Atlanta, GA Junior NUC Combine King Kadetrix Marcus Q&A

 
Coach Schuman: What did you do to prepare for the National Underclassmen Combine?
 
Kadetrix Marcus: I practiced my technique for 1 on 1's and my 40 so I could get a good time. I've been working out everyday in the weight room to.

Coach Schuman:Have you been to the NUC before? How did you do? What were your expectations going into this years event?
 
Kadetrix Marcus: Yes I have. I did well I won the overall MVP at u100 and db MVP last year at the combine at Riverwood HS in Atlanta. I was expecting to be bigger, better, faster, stronger, and smarter so this would help me do my best which I did.

Coach Schuman:You were MVP! What are your goals now?
 
Kadetrix Marcus: To continue to work hard on the field and in the classroom. Have a good season and win state. Continue to go to camps and ball out.
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Coach Schuman:How did you hear about the National Underclassmen Combine and what was your favorite part about the event?

Coach Schuman:If you can choose 5 schools where you would be interested in playing what would they be?
 
Kadetrix Marcus: They would be Clemson, Auburn, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech. I wish it was more than 5 because their are a lot of schools I would want to play for.

Coach Schuman:What do you like about high school football? What are your goals for your team and yourself?
 
Kadetrix Marcus:It is very intense. It doesn't matter how much better you are to the next person they will always compete at the best of their abilities. I don't see anything better than playing on Friday night! I want to win state as well as my teammates so that's the biggest goal. Myself I want to benefit where ever I need to play and at safety have 80 plus tackles 4 plus int. 4 plus force fumbles and a lot of knock downs.

Coach Schuman:Do you play other sports? Tell about your accomplishments?
 
Kadetrix Marcus: I run track. I was honorable mention all region last year. I led the team in tackles. I was invited to the US Army All-American combine.

Coach Schuman:What is your favorite thing about football? what makes it a great sport to you?
 
Kadetrix Marcus: It is very fun and you get to bond with your teammates and play the sport that we love which is football. Football teaches you how to become a better person now and man when you get older their are many life lessons in the game of football. It is also a way for you to receive a free college education.

Coach Schuman:Tell me about your training regimen...How do you get better every day?
 
Kadetrix Marcus: I run a lot and work on my footwork for db. I eat 4 to 5 times a day I lift weights everyday and this helps me become a better player.

Coach Schuman:What are you looking for in college? Academically? football?
 
Kadetrix Marcus: I am looking for a school that fits me the best. Academics is the most important and how many senior athletes graduate from their University will be a factor. The school has to have good traditions as well and it does not have to be a top 25 team in the nation because the goal will be to get their. I have to bond with the coaches and players at the University as well. My parents have to like the school as well because I will be spending the next 3 to 5 years there.

Future D1 stars on display at Tri-Cities HS!

Atlanta's Tri-Cities HS showcased a plethora of talent last Sunday afternoon. The NUC has been a staple in the area for a number of years, as many of America's top prospects have graced a field in the ATL.

Stephenson HS' David Stevenson (yes that is really where he goes) won the Overall MVP after displaying an array of talents. The 5'8 158 lb DB had a 34.5 inch vertical, 9'3 broad jump, ran a blazing 4.04 shuttle, 4.47 40 and made the WR's a non factor during 1 on 1's.

Kent Rollins (South Gwinett) was on a roll from the moment he stepped on the field. This 5'11.5 164 lb QB had terrific footwork, a good arm and was extremely accurate, en route to winning the QB MVP. Rollins also has terrific athleticism for a QB, as his 30 inch vertical, 9'0 broad jump, and 4.45 shuttle run make him more than able to operate as a dual threat.

Andre Wilson (Heritage) shared the QB MVP with Rollins and talent wise, was equally as good. He also had good athletic abilities and had fundamentals of a player at the next level.

Jabari Hunt-Days (Hillgrove) and David Dupaty (Harrison) shared the LB MVP award. Both were terrific athletes and played with tremendous intensity. One on one's were also their specialty, as each caused fits for the RB's and have potential to be big time run stoppers.

The OL MVP/coolest name of 2010 award goes to Uniek Crumbley (Americus-Sumter). All kidding aside, Uniek's size is exactly that at 6'3 337. Crumbley bench pressed 185 lbs 26 times and held his ground quite well during 1 on 1's. Note to Americus-Sumter's QB, you definitely owe this monster of a lineman plenty of thanks for helping keep you safe during the season.

Zachary "Wickid" Witchett (Booker T. Washington) , Chris Davis Jr. (McEachern) and Douglas "I play for the pride" McBride (Ola) all created major noise. The trio shared the WR MVP but have plenty more in common than that. All three of these studs had good moves to shake off the DB's, terrific quickness, good hands and always managed to find the football. Big game receivers? You bet!

Rapper Jermain Dupri said it best "Welcome to Atlanta where the players play". Who knew a rap song could relate so perfectly to top notch football talent?

Atlanta NUC: Underclassmen standouts-National Underclassmen Combine

Atlanta NUC: Underclassmen standouts

Barry Every
Recruiting Analyst

MORE: Rivals.com Scouting the Nation 2010
ATLANTA - One star shined above all others on at Schuman's National Underclassmen Combine in Atlanta on Saturday.
Hamilton (Ga.) Harris County defensive end Jordan Jenkins put up staggering testing numbers and a tremendous overall performance in the lineman one-on-one challenge.
Below are the breakdowns of Jenkins' performance and the others who stood out to Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Barry Every.

Atlanta National Underclassmen Combine Standouts: 2012/2013 class

SAMSON BALDWIN, 5-10/164, WR, GREENVILLE (S.C.) J. L. MANN (2012)

ASSETS: Possesses a quick change of direction, good body control and above-average hands.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Baldwin will need to add some upper body size and strength along with improving his overall speed.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: Was the only consistent receiver throughout individual and one-on-ones in the afternoon session thus earning WR MVP honors.
CONCLUSION: Has a better than 50/50 chance of becoming a slot receiver at the next level. His size could be an issue for some college coaches, but the emergence of the spread offense does allow for receivers of all sizes.

CARNELL BOYD, 5-11/171, WR, ATLANTA (GA.) WESTLAKE (2012)

ASSETS: Good overall body structure, excellent route runner and above-average hands.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Must improve on creating space between himself and the defender. Boyd struggled during the one-on-ones getting off press coverage.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: He has gotten taller, thicker and faster since last year's Atlanta event and still shows tremendous enthusiasm and high effort.
CONCLUSION: Boyd is at a high school that has produced several DI prospects over the years. He will have ample opportunity to show off his skills to college coaches over the next two years.

JOSHUA HOLSEY, 5-10/171, CB, FAIRBURN (GA.) CREEKSIDE

ASSETS: Tremendous overall body structure, good speed and size for a potential corner.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Improve his quickness coming out of his backpedal allowing him to make more plays on the ball.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: Put up some of the best testing numbers on the day. Ran a 4.56 40, 4.48 shuttle and leaped 32 inches in the vertical testing.
CONCLUSION: Yes this is the school that produced future first round draft pick Eric Berry. Based on Holsey's size and overall athletic ability he should become a definite DI prospect.

JORDAN JENKINS, 6-3/228, WDE, HAMILTON (GA.) HARRIS COUNTY (2012)

ASSETS: Exceptional overall body structure, athleticism and strength.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Will need to work on his assortment of pass-rushing moves and rely less on the bull rush.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: The power, leverage and strength he displayed in one-on-ones were reminiscent of Owamagbe Ogdighizuwa's performance at the U.S. Army All-American Combine last year. Jenkins also put up extremely impressive testing numbers, running a 4.67 40 and jumping 33 inches in the vertical testing. His efforts earned him Combine King and the camp's Overall MVP award.
CONCLUSION: Easily the top DI prospect on the first day at the National Underclassmen Combine. I expect offers to start pouring in for this high-effort performer who also possesses excellent academics and character.

SPENCER MCMANES, 6-2/188, PQB, ROSWELL (GA.) BLESSED TRINITY (2013)

ASSETS: Has good size for his age to go along with adequate arm strength and above-average footwork.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Improve his depth on drops allowing for the visibility of more passing lanes.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: Demonstrated a nice, quick release and accuracy during the one-on-one portion of the camp. His efforts earned him a share of the QB MVP award during the morning session.
CONCLUSION: Has already started at quarterback on the varsity level. McManes will have three more seasons to impress college coaches. An upset win over perennial national power and region rival Buford (Ga.) would really catch the attention of recruiters.

MIKE PAYNE, 5-11/181, PQB, ALBANY (GA.) DOUGHTRY COUNTY (2013)

ASSETS: Has a really live arm, good footwork for his age and appeared to be very coachable.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Would like to see him improve his overall athletic ability which will allow him to buy time with his feet and make those unscripted yards.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: Did a nice job with his decision making on throws during the showcase. Payne was trying to hit the open receiver and not throw deep every time like so many of the young quarterbacks. He earned a share of the QB MVP crown.
CONCLUSION: He reminds me of a young D.J. Shockley with his mechanics, footwork and arm strength. Size may end up being an issue, but Payne has three more seasons left of varsity football in order to improve and physically develop.

CHARLES PURNELL, 5-8/170, APB, ATLANTA (GA.) WESTLAKE (2012)

ASSETS: Has exceptional hands, quickness and body control.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Will need to increase his overall size and strength thus improving durability and his ability to break tackles.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: Early on during the one-on-ones he found it hard to create space between himself and the linebacker. Purnell adjusted to a more physical mindset which allowed him to dominate defenders during the showcase portion of the camp. He ran way with the RB MVP award.
CONCLUSION: Every college team needs that back which is dangerous in space and possesses the ability to make you miss. His versatility as a pass catcher and possible return man will only increase the number of offers he will receive next year at this time.

GENO SMITH, 5-11/160, CB, ATLANTA (GA.) ST. PIUS X

ASSETS: Has the coveted height, quick hips and exceptional change of direction that college coaches are looking for in a cover corner.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Smith is fairly thin and will need to add at least 20 pounds of muscle mass in order to hold up versus the physical receivers.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE: He had hips on a swivel and could come out of his backpedal quicker than any defensive back on the day. Smith was very deserving of the DB MVP award.
CONCLUSION: Probably the second-best prospect on the day based on his performance at this camp. Smith is a legit 5 feet 11 which is considered tall for a college cornerback. If he hits the college camp circuit this spring offers should definitely start coming in.

OTHERS WHO IMPRESSED:

Trevus Edwards, CB, Fayetteville (Ga.) Fayette County (2012); Taurean Ferguson, WR, Jonesboro (Ga.) (2013); Joe Harris, OG, Lithonia (Ga.) (2012); Nyiakki Height, WR, Marietta (Ga.) Osborne (2012); Jordan Howard, RB, Birmingham (Ala.) Shades Valley (2012); Jamonde Hunter, RB, Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson (2012); Brandon McCoy, ILB, Villa Rica (Ga.) (2012); Otis Washington, APB, Locust Grove (Ga.) Luella (2014); Pernell Whitehead, APB, Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson (2012); Tye Youngblood, OG, Chattanooga (Tenn.) McCallie (2012)

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