Much of my time evaluating potential college prospects involves casual conversation. That is, I just enjoy chatting with football players and have no hidden agenda with them. You can learn alot about a prospect in a 15 minute chat. At Kent State's Spring Game yesterday, I met Toledo Whitmer junior, Jamar Ridley.
Watched Jamar play twice last year. Most impressive against Massillon Washington. A fearless competitor at his LB position. Runs down hill really well. Runs thru ball carriers. Gets off blocks. Finds the ball. Although he closes well, needs to improve sideline to sideline speed. Needs to improve hip rotation.
My biggest concern last year was his ability to play under control. Over aggressive at times. Hopefully, this was the case, rather than having a poor attitude or trying to be showtime. After chatting with Jamar, over aggressiveness could have been the case. Looking forward to him dominating this fall. Another concern could be his approach to textbooks. Have a good feel that he will take care of business there, too. A concern for college coaches, but not for me, might be his 5'11-220 frame. Getting faster will help that concern.
If a 15 minute conversation is any indication, Jamar Ridley will be more than one of those "under the radar," guys this fall. Hope that he took some advice from this "old school" guy.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Retired English Teacher - Never took Keyboarding
Some of you know that I am a retired English teacher, but never took typing or keyboarding. Obviously, those lack of skills show up occasionally, really too often, in my work. Loved Twain, Shakespeare,and Thoreau. Loved writing. Taught grammer. But no typing or keyboarding.
As I was looking through my combine results, I see mistakes. That should be of no surprise to my readers. Fletcher Anderson from Adena is listed as running a 8.7/40. Actually, he ran a 5.0/40. The 8.7 was on the L-cone. My mother is 85 years old and I timed her at 9.1 in the 40. I apologize to Fletcher.
Speaking of Adena, Reid Hutchinson put up some nice numbers. 5'10-181. Vertical/30"4. Ran 4.2/shuttle. Ran 4.6/40. Ran L-cone/7.3. Also threw powerball - 33.6. Hopefully, the combine will help Reid in the recruiting process. Adena is a smaller school south of Columbus. Need to see Reid in action this fall.
Name a former Olympian from Adena.
As I was looking through my combine results, I see mistakes. That should be of no surprise to my readers. Fletcher Anderson from Adena is listed as running a 8.7/40. Actually, he ran a 5.0/40. The 8.7 was on the L-cone. My mother is 85 years old and I timed her at 9.1 in the 40. I apologize to Fletcher.
Speaking of Adena, Reid Hutchinson put up some nice numbers. 5'10-181. Vertical/30"4. Ran 4.2/shuttle. Ran 4.6/40. Ran L-cone/7.3. Also threw powerball - 33.6. Hopefully, the combine will help Reid in the recruiting process. Adena is a smaller school south of Columbus. Need to see Reid in action this fall.
Name a former Olympian from Adena.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Kent Roosevelt OL Battles Cancer
Last football season, I watched Ryan Anderson, Kent Roosevelt's big, or rather huge offensive tackle battle Stow High School. Actually liked him better as a sophomore. Overweight and did not bend well. Did not finish plays. Lined up on both sides of the ball, but did not play hard. Really dissappointed in his effort. Called my good friend John Nemec and told him as much.
I asked Coach Nemec, if Ryan would come to our msrohio combine in Medina. Coach told me that he had been working really hard and had his weight down and looked really good. I was looking forward to seeing Ryan, because he had the potential to be a top six OL guy for me.
Early in the combine, a coach told me that some prospect had thrown the power ball almost 41 feet. The average is about 33 feet. Ryan Anderson. He went on to broad jump 8 feet, run 5.2/proshuttle, and 5.2/40. All of this at 6'4 and 326 pounds. Ryan had worked evry hard and was impressive.
We talked and I made it clear to him that I was really impressed. Told him that I was his biggest critic and his answer was "Yea, I know."
The following Monday, Ryan was diagnosed with bone cancer in his knee. Next week, he starts very extensive chemo. Doctors believe that they can replace his knee. Tests show that the cancer has not spread. You go to war with guys like Ryan Anderson. When I was told that he had cancer, for some reason, finishing a block did not seem important.
Life is not always fair. I lost my wife to cancer almost eight years ago. A poster near my desk says, "It is not how hard you get hit. It is how hard you get hit...and keep moving forward." Ryan will play hard and dominate this opponent.
I asked Coach Nemec, if Ryan would come to our msrohio combine in Medina. Coach told me that he had been working really hard and had his weight down and looked really good. I was looking forward to seeing Ryan, because he had the potential to be a top six OL guy for me.
Early in the combine, a coach told me that some prospect had thrown the power ball almost 41 feet. The average is about 33 feet. Ryan Anderson. He went on to broad jump 8 feet, run 5.2/proshuttle, and 5.2/40. All of this at 6'4 and 326 pounds. Ryan had worked evry hard and was impressive.
We talked and I made it clear to him that I was really impressed. Told him that I was his biggest critic and his answer was "Yea, I know."
The following Monday, Ryan was diagnosed with bone cancer in his knee. Next week, he starts very extensive chemo. Doctors believe that they can replace his knee. Tests show that the cancer has not spread. You go to war with guys like Ryan Anderson. When I was told that he had cancer, for some reason, finishing a block did not seem important.
Life is not always fair. I lost my wife to cancer almost eight years ago. A poster near my desk says, "It is not how hard you get hit. It is how hard you get hit...and keep moving forward." Ryan will play hard and dominate this opponent.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Quarterback Joins MSR List
One of the pleasant surprises at the Medina Combine was the performance of Nick Merrick (212 Class)from Claymont High School in Eastern Ohio. Heard that he had potential, but wanted to see for myself. Nick has alot of upside.
For two years, Nick ran the wing-t offense and did not really get to show his passing ability or improve his passing technique. I love the wing-t offense, but not necessarily a good offense for a throwing QB. From watching him throw: a strong arm. Solid feet. Can throw on the run. Sometimes he short-arms the ball, but has a good, quick release. Needs to improve release point. Needs to improve follow-thru.
At 6'3-215, Nick passes "eye-ball" test. Needs to improve 40 time. Overall strength is good. Although a three sport guy, should continue to improve flexibilty and overall change of direction. Honestly, if does not make it as a QB, he could grow into a TE or OLB. But for now, he needs to impress college coaches in summer camps at the QB position.
Do not know if he is a "Top-6" QB prospect in 212 Class just yet, but for not directing a spread offense until last season, I like what I see in his passing skills and ability to make plays with his feet. Not there yet, but really believe he has promise and will continue to develop his QB skills and presence. Glad I had the chance to see him throw in March. Now looking forward to seeing him ths fall.
For two years, Nick ran the wing-t offense and did not really get to show his passing ability or improve his passing technique. I love the wing-t offense, but not necessarily a good offense for a throwing QB. From watching him throw: a strong arm. Solid feet. Can throw on the run. Sometimes he short-arms the ball, but has a good, quick release. Needs to improve release point. Needs to improve follow-thru.
At 6'3-215, Nick passes "eye-ball" test. Needs to improve 40 time. Overall strength is good. Although a three sport guy, should continue to improve flexibilty and overall change of direction. Honestly, if does not make it as a QB, he could grow into a TE or OLB. But for now, he needs to impress college coaches in summer camps at the QB position.
Do not know if he is a "Top-6" QB prospect in 212 Class just yet, but for not directing a spread offense until last season, I like what I see in his passing skills and ability to make plays with his feet. Not there yet, but really believe he has promise and will continue to develop his QB skills and presence. Glad I had the chance to see him throw in March. Now looking forward to seeing him ths fall.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Early Combine Guys in Ohio 2012 Class
Whenever I start making lists or ranking college prospects, some one is going to be missed. After the four combines this past month, some prospects who I liked did well, but there will be more.
Nana Kyeremeh(5'10-164) from Thomas Worthington High School. A corner/wide receiver with tremendous speed. Recorded 4.3/40(handheld). Proshuttle-4.19 and 4.24. L-cone - 7.18. 31" vertical. From video- tremendous closing speed. excellent hips. tough on run support. Climbs for the ball. One of the better CB's in Ohio.
Kevin Houchins(5'11-178) from Brush High School. 33inch vertical. 9'4 broad jump. 4.27 pro shuttle. 4.58/40. Watched him on man coverage. Like his toughness and closing speed. Also one of the top corners in Ohio.
James Sanford(6'2 1/2-184) from Xenia High School. 36" vertical. 9'6 broad jump. 4.3 proshuttle. Solid 4.6 both times in 40. Really like him as a free safety. Will get faster, but has excellent closing speed. Also like his toughness in the one on one drills. On video- like his ability to make plays. One of the best true free safeties in the class.
Jalen Robinette(almost 6'4-199) from Bexley High School. Ran well- 4.51 and 4.55/40.
Needs to work on change of direction. 4.51-proshuttle. Wants to be a WR, but can play either inside DB position. Like his burst. On video- excellent anticipation. Finishes plays. Like his overall competetiveness. Could be one of the best free or strong safeties in the 2012 class.
Ross Franklin(5'11-195) running back from Johnstown High School in Central Ohio was a pleasant surprise. Ran 4.6/40. 4.38 shuttle. Excellent power ball throw- 36'6. Also broad jumped 9'3. From video- good vision. Like the way he changed direction. Good burst. Will need to do well in camps, but could surprise evaluators.
Anthony Zappone(6'2-222) linebacker from Westlake High School impressed me. A solid 4.7/40 guy. But ran 4.2 and 4.3 proshuttle and 7.2l-cone. Both good times for an LB. Also broad jumped 8'10. Very intense and competes. From video-like his downhill burst. Drops into coverage well. Must perform well at camps. Like his chances to be one of better LB's in state.
These are some of the players going under the radar. I always wonder whose radar they are going under.
Nana Kyeremeh(5'10-164) from Thomas Worthington High School. A corner/wide receiver with tremendous speed. Recorded 4.3/40(handheld). Proshuttle-4.19 and 4.24. L-cone - 7.18. 31" vertical. From video- tremendous closing speed. excellent hips. tough on run support. Climbs for the ball. One of the better CB's in Ohio.
Kevin Houchins(5'11-178) from Brush High School. 33inch vertical. 9'4 broad jump. 4.27 pro shuttle. 4.58/40. Watched him on man coverage. Like his toughness and closing speed. Also one of the top corners in Ohio.
James Sanford(6'2 1/2-184) from Xenia High School. 36" vertical. 9'6 broad jump. 4.3 proshuttle. Solid 4.6 both times in 40. Really like him as a free safety. Will get faster, but has excellent closing speed. Also like his toughness in the one on one drills. On video- like his ability to make plays. One of the best true free safeties in the class.
Jalen Robinette(almost 6'4-199) from Bexley High School. Ran well- 4.51 and 4.55/40.
Needs to work on change of direction. 4.51-proshuttle. Wants to be a WR, but can play either inside DB position. Like his burst. On video- excellent anticipation. Finishes plays. Like his overall competetiveness. Could be one of the best free or strong safeties in the 2012 class.
Ross Franklin(5'11-195) running back from Johnstown High School in Central Ohio was a pleasant surprise. Ran 4.6/40. 4.38 shuttle. Excellent power ball throw- 36'6. Also broad jumped 9'3. From video- good vision. Like the way he changed direction. Good burst. Will need to do well in camps, but could surprise evaluators.
Anthony Zappone(6'2-222) linebacker from Westlake High School impressed me. A solid 4.7/40 guy. But ran 4.2 and 4.3 proshuttle and 7.2l-cone. Both good times for an LB. Also broad jumped 8'10. Very intense and competes. From video-like his downhill burst. Drops into coverage well. Must perform well at camps. Like his chances to be one of better LB's in state.
These are some of the players going under the radar. I always wonder whose radar they are going under.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Changes for the Good
Sometimes change is good, and I am hoping some of the changes that we have made over the last the last year will be good. As many coaches know, I have been doing a college football scouting service for a number of years. Used the ideas of Tom Lemming to get started, but went to a scouting service a few years later. (Okay, a few years is over 22 years.) No computers early on. As a teacher/coach, I always felt that you kept your basic plan, but modified that plan with the changing of the times. As you can see, this is what we have done with the website.
As far as blogging goes, I learned alot on my first attempt. No more thinking I am going to change the perception of football recruiting. No more thinking I am going to change football recruiting websites. No more thinking that I am going to expose all of the dishonesty of writers who are paid to do their job to get the earliest information put out by a recruit. No more questioning the moves of both the NCAA and the OHSAA. Now, six months later everything is good. McCallister will just write about all of the good in football recruiting.
I have made some changes in the McCallister Scouting Report as a whole. Because of big money backers, availabilty of video on the net, and better use of my time, no longer do I sell to colleges. Everything is free on my website. I have also taken an interest in football combines and camps. But, as I have done for over 20 years, evaluating high school talent and sharing that with college coaches is what I do. At 62, I do still enjoy traveling and watching college prospects.
I used my "bolo," and now am attempting my second shot at blogging. Par or birdie, but no boggies. And, yes, my keyboarding skills are still poor. Yea, Ohio!
As far as blogging goes, I learned alot on my first attempt. No more thinking I am going to change the perception of football recruiting. No more thinking I am going to change football recruiting websites. No more thinking that I am going to expose all of the dishonesty of writers who are paid to do their job to get the earliest information put out by a recruit. No more questioning the moves of both the NCAA and the OHSAA. Now, six months later everything is good. McCallister will just write about all of the good in football recruiting.
I have made some changes in the McCallister Scouting Report as a whole. Because of big money backers, availabilty of video on the net, and better use of my time, no longer do I sell to colleges. Everything is free on my website. I have also taken an interest in football combines and camps. But, as I have done for over 20 years, evaluating high school talent and sharing that with college coaches is what I do. At 62, I do still enjoy traveling and watching college prospects.
I used my "bolo," and now am attempting my second shot at blogging. Par or birdie, but no boggies. And, yes, my keyboarding skills are still poor. Yea, Ohio!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tyler O'Conner A Division 5 QB
During 2-a-days last August, I stopped in Lima to see 212 QB- Tyler O'Conner from Lima Central Catholic. I had heard the name through some recruiting sites, but I never put much stock in evaluations from these sites. As it turned out, Tyler was not practicing that day. Last Saturday night I went to Lima to see him play. Great move on my part.
Tyler does everything for his football team. The starting QB, due to some injuries, he started at FS, punted very well, was short on a 43 yard field goal attempt, and kicked off to the five yard line. Add to the fact, that he is an excellent team leader.
Tyler has all of the tools to be a highly recruited QB at the D-1 college level. He is 6'2 and weighs just over 200. Moves well in the pocket. Needs to improve speed, but has good escapability. Good pocket presence. LCC runs the spread with the direct snap, but Tyler also comes up under center. Like the fact that he does both. Looked comfortable in the 5 step drop.
Arm strength is good. Deep pass is evident. Very quick release. One of the better releases that I have seen this fall. Footwork is good. Opens hips. Good body control. Stands tall and sees the field. Seems to read coverages well. Makes good decisions.
Does not shy away from contact. In fact, he could be a LB someday. For now, he needs to put all his energies into quarterbacking, and I am sure he will.
Major knock will be level of competition. Out of his control, of course. Tyler needs to focus on the season. Keep working on his speed and agility. Get into some camps next summer. I really like his potential, but I am one of those who is concerned about level of competition. Have a feeling, however, that he will be just fine.
Tyler does everything for his football team. The starting QB, due to some injuries, he started at FS, punted very well, was short on a 43 yard field goal attempt, and kicked off to the five yard line. Add to the fact, that he is an excellent team leader.
Tyler has all of the tools to be a highly recruited QB at the D-1 college level. He is 6'2 and weighs just over 200. Moves well in the pocket. Needs to improve speed, but has good escapability. Good pocket presence. LCC runs the spread with the direct snap, but Tyler also comes up under center. Like the fact that he does both. Looked comfortable in the 5 step drop.
Arm strength is good. Deep pass is evident. Very quick release. One of the better releases that I have seen this fall. Footwork is good. Opens hips. Good body control. Stands tall and sees the field. Seems to read coverages well. Makes good decisions.
Does not shy away from contact. In fact, he could be a LB someday. For now, he needs to put all his energies into quarterbacking, and I am sure he will.
Major knock will be level of competition. Out of his control, of course. Tyler needs to focus on the season. Keep working on his speed and agility. Get into some camps next summer. I really like his potential, but I am one of those who is concerned about level of competition. Have a feeling, however, that he will be just fine.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Chris Carter - Cleveland JFK
Last Friday afternoon I watched Cleveland JFK host Cleveland John Marshall. The largest percentage of evaluations are in the Classes of 212, 213, and sometimes 214. Really was there to watch Trayvon Williams (213) WR from JFK, DeAndre Brown(212) ATH from John Marshall, and others. But my most pleasanr surprise was watching Chris Carter(211) OL/DL from JFK.
Quite frankly, O-State is getting a real football player. At least 6'3 and knocking on 300 pounds. Much more than one of those big fat linemen who are only straight ahead blockers and eventually move to a guard postion. Chris can trap, lead, and get on linebackers. Very explosive and is simply powerful. Finishes plays.
Did not play much defense against John Marshall, but I could see him as 3 tech inside guy. He plays pad under pad and has the punch. Definitely can play gap tech.
The burst to be a speed rusher.
We talked briefly and told him that he was much better than I expected. Much better. Told him Ohio State is getting a quality person, as well as a player. He smiled and said, "thanks for all of your help and you were responsible for me getting there." Of course, that is not true, but I really appreciated him saying that.
Chris Carter will represent the city of Cleveland well. Just like Ohio State, Glenville cannot get them all. Most of you know, Ted Ginn is a very close friend of mine and that comment was made in fun.
Quite frankly, O-State is getting a real football player. At least 6'3 and knocking on 300 pounds. Much more than one of those big fat linemen who are only straight ahead blockers and eventually move to a guard postion. Chris can trap, lead, and get on linebackers. Very explosive and is simply powerful. Finishes plays.
Did not play much defense against John Marshall, but I could see him as 3 tech inside guy. He plays pad under pad and has the punch. Definitely can play gap tech.
The burst to be a speed rusher.
We talked briefly and told him that he was much better than I expected. Much better. Told him Ohio State is getting a quality person, as well as a player. He smiled and said, "thanks for all of your help and you were responsible for me getting there." Of course, that is not true, but I really appreciated him saying that.
Chris Carter will represent the city of Cleveland well. Just like Ohio State, Glenville cannot get them all. Most of you know, Ted Ginn is a very close friend of mine and that comment was made in fun.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
First Day for Scrimmages
Today was the first day for high school teams to play against a different colored jersey. For you that know me, you must realize I go to evaluate talent. Very rarely do I have time to analyze an offense or defense. My early travels took me to Ohio Wesleyan to watch Big Walnut, Dublin Scioto, and Buckeye Valley.
Buckeye Valley is small in numbers, but played with enthusiasm and intensity. The player who caught my eye for them was Juston Koss(212). Plays DE/RB. Probably 6'1-195. Plays hard and is intense. Needs to work on his feet/quickness. Frame to get bigger/ stronger. Will need to keep working, but has a chance.
Big Walnut has a 212-DT who caught my eye. Saw Jason Griffth at the OSU camp this past summer. Just over 6 feet, but strong and powerful. Probably weighs 250. Needs to improve balance and quickness. Could be a 3 technique. Needs to play harder at times. Like his potential, but will have to work on agility.
Dublin Scioto has two young players whom I really like. William Huston(213)is a guy getting his first varsity competition. About 5'11, but weighs about 215. Solid speed. Excellent vision. Tough inside runner who reads well. Has alittle burst, but will get faster. Told him that he has to play with much, much more intensity. Only a sophomore, but has a ton of potential. Grant Noppenberger(212) is a 3 technique guy. Only 6'1, but packs about 250. Played center, as well as some DT. Good base. Intelligent. Tough. Heighth will determine what side of ball he plays. Scioto has a quick, short playmaker who is only a 214 guy. Well be exciting in the years ahead.
This is kind of a sample of what I send to colleges during the season. On this blog I have omitted seniors. My concentration is mostly on underclassmen.
Going to watch Kenton, Olentangy, Marion Franklin, and Lancaster tonight. More players to evaluate.
Buckeye Valley is small in numbers, but played with enthusiasm and intensity. The player who caught my eye for them was Juston Koss(212). Plays DE/RB. Probably 6'1-195. Plays hard and is intense. Needs to work on his feet/quickness. Frame to get bigger/ stronger. Will need to keep working, but has a chance.
Big Walnut has a 212-DT who caught my eye. Saw Jason Griffth at the OSU camp this past summer. Just over 6 feet, but strong and powerful. Probably weighs 250. Needs to improve balance and quickness. Could be a 3 technique. Needs to play harder at times. Like his potential, but will have to work on agility.
Dublin Scioto has two young players whom I really like. William Huston(213)is a guy getting his first varsity competition. About 5'11, but weighs about 215. Solid speed. Excellent vision. Tough inside runner who reads well. Has alittle burst, but will get faster. Told him that he has to play with much, much more intensity. Only a sophomore, but has a ton of potential. Grant Noppenberger(212) is a 3 technique guy. Only 6'1, but packs about 250. Played center, as well as some DT. Good base. Intelligent. Tough. Heighth will determine what side of ball he plays. Scioto has a quick, short playmaker who is only a 214 guy. Well be exciting in the years ahead.
This is kind of a sample of what I send to colleges during the season. On this blog I have omitted seniors. My concentration is mostly on underclassmen.
Going to watch Kenton, Olentangy, Marion Franklin, and Lancaster tonight. More players to evaluate.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Ohio Prep Football Time
High school football season began on Monday. What can I say, it is the most funtime of the year for me. With conditioning, combines, camps, and 7on7's, it seems like football year-round. But football time is real now.
Possible good news for Strongsville football. One of my top o-line prospects in Ohio tore his ACL last spring in a pick-up basketball game. David Kaminski, as 6'4-270 OL guy is beginning to jog now. Hopefully, he will be back by game 4. He weighed 215 as as a freshman, but now is up to 270. Long and can run. Excellent feet and like the way he bends. My kind of lineman. Slender and gaining weight the right way. Excellent potential.
Had a chance to watch Braxton Miller in some 7on7 games last week. He does everything with his arm. Tremendous arm strength, but needs to work on some finer points. Needs to follow through. Needs to work on weight balance. Needs to improve footwork. Once he improves technique, "watch out." He could be a "special QB" at Ohio State. He is a passer, not a thrower who can run. Very coachable. Of course. Devin Smith(WR -Massillon) could make life easier for Braxton. Tremendous ball skills. Better after the catch. Devin also has a chance to be special at Ohio State.
Alot of recruiting analyst(whatever that means) spend much of their time following the "no brainers." Most of the time that is easy. Saw a QB last week in 7on7 games whom I really like. Probably not a 5 Star or even a 1 Star now, because Rivals does not know about him. Tall 6'4-225 QB (Class of 210). Quick release. Strong arm. Good feet. Like his QB presence. Only his third year of playing quarterback. Led Leipsic to a 10-2 record on the D6 level. Looking forward to seeing him this fall.
Possible good news for Strongsville football. One of my top o-line prospects in Ohio tore his ACL last spring in a pick-up basketball game. David Kaminski, as 6'4-270 OL guy is beginning to jog now. Hopefully, he will be back by game 4. He weighed 215 as as a freshman, but now is up to 270. Long and can run. Excellent feet and like the way he bends. My kind of lineman. Slender and gaining weight the right way. Excellent potential.
Had a chance to watch Braxton Miller in some 7on7 games last week. He does everything with his arm. Tremendous arm strength, but needs to work on some finer points. Needs to follow through. Needs to work on weight balance. Needs to improve footwork. Once he improves technique, "watch out." He could be a "special QB" at Ohio State. He is a passer, not a thrower who can run. Very coachable. Of course. Devin Smith(WR -Massillon) could make life easier for Braxton. Tremendous ball skills. Better after the catch. Devin also has a chance to be special at Ohio State.
Alot of recruiting analyst(whatever that means) spend much of their time following the "no brainers." Most of the time that is easy. Saw a QB last week in 7on7 games whom I really like. Probably not a 5 Star or even a 1 Star now, because Rivals does not know about him. Tall 6'4-225 QB (Class of 210). Quick release. Strong arm. Good feet. Like his QB presence. Only his third year of playing quarterback. Led Leipsic to a 10-2 record on the D6 level. Looking forward to seeing him this fall.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)