Athan Kaliakmanis, QB Rutgers
Size:
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 215 lbs
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“Athan Kaliakmanis is a QB prospect who thrives off play-action and RPO concepts for more favorable throwing lanes and windows.”
Strengths:
Pocket climber
Timing-and-rhythm passer
Touch passer
Functional athlete
Concerns:
Arm talent to push the ball down the field
Poor ball placement and accuracy
Protecting the football
Decision-making under pressure
Film Analysis:
Athan Kaliakmanis started 17 of the 23 games he appeared in for P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota Gophers offense. He showcased to be a reliable on-time, in-rhythm passer. Kaliakmanis is effective in working the short/underneath areas of the defense. He has throws that display good touch down the field. Kaliakmanis showcased functional mobility to evade rushers and pick up yards with his legs. He transferred to Rutgers to run Greg Schiano’s offense in 2024.
Kaliakmanis thrives within the confines of the offense where he can operate on time. He throws a fairly catchable football at all three levels. He worked the shot/underneath routers well, getting the ball out quickly in the quick game. Kaliakmanis is effective off play-action and RPO calls with the threat of the run game. He identifies one-on-one matchups and off-the-run action, giving receivers a shot down the field. Against edge pressure, Kaliakmanis is willing to step up and climb the pocket to get the ball out. He is a functional athlete who can scramble for positive yards. He boasts a prototypical NFL build/frame at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds—seeing over an NFL OL will not be an issue for him.
His arm talent leaves a lot to be desired. Kaliakmanis lacks the arm talent to push the ball down the field against tighter man-to-man coverage. He lofts passes upfield with too much air and causes underthrown passes. He rarely drives those 20-plus-yard throws with more velocity and lower trajectory. On far-hash-to-sideline throws, he struggles to drive passes with defenders surrounding and triggering toward his receiving target.
Kaliakmanis’ accuracy and ball placement are very spotty. He has more than enough throws where the ball is low and in the dirt despite the receiver being open and ready for the pass. He puts the ball in compromising positions when pressured, resulting in turnovers.
In conclusion, Kaliakmanis projects as a backup-caliber quarterback. He will fit in well for teams that prioritize running the football and setting up play-action passes.
Prospect Projection: Priority UDFA
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Michigan (2023), Iowa (2023), Ohio State (2023), Illinois (2023), Wisconsin (2023)
