Photo by: National Underclassmen Football Combine
Barry's Top Performers - The Offense - NUC Five Star Central Showcase
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| Springfield, Illinois - The National Underclassmen made their seventh stop on an eight city tour for the Five-Star Showcase. Approximately 110 athletes made the trip to Sacred Heart-Griffin, IL to compete in front of the watchful eyes of NUC CEO/President Dave Schuman. The athletes could have not asked for a better facility to show off their football skills. Below are the top offensive performers on the day as seen by NUC National Analyst Barry Every. |
 | Kevin Weller, Benet Academy, IL (2013) Official Size: 6-1-1/2, 220 Assets: Not only did Weller do a great job of evaluating and critiquing his own game he acted as the vocal executer of the one-on-ones. He possesses a quick throwing motion with good wrist pronation which helps the ball get out of his hand and to his intended target in a hurry. Weller was able to finesse the ball on short routes and fades while zipping it on longer boundary targets. His day did not go unnoticed as he double dipped on the medals. He walked away with the QB MVP and the Leadership awards. Development: He will need to work on trimming some bad body weight and becoming a better overall athlete. He also has a tendency to use all arm on some throws not taking advantage of his hip and weight transfer. |
Running Backs
 | Brian Jennings, MacArthur, IL (2013) Official Size: 5-10-1/2, 190 Assets: Jennings surely passes the initial eyeball test with a massive upper body and long rippled arms. He has the size potential to become an every down back at the next level. As the day progressed he seemed to get stronger beating linebackers in the one-on-ones with regularity. What started out as a slow day catching the ball turned into a day in which he caught everything whether covered or not. In the end his strong performance earned him the RB MVP award. Development: Jennings needs to work on running with more forward body lean thus gaining essential yards after contact. I would also like to see him add lower body size and strength to match his upper body physique. This will aide durability and allow him to break simple arm tackles. |
 | Joe Zito, Glenbard West, IL (2013) Official Size: 5-8, 171 Assets: During agilities and individual position work Zito demonstrated excellent change of direction, hips on a swivel, and superior balance. He did a tremendous job of catching the ball at its highest point with his hands. During the one-on-one portion of the camp he proved to be too quick and an excellent route runner beating the linebackers with regularity. If there was ever a Danny Woodhead clone than look no further as this footballer proved to be the complete all-around player. He could play either running back or slot receiver at the next level. It was nip and tuck all day with Jennings on who would win the RB MVP. Development: Zito will need to add about 10 to 15 pounds of muscle mass on his frame while maintaining his superior athleticism. Hopefully college coaches will not stereotype this athlete as there is little doubt about him being a true FOOTBALL PLAYER! |
Receivers/Tight ends
 | Mike Dudek, Nequa Valley, IL (2014) Official Size: 5-11-1/2, 170 Assets: He runs sharp crisp routes with excellent head and shoulder fakes. His hard outside foot plant left defensive backs corkscrewed in the field turf. But it was his hands that proved to be superior to all the other receivers. Dudek was able to adjust on the ball while in the air and latch onto it at the highest point. On more than one occasion he made catches that the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus would have been proud of. In possibly the deepest position in the camp Dudek earned WR MVP. Development: Like most young athletes Dudek will need to continue to get bigger and stronger while continuing to hone his skills as a receiver. I personally believe he has the makings of an excellent slot receiver at the DI level. |
 | Logan Larson, Pleasant Plains, IL (2013) Official Size: 6-3, 245 Assets: Larson has the build of a strong side defensive end or even a young offensive center. But once he started flashing his soft hands during individual position work it was easy to tell he had more offensive skills than an offensive or defensive lineman. During the one-on-ones he used his huge frame to shield off linebackers and defensive backs to make catches over the middle of the field. He also used his height and arm length to pick the ball out of the air like and apple in a ten foot tall tree. His consistency on the day earned him the TE MVP award. Development: Larson will need to work on improving his overall speed. I would also like to see him be a little more physical off the line of scrimmage by manhandling defenders within the five yard chuck zone. |
 | Aarion Penton, Christian Brothers College, MO (2013) Official Size: 5-9, 177 Assets: Penton made himself known right from the start whipping through the cones and bags like a whirling dervish. During individual drill work he proved to be a crisp route runner with hands of glue. During the one-on-ones he turned in one of the best performances all year at an NUC Five-Star event. He used quick hip and feet movement to create space off the snap of the ball. Penton also demonstrated superior body control by contorting his body to make the tough catch look easy. On top of all that he also took reps as a defensive back looking very smooth in his backpedal while locking down receivers. His tremendous performance did not go unnoticed as he was the easy choice for Overall MVP. Development: There is no doubt that he could play slot receiver for the Tigers of Missouri. But his skill set may lend itself best as a defensive back and punt returner. So getting more reps at those positions will only cement the possibility of him being a difference maker in college. Offers: Missouri Commitment |
 | Malik Turner, Sacred Heart-Griffin, IL (2014) Official Size: 6-2, 202 Assets: Turner possesses the coveted height and size that college coaches are looking for in a receiver. During individual position work he caught passes like a power forward ripping balls off the glass. He made diamond cutter moves to create space between himself and the defender. Than he used his superior size and body control to make plays on the ball. His efforts garnered him the Top Underclassmen award in the camp. Development: He could work on getting up to his top speed quicker off the snap of the ball. If he stays focused on being the best he will end up one of the top high school recruits in the state of Illinois for the Class of 2014. |
 | Shakir Carr, Clay, IN (2013) Official Size: 6-4, 291 Assets: Carr was physically the most impressive offensive lineman in the camp. He has long arms, a great powerbase, and room to add another 20 pounds of muscle mass. During agilities he proved light on his feet for a big man as he finished each drill with speed and enthusiasm. During the one on ones he did a nice job of getting into his pass set while getting good hand placement on the pass rusher. He also has the athletic ability to shuffle his feet in any direction once engaged with a defender. Carr is what we call a natural hip and knee bender. Development: He needs to add some upper body size and strength. At times he struggled going against stronger lineman that would just push him right back in the pocket. Despite that the skill set and ideal size potential make him a legit DI prospect as a right offensive tackle. |
 | KiJana Evans, Harlan Community, IL (2013) Official Size: 6-3-1/2, 318 Assets: Evans has the ideal powerbase and size to become a run mauling offensive guard at the next level. You have to really like his attitude because he took reps at tackle and guard realizing that versatility is the key to success in football. Once Evans locks onto a defender and sits down in his chair they are stonewalled. He also did a nice job with hand placement getting his big mitts inside the shoulders of the pass rusher. Development: Has a tendency to have to wide of a base which hurts his ability to move laterally off the snap of the ball. His ideal playing weight is probably closer to 300-pounds so trimming down a tad will improve mobility. Offers: Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan |
Dominic Aiello, TE, Sacred Heart-Griffin, IL (2014); James Butler, RB, Bartlett, IL (2013); Christian Gibbs, WR, Waubonsie Valley, IL (2014); Zach Reeves, OL, Central City, NE (2013).
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