Eureka Contact Camp Standouts Part One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I attended the two day Eureka contact camp last month which featured Eureka, CBC, De Smet, Francis Howell, Vianney, Francis Howell North, Oakville and Pacific. Here is a look at some of the camp standouts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='322134' first='Caleb' last='Redd'] | De Smet |</strong><br>I had the chance to watch the Kentucky verbal commit play his new position of outside linebacker for the Spartans. Redd is growing into his new role and looked good. He can still get after the quarterback but can use his length and speed to make plays running down across the field from the backside or on his side of the field, and looked pretty adept and comfortable in pass coverage as well. Caleb told me that he still plans to top his record of 21 quarterback sacks he had last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='126226' first='Drew' last='Swingle'] | Eureka | </strong><br>The D1 offensive lineman has always been athletic with good feet and has gotten bigger and stronger. I noticed his added strength to his other talents he brings as an offensive line, and is playing with a tenacity and nasty streak you want to see in offensive linemen. He is the leader of a talented and big Eureka offensive line. Swingle has committed to Lindenwood University and the Lions got a good one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='203617' first='Ethan' last='Venable'] | Oakville |</strong><br>One of the more talented two-way players at camp, Venable is a load at running who is tough for defenders to bring down when he has a full head of steam. One defender isn't gonna do it as it took multiple players to stop him. Ethan has the size (6'2" 215) and speed to not only be a workhorse type back but can take it to the house in the open field. Defensively he was almost unblockable from his defensive end position or at linebacker. He has great get off and first step and the strength to get past OLs who are able to engage him. He recently landed his first D1 offer from Valparaiso.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='322613' first='Allen' last='Brown'] | Eureka |</strong><br>Speedy defensive back and D1 prospect looked his usual self on defense in making plays and locking down receivers, but he also really impressed me with his play on offense at receiver. Brown is nice weapon for the Wildcats to heave heading into the 2023 season. He can be used in the vertical passing game, mid-range or run the ball on sweeps and use his speed and quickness to make big plays, which he seemed to make several while watching his team over the two days.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='179190' first='Colin' last='Griffin'] | De Smet |</strong><br>Griffin had a big day showcasing his talents. When I saw him it looked like he was always making big catches, including a couple of scores. Colin has really dedicated himself to be his best both physically and with his skills. He has good size and is a big target that runs nice routes, can get down field and make a catch in stride, across the field or in the intermediate passing game. He looks ready for a big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1010558' first='Jack' last='Lange'] | Eureka |</strong><br>I've already written about 6'8" rising big-time class of 2025 OT from his performance at the Elite Football combine. Lange held down the left tackle spot and showed the athleticism that helped lead to an early offer from Nebraska. Jack is quick, has good feet, can pull well and really get downfield on blocks with his speed. He did a nice job on pass protection and his a physical run blocker. He will only continue to get better with experience. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nathan Knaff | Pacific |</strong><br>This two-way lineman caught my attention last year at camp but looks like he is an even better player on both sides of the ball. Knaff did a nice job both pass and run blocking at offensive line, and has a good motor and really gets after it from his defensive end spot. He returns for the Indians to lead the D-line after having 53 tackles and 2 sacks as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='931234' first='Ashton' last='Phillips'] | De Smet |</strong><br>A proto-type middle linebacker, Phillips impressed me with his motor and nose for the football. He made a lot of plays at the camp and showed his ability to run down plays sideline-to-sideline. as well as control the middle against the run, and play in pass coverage. He has good size and athleticism and looks the part of a future college player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator -->