Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
Miami, FL – National signing day is about a fortnight away and college football teams around the nation are looking to complete their 2018 signing classes with best talent they can find. Football Hotbed’s annual Senior Showcase held at Ives Estates Park put on display hidden talent that have minimal D-1 offers.
Players participated in the 40-yard dash, shuttle run, long jump and one on one position drills to improve their stock. Participants received personal videos of their drills to help boost their resume. Coaches from West Florida University, ASA Junior College and Keiser University were in attendance to evaluate the young athletes. Here are just some of big time players that deserve a shot to play big time college football.
Josh Alexander WR American Heritage – The 5A state champion and track star displayed that track speed clocking a showcase best 4.6 40-yard dash time and a 4.47 shuttle run. He also leaped the farthest at 9’8”¼ in the long jump. Alexander was perhaps overlooked because he was on a loaded Heritage squad that included Auburn commit Anthony Schwartz and Nebraska commit Miles Jones. The speedy receiver has yet to land a D-1 offer. Alexander mentioned he’s run faster in the past then he did tonight.
“I usually run a 4.4,” said Alexander. “4.6 is too slow.”
Davonne “Bo” Kendrick RB Miami Northwestern – Bo helped power the Bulls to their fifth 6A title in school history and first since 2007. Kendrick displayed his athleticism with some nice catches in one on one drills and has good speed clocking a 4.7 40 time and 4.62 shuttle. Kendrick mentioned that Florida A&M is the current front runner but FAU has recently shown interest the talented back.
Quavon Beckford WR Miami Northwestern – The most consistent pass catcher of the night impressed with his speed and agility. Quavon ran a 4.7 40, 4.53 shuttle and a 9’8” long jump. The versatile receiver also has yet to land a D-1 offer. The University of West Florida is currently the front runner for the playmaker.
Jacquinton Thomas DB Coconut Creek – Where he lacks in size he makes up in speed. The Creek DB displayed great recovery speed to catch up to the speed on the field in one on one drills. His 40 time and shuttle run tied for the fastest at 4.6 and 4.47. Thomas is also looking for his first D-1 offer.
Quarterbacks Malik Beckford from Taravella (4.81 40 time), Isaias Castellon from Miami High and Deon Jones from Miami Norland all looked great throwing intermediate and deep routes to receivers that they were not greatly familiar.
Speed was also on display for the big men in the trenches that participated. Defensive lineman out of Miami Central Jalen Thelmas (6’1” 230 pounds) and Jaelin Creighton (6’2” 251 pounds) both clocked 5.0 and 5.3 respectively in the shuttle and displayed great technique in position drills. The 200 pound Andre Pinkston from Northwestern had the fastest shuttle amongst D-Lineman at 4.62 and says he can play anywhere on the field.
“You can say I’m an ATH,” said Pinkston. “ I can play D-end or linebacker or anywhere in the box.”
Also clocking sub 4.9 40 times were Donte Fils-Aime RB Lake Worth at 4.83, Zechariah Esdaille SS/LB Miami Northwestern at 4.85 and Malik Similien LB/DB Coconut Creek at 4.84.
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