IMG prepares stars for next level

Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy is not your average school.

What started in the late 1970s as a tennis academy has evolved into an elite sports institute where not only high school students train and attend school, but youth, collegiate and professional athletes go to hone their skills.

Its facilities include a Gatorade Sports Science Institute satellite lab, the only one based in the United States. Its alumni include more than 100 athletes who went on to play at the pro level, including Russell Wilson, Cam Newton, Eli Manning, Andrew McCutchen and Gary Sheffield.

In 2013, the Academy launched its football program, and with its national and international appeal has been able to bring some of the most promising football prospects from around the world together to suit up for the Ascenders.

Playing a national schedule complete with nationally televised games, the Ascenders compiled an 18-3 record in their first two seasons, finishing last season 10-1 for a No. 34 national ranking in the USA Today Super Expert Rankings.

The 2015 football season is looking bright for the program as well.

The class of 2016 will feature four five-stars in returning starter (and LSU commit) Saivion Smith and newcomers Malik Henry, Rahshaun Smith and Shavar Manuel, all of whom have transferred into the program. The class also has five four-stars, including T.J. Chase, Isaac Nauta, Malik Barrow, Khalil Ladler and Tyler Gerald.

The Ascenders had a strong presence at the Rivals Speed & Skill Challenge Presented by Under Armour in Orlando this past weekend, with nearly 20 IMG players competing. Henry, Chase and class of 2017 receiver Emmanuel Greene were among the 11 players selected for Offensive Top Performers recognition.

Smith and three-star Spencer Perry were named Defensive Top Performers.

Finally, after the challenge ended, Henry, Smith and Chase were all invited to participate in the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge Presented by Under Armour, which takes place in June in Baltimore.

Henry, a Florida State commit who transferred to the Academy from California, also won MVP honors at the Speed & Skills Challenge at the quarterback position.

The day before, the two-sport athlete threw a bullpen session. It's possible he could follow in the footsteps of Jameis Winston, who starred in both football and baseball while at Florida State. Henry is a pitcher with a fastball in the high-80s and also plays center field and shortstop.

He likes his new surroundings in Bradenton.

"So far, it's great," Henry said. "We have great players and we're getting a top education. It's a win-win overall for everyone and I think being here is going to help me prepare for the next level."

Henry admitted a big reason he decided to transfer to IMG was the allure of playing for former Seminole and Heisman winner Chris Weinke, who coached IMG its first two seasons.

However, Henry and the rest of the IMG team were thrown a curveball when Weinke made the rare jump from high school to the NFL, accepting the quarterbacks coaching job with the St. Louis Rams.

"He was probably the biggest reason for me going to IMG," Henry said. "But I'm not disappointed at all. I'm very happy for Chris Weinke. He's obviously an amazing coach and he deserves this. He built this (program) for us and he should be rewarded for that at the next level. All we can do is keep winning and keep him proud."

Chase, a Clemson commit, said Weinke leaving was difficult. It "hit me hard, it hit the team hard," he said. "But at the end of the day, he's got to do what's best for him. It was a good opportunity and I wish him the best."

Smith said he, too, is happy for Weinke and that they "have to move on and play football."

Moving on shouldn't be too difficult. Whoever takes over as the next coach will likely be a well-known person in the football world. In the meantime, offensive coordinator E.G. Green is serving as interim head coach.

"He's doing a great job," Smith said. "We're still on the field every day, lifting every day. Everything's the same."

Henry, Smith and Chase all agreed one of the biggest benefits of attending IMG is how it prepares its players for college.

"We get to play great teams every week," Henry said. "It's great exposure for everybody and I think it's a great opportunity overall. I know for me, I'm looking forward to going back home to play Long Beach Poly toward the end of the season."

Added Smith: "I'm living in dorms," he said. "And aside from that, I'm away from home, so I won't be homesick when I get to Baton Rouge. From an academic standpoint, you're more independent here and that's what it's going to be like in college. We're on a college schedule already, basically."

That routine will likely help Smith and others prepare for the next level should they get that opportunity. Smith said he's been told by the Tigers staff he could see the field early.

He thinks he'll be more than ready.

"Why wouldn't you go somewhere that will help you prepare for the next level?" he said.

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