February 23, 2010
Houston NUC: Underclassmen standouts
MORE: Rivals.com Scouting the Nation 2010 HOUSTON - The National Underclassmen Combine made its annual tour stop in one of the best areas for high school football talent last weekend.
More than 230 underclassmen were on hand at Westfield High School in Houston to show off their skills.
Below are the top performers that caught the eye of National Recruiting Analyst Barry Every.
Houston National Underclassmen Combine Standouts
Bralon Addison, 5-9/177, WR, Missouri City (Texas) Hightower (2012)
ASSETS: He ran excellent routes, was extremely quick and proved to be sure-handed. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to work on his speed while continuing to get stronger.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: Addison was so quick off the line of scrimmage it was hard for defenders to slow him down. His overall performance during one-on-ones and the showcase was so dominating that he was a unanimous selection as the overall MVP for the sophomore class.
CONCLUSION: There is no question that he has the tools to become a slot receiver at the next level. If he hits the college camp tour this summer, offers will likely start coming his way.
Austin Bennett, 5-9/150, WR, Manvel (Texas) (2013)
ASSETS: Bennett has good quickness, can jump out of the building and is strong for his size. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Will need to improve his overall speed and continue to add size and strength over the next three years.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: He was the most consistent receiver at the event. His efforts earned him WR MVP for the freshman class.
CONCLUSION: It's too early to tell if he is a definite Division I prospect, but the skill set is in place for this young athlete to have a successful high school career. If he produces on the field, he should catch the eye of college recruiters.
Paul Boyette, 6-2/253, DT, Humble (Texas) (2012)
ASSETS: Excellent lower body structure and good pad level at the point of attack. He was a high-effort competitor. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: He has not gained any weight over the past year. Boyette must improve his upper body size and strength in order to play inside at the next level.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: His lower body strength and quickness allowed him to overpower every offensive lineman he faced during the one-on-ones. Boyette earned a share of the DL MVP award.
CONCLUSION: There is no doubt that he has the ability to play FBS football. If he can hit the weight room and add the needed muscle mass, becoming a national recruit is possible.
Tyree Gray, 6-2/246, ILB, Houston (Texas) Klein Forest (2013)
ASSETS: Mammoth sized linebacker, with excellent ball skills and speed for his size. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: He will need to improve his change of direction and watch his body weight if he plans on playing linebacker at the next level.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: Had at least three picks during the one-on-one portion of the camp. His performance earned him the LB MVP.
CONCLUSION: Gray was the only freshman that could be labeled a definite DI prospect right now. I do believe he will end up playing with his hand on the ground before his high school career is complete.
Brooks Haack, 6-1/176, PQB, Katy (Texas) (2012)
ASSETS: Tremendous footwork, and the ability to take snaps under center. Haack also has a quick release and a very strong arm for his size. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: He will need to add at least 20 pounds of muscle mass, which should improve his durability.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: How quickly he was able to get depth on his drops and the velocity he was able to generate on his passes. He earned a share of the QB MVP award.
CONCLUSION: Haack was the top quarterback with varsity experience - in any age group. He is a legitimate prospect who reminds me of former Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle.
Devon Johnson, 5-8/170, RB, Missouri City (Texas) Fort Bend Marshall (2012)
ASSETS: Has excellent change of direction, soft hands and changes speeds well. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Right now he would have to be considered an APB. Johnson needs to improve his overall size and strength to be considered an every-down back.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: During individual work, his ability to make 90-degree cuts while selling his route was incredible. Johnson came out of those breaks and caught the ball no matter how bad the pass was. His stellar discipline earned him a share of the RB MVP award.
CONCLUSION: Just had a taste of varsity football this past season. If he proves to be versatile as an athlete, the chances of him playing college football at the highest level will increase.
DeAndre Liggins, 5-10/170, WR, Cypress (Texas) Cypress Ranch (2012)
ASSETS: Has excellent speed, change of direction and is a high-effort performer. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to work on making the hard catches look easy. At his size, he must catch everything. Otherwise, there will not be a spot on the field for him.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: He put up some of the best overall combine numbers running a 4.51 40, a 4.36 shuttle, and jumping 30 inches. Liggins also was an outspoken competitor which earned him the Leadership Award for the sophomore class.
CONCLUSION: He will be attending a new high school and surely will be one of the top athletes on his team. I don't think there is any doubt that some FBS school will try to find a place for this smooth athlete.
Marcus Nesbitt, 5-10/205, ILB, Missouri City (Texas) Elkins (2012)
ASSETS: Excellent overall body structure and quick feet. Nesbitt has the hips to cover. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: There is a spot on the field for the smaller linebacker, especially against the spread offense. Nesbitt will need to add at least 20 pounds of muscle mass to have any pop against the run.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: During individual drills he flashed extremely quick feet. He was a high-effort performer who appeared willing to learn. Nesbitt was an easy choice for LB MVP honors.
CONCLUSION: I don't think there is much doubt that he will end up signing a scholarship. It will come down to some school ignoring his height, which seems to be becoming less and less a factor.
Andrew Robinson, 5-8/177 , RB, Pasadena (Texas) J. Frank Dobie (2012)
ASSETS: He is very strong for his size and showed quick change-of-direction skills. Robinson has soft hands out of the backfield. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Will need to add about 15 pounds to become an every-down back at the next level. Otherwise, he may be best suited as a cornerback or slot receiver.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: His ability to come out of his break and catch the ball effortlessly earned him a share of RB MVP honors.
CONCLUSION: Has the skill set to play several positions at the next level. This versatility should enable him to sign scholarship papers in a couple years.
Anthony Smith, 5-11/276, DT, Houston (Texas) Westfield (2012)
ASSETS: Very powerful, quick off the ball and is tremendous athlete for his size. He proved to be a sponge when learning from coaches in the camp. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Obviously, height will be an issue. Can he add enough quality weight yet still keep his superior overall athleticism?
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: His ability to beat offensive linemen off the ball then throw them to the turf like rag dolls was amazing. He actually came back and did the same thing against older kids on Sunday. He shared the DL MVP award, earned Strongest Lineman honors and almost took home the top overall honors.
CONCLUSION: Though his height may be a factor for some colleges, I do believe that his strength and overall athleticism will earn him multiple offers. This is a high-effort athlete that is willing to learn - and lead.
Justin Thomas, 5-8/160, CB, Orange (Texas) West Orange Stark (2012)
ASSETS: Has excellent speed, change of direction and serious hops. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: He is not the biggest corner, so working as a slot receiver or a return man may increase his marketability.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: He put up some of the best testing numbers of any athlete, running a 4.56 40, 4.41 shuttle, and leaping 34 inches.
CONCLUSION: There is no question that Thomas has the athletic ability to play at the next level, but he will need to work on strength and adding muscle mass in order to get serious looks.
Corey Thompson, 6-2/193, ATH, Missouri City (Texas) Elkins (2012)
ASSETS: Excellent overall size with the potential to get bigger. Thompson is a superior athlete. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: As a receiver he is not a natural catching the ball. Thompson is still reaching out and grabbing the ball. He may be better suited as a safety or outside linebacker at the next level.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: There is no question that on the hoof - and in testing - he proved to be the best prospect in this camp. He was able to run a 4.6 40, a 4.22 shuttle, and jump an astonishing 36 inches. Thompson earned Combine King for the sophomore group.
CONCLUSION: Thompson is a no-brainer FBS prospect. He is just too big and athletic not to end up with multiple offers as an athlete.
Justin Webster, 6-0/186, RB, Houston (Texas) Northland Christian (2013)
ASSETS: Excellent overall body structure and good speed. Webster showed the ability to adjust to the ball in the air. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: He runs very high and must improve forward body lean and change of direction. Webster may be better suited as a potential safety or linebacker.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: Webster put up some amazing testing numbers for a freshman. He ran a 4.6 40, 4.28 shuttle, and jumped 35 inches. He earned the Combine King and Fastest Man honors for his class.
CONCLUSION: He is a tremendous physical specimen for his age. If he continues to grow and physically develop, I expect him to eventually become a linebacker - if contact is his cup of tea.
Cooper Woodyard, 6-1/205, DQB, The Woodlands (Texas) (2012)
ASSETS: Has excellent body structure, a quick release and good spin and accuracy on his passes. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to get more repetitions at the quarterback position at the varsity level. Last year he was the back-up running back.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: Proved to be the most accurate quarterback during the final showcase, thus earning a share of the QB MVP award. Woodyard and Haack were the top two quarterback prospects regardless of age.
CONCLUSION: His high school has a history of playing a senior at quarterback. We could be another year away from seeing if he has what it takes when the pass rush in upon him. Based on this camp, he definitely has all the tools to play at the next level.
Others who impressed:
Jordan Bell, CB, Missouri City (Texas) Hightower (2012); Orsby Crenshaw, RB, Dawson (Texas) (2012); Colin Janice, CB, Orange (Texas) West Orange-Stark (2013); Melvin McAdams, ATH, Bellaire (Texas) (2012); DaCarlos Renfro, CB, Orange (Texas) West Orange Stark (2012); Kamane Thomas, OLB, Missouri City (Texas) Elkins (2012); Delshon Waller, RB, Missouri City (Texas) Fort Bend Marshall (2013); Joshua Wilhite, RB, Missouri City (Texas) Hightower (2012)
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