Javon Johnson: The new talk of Cleveland

Parents athletes and coaches were buzzing about Solon HS' Jovan Jones' tremendous performance last Sunday at Bedford HS, where the 5'11 197 lb linebacker took home the Junior Overall MVP. Johnson dominated the 1 on 1's but did it in a cool, confident demeanor. He had great coverage ability, awesome hips, nice recovery speed and handled himself like a champion.

Johnson also proved to be a standout athlete during the testing, with an 8'6 broad jump, 4.42 shuttle run and 18 reps at 185 lbs to boot. As a linebacker, Johnson provides exactly what coaches are looking for.

Maple Heights' James Ester wasn't far behind the curve, winning the DB MVP award while also dominating. The 5'10.5 156 lb Ester still needs to put on weight, but was all of the above as an athlete and a pure football player. During the combine portion, he had a 10'0 broad jump, ran a 4.37 shuttle, 4.57 40. He was in a league of his own during the 1 on 1's, shutting down the WR's with ease with his awesome jamming and ball tracking ability. Expect to see a lot more of Ester next year and beyond.

Taven Howell (Westerville South) and Alex Belconis (Mentor) both created major waves at the linebacker position. Each had tremendous strength, a great first step, an ability to play aggressively and solid athleticism, earning the dangerous duo co-LB MVP honors.

Sophomore Superstars!

·       St. Edward's Kirkland Bryant broke down the offense throughout the 1 on 1's, had an 8'5 broad jump and ran a 4.43 shuttle en route to claiming the Overall MVP award. The rising junior displayed tremendous jamming ability, good transitions and is a natural born leader.

·        Corey Smith (WR MVP Akron Buchtel) is an exceptional athlete who runs tremendous routes, can make a change on the fly and has great hands. In addition to starring during the 1 on 1's, Smith had a 30.5 inch vertical, 9'7 broad jump and ran a 4.41 shuttle.

·        Jaylen Prater (Wellston) and Christian Cartwright (Benedictine) were the second set of Clevelanders to standout while sharing LB MVP honors. Both ran quick shuttles, bench pressed 155 lbs at least 27 times, did an outstanding job of covering the ball during 1 on 1's and shut down the running backs.

Caver proves to be a phenom Freshman!

Star wideout Crissean Caver (Walsh Jesuit) was the top performer during the first combine session, earning the Overall MVP following a day to remember. The 5'10.5 171 lb prospect made a number of terrific grabs, runs solid routes, had an 8'9 broad jump and ran a 4.38 shuttle. Many were impressed with the fact that he still has three years to go as a high school football player, so make sure to be on the lookout for Caver.

Jordan Hargrove of St. Vincent St. Mary HS hails from the sale school as hoops great LeBron James but sees no pressure to become the next star athlete from this well known academic institution. The 5'11 163 lb Hargrove plays with a cool demeanor, had great hands, runs tight routes and did a good job during testing. The WR MVP also had an 8'9 broad jump while running a 4.50 shuttle, showing all those in attendance that he is simply too good to overlook.