NUC Houston: Preview:The National Underclassmen Combine: Where Houston’s future stars are discovered

The National Underclassmen Combine: Where Houston’s future stars are discovered

By Matt Yanofsky

The Houston area has produced some of the best high school prospects in recent memory. QB Vince Young is a glaring example of an elite athlete that can call himself a Houstonian. Young, now of the Tennessee Titans, was voted the greatest prospect in Rivals.com history, as his stellar career at Madison High School made him one of the most sought after players in history. Although he is not NUC alum, Young inspired many of their proceeding prospects.

Since 2006, a number of H-Town’s best have showcased their talents at the NUC’s area combine, leaving their blood, sweat and tears on the gridiron.
The 09’ combine had a number of sensational players including Thurgood Marshall’s DeAndre Washington, Cinco Ranch’s KC Nlemchi and Baytown Sterling’s Rayniel Nelson among others. While the aforementioned players are undoubtedly excellent prospects, one elite level wideout stole the show.

Last year’s combine was headlined by University of Oklahoma bound James Haynes, a local great in his own right. Haynes drew comparisons to Randy Moss with his out of this world athleticism, exceptional route running and great hands. The 6’0.5 183 lb star took home the WR MVP and quickly became the talk of the town after his jaw dropping performance.

“Houston is a football hotbed without question and James Haynes is a prime example of the kind of players that come out of that area”, said NUC CEO and President David Schuman. “With a number of former participants from this combine now playing at big time D-1 schools, naturally, I am excited to return and see the next group of football’s future superstars”.

The 2010 combine takes place February 20-21 at Westfield High School. Current 8th/9th graders are slated to compete at 8 am and sophomore are scheduled to hit the field at 1 pm on the 20th, while juniors take center stage 1 pm February 21.

All athletes will partake in pro-style combine testing, including the 40-yard dash, broad jump, bench press, vertical leap, and shuttle run along with position specific drills, 1 on 1’s and 3 on 3 competitions.

Will the next great player grace the field this year? It sure appears likely.

Athletes can sign up for the Houston combine on www.nationalunderclassmen.com or call 1-888-NUC-MVP1 for more details.