Derek Zammit

Physical Profile

Listed in the 6'0"–6'1", 195–208 lb range, Zammit has a sturdy, well-proportioned frame for the position with room to add functional mass at the next level. He is not a towering or rare-arm prospect, so the height puts a premium on his footwork and pocket navigation to create throwing lanes. His build supports a dual-threat element — he is quick-footed enough to escape pressure and was a productive designed and scramble runner (560 yards, 6 TDs as a junior) without being a true burner. Arm strength is functional rather than elite, which fits a timing- and rhythm-based passing operation more than a vertical, all-arm scheme.

Play Style

Zammit is a rhythm-and-timing pocket passer who thrives working off play-action, manipulating launch points, and throwing with anticipation to spots. On film he reads the field quickly, layers throws with touch, and protects the football — the 35:4 TD-to-INT mark is the tell. He uses subtle pocket movement and quick feet to buy time rather than relying on raw escapability, and he is willing to pick up yards with his legs on designed keepers and scrambles. He plays with a gritty, competitive New Jersey edge and a knack for situational, get-the-job-done quarterbacking over flashy hero-ball.

Strengths

• Elite ball placement and decision-making for his age — completed 67.9% (150-of-221) for 2,582 yards with a 35:4 TD-to-INT ratio as a junior, evidence of advanced anticipation and ball security under live competition
• Advanced internal clock and pocket mobility — scouts repeatedly cite his ability to sense pressure earlier than peers, slide within the pocket, and escape sacks rather than taking negative plays
• Proven play-action operator and winner — led DePaul Catholic to 11-1 and a state title, and earned a 2025 Under Armour All-America Game invite plus an Elite 11 Finals berth, validating the production against top competition

Areas to Improve

• Arm talent and deep-ball velocity — needs to prove he can drive the ball into tight windows on out-breaking and vertical throws against Power Four secondaries; arm strength projects as adequate, not a separator
• Adding mass and durability — must continue filling out the frame to absorb hits as a quarterback who will hold the ball and extend plays at the college level

College Projection

Projects as a developmental-to-eventual-starter at Washington who likely redshirts or sits behind the depth chart his first year to add strength and acclimate to the speed of the college game. His processing and accuracy give him a realistic path to a QB2 role by year two and competition for the starting job by his third year. Floor is a reliable, ball-protecting game-manager; ceiling is a multi-year starter in a timing-based pro-style/spread offense if the arm and physical development trend up.

NFL Outlook

A late-round-to-priority-free-agent developmental projection at this stage. The traits NFL teams value — accuracy, anticipation, decision-making, and pocket feel — are present, but the modest height and non-elite arm strength are the limiting factors. His draft stock hinges entirely on college development: if he posts multiple years of efficient, high-volume production and the arm ticks up, he could climb into the Day 3 conversation as a backup-caliber pro prospect.

Best Fit

A timing- and rhythm-based pro-style or West Coast/spread hybrid that leans on play-action, quick game, and intermediate accuracy — precisely the type of system Jedd Fisch's staff runs at Washington. He is maximized in an offense that lets him operate on schedule, move the launch point, and win with anticipation and ball placement rather than one that asks him to consistently win with raw arm strength or off-platform deep shots.