The Top Gun Challenge is a unique and entertaining event designed to showcase the skills of elite high school quarterbacks across a state or region of the country. Each quarterback is instructed, tested, and evaluated on six events that produce the Top Gun Champion.
The first Challenge was held in 2004 in Springdale, Arkansas. Since 2004, many of the TGC quarterbacks have advanced to collegiate level competiton. The 2008 Top Gun Challenge will take place in Nine states.
The heartbeat of the Top Gun Challenge competition is the Darin Slack Quarterback Academy(DSQA). DSQA trains and reaches over 1,500 student-athletes annually through various programs and events. The mission of DSQA is to teach leadership, technique, and game knowledge that prepares each quarterback to achieve success in life and on the field.
Nomination
The Challenge is an invitation only event that features the state or region¹s top high school quarterbacks. The 2008 Challenge will be held in the following locations: (Please Click on the State for more information)
- Pennsylvania
Crestwood HS, Wilkes Barre, PA June 27-28, 2008 - New Jersey
St. Augustine Prep, Richland, NJ July 5-6 , 2008 - Arkansas
Shiloh Christian HS, Springdale AR July 9-10, 2008 - Oregon
Clackamas HS, Clackamas, OR July 11, 2008 - North Carolina
Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC July 11-12, 2008 - Oklahoma
Edmond Memorial HS, Edmond, OK July 18-19, 2008
- Top Gun Challenge Title Championship
Jenks HS, Jenks, OK July 25-26, 2008
If you would like to nominate a quarterback for consideration in 2008, then please click on the appropriate state or region above. You will need to fill out the form and submit video to the contact information noted by April 15th. Selections will be made at the latest by May 15.
A committee will review the nomination information with the following criteria:
- Overall technique and ability
- Win/Loss record in 2007
- Statistics in 2007
- Character and leadership reference
For more information regarding challenge events, Call Toll Free 1 - 866-735-3267 or email Mark Klein at mklein@quarterbackacademy.com
Competition Format
Each event carries a point placement value so each quarterback's final score is an accumulation of points for all events.
Mental Testing
Multiple choice and true/false written test that challenges each quarterback to know and understand defensive coverages and schemes, game situations and rules, position technique, and leadership qualities.
Coverage Call (A new event for 2008! - Details TBA)
Physical Testing
A mini-combine format; testing in the 40 yd dash, vertical jump, standing broad jump, shuttle run (5,10,15), and weighted ball throw.
On-The-Field- Events
Speed and Mobility
Each quarterback must maneuver through an obstacle course before making a throw on the run at stationary target.
Stationary Accuracy
Targets are strategically placed around the field for the quarterback to take his best shot at hitting each one. There is a total of 5 throws to make in 25 seconds.
On-the-Move Accuracy
Targets are positioned on the field and will begin to move upon command; each quarterback will get 7 throws and the last throw is a deep ball for extra points.
Deep Ball
Each quarterback gets 2 throws to make the longest throw possible to test arm strength.