Lake Gibson hosted the ESS combine today where Polk County athletes dominated the event, but Tampa Bay had a great showing. Below are some observations from todays event.
Landon Galloway, Plant City, 2014, QB – How does Plant City fill the void left by Bennie Coney? Galloway could be the answer. The 6-2 sophomore had an outstanding day. He has a very strong arm and decent mechanics for a kid with virtually no varsity QB experience. Today he displayed good accuracy and touch on his intermediary passes.
Emmanuel Stewart, Gibbs, 2013, RB – One spectator made this comment to Stewart as the combine concluded, “Boy, I would hate to see you when you get that brace off.” Referencing the moves Stewart showed during one on ones. Stewart has almost made a full recovery from a 2011 season ending knee injury.
Seth Crowell, Plant City, OG/OT, 2013 – One of the brightest surprises of the day. Crowell is technically sound. He really showed a great set up in his pass drop and quick footwork. He and teammate, Devyn Salmon battled several times.
Durant 2013, S, JJ Garrett is a great looking prospect. Projected as a CB because of his ball skills and size.
Jordan Sherit, Hillsborough, 2013, DT – Seems to only get bigger. Just unstoppable. It didn’t matter who lined up infront of him, Sherit won! Too fast, too nibble, too athletic…too good.
Devyn Salmon, Plant City, 2013, DT – Benched 185lbs, 26 times and ran a solid time at the 40 yard dash. In order to stop Salmon, an offensive guard must be able to match strength. Salmon overpowered opponents today and used a variety of pass rush moves.
Brandon Hawkins, Alonso, 2013, QB – Another solid day for “The Hawk”. He threw the ball with authority and showed well oiled mechanics.
Nate Mills, Sickles, 2013, QB – Obviously, Mills is the sleeper in Hillsborough County, but he “Did his thang today.” Well thown deep balls all afternoon.
Brad Mayes, Berkeley Prep, 2015, QB – The young Mayes is a great looking prospect. Blessed with good size and developing skill. Without any chemistry with receivers today, he still had a great performance.
Joe Davis, Plant City, 2013, WR – Davis set out today with one of his goals to make a good impression on BCP as a dispute for his low slot receiver rank. He had a great day, catching just about every ball thrown to him. Ran crisp routes.
Christian Strong, Countyside, 2013, QB – 6-4/200lbs arguably had the best day of the QBs. He was money all day. The receivers were fighting to catch his passes.
Jarrett Gretebeck, Strawberry Crest, 2013, DE – 6-3/220lbs displayed violent hands, a few good pass rush moves, favorite being swim and or rip moves. Worked out at several different defensive positions.
Vincent Jackson, Jesuit, DE/TE, 2014 – Each time I see VJ, he looks bigger and better. He is currently a top ranked DE, but is just as talented as a TE. Did not receive many reps at TE today as there was an abundant amount of receivers fighting for reps.
Maurice Hall, Gibbs, 2014, ATH – What can’t he do? Hall killed today as he performed primarily as a receiver and defensive back. Even without being at full strength, he ran routes with ease and had tight coverage.