Rivals Camp Series Tampa: Five predictions
The Rivals Camp Series presented by adidas takes Central Florida this weekend, as some of state’s top athletes will descend on Lakeland High School to test their skills against each other. In advance of the event, Rivals Florida analyst Rob Cassidy makes five predictions about what may unfold on when things get under way on Sunday.
1. Demarkcus Bowman will back up his five-star status
One of the top running backs in America, Lakeland (Fla.) High School running back Demarkcus Bowman is a newly minted five-star and one of the most sought after prospects in America. Bowman is coming off of an impressive senior season that’s saw him stuff box scores and ultimately lead his team to a state title. The Rivals100 member is also capable of shining as a receiver and will likely do just that on Sunday, as the strong, speedy tailback creates a total mismatch when lined up across from a linebacker. The pass-heavy setting combined with Bowman’s talent should spell a big day for the Lakeland star on his home field.
2. Avante Williams will remind everyone how talented he is
Avante Williams emerged on the recruiting scene as a freshman but missed last year’s Rivals Camp Series presented by adidas. This year, the four-star prospect is registered and ready to remind everyone that he’s one of the top defensive backs in not only the state, but the country at large. Williams previously transferred from Deland High School to IMG Academy, but is now back at Deland, where he became a national name as a young player. Williams has the talent to score an invitation to the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge and should do just that with an impressive performance on Sunday.
3. Caziah Holmes will rise to the occasion
For Caziah Holmes, things are much different than they were a year ago at this time. Holmes arrived at the 2018 Rivals Three Stripe Camp as a relative unknown with few offers but took home MVP honors, which helped jumpstart his recruitment. This year, the Coca (Fla.) High School star will arrive as the a Rivals250 member with offers from a long list of major programs. Holmes can shine at either running back or wide receiver, but is expected to stand out from the pack regardless of which position he chooses.
4. Gabe Dindy will introduce himself to the college recruiting world
Class of 2022 defensive lineman Gabe Dindy is yet to earn his first offer but has the makings of a major national recruit. The 14-year-old defensive lineman checks in at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. He can already dunk a basketball and shines in both the shotput and discuss in addition to football. Dindy is already on the radar of a few major colleges, but will see his offer list explode eventually. Like Bowman, he will be in comfortable surroundings at his home high school. A strong performance on Sunday could expedite the offer process.
5. Joe Hodge will have another impressive day
Joe Hodge is wildly undersized, which will always hold him back on the recruiting front. Still, the slot wideout is a camp warrior and had an impressive day at last year’s Rivals Three Stripe Camp in Central Florida. He may not ever land a long list of offers from blue blood programs, but that won’t make him any less effective in a camp setting. Hodge has the speed and the hands to make a mark on this event and will likely do so. He currently holds offers from schools such as Central Michigan, Toledo and Western Kentucky and has the skill set to help any of them.
