Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
Miami, FL – Combines and seven on sevens come fast and furiously this time of year and one of the more established of the past few years is the Nike Opening. These combines are held regionally in different locations across the country. Sunday the Opening held its regional in Miami’s Historic Overtown at Gibson Park. About 400 participants from mainly the South Florida area displayed their abilities in a competitive combine. Some of the best players in the country participated including five star running back Trey Sanders out of IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL). Sanders put on a show for the spectators.
“I just like competing regardless,” said Sanders. “It could be shooting a ball in a trash can. If it’s competing, I’m all in for it.”
The uncommitted Sanders dazzled the crowd with his moves in position drills and was awarded the MVP for the running back position. He was one of ten participants from IMG Academy to attend the combine. Teammate and Michigan commit Charles Thomas made play after play in the South Florida sunshine showing why he was one of the most sought after linebackers in the country.
“It helps that my teammates are out here because we just push each other,” said Thomas. “Everything is just set [at IMG] they really prepare us to go to college.”
Thomas ran a 4.8 flat in the 40-yard dash and but says he can run a 4.7. Other notable IMG players who impressed were four star offensive lineman Evan Neal and three star offensive lineman Charles Turner. Neal is 6’7 370 pounds and looks like he can move mountains and toyed with some pass rushers as he earned the positional MVP award as an O-Lineman. Turner does not have the imposing size like Neal at 6’4 255 pounds, but has amazing technique and got into a heated battle with Miami commit Cameron Williams out of Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood). Other lineman looking impressive were Khris Bogle from Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale), Denzel Daxon from Doral Academy and Maurice Smith out of Miami Central.
“I just keep my feet moving and use a lot of handwork,” said Smith. “There are some big time guys out here and this is just helping me improve for my next camp.”
Smith plans to visit the Paradise Camp held by the University of Miami next. He currently holds offers from Mississippi State, Marshall, Tulane, UAB and FAU but would love an offer from South Carolina.
Running back Vincent Davis (Cardinal Gibbons) was awarded the combines fastest man. Running back Willie Davis (Chaminade-Madonna) who is nursing a hamstring injury ran a 4.7 but normally runs a 4.5. American Heritage linebacker Andy Garcia ran a 4.7 as well but suffered an ankle injury and did not continue with drills. Also running a fast 40 was IMG running back Noah Cain who pairs with Sanders for an explosive backfield for the Ascenders of IMG.
Other positional MVPs were awarded to quarterback Nik Scalzo (Cardinal Gibbons), WR Marcus Rosemy (St. Thoma Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale), DL Tyler Davis (Wekivia, FL), LB Dontae Lunan (McArthur, Hollywood, FL), DB Jaden Davis (St. Thomas Aquinas) and TE Gary Cooper (Miami Columbus).
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