A gifted and motivated group of athletes gave their all last weekend at Tulsa's Memorial, hoping to impress decision makers at the next level. For the second time in as many years, the Tulsa combine topped expectations, earning rave reviews from those in attendance along with the coaching staff.
Rising senior Connor Myers of Edmond Memorial HS capped off the class of 2011 session, taking home the Overall MVP award. The 6'1 282 lb d-lineman thoroughly dominated the one on ones', overpowering the opposing linemen during the 1 on 1's. Myers has strong hands, a quick first step for a player his size and exceptional strength, bench pressing 185 lbs 34 times. With a solid performance, displaying size strength and skill, Myers looks like a lock to make a name for himself at the next level.
Monster o-lineman Zachary Johnson (Norman) made quite a name for himself on the other side of the ball, manning down the offensive line throughout the individual period. With NBA like size at 6'9 291, Johnson was almost impossible to get past, had great hands, awesome technique and he was eager to improve. Johnson is unquestionably a QB's best friend.
NUC record holder/ Superman close Samuel Harvill (Shiloh Christian) was at it again during his final regular combine. Harvill holds multiple NUC bench press records and tossing up 185 lbs an unthinkable 70 times this year, broke the all time mark of who else but Samuel Harvill. The 6'1 254 lb d-lineman, who is recognized as the strongest high schooler in the nation, also has terrific football skills and is very athletic for a player his size. He runs a 4.58 shuttle, had an 8'4 broad jump and was a monster during the 1 on 1's, making him a lock to play D1 in the fall of 2011.
QB Dylan Warner (MacArthur) created a major buzz amongst the NUC coaches, who identified him as one of the most athletic players they have seen at that position. The 5'11.5 185 lb star had a 34.5 inch vertical, 10'1 broad jump, runs a 4.41 shuttle and 4.65 40, putting him in a rare group of QB's who can claim to be that athletic. During the 1 on 1's, Warner displayed solid footwork, leadership skills and a good arm, placing him in a league of his own amongst the QB's.
Vera Returns Better than Ever!
As a 2009 MVP, Emilio Vera had hefty expectations from our coaching staff. The 5'9 153 lb wideout was amongst the top local players all of last year and was expected to take the event by storm this year. With another year of football under his belt, he did just that and so much more.
The North Crowley HS superstar was all of the above during 1 on 1's, making a number of terrific catches, running tight routes and beating the db's to the spot, while displaying exceptional quickness. Vera was also once again a top notch tester, running a 4.49 shuttle while jumping 8'11 on the broad en route to claiming the Overall MVP. He is undersized and needs to get stronger, but with two years left of eligibility, expect him to make the necessary improvements to play at the next level.
Brent Wilson (Ponca City) found WR's like Vera early and often during the 1 on 1's. The 6'0.5 172 lb QB had a knack for getting the ball to his WR's, waiting patiently for the right moment to move the ball down field. Wilson had a good arm, excellent feet and was also a terrific athlete. With a 31.5 inch vertical, 9'5 broad jump and blazing 4.33 shuttle, Wilson must be considered a dual threat every time he takes the ball under center.
Monster o-lineman Blake Belcher of Guthrie HS made major waves throughout the day, showing he has everything it takes to be a star for many years to come. At 6'5.5 271, Belcher's size, strength, technique and hands put him head and shoulders above the competition during the 1 on 1's. He had success against multiple lineman and simply did not give an inch, making one of the elite sophomores.
Proctor Proves to be Head and Shoulders Above the Competition
Norman North HS' Beau "The Sensation" Proctor stamped his ticket to the Ultimate 100, earning the Combine King, Overall and LB MVP with a near flawless all around performance. The 5'10 173 lb linebacker as murderous during testing, with a 30 inch vertical, 9'0 broad jump, 4.58 shuttle run and by bench pressing 135 lbs 28 times. During the 1 on 1's Proctor manhandled the competition, with great field vision, strong hands, exceptional footwork and an unprecedented football IQ for a freshman. He is an elite level freshman and looks to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
