Jordan Diamond knew he had his work cut out for him if he planned to be amongst the Chicago combine's elite.
This combine was amongst the largest in NUC history, with two sophomore sessions and maxed out junior session clearly stating the kind of demand there was for this event. Naturally, more players equals better talent and much slimmer chances to win an award. Luckily he brought his A game and showed why he is more so a gem than a diamond in the rough.
The 6'4.5 291 lb Siemon HS standout may have gone above and beyond his own expectations, taking home the Overall MVP and Strongest Man honors in the sophomore session. Diamond bench pressed 185 lbs 24 times, had excellent feet, pro-style technique and a high intensity level. Between his size and skill, Diamond should find himself at a big time D1 program.
Junior Overall MVP Melvin "The Assassin" Gordon was responsible for the most jaw dropping performance of the junior day. The 6'0 185 lb Kenosha Bradford HS standout had Olympic-type athleticism and was a gifted running back as well. He had a 35 inch vertical, 10'6 broad jump, ran a 4.31 shuttle, 4.52 40 and did everything possible during 1 on 1's. Gordon changed direction like Barry Sanders, runs good routes and has soft hands. This is what you call a special player folks.
Freshman MVP Joshua Jones has the ability and size of a player many years his senior. The Provo West standout is 6'0 303 lbs of power. He bench pressed 155 lbs 20 times and was clearly the top 9th grader in the 1 on 1's, using his aforementioned ridiculous size to shut down the opposing linemen during 1 on 1's.
Top Performance List Thicker than a City Phone Book!
JUNIORS:
Between the total number of athletes (near 600) and immense talent level, NUC CEO and President David Schuman had his hand fill when handing out the awards. With a number D1 prospects competing at the same position for an MVP, many spots had co-MVPs and many terrific players didn't even take home an award.
Joliet Catholic rising senior Andrew Elliott was definitely the best non-Overall MVP of the weekend. The 5'10 182 lb standout had an 8'6 broad jump, ran a 4.41 shuttle, bench pressed 185 lbs 22 times and put on a clinic during 1 on 1's. He had quick feet, good hands, a nice release and ran with power. Juwan Martin (De La Sale) was also a gracefully gifted running back. With a 30.5 inch vertical, 4.35 shuttle run 4.55 40 and skills in 1 on 1's, The 5'8.5 210 lb prospect has the athleticism and strength to make it to the next level.
Josh Lisenby (a teammate of Martin at De La Salle) and Mason Fuller (Urban Prep) were both on their A game, making it harder than a Rubik's Cube. Both were around 6'1, had surprising athleticism for big men and played at a high speed.
There were also a plethora of other unbeliveable players such as Marquette Privott (Rich East), Rasheen Lemon (Provsio West) Devante Williams (Arrowhead), Yoel Wonsey (Neuqua Valley), and Hyeong-Joo Brian Kim (Glenbrook North).
SOPHOMORES:
Anthony Maddie (Aurora Christian) is an elite dual-threat QB. At 6'1 181, he has a 35 inch vertical, 9'0 broad jump, runs a 4.19 shuttle and 4.57 40. Skill wise, he is also right on the money. Maddie has exceptional footwork, a strong arm, Tom Brady like confidence and great accuracy. It's quite rare to find players like this.
Nick Mangieri (Dunlap) and Joey Desimone (Nazareth Academy) ran the show from the linebacker position. Both men were strong, athletic, moved well on the football field and gave us every reason to believe that they are the first breaking to make a tackle.
Everett Collins (Tuoiton), Chase Murdock (Barrington), and Rodney Mosley (Neuqua) were a tremendous running back trio. All three had power, speed, athleticism and ran with passion. At just about any other camp, any of these prospects would have clearly been awarded the RB MVP.
FANTASTIC FRESHMAN:
Christopher Thompson was amongst the best 8th graders we have ever seen. The 5'7 160 lb running back had a 30 inch vertical, 8'9 broad jump, bench pressed 135 lbs 22 times and was a phenom during 1 on 1's. He has a great chance of being in impact player on the varsity level next year and a top prospect shortly thereafter.
Right behind him was Mahone MS' Elijah Garcia wasn't far behind. Garcia has the talents of a player many years his senior, as a 4.54 shuttle and 8'7 broad jump are virtually unheard of from a player who is yet to experience Freshman Friday.
Kevin Weller (Neugua Valley) led the QB's with honor. The 5'11 201 lb prospect has exceptional mechanics, a good arm, an 8'10 broad jump and bench pressed 135 lbs 22 times.
With more camps like this, Chicago football will be neck and neck with their basketball.
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