Defensive stars shine at B2G
In the past six years that the B2G Elite Camp has been around, this year's group of defensive backs was the best ever. That's saying a lot because almost every top defensive back in the state of California since 2000 has attended the Elite Camp.
Defensive back Darian Hagan, Jr., (5-11, 180, 4.6) from Los Angeles (Calif.) Crenshaw led the way for the defensive side of the ball by winning the top defensive player award of the camp.
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"Darian displayed all the tools to be not only one of the top defensive backs in the state of California, but has the skills to play as a true freshman on the next level," B2G camp facilitator Henry Bell said. "He's a great cover guy so if he moves to corner on the next level wouldn't be an issue."
"Hagan has the intellect to lead a defense at safety and wow he can run," Bell said. "Those in attendance were able to get a first hand look at why he had 13 picks in a league that predominately runs the football."
"The game is really slow for Hagan," Bell said. "Look for him to make a name for himself as one of the great defensive backs to come out of City Section."
Another defensive back that made a name for himself at the B2G camp was safety, Ryan McFoy (6-2, 190, 4.5) from Chino, Calif. McFoy certainly passed the eye test. This guy is a beast who can run with the best of them.
"Ryan's major assets are his speed, feet and hips," Bell said. "He has the ability to get from hash mark to hash mark to make a plays on the deep ball or deep corner route."
Although C.J. Gable (5-11, 180, 4.6) from Sylmar, Calif., is rated by many different publications as one of the top running backs in the state of California, he played defensive back for the second year in a row at the B2G Elite Camp
"C.J. is special, and he can easily be the best athlete to come out of the San Fernando Valley area since Steve Smith (USC)," Bell said. "Everyone knows that Gable can dominate at running back, but now you can put him at wide receiver and no one can keep up with him."
That's not all that Gable can do.
"You can just as easily line Gable up at corner," Bell said. "He has the ability to get his hands on 90% of passes thrown to his way."
"The best way to describe Gable is he's super athletic and super talented," Bell said. "He has speed, long arms, quick hips and feet, and great hands."
It is obvious that Gable is another one the will be considered great once its all said and done.
Richard Sherman (6-2, 167, 4.6) from Compton (Calif.) Dominguez has grown to become a true ball player. Many know Sherman as a lanky, fast wide receiver from one of the area's top high school football programs.
This year Sherman wanted to prove to recruiters that he can excel as a defensive back. Not only did he excel at the B2G camp, but he took home the most versatile player award because he made plays at both corner and safety.
"Again, speed can best describe Richard," Bell said. "He made plays over the weekend that should have been caught for touchdowns, but he was there to break it up or he would pick it off himself and then return the pigskin for a defensive touchdown."
"Richard can flat out cover wherever he lines up, corner or safety," Bell said. "You really don't have to worry about his upside side. As a 6-foot-2 defensive back, he is a steal for anyone that gets him on their campus."
At linebacker sleepers Derrell Acrey (6-1, 219, 4.6) from Redlands (Calif.) Redlands East Valley and Dan Urias (6-2, 215, 4.65) from Laguna Hills had a very strong showing.
Acrey showed that he can move and cover some fast running backs, tight-ends and receivers.
"Derrell is a strong and focused athlete that wants to win every time his turn was up," Bell said. "He would go on to take the most improved player award of the camp."
"Dan is a pure athlete that do it all at the linebacker position," Bell said. "He has good speed and good feet to cover almost anyone coming out of the backfield."
Next up the offensive stars.