After The Xecutives, several area athletes will make moves on our Fire 79 Ranking. Below are several prospects that will have a good shot of moving up in the ranking.
Class of 2015
TJ Simmons, Lakeland Christian RB – Note: The Xecutives is the best 12 participants per position from our three qualifying events. So every position, invitees are invited from 70 plus other athletes at their same position. Yes, TJ Simmons is a popular name, but will he be the best at his position at the Xecutives and give himself a chance to bubble up in our ranking? That is yet to be seen. What we really want to see Simmons do, is make a big impact catching the ball out the backfield. Basically being able to be an every down back at the college level because he can transform into a legitimate receiving threat.
Scott Patchan, Freedom DE – There has not been a BCP event that Scott Patchan has not shined in a big way. But, there has not been a BCP Showcase like the Xecutives, which highlights some of the best players around. Patchan is known for his speed and anticipation. We want to see Patchan use a variety of disengage moves and counter moves which he will develop at the next level to be able to compete at the collegiate level.
Jonathan Crawford, Largo ATH – It’s not a surprise at all that Jonathan Crawford has blown up like a delayed black cat of the 4th of July. He can do a lot with the ball in his hands and does a great job creating space in order to make himself a target. How will he fair versus some of the longer and more aggressive CBs and safeties? We are going to be keeping a close eye on how well Crawford handles press coverage, releasing off the line and using his body to shield defenders.
Deon Cain, Tampa Bay Tech ATH – Cain won’t be participating at the Xecutives, however we have been so impressed with him over the years that his likely climb up the ranking will be unavoidable. The single factor why he is not higher, we have not evaluated him as a WR with pads. After looking at a few other prospects we have ranked, we have not seen them play WR with pads on either. Case closed!
Reuben Jones, Lake Gibson DE – Very similar prospect to Scott Patchan; Speed rusher and gets off the line in a hurry. And just like Patchan, he will be a player that we want to see what happens when speed meets speed and a counter move must be utilized. This will be one of the best group of linemen Jones would have lined up against at a BCP event and he will have to out smart them as well as out perform them.
Class of 2016
Jacob Mathis, Berkeley Prep WR – This is going to be an event crafted for receivers and defensive backs to take home bragging rights. Mathis will be a big target the quarterbacks are going to toss too often because of his size and ability. He will look down the barrel of the guns of some of the best cover corners around and how he matches fire to fire will be a good indication to his domination. Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Bucs 1st Round WR selection) duplicate in the next few years? Could be!!!!
Baveon Johnson, Lake Gibson OT – They are starting to pick up on Johnson. “They,” referring to college coaches and national recruiting services. Footwork and extension are two of Baveon’s best assets as an offensive lineman. But at this event, his pass pro skills will be put to the test with some horses opposite him. Hand placement and change of direction will be needed to beat the dudes he will compete against at Xecutives.
Keldric Preston, Robinson DE –To be considered as one of the best edge rushers in the area, you have to beat some of the best edge protectors in the area. Robinson’s Keldric Preston will have that opportunity at the Xecutives. Won’t be a premier name to start. But if all goes well, could be a highlighted name come 2pm the afternoon of June 29th.
Kelvin Broome, Lakeland LB – Linebackers are not made to pass drop and go backwards. They are manufactured to target and eliminate ball carries while moving forward. The ones who can progress backwards, gather and pass drop are the linebackers who have an increased value. As running backs have an increased value as 1st-3rd down backs, the same can be said for their counterparts on the opposite side of the ball. If Broome shows us he can be an effective pass defender, his stock will rise in a big way.
Artavis Pierce, Auburndale RB – It would be difficult to name a trio of running backs better than the three at Auburndale and the head of the monster is arguably Wilbur Cooper. In the waiting for the glow to illuminate over his jersey is Artavis Pierce. He can catch, run, move, and do everything any other Xecutives back can do. However, what he will need to show to reel in the separation between he and other 2016 prospect is shiftiness, confidence and attitude. We want to see Pierce transform and capture our attention with his lateral movement and confidence.