First tryouts for possible Under-19 Team USA members runs like clockwork.
AUSTIN, Texas - Player football combines, particularly at the lower levels, can be extremely fruitless.
Poorly organized. Over-crowded. Top-notch kids can drive hours and barely get a sniff to show what they are capable.
Tight end Ethan Watanabe didn't catch
many balls in his high school system
but showed great hands on Sunday.
Photo by Jim Redman
Clearly, Tom Lemming says, the two-day 2012 U.S. under-19 National Team trials that concluded Sunday – an elite combine for current high school juniors at Westlake High School, was quite the antithesis.
"This was run like clockwork," said Lemming, the recruiting expert for CBS Sports/MaxPreps.com who started evaluating high school talent and recruiting classes more than three decades ago. "The players got to show their stuff, they learned a lot and the weather was perfect."
Run in conjunction with the second annual Team USA vs. The World Game, more than 225 players were invited, hoping to impress Lemming and USA Football coaches enough to be selected for next year's under-19 national team.
Overall, Lemming was very impressed, but here are some of the names he circled.
* Quarterback
Michael Baker (6-3, 189) from Central (Fresno, Calif.): "He's got a great arm and good feet. It helps that he has some exceptional talent at his school."
Baker, who already has an offer from San Diego State, passed for 2,651 yards and 25 touchdowns and just six touchdowns last season leading Central to an 8-4 record. He, wide receiver
Shakiem Barbell (6-2, 178), who also impressed Lemming greatly, drove all the way from California for the trials.
"It was all worth it," Baker said. "It was just great to be around such great players and coaches. I felt like I learned a lot about my footwork and release points. I feel like all my hard work is starting to pay off."
* Cornerback
Devante Harris (5-10, 157) from Horn (Mesquite, Texas): "He's a great cover guy with big Division I potential. He's not real heavy yet and needs to fill out, but he's on the right path."
Harris has got interest from Virginia, TCU, Kansas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma.
"I loved it all here," he said. "I loved the competition and going against all this talent. I came away thinking there's always room for improvement. Everyone here was good so you have to figure out ways to stand out."
* Tight end
Canon Smith (6-3, 248) from Briarwood Christian (Ala.): "He's got great hands and moves well in the open field. He played the line growing up so he can definitely block. He's a definite Division I player."
Indeed, 2010 was Smith's first season at tight end after playing noseguard.. "I still love getting in the trenches but I also like being a skill guy. It's pretty much the best of both worlds."
Wide receiver Dittrich Bunton makes
a superb adjustment on a pass.
Photo by Jim Redman
Among other players Lemming liked:
Safety
Derek Deeds (5-10, 187) from Yukon (Okla.): "Wow, he's an outstanding safety."
Tight end Ethan Watanabe (6-3, 240) from
Taft (San Antonio, Texas): "He runs very well for a big man."
Defensive end
Moana Ofahengaue (6-3, 190) from Westlake (Saratoga Springs, Utah): "His dad played in the NFL and weighed 190 coming out of high school. (Moana) has that kind of potential."
Defensive end
Spencer Stanley (6-4, 245) from Trinity Valley (Fort Worth, Texas): "The kid is really quick off the ball, the fastest of anyone here."
