Collegiate coaches strolling the sideline were a cross section of D-l, D-lAA, D-ll schools,
including Virginia, Clemson, Air Force, Elon, NC A&T, and William and Mary. Coaches from
Liberty, Gardner Webb, Virginia State, Johnson C Smith, Lenoir-Ryne, Virginia State, Elizabeth
City State, and Wingate were also in attendance.
For these collegiate coaches, the Showcase was a tremendous opportunity to evaluate 100+ elite
football prospects at once, maximizing their recruiting time during the Spring Evaluation period
which runs through May.
“This event was great and has helped me in the recruiting process immensely,” said Coach
Westerfield of The Citadel. “To be able to see the players, the high school coaches, and the
parents in one location was awesome.”
Per NCAA rules, there was no testing at the event, but times, highlight reels, and profiles were
made available for those student-athletes who have been tested during previous VTO Sports
Combine Prep Sessions. The athletes did perform agility drills, position drills, 1on1s and 7on7s,
which gave the players a great opportunity to display their football skills.
“The seven-on-seven was a fantastic twist on these events, said Billy Napier of Clemson
University. “This can become a must attend event by every coach next year.”
Delivering on the coaching of the athletes in the drills were some big name schools and former
players which included staff from 108-game winning Independence, SE Raleigh, Hillside, Vance,
West Charlotte, and Hopewell. The DL and DB's also benefited from former NFL stars Brentson Buckner Retired (Carolina Panthers) and Myron Bell Retired (Steelers) both who now serve as
high school coaches at Victory Christian Center School.
The VTO Sports Elite 100 delivered on an "A" list of student-athletes. In the individual workouts,
the following players were awarded as Most Valuable Players at their position.
A.J. Blue (QB) North Gaston HS: The North Gaston flame thrower was really impressive.
Showing the quickness of a cat in the agility drills, and a confidence in the 7 on 7’s, absolutely
toying with the safety in coverage until he wanted to zip the ball into his receiver. Blue is one of
the most gifted athletes at the QB position.
Bobby Morrison (RB) West Iredell HS: Energy and leadership best describes this hardworking
RB. Bobby shined in the One on Ones using his 4.4 speed and incredible balance to get the
separation necessary to make a play. This young man has “it” which was evident in the way he
raised the level of all the players around him.
Makiri Pugh (CB) Independence HS: Confidence, power, and great technique describe this
highly sought after CB. Locking down in the one on one’s and smoothly working with his
teammates in the 7 on 7’s this multiple offer CB is going to make a great addition to any College
secondary.
Demetrius Hartsfield (LB) SE Raleigh: His imposing physical presence and quick movement
somehow do not seem possible. His speed and power in the agility was so impressive. Naturally
excelling in the one on one’s and leading the linebacker group, DH will definitely be one to watch
at the next level.
Anthony Amos (WR) Westover: This flash from Westover flat out gives 100 percent effort in
every route and drill. He on numerous occasions showed his speed and precise route running in
the one on ones and 7 on 7. Great body control and feel for the defender that will serve him well.
Shannon Andrews (OL) Independence: This physically imposing young man was incredibly
light on his feet in the agility. His technique and power in the one on ones was impressive. Very
good center of gravity and positioned always to take away the advantage of his opponent.
James Wilson (DL) Lynchburg Christian VA: James could quite possibly play any of the front
7 positions. He is playing DE and DT but has the speed, power, leverage and athletic ability to
play any position in the box. He has a motor that will not stop and showed it in the one on ones.
Other very notable “Blue Chip” athletes in attendance:
Braden Hansen (QB) Charlotte Latin: Leading an incredible list of Honorable Mention
attendees is Braden Hansen. The word that comes to mind about his performance was “Mystro”.
He threw every pass on the passing tree with accuracy. His reads in the 7 on7 were excellent
dropping pass after pass into the “bucket”. He has a quiet confidence and command that
recruiters look for in a signal caller.
Honorable mention attendees:
Alexander Wall, QB, AC Reynolds
Darius Thomas, QB, West Charlotte
Ricky Mitchell, QB, High Point Central
Darius Spencer, RB, AC Reynolds
Qu’Darrick Robinson, RB, Victory Christian
Justin Duhaney, RB, Victory Christian
Gary Douglas, RB, Hillside
Geo Irving, WR, Hillside
Tyrone Craig, WR, West Charlotte
Gary Green, WR, Southview
Dylon May, TE, West Charlotte
Daniel Spisak, OL, Vance
Richard Fox, OL, Providence Day
Bobby Massie, DL, Lynchburg Christian
Christopher Billingslea, DE, Fort Mill
Greg Schuster, DT, Charlotte Latin
Jordon Woods, LB, Independence
Chaz Washington, LB, Richland NE
LaVadrick Farrar, LB, Vance
Ben Ashcraft, LB, Charlotte Latin
Justin Venable, S, Southeast Guilford
Chris Gilbert, S, Hopewell
Justin Lloyd, S, Victory Christian
Kelly Johnson, S, Providence Day
James Barksdale,CB, Hopewell
Underclassmen that had great camp:
Larry Raper, RB, Shelby
Devonte Holloman, S, Independence
Devin Wherry, RB, South Pointe, SC
Anthony Carrothers, QB, Independence
For more information on VTO Sports and upcoming Preparation events, log on to
www.vtosports.com or call (704) 503-3806.
About VTO:
VTO Sports is the premier provider of PREPARATION and EXPOSURE for high school
student-athletes, specializing in Combine Prep, Scouting Prep and Recruiting Prep. VTO Sports
serves as the link between high school/college coaches, student-athletes and parents.
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