Bay Area National Preps Showcase-Breakout Players

<em>Last weekend the National Preps Collegiate showcase came through the Bay Area and hosted some of the top athletes in the state. In attendance were the likes of Croix Stewart, Carson Su’esu’e, Jahzon Jacks, elite 4-Stars [player_tooltip player_id="25059" first="Kaleb" last="Elarms-Orr"], [player_tooltip player_id="25265" first="Jadyn" last="Marshall"], and [player_tooltip player_id="25431" first="Jaden" last="Rashada"], along with countless 3-Stars such as Hassan Mahasan, [player_tooltip player_id="25268" first="Zeke" last="Berry"], Ashton Hayes, Chris Smalley, [player_tooltip player_id="25321" first="Bobby" last="Piland"], [player_tooltip player_id="25335" first="Tanner" last="Salisbury"] and Miles Bailey, among others.  Here is the first look in which we will dive into some of the top breakout performers that were in attendance at the showcase and should see their recruiting stock rise as they get their Winter season underway. </em> &nbsp; <em><strong>Jason Palodichuk 6’3" 200 Ibs., Salinas HS</strong></em> <img class="alignnone wp-image-76967 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/Screen-Shot-2020-11-29-at-4.21.56-PM-1-298x300.png" alt="" width="254" height="256" />One of the top returning defenders in the central section, the Salinas High School product has done a great job this off-season of improving his strength, speed and his overall chances of playing at the next level. The rangy and versatile defender clocked in an impressive laser verified 40-yard dash of 4.65 and flashed his athletic ability throughout the showcase through the individual drills and testing segment. Although still awaiting his first college offer, Jason is coming off a huge Junior season in which he showed his ability to play both in the box and in space, cover slot receivers and take on blockers/play with good physicality in the box. His combination of length, closing speed and high football IQ should land him on college radars as he enters his Senior season for the Cowboys. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9839366/Jason-Palodichuk">Junior Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>Cooper Flanagan 6’5.5" 228 Ibs., De La Salle HS</strong></em> [caption id="attachment_76965" align="alignleft" width="271"]<img class=" wp-image-76965" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/Screen-Shot-2020-11-29-at-4.54.10-PM-300x300.png" alt="" width="271" height="271" /> <br />Photo: National Preps Showcases[/caption] Playing for one of the most storied programs in the entire country, the rising 2023 prospect is looking to have a breakout year for the Spartans from the tight end position and will be one of the highest rated tight ends in the state by the time he moves on to the college ranks. Only a rising Sophomore, Flanagan has a very strong lower body, big frame and a huge catch radius/wingspan. In Vacaville, he showed his ability to track and catch the ball in traffic with good body control. He also possesses strong hands and the unique ability to sink his hips in and out of his breaks and clocked in an impressive 4.88 verified laser timed 40-yard dash. As he begins his Sophomore season for De La Salle, his recruiting should take off as he offers great upside at the next level and is a Power Five caliber prospect. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11734020/Cooper-Flanagan">Freshman Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>Jackson Brown 6’4.5" 275 Ibs., San Ramon Valley HS</strong></em> [caption id="attachment_76968" align="alignleft" width="253"]<img class=" wp-image-76968" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/Screen-Shot-2020-11-29-at-5.01.34-PM-300x300.png" alt="" width="253" height="253" /> <br />Photo: National Preps Showcases[/caption] The 2022 prospect was one of the most impressive offensive lineman of the day and proved that he will be one of the top 2022 offensive lineman in Northern California as he continues through his high school career for the Wolverines. The near 6’5" rising Junior displays a terrific prototypical body type and athletic ability of an offensive tackle and shows his strong lateral movement skills while keeping good body control and balance while sustaining blocks. On tape, Brown plays with good physicality and finishes blocks with good inside hand placement/toughness and can block both in the box and at the second level. A true natural bender in his hips and ankles, Jackson will continue to develop into a Division 1 offensive tackle and will see his recruiting stock take off as he enters into his Junior season while playing for one of the top teams in Northern California. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11311487/Jackson-Brown">Sophomore Season Film</a></strong></em> &nbsp; <em><strong>Frank Payne Jr. 5’10.5" 178 Ibs., Las Lomas HS</strong></em> [caption id="attachment_76969" align="alignleft" width="237"]<img class=" wp-image-76969" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/Screen-Shot-2020-11-29-at-5.04.09-PM-295x300.png" alt="" width="237" height="241" /> <br />Photo: National Preps Showcases[/caption] The recent Las Lomas High School transfer was one of the most athletically intriguing prospects of the day and had outstanding testing numbers in the 40, broad jump and star drill. Clocking in a verified laser timed 4.59 40-yard dash, Payne showed his explosive playmaking abilities through all position specific drills and testing times. During his Sophomore season for College Park High School, Payne made plays in all three phases of the game. On tape, the 5’10" ATH shows good acceleration through the hole and third level speed, along with being able to make defenders miss in tight spaces while also playing in the slot and being extremely effective in the return game. As he enters his Junior season for Las Lomas High School, he will look to continue upon his success from College Park and draw college interest. <em><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11421586/5db10839d45f810c247d646e">Sophomore Season Film</a></strong></em>