VTO Teaneck: Moore stands out
TEANECK, N.J. -- The VTO Elite 100 took place earlier today under sunny
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skies at the Votee Park complex in Teaneck, N.J., with dozens of players from
around the region competing against each other.
A number of awards were given based off individual performances, with three
prospects earning invites to the Rivals Underclassmen Challenge in Jacksonville:
rising junior offensive lineman Seyoum Settepani of Cheshire
(N.Y.), rising junior cornerback Isaiah Huff of Windsor (Conn.), and
Fara'ad McCombs, a class of 2018 wide receiver bound for Brooklyn (N.Y.) Poly Prep.
For Huff, who missed last season with a shoulder injury, today set the tone for
what is a huge upcoming season for him.
"This is very important. It's a comeback season," Huff said. "I didn't get to
play last year because of my shoulder, so I have a lot to prove this season."
On the offensive side of the ball, Anthony Lombardi of Mahopac (N.Y.) was named the
event's most valuable quarterback, displaying good touch and a
promising skill set for a rising junior.
Ledyard (Conn.) standout Josiah Shumaker, a quick-twitch athlete, was named
the top running back on the day.
Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep Charter wide receiver D.J. Moore, who
earned MVP honors at the Rivals Camp Series presented by Under Armour event in Piscataway last
month, was named the MVP of the wideouts today as well.
Moore was simply dominant, displaying tremendous body control and the ability to
make tough catches, as well as being very smooth out of his breaks.
"I got a feel for different playing styles with people that I can work on, on
getting off press coverage," Moore said.
Tight end MVP Qaadir Sheppard of New Rochelle (N.Y.) Iona Prep is
drawing most of his college offers from schools looking at him as a defensive
tight end, and he worked out there today.
"It was great competition," Sheppard said. "I was just trying to get better and
to work on my route running."
Offensive lineman Dwayne Scott of White Plains (N.Y.) Archbishop Stepinac
was named the offensive line MVP, displaying great technique, footwork and ability to
mirror defensive linemen all afternoon.
Meanwhile, Hartford (Conn.) Public High School offensive lineman
Keith Coleman, who is drawing some looks from Connecticut and Temple, was named the camp's
top sleeper.
On defense, Huff's Windsor teammate, KeVaughn Bennett, was named the top
defensive lineman, exhibiting and ability to use his athleticism to defeat
several quality offensive line opponents.
"What I really went out there today was just go hard honestly, and try to give
my 100 percent on every rep," Bennett said. "I checked my competition out,
analyzed them, tried to figure out his weakness, and just dominate that."
Linebacker MVP Odean Gilzene of Bronx (N.Y.) St. Michael's looks the part, and
the under-the-radar prospect, who is drawing looks from several Patriot and
Ivy League programs, stood out from the crowd today.
"I think coming off the line, I think I jammed the running backs and tight ends
well," Gilzene said. "I think I need to work on running with them and getting my
speed up."
Kharon Daniels, a safety prospect from Hartford (Conn.) Capital Prep, was
the afternoon's defensive back MVP.
Finally, 2016 Teaneck running back Rashaad Rice, a hometown competitor, worked
out at wide receiver and earned top overall athlete honors.
"Today was a great day, especially from the skill positions," said coach Vince
Jacobs, the senior vice president of VTO Sports. "Some of the defensive backs
that I saw out here were unbelievable, above the skill set we expected. Also,
the wide receivers, there weren't that many of them here, but the one who won
MVP (D.J. Moore), he dominated. There was no question who was the best wide
receiver here today.
"The O-line and D-line, the kid that won MVP (Dwayne Scott), there's no way that
kid shouldn't have offers from somewhere…To see his hand placement, ability to
deal with the speed rushers, the power rushers, and still be able to dominate in
almost every 1-on-1 snap. I hate that we didn't get video but he was
incredible."
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