Rivals Recap: Next Level Athlete Showcase Houston

SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Last week it was Dallas and this week it was Houston’s turn as the Next Level Athlete Showcase drew top prospects from around the area. The defensive backs came ready to play and a couple of 2018 receivers caught attention. However, they were not the only ones to turn heads on Sunday.

2017 Rivals250 safety Derrick Tucker was the highest rated prospect at the event and he lived up to the billing. He earned defensive back MVP honors and he was active from the beginning of camp until the end. During drills he was light on his feet and was quick to change directions. He was also first in line and took many reps during one-on-ones. He was very aggressive during one-on-one drills and drove a few opponents into the ground. It was nice to see the physical play, but he probably would have drawn a few flags in real action.

Houston (Texas) Cypress Ridge 2017 running back Trelon Smith checked in at a stout 5-foot-10 and 180-pounds, and he was impressive throughout the day during drills. His footwork allowed him to change direction in a hurry and he kept a low pad level. His short space burst made him tough to handle during one-on-one drills.

Richmond (Texas) George Ranch defensive end Toby Ndukwe had a big season in 2015 as he helped his team capture a state championship. On Sunday he showed off the same quickness he used to put pressure on quarterbacks throughout the season. He has a long, lean frame with a big wingspan, and his first step put offensive linemen off balance right from the start.

How light 2017 Huffman Hargrave offensive lineman Dennis Bardwell was on his feet. He showed excellent flexibility and the footwork to stay in front of even the quickest defenders. He has little bad weight on his 6-foot-5 frame and plenty of room to grow. He also did a good job of anchoring down and getting under his opponent. He took home offensive line MVP honors for his efforts.

A pair of long 2017 defensive backs jumped out from the start. Magnolia West’s Myles Jones and Houston Lamar's Grant Delpit both made strong impressions. Jones has an edge in the height department but both used their length to knock away passes and create problems for receivers during one-on-ones. Both also had strong showing during position drills.

2018 Alief Taylor WR Brennan Eagles also impressed. He is a big bodied 2018 prospect with sure hands. At 6-foot-4, 205-pounds, he caught attention before he ever hit the field, and once he touched gridiron it only got better. He was not the only 2018 receiver to draw attention. Al’Vonte Woodard of Houston (Texas) Lamar was a smooth route runner and he stretched out and climbed the ladder for a few receptions.

Manvel's Derrick Tucker is keeping an open mind, and he plans to take his time with the recruiting process. He is developing strong relationships with coach Chris Vaughn at Texas and corners coach Tim Duffie at Oklahoma State, and he plans to attend Junior Days at Houston and Oklahoma State. He may also attend Junior Day at Texas.

Victoria (Texas) Victoria East 2017 tight end Chance McLeod currently holds an offer from Kansas, and the Jayhawks are the first on the board. He continues to field interest from several programs and both the Texas and Houston Junior Days are on his radar.

Beaumont (Texas) Westbrook offensive lineman Dan Moore stands out at 6-foot-5 and 330-pounds, and he currently holds an offer from ULL. He is also receiving interest from Houston, Texas, SMU, Baylor, and TCU, and he plans to attend Junior Days at ULL and Houston.

Running back Trelon Smith holds offers from SMU and Duke and he plans to attend the SMU Junior Day next week. He also plans to attend Junior Days at Houston and Duke. In addition to his offers he is also receiving interest from Houston, TCU, Tulsa, and Purdue.

Grant Delpit recently received an offer from Kansas, and Houston is coming on strong. He plans to attend Baylor’s Junior Day next weekend and will be at Kansas for the Jayhawks’ Junior Day February 5. He also plans to attend TCU’s Junior Day.