a play. The first few plays of his Hudl tape tell the story:
0:07 - The DB has a free run at Weber, who scrambles left, reverses field, and delivers a strike to fellow Cal recruit Eli Woodard for a touchdown.
0:24 - Weber drops a dime for a 38-yard TD, putting it over his receiver’s outside shoulder. It’s reminiscent of JKS’s 35-yarder to Jaiven Plummer in the SMU game.
0:34 - After being flushed out of the pocket, Weber uncorks a 40-yard strike to his receiver while on a dead sprint to his left.
1:03 - Norco drops its LBs into coverage, and Weber sees green grass. He decides to tuck it, jukes a backer, and sprints 60 yards for a touchdown.
Weber has a shortstop’s athleticism, making throws from any angle and at full speed to either side. This is due to his efficient throwing motion, using his lower body and trunk to generate most of his power. He’s also a willing runner and will use his truck stick to punish defenders.
One of Weber’s more impressive stats is his 11.7 yards per attempt. He connected on deep shots while still completing 70.1% of his passes. Having four Power 4-level receivers helps, but the efficiency/explosiveness is impressive and should translate to the next level.
His broader stats also compare favorably with other top QB recruits in the region.
Weber’s Elite 11 invite is also noteworthy. Much like Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele a year ago, Weber earned an invitation over several more highly rated recruits. It’s a strong indication that quarterback evaluators see more upside in Weber than the current rankings suggest.
The main knock on Weber is his physique. You just don’t see many 6’0” quarterbacks with stocky builds in the NFL. It’s more the exception than the rule - but Weber might have the tools to break it.
Cal Stylistic Comparison
Weber is what we were all hoping Luke Rubenzer would evolve into. Both hover around 6’0” and have similar dual-threat profiles. Both were Elite 11 quarterbacks. Both arrived at Cal a year after a future No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick.
Weber, however, arrives with a much bigger arm, cleaner mechanics, twenty more pounds of muscle, and probably an inch or two in height.
Conclusion
Weber is a more developed prospect, one who could compete for the starting job after his redshirt freshman year. He doesn't fit the prototypical mode of a quarterback, but he has all the intangibles and adaptability that indicate he can grow into a good college talent.
If he bulks up more, he may lose some speed. But still looks like he'll be able to scramble more than well enough. Love to see it!
Intriguing skill set, physique and intangibles. With good Cal coaching, Weber could emerge as an all-timer. Roll on you Bears!