Orlando, Florida- The National Underclassmen held its first of eight Five-star Showcases this past Saturday at Jones High School in Orlando. Over 100 invite-only participants took part in this camp in front of the watchful eyes of several recruiting services. It is safe to say that about 30% to 40% of the participants in this camp will eventually sign either FBS or FCS scholarships next February. Below are just some of the offensive performers that caught the eye of NUC Director of Player analysis Barry Every.
Quarterbacks
Kevin Anderson, Boca Raton, FL (2013)
Official Size: 6-1-1/2, 204
Assets: Anderson possesses excellent overall body structure for the quarterback position. Coach Dave Schuman noticed early on during the event that Anderson had one of the nicest drops he had seen in a long time. Anderson was able to get good depth on his drops while keeping his eyes downfield. He proved to be very accurate with good velocity, spin, and touch on all his passes. Anderson earned QB MVP for his efforts.
Development: Anderson can work on leading the receiver allowing them to make more yards after the catch. And like most true pro-style quarterbacks he could always work on becoming the best athlete possible in order to make those unscripted yards.
Troy Cook, Miami Palmetto, FL (2013)
Official Size: 6-0-1/2, 193
Assets: Cook also possesses excellent overall body structure. What really stood out about this South Florida signal caller was his throwing mechanics. He did a nice job of keeping his elbow high and coming over the top with the ball. His delivery was quick and compact making the ball come spin out of his hand like artillery. Cook possesses plenty of arm strength to make every pass required of him at the next level.
Development: Cook needs to work on making the decision quicker on where to throw the ball. Though he usually threw to the correct receiver during two-on-twos his passes had tendency to be thrown slightly behind the intended target.
Offers: Southern
Running Backs
Robert Davis, Carrollwood Day, FL (2013)
Official Size: 5-7/160
Assets: There was little doubt early on about this whirling dervish being one of the quickest competitors at any position in the camp. Davis has the gift to make bigger backers miss him in the open field using hips on a swivel to throw defenders off balance. He also possesses soft hands out of the backfield which is a must for smaller scat backs. His skill set allow him to be recruited as a return man on special teams.
Development: Davis will need to gradually add about 15 to 20 pounds of muscle mass in order to break tackles at the next level. This added size and strength will also help him create space in the passing game by bouncing off defenders
Offers: FIU
Jojo Kemp, Deland, FL (2013)
Official Size: 5-9/185
Assets: Kemp looks a lot bigger than listed. His frame will allow him to play at 200 pounds at the next level. Kemp was also a fierce competitor during one-on-ones using his strength and frame to bounce off backers. He has very soft hands and the body control to become an excellent threat in the passing game. Kemp proved to be very coachable and competed with superior energy.
Development: Kemp could work on forward body lean just a tad which in turn will keep him protected while running with the ball and allow him to make more yards after contact. He was given serious consideration for the RB MVP award.
Offers: FIU, Marshall, SMU, Temple, USF, and WVU
Jacky Marcellus, Immokalee, FL (2013)
Official Size: 5-7-1/2, 168
Assets: Marcellus had his "A" Game going from start to finish at the Five-Star Showcase. He proved to be quicker than a striking cobra during agilities. Marcellus has hips on swivel which makes would-be tacklers miss in the open field. Coaches commended him on his ability to run with the ball high and tight which is imperative for smaller backs. He also was an excellent receiver out of the backfield and has the skill set to return kicks at the next level. Marcellus won RB MVP in possibly the deepest position group.
Development: Like Davis he needs to add about 15 pounds of muscle mass over the next year and a half. This will make him more durable and allow him to break simple arm tackles. Look for Marcellus to pick up steam in recruiting very soon because the smaller change of pace back is a premium in the spread offense.
Offers: Rutgers
Receivers/Tight ends
Mark Barr, St. Thomas Aquinas, FL (2013)
Official Size: 6-0, 160
Assets: Barr was easy to pick out during agilities and individual drill work. He does a great job of planting his foot and changing directions which causes the defensive back to get corkscrewed in the ground. He also possesses very soft hands and excellent body control allowing him to adjust while the ball is in the air. Barr also does a nice job of snagging the ball out of the air with his hands. His route running was superior to most receivers in the camp.
Development: Right now he is rail thin and needs to add at least 20 pounds of muscle mass over time. This will bolster his ability to get off of press coverage while improving his durability. Look for his stock to rise this spring because he is at the most high profiled school in the country.
Branton Lee, North Florida Christian, FL (2013)
Official Size: 5-7-1/2, 160
Assets: Lee was easily the quickest receiver in the camp which allowed him to create space versus any type of coverage. He has the innate quality to make bigger defenders whiff in space when trying to tackle or jam him. Lee also proved to be an excellent route runner with very soft hands. The bottom line is there is a spot on the football field with the spread offense being so prevalent at the DI level.
Development: Size is really his only downfall at this time. So like the before mentioned scat backs Lee needs to add about 15 to 20 pounds of muscle mass while maintaining his overall athletic ability.
Dantwuan O'Neal, Deland, FL (2013)
Official Size: 6-2-1/2, 187
Assets: O'Neal used his superior size to create space and make plays on the ball. He has long arms and a frame that can easily hold 30 to 40 more pounds. College coaches need to look at him as either a big possession receiver or a possible hybrid WR/TE. He does a nice job of going up and catching the ball at its highest point with his hands. Bottom line O'Neal does not have to be open to make plays.
Development: If O'Neal is going to play receiver at the next level he could benefit from improving his overall speed just a tad. This could be done by working with a track coach that can teach him the most efficient way to run.
Dominic Walker, Evans, FL (2013)
Official Size: 6-1-1/2, 190
Assets: Walker proved to have the best of both world's size and speed. He is a proficient route runner that possesses the ability to adjust to the ball while it's in the air. He used his size to create space for the quarterback to deliver the ball as he snatched it out of the air like a Venus-Flytrap engulfs flies. His overall performance allowed him to walk away from this event with the WR MVP award.
Development: Walker could work on his lateral movement which will help him make more yards after the catch. It is not out of the realm of possibility that he will grow into an Orson Charles-style hybrid TE/WR.
Offers: Florida, FSU, Georgia, Louisville, Marshall, Memphis, South Carolina, and USF.
Offensive Lineman
Shawn Curtis, Olympia, FL (2013)
Official Size: 6-4-1/2, 270
Assets: He has all the physical tools that college coaches desire in a left offensive tackle. Curtis has long arms, light feet, and is a natural hip and knee bender. When he stays squared up on pass rushers they have little chance of getting to the quarterback. His frame will easily allow him to play at 300 pounds at the next level without being considered fat.
Development: He could improve his punch and physicality at the point of attack. Curtis also needs to work on staying squared up on the defender by not opening the door by turning his hips to the side.
Offers: Cincinnati, Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, and USF.
Jordi Dalmau, Gulliver Prep, FL (2013)
Official Size: 6-2, 291
Assets: Dalmau made a name for himself in this camp because of his toughness and ability to sit on pass rushers. He was very physical at the point of attack and possesses enough girth and strength to combat thicker interior defensive lineman. His skill set will allow him to project as either a center or guard at the next level. Dalmau walked away from this camp with the OL MVP for his performance.
Development: He could work on shifting some of his body weight around which will only make him more athletic. Learning to snap will also improve his visibility on the recruiting trail.
Other Top Performers: Bo Ellis, RB, Gulliver Prep, FL (2013); Cortney Jones, WR, Oakleaf, FL (2013); Zachary Panitzke, OL, North Marion, FL (2013); AJ Sattinger, (TE MVP), Countryside, FL (2013).
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