NUC Ultimate 100: Midwest Top Performers Day 1

NUC Ultimate 100: Midwest Top Performers Day 1

Courtesy: Barry Every / Schuman's National Underclassmen           Release: July 08, 2013

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Day 1 (Class of 2016/2017) Barry's Top Performers Indianapolis, Indiana- The largest group of athletes that took part in the annual NUC MW Ultimate100 were the classes of 2016 and 2017. Over 200 athletes from around the Midwest were on hand to showcase their talents on the gridiron. During the morning session each athlete took part in a combine, individual position work and one-on-ones. They also had their measurable taken like height, weight and reach taken during registration. In the afternoon the skilled position players took part in a 7-on-7 tournament. The linemen continued to grind it out in the trenches with pass rushing one-on-ones. Below are those athletes that caught the eye of NUC National Analyst Barry Every. These young football players were able to shine at their position while demonstrating the skill set to play football beyond high school. Remember the younger an athlete is the harder it is to project their future potential. We have also included other top performers based on the NUC coaching staff's notes. The top ten players at each position will receive an invite to the Top Prospect-Elite Camp held at Oklahoma University.

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Running Backs Ben Klett, RB, Lake Zurich, IL (2016) http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1715960/#highlights/37717390 Testing: 6-0/190, 4.52 40, 4.17 Shuttle, 32.5 Vertical, 19 reps 135 Assets: Klett definitely passes the eyeball test. This huge athlete put up tremendous testing numbers on the day. So good were his numbers he was awarded the Combine King for Skill. His size and athleticism will allow him to project at several skilled positions. Not only is he fast but he proved to have soft hands and very quick feet. During one-on-ones he used his size and ability to get vertical to consistently beat linebackers. Klett then became the go-to-guy during the 7-on-7 tournament for the black squad. For his outstanding performance he was awarded RB MVP. Development: Most young tall backs need to work on forward body lean when running with the ball. This gives the defense a smaller target to strike and it allows for more yards after contact. Don't be surprised if Klett grows into a big receiver or a hard hitting safety. Joshua Land, RB, Hubbard, IL (2017) Testing: 5-6/152, 4.38 40, 4.32 Shuttle, 33 Vertical, 9-3 BJ, 18 reps 135 Assets: Land put up sick testing numbers on the day. He ran a blazing 4.38 40 earning Fastest Man. It was actually the fastest 40-yard dash for the entire weekend regardless of grade. When Land is given just a little space he has a chance to score from any point on the field. If the linebackers did not get a solid piece of him at the line of scrimmage he would release downfield like a bottle rocket. His size and quickness made it real hard for defenders to break down in space. He also had a solid day catching the ball. He has a bright future as an all-purpose back. Development: If he does not grow another inch he will eventually need to add about 20 pounds of muscle mass while maintaining his overall athleticism. He was able to catch most anything thrown his way but at times his hands were in the wrong position. Look for Land to take the Chicago Public School League by storm as a true freshman this fall. Brian Tillery, RB, Marysville, TN (2016) Testing: 5-9/156, 4.59 40, 4.32 Shuttle, 32 vertical, 22 reps 135 Assets: For the second camp in a row Tillery tested extremely well. But it is still the way he attacks the ball with his hands that sets him apart from other competitors. He is able to contort his body while continuing his forward progress making the tough catch look mundane. You do not even have to be watching him catch the ball to know its Tillery. You can hear his hands make physical contact with the ball! His positive attitude and desire to guide others through example did not go unnoticed as he was honored as the Leadership Award Winner. Development: I am starting to think we have another Braxton Berrios on our hands. Berrios attended NUC events at the same age and now has over 15 DI offers. Tillery is similar in size and athletic ability. I'd like to see him work out at slot receiver at future camps.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends Trae Allen, WR, Pike, IN (2016) Testing: 5-10/145, 4.63 40, 4.33 Shuttle, 30.5 Vertical Assets: Allen was the first name I jotted down during wide receiver individual position work. Why? He was running routes like a diamond cutter while pumping his arms and turning on a dime. During one-on-ones he was able to demonstrate the ability to high point he ball and adjust to it while in the air. During the 7-on-7 he played on both sides of the ball for the green team. And he did not disappoint hauling in touchdown passes and picking off errant passes. I was a little surprised that he was not honored with an award by the NUC Coaching staff. Because if I was drafting for a future team he would have been in my top five picks. Development: He is very thin at this time and that could be a problem as he gets older and faces bigger receivers. I'd also like to see him work out as a cornerback at future camps. I'm not saying he can't become a very good receiver. But his skill set is such that he could be a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball. Dalton Frasure, TE, Prestonsburg, KY (2016) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q_APRtuQvc Testing: 6-2/200, 4.82 40, 4.45 Shuttle, 27 vertical 23 reps 135 Assets:  I know Coach Dave Schuman really liked this young tight end at the Midwest Five-Star Showcase. And he would have not been disappointed with Frasure's performance on this day. Frasure has good size and above average testing numbers for his age group. Early on in the camp he was demonstrating the ability to attack the ball away from his body. He then took his skills set into the one-on-ones making plays on the ball even when tightly covered. This sure handed tight end then became the go-to-guy for the green team during 7-on-7. Frasure was the easy choice for TE MVP. Development: If he can continue to add solid muscle mass while maintaining his athleticism Frasure could become a legitimate DI hybrid TE/WR. He could work on lengthening his stride which should lower his 40-time. Justin Weller, WR, Nazareth Academy, IL (2017) Testing: 5-10/170, 4.78 40, 4.2 Shuttle, 33 Vertical, 22 reps 135 Assets: Weller may have been the sharpest route runner of the entire receiving corps at this camp. He does a nice job of planting his foot then swinging his shoulders around to make perfect 90 degree turns. This makes it impossible for defensive backs to make a play on the ball thrown his way. His testing numbers are also very good for a young athlete that finished the 8th grade. Weller does a nice job of attacking the ball with his hands away from his body. When you combine sharp route running with solid hands you have a receiver that can make plays even when not wide open. I was also impressed with his willingness to go down a dig balls out before they hit the turf. For his strong day he was honored as the WR MVP. Development: Like a lot of young talented receivers Weller tries to get vertical before the ball is completely secured in his hands. He must watch it all the way into his hands before making his move to open space. But there is no mistaking the fact that he already possesses oodles of talent and he should have a bright future.

Offensive Line Isaiah Arnold, OL, Louisville Male, KY (2016) Testing: 6-0/336, 18 vertical, 15 reps 155 Assets: This is one huge interior offensive lineman. Arnold is very powerful at the point of attack and his girth makes it really hard for defensive lineman to pick a side and shoot through a gap. Arnold may have not had the best day of testing but you couldn't tell that by his performance during the one-on-ones. He was able to keep his feet moving and chopping once engaged with the defender. This made it impossible for the pass rushers to get Arnold's big paws off their brisket. For his hard work and nasty disposition during one-on-ones he was honored as the OL MVP. Development: Arnold is still young so it is hard to know how much taller he will get. Even if he does grow an inch or two his ideal playing weight will probably be closer to 315. This will improve his ability to get to the second level. It will also improve his durability and endurance throughout a game. Matt Farniok, OL, Washington, SD (2016) Testing: 6-5/294, 5.47 40, 4.8 Shuttle, 26 Vertical, 27 reps 155 Assets: Yes there is another Farniok brother! And this one is an athletic giant. Matt already shows more potential then is older brothers (Derek-Oklahoma/Tom-Iowa State) at the same age. His size is tremendous for a young lineman and he has absolutely no bad body weight. It is a thing of beauty watching Farniok come out of his three point stance with pliable hips and knees. He did a great job of staying squared up on the defender while moving his feet. His punch is powerful and deadly having knocked several pass-rushers off their hinges. He has all the tools to project as a BCS level left offensive tackle. His Herculean performance earned him Overall MVP. Development: He needs to continue training with his older brothers because whatever they are doing it's working. I have no doubt that he will be recruited by colleges all over the country. So get ready for the onslaught of letters and texts about to come your way. Drake Jackson, OL, Woodford County, KY (2016) http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2230170/#highlights/42439386 Testing: 6-2.5/165, 5.5 40, 4.92 Shuttle, 22 Vertical, 30 reps 155 Assets: Jackson has good size and strength for a young interior offensive lineman. He could project as a center or guard at the next level. This gridiron warrior loves competition and he plays with a nasty disposition. Jackson has nice hand placement and a powerful two handed punch that he delivers on target. He is then able to move his feet once engaged. In my opinion he was the top interior offensive lineman in this camp and should project as a BCS prospect. Jackson also impressed me by showing up to work out on day two versus the class of 2015. And though he was not eligible for an award on day two he was the top lineman in attendance. Development: Jackson has recently transferred from Lexington Catholic to Woodford County. This means learning a new offensive system and style of coaching. I have no doubt he will have success at whatever high school he attends. Jackson should continue to work on his flexibility thus improving his uncoiling power at the point of attack. Landon Young, OL, Lafayette, KY (2016) http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1575309/#highlights/31172424 Testing: 6-6.5/252, 5.22 40, 4.66 Shuttle, 26 Vertical, 18 reps of 155 Assets: If you like tall lean athletic offensive tackles than Young is your cup of tea. He has the frame that can easily hold another 40 pounds of muscle mass. There is no question about him being a natural hip and knee bender and you can't teach lineman to have arms as long as expansion bridges. His testing numbers for his age and size are incredible. He is a tad raw at this time but I can see why the Wildcats are giddy over his commitment. Development: Young will need to add more weight to his lean frame. Right now he lacks the pop to stonewall smaller compact defensive lineman. Once he fills out no one will be able to overpower this giant lineman. Offers: Kentucky Commit

Linebackers Jango Glackin, LB, Lebanon, OH (2016) Testing: 6-0.5/180, 4.65 40, 4.1 Shuttle, 33 Vertical, 25 reps 135 Assets: Wow this kid put up some serious testing numbers for a young linebacker. Glackin has excellent feet and flexible hips as he was able to run sideline to sideline changing directions like a jaguar. The coaches were also impressed with his ability to use his hands to reroute backs noting that his technique was far beyond his years. On top of that Glackin proved to have exceptional ball skills for a linebacker. He left the NUC coaching staff no choice but to award him for his efforts earning LB MVP. Development: Right now he is very lean so gradually adding about 25-pounds of muscle mass over the next three years will improve his pop at contact. At times he plays a tad high with his leverage and will over run plays by being too aggressive. I look for him to make his mark this fall for Lebanon High School. Joshua Ross, LB, Orchard Lake St. Mary, MI (2017) Testing: 5-11/180, 4.62 Shuttle, 26 vertical, 20 reps 135 Assets: This linebacker is so athletic I think he could project as a safety at the next level. He was able to turn his hips like a Lazy Susan rotating and running with every back in this camp. He proved physical at the point of attack while rerouting backs. His quickness and ability to change directions are his forte. I jotted his number down on more than one occasion throughout out the morning session of the camp. Development: Will he grow into a linebacker or a safety?  Only time will tell what will become of Ross as he just finished the 8th grade. I'd like to see him play in space in the secondary to see how he reacts to the ball once it is in the air.

Defensive Backs Kalon Gervin, DB, Four Corners Montessori, MI (2018) Testing: 5-9.5/155, 4.66 40, 4.36 Shuttle, 27 vertical Assets: This is a first for me. I have never written about a prospect that has just finished the 7th grade. Gervin already has good size for a young corner and his athleticism is off the charts for a young player. The coaches noted his quick feet and hips on a swivel. Gervin has excellent ball skills and proved to be very coachable. The NUC Coaching staff was enamored with his maturity and how he carried himself on the field of play. And this is why he beat out 2017 and 2016 players for the DB MVP award. Development: Not sure how you can dissect a young athlete. This kid has a ton of potential if he stays focused and really starts hitting the weights he should become a legitimate DI prospect. Moses Nyangacha, DB, Robbinsdale Cooper, MN (2016) Testing: 6-0/172, 4.66 40, 4.42 Shuttle, 31 Vertical Assets: This prospect really passes the eyeball test. He possesses all the tools to develop into a DI safety in my opinion. He has a nice balanced backpedal and long arms ideal for breaking up plays in the secondary. He is so athletic it is not out of the realm of possibility that he could end up a giant cover corner. Nyangacha has very good ball skills and he can really gobble up huge chunks or real estate with his long strides. Development: He needs to work on his off man coverage. Reacting quicker to the ball is a must and not guessing where ball is being thrown. Outside of that he has all the tools to develop into a major DI prospect.

Athletes Marcus Clark, WR.DB, Louisville Male, KY (2016) http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1431250/#highlights/38866374 Testing: 5-6/150, 4.69 40, 4.46 Shuttle, 30 Vertical Assets: Clark gets put in the athlete category because he excelled on both sides of the ball. This diminutive firecracker was near impossible to cover during the one-on-ones. Though small he was able to sidestep tight man coverage going untouched into his intended route. He then did a nice job of attacking the ball with his hands. During 7-on-7 he excelled at the cornerback position. This whirling Dervish was flat out deadly in space. He could project as a slot, all-purpose back or return specialist. Development: How much bigger will he grow? Hopefully Clark will grow another inch or two. One thing is for sure Louisville Male has some nice young athletes coming up in there program that should be able to hang with powerhouse Trinity. Chandler Viscardis, WR/DB, Hardin Valley Academy, TN (2016) Testing: 5-9/161, 4.73 40, 4.4 Shuttle, 27 Vertical, 26 reps 135 Assets: Viscardis is a superior route runner with hands soft as Corinthian leather. The other thing I really like about this player is his competiveness and toughness on the gridiron. He really reminds me of former NUC star Collin Lisa a slot receiver at Chattahoochee High School, Georgia. During 7-on-7 he took control on the defensive side of the ball for the black squad. He was able to get the defense set up then roam the deep third like a ball hawk. For his dominance at more than one position he earned the coveted Dodie Donnell Award. Development: Viscardis has already logged some serious varsity time at a 6A School in Tennessee. He now needs to show off his skill set in front of college coaches. The more camps he attends the more attention and accolades will come his way. Keion Wakefield, WR/DB, Louisville Male, KY (2016) http://www.hudl.com/athlete/503566/#highlights/27767374 Testing: 5-9.5/151, 4.63 40, 4.48 Shuttle, 28 vertical, 13 reps 135 Assets: Wakefield is the other young star from Louisville Male that shined amongst his peers. He got my attention early on with his crisp route running and active hands. During one-on-ones he did a nice job of creating space off the snap of the ball. He then demonstrated the body control to make the tough catch look easy. I was also impressed with his play on the defensive side of the ball during 7-on-7. He has a nice backpedal that allows him to pounce out and make plays on the ball. He could project as a corner or slot receiver. Development: I'd like to see him get some individual reps at cornerback. College coaches are looking for defensive players with ball skills. He has good size for a young defensive back and his skill set may best be taken advantage of by working out at that position.

Other Top Performers: Ethan Adams, DL, Combine King Line, St. Xavier, KY (2016); Nick Alevras, RB, Strongest Man Skill, Clay County, KY (2016); Levon Carothers, QB, Lakeview, IL (2016); Neal Davis, DL, Strongest Man Line, Teays Valley, OH (2016); Dean Fraker, DL, Perry Meridian, IN (2016); Jesse Martin, RB/ATH, Crown Point, IN (2016); Brett Maurer, RB, Center Grove, IN (2016); Brandon Metz, RB, Jacob Hespeler, ONT (2016); Kyle Naki, LB, Leadership Award, Mattawan, MI (2016); Darius Powell, DL MVP, St. Joseph, MI (2016); Max Race, QB MVP, Cedarburg, WI (2016); Nicholas Vernon, OL, Gahanna Lincoln, OH (2016); Jayvon Wilson, DB, Warren Mott, MI (2017); Matthew Winters, RB, Homestead, WI (2016); Brandon Yeagy, DB, McCutcheon, IN (2016).