The 2015 class was well represented throughout the weekend at E7. Some we knew about, but many burst on the scene and impressed a number of position coaches. Below we look at a handful of freshman that impressed at the Big County Preps E7 Skills Camp.
Aaron Cox, Freedom DB – Cox is a natural defensive back with smooth feet, great hips and a will to learn. Once he puts a little weight on Cox will be a legitimate prospect and talked about a lot in Tampa Bay. He was beat a few times during 1on1 and got frustrated, but he came right back and stuck to his opponent’s hip of the following play.
Nate Ferguson, Freedom DB – He LOVES putting his hands on WRs at the line – and he’s punishing. He has good feet, energy and a high motor. Ferguson also has a nice vertical which he showed off during 7on7 making an interception over a much taller WR on a deep fly route. Where he looked most raw was when coaches asked him to play with a 5-yard cushion. He struggled to read the immediate route and was forced to play from behind.
Austin Stroup, Wiregrass Ranch DL – Stroup was one of the surprises of the E7 camp. He showed violent hands and the ability to play inside. Just shy of 6-feet and weighing nearly 230 pounds Stroup could develop into a big body clogging up holes on the interior of the offensive line.
Marques Ford, East Bay DL – A long, lean freshman with a great build that could turn into a formidable prospect within a couple years. Ford was quick off the line and showed the ability to stick his foot in the ground and change direction, diving inside or ripping around the outside shoulder of the larger, slower, tackle.
Deon Cain, King QB – Just a freshman and has a very strong arm. Short arms his passes right now, but with some work and correction, Can develop into a good prospect. Great size right now and looks like he will sprout 3-4 more inches. Squeezed some tight passes, but will learn what passes to throw in what situation.
Dwayne Lawson, Hillsborough QB – Extremely raw, but Lawson has a chance. He needs to work on his feet, and timing a bit, but Lawson has a strong arm and made great decisions during 7on7. He did a nice job looking off safeties, reading coverages and throwing the ball to the open receiver.
JT Steele, CCC RB – Won’t wow you with overwhelming size or strength, but Steele is a hard worker who refuses to quit. He struggled through a few drills during the camp but showed a big heart and even some flashes of quickness. If he puts on a little weight and gains some strength Steele could get some college looks.
Tristan Hyde, Strawberry Crest QB – Simply put, he can spin it. Will not open eyes with the measurables. Not the tallest or heaviest, but throws a good ball. Understands spacing and showed touch on certain passes. Completed the majority of his balls in 7 on 7 and 1 on 1s.
Bryan Thomas, Armwood LB – This young prospect has a ways to go, but has such an upside that if his padded production matches his showcase production he will be one heck of a prospect.