Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
Pembroke Pines, FL – Getting exposure is just one of the reasons student athletes participate in offseason combines. Every participant aims to become better football players and these events provide measurables for future goal setting. XPE Sports and Student Aces take it a step further. The two organizations based out of Palm Beach County, both look to support young men and women to become better on the playing field and in their communities. Gridiron athletes from across South Florida gathered at Somerset Academy High School where developing into a greater self is the goal for all who attended.
“They help me to prepare for the next level,” said Palm Beach Gardens linebacker Wendy Francois.
Francois will be participating in the Football Hotbed College Tour where players will visit major D-1 schools. Some of the schools scheduled to visit include Clemson, Georgia and Auburn. Francois says his leadership separates him from others.
“Student Aces is a leadership [program] that helps young men in my community become better young men,” stated Francois. “It’s more than just football, because once your career’s over you have your whole life ahead of you. Student Aces helps us with our integrity [off the field].”
The Miami native has received official offers from Buffalo and Keiser with Missouri and Syracuse showing interest.
“Miami would be my dream school. It would be great to play for my home team.”
Francois did not participate in the 40-yard dash due to a knee injury but said he last recorded a 4.9 at the Rivals combine last year. Francois says the injury isn’t serious and he will also attend the Nike Opening Regional Combine in Miami.
The fastest 40 time of the day came from Pahokee athlete Dioby Cherisme, who clocked a blazing dash time of 4.52 seconds. Cherisme plays slot receiver and cornerback and has yet to receive a D-1 offer.
“I feel like these events can give me the exposure I need to go D-1,” said Cherisme. “This gives me the opportunity to showcase my abilities to coaches.”
Cherisme showcased great speed much like Pahokee legend Anquan Boldin did for many years as a pro. The former NFL pro bowler and NFL Man of the Year Award winner was also at the event coaching up the young athletes. After position drills he offered wisdom to the participants who presented different topics of discussion. Amongst the topics discussed were sexual harassment, social media and gun violence.
“Student Aces speaks to the kids about being morally and ethically sound,” said Bill Welle, performance director of XPE Sports. His organization in addition to testing at this combine, instructs on how to improve their skills on the field.
“They’re going to do testing but a lot of the kids keep doing the same things. We instruct on how to do things a little better or more proper.”
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