PRZ Virginia Combine, Eval Notes on Top Performing WRs

Named WR MVP, with Rock Ridge's [player_tooltip player_id='1311696' first='Desai' last='Ferrell'] and Roanoke Catholic's [player_tooltip player_id='1311514' first='Demarcus' last='Brown']. This was a loaded WR crop, so who ever would be named the top pass-catcher would have had to earn it. I feel, as well as my colleagues and coaches present, that Smoot was the most consistent all throughout camp. Solid testing numbers, fantastic during individuals, even better during 1v1s. Great accelerator downfield, sure hands that can catch the football away from his body consistently. A nuanced route-runner who wants to separate with speed, his strong hands and good hand-eye coordination. Ran three-level routes all event, proving to me and those in attendance that he can win at in a variety of ways. Best wideout in terms of getting open early after release.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Couple of reps from our WR MVP. <a href="https://twitter.com/CalebJsmoot?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CalebJsmoot</a> was gliding past kids all event. Looking for a sweet one-hand grab he had late in this one. Will post if I find. <a href="https://t.co/0oJTq0c0X2">https://t.co/0oJTq0c0X2</a> <a href="https://t.co/VHDhtJVtV4">pic.twitter.com/VHDhtJVtV4</a>— VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZPAvic) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1919808865157140649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote>     I struggled picking between Smoot and Ferrell for WR MVP. Ferrell was my pick before the event, I'd argue that Sone, Smoot, and Ferrell were the top performers of this camp regardless of position. Ferrell posted a 9'3 broad jump, proving his lower body explosion in a combine setting for all to see. The best wideout build present, cut-up arms, an arm pumper that can get out of his breaks relatively well for a possession receiver. Strong hands, came down with the most wow-plays at the event easily. Ferrell is going to impress early and late in reps. The sophomore out of Rock Ridge HS won't be deterred off route at the LOS easily, a DB is going to have to shoot accurately and carry a punch to derail him at the snap. And late, Ferrell can high-point to come away with jaw-dropping catches. I appreciate his performance. His ranking is already solid, yet I'm inclined to see him raise even further after this output.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A minutes worth of clips out of <a href="https://twitter.com/DesaiFerrell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DesaiFerrell</a>. Fantastic build, great body control. Consistency caught the ball away from his body. Some great throws out of <a href="https://twitter.com/Rpooch12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rpooch12</a>, who was impressive in his own right. <a href="https://t.co/CZbwdhcPT1">https://t.co/CZbwdhcPT1</a> <a href="https://t.co/6oQYwdHoD7">pic.twitter.com/6oQYwdHoD7</a>— VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZPAvic) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1919367072775086282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote>     A ranking crush of mine, a player I wouldn't mind traveling multiple hours to see. Standing at 6'3, 180 pounds, Brown posted an impressive 4.66 40 time (HT). Not a bad time for a kid his size. Ranked as one of the best two-way players among all 2027s in Virginia, Brown showed up and was equally consistent as Ferrell and Smoot. Brown carries the prototypical build FBS schools covet, a tall build that can be developed in terms of muscle. Brown has plenty of room to fill beneath his pads, I can say that comfortably after seeing him in person. Offers out of Liberty, Howard, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech, I can envision the same thing these programs are. A 6'3/6'4 WR/DB who could contribute early-on at the FBS level. Brown showed off explosion and long-speed, all while tracking the football better than most present. Happy to see him perform well in this one.     <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Had a solid day yesterday <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneVA</a> thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRZPAvic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carljfred</a> for inviting me!! 6'4 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/deepthreat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#deepthreat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachpriest222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachpriest222</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/M_White03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_White03</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKellyCuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexKellyCuse</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArtavisScott?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArtavisScott</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Mines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Mines</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachPrioleauVT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachPrioleauVT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Mims2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Mims2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rileywatkins0?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rileywatkins0</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Tony_TDUB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tony_TDUB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKjParmer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKjParmer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/togray14?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@togray14</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Latrell__Scott?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Latrell__Scott</a>… <a href="https://t.co/hHNpMMu9J0">pic.twitter.com/hHNpMMu9J0</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1311514' first='Demarcus' last='Brown'] (@toorawmarc) <a href="https://twitter.com/toorawmarc/status/1919398580973887897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote>     A new name for me. I didn't know which prospects were walk-ups and which were registered beforehand, so seeing Yariel Cruz light up competition was a surprise for me. I came to eventually learn that Cruz arrived with his crop of Blue Ridge teammates. I learned about his prowess on the track too. Cruz's stride was on display, yet you come to expect that from 55/100/200M sprinters. What I didn't expect to see was the subtleties displayed throughout his routes. An acute attention to detail was paid, this young man has a clear understanding of leverage and defensive zone concepts, often making out-of-place defenders look silly in 1v1s. Cruz can eat up cushion in a hurry, Cruz can step on the toes of DBs in a flash, a good get-off at the snap can help in this area. An accelerator out of his breaks. What flashed most was Cruz's ability to adjust to the football on it's descent, as well as his pure soft hands. I wasn't expecting to see such a seasoned player, Cruz earned all praise given during and after the event.   9'0 Broad Jump, 4.66 40 time (HT).   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Wish I recorded a bit more of <a href="https://twitter.com/YarielOCruz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YarielOCruz</a>. Below are four clips out of the Blue Ridge WR, yet he was moving like this ALL CAMP. <a href="https://t.co/e4QqeWwbgO">https://t.co/e4QqeWwbgO</a> <a href="https://t.co/HEh0K279RI">pic.twitter.com/HEh0K279RI</a>— VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZPAvic) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1919381221731106905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote>     Arguably the hardest matchup for DBs in this one. Ferrell and Smoot made a few more wow plays than 2026 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='853819' first='Keon' last='Maestas'], the lone reason we liked the two for MVP consideration. Let me clear, I'm not sure that I saw Maestas lose a rep. The balance, the change of direction ability, the short-area burst. Maestas had a field day working underneath 15 yards. Maestas working well off the snap, either attacking leverage with urgency or lulling DBs to sleep with subtle hesitation moves. It was a masterclass in route-running through the short/intermediate range. I'd be remiss to not mention Maestas ability to separate downfield when running posts/corners. Maestas ran a 4.57 40, that straight-line speed was on full display, just like it is on tape too. Fantastic performance put forth by the soon-to-be senior at Osbourn.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Couple of clips featuring TP <a href="https://twitter.com/TheKeonMaestas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheKeonMaestas</a>. Throw courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/SL_WSHS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SL_WSHS</a> <a href="https://t.co/CFBC04ll5C">https://t.co/CFBC04ll5C</a> <a href="https://t.co/LmftNYSS7F">pic.twitter.com/LmftNYSS7F</a>— VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZPAvic) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1919361977958191582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote>     Another unknown walk-up, one that I'm going to have to do my digging on moving forward. Josiah Hill and [player_tooltip player_id='853819' first='Keon' last='Maestas'] were the two best slot pass-catchers this event had to offer. What Hill doesn't offer in terms of size, he offers in the form of quickness and agility. Often making defenders look silly in open space, Hill floated in and out of his breaks, working with tempo throughout his routes to throw off his defenders. If you can't win with overt athleticism as a wide receiver, you're going to have to find other ways to win and get open. The freshman out of Gainesville HS proved at this event that he can get open in a phone booth. A DB would be best served working to keep Hill in front of them at all cost. Hill's lateral agility and foot quickness were often too much for DBs to handle in this one. Excellent showing from the unranked freshman.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This is how Hill was moving all camp. A tough matchup for DBs of all size/length. Excited to see how he tested too. <a href="https://twitter.com/Josiah__Hill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Josiah__Hill</a> <a href="https://t.co/uTaYcbTuSr">https://t.co/uTaYcbTuSr</a> <a href="https://t.co/npOwDX10ZH">pic.twitter.com/npOwDX10ZH</a>— VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZPAvic) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1919446170906120436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote>     Consistency and attention to detail, the two things that came to mind when watching Biehs work up close. A part of the hosting venue's program, it makes a ton of sense why Biehs is so ahead of the game in terms of route-running technique. Fantastic recognition skills, I could visibly see Biehs attempting to work specific areas of the field based on what a DB was giving him before each rep. Great hands, great hand-eye coordination, fantastic stemming especially inside. A ton of vertical stem manipulation witnessed, one of the few on this list that seemed to put real emphasis in this area of his game. Sharp breaks, great ball locator at all levels of the field. A fantastic showing from a 2027 who is likely to produce at a high level, especially if he continues to develop as a technician. Easily a top performing WR in this one.   4.72 40 time (HT)     Raw talent here that needs to be unlocked. I've learned that this will be Summers' first run at St. Anne's-Belfield, I hope to keep tabs on him as the year progresses. Fantastic limb-length. Attended our event to play WR yet I couldn't help but think of his potential at DB. I'm unfamilair with his background yet I have to imagine that Summers might see two-way reps thrown his direction. His stride coupled with his arm length could make him an ideal DB at STAB. Regardless, the program has a weapon to work with. Summers reeled in one of the better catches this event had to offer, back-tracking on a comeback and snagging a ball with one-hand on his way down to the turf. I think Summers would have benefited from playing some DB in this one, yet I came away pleased with his performance at wideout, especially considering he's a 2027.   Nafeese would post an awesome 9'8 broad jump at this event.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⭐️Top Performing WR⭐️ [player_tooltip player_id='1653006' first='Nafeese' last='Summers'] (<a href="https://twitter.com/NafeeseSummers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NafeeseSummers</a>) 2027 pass-catcher out of St.Anne's-Belfield. 6'2, 180 pounds. <a href="https://t.co/qJ91kThFuF">pic.twitter.com/qJ91kThFuF</a>— VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZPAvic) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1919352068617171286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote>     I sadly didn't get to see as much of RJ Corbey as I would have liked. I don't have much of an evaluation to provide in all honesty, yet I can't go without mentioning him in this piece. This because of how many coaches ended up raving about his all-around performance at this event. I did some digging on Corbey before the event and had his name circled as a player to watch. I was hardly surprised to hear that Corbey excelled throughout camp. Hopefully he ends up ranked on our site sooner rather than later.     Nearly a 9'0 broad, a very respectable 4.62 40 (HT) posted too. I liked Murrell during testing and individuals. Some may have out-shined him during 1v1s and that's totally okay, especially considering the competition present. Consistent, not too many ups or downs, a respectable perforamnce put forth by the Burton 2027. Solid body control and balance for a kid standing at 6'2, 165 pounds. I didn't witness Murrell round off breaks, I didn't witness Murrell telegraph routes as he ran them. This is likely an even better play with pads on, excited to cut on his tape in the future.     [player_tooltip player_id='1659978' first='Elijah' last='Parker'] wasn't mentioned as a Top Performer post camp, yet I have to acknowledge some of his work after cutting on the drone footage. Another twitchy pass-catcher who blended speed and strength pretty well. Really sudden at the top of his routes, great get-offs, Parker consistently put DBs on their heels, often leading to wins in favor of the 2026 out of Nandua HS. I think Parker might've been the barer of a few bad throws looking back at this one. He still deserves a shout-out. Back-to-back 4.5 40 times, easily the best of the group. Real speed behind his impressive build. Will likely rank well after this coming update.     More love here to another player that didn't get mentioned post-event. Size was the obvious trait that stuck out immediately. Soft hands and ability to come down with difficult catches caught my eye next. I didn't show too much love to the TE group in this one, yet trust that Wiles was well worth the praise. Looking back at some drone footage I have, I'd be remiss to not mention Wiles along with the group above. Yes, others present might've provided a bit more flare and splash to their performances, yet Wiles was consistently reeling balls in. At his size, a college is going to find him worthy of bringing in real soon.