U.S. Army Bowl Combine (Part I)

MOUNT PLEASANT | Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1254123' first='Jake' last='Duncan'] of Crescent (pictured in middle holding helmet) was among the 170 aspiring college players who looked to make an impression Sunday at Wando High School.   On hand to witness them were former and current coaches on the high school and college level. They supervised the participants during various position drills and skills competition as part of the latest Regional Combine conducted by the U.S. Army Bowl.   The third of 14 combines taking place throughout the country, it serves to help prospective players create recruiting profiles that are accessed nationally by interested college coaches. Among the data compiled from Sunday's combine included measurements, drill evaluations and videos from one-on-one performances at their respective positions.   There was an added bonus for Duncan. After impressing coaches with his fundamentals, overall size and performance in one-on-one drills, the 6-foot-3, 290-pound rising senior received a special invitation to the 2024 U.S. Army Bowl.   The game will take place in December at AT&T Stadium in Frisco, Texas, and the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Nicknamed “America's Biggest Week In Football,” the activities include a National Combine, a Middle School All-Star Team Tackle championship and a boys and girls Flag Football tournament.   The guest speaker at Sunday's Combine was NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_DeLamielleure">Joe DeLamielleure</a>. He played for the Buffalo Bills in the 1970s and was part of the “Electric Company” offensive line.   Sunday's combine was broken into two parts. Today is a look at the linemen, linebackers and running backs who shined during the morning session:   [player_tooltip player_id='1254123' first='Jake' last='Duncan'] OL/DL, Crescent   It only took watching the 6-foot-2 1/2, 304-pound two-way lineman during a single one-on-one drill for one coach to become an enthusiastic believer. Along with solid size, it was the textbook way he utilized his hands and feet in warding off a defender on the offensive side of the football. While a productive defensive lineman the past two years (90 total tackles and 10 sacks) who has also played tight end, Duncan is seen as a center on the next level.   Chi'Quan Giles RB, Kingstree   The chilly temperatures did not prevent the speedy, 5-foot-6 rising senior from running a blazing 4.88 seconds in the 40-yard dash. His small size coupled with fast feet makes him elusive between the tackles. He only saw action in five games this past season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1718245' first='Dorvensky' last='Reichley'] RB, St. John's Christian Academy   The 5-foot-9, 163-pound rising junior caught the eye of observers with the second-best combine time in the 40-yard dash at 4.92 seconds. Light on his feet, Reichley runs with lightning-quick ease and demonstrates secure hands both carrying and catching the football.   [player_tooltip player_id='915846' first='Jeremy' last='Williams'] RB, Metrolina Christian Academy (Indian Trail, N.C.)   Possessing a stocky build, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound rising senior showed deceptive speed combined with huge upper body strength. He's listed at three positions (running back, wide receiver and linebacker) on the Metrolina roster.   [player_tooltip player_id='1223929' first='Markest' last='Davenport'] DL, Calhoun County   At 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, he made an immediate impact for the Saints on the offensive line. It was easy to see why he led the team with 17 pancake blocks during one-on-one drills. Davenport was equally aggressive and overpowering as a defensive lineman in moving quickly off the snap.   [player_tooltip player_id='1013113' first='Zayvion' last='King'] RB, Ninety-Six   An upright power runner who combines breakaway speed with leg strength when carrying the football. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, the rising senior has solid hands and shows good stamina during the various running drills.   Raleigh Jett RB, South Florence   The 5-foot-9, 170-pound two-sport athlete has breakaway speed and gave a glimpse of his potential for next season. He had just 57 carries for 507 yards and five touchdowns last season but could see that number grow in his senior season.   Dwayne Blandon LB, Woodland   The 5-foot-10, 210-pounder displays a constant motor on the field and bring aggressive quickness to his position.   Baylor Necessary LB, Science Hill (Johnson City, Tenn.)   The winner of the “Best Combine Name” Award. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound rising senior has the speed of a running back and hands of a tight end. He was listed as a linebacker at the combine and showed agility during various running drills.   Jack Laird OL, Cardinal Newman   The 6-foot-5, 280-pound rising senior tackle possesses the size to overwhelm defenders at the line of scrimmage. Smaller defenders used their speed to attempt getting around Laird during one-on-one drills. As he continues to improve his footwork, look for an increase in offers which currently stand at The Citadel and Morris College.

MOUNT PLEASANT | Lineman Jake Duncan Jake Duncan 6'1" | 300 lbs | DL Crescent | 2025 State SC of Crescent (pictured in middle holding helmet) was among the 170 aspiring college players who looked to make an impression Sunday at Wando High School.