As another summer of the B2G Elite Football Program wrapped up, it was a monumental year for founders Henry Bell and Ron Allen.
“It was quite an accomplishment this year,” said Bell. “We did three of them for the first time. Our goal is to do four and one national one, but we’re really happy with this year. We had some diamonds in the rough at this year’s program. Once we keep our presence out there, the talent improves.”
As Bell reflected on this year’s class, he thought about previous years, and how some of those same players are heading into senior years of college or preparing for their NFL debuts.
“Guys like Richard Sherman, Anthony Wheat-Brown, Steve Smith, Dennis Dixon, Daymeon Hughes, they were all there and now we are seeing how their careers are working out,” said Bell. “Their confidence goes through the roof when they work at B2G. They instantly took a leadership role and it became their camp. Guys come in to compete and work their tails off.”
Bell was reminded of former Sylmar (Calif.) running back C.J. Gable, who was one of the top rushers for USC last fall.
“C.J. was another kid we had as a youngster,” said Bell. “He was a no-name going into his junior year (of high school), and then before you know it, he’s coming and competing and then he became a national name.”
Last year, 10 of the B2G participants in Los Angeles participated in one of the three national all-American games, including Chris Rainey and Marc Tyler who were selected to the U.S. Army All-American Game.
As the program closed for the summer, Bell talked about who stood out at their three locations, in Southern California, Chicago and North Carolina.
“At all three camps, especially in California, the DBs stood out. We had probably our strongest group of DBs we’ve ever had. They competed and they had their fair share of wins. Especially in Illinois, five of the eight were really solid. Guys like Micah Fisher and Gene Robinson. Illinois had those guys that stood out.”
In California, the list included the top two corners in the region and the second-ranked safety.
“Anthony Dye and Robert Golden showed why they’re the top corners, and of course, E.J. was solid all weekend,” said Bell. “And other guys like Marcus Thompson, Austin Daniels, Steven Christian showed some signs and started to put it together a little more. And Anthony Young and Jonathan Warzeka too. Jake Muasau, he switched with receiver, but I’m telling you, he could be a big-time safety.”
“In Chicago, Micah Fisher and Graham Stoddard (both from Lincoln Southwest) really stood out. And Gene Robinson was our defensive MVP. Remember his name. Bradley Martz and Kordero Hunter also really did a good job in Chicago.”
Back in SoCal, Kemonte Bateman, the MVP of last year’s A-Game continued to make B2G his personal playground.
“Kemonte came in this year, knowing this was his camp and was a vocal leader. Last year he was a little more quiet, but his confidence really grew. And he just showed all weekend how good he can be. And look at (teammate) Clint Floyd. What Clint Floyd was, was steady. He was our MVP this year.”
Other standouts to Bell were receiver Marvin Jones and Kevin Cummings, running back Jamal Womble, linebacker Damion Whittington and quarterback Ryan Katz.
“Of course, I was on Ryan all weekend, trying to rattle him. Telling him the DBs were going to get picks. He didn’t throw one all weekend until the A-Game and he was mad. But we always gave him his compliments. Jamal is a power back and he’s going to be one of the best running backs in this class, trust me.”
One of the surprised for Bell in SoCal was Utah linebacker Forrest Dabb.
“Forrest really stood out and everyone had him as one of the top linebackers at our program. He’s going to be a steal,” said Bell.
And like Bateman a year ago, B2G served as a coming out party for another junior to be, Inglewood (Calif.) receiver Shaquelle Evans.
“Shaq, we knew what he could do. That’s the thing about B2G is it lets the younger guys compete with older guys and get their confidence,” said Bell.
Other juniors who stood out were Tim McDonald Jr. and Cliff Harris, from Edison HS in Fresno and quarterback Tate Forcier, the A-Game MVP.
“Tate Forcier, he’s going to be an incredible prospect,” said Bell.
The summer marked the eighth year of B2G, and as they continue to grow, Bell is already looking forward to their 10th camp, which he hopes includes a national all-star camp.
“We’re just continuing to build B2G into the best summer program around,” said Bell.