The Midwest's Best Impress!
More than 600 motivated and talented 8-11th graders came to compete in the Midwest Ultimate 100 last weekend at Columbus North High School. Players trekked from a number of different states just to get there and the competition level was sky high. Every athlete stood their ground and displayed why they were rightfully selected amongst the elite. But as the show came to a close, a number of truly special athletes stood above and beyond their competitors.
Junior overall MVP Tanner Crum of Mt. Carmel HS dominated throughout the day and capped off the final session of the weekend. The 6'2 282 lb phenom o-lineman was strong, quick on his feet, displayed awesome technique and was immovable during the individual position period. Crum also powered his way through the lineman challenge and was literally the center of attention throughout the event. With one year of high school remaining, Crum is undoubtedly going to land many more D1 offers.
RB Anthony Davis (Warren Central) starred in every part of the event. With a 32 inch vertical, 8'5 broad jump, 4.50 shuttle run and by bench pressing 185 lbs 19 times, the 5'7 190 lb Davis was a terrific tester. During the individual position period, he ran nice routes, changed direction with ease and ran the ball with passion. Davis, who also did a tremendous job during the 7 on 7 challenge, is a dual threat with a bright future.
Trevon "Big Time" Pendleton (Portsmouth West) is a stud athlete and a phenom linebacker. The 5'11 224 lb Pendelton had great instincts, quick feet, played physically and displayed awesome coverage skill. From an athletic standpoint, few were in his class, as his 30.5 inch vertical, 8'6 broad jump, 27 reps at 187 lbs and 4.30 shuttle placed him amongst the upper echelon players of the entire weekend.
Lorenzo "The Pest" Brandon (Hampshire) provided plenty of frustrations for the offense during the 1 on 1's and 7 on 7's. The 5'9 171 lb safety played the WR's physical by jamming them from the moment they stepped off the line. He has great hands, knows how to cover the deep and transitions well. With a 4.42 shuttle and 8'10 broad jump, Brandon is a threat for a pick six and terrific recovery ability. I would be shocked if a good program didn't gobble him up before his senior season is finished.
Mike Wegzyn (Knoxville Catholic) is a big QB with huge potential. At 6'4.5 211, Wegzyn has an uncanny ability to find the open receiver with great accuracy. He is very patient with the ball and also runs a 4.40 in the shuttle, giving him unusual quickness for a player his size.
Gull Lake's Takudzwa Kubvoruno's name is not one that comes off the tongue easy, but after watching this kid play, his skills make him impossible to forget. At 5'11 175 Kubvoruno had a 9'7 broad jump, ran a 4.19 shuttle and 4.51 40. During the one on ones', he was blew by a number of defenders, ran great routes and had pro-like hands. Kubvoruno is a lock to play D1 ball.
Superstar Sophomores!
Burnsville's Chase Roullier steamrolled through the class of 2012 combine, claiming the Overall MVP in the process. Although he is a bit thin for a lineman (6'3 255), Roullier had outstanding hands, a solid pass set and awesome technique. He silenced the opposing linemen during the one on one and position challenge, sending a number of elite players to the back of the line frustrated.
Matt Williams (Geneva Community) was on his game from the time the camp started until the moment it was completed. The 6'1.5 173 lb prospect was an accurate passer with a strong arm, awesome footwork and the kind of leadership skills every team needs. By running a 4.40 shuttle, Williams displayed he is quick on his feet and is a threat to run at any time.
Kyle Bramble (Floyd Central) dropped plenty of jaws following his all around ridiculous statistics. The 5'10 179 lb corner back had a 36.5 inch vertical, 10'2.5 broad jump, ran a 4.30 shuttle and bench pressed 155 lbs 24 times. Bramble, whose numbers are comparable to those in the NFL combine, is one of the better athletes that we have seen in 2010.
From the athletic testing, hustle and individual position period, Kevin Davis (Warren Central) did it all. The 5'10.5 164 lb Davis had a 10'2 broad jump, 31 inch vertical, ran a 4.45 shuttle, 4.49 40 and was the total package as a wide receiver. He ran great routes, has good hands and consistently created separation between himself and the DBs' Davis' all around skills were nothing short of sensational.
Star running back Brandon Yosha (Indianapolis Cathedral) was yet another standout athlete with a true understanding of how to play his position. The 5'10.5 181 lb standout had a 33 inch vetrtical, 9'5 broad jump, ran a 4.10 shuttle, 4.64 40 and bench pressed 155 lbs 26 times. He changes directions well, had good hands, protected the ball well and ran excellent routes for a running back. Pound for pound, few are as good as Yosha.
At 6'5.5 229, Jason Spriggs was literally head and shoulders above the competition. He towered over all of the defensive backs, making him an easy target for the QB's. Spriggs however was more than just another big body. He had great hands, knew how to use his body, displayed terrific footwork and surprisingly shook off the much smaller and quicker defenders en route to making some solid grabs. Spriggs' future is looking good and he has the skill set of a wide receiver with the size of a d-end.
Unforgettable Freshman!
· Kyle Bolin (Lexington Catholic) was one of the few 8th graders at last year's Top Prospect Camp. This year, he is undoubtedly heading back after another dominant performance. The 6'2.5 172 lb Bolin was incredible during the 1 on 1's and 7 on 7's, displaying all of the tools that give us every reason to believe that he will one day be an elite level D1 player.
· Jason Hatcher (Louisville Trinity) won the Overall MVP award and is an out of this world athlete for a lineman. The 6'1.5 222 lb d-lineman had an 8'10 broad jump, ran a 4.49 shuttle and bench pressed 155 lbs 27 times. During the individual period, he proved to be the total package, with quick feet, great hips fast hands and an outstanding work ethic.
· Ahmed Alaboody (Dearborn) has three years of high school left but already displays pro type athleticism. The 5'9.5 166 lb running back has a 34.5 inch vertical, 9'9.5 broad jump, ran a 4.30 shuttle, 4.68 40 and bench pressed 135 lbs 26 times. Alaboody can compete with the best of them.
· Kevin Anderson (Boca Raton Community) had unprecedented patience for a freshman. The 6'0.5 188 lb QB picked his spots well and was highly successful during the 1 on 1's and 7 on 7's. Anderson had a great attitude and is a team oriented player.
· Darrien Howard (Chaminade) had tremendous size for a freshman at 6'0.5 246. Howard had a 30 inch vertical, 8'9 broad jump, ran a 4.50 shuttle and bench pressed 135 lbs 36 times, doing a great job in the 1 on 1's in the process. He has the size of a d-lineman and the skills of a position player, so wherever he ends up, Howard will be a force.
