Rivals Camp Series Houston: Ten players now on the radar

HOUSTON – The Rivals Camp Series rolled into the Lone Star State this past weekend, and while well-known names like Bryce Foster and Donovan Jackson headlined the camp, there were several more who made names for themselves with standout performances. Here are ten under-the-radar prospects coming into the camp who should draw more looks after their showing on Sunday.

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Brown was one of the top wide receivers Sunday. He is a smooth wideout with good length and he tracked the ball well. He showed consistent ball skills, he was able to get open and the travel from Memphis (Tenn.) to Houston should pay off in recruiting. Memphis has offered the 2022 playmaker and that list will grow.

Chester is a 2022 defensive back that should see his recruitment pick up this spring. He is around 6-feet tall with good length, and he showed good balance in coverage and the ability to play under control. He has picked up offers from Illinois State and Rutgers.

Deason left as the MVP for the defensive line, and he really had his way much of the day. He lost to some reps to All-Americans that are a year ahead of him, but this 2022 defensive tackle was a force in the trenches. He does not have ideal size, but he has a motor, he flashed quickness off the ball and his name will start to pop up on radars.

Holstein is a 2023 quarterback from Zachary (La.) and he is a signal-caller you want to know. No schools have offered, but Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State, Tennessee and others have already inquired about Holstein. He has great size (6-3, 200 pounds), a strong arm and he is advanced in the pocket for his age. Holstein was in the top quarterback group Sunday, and he’s only a freshman.

There was a pair of quarterbacks who separated themselves from the pack early on Sunday, but leading off the next tier of passers was Maddox Kopp. Measuring 6-foot-5 and 212 pounds, Kopp certainly looks the part of a college quarterback, and he threw the ball as well as anyone in attendance. Kopp is a true drop-back passer, though, in an era where mobility at the position is key. He has an early offer from Lehigh, but if he can quicken his feet, Kopp could draw more interest from programs that run a pro-style offense.

The tight end group in Houston was really strong, and one of the best was Drake Martinez out of nearby St. Thomas High School. The one knock on Martinez is that size-wise he is stuck between tight end and wide receiver, but he was very effective on Sunday, creating separation consistently and making strong catches when defenders were able to stay with him. Martinez has been receiving a lot of looks, but has yet to land his first scholarship offer.

Onyedim looks the part, and though his play was up and down Sunday against some elite offensive linemen, he showed he is worthy of bigger offers. Grambling and UTSA have offered, but others will. He plays at Foster High, a school with a lot of talent, so there will be a lot of eyes on him this spring. He has a great frame, he has a lot of room to develop and his name should be one you hear more about.

Safeties are essentially called upon to play a cornerback role in camp settings, but that suited San Antonio’s Rainey just fine. Measuring in at a very impressive 6-foot-3 and 183 pounds, Rainey had no trouble covering the wide receivers at Sunday’s event. He showed good closing speed, which is highly-valued at the safety position, but was also able to stay with receivers in man coverage. He knocked down several passes and came away with at least one interception. Louisiana Tech and UTSA are in early with scholarship offers.

When you win Defensive Back MVP at a place like Houston, that will certainly increase your presence on college coaches’ radars. Ugo had to earn his spot into this camp at Saturday’s combine, then took full advantage of his opportunity. Coming into the camp he had just a smattering of interest from programs like Baylor, Oregon State and Rice, but more schools are going to love his length and ability to stay with receivers through their routes.

Whitfield was in the showcase when we paired the best vs. the best in the trenches. He is a strongside end, and he may end up there, but a move inside down the road as he continues to grow can’t be ruled out. He had more success outside, but he showed the ability to win with quickness and power. Memphis and UTSA have offered.