Home Schoolers - Dakota Holtzclaw and Alex Melfe

       Over the winter, I watched two underclassmen football players who play for the Columbus Crusaders. The Columbus Crusaders football team is not a member of the Ohio High Athletic Association. But they play a very competitive independent football schedule. As I continue to learn more about the Crusaders, I found that they have two players are home schooled. First home schooled players that I have met. Both attended my combines at the D-1 Sports Training Center and were impressive.
       Dakota Holtzclaw (2016) is a wide receiver for the Crusaders. Measured almost 6'7-204(NS). Could add much weight to his frame. Verticaled 29.5. Ran 4.69/40. Ran 4.63/PS. Really athletic. Moves well. Changes direction. Ran 7.9/L-C. Competes hard. Caught the ball well. Liked his video. Dakota's combination size and agility is impressive. Once he adds strength/weight and maintains his athleticism, should be a definite Division One - college prospect. Only a sophomore.
       Alexander Melfe (2017) also plays for the Crusaders and is also home schooled. Really impressed with his LB skills in his video. Measured 6'2 1/2-219(NS). Ran 4.7/PS. Ran an impressive 7.3/LC. Threw 33'5PB. Much the same as Dakota Holtzclaw, I liked the way he the way he competed. On video, liked his LB skills. Runs well sideline to sideline. Needs to continue to improve speed, but will.
       Both Dakota and Alexander will have recruiters concerned about strength of competition. But watching the video, they both do a lot of things well for underclassmen. Physical skills are evident.
They need to get into camps this summer in front of decision makers. Next fall, they need to be dominating against good competition.
       One word on home schooling. More and more parents are home schooling. The OHSAA recently added rules for home schoolers' eligibility. They also put in rules governing which schools home schoolers can play.
        I will be watching the Columbus Crusaders this fall. Another underclassman who attended my combine was Maximilian Roberts (2016) who plays WR. Should be a good trip for me.