California skill impressive at Carson NUC

CARSON, Calif. - The afternoon session of the National Underclassmen Combine at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California was led by the play of sophomore WR Robert Woods. The talented athlete went by the nickname "Amazin'" during the afternoon, and it was definitely well-deserved.

Woods, the Overall MVP at 6 feet and 167 pounds, really showed the complete package at wide receiver. Showcasing great range, hands and speed in and out of his breaks, he repeatedly made amazing receptions throughout the individual drills and one-on-ones. Coming from Junipero Serra High School, Woods also had a 29-inch vertical, 9'0" broad, 4.52 40, 4.45 shuttle, and 13 reps on 155 pounds.

Earning two more awards for Junipero Serra High School was freshman George Farmer, who wowed the crowd during the afternoon. Farmer, 6-foot-0 and 180 pounds, won both the Freshman MVP and the Fastest Man Award, after setting the all-time fastest 40-time for a frosh at the National Underclassmen Combine with a 4.38. Add that amazing speed with his great athleticism, route running ability and hands, and Farmer is definitely one to watch. Aside from the 40 time, he also had a 32.5-inch vertical, 8'7" broad, 4.44 shuttle, and 15 reps on 135 pounds.

Another receiver who impressed was WR MVP Kaelin Clay of Long Beach Poly. Clay, 5-foot-8 1/2 and 167 pounds, used his combination of route running ability and speed to constantly get open during the one-on-ones. During the combine events he also had a 31-inch vertical, 8'6" broad, 4.57 40, and 4.47 shuttle.

The race for the RB MVP was neck-and-neck between sophomore Michael Boyd Jr. of Henry Kaiser High School and sophomore Da'Jon Hairston of Hart High School, with the eventual winner being Boyd. At 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Boyd showed amazing explosiveness, plus very quick moves during the individual drills and one-on-ones. He also had a 27.5-inch vertical, 4.77 40, 4.50 shuttle, and 18 reps on 155 pounds. Although Hairston did not walk away with the MVP, he definitely deserves a special mention. At only 5-foot-5 and 132 pounds, he demonstrated great footwork and pass receiving abilities throughout the afternoon. He also had a 25-inch vertical, 4.83 40, and 4.58 shuttle.

It was a successful afternoon for St. Bonaventure High School, which produced three award winners. Winning the DB MVP was sophomore Tim Bennett, who at 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds, showed great athleticism and cover skills during the one-on-ones. He also had a 4.72 40, 8'4" broad, and 4.50 shuttle. Winning the QB MVP for St. Bonaventure was sophomore Tieler Souza. Although a bit undersized at 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, Souza is a very accurate passer, with a great long ball and very good drop back skills. He also had a 4.26 shuttle, 4.80 40, 8'4" broad, and 20-inch vertical. The LB MVP went to sophomore Dylan Davis. Davis, 5-foot-10 1/2 and 210 pounds, is a great athlete who has an impressive combination of power and hip movement to help him excel in coverage. During the combine events he had a 27.5-inch vertical, 8'1" broad, 4.71 40, 4.61 shuttle, and 20 reps on 155 pounds. And as a special mention, sophomore LB Cody Berry, 5-foot-9 1/2 and 194 pounds, of Righetti High School showed great power and strength, while getting 19 reps on 155 pounds, a 4.91 shuttle, and 5.08 40.

Winning the DL MVP was sophomore Josh Shirley of Henry Kaiser High School. Shirley, 6-foot-1 1/2 and 200 pounds, is a bit undersized for the defensive line, which may result in a future move to the linebacker position, however for now he showed a great speed rush and is an all-around impressive athlete. He showed this athleticism off during the combine events with a 4.76 40, 29.5-inch vertical, 9'0" broad, 4.73 shuttle, and 19 reps on 185 pounds. Deserving of a special mention at this position was sophomore Brady Burk of Liberty High School. Also undersized at 6-foot-0 and 208 pounds, Burk showed great athleticism and speed during individual drills and one-on-ones. During combine events he had a 29-inch vertical, 8'4" broad, 4.96 40, 4.71 shuttle, and 22 reps on 185 pounds.

The battle on the offensive line also produced two viable candidates for the MVP award. Finally winning was sophomore Jonathan Hernandez of Rancho Cucamonga High School, who at 5-foot-10 and 257 pounds, showed a good combination of hands and feet, plus is an all-around impressive athlete. He also had a 5.28 40, 5.00 shuttle, and 16 reps on 185 pounds. Pushing Hernandez the entire way was freshman Troy Sexton of Artesia High School. Sexton, 5-foot-10 and 230 pounds, showed impressive technique and good quickness during the individual drills, and followed that up at the combine events with a 5.17 40 and 7'4" broad.

The Combine King Awards went to freshman RB Ryan Henderson of Rancho Verde High School and sophomore RB D.J. Morgan of Taft High School. Henderson, 5-foot-8 and 153 pounds, is a fabulous all-around athlete with a 35.5-inch vertical, 8'10" broad, 4.56 40, 4.68 shuttle, and 23 reps on 135 pounds. Morgan, 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, used his athleticism and explosion to excel throughout the afternoon. He truly shined during the combine events, however, where he had a 9'7" broad, 4.42 40, 4.26 shuttle, 36.5-inch vertical, and 17 reps on 155 pounds.

The last two awards in Los Angeles went to sophomore OL Emmanuel Wilson of Henry Kaiser and sophomore QB Brian Blechen of Royal High School. At 5-foot-9 1/2 and 318 pounds, "Manny" won the Strongest Man Award by getting 25 reps on 185 pounds, while Blechen took home the Leadership Award. The quarterback, 6-foot-2 and 182 pounds, is both a great leader and athlete, plus he throws a very impressive deep ball. He topped that off by getting a 25.5-inch vertical, 4.89 40, 8'8" broad, 4.57 shuttle, and 15 reps on 155 pounds.