The Scout.com combine tour hit the Pelican State this past Saturday where the New Orleans Saints hosted 165 of the top prospects from the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. Speed and skill dominated this combine with the wide receivers and defensive backs stealing the show.
The combine headliner had to be DeAndre Brown. Brown, a wide receiver from Ocean Springs (Miss.) High School, looked incredible. At 6-6.5 and 220 pounds, he ran 4.53 and 4.52 in the forty yard dash. In passing drills Brown caught everything thrown his way, even making some spectacular one handed grabs. He ran good routes, showed speed, quickness, concentration, athletic ability and he really knows how to use his big body. Brown is a sure-fire future five-star that looked like the real deal.
LaRon Byrd
Brown was definitely the spot light prospect of a deep wide receiver contingent. Other receivers that shined were LaRon Byrd (Hahnville, La.), Allen Muse (Leesville, La.), Keon McGee (McComb, Miss.), DeAngelo Peterson (New Orleans, La.), Michael Manning (West Monroe, La.), Rayshawn Harris (Bogalusa, La.), Timothy Molton (Destrehan, La.), and Jhyrn Taylor (Franklinton, La.). All of these prospects had a few common traits – they had great size, athletic ability and they showed speed and quickness. Jordan Jefferson, a wide receiver prospect from Destrehan (La.), showed up but didn’t participate in the one on one drills because of a broken hand.
Ted Holley
As deep as the receivers were, there may have been just as many defensive backs that stood out. Leading the way of this group was Ted Holley (Monroe, La.). Holley, who has nice size, showed superior cover skills – great hips, instincts, quick feet and acceleration. He held his own against the bigger Brown in one on one drills. Other defensive backs standouts were Ryan St. Julien (Baton Rouge, La.), Alonzo Lawrence (George County, Miss.), Bobby Felder (McComb, Miss.), Isiah Wiley (West Monroe, La.), Corrogan Powell (Garland, Texas), Jacquez Simmons (Neville, La.), Aadron Hacket (Leesville, La.), Rocky Duplessis (Belle Chase, La.), and Jimmie Crawford (New Orleans, La.). All of these secondary standouts had their moments in the one on one drills.
Brandon Bolden
Eddie Lacey (Geismar, La.) was one of the top running back prospects. Only a rising junior, Lacey certainly looks the part. He has nice size, good speed and quickness and has a good burst. Lacey also has good hands and was a tough cover for the linebackers in the one on one drills. Running back Luther Ambrose (St. James, La.) was not only the fastest running back but the fastest prospect at this event. Ambrose ran two blazing forties – 4.29, 4.34. Other running back standouts were Meco Brown (Moss Point, Miss.), Brandon Bolden (Baton Rouge, La.), and Jericho Nelson (Destrehan, La.). Keep a close eye on Bolden this season. He is put together and he can sure run.
Chris Davenport
There were not as many linemen but there were still some kids that stood out. Defensively, two come to mind – Chris Davenport (Mansfield, La.) and Joshua Jackson (Canton, Miss.). Davenport, only a rising junior, was absolutely dominating. He has speed, quickness and power for a big man and should be one of the top prospects in Louisiana next season. Jackson, who at this time plays end, will grow into a tackle. Like Davenport, he is nimble and quick for a player his size. Both of these young men were virtually unblockable when going against the o-linemen. Speaking of offensive linemen, Leon Glover (New Orleans, La.), Brandon McDowell (McComb, Miss.), Patrick Lewis (Reserve, La.), and Evan Ruiz (St. Michael, La.), all had some nice moments and look like they have a future playing college ball. Lewis is only a rising junior and looks like a solid offensive guard prospect.
Tim Jackson
There were several linebacker standouts like Tim Jackson (Clarksdale, Miss.), Herman Lathers (Istrouma, La.), Josh Chestang (Moss Point, Miss.), and Trent Mackey (Carencro, La.). Jackson was probably the top performer at this position. He has a nice body and frame, good speed and smarts. Lathers is fast and can be dominant at times. Chestang is small (5-9, 205) but was probably the most complete linebacker there. All these linebackers ran in the 4.5 range.