The spring camps are helpful because you can see everyone in a standardized setting. The good ones should stand out. Here are some names that caught our attention on Sunday:
- Three-star WR Jasen Lopez (Chaminade) might be the best receiver in South Florida. He's already a polished route-runner, even though he spends half the year scoring 25 PPG on the hardwood. On the football field, he's strong, balanced, and a hands-catcher. Nobody covered him all afternoon.
- Five-star Derrek Cooper (Chaminade) was the most physically impressive prospect. He measured in at 6'1, 208 pounds, ran a 4.49, and easily got down the field. I wouldn't say he's the most fluid pass-catcher, but he's a good competitor and makes plays.
- Five-star Calvin Russell (Northwestern) made a one-handed TD catch and showcased his athleticism all day. Maybe he's just light coming off basketball season, but he needs to put on significant weight. Still has huge potential.
-Miami commit Dereon Coleman (Orlando) won QB MVP and whipped passes around the field with his unique, handsy delivery. He has an edge to his on-field personality that reminds me of Cam Ward, in a good way. The key will be continued physical growth.
- Texas commit Dia Bell (American Heritage) is a very good, traditional QB prospect. He wasn't fully recovered from an ankle injury, but he played with clean fundamentals and threw with anticipation.
- Four-star RB Javian Mallory (West Boca) surprised me a bit. He doesn't stand out physically like Cooper but he's smooth and knows how to play. He won RB MVP and is trending to the Canes.
- Four-star Jake Kreul (IMG) won most of his reps easily. He has a variety of moves and good lateral quickness. He's built like an OLB so he will need to deployed correctly.
- The DL class was down. The best one was '27 DT Jamar Thompson (West Boca). He has a wide-upper body and plays with power.
- It's hard to judge LBs in this setting, but Miami commit Jordan Campbell (Carol City) looks how it should look. Very impressive frame and movement.
- 2027 OT Mark Matthews (St. Thomas Aquinas) looks like a future blue-chipper. He's still thin up top, but has a good frame and is young. True tackle traits.
- A couple names at WR that caught my attention were Calerbe Hermane (McArthur via Western) and Kyle Andrews (West Boca). Hermane is long and twitchy. Still developing, but potentially a big reward down the road. Andrews is a classic "quicker than fast" slot who can separate.
