News Notes and Notables from Lexington Sophomore Combine

   

·        Reggie has been out of the NBA for years, but Miller Time is back and better than ever! A return standout, Vinnie Miller of Henry Clay HS won the Overall MVP. Miller had a 31.5 inch vertical, 9'0 broad jump, ran a 4.32 shuttle and was a monster during 1 on 1's. The talented wideout had great explosiveness, ran perfect routes, had great ball skills and soft hands.

·        Austin Osborne (Wellston) brought home the DB MVP award after a terrific day at the combine. Osborne locked the WR's during the individual period, had nice foot work and quick hips. He also ran a 4.28 shuttle and had an 8'6 broad jump. Nice stuff all around from Osborne.

·        Jaylen Prater, a powerful 5'11 221 lb linebacker, was the top dog at his position. Prater had a 31 inch vertical, 9'3.5 broad jump, ran a 4.31 shuttle and bench pressed 155 lbs 28 times. During the 1 on 1's the Wellston HS standout smothered the RB's giving the QB's no chance to connect on a short pass.

·        Khalil Sturdauent (Hurricane) is undersized for a d-linemen, but was still the DL MVP. At 5'11 201, he may better suited to play linebacker , but regardless, he has the skills to pay the bills. Between his speed, quickness, strength, great jump off of the snap and consistent effort, Sturdauent is one to look out for.

·        On the opposite end of the ball was St Albans' Jackie Bruer, a 6'0.5 285 lb blocking machine and the OL MVP. Bruer solidified that size equals strength by bench pressing 185 lbs 19 times. He also had world class toughness and impressive feet for a player his size.

NUC - Lexington KY Junior Outstanding Performance List

LEXINGTON KY 11th grade NUC Schuman’s Outstanding Performance List
Cy Williams Allen County HS, KY 11th OL  #100	Williams, 6'3 285, won the OL MVP. A monster of the midway, Williams bench pressed 185 lbs 14 times, had good feet, impressive fundamentals and got better every time he stepped up to take on the DL's.
Justin Rivers Henry Clay HS, KY 11th DL #83	Offers will definitely be flowing in for Rivers. The DL MVP at 5'11 297,  Rivers bench pressed 185 lbs 16 times and was a beast during 1 on 1's. Rivers was strong, had a great drive, solid hands and was easy to coach.
Josh Freidel Elder HS, OH RB #16	Freidel, 5'11 192, won the RB MVP. Freidel had a 32 inch vertical, 9'10 broad jump, ran a 4.48 shuttle, bench pressed 185 lbs 24 times and did a great job during the individual period. Freidel had great hands, ran nice routes, accelerated well and had the attitude of a champion. What more can you ask for?
Trevan Brown Boone County HS, KY 11th TE #46	Brown, 6'3 260, won the TE MVP. Brown is very strong, has a good release, solid ball skills, uses his body well and is big for a TE.
Trevon Pendleton Portsmouth West HS, KY 11th LB #89	Pendleton, 5'10.5 227, was the LB MVP and Leadership award winner. Pendleton had a 33 inch vertical, had an 8'7 broad jump, ran a 4.37 shuttle, bench pressed 185 lbs 23 times and starred during 1 on 1's. Best yet, he has a tremendous attitude, remaining humble throughout the event. He is the kind of player coaches dream of.
Blake Green Henry Clay HS, KY 11th WR #2	Green, 5'10.5 157, grabbed the WR MVP. Green had a 9'0 broad jump, ran a 4.34 shuttle, ran a 4.56 and was great during 1 on 1's. He ran terrific routes, good speed, solid hands and consistently created separation between himself and the DB .
Andrew Dini George Rogers Clark HS, KY 11th QB #70	Dini, 6'1 190, was the QB MVP. Dini had a 31.5 inch vertical, 8'7 broad jump, ran a 4.65 shuttle, was athletic with a strong arm, impressive drop step and threw a good ball.
Eonvte Dunn Glenville HS, OH 11th WR #13	The co-WR MVP at 5'4.5 145, Evonte got everything done that a top notch player is supposed to. Dunn had an 8'6 broad jump, ran a 4.30 shuttle, 4.57 40, was shifty, ran nice routes and had good hands during 1 on 1's.
Aaron Mullins Takes Creek HS, KY 11th DL #72	Mullins was awarded the Overall MVP. At 5'11 247, Mullins bench pressed 185 lbs 14 times, is a solid pass rusher with good hands, sneaky quickness and is eager to learn more. Any coach would love to have a player like Mullins on his team.
Joe McKenzie Campbellsville HS, KY 11th CB #6	McKenzie, 5'8 148, took home the DB MVP.  McKenzie was quick with good hips, impressive recovery speed and played physical when necessary.
Darius Skinner George Rogers Clark HS, KY 11th CB #5	Skinner, 5'7 168, was co-DB MVP. Skinner had a 30 inch vertical, 8'11 broad jump, was physical, has good hand eye coordination and quick feet.
Marlon Johnson Lafayette HS, KY 11th CB #1	This isn't the NBA nor the 1980's, but Johnson has magical quickness; no joke. At 5'7 161, Johnson won the fastest man after running a 4.48 40 and 4.43 shuttle. He also had a 33.5 inch vertical and 8'9 broad jump. A terrific athlete indeed.
Duran Workman George Washington HS, WV 11th S #68	Workman worked his tail off throughout the day en route to winning the Combine King. At 5'10.5 192, Workman had an 8'9 broad jump, ran a 4.14 shuttle, 4.57 40, bench pressed 185 lbs 30 times and hustled hard.
Tanner Gilbert Clay County HS, KY 11th LB #61	Gilbert, 6'1.5 235, was the Strongest Man. An athletic linebacker, Gilbert bench pressed 185 lbs 40, had a 30 inch vertical and 8'4 broad jump.
Donald Bays Spring Valley HS, WV 11th FB #14	Bays was the co-Strongest Man award winner. A 5'8 240 lb powerhouse, Bays bench pressed 185 lbs 40 times, ran a 4.69 40 and is definitely a monster blocker.

Fantastic Freshman Take Center Stage in Dallas!

An excellent group of Freshman stole the show at the Dallas combine last weekend, taking Duncanville HS by storm. Dallas, a talent rich city, has high expectations every time the combine rolls around, but a talented team of players proved that there was substance behind the hype.

Cordray Love (Duncanville HS) took home the Overall MVP award. A 5'7 152 lb cornerback, Love dominated during 1 on 1's, ran a 4.42 shuttle, 4.50 40, had a 30.5 inch vertical and 8'0 broad jump. His ability to completely shut out WR's is impressive.

After winning the Super Bowl in 2006 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the bus came to a final stop, as Jerome "The Bus" Bettis announced his retirement from the game of football. Since the retirement of the great Bettis, football fans have been searching for the second coming. Enter Crowley HS' Daniel Gresham.

Gresham, a 5'9 220 lb powerhouse, won the RB MVP. Gresham bench pressed 135 lbs 29 times, an 8'4 broad jump, good speed for a player his size and unprecedented power for a halfback. There are few RB's at this level built like him and Gresham has excellent potential.

Taijuan Thomas (Ouachita Parish) is an athletic running back with a lot to offer a team. At 5'8 159, Thomas had a 31.5 inch vertical, 9'2 broad jump, ran a 4.48 shuttle, 4.55 40 and bench pressed 135 lbs 23 times.

Keenan Blair sent a number of passes airborne during the 1 on 1's. Blair, 5'10 155, had a strong arm, a terrific/quick release, ran a 4.36 40 and good fundamentals en route to winning the QB MVP.

Rider HS' Masley Pape may not have the size of your prototypical d-lineman, but he has the skills to pay the bills and the heart of a champion. The DL MVP at 5'9 171, Pape had a 30.5 inch vertical, 9'0 broad jump, ran a 4.35 shuttle, bench pressed 135 lbs 26 times and created major match up for opposing linemen during 1 on 1's due to his quickness.

Rashaan Reason's (West Mesquite) speed is one of the reasons he would excel as a kickoff returner. The 5'7 155 lb Reason ran a 4.48 shuttle, 4.45 40 en route to taking home the fastest man. He changes directions well and is light on his feet, making him a major threat on the ground.

From top to bottom, the Dallas freshman session was worth the price of admission.

Jackson, MS - NUC 8th-10th MVP's

JACKSON MS 8th-10th grade NUC Schuman’s Outstanding Performance List
Picasso Nelson Mendenhall MS, MS 8th WR #42	Just like the legendary artist who he was most likely named after, Picasso Nelson panted a perfect picture on the football field en route to winning the 8th Grade MVP. The 5'8.5 154 lb wideout had an 8'5 broad jump, terrific intelligence, good feet, changed direction well and had solid hands. From the art studio to the gridiron, Picasso is the real deal.
Travonte Fenton Oak Grove HS, MS 10th WR #40	Fonton, 5'11 180, won the Overall MVP. Fonton had a 30.5 inch vertical, 8'10 broad jump, ran a 4.38 shuttle, bench pressed 155 lbs 17 times and was a man on a mission during 1 on 1's. Fonton did a great job of getting open, makes plays and has very good hands.
Antzale Henry Westwood HS, TN 10th WR #1	Henry, 5'11 150, won the Sophomore WR MVP. Henry had an 8'9 broad jump, had terrific body control, consistently created separation between himself and the DB, and played with unprecedented determination.
Alex Nicholson Northeast Lauderdale HS, MS 10th	Nicholson, 6'1 177, was the QB MVP and Leadership award winner. Nicholson hustled from start to finish, had a 30 inch vertical, 8'5 broad jump, ran a 4.49 shuttle, displayed terrific accuracy and great mechanics. Nicholson has a lot to offer.
Erin Jones Pearl HS, MS 9th WR #54	Jones took home the Freshman WR MVP. At 6'1.5 167, Jones had an 8'6 broad jump, great hands, good leaping ability and solid height for a frosh. This kid really has potential!
Jamonee Brown Petal HS, MS 10th DL #98	Jamonee was exactly that; money in the bank! A monster of the midway at 6'1 277, Brown won the DL MVP. Brown bench pressed 185 lbs 17 times, was a good athlete with a strong build and a great push during 1 on 1's.
Cort Brinson Oak Grove HS, MS 10th LB #79	Brinson came up with the LB MVP award after battling from the moment combine started to the commencement. The 5'11 185 lb Brinson ran a 4.47 shuttle, bench pressed 155 lbs 14 times, is intelligent, aggressive, has good hands and plays the ball well. He has terrific tools.
Calvin Williams Mendenhall HS, MS 10th RB #41	Williams, 5'8 160, was the RB MVP. Williams had a 29.5 inch vertical, 8'2 broad jump, understands the game well, was easy to coach, has great hands and even better feet. An impressive performance to say the least.
Nathaniel Shelby Jim Hill HS, MS 10th OL #102	A gargantuan 6'1 315 lbs, Shelby won the Sophomore OL MVP. Shelby bench pressed 185 lbs 19 times, had a great attitude, an aggressive style and was willing to take on any DL during 1 on 1's.
Xavier Woodyard Jim Hill HS, MS 10th DL #102	Woodyard was the Freshman DL MVP. Massive at 5'10 290, Woodyard bench pressed 155 lbs 23 times, played strong and aggressively during 1 on 1's and has the swagger of a champion.
JaBorian McKenzie Wilkinson Christian Academy, MS 10th RB #37	JaBorian McKenzie was crowned Combine King after tearing up the stat sheets. At 5'7 167, McKenzie had a 32.5 inch vertical, 9'4 broad jump, ran a 4.39 shuttle, 4.59 40, bench pressed 155 lbs 19 times and did a nice job during 1 on 1's. The total package? You bet!
Christian Berry Quitman HS, MS 9th OL #9	Berry was the Freshman OL MVP. At 6'1 262, Berry used his large frame to neutralize the d-linemen during 1 on 1's while displaying a championship attitude.
John Harris Westwood HS, TN 10th S #47	Harris took home the DB MVP. Harris, 5'8 162, had a 31.5 inch vertical, 8'8 broad jump, ran a 4.49 shuttle, had great hips, terrific footwork, awesome ball skills and was a true competitor. Harris has everything a coach could ask for from a big game DB.

Los Angeles NUC Sophomore Overall MVP Chandler Scott Interview

Coach Schuman: What did you do to prepare for the National Underclassmen Combine?

Chandler Scott: I have been preparing by working hard in the weight room, increasing my speed and agility through athletic republic speed training, and having a healthy diet.

Coach Schuman:Have you been to the NUC before? How did you do? What were your expectations going into this years event?

Chandler Scott: No. I did great. I felt I was able to perform as well as I knew I could. Well honestly, I didn’t have any expectations. I Just wanted to compete with other skilled athletes.


Coach Schuman:You were MVP! What are your goals now?

Chandler Scott: My goals will remain the same. To be the best that I can be both academically and athletically. Also to continue to train and become faster, more agile, and stronger. Ultimately having the opportunity to play football for a top rated D1 college.

Coach Schuman:How did you hear about the National Underclassmen Combine and what was your favorite part about the event?

Chandler Scott: I heard about NUC from a friend that goes to acceleration/speed training (Athletic Republic) with me. My favorite part of the combine was the 1 on 1's. It's a great feeling when you lock-up a receiver or deflect a pass.

Coach Schuman:If you can choose 5 schools where you would be interested in playing what would they be?

Chandler Scott: I would have to say that my top 5 schools I would be interested in playing for would be BYU, USC, Oregon, Boise State, and TCU.

Coach Schuman:What do you like about high school football? What are your goals for your team and yourself?

Chandler Scott: I love the contact, and the intense competition against rival teams. It's what gets me out of bed everyday. Individually my goals are to stay healthy, receive league MVP, and to lead the league in tackles for a second time. For my team, I want to win a CIF Championship.

Coach Schuman:Do you play other sports? Tell about your accomplishments?

Chandler Scott: No. I decided as a Freshmen that I would focus on one sport.

Coach Schuman:What is your favorite thing about football? what makes it a great sport to you?

Chandler Scott: My favorite thing about football is when you are completely dominating the person on the other side of the ball, and he knows it. In football you not only have to out play your opponent,but out think them as well.

Coach Schuman:Tell me about your training regimen...How do you get better every day?

Chandler Scott: Well I work extremely hard in the weight room every day of the week. I go to Athletic Republic three times a week and work on speed, acceleration, lateral movement, and agility. I spend time on the field each week working on technique, and improving my reads and pass coverage.

Coach Schuman:What are you looking for in college? Academically? football?

Chandler Scott: I am looking to be able to push myself to the limit, and become the best football player that I can be. Ultimately I want to be apart of a team that wins the national championship. Academically I hope to keep my grades high and take steps towards becoming a sports medicine doctor.

Top Tier Talented Expected This Weekend in Tampa!

The NUC returns to the talented Tampa region this weekend, with all eyes set to be on the area's rising prospects. In 2009, the Tampa camp produced multiple stars, thus there is no reason to predict a 2010 drop-off.

Iowa State bout Jeremiah George (Clearwater HS) won the Overall MVP and Leadership award at the junior camp last year, displaying a terrific attitude, sensational athleticism and good ability as a linebacker. The 5'10 191 lb George was a three star recruit on Rivals.com, and rated amongst the top LB's in the nation.

Miami bound Jonathan Feliciano (Western) is en route to becoming a Hurricane, but was a major whirlwind at the combine. The 6'4 283 lb monster dominated as an offensive linemen and set the bar high for the 10' combine class.

Star underclassmen from the talent-ridden 09' class included DL Gary Myrick (Nature Coast), safety Chris Callaway (Braden River), WR Austin Aikens (Tampa Catholic) and ultra talented 8th grader Leon McQuay (Jennings).

As a consistent leader in football talent, NUC CEO & President David Schuman is excited to fly out to Tampa this weekend.

"Between Tampa, Orlando and Miami, prospects the state of Florida can collectively create a national championship contender", stated Schuman. "The Tampa combine has consistently been one of the best we have to offer and we are yet to see a drop off in talent, even though the bar continues to get higher annually."

Current 8th and 9th  graders are slated to compete at 8 am on Saturday, Sophomores 1 pm Saturday, while juniors hit the field at Jefferson HS on Sunday March 21at 1 PM.

All athletes will partake in pro-style combine testing, including the 40-yard dash, broad jump, bench press, vertical leap, and shuttle run along with position specific drills, 1 on 1’s and 3 on 3 competitions.

Athletes can sign up for the Tampa combine on www.nationalunderclassmen.com or call 1-888-NUC-MVP1 for more details.

Prospect Profile: Travis Williams

Travis Williams, Cooper City HS, FL, Class of 2010: A standout at the tremendously talented Miami combine, Williams has good tools as a db and is a good athlete. The 5'10 170 lb Williams runs a 4.26 shuttle, has a 32.5 inch vertical, 9'1 broad jump and does a great job of smothering receivers.               Ironically, Williams is leaving Miami to play college football for Miami; of Ohio that is.

Future Outlook: Williams is a little bit too slim for our liking, but the talent is there. He has a very good understanding of how to cover a receiver and his athleticism will help him against bigger the bigger players he will regularly line up against at the next level. A good weight lifting program should help put 15 pounds on him in time to take the field as a sophomore.

Atlanta, GA NUC -Freshman Outstanding Performance List

ATLANTA GA 9TH grade NUC Schuman’s Outstanding Performance List
Shaquille Wiggins Westlake HS, GA 9th CB #45	Shaq is on the attack once again; just this time, it's on the football field. Immensely talented at 5'7.5 136, Wiggins won the Overall MVP award. Wiggins had an 8'1 broad jump, ran a 4.34 shuttle (which is terrific for a frosh) and starred during 1 on 1's.
Mike Payne Dougherty HS, GA 9th QB #18	Payne brought exactly that to the defense during 1 on 1's en route to winning the QB MVP and Leadership award. The 5'11 181 lb Payne had a 27 inch vertical, ran a 4.66 shuttle, had great arm strength, good accuracy, impressive technique and was a vocal leader throughout the event. Payne provides everything a coach looks for from his QB.
Spencer McManes Blessed Trinity HS, GA 9th QB #16	Blessed Trinity HS is exactly that, as this 6'1.5 188 co-QB MVP award winner is a star in the making. McManes has a strong arm, good accuracy, is consistently making the right choices with the football and has good feet.
Jordan Howard Shades Valley HS, AL 9th RB #36	Howard, 5'11.5 195, won the RB MVP. Howard ran a4.49 shuttle had good hands, played aggressively and ran nice routes.
Dominique Threatt Tri-Cities HS, GA 9th OL #96	Threatt eliminates exactly that for his QB each and every time he lines up. The 6'1 288 lb Threatt took home the OL MVP after  neutralizing the d-linemen during 1 on 1's, displaying terrific power and great feet.
Lance Austin Lamar County MS, GA 8th CB #29	Austin, 5'6.5 143, won the 8th grade MVP. Austin had an 8'1 broad jump and performed at a high level during 1 on 1's giving it his all every time he lined up against the WR's.
Otis Washington Luevlla MS, GA 8th RB #23	Washington, 5'7 145, was crowned Combine King and the Fastest Man award winner. Washington had a 32.5 inch vertical, 9'0 broad jump, ran a 4.54 shuttle and 4.64 40. This kid is pure excitement!
Trenton Hill Uniion Grove HS, GA 9th LB #36	Hill took home the LB MVP after a strong performance. At 5'7 174, Hill had good lateral movement, moved downhill well, was a good listener and understands the key points of football.
Jordan Dunham Eastside HS, GA 9th OL #95	Dunham, a gargantuan 5'11 303 lb o-lineman, won the Strongest Man award. Dunham almost literally tossed up 155 lbs 27 times and has the kind of strength to protect his QB consistently.
Taurean Ferguson Jonesboro HS, GA 9th WR #9	Ferguson, 5'6.5 154, took home the WR MVP. Ferguson had an 8'4 broad jump, ran a 4.30 shuttle and was a superstar during the 1 on 1's. Ferguson ran terrific routes, catches the ball well and is exceptional at creating separation between himself and the DB.

Jenkins Tops a Tremendous Sophomore Session in Atlanta!

Harris County HS' Jordan Jenkins was in a league of his own as a defensive linemen and the best of the best in the top camp of 2010 thus far. He was a man amongst boys; Goliath lining up against David. The 6'2.5 228 lb standout won the Overall MVP and Combine King award following a performances for the ages. Jenkins had a 33 inch vertical, 9'5 broad jump, ran a 4.41 shuttle and was beyond sensational during 1 on 1'
Jenkins was quick, athletic, explosive and simply hard to cover, almost literally forcing the o-linemen to pull their hair out during 1 on 1's. From the his NBA like athleticism to pure skill as a d-linemen, Jenkins is the total package and a highly touted recruit.

Sampson "Alec" Baldwin (JL Mann Academy) has a ton of flare in his game and has superstar potential. At 5'9 164, the WR MVP needs to continue to get bigger, but the skills are there. Baldwin has a 30.5 inch vertical, 9'4 broad jump, runs a 4.44 shuttle and has sensational hands. Baldwin also runs Larry Fitzgerald type routes, making himself an available target for his QB every time he calls hike.

This isn't a heavyweight boxing match or the 1940's but Joe Louis-Harris was a powerful force and not one to mess with. At 6'3 327 Harris, the top o-lineman , had quick feet, terrific power (yes this Joe Louis has big time power too), and tremendous technique. Harris is a great protector of the QB.

Jonah Guinn (Walnut Grove) won the QB MVP. Guinn has unmatched fundamentals for a 16 year old, taking his time and hitting his receivers right in the chest during 1 on 1's. The 5'11 172 lb Guinn has good strength, bench pressing 155 lbs 23 times, and quick feet. This kid is definitely a solid leader and the kind of player I would want running my offense.

Rodney Garvin (Creekside) is a high intensity linebacker with great all around skills. The 5'9 185 lb star won the LB MVP after his 8'10 broad jump, 4.54 shuttle run, 25 reps of 155 lbs on the bench press and exceptional 1 on 1 abilities put him atop the food chain. Garvin runs hard, tracks the ball well and is looks to be a terrific run stopper.
Carnell "oh" Boyd won the Leadership award and is a terrific player. The Westlake HS star had a 9'3 broad jump, ran a 4.59 shuttle and 4.62 40 while remaining vocal throughout the event. Every team needs a Carnell Boyd.

It was little surprise that Atlanta was a tremendous combine once again. Simply put, this area is a football hotbed.