nuc phoenix 8th/frosh article-NUC Freshman Class off to a Sizzling Start in the Phoenix Area!

NUC Freshman Class off to a Sizzling Start in the Phoenix Area!

The 2010 National Underclassmen Combine season started with a bang last Saturday at Apache Junction HS in Apache Junction, AZ. The weather was terrific – far better than it is in our New Jersey headquarters – and talent wise, this one was a scorcher!

Blue Ridge HS’ Chans Cox topped off the day with his Overall MVP award winning performance. The 6’2 196 lb running back had an 8’1 broad jump bench pressed 135 lbs 23 times and ran a 4.79 shuttle. Cox’ athleticism, strength and soft hands (he was a star during the individual period) makes him a player that should create attention for years to come.

The QB battle was a memorable, with a number of talented players making the entertainment value from the individual period at an all time high.

Allen Thigpen of Hamilton HS was cool, calm and collective en route to taking the MVP. The 6’0 161 lber had a terrific arm, solid footwork and was your prototypical leading QB (he also won the leadership award). He was extremely coachable and can fit his game into any team’s offensive system.

Desert Vista’s Matt Young is also a terrific QB with a great future, catching the eye of the NUC coaches and numerous spectators. Young’s ability to hit his receivers, quick feet and consistency earned him the co-QB MVP. Perhaps his parents should have named him Steve? Regardless, Young should develop into a memorable player. If the QB’s continue to be as good as they were during the first session, 2010 should be known as the year of the quarterbacks.

As good as Young and Thigpen were, their day wouldn’t have been as successful if it weren’t for terrific receivers like Thair Blakes. Blakes is a big freshman at 6’4.5 182, but brings a lot more than just a big body on the football field. Blakes is a terrific athlete (he had an 8’8 broad jump at the combine), creates great separation between himself and the receiver and has very good hands. Blakes was unquestionably one of the best players during this talented session.

From a defensive standpoint, Centennial HS’ Jalen Ortiz stole the show, nabbing the DB MVP along with the Fastest Man award. The 5’8 151 lb sensation created plenty of frustration for QB’s and WR’s, locking down the offense during the individual period and picking off more than 5 passes. Ortiz, who ran an impressive 4.62 shuttle, had an 8’9 broad jump and a 28.5 inch vertical.

Kyle Harms was the best pure athlete in the session, coming up with the highly touted Combine King award. The 5’6 156 lber had a 29.5 inch vertical, 8’9 broad jump, ran a 4.63 40 and a 4.44 shuttle. Harms is a crafty RB, but is definitely a threat on special teams.

The Phoenix freshman really got the season started on a good note and with 60+ events scheduled, hopefully there is much more to come.