Photo by: National Underclassmen Football Combine
Zachary, Louisiana- The National Underclassmen held the second of eight Five-Star Showcases this past Saturday at Zachary High School in Zachary, Louisiana. Over 90 invite-only participants took part in this camp in front of the watchful eyes of several recruiting services. It is safe to say that at least 20% to 30% of the participants in this camp will eventually sign either FBS or FCS scholarships next February. Below are just some of the defensive performers that caught the eye of NUC Director of Player analysis Barry Every. |
Defensive Lineman
 | Nicholas Bickham, St. Amant, LA (2013)
Official Size: 6-4, 226
Assets: This tall, long, and lean defender has a frame that can seriously add more muscle mass. Bickham never gave less than 110% during agilities and individual position drill work. During one-on-ones he used a quick get off and long arms to gain the advantage versus offensive lineman. His vocal cajoling drove other players to give their best and this did not go unnoticed as he walked away with the Leadership Award.
Development: Bickham needs to work on playing with lower pad level at the point of attack. Also adding at least 20 to 30 more pounds of muscle mass will allow him to physically dominate less athletic offensive lineman. |
 | Donovan Logan, Trinity Episcopal Day, MS (2013)
Official Size: 6-1-1/2, 266
Assets: Logan possesses a huge upper body and arms the size of South American pythons. But it was not just his upper body strength that helped him beat offensive guards like a drum, but good technique off the snap of the ball. He used a quick rip move with power and good pad level to get underneath the offensive lineman. Logan did the best job of playing just half a man and getting less athletic offensive lineman to open the door.
Development: He struggled a bit during the agilities with change of direction and lateral movement. Logan should work on lower body flexibility and add a good dose of agilities to his off season workout regime. |
 | Donovan McCray, McKinley, LA (2013)
Official Size: 6-2, 258
Assets: McCray possesses a tremendous power base and very long arms. He has the ideal body shape to play either SDE or DT at the next level. During agilities and individual position work he ran through the bags like a dancing bear. But it was his performance during the one-on-ones that he separated himself from the other defensive lineman. McCray used good technique and superior athleticism to beat offensive lineman off the ball. His efforts were awarded with the DL MVP.
Development: McCray could play either offensive line or defensive line at the next level. What he really needs to do right now is get his video in the hands of college coaches. He already sports a 27 on the ACT which means he can most likely get into any DI college on a football scholarship. |
Linebackers
 | Sterling Doss, Salmen (2013)
Official Size: 6-1-1/2, 214
Assets: Doss has long arms and a great motor. He looked great going through agilities bouncing around the bags and cones in excellent tackling posture. During the one-on-ones he used his lengthy arms to jam running backs as they crossed the line of scrimmage and to break up passes. He proved from start to finish to be the most consistent linebacker in the camp. His efforts allowed him to walk away with the LB MVP Award.
Development: Doss will need to add some upper body mass which will help him bring ball carries to the ground while bouncing around the tackle box. |
Defensive Backs
 | Trevor Derouen, Gueydan, LA (2013)
Official Size: 5-11-1/2, 173
Assets: Derouen possesses really long arms which he used to jam receivers off the line of scrimmage. He was very physical at the point of attack and he finished each play by ripping the ball out of the intended receiver's hands. His skill set will allow him to become a safety that can cover at the next level. He was given serious consideration of DB MVP.
Development: He most likely projects as a safety so adding about 20 more pounds of muscle mass while keeping his overall athleticism is a must. This will not only help with durability but help him become a force versus the run. |
 | Austin Sampson, Dutchtown, LA (2013)
Official Size: 5-8, 162
Assets: What Sampson lacks in size he makes up in effort. This whirling dervish has hips on a swivel and he proved to be the most consistent defensive back from start to finish in the camp. He only allowed one catch all day. Even when beaten he used his arms to strip the ball out of the receivers hand.
Development: Can he pack on another 15 to 20 pounds on his frame and maintain his overall athleticism? He will need to add this size in order to have any impact versus the running game and combat taller receivers at the DI level. |
 | Kris Weatherspoon, Natchez, MS (2013)
Official Size: 6-1-1/2, 186
Assets: Weatherspoon possesses the desired size and long arms that college coaches covet in safeties. He used his size to out muscle and physically dominate receivers at the line of scrimmage. Weatherspoon proved to have the hips and recovery speed to run stride for stride with any receiver in the camp. He may have made more plays on the ball during one-on-ones than any other defensive back. His stellar performance at the Five-Star Showcase allowed him to be named the DB MVP.
Development: Similar to McCray, Weatherspoon needs to get his film in front of college coaches. This can also be aided by hitting college camps in May and June. There is little doubt that he is a legit DI player. |
Other Top Performers:
Jamil Collins, DB, Olive Branch, MS (2013); Lamar Grogan, LB, Central Catholic, LA (2013); Daniel Howard, DB, New Iberia, LA (2014); Benny McCall, LB, Lake Cormorant, MS (2013); Brandon Phillips, LB, Lake Cormorant, MS (2013); Justin Sampson, DB, Dutchtown, LA (2013); LaDarrius Slocum, DB, Tylertown, MS (2013).
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