Lynden’s Somers makes 25-QB shortlist for Taylor Barton’s ‘Northwest 9’

Former University of Washington quarterback Taylor Barton believes determining what makes a good college arm isn’t about height or weight. That’s why Barton created the Northwest 9, a list that will be determined at the end of the a four-day, invite-only camp that begins Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Northwest University.

The 25 quarterbacks named to the shortlist for the Northwest 9 will be put through a series of of drills and tests to examine footwork, arm strength, accuracy, escability, leadership and ability to read coverages.

Making the 25-quarterback shortlist is Lynden senior gunslinger Sterling Somers, who threw for 3,167 yards and 35 touchdowns last season while leading the Lions to a Class 2A State Championship game. While Barton’s goal is to not use height and weight as factors in the rankings, Somers’ 6-foot-5, 205-pound frame fits the prototypical pocket passer.

The inaugural Northwest 9 will be put out at the end of the camp in a similar format as the Elite 11 — a national event that decides the top 11 quarterback recruits.

This story was originally published August 6, 2015 at 7:38 AM with the headline "Lynden’s Somers makes 25-QB shortlist for Taylor Barton’s ‘Northwest 9’."