NUC returns to San Diego!

The Wild Wild West has been a longtime producer of standout football players. Many of America's top prospects have come from this way, with a number of them calling California their home. This Saturday and Sunday at Eastlake HS, the National Underclassmen Combine will play host to the always competitive San Diego combine. Some of the area's best have attended in the past and with football's interest at an all time high, the best group to date is projected to take the field.

The star of last year's camp Jointa Te'i (El Camino HS) will join the Arizona State Sun Devils this fall. The Polynesian powerhouse put his full array of strength, size, athleticism and skill on display en route to winning the Overall and DL MVP. D'Angelo Barksdale , the 09' QB MVP, was scoped up by the University of San Diego, where he will play this fall. Barksdale played his high school ball at the very same field where the athletes this weekend will compete on.

"Between the weather, scenery and talent, the San Diego combine is one with few complains", said David Schuman, NUC CEO & President. "D1 talent is scattered throughout California for a reason. With the amount of players statewide and the level that these kids consistently play at, I see no reason to expect anything less than the best on Saturday and Sunday.

Current 8^th/9^th graders are slated to compete at 8 am and sophomores are scheduled to hit the field at 1 pm on Saturday, while juniors lay it all on the line 1 pm Sunday, April 25.

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 San Diego combine on www.nationalunderclassmen.com or call 1-888-NUC-MVP1 for more details.

JJ Geen MVP Interview

David Schuman: Congrats on winning an award. How did it feel?

It was an honor. I am truly grateful for the experience.

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

I have been running track and lifting 4-5 days a week.

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

No, this was a first. My uncle and AAU track coach signed me up and paid for it. I expected to compete with the best talent in the country and get noticed.

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

My goals are to continue working hard and to continue developing my body so that I can help my team win another state title and eventually earn a scholarship to play football.

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

I heard about from my AAU track coach. My favorite part was competing against guys I didn’t know and seeing the talent that’s out there.

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

UF, MIAMI, BAMA, FSU, and GaTech

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

I love Friday nights; nothing compares to the feeling of preparing for and playing on Fridays. My team goal is to win another state championship and my personal goals are to be first team all-state.

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

I run track and play basketball.

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

I love just being around my teammates and the camaraderie. Also the way our city comes out and supports the team. We get a full house regardless of who we are playing.

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

I do our basic football training. We lift and run weekly. Track practice also helps with my speed.

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

I am looking for great facilities and the ability to attain a college degree. I want a school with lots of tradition and a team that plays the type of southern football I grew up watching.

Hungry Juniors Leave it all on the field in Tampa!

Rising seniors are regularly subject to immense pressure. It's their last chance to win a championship. final possibility for an all sate selection; and most importantly, a closing opportunity to stamp their ticket as an incoming scholarship athlete at the next level. While the aforementioned pressures can take an athlete off his game while upping the anxiety, a gifted group of juniors displayed why their final football game is unlikely to come next year.

Devin Clarke was a superstar receiver who could seemingly do it all. The Sebring HS standout had a 31 inch vertical, 9'0 broad jump, ran great routes, displayed tremendous hands and had little trouble breaking off the DB's jams. Clarke was awarded the Overall MVP for his efforts and at 5'10 150, has a bright future.

Preston Ritchie (Charlotte) put the pressure on the offense during the individual period, creating many frustrations on the other side of the ball. A terrific athlete at 5'7 155, Ritchie had a 32 inch vertical, 10'2 broad jump, ran a 4.24 shuttle, 4.42 40 and was a shut down machine during 1 on 1's. He has terrific recovery speed, plays physically and hustled non stop. He is a bit undersized but with a good weight program, expect to see him in the future.

Joshua Tanner (Freedom) has terrific athleticism for a lineman and won the DL MVP. Tanner had terrific quickness out of the box (running a 4.59 shuttle and 4.61 40), jumped a 9'2 on the broad and had a 31.5 inch vertical. With speed and leaping ability, Tanner looks to be a tackle machine and can tip balls that many bigger type DL's can't.

Matthew Grubb (Sebring), a 5'10.5 182 lb QB threw a great ball and managed to complete a good percentage of his passes. Grubb, the QB MVP, looks to be a potential 250+ yard passing QB.

Michael Glover was a beast during 1 on 1's and was the WR MVP. The 5'10.5 153 lb Glover had little difficulty getting his gloves on the ball most of the time it was thrown in his direction. He had great feet, made a number of good catches and worked hard. Athletically he impressed as well with a 31.5 inch vertical and 8'8 broad jump.

Tyler Pierson (Countryside) has the tools to become a top linemen. At 6'4 281 lbs, there are few that match up with him equally. He has solid strength (bench pressing 185 lbs 20 times) and quickness for a big man, running a 4.97 shuttle. Pierson was a man amongst boys during the 1 on 1's and by possessing solid strength and quickness, is definitely the truth.

Tampa's fast rising athletes are yet another example of why Florida's football talent is at the top of the food chain.

Interview with LB MVP/PHEMON ATHLETE Ty Hook

 

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

Ty Hook:  I had done a 9 week training course at Michael Johnson Performance Center in McKinney in addition to training at school.

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

Ty Hook:  This was my first time.  I really wasn't sure what to expect.


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

Ty Hook:  I wasn't MVP, but I did receive Combine King and Strongest Man.  My goals are to improve on my numbers and be MVP.


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

Ty Hook:  One of my coaches and I had received a letter invitation.  My favorite part was the one on one's.


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

Ty Hook:  I am interested in whoever is going to have me on the field.


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

Ty Hook:  I like playing with the people I have grown up with.  We have all gotten stronger and bigger every year.  Goals for 2010 season is state championship and for myself improving on all the small things, to get more than 20 sacks, 35 TFL.


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

Ty Hook:  I played baseball up until this year when I decided to focus on off season training and track.

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

Ty Hook:  The intensity.  If you really want to make a play, you can make a play.


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

Ty Hook:  Outside of pre-school workouts and football, there is about 2 hours a day of weight training along with flexibility and speed exercises.  I am adament about my diet.


Coach Schuman:What are you looking for in college? Academically? football?
Ty Hook:  Acadmeic reputation and a unique football program.

NUC - Lexington KY Freshman Outstanding Performance List

LEXINGTON KY 9th grade NUC Schuman’s Outstanding Performance List
Kyle Bolin Lexington Catholic HS, KY 9th QB #13	A star is born! For the second consecutive year, Lexington's Kyle Bolin took the combine by storm en route to winning the QB MVP, while competing against sophomores as a frosh. The 6'1 168 lb sensation ran a 4.54 shuttle, had tremendous mechanics, a quick drop step, good footwork and excellent accuracy. Expect to see this kid at a big time school a few years down the road.
Ethan Hinson Grayson County HS, KY 9th CB #37	Hinson, 5'6 158, won the DB MVP. Hinson had an 82 broad jump, ran a 4.55 shuttle, bench pressed 135 lbs 20 times had good feet, was easy to coach and picked off the QB four times during 1 on 1's.
Jacob Hyde Clay County HS, KY 9th OL #78	A gigantic 6'1.5 304, Hyde won the Overall MVP and Strongest Man awards. Hyde bench pressed 155 lbs 38 times, had a 24 inch vertical, had great quickness for a player his size, a good first step en route to dominating 1 on 1's. QB's can hide behind Jacob at any time without having to worry about getting sacked.
Alton Yarbrough Powers Catholic HS, MI 9th WR #35	Yarbrough, 5'11 158, won the WR MVP and Fastest Man awards. With a 31 inch vertical, 8'11 broad jump and 4.68 shuttle to boot, Yarbrough's athleticism helped him perform at a high level during 1 on 1's.
Barton Mann Russell County HS, KY 9th QB #1	Mann took home the QB MVP during the frosh session. At 6'2 170, Mann rana  4.56 shuttle, 8'0 broad jump, had good footwork, nice mobility and made good decisions.
Dalton Overbay Harlan HS, KY 9th LB #47	Overbay was awarded LB MVP. At 5'11.5 211, Overbay had an 8'5 broad jump, bench pressed 135 lbs 28 times, runs well, has a strong upper body and nice quickness.
Drew Kirby St. Albans HS, WV 9th FB #27	Kirby, 5'7.5 193, won the Leadership Award. Kirby had the attitude of a champion, ran a 4.60 shuttle, bench pressed 135 lbs 31 times.
James Maddox Lexington Catholic HS, KY 9th RB #37	Maddox, 5'7 162, won the RB MVP. At 5'7 162, Maddox  had a 27 inch vertical, 8'2 broad jump, bench pressed 135 lbs 20 times had great penetration, good quickness and nice football skills.
Jeffrey Canady Knox Central HS, KY 9th WR #44	Canady, 5'11.5 195, was crowned Combine King after posting solid all around statistics. Canady had an 8'10 broad jump, ran a 4.45 shuttle, bench pressed 135 lbs 25 times, was strong, explosive and had very good hands.
Christian McNeal Clay County HS, KY 9th DL #60	McNeal, 6'0.5 246, won the DL MVP. McNeal was a man amongst boys during 1 on 1's, using his quick hands, strength and long arms to dominate.
Tyler Schweitzer Highlands MS, KY 8th OL #74	Schweitzer, 5'11 228, won the OL MVP. Schweitzer had good strength and a solid understand of how to play the lineman spot.
Matthew Pyke Clinton MS, TN 8th OL #96	Pyke won the 8th Grade and co-OL MVP. A bulky 5'11.5 286 lber, Pyke  used his strength and good footwork to excel during 1 on 1's. There is definitely a lot of potential here.

Samson Baldwin Atlanta Sophomore WR MVP Interview!

Coach Schuman: What did you do to prepare for the National Underclassmen Combine?
-Samson Baldwin: Every Saturday morning I go out and practice on my route running and doing catching drills.

Coach Schuman:Have you been to the NUC before? How did you do? What were your expectations going into this years event?
-Samson Baldwin: No this was my first time. I did pretty well. I expected there to be a lot of good athletes.

Coach Schuman:You were MVP! What are your goals now?
.-Samson Baldwin: Get invited to some combines and visits. Mainly just get my name out.

Coach Schuman:How did you hear about the National Underclassmen Combine and what was your favorite part about the event?
-Samson Baldwin: A friend of mine went last year. My favorite part was the one on ones.
Coach Schuman:If you can choose 5 schools where you would be interested in playing what would they be?
-Samson Baldwin: Georgia, UNC, Clemson, USC, and Tennessee
Coach Schuman:What do you like about high school football? What are your goals for your team and yourself?
-Samson Baldwin: Having to prove constantly prove yourself to others. Beat the two big teams we have to play this year: dorman and byrnes.

Coach Schuman:Do you play other sports? Tell about your accomplishments?
-Samson Baldwin: I run track and play basketball.

Coach Schuman:What is your favorite thing about football? what makes it a great sport to you?
-Samson Baldwin: My like that no matter what size you are, you can always have a way to win.

Coach Schuman:Tell me about your training regimen...How do you get better every day?
-Samson Baldwin: Every Saturday morning I fun routes. I'm learning on ways to beat defensive back. I catching as many balls as i can.

Coach Schuman:What are you looking for in college? Academically? football?
-Sa;mson Baldwin: Im looking for a college that will challenge me and make me want to be the best at whatever I study. I want coaches that will make me feel like I'm getting better everytime I'm around them.

Prospect Profile: Detchauz Wray East St. Louis HS

Detchauz Wray, East St. Louis HS, MO Class of 2010: From an athletic standpoint, Wray's abilities can take him a long way. Lanky and lean at 5'11 162, this standout can play a number of positions and is a valuable asset on the gridiron. Wray, a star at the 08' St. Louis combine, is headed to The University of New Mexico, turning down offers from six other D-1 programs.

Future Outlook: Wray's ability to play both QB and WR make him a serious threat. He    has good strength for a player his size and runs a 4.4 40. Where he plays in college      remains to be seen but before taking the field, he must add at least 15 pounds to his frame in order to withstand hits from D-1 players. Once he muscles up a bit, Wray will be a serious problem for everybody except the Lobos.

Quick Hits from Jackson, MS!

                 

·        Picasso Nelson (Mendenhall MS) proceeded legendary artist Pablo Picasso by hundreds of years and we hate to be corny, but this 5'8.5 154 lb 8th grade sensation painted a picture on the gridiron. Nelson had an 8'5 broad jump, tremendous feet, changes direction well and has soft hands.

·        Travonte Fenton (Oak Grove HS) is a top tier talent with a tremendous future. The 5'11 180 lb Fonton won the Overall MVP after wowing coaches with his 8'10 broad jump, 4.38 shuttle run and skill as a wide receiver during 1 on 1's. Fonton broke free of the defenders on a number of occasions and caught the ball well in the openfield. He is definitely a major deep ball threat.

·        Alex Nicholson, a 6'1 177 lb standout (Northeast Lauderdale) took home the QB MVP and Leadership award. In addition to being a vocal leader with a nevre say die attitude, Nicholson had a 30 inch vertical, 8'5 broad jump, ran a 4.49 shuttle and had impressive mechanics as a QB.

·        Jamonee Brown (Pearl) was the DL MVP at 6'1 277 and Nathaniel Shelby, 6'1 315 (Jim Hill) came up with the same award but on the opposite of the ball. Both Brown and Shelby used their size to their advantage, bullying the opposition during 1 on 1's.

·        JaBorian McKenzie (Wilkinson Christian), 5'7 167, is a stud athlete and won the Combine King award. McKenzie had a 32.5 inch vertical, 9'4 broad jump, ran a 4.39 shuttle and 4.59 40. Athletically, there isn't much more one can ask for.

·        Andre Craine (Brando) has insane skills and won the Junior Overall MVP. The 5'11.5 177 lb standout had a 33 inch verticla, 9'2 broad jump, ran a 4.44 shuttle and was a lock down DB during 1 on 1's. Crane has great hips, excellent closing speed, good footwork and top notch ball skills.

·        Joseph Martin (Mendenhall) and De'Montre Cooper (Jim Hill) shared the LB MVP but have a lot more in common than that. Both were powerfully built, had tremendous leaping ability (8'11 broad jump, 30.5 inch vertical for Martin, 10'0 broad jump, 30 inch vertical for Cooper) and created major frustrations for the offense during 1 on 1's.

·        Michael Brinson (University Christian) was a unique d-lineman. A monster at 6'3.5 285 Brinson had an 8'4 broad jump and ran a shocking 4.58 shuttle. He also bench pressed 185 lbs 23 times. With power, strength, size and quickness, Brinson has a bright future ahead of him.