MVTHS Update & Edgy Tim MLK Underclassmen Showcase Preview

Mount Vernon Township High School has had a run of bad luck over the past decade, carrying an 18-72 record with one 5A State Playoff birth in the 2013-14 season. The past five seasons have been especially tough, with the Rams being 5-40 while having four different coaches. Mt. Vernon being in a potent class, featuring 6A State Champion and (Before Pandemic) #2 Ranked Team in the country, THE East St. Louis Flyers. MVTHS is far from this, ranked 289 of 546 in the state of Illinois; you have to start somewhere, though. Creating that change with New Head Coach Greg Graves (@GregTGraves on Twitter) with a revamped staff with some returning, I'm one of the staff's new team members and blessed by this opportunity humbled by the confidence Coach Graves has put in me. There is a lot of raw talent in this school; we need them to buy-in. That starts with the coaching staff that needs to show them what they can do and ourselves. Give them confidence in the direction the program is heading. Also, present the many avenues they have available to them during the pandemic crisis we are living daily. One of those avenues is Showcases for these aspiring young men who want to continue playing after high school or even for those who do not play at the next level. Building camaraderie that will last a lifetime while preparing for life after high school is priceless. Many of these young men use these sports as an outlet from whatever it is in their life; they need it for whether it leads to playing in college or not. We have seen students taking their own lives, and it breaks my heart and knowing how much it means to them without the ability to play the game we all love. Here is a list of the Student-Athletes from MVTHS attending the Edgy Tim MLK Underclassmen Showcase held in the Sparta Dome, Indiana. They are young talented, and ready to show it off! <h4>Gabe Luttinen, WR/S-Hybrid, 5'10 155, 2023 @gabe_luttinen</h4> Under Armor National Team Select for Baseball is ready to compete at a high level with top-tier talent. Powerful for his size has the speed to match. As a sophomore, he is still finding his way for what position seems to fit him. He is a WR in this showcase, and he can play Safety/Hybrid LB with the power and speed he possesses with the best of them. A young man with loads of potential has a bright future as a Student-Athlete. <h4>Deshaunsae King, OL, 6'3 250, 2022 @deshaunsae25</h4> Excited to see what Deshaunsae is capable of against big-time talent. Possesses big size, quickness, and the natural strength to play any position on the line. Playing basketball goes a long way in making him versatile with having solid footwork. The immense experience he will gain is priceless now more than ever from this showcase for him. <h4>Caden Plumber, TE/WR-Hybrid, 5'9 175, 2022 @Plummer_caden</h4> Caden is undersized for a TE and makes up for it with his quickness and a high motor. Great head for the game while taking advantage of player tendencies to get open for extra yards whenever possible. Look for him to play in the slot in the upcoming season; he possesses that type of speed. An exceptional leader on and off the field and is the definition of a team player. <h4>Everett Mathus, OL/Center, 6'0 250, 2022 @Everett31</h4> Everett is intriguing; he loves to play the game and can hold his own in the middle. Has great natural strength, getting in the weight room to make the jump will be paramount. His snap speed is excellent, along with his elevating hand placement on the defender. One of the most coachable players I have had the pleasure to be around with a determination to get better. <h4>Miguel Rios, Jr., WR, 5'9 165, 2022 @Mjrios24</h4> He has good hands is quick coming off the line. Footwork is improving every day while always asking questions to get better. He needs to work on the sprint speed to create running lane separation. Miguel has the hands to make the tough catches. We will see how it translates when some of the best DBs in the state line up across from him. <h4>Sayje Taylor, QB, 5'10 160, 2023 @Sayje5</h4> The young man is excited for the opportunity to prove to himself he can play the position at a high level. He needs to work on his footwork in the pocket, trust his arm to make the throw, and ultimately, what every QB needs REPS. Healthy competition with the best in the state will go a long way for Sayje. <h4>Fischer Davis, WR, 5'10 145, 2023 @FischerJDavis1</h4> His mother was a track star and went to Western Illinois for it, which has transitioned over nicely. Fischer is a pure burner with a vertical that gets open in the zone with reliable hands. Great attitude for any locker room. This young man is a student of the game who wants to play at the next level—definitely another to watch over the next two years. <h4>Anthony Lash, Jr., WR/S/ATH, 5'9,150,2023 @Anthonylash10</h4> I'm excited to see what many scouts will see from this young man that I already do. The absolute speed he has will be on display at the showcase as a WR, but honestly, he can play safety exceptionally and quite possibly his best position. He has good hands, excellent speed, quickness, powerful who lives in the weight room and knows the game—another Student-Athlete with a bright future. <h4>Payton McMillen, QB, 5'10 157, 2024 @McmillenPayton</h4> Payton has been a catcher in baseball until now; he has now shifted his focus towards football. As a freshman, he's still growing and learning physically, mentally, and emotionally. Has the right temperament to play the position. He is getting in the weight room, working on throwing techniques and footwork placement. While learning to read defenses, I can see Payton making noise over the next three years' on the recruiting circuit. <h4>Marcus Garrett DB/ATH, 6'0 172, 2022</h4> Remarkably raw talent is what comes to mind immediately with Marcus. His size, speed, and quickness are unique. This experience will be excellent for him; he has a real chance to shine with his surprising attributes. <h4>Ronald "RJ" King III, DL, 6'4 265, 2024</h4> As a freshman, he is big and athletic, without a doubt. He's a big bookend on the defensive line that can pass rush and run stop throughout the game. He plays basketball, too, which bodes well for him in his footwork and stamina. Getting him in the weight room will be essential to get him where he can be. One to watch! I'm a firm believer that showcases break these young men out of their shell to realize this isn't backyard football anymore and give them the confidence they can play with anybody. Giving them the experience in life creating new relationships with young men they can relate to, especially during this time in our state of crisis where they will not let them play. These showcases have now become more critical than ever for them. Hope to see you all there! I'll be back with the post showcase write-up and MVPs of the camp, and much more! &nbsp; &nbsp;