BRADENTON, Fla. – The place to be in the world of high school football was at IMG Academy over the weekend, the host site for the Future 50 event. Heavily loaded with 2023 talent, the one-day camp also featured a few top 2024 prospects as well.
As always, the Sunshine State was well represented. We take a deep look at a few standouts from the camp.
FUTURE 50: OL vs. DL | Recruiting rumor mill | Position-by-position breakdown | Skill 1-on-1s
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MORE: Iowa four-star QB JJ Kohl locked in and recruiting for the Cyclones
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CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
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McClain has been ever present this offseason, especially along the 7-on-7 circuit. The five-star corner always comes ready to compete, and that held true on Saturday. McClain’s dedication to his craft comes through even during the instructional part of the camp taking each rep full speed while working on the details.
With McClain working against the likes of Zachariah Branch and Johntay Cook, spectators were seeing the future of the college and pro game in Bradenton.
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Rarely does one get to see the top-ranked players in the senior and junior class at their respective positions working side by side. Another gem from the camp was getting to compare Ricks, the top corner in the 2024 class, against McClain.
McClain is taller with a bigger wingspan, but Ricks may be quicker in the hips. Both are technicians at their trade and worthy of being considered five-stars.
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Blessed with natural height and size, Mauigoa is a weight room warrior and has transformed himself into a physical specimen. The strides in Mauigoa’s game are coming through from his hand placement to his footwork. The four-star IMG offensive tackle impressed all and walked away with OL MVP honors.
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From the 2021 season on the field through the offseason, Johnson’s stock has continued to rise. The four-star Ohio State commit is as good as any corner out there and showcased that ability at Future 50, routinely blanketing top receivers and keeping windows closed while coming up with pass breakups.
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The 2023 class has Justice Haynes and the 2024 class has Gibson. His 4.4 speed is a difference maker, but his smooth-running style and change of direction helps make him an elite prospect. During 1-on-1s, Gibson was able to show off his hands running routes and catching passes like a receiver.
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Without pads or an offensive line to work through, linebackers have a tough time showing what they can do on the field during camps. The limitations aside, Bowles separated himself from his peer group with his cover skills. Taking on receivers and backs, Bowles showed his change of direction and closing speed will keep him on the field at the next level.
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IMG Academy’s roster is always loaded with top players, and Johnson-Rubell help make that roster into a national championship contender. Already ranked as the second-best safety in his class, Johnson-Rubell is developing into one of the best in the 2024 cycle regardless of position.
Safeties don’t always shine at camps going 1-on-1 with receivers, but Johnson more than held his own. During the 7-on-7 portion of the camp, his route recognition and instincts took over allowing him to swipe away passes and break up would-be big plays.
