Event Recap: Elite Performers from the Trenchlab Gauntlet, Part 2
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In any competition there is the crop and then there is the cream of that crop. Here are a few of the prospects who participated in Coach Keith Alston’s inaugural Trenchlab Gauntlet that I would consider the cream, standing out to…
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Continue ReadingIn any competition there is the crop and then there is the cream of that crop. Here are a few of the prospects who participated in Coach Keith Alston’s inaugural Trenchlab Gauntlet that I would consider the cream, standing out to me throughout the competition.
Incase you missed any of our event coverage from this event, our event coverage series the Trenchlab Gauntlet is below.
One of two Matthews brothers from Haddon Heights, Camaj Matthews Camaj Matthews 6’0″ | 185 lbs | DL Haddon Heights | 2027 NJ was the other player that I alluded to who might have had the best get off. This get off allowed him to work speed and get offensive linemen on their heels trying to quickly retreat. On one particular rep Matthews was moving so quickly that his offensive matchup was forced to shuffle his feet, giving him the inside lane that he took for the quick victory. Later, Matthews absolutely killed another camper with his bull rush. Additionally, Matthews also featured the swipe and uses speed to open up the inside lane for himself when he pleases. During indy he also had good hips that stayed tight to the cone.
Damari Simeon Damari Simeon 6’3″ | 270 lbs | DL St. Augustine Prep | 2026 State NJ might have been the player I was most impressed with and excited to see perform live. My first impression was that he had a great looking body and a strong, powerful lower half. Having already discussed the one-arm bench press of another human being who was deposited on his posterior, Simeon played with superior pad level. His allowed him to deliver on a dip and rip where he took to heart a primary coaching point of the technique – grabbing grass. He consistently walked defenders back into the quarterback’s lap throughout the session. Simeon’s power allowed him to turn weak inside shoulders open and exaggerate his rips to ensure a tremendous finish. My only rub was that once he clearly defeated his matchup, Simoen would slow down and be less violent. I want to see him keep the same level of intensity throughout the duration of the rep.
Highlights
From St. Joseph Academy, Raymond Brown Raymond Brown 6’1″ | 240 lbs | DL St. Joseph Academy | 2027 NJ was a 2027 prospect that we need to be aware of. Brown did a great job attacking his opponent’s elbows, lifting them to neutralize his hands and get around his matchup. Brown also stacks moves well, particularly the club & rip combo. When opponents’ would try to anchor and stop his power rush, his base would get wider so he could get lower in order to work up-and-under them, regaining leverage. Interestingly, Brown might have been playing head games too. On one spin he flinched without encroaching, which forced the offensive lineman to jump. Finally, Brown was challenged by one player who felt slighted during their rep. In his defense, Brown seemed a bit confused by why his matchup was agitated. Brown eventually accepted the challenge and won the mini-series 2 reps to 1.