The lineman group headlined by Plant OL Richy Klepal and Hillsborough DL Jordan Sherit proved to be one of the deepest positions at the 2012 BHSN BCP Ignite combine.
After all 250 Ignite participants competed in skills tests they split up to work on individuals within their respective positions. Offensively a number of lineman showed excellent footwork and hip movement.
Sophomores Isaiah Wynn (Lakewood) and Mason Cole (East Lake) showed that youth is not an indication of skill level on the offensive line. Both showed good feet and loose hips while showcasing strong form as they worked on pass blocking techniques.
Juniors Cameron Ruff (Jesuit) and Richy Klepal (Plant) were also impressive showing quick feet and strong body control.
Defensively it was the juniors stealing the show. Sherit was joined by John Franklin (Blake), Devyn Salmon (Plant City), Jarrett Gretebeck (Strawberry Crest) and Bentley Easley (Newsome) among participants who impressed.
Speed was showcased during individual drills where Sherit led the way with impressive rip and swim moves. His hands are extremely quick and powerful while his feet follow suit.
Blake’s John Franklin is lean and extremely fast off the edge. While he is a strong edge rusher his future is as a linebacker. When asked why he was working out with the linemen and not the linebackers, Franklin’s answer was simple; he likes the contact with the offensive linemen, who are much bigger than him.
Plant City brought tons of talent to the Ignite combine – and Salmon was one of the top talents for the Raiders. He has a great frame and is very good with his hands. His long arms keep blockers away from him – then he uses his quick feet to spin and get inside pressure on the quarterback.
Gretebeck from Strawberry Crest and Easley from Newsome both impressed during individual and 1-on-1 drills as well. Gretebeck is a speed rusher to uses his hands to keep linemen off his body while Easley uses his size and strength to control his opponents.
Overally competition was through the roof at the Ignite combine. Tampa Bay is easily one of those ‘must-stop’ destinations on the recruiting trail.
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