Peru State “Friday Night Lights” Camp Big Men Standouts
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Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area. More coverage from last Friday’s Peru State Camp. Here are some of my “Big Men” standouts from that camp. Tyree Smith Jr Tyree Smith Jr 6'0" |…
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More coverage from last Friday’s Peru State Camp. Here are some of my “Big Men” standouts from that camp.
Tyree Smith Jr Tyree Smith Jr 6'0" | 255 lbs | DL Cozad | 2024 State NE | 2024 | DL/OL | Cozad | 5’11” 255 lbs
I’ve caught Tyree at two camps now, and he has been a force at both of them. Coming all the way from small-town Cozad, Tyree left a big impression with his prowess on the defensive line. Even though some metrics consider Smith ” undersized, ” he does not play like it, especially with the mean streak he’s shown on the field. He’s an explosive athlete with a quick first step and violent use of hands. Tyree does a great job winning the “low man” battle with his natural leverage. Smith showed that he can win his reps with power or with his surprisingly quick twitch at the line. Tyree was tied for the fastest 20-yard split, second-best pro agility, and an impressive 92″ standing long jump, all marks among the best in the OL/DL group. Loves to bring the physicality to every rep and showed a great motor. Still waiting on that first offer, but if his performance last Friday is any indication of what’s to come in Tyree’s senior year, he won’t be waiting long.
Orion Parker Orion Parker 6'7" | 265 lbs | OL Plattsmouth | 2024 State NE | 2024 | OL/DL | Plattsmouth | 6’7″ 265 lbs
One of the players that stood out right away was Plattsmouth’s Orion Parker Orion Parker 6'7" | 265 lbs | OL Plattsmouth | 2024 State NE . At 6’7″, he hovered above most competitors in attendance and then he really impressed with how fluidly he moved. His wrestling background shined as he was going through drills, showing great flexion and excellent bend for his size. Orion also displayed solid explosiveness in his hips and hands, which allowed him to swat/chop away attempts to gain inside hands on him. He uses his length very well on both sides of the ball, with the ability to create space whether he’s rushing or protecting the QB. Very physical, very aggressive with his reps. Parker’s performance at the camp earned him an offer from the host Bobcats!
Thomas Cordes Thomas Cordes 6'6" | 210 lbs | OL Paola | 2024 State KS | 2024 | DL/OL | Paola (KS) | 6’6″ 270 lbs
Funny story about Thomas, I got word that there was some JUCO player(s) at the camp, and I immediately assumed he was one of them and thought so until I was told he was only going to be a senior. Through the testing portion, Thomas performed very well, even posting a solid 100″ standing long jump. He moved very well for his size and displayed nice athleticism that helps him be a versatile player on the field. He showed solid potential on both OL and DL, with his defensive reps catching my attention a little more. He is quick off the ball and does a great job extending and creating separation with his length. Thomas is also very strong and was able to overpower blockers at will. Even as a taller player, Cordes still keeps a good pad level and leverage when engaged with his opponent. Strong lower body helps him drive blockers off their spots. Very impressive Kansas senior ready for a big season.
Alex Gove Alex Gove 5'11" | 245 lbs | OL North Platte | 2024 State NE | 2024 | OL/DL | North Platte | 5’11” 235 lbs
Like Tyree earlier, I’ve now caught Alex at two camps (same two actually), and he’s been great at both. The thing that stands out about Alex the most is just how tough and scrappy he is. Although, on the smaller end, Alex has no issue taking on defenders bigger than him and stonewalling them where they stand. He uses his strong base very well and can be very hard to move off his spot when he anchors down. Alex does a great job with his hand positioning and gaining inside leverage on his opponent. Alex doesn’t have a ton of opportunities to show off his pass protection in the North Platte offense, but he did more than enough to show he can hang with anyone. Gove also had top marks in the OL/DL group with a 2.87 20-yard dash (tied for best) and a 95″ standing long jump (second-best). Do not sleep!
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