Photo by: National Underclassmen Football Combine
Barry's Top Performers - The Offense - NUC Five Star Midwest Showcase
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| Cincinnati, Ohio - Over 110 invite-only participants took part in the NUC Midwest Five-Star Showcase held at Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Though the weather was cool and damp it did not dictate the effort level of the campers. This group of talented football stars proved to be attentive, coachable, and very competitive. Below are the top performers on the day as seen by NUC National analyst, Barry Every. |
 | Anthony Gotto, Tallmadge, OH (2013) Official Size: 6-0, 212 Assets: Gotto proved to be very competent taking his drops from the shotgun and under center. His accuracy on all throws was the most consistent of any quarterback in the camp. He had good zip on his intermediate and long passes while using touch and finesse on the fade routes. But what really stands out about this gunslinger is his ability to consistently spin the ball even when his feet are not in the ideal position. In the end his efforts on the day garnered him the QB MVP award. Development: He could work on reshaping some bad body weight which should improve his ability to buy more time in the pocket while making those unscripted yard with his feet. Holding the ball higher in his drops and when he moves around in the pocket will only shorten his throwing motion. This will damage the reaction time of opportunistic defensive backs. |
 | Jack Sherry, South Oldham, KY (2013) Official Size: 6-5, 233 Assets: Sherry already possesses that "Tom Brady" pro-style quarterback size that allows him to see the entire field from the pocket. Early on he seemed to be over gripping the ball in the damp weather struggling to spin the ball with consistency. But as the day progressed his velocity and spin became more consistent allowing him to fit passes into tight spots. There is no doubt that this signal caller has some serious tools just waiting for a college quarterback coach to mold. Development: He has to get back into his drops quicker giving him more time to make the right throwing decision. At times he throws flat footed not taking advantage of his size and hips to create velocity. |
 | Devin Smith, Grace Christian Academy, TN (2014) Official Size: 6-3, 172 Assets: Though only a sophomore Smith already has the desired height for the position. He also had the quickest and most efficient drops I have seen all season. As the day progresses his accuracy and decision making improved and he was able to make most of the throws needed to succeed in the one-on-ones. Smith also proved to be very coachable and it was physically evident that he was making an effort to listen and learn. His strong showing allowed him to walk away with the Top Underclassmen award. Development: Though his drops were quick and efficient he had a tendency to leak up in the pocket with happy feet before throwing the ball. Smith must also be more consistent with keeping his elbow at shoulder level while throwing passes. This will keep the ball from sailing high. |
 | Tino Smith, II, Guerin Catholic, IN (2013) Official Size: 6-1, 205 Assets: There was no doubt that this signal caller had the strongest arm in the camp. The ball comes out of his hands with excellent spin and velocity. He has a nice over the top motion that keeps the ball from floating when passing between the hashes. Smith also has a very muscular build that gives him the appearance of durability and strength. Development: Smith has tendency to lollygag when taking his drops minimizing the time he has to make the decision where to throw the ball. I would also like to see him get most of his throwing power from his weight transfer and hip rotation rather than arm. |
Running Backs
 | Jordan Degreffenreed, Farmington, MI (2013) Official Size: 5-7, 180 Assets: He demonstrated hips on a swivel and great balance during individual work and agilities. Degreffenreed then took those tools and used them to completely dominate the linebackers during one-on-ones. His ability to adjust on the ball while also catching it at its highest point was a thing of beauty. Even when covered, which seldom happened, he was still able to use his superior lower body to shield defenders from the ball. Degreffenreed then used those magical hips to turn the ball up field for yards after the catch. His dominate performance from start to finish allowed him to walk away with the Overall MVP award. Development: His skill set and game is pretty compete for an all-purpose back. He may want to work on lengthening his stride so he can really ride out on long runs. It is really shocking that he had no offers at this time. |
 | Darius McDonald, Dublin Scioto, OH (2014) Official Size: 5-7, 155 Assets: McDonald displayed good balance and acceleration during the agility portion of the camp. He then progressed into the individual skill section of the camp by flashing soft hands and the ability to get vertical after the catch. His sharp route running and soft hands allowed him to take advantage of bigger slower linebackers during the one-on-ones. His efforts did not go unnoticed as he won the RB MVP award. Development: He will need to add at least 20 pounds of muscle mass on his frame while maintaining his overall athleticism. This will help him gain more yards after contact and bounce off linebackers creating space for the quarterback to fit the ball into. |
Receivers/Tight ends
 | Lucas Hamilton, Lenoir City, TN (2013) Official Size: 6-5-1/2, 231 Assets: Hamilton really passes the eyeball test possessing excellent height and overall body structure. Early on in the camp he was able to show off very soft hands for a giant consistently catching the ball away from his body and at its highest point. During the one-on-ones he used his height and soft grizzly bear sized hands to catch balls in traffic. Hamilton ended up being the easy choice for TE MVP. College coaches looking for an every down tight end need to take a trip by his school. Development: The two areas he needs to improve upon the most to become an elite tight end are his overall speed and being a little nastier when disposing of defenders that come up to jam him. |
 | J-Shun Harris, Fishers, IN (2014) Official Size: 5-7, 155 Assets: Harris demonstrated the ability to attack the ball with his hands during individual work. He also does a nice job of planting with the outside foot while making sharp diamond-cutter like moves to create space between him and the defender. During the one-on-one portion of the camp he used quick feet and hips on a swivel to keep bigger defensive backs from jamming him at the line of scrimmage. He then used excellent body control to make play after play on the ball. Harris also has a nice stroke that allows him to pull away from defenders after the catch. He ended up earning the WR MVP in a very deep group of receivers. Development: Harris will need to add at least 20 pounds of muscle mass in order to break arm tackles at the next level. This will also help him battle bigger physical corners that want to come up and reroute his intended pattern. His skill set lends itself as a punt returner at the next level. |
 | Thaddeus Snodgrass, Springfield, OH (2014) Official Size: 6-1, 172 Assets: He attacked the ball like a rebounder during individual work while also making precise cuts. During the one-on-ones he ran the nicest slant routs using and over exaggerated plant foot with a good head and shoulder fake. After the catch he used a nice stride to get positive yards. He definitely received some consideration for the WR MVP award. Development: During the one-on-ones he relied too much on running long patterns and slants. I would like to see him work on a wider range of route running in camps. He must also get more consistent with making the hard catches look easy. Offers: Toledo |
 | Ryan Hunter, Canisius, NY (2013) Official Size: 6-4, 336 Assets: This massive behemoth proved to be light on his feet with a great kick slide. He took reps at tackle and guard looking competent at both positions. But what really stood out was his powerful punch that took defensive lineman by surprise as he stopped them dead in their tracks. He also was able to recover when beaten and get squared up on pass rushers. He was a unanimous decision for OL MVP. It is really hard to believe he does not have any DI offers at this time. This Canadian's best football is still ahead of him. Development: His ideal playing weight is probably closer to 320 so shifting some weight around will only improve his foot quickness. Outside of that he has what it takes to become a true run mauling offensive guard at the highest level. |
| NO PHOTO AVAILABLE | Vinnie Palazeti, Powers Catholic, MI (2013) Official Size: 6-5, 303 Assets: Palazeti has the ideal body type to play either guard position or right offensive tackle at the next level. There is no bad body weight on his frame at 300 pounds. He is light on his feet and is a natural hip and knee bender. His punch is very powerful as he was able to withstand the punishment going against some mammoth-sized defensive tackles. He was clearly the second best offensive line performer in a deep group. Development: He needs to be more consistent with his pad level at the point of attack and his hand placement. He cannot take advantage of his size and strength if his arms are on the outside of the defender or his hands are up in the throat of the pass rusher. |
Jimmy Brannon, WR, Ballard, KY (2013); Alex Dalton, OL, Troy, OH (2014); EJ Jennings, RB, Hilliard Davidson, OH (2013); Sampson Levingston, WR, Cathedral, IN (2013); Terry McLaurin, WR, Cathedral, IN (2014); Brad Weber, OL, Ryle, KY (2013).
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