U100 Southeast - Top Performers - Day 1: Class of 2015/2016

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College Park, Georgia- The hottest day of the year did not stop over 280 kids from all around the Southeast from participating in the Ultimate100 held at Bill Badgett Stadium in College Park.  Every participant took part in a combine, individual drills, one-on-ones, and a 7-on-7 tournament. Below are some of the top performers judged to have the best chance of playing college at the next level at his stage in their careers. NUC National Analyst, Barry Every, breaks down why these top performers stood out at the SE Ultimate100.

 Josh Alexander, RB, Whitewater, GA (2015)

Testing: 5-7, 164, 4.21 shuttle, 27-inch vertical, 30x135-pounds

Assets: Alexander has superior overall body structure which will allow him to add more muscle mass over the next three years. His ability to come out of the backfield running crisp routes while flashing soft hands are his biggest asset. More than once he used a great head and shoulder fake to leave the linebackers whiffing at air.

Development: Alexander just needs the opportunity to show off his physical skills at the varsity level. He has to prove that he can hold up running between the tackles against bigger players.

Javarus Britt, DB, Newnan, GA (2015)

Testing: 5-11, 176, 4.7 40, 4.51 shuttle, 32.5-inch vertical, and 23x135-pounds

Assets: Britt has a great frame for becoming a solid cover safety at the next level. He demonstrated a nice smooth backpedal during individual drills. During one-on-ones he was not afraid to get physical at the line of scrimmage. He also has very good ball skills for a defensive player. His high school has a good track record for developing major DI prospects.

Development: Britt needs to add more muscle mass while continually improving his overall athletic ability. Like many rising sophomores getting a chance to prove himself on the varsity squad will be imperative for his development.

DeAndre Brown, RB, Little Rock Catholic, AR (2015)

Testing: 5-8, 162, 4.5 40, 4.44 shuttle, 29-inch vertical, 18x135-pounds.

Assets: This all-purpose back took the camp by storm right from the beginning. Not only did he test off the charts for a freshman; he demonstrated excellent COD and balance. Brown also runs with that natural forward body lean. During the one-on-ones he was able to corkscrew linebackers into the ground with his quick feet and hips on a swivel.  His dominate performance garnered him the most coveted NUC honor Overall MVP.

Development: Though he clearly has the talent to have played varsity football as a freshman the state of Arkansas does not allow freshman to play varsity ball at the 7A level. This will be the year he gets his first chance to show off his skill set versus bigger players. If he can hold up physically he should have a monster year.

Kenny Brown, LB, Sherwood Christian Academy, GA (2015)

Testing: 5-10-1/2, 195, 31-inch vertical, 8-10 BJ, 16x135-pounds

Assets: This is one rocked up linebacker that likes to get physical. Sherwood Christian Academy in Albany, Georgia does not have a prolific history of developing DI prospects. Brown may end up being the exception to the rule. He was fluid in his drops and very physical at the point of attack during two-on-twos. He was definitely one of the better cover linebackers at this event.

Development: The question is how big will he get? If he does not grow any taller he will need to add about 25-pounds of body weight in order to hold up at the next level. In his favor is the fact that so many colleges have gone to the spread offense which usually means smaller quicker linebackers for the defense.

Trey Derouen, OL/DL, Parkview, GA (2015)

Testing: 6-2-1/2, 280, 5.51 40, 5.18 shuttle, 25x155-pounds

Assets: Derouen definitely passes the eyeball test. He has excellent overall body structure for a young lineman and he can easily add more weight. Derouen came to this camp to work out as a defensive lineman but after seeing him take a few reps at offensive guard it was easy to see that OL is his natural position. He is a natural hip and knee bender that possesses enough girth and strength to keep defenders from collapsing the pocket.

Development: If he really wants to develop into a college defensive tackle he will need to work on becoming a better athlete. But if he embraces the offensive line position I really think he could develop into a major DI prospect.

Tucker Israel, QB, Lake Nona, FL (2015)

Testing: 5-11, 192, 5.12 40, 4.71 shuttle, 24x135-pounds

Assets: What set Israel apart from all the other quarterbacks were his confidence and leadership skills. He has already started at the varsity level for a whole season and it really showed in the 7-on-7 tournament. Israel had no problems reading the defensive and throwing the ball on timing. He would just slowly pick apart the defense with his superior throwing mechanics and decision making. The NUC coaching staff had no choice but to honor him with the QB MVP Award.

Development: Israel will need to work on becoming a better athlete while reshaping some of his body weight. This will allow him to make unscripted yards with his feet and move around in the pocket to find good passing lanes.

Wyatt Knopfke, OL, Cardinal Mooney, FL (2015)

Testing: 6-2-1/2, 265, 5.16 shuttle, 24.5-inch vertical

Assets: Knopfke definitely looks the part of a potential DI prospect on the hoof. He has little to no bad body weight and a frame that will allow him to only get more muscular. Knopfke proved to be a natural hip and knee bender that could get into and out of his pass set with beauty and grace. He did a great job of staying squared on defenders and was not afraid to really mix it up in the one-on-ones.

Development: Knopfke really has to start using the full arm length to punch pass rushers. He had a tendency to chicken wing a bit allowing the defender to get to his body. If Knopfke can time his graceful pass set with a good two handed punch he will surely develop into a DI prospect.

Triston Luke, RB, Fort Campbell, KY (2015)

Testing: 5-6-1/2, 158, 4.62 40, 4.11 shuttle, 32-inch vertical, 30x135-pounds, 9-1 BJ

Assets: This compact back is put together like a chiseled statue. His testing numbers were excellent across the board and he looked very smooth during individual position work. But it was the one-on-ones and the 7-on-7 where he really separated himself from the other backs. He was able to find the open space in the defense and then get vertical after the catch. His hard work earned him RB MVP.

Development: There is always a question on how durable young all-purpose backs will be. Hopefully Luke will grow some more; if not he will need to add quality muscle mass while maintaining his overall athletic ability.

Sherrod Pittman, LB, First Coast, FL (2015)

Testing: 6-0, 214, 29x135, 8-6 BJ

Assets: Pittman was the most physically impressive linebacker in the camp. But he was more than just a picturesque site on the football field. His ability to ride running backs off their intended routes really disrupted the quarterback's ability to complete passes. Pittman thrives on competition as he become the enforcer and vocal leader for his defensive unit during the 7-on-7 tournament. His strong showing earned him a unanimous vote for LB MVP.

Development: He could work on his conditioning just a tad but it was hard to tell with the air temperatures reaching 104 degrees. I would also like to see him take every practice rep with the same enthusiasm he takes reps of one-on-ones and 7-on-7.

Mook Reynolds, DB, Northern Guilford, NC (2015)

Testing: 5-9-1/2, 152, 28.5-inch vertical, 10-10 BJ

Assets: This cornerback caught my eye right off the bat during individual position work. He had the smoothest backpedal with hips on a swivel. You have to like the combination of height and long arms for a young cornerback recruit. During the one-on-ones he was able to show off his desire to be great as he took reps at corner and receiver. During the 7-on-7 tournament he proved to be a lock down cover guy. Reynolds also has tremendous ball skills for a defensive player. He walked away with the DB MVP Award.

Development: Like most young defensive backs he is rail thin at this time. Gradually adding muscle mass and strength while continually improving his overall athletic ability will be imperative. Look for this young man to develop into a big time player because he has the skill set and the fire in his belly.

Brian Sessoms, Jr., RB, Carver, NC (2015)

Testing: 5-8, 158, 4.48 40, 28.5-inch vertical, 20x135-pounds

Assets: Sessoms was the other all-purpose back that had the speed and athletic skill set to catch my attention. His change of direction and acceleration were very evident during individual position drills. But it was not till the 7-on-7 tournament that he really dominated the competition. This young man played on both sides of the ball and proved to be one of the toughest competitors in this camp. Sessoms also has superior ball skills and could project as a slot receiver or a corner at the next level.

Development: Like so many other skilled position freshman Sessoms has to add more muscle mass while maintaining his athletic ability. I personally do not worry about it too much because he does have three years of high school football left.

Alec Shriner, OL, Oviedo, FL (2015)

Testing: 6-2, 251, 5.18 shuttle, 22x155-pounds

Assets: Shriner definitely passes the eyeball test especially for a true offensive center.  He is lean yet muscular and blessed with a frame that will continue to develop over the next three years. During the one-on-ones he not only proved to be a natural hip and knee bender but was able to accurately snap the ball in the shotgun. He also got his snapping hand up quickly enough to deliver a good pass pro punch versus the defensive tackles in this camp. His efforts earned him OL MVP.

Development: Shriner could work on his hand placement by getting his hands inside the defender during pass protection. Sometimes he would forget to move his feet after engaged and just try to Greco-Roman wrestle the defender. He is too talented for that and needs to keep those feet a chopping while pass protecting.

Zach Stewart, OL, Coalfield, TN (2015)

Testing: 6-3-1/2, 256, 5.17 40, 4.63 shuttle, 26-inch vertical, 31x155-pounds, 8-9 BJ

Assets: Not only does Stewart look great on the hoof he tested off the charts for a young offensive lineman. Those testing numbers are better than 50% of the OL recruits already committed for the class of 2013. He looks great getting down into his stance with a nice flat back and good hip/knee bend. He also does a nice job of getting into his kick slide before the defender is upon him.

Development: Stewart needs to continue hitting the competitive camp circuit. Playing 1A ball in rural Tennessee does not present him with the challenges he needs to develop into an elite lineman. At times he just seemed to be too nice to some of the inferior defensive lineman he faced during the one-on-ones.

Anthony Taylor, III, OL/DL, Home School (Lithonia) GA (2015)

Testing: 6-4, 253

Assets: At first glance I was hit with a dose of déjà vu as this young lineman physically looks just like former FSU star offensive lineman Zebrie Sanders at the same age. Taylor came to this event to work out at defensive end but I was able to convince him to take a few reps at offensive line. Right now he is really raw but the skill set and natural athletic ability to develop into an offensive tackle is all there for this recruit. He is a natural hip and knee bender with a great frame.

Development: I really think it is in his best interest as a football player to find a high school that meets his academic interest. The high school should also be very competitive in football with a history of developing DI players.

Colby Tuthill, QB, Fort Walton Beach, FL (2015)

Testing: 6-0, 206, 5.0 40, 23x135-pounds

Assets: Tuthill has the ideal thickness and strength for a pro-style quarterback. During one-on-ones he proved to be the most accurate quarterback. He possesses excellent overall throwing mechanics which allows for the ball to come out of his hand like a spinning bullet. It was evident early on that he could take instructions and recreate what was asked of him. He was definitely in the discussion for QB MVP.

Development: He may still be one year away from getting meaningful time as the starting quarterback. Tuthill needs to be patient and stay focused on working every week, no matter what time of the year it is. So when his chance comes to shine he is ready to meet the challenge.

Darius Whitfield, DL, St. Paul's Episcopal, AL (2016)

Testing: 6-1, 240, 5.45 40, 5.01 shuttle, 15x155, 7-7 BJ.

Assets: Whitefield took all the coaches by storm with his ability to come off the ball like his hair was on fire. He played with good pad level and used his arms like fighting sticks to keep offensive lineman off his body. He has excellent overall body structure for a young lineman and he could grow into an interior defensive lineman down the road. He was the easy choice for DL MVP. It was not till after the camp that most of the coaches realized that Whitfield had just finished the 8^th grade which made his accomplishments even more astonishing.

Development: Wow, this lineman has all four years of high school left. If he takes care of academics while working on his football skills he may become the type of lineman that Alabama and Auburn fight over.

Garrett Williams, TE, The First Academy, FL (2015)

Testing: 6-3-1/2, 203, 4.69 40, 4.47 shuttle, 30x135-pounds, 9-3 BJ

Assets: Williams was another young competitor that tested off the charts for his size and position. The coaches felt he ran sharp routes while possessing soft hands. He did a nice job of snagging the ball at its highest point and his size/athleticism presented mismatch problems for the smaller defensive backs. He really has the skill set to become that coveted hybrid TE/WR at the next level. Williams was the easy choice for TE MVP at the SE Ultiamte100.

Development: Really he just needs to gradually add a bit more size and strength over the next three years. He has all the physical tools to become a prospect that is coveted by college coaches.