Top Performers: Nassau County Showcase
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It was a true a rainstorm during Saturday afternoon for the Nassau County Showcase. It was pouring and it was very windy but these athletes still had amazing days. Some under the radar players made a name for themselves and…
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Continue ReadingIt was a true a rainstorm during Saturday afternoon for the Nassau County Showcase. It was pouring and it was very windy but these athletes still had amazing days. Some under the radar players made a name for themselves and you’ll have to keep an eye on these prospects the rest of the offseason. Checkout the top performers from the event.
The Herricks product put himself in the conversation for the top receiver performance at the event. .He has great size at 6 foot 3 and he high pointed the ball well. He had a bunch of reps in a row where he got the best of his defender and he hauled in each pass. He created separation constantly and he showed his ability to run different types of routes and would still win his matchups relatively easily. Kamran brought serious intensity to every rep he was out there.
Highlights
One of the more exciting stories from this offseason, Jayden Locke Jayden Locke DB Erasmus Hall | 2025 State NY an ATH who has moved to New York from Georgia played terrific at this showcase. He was a lockdown defensive back. He displayed some of the best hip work and mechanics out of the defensive back group. He also made amazing plays on the ball. It didn’t matter how big Locke was, he was one of the more aggressive corners and had a big performance.
Highlights
Kevin White
Kevin White
One of the top quarterbacks on the day. White out of Mepham had one of the strongest arms out of the quarterback group. Even in the pouring rain, the lefty gunslinger was able to connect on plenty of throws. He was one of the more consistent QB’s at the event and he showed that by stringing together some great reps even when some receivers couldn’t hang onto the ball. Expect him to take over as Mepham’s starting QB, which was a team that reached the Nassau County final.
Branden McLaughlin
Branden McLaughlin
Last year Mclaughlin got injured and only played four games for Malverne. But the 2024 running back showed he will be a force next season. He was without a doubt one of the top running backs at this showcase. His explosiveness and change of direction had linebackers struggling to keep up with him in the open field. He also had solid hands and he was able to record some highlight reel plays. He’s an underrated player that can make a splash this summer and especially his senior season.
CJ Merchant
CJ Merchant
The Long Beach native made an argument as the top linebacker at the event. He attacked the ball carrier very well in open space and he easily had some of the best footwork. His instincts were on par and when he had to guard players in open space he did very well. He also played some running back where his athleticism at 6’1 and 210 pounds will be something fun to watch. Merchant is going to be great at either position for the upcoming season.
Jah’rece Matthews
Jah’rece Matthews
There was nobody getting by Matthews towards the end of the event. He was easily one of the most violent lineman as he had a dominating performance. He has a really strong base and he was so explosive when attacking his defensive lineman. He might not be the longest lineman but he’s certainly one of the strongest and he keeps getting more quicker every time I see him on the field
Another standout defensive back in this one, Wheat was locking up almost every receiver he went against. He broke on the ball very well and he seemed like he was a step ahead of other corners when it came to IQ. Last year Wheat played all over the field for St John’s and it was evident that he was one of the best pure athletes on the field at the showcase. His combination of strength, quickness, leaping ability and ball skills were present.
Highlights
Special teams in this weather was a big time challenge. But Schwartz showed that he can snap in any type of weather. He looked great as a long snapper in the rainstorm he was up against. He had plenty of velocity behind his snaps as he snapped the ball quickly whether it was for field goals or for punts throughout his opportunities.