Summer Football Camps

By Gus Ornstein

I went to a tiny high school in New York City known more for its academics than its athletics, yet I received over 50 scholarship offers to play division one football and ended up at Notre Dame before transferring to Michigan State. People ask me all the time how I got discovered and my answer is simple- I went to summer football camps. The summer after my junior year, I attended a couple of different football camps, I went to the University of Wesleyan, Princeton University and The University of Michigan. I chose Wesleyan and Princeton because I was not sure how good I was, yet I knew I was doing well in school and thought these could be great schools for me. As far as going to Michigan’s camp, I figured that I had nothing to lose and should take a shot and see what the rest of the competition was like. Michigan’s football camp ended up being the thing that put me on the map as far as recruiting goes. They had over 1500 kids at the camp and it seemed like half of them were QB’s. I ended up having a great camp and one afternoon they ran a mini combine by taking the top players at each position and putting them through some drills. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to participate in this and had the opportunity to show my skills not only to the University of Michigan Staff but to all of the other coaches from different university’s around the country. The key to going to football camp at a big school is the amount of coaches they hire to work the camp and that these coaches come from different colleges and universities from around the country and from all different levels of competition. Even if you are not destined to be a division one player, you can still be discovered by one of these other schools.

Lloyd Carr- University of Michigan

As the camp came to an end, I was approached by then offensive coordinator Cam Cameron who told me that Michigan head coach, Gary Moeller wanted to see me in his office. I was so thrilled and excited that the head coach of The University of Michigan actually wanted to speak with me before leaving the camp. I went straight to his office and sat there as he told me they were extremely interested in me as a prospect and would be following me through my senior season and would be in touch. I feel very strongly that had I not attended that camp, I would have never been recruited as heavily as I was.

Princeton Football

Will Proctor who played quarterback at the University of Clemson had a very similar situation coming out of a small school in Florida and I spoke to him about that experience.

Will Proctor- University of Clemson QB

Will Proctor Interview

Scouting the 2008 CB’s

Here is Tom Marino’s take on the 2008 Cornerback’s that are entering the NFL Draft on Saturday.

1 4 Jenkins Mike South Florida U DC 5102v 197v 4.43v
A shutdown corner with adequate size and outstanding quickness. Has race horse speed, a very smooth compact, explosive hips and the ability to stick his foot in the ground and close to the ball. No wasted movement or extra steps.  Underneith close was rare.  Impressive play instincts and anticipation.  Has the speed to easily stay on top of receivers on deep routes.  Inconsistent hands and was just an adequate tackler. Special player.  Top round selection
2 34 McKelvin Leodis Troy U DC 5102v 190v 4.39v
very talented, highly athletic DC with exceent speed and man off cover skills. Physical press corner (aggressive & quick with his hands).  Compact pedal with quick feet (no wasted movement or steps). Was physical & effective in run support.  Competes extremely hard.  Return skills only add to his pedigree.  Was slightly disappointed in his ball skills, but this player has the skills to start quickly at the pro level.  Round # 1
3 45 Rodgers-Cromartie Dominique Tennessee State U DC 6014v 184v 4.36v
First impressed me with his Penn relays effort in 2007. Is a great looking athlete with speed to burn. Didn’t think early on he was very physical or tough, but improved greatly over the season. Gets people on the ground, but wasn’t a drive through, wrap up tackler. Pedal and turns were smooth and I felt he could flip his hips and go. Like his plant and drive and showed good ball skills. Was impressed with Senior Bowl efforts. Late 1st or top of the 2nd consideration.
4 29 Branch Tyvon Connecticut U DC 5113v 208v 4.35v
I really liked what I saw with this player.  Is strong, athletic and played physical. Big hitter and a secured well as a tackler. Has the size and speed to match up on the outside vs a speed receiver. Can play off man effectively and was impressive when rerouting receivers on press coverage. Appears to have playing smarts and savvy. Had some opportunities to make plays on the ball, but his ball skills appeared somewhat questionable. Late 1st top of the 2nd
5 3 Talib Aqib Kansas U DC 6006v 202v 4.50v
Talented shutdown corner with a world of ability. Like his size, zone awareness and ball skill. Is field fast, has excellent feet, plant and drive skills, with rare ball awareness. Sorts it out very quickly, has wideout hands and has outstanding match up possibilities on the outside. Good but not an exceptional tackler. Has some off the field concerns, but this is the real deal. Mid to late first, top of the second draft potnetial.
6 1 King Justin Penn St DC 5107v 192v 4.37v
A raw prospect with very good athletic ability & a rare combination of speed & acceleration. Was very inconsistent in his play in 2007. Can do all of the things you want physically, but lacks playing instincts / concentration. Man cover were were uneven. Better press then off corner. Questionable zone awareness.Adequate tackler (gets them off their feet). Lined up at WR in 07, but is just a take off guy. Rare talent, but buyer beware. Round 2 -3. 
7 26 Wheatley Terrence  Colorado U DC 5095v 187v 4.43v
Has very impressive cover skills (man to man and in zone)  Very impressive athlete. (feet, hips, balance abd quickness)  Showed easy acceleration. Can mirror and cover the double move. Marginal run support guy.  Gives an effort, but struggled to get off blocks and get to the ball carrier. Little guy who looked like the proto type nickel back. Has late 2nd to solid 3rd round draft consideration.
8 5 Cason Antoine  Arizona U DC 6002v 191v 4.55v
A good college football player with impressive ball skills and play making ability.  Has outstanding size and a lot of playing savvy, but also has a high center (leggy) and doesn’t have top speed to play over the top or the burst to close on the underneath throws. I also didn’t think he was particularly tough or physical (marginal grab tackler)  Possible FS project. More then dequate punt return skills and potential. Draft consideration round 2 to the top of the third.
9 28 Thomas Terrell USC DC 6004v 202v 4.54v
Has size, experience and Athletic ability. I felt he was effective underneath cover corner (good balance points and plant and drive skills) Has good hands (wide catching radius), long arms and was a more then adequate wrap up tackler. Only negitives appeared to be his top speed and his ability to play the ball down the field. Didn’t think that he positioned himself or reacted to the ball in flight.  Experienced and consistent but just not a racehorse. Late 2 to mid 3rd.
10 11 Lee Patrick Auburn U DC 6000v 200v 4.49v
Unranked player coming into his senior season who has made great strides as a player. Has excellent size, runs extremely well (can match up against the race horses in the league), but needs a great deal of work on his position skills. Felt he played tall and was somewhat stiff in his hips. Not a tough guy and has very poor ball skills. Is going to be drafted sooner then my grade would indicate, but is not near ready to impact at the NFL level.  Draft round # 3
12 17 Molden Antwaun Eastern Kentucky U DC 6006v 198v 4.43v
Toledo transfer who has lined up at both corner and safety. Also has run the sprints and track. Has excellent size and speed to go along with excellent  quickness and excellent athletic ability. Equally impressive in press and when working off.  Showed explosive hips, quick feet, and the speed to match up with speed receivers. Just didn’t see A-1 ball skills and play making ability.  Is not there yet, but has too much physical talent not to play. Round # 3 to 4.
11 9 Porter Tracy Indiana U DC 5107v 188v 4.49v
Became the first IU CB to be named first-team All-Big Ten since ‘89; Second in IU history with 16 interceptions, including six in 2007. Career-high 75 tackles as a senior.  Has a lot of speed and athletic ability, but is just not very physical and or tough. A “you first” grab tackler. Had 6 picks, but I still question his overall ball skills. Punt return skills is a real plus. Late 3nd or top of the 4th round consideration.
13 8 Scandrick Orlando Boise St DC 5100v 192v 4.35v
This is a solidly built player with outstanding speed and easy acceleration. Gets from point A to point B very quickly. Has good hips and showed the ability to plant and drive on the ball underneath.  Liked his foot quicks, balance points and ability to turn and go when defending the deep ball. I didn’t see outstanding ball skills and zone play was Inconsistent. Returner skills (punt) are a . Round 5 – 7 draft potential.
14 18 Flowers Brandon Virginia Tech U DC 5096v 189v 4.59v
This player has good feet and is a fast twitch athlete short area player (quicker then fast). Worked out of a compact pedal and kept good relationship with receivers in his cushion.Has marginal speed, but compensated for this critical shortcoming with excellent playing instincts, awareness, and anticipation. Has impressive ball skills. More then held his own defending the run. Is a good player, but is undersized and lacks the pure speed to cover the race horses.
15 2 Williams Jack  Kent State DC 5090v 178v 4.36v
Liked this players aggressiveness, quickness in a limited area and toughness particularly for a little man. Has quick feet, man cover skills and showed the ability to plant and close to the ball. On the negative side is undersized and likely to be limited to a sub package special teams role. Dangerous kick returner. Was injured for much ot the 07 season and this is an area where their may be future concerns. Is undersized, but you can’t find enough cover corners.
16 8 Ikeqwuonu Jack  Wisconsin U DC 5104v 194v 4.45e
Good player with impressive press corner skills. Suffered a serious ACL injury to his right knee in pre-Combine training which may well affect his value and draft standing. Is a fluid athlete with quick feet.  He gets an excellent break, but made few plays on the football (1 int. in 07).  Very physical in press coverage. Involved in an off the field incident in Illinois that will be scrutinized by the pro clubs. Top two round selection (big upside) if all the pieces fit.
17 21 Jackson Chevis  LSU DC 6000v 192v 4.64v
Experienced hand with position skills, awareness and size.  Just doesn’t have the type of speed you look for out on an island.  Best suited to play in a cover 2 scheme. Has adequate ball skills. Good tackler (particularly for the position).  Has a duel chance to play on a wing or on the inside.  A good football player, but if you struggle with speed, they (OC’s) within the NFL will find you.  Mid round (3 – 4) consideration.  
18 13 Godfrey Charles Iowa U DC 5116v 207v 4.47v
Doesn’t play as fast as timed speed. Does have quick feet and short area quickness.  A lot of bail technique,which leads me to believe that he would be best suited to play in a cover 2 scheme or move inside to the safety position.  Showed a tendency to bite on double moves and was late to turn and go (lets receiver close cushion far too quickly).  Has second day (4th to 5th) draft consideration.
19 3 Terrell Darnell  Missouri U DC 6016v 203v 4.49v
Has all physical numbers you look for in a wing, but I was disappointing in his play.  Lacks the feet, hips and man cover skills for a corner & was neither tough or physical enough to play effectively inside. A marginal tackler in my estimation.  In fairness to the player may be playing DC due to team needs rather then where he best fits into a scheme. Adequate hands and may be best suited to line up as a FS. Late round consideration
23 21 Williams Trae South Florida U DC 5090v 193v 4.54v
Experienced four year regular.  Liked his foot quicks, body control and I felt his hands were outstanding for the position.  The problem that I see with this player is that he does not have top speed for the position and is short in stature. Marginal strength and overall effectiveness in press coverage.  Was marginal in run support (marginal wrap up tackler who missed too frequently). A nickel back and back up corner. 6th to 7th draft potential.
25 14 Bowman Zackary  Nebraska U DC 6001v 197v 4.44v
Athletic corner with size, speed and match up potential on the outside, but has not recovered from a knee reconstruction sustained during in 2006.  Struggled with direction chance and was inconsistent with his plant and drive. Just wouldn’t or couldn’t pull the trigger. Late to fill the ally. Came back too fast and did not play with confidence.  Might take a late round flyer on this player, but the thought that he might well be two year’s away from contributing.
21 24 Walker Marcus Oklahoma U DC 5103v 191v 4.61v
Smooth athletic cover two corner prospect with good feet, balance points and pedal. Has good speed, but I didn’t see the suddenness that is necessary to cover speed on the outside. Let receiver close the cushion too quickly & was late to turn. Has man cover skills, but I didn’t think he showed much in the way of ball skills. Not a very physical player.  See him as a sub package corner and special teams contributor. Round 5 – 6..  
22 25 Lowery Dwight San Jose St DC 5111v 201v 4.68v
Impressive looking physically with good hips and feet.  Has ball skills and good hands, but the big problem that I see with this player is he really can’t run and will have a difficult time in man coverage.  Gets people on the ground, but I wouldn’t consider him a tenacious hitter. Will need to play in a cover two scheme or move inside if he is to have any real chance of playing.
26 3 Fontenot Wilrey Arizona U DC 5086v 171v 4.48v
This is an undersized, but talented corner with adequate speed and very good quickness.  I liked his feet, quick hips and the way he competed in all games viewed. Is a more then adequate tackler who will stick his face in there. Makes plays. Is not really as big nor fast enough, but I loved his playing charactor. Has physical limitations, but I liked his overall game. Has sub package playing potential . 7th or priority free agent consideration.
24 26 Davis Dowayne Syracuse U DC 5111v 194v 4.55e
Tweener. Smart and experienced. Has played both safety and corner. Good work ethic, impressive physical skills, can fly, but has limitations. A straight line guy, who had problems with direction change. Cover two corner potential.  Has the size and speed you want outside, but the lack of COD concerns me. Long strider. More of a hitter then he was a wrap up tackler. Good teams potential. Late round (6-7) draft potential.
20 27 Tribble DeJaun  Boston College DC 5086v 189v 4.63v
Little guy who does not play near as fast as his (07) spring speed. Best when he can keep things in front of him. Trouble down the field (deep) or when the field shortens (red zone). Marginal burst to close or to turn and go. Does have very good ball skills, is smart, and showed good zone awareness. Falls off too many tackles. Best suited to play in nickel and dime package. A poor man’s Dre Bly (without the speed). Has 5th to 7th round draft consideration.
27 4 Sharpe Glenn  Miami U DC 5115v 184v 4.57v
Burst on to the scene early (true freshman), but has not made significant progress since that time.  Has size and speed to cover and react to throws down the field.  Fluid in his turns. while also showing the hands and feet to play effectively in press coverage. Somewhat disappointing in his ball skills.  Non factor within the run game. Below average tackler. Nickel potential.  Seventh round or PFA.
28 4 Tryon Justin  Arizona St DC 5087v 190v 4.45v
Tough little cover corner with good feet, a compact pedal and the ability to turn and go. Showed quick hips and can stick his foot in the ground and close on the ball underneath. Is a little man, but was physical defending the run.  Lack of length will limit him in match up situations, but this player doesn’t back down. Was fiesty and tough. Has strong sub package and kick off return potential. Plays a good deal bigger then his numbers. Round 6 – 7
29 19 Zenon Jonathan  LSU DC 5116v 191v 4.63v
Tough experienced combo guy (corner and safety).  Has size, but lacks the top end speed to consistently get over the top in half coverage. Will struggle with the race horses on the outside (didn’t see the necessary burst).Said to play his own game and doesn’t always prepare for the job at hand. A cover two corner prospect. Has played a lot of football in a big arena, but I just think I have a feeling he will really struggle at the next level. Free agent prospect

Scouting the 2008 Defensive Tackle’s

This is a draft analysis of the top defensive tackles coming out for 2008. The information and scouting reports are all written by Tom Marino who has been a scout in the NFL for over 35 years. You can see the defensive tackle, their school, height/weight. 40 time and NFL grade. You then have their full scouting report followed by their projected draft status and NFL potential.

72 Dorsey Glen  LSU DT 6014v 297v 5.12v G 1.100
A top prospect who converts quickness to power.  Can split a double team, range to make plays and when he came and countered on his pass rush was virtually impossible to single block.  Loved his intensity level , quickness, strength and know how. Strong at the point and showed good movement down the line. Took good angles away and has the speed and quicks to factor outside the tackle boxInjured for much of 07 season. A difference maker.
49 Ellis Sedrick USC DT 6004v 299v 5.08v G 1.140
Ellis has outstanding quickness, body control, range and balance.  Plays with good leverage, has extremely quick strong hands and overall explosiveness.  Can stack, but was more effective playing in the gap. Far better at nose then at a 3 technique. Has short arms and does not appear to have long speed. Very disruptive player in a limited area but is not second coming of Tommy Harris.  A top 10 selection in this year’s player draft. Solid starter potential.
90 Balmer Kentwan  No Carolina U DT 6044v 308v 5.31v F 1.201
One dimensional player.  Is strong, plays on his feet and showed the ability to neutralize. A force playing the double team. As a pass rusher, did get inside push on his bull rush, but needs to keep pads down and develop better hand use. Played hard in every contest viewed.  Tackle to tackle range only. showed good effort in pursuit. A two down player, but could become an every down player if he develops as a rusher. Late 1st or top of the 2nd selection
55 Harrison Marcus  Arkansas U DT 6026v 317v 5.07v I 1.235
Very talented run stopper.  Loved his pad level when meeting blocks and overall leverage.  Stout at the point (can dominate).  Could play both spots inside.  Played the entire 07 season with a recently repaired ACL.  Not what I would consider a top pass rusher (power moves only) but does get some inside push.  Some off the field concerns will need to be addressed, but this is a very good football player who has not reached his full potential. Draft consideration 2 – 3
92 Moore Dre  Maryland U DT 6040v 305v 4.91v I 1.350
Short area player who was a strong space eater on the inside. Didn’t make a a lot of plays, but restricted the running lanes inside and freed up the backers to make plays. Plays on his feet and did a good job stacking the double team. Has good but not exceptional quickness but was ineffective as a pass rusher (strictly a bull rusher who didn’t counter or colaspe the pocket. Round 3 potential, but could go sooner due to team needs and the lack of quality at the top
92 Pressley DeMario  No Carolina St DT 6031v 301v 5.13v I 1.365
Had a disappointing 07 season and senior bowl effort  Was injured for much of the season and did not play to near his skill level. Is a strong inside player who played with good pad level.  Elbow injury (early) may well have effected his use of hands. Good ability to sort things out and move to the ball. As a pass rusher, came off the ball, but didn’t shed effectively on the move nor did he finish. Don’t think we have seen near his best. Round 3 – 4 consideration.
93 Guion Letroy Florida St DT 6033v 303v 5.37v F 1.385
Injured much of career. Is athletic, has good feet, quickness and adequate range. Felt he hustled & showed the ability to make plays outside the tackle box. Will get tall inline & needs to shed blocks more consistently. Lacks A-1 closing speed. Is not there yet, but you are going to have to take this player far earlier then his skill & production level would indicate.  No sacks as a college player.  Problems locating ball on misdirections (see Wake Forest) Round 3 – 4..
98 Laws Trevor  Notre Dame DT 6006v 304v 5.13v G 1.396
Works his butt off. Has very good quickness, plays with leverage and has good strength in his hands. Very intense and physical. Play effort was second to none.  Might not be quick or stout enough to play a nose   A physical drive through tackler. Will fight you, but diesn’t always play big inside (got covered up some by big people).  Has limitations, but overall was a very solid football player. Has stong early second day draft potential.
96 Fluellen Andre  Florida St DT 6007v 296v 5.06v G 1.436
Not ideal size although flashed outstanding quicks, plays hard and gave backside effort. Combative & disruptive within the running game. Can dominate, but will also disappear. Vs the pass his main attribute was his quickness into the “A” gap & burst to the QB. Played injuried for virtually the entire 07 season. When healthy this guy is far better player then he showed in 07. Senior bowl effort was impressive. Round 4 – 5.
97 Okam Frank Texas U DT 6044v 347v 5.37v E 1.481
A big wide body who showed body control & quicks. Plays high, but teams still had a difficult time moving him on the inside. Is very smart (both on and off the field) and experienced, but has no heart or playing character. A underachiever in my opinion. Just not a nasty rub your face in the dirt type (no edge). Overall, you just don’t know what you are going to get with this player. Wouldn’t consider in day 1, but recognize his talent and physical tools. Rd 4.
95 Sims Patrick Auburn U DT 6021v 310v 5.11v E 1.485
Has stability issues which need to be addressed. Played much of 07 with a cast on his lt .hand (Fx).  Has size, but needs to redefine his body (very soft middle & butt).  Flashed get off quick, but lacks stamina and his overall competitive effort. When he kept his pads down, got some push (So Florida), but when they were up got knocked around pretty good (LSU).  Has talent, but wouldn’t risk a first day selection based on his history. Round # 4 
85 Bryant Joseph  Texas A&M DT 6041v 318v 5.06v F 1.486
A big, tough, strong inside guy who played hard, but consistently got his pads up working inside. Is stout and difficult to move around, but did not protect his legs or get over trash effectively. Got some inside push as a bull rusher, but lacks counter skills and change of direction.  Gave up far too much blocking surface and has had some lower body injuries which need to be considered. Best suited to play tackle in a 3-4 look.  Makes your team, but has limitations.  
71 Rubin Ahtyba  Iowa State U DT 6026v 315v 5.24v F 1.516
Offensive tackle as a Juco player.  Big man who has improved a great deal over the past 2 seasons. Is very strong, but is in every sense of the word a work in progress.Showed quickness and some playing range. Can stack inside particularly when he kept his pads down. Questionable play instincts and was inconsistent to find the ball on the inside.  Felt his playing effort varried  Draft consideration; rounds 5 to 6.
96 Dykes Keilen West Virginia U DT 6033v 294v 5.10e F 1.518
A very tough, strong, nose who was a very effective run stopper. Plays very hard, is unselfish and was a consistent performer. Could also play a three technioue.  Is a run stopper who had a good feel for blocks and restricted the “A” gap. Has adequate range, but needs to protect his lower half more effectively. Marginal pass rusher who showed limited counter skills. Blue collar player who will contribute to winning football games. Round 4 – 5.
94 Dixon Marcus Hampton U DT 6040v 292v 5.27v F 1.550
Good looking athlete with size & power. Can stack inside effectively. Good 1st step quicks, hand use & the ability to find the ball. For the most part a bull rusher, but has some counter ability & close. Has a long way to come in terms of learning how to play..  Plays on his feet and is highly intelligent. Involved in a highly publicized rape incident down in Georgia and served 15 months, but was later cleared of the charges. Great young man 4th to 5th rd potential. 
95 Robinson Nate  Akron U DT 6037v 324v 5.15e E 1.680
Highest rated prep DT in the country. Signed with Miami and briefly attended Rutgers.  Just don’t know who is going to show up from game to game.  Has a great deal of talent and size.  Flashes initial quickness and some explosiveness in his hips and hands. Very limited  rush skills (very moves rush moves and or counters). Showed a tendency to wear down in games (questionable conditioning and stamina).A lot of talent, but something is missing here. 
56 Foster Eric Rutgers U DT 6011v 271v 5.00e G 1.731
Undersized defender who showed good initial quickness, range (runs well), leverage, and use of hands.  Liked his competitive effort (showed consistent energy) and effort. His physical stature (or lack of) limits play to that of a tackle in a 3-4 scheme. Is going to have to get stronger, but this guy reminds me a great deal of Rams tackle La’ Roi Glover at a similar stage.  Late round (6th to 7th ) draft consideration. 
95 Smith Henry Texas A&M DT 6023v 310v 5.19v F 1.795
A JC guy with play strength who played with good pad level  inside.  Has a good body, played with good leverage and got some pretty good inside push. Was inconsistent to find the football inside and his feel for blocks was just adequate. Needs to finish better and I don’t believe he has top playing range. Not there yet, but has has some of the things you look for in an inside player. Has an outside chance of being drafted, but is more likely a priority free agent.
99 Powell Carlton Virginia Tech DT 6022v 292v 5.14v G 1.796
Just not a very physical player (played with far too much finesse) Didn’t play through blocks (Never saw him fight across the face of a blocks to the ball). Wasn’t stout at the point of attack nor was he heavy handed. Good snap reaction and gap penetration.  Worked well on his stunts and hustled in pursuit.  Is not void of skills, but is going to have to improve in a number of area’s if he is to play at the professional level. Has late round (7th) or priority free agent.
96 Johnston Brian  Gardner Webb DT 6050v 278v 4.97v J 1.800
A 4 year regular who certainly was a good player, but is going to have to improve hand use, and ability to shed, to be a difference maker.  A former linebacker. Showed a marginal ability to get over trash and get to the football.  As a pass rusher, played with power, but doesn’t have a real plan after his initial engagement. Is an effort guy, but I just don’t see any special skills.  Possible late round selection, but is more likely a priority free agent prospect.
97 Shirley Jason Fresno St DT 6052v 329v 5.04v E 1.799
Is a great looking individual, but was not a particularly good football player.  Very much an underachiever.  Was dismissed from the squad furing the 2007 season. Inner city LA background.  Some off field concerns.  Might be worth a look on the offensive side of the football if his off the field issues  are found to be satisfactory. 
93 McClinton James  Kansas U DT 6000v 293v 5.54v F 1.800
Active undersized three technique. Has initial quickness but I didn’t see the long speed and or range.  Has been productive, but didn’t get off blocks especially well.  As a pass rusher, comes hard, but if he doesn’t beat you with his initial movement, the game was over.  Lacks closing burst to the football.  Just don’t see how he could play above 285 lbs.  Good college player, but limited chance to factor.  Priority free agent player