I missed the first session of the day (OL/DL individual drills) because of my son's baseball game, a dominant 10-4 victory. Luckily, I was able to see the OL/DL one-on-ones and the rest of the groups. My thoughts below:
- Even with several top players missing, the DE group stood out figuratively and literally.
Shemar Stewart (Pace),
Kenyatta Jackson (Chaminade) and
Nyjalik Kelly (Dillard) all looked the part of Playoff players. They have prototypical builds and move well. Kelly was the only one who competed in the 1-on-1s and he dominated with quickness, bend and strong hands.
Dante Anderson (Homestead) and
Francois Nolton (Edison) are more slender with more projection in their frames, but they still look like upper-P5 talents.
- The other top '22 group was the LBs. Local backers are usually light, but I was impressed with their size.
Omar Graham (Stranahan) in particular is heavier than expected.
Travious Lathan (Gulliver) also has a true LB build and performed the best in coverage, with multiple PBU's. I have some concerns about his physicality in pads but he is top-shelf in terms of pass defense.
Wesley Bissanthe (Central) almost got a pick and stands out with his arm length.
DeMario Tolan (Tohopekaliga/Kissimmee) looked like the smallest of the four and still measured at 6'2.5 and 205.
Mekhi Mason (Pace) is a P5 recruit as an inside-thumper with size.
Tray Brown (Gibbons) struggled a bit more in space.
Mason Thomas (Gibbons) is probably more of 3-4 outside backer, but I was impressed with his athleticism. Legit upper-P5 talent.
- The '22 WR group is terrible but the '23 group is elite. In '22, the only real notable name of the local guys was
Mike Jackson (Palmetto). He is fast but very small.
Camden Brown (STA) is a physical specimen and probably a P5 player, although he's not a finished product.
Cedrick Hawkins (Cocoa) was by far the best talent in that group.
Jaylin Terzado (Champagnat) is a quality local option with speed. The '23 guys are a different story and should have several high 4*, 5* types.
Brandon Innis (TRU Prep) has grown physically and looks college-ready right now. Very polished and confident game.
Jalen Brown (Gulliver) has more development ahead of him, but his speed is elite, he's a natural receiver and his frame has a bit more room to grow than I expected.
Hykeem Williams (Stranahan) is built like Dwayne Bowe already. He looked a bit raw with anything other than a go-route.
Santana Fleming (Carol City) is smallish but separated better than anyone at camp.
Andy Jean (Northwestern) is really lanky and looks a lot like Romello Brinson physically, with more straight-line speed.
- The DB group was weak for several reasons, including a local drought and top players like
Jacolby Spells (AMH) and
Trevell Mullen (Coconut Creek) sitting out the competitive drills.
Cam Miller (Fernandina Beach) looked the part of a 4* corner with length and confidence.
Marquis Lymon (Atlantic) is a very good player but appears overweight. He looked like a FB or LB. He's naturally stocky, but he would be even twitchier if he dropped some of his excess weight. The most impressive local DB who competed was
Elijah McCantos (Edison). He challenged Innis and the other top guys and paired solid size with very good footwork and ability to turn.
- The OL group was only OK outside of a leaned out
Julian Armella (Columbus). Keep an eye on Chaminade. They had numerous '23 OL who really impressed, including
@gogeta4 favorite
Deandre Duffus. At DT,
Daniel Lyons (Homestead) was the most impressive local guy from a weak crop. He's not college-ready yet and will benefit from next-level strength and conditioning. Very talented.
- I came away impressed with
Mason Taylor (STA). He has solid size and excellent bloodlines. His gauntlet drill performance may have been the best of the day. While he may lack of elite receiving talent, he has good hands and is well-schooled.
