Stars Come to Play in Sacramento!

The Sacramento event was the sixth and final combine in the talent deep state known as California. Many of their primer athletes had already made strong statements at previous camps, earning themselves a spot in the Ultimate 100 camp. But even though the majority of players had already competed, last weekend's camp at Rio Linda HS was far from a disappointment.

NUC favorite/return standout Sam Atoe of Maria Carrillo HS conducted business as usual, taking home the Overall MVP award. The 5'10 202 lb running back is a tremendous athlete, with a 35 inch vertical, 8'6 broad jump, 4.36 shuttle run and 21 reps at 185 lbs on the bench press putting him amongst the elite during the testing. His bulky build and nimble feet guided him during the individual period, where he changed directions surprisingly well for a player his size, while also displaying terrific hands. Atoe's skill, power and speed make him a lock to play D1 and he is currently fielding offers from multiple programs.

Doug Blacksill (Liberty) is also entertaining a number of offers and understandably so. The 6'4 249 lb o-lineman was dominant during 1 on 1's, had phenomenal quickness (running a 4.50 shuttle), pro-type footwork and knew how to use his hands effectively, spelling disaster for the opposing linemen during 1 on 1's. Blacksill is the kind of player QB's love and d-linemen dread.

Ikaiaka Woolsey (Salesian) kept the ball moving downfield during the 1 on 1's and did it in surprisingly easy fashion. The 6'0 192 lb standout picked his spots well, had good mechanics, threw a good ball and displayed terrific footwork, placing him atop the charts among  QB's. Woolsey is a skilled all around QB and knows how to get an offense going.

Shaq Shines During Sophomore Session

Shaq Thompson is not 7'1 330 lbs and can't dunk a basketball, but he is very much a dominant force. The 6'0.5 187 lb wideout was near flawless throughout the sophomore combine, earning himself the Overall MVP Combine King and Fastest Man awards after a performance to remember. With a 30 inch vertical, 9'8 broad jump, 4.21 shuttle and 4.57 40, Thompson topped the competition during the testing.

During the 1 on 1's, all eyes were on him. Regardless of which QB was on his side and no matter who the DB was attempting to stop him, Thompson's quickness, strength, tightly ran routes and awesome hands made him an easy target to find. Thompson has good size for a wideout and his future definitely looks bright.

Joseph Teo plays for national powerhouse De La Salle HS, so he is fully aware of what success tastes like. The 5'10 185 lb DB was first in class during the 1 on 1's, with great jamming ability, good hips, quick feet, strong hands and outstanding on field awareness. Teo also runs a 4.40 shuttle and bench pressed 155 lbs 21 times, making him a well rounded player in who knows how to perform under the bright lights.

D-lineman Jeremy Hernandez was very much the Dwight Freeney of the combine. He is a bit undersized at 6'0.5 212, but much like the NFL superstar, Hernandez' athleticism more than compensates his lack of bulk. Hernandez runs a 4.39 shuttle, had an 8'10 broad jump and 30 inch vertical. During the 1 on 1's, he had great moves, good hands and was extremely fast off the ball, making him a match up nightmare for opposing linemen. Hernandez looks to be a perfect fit for the DE position for years to come.

Fabulous Freshman!

·       Taylor Miller-Wing (Bella Vista) had the skills and maturity of a player many years his senior. The 6'3 178 lb QB remained confident throughout the event, kept the offense together during the 1 on 1's and was vocal. He threw a good ball, was patient, determined and also ran a 4.53 shuttle, displaying that his footwork is yet another valuable part of his already impressive arsenal.

·        Damonte Ranch's  Sheldon Cooper was the total package as a running back. He is light on his feet, changes directions well, had great lower body movement, terrific hands and runs nice routes, making him a dual threat without a doubt. The 5'9 164 lb Cooper starred throughout the freshman session, earning him the Overall and RB MVP awards.