Final Notes From CFI MEGA Showcase

As we enter the official start of camp season across North Carolina, I wanted to give some final notes from the CFI MEGA Showcase, which has seen some players really start to blossom with their early performances at college showcases already this offseason.   There were several schools that came strong to the CFI MEGA Showcase, and they each had some standout players who performed well.   Bessemer City   We highlighted WR [player_tooltip player_id='2206358' first='CJ' last='Hill'], who picked up an offer from Campbell as a result of his strong performances. But they had some other players who made a name for themselves. I was impressed with the size of the linemen that came, namely OL's Drecio Strong and Brayden Jones. I'm expecting them to own the line of scrimmage once they get into conference play.   I also liked Adrian Tolber - he will be their quarterback, and his speed and athletic ability will cause some problems in a dual-threat role.   Ballantyne Ridge   The host school, of course, was led by their young star WR [player_tooltip player_id='1870841' first='Zion' last='Caesar'], who picked up his first offer with a strong performance, and it's just the beginning for him. But they also had some players who made an impression. OL TaeVion Lilly is HUGE, and if they can get him moving up front, I can see him being a people-mover up front. QB Ryder Polston was poised and delivered the ball consistently during the 1-on-1 period. Mason Buzzard is also a good-looking linebacker who should anchor an improved defense this season.   Butler   Butler had several players who showed well at the showcase. QB Niko Henderson, who new Head Coach Donald Littlejohn is very high on, ended up being one of the best in attendance. His dual-threat ability and strong arm will fit well in their spread offense. RB Da'mourion Thomas-Wright, who got two offers after the showcase, continued to show he's the best RB in Charlotte with the size/speed combination. WR Lucas Culberson can be a threat at any receiver position with his skills, and LB Elyejah Jackson coming over from Independence gives their defense a much-needed boost at the 2nd level.   Community School of Davidson Even though QB [player_tooltip player_id='1041542' first='Ty' last='Sigler'] was the only top performer selected, and that was well deserved with his accuracy and zip on the ball he displayed throughout the day, they had multiple players who had some memorable moments. RB [player_tooltip player_id='1304566' first='Nixon' last='Willis'] literally juked a linebacker out of their shoes during pass game 1 on 1's, and OL Matt Worley earned an offer immediately after the showcase was over. They're going to be important pieces in new Head Coach Kenneth McClamrock's offensive attack.   Harding   Most people may be surprised, but the Rams have some talented guys they have quietly developed on the west side of Charlotte. Three players were named top performers, starting with ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2213283' first='Daniel' last='Carter'], who earned an offer right after the showcase. He starred at both defensive back and wide receiver, and his length and athleticism were impressive. LB [player_tooltip player_id='1970950' first='Trenton' last='Bynum'] was strong with his instincts and explosion from his linebacker position, and RB [player_tooltip player_id='1970951' first='Jamarcus' last='Hairston'] was able to show he had more in his game besides being a power back who runs through people on contact.   Independence   Some people believed the Patriots were in for a bit of a rebuild after the offseason of change they had. But, they showed at this showcase that they still have some guys on defense who can play. LB [player_tooltip player_id='2211520' first='Noah' last='Wright'] was a top performer and picked up an offer right after the showcase, and with his physical build and athletic ability, he should have a big year statistically in their scheme. DB [player_tooltip player_id='1429542' first='Kevin' last='Powell'] III was so impressive with his length and agility that he picked up two offers immediately after the showcase. He's going to be really good, and he could pick up more attention this summer from a recruiting perspective.   JM Robinson   4 players in total attended from the Bulldogs, and all of them left strong impressions. Starting with the two top performers, EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='2113124' first='Duke' last='Dow'] showed why he's got early offers. I loved his burst and moves he was able to work in 1-on-1s. He'll get more recruiting attention this summer. RB [player_tooltip player_id='2155410' first='Liam' last='Watson'] really came out of nowhere and showed some impressive athleticism in the open field. JM Robinson loves to use two backs in their offense, so he's got a chance to contribute this year. WR [player_tooltip player_id='2220450' first='Jamere' last='Little'] has the tools and showed some strong hands in individual drills. OL [player_tooltip player_id='2209990' first='Walter' last='Patrick'] is a 2029 with excellent size who's going to be really good - I like his fundamentals already.   Jordan     The Falcons from Durham came strong once again to the showcase this year. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1616112' first='Jonah' last='El-Amin'] showed exponential development from when I saw him on film at the end of last year, and he looks ready to step in and be the man in the offense. DB [player_tooltip player_id='1607766' first='Lareun' last='Wilson'] has been one of the best kept secrets in North Carolina, but I think this year he comes on the scene strong - he's got the speed and technique to be dominant in man coverage. WR Jaylen Suitt just hasn't had the chance to be a big-time threat on the outside, but at 6'3, he's got the speed, catch radius, and vertical ability to be a real problem on the outside.   Kings Mountain   The Mountaineers are DEEP with some really good-looking kids all over the field. The young QB [player_tooltip player_id='1605503' first='Jordan' last='Jenkins'] is ahead of his time, and looks like he's in line to be a starter as a freshman. He's ready, from what I saw of him. EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1612272' first='Jace' last='Connelly'], another 2030 standout, earned an offer at the showcase, and with his size at 6'3 already, you know he's just beginning what could be a great high school career. WR [player_tooltip player_id='1616138' first='Xavier' last='Hutchens'] looks like a grown man now compared to when I saw him just a few months earlier - I love his work ethic and dedication to his craft, and he's already got multiple D1 offers. Tony Boyd at WR earned a top performer award as a 2030 player, and his speed and shiftiness at the position could set him up to be a dynamic player out of the slot early as he grows physically.   North Stanly   The Comets have won a lot of games - you may not know that because of where they're located, but they've got some good talent. LB [player_tooltip player_id='1670826' first='Jaden' last='Little'] was one of the leaders in sacks last season in the state, and he'll be an important piece again. [player_tooltip player_id='1670898' first='Colton' last='Martin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1670896' first='Logan' last='Martin'] should raise some havoc together on the defensive line, and wide receivers Racere Bruton and JJ Crute look like they can put up some big numbers offensively as long as they get the ball in their hands. RB RJ Brooks is already getting offers, and his size and speed combination should dominate in conference play.   Palisades The Pumas are on a mission this season to win their conference and make a deep run in the playoffs, and they've got some talented guys to help them achieve those goals. QB [player_tooltip player_id='525514' first='Cole' last='Hough'] impressed a lot of people with his pinpoint accuracy and arm strength throughout the 1-on-1 period against defensive backs. I'm expecting him to really have a big season offensively. RB [player_tooltip player_id='1608301' first='Jamari' last='Glover'] was named a top performer with impressive speed and agility in the open field, and he should have some good opportunities with a strong passing attack to face some lighter boxes. Defensively, DL [player_tooltip player_id='1370536' first='Donnovan' last='Brown'] looks like a player who can cause some problems on the EDGE. LB Jacob Black is a versatile player who can be successful playing both on the ball and off the ball at the line of scrimmage.   West Charlotte   The last team we'll feature is probably the one that everyone has left for dead after the offseason they have been through. However, at this showcase, they showed that there's still plenty of talent on Beatties Ford Road. RB [player_tooltip player_id='1607889' first='Emory' last='McClain Jr'] looks ready to be the focus of an offense that will be breaking in a new quarterback. He's got the strength to run through tackles and the speed to make big plays once he gets in the open field. WR [player_tooltip player_id='2213284' first='Tahlib' last='Byrd'] is a speed demon who can take advantage of single coverage in the secondary and make some big plays downfield. [player_tooltip player_id='2104426' first='Kayden' last='Smith'] will be a returning player who provides speed at the second level at linebacker and important leadership overall for a young team. Finally, DB [player_tooltip player_id='2210048' first='JT' last='Heath'] made a huge impression on a lot of people with his speed and coverage skills, and he's going to be big-time before things are over.   Standout Players After The Showcase   Several players have received recruiting attention and offers, and these are going to be ones to watch throughout the summer!   WR Sione Lattimore - Now at 2 offers, it's just the start for a physically impressive player who runs excellent routes.   DB [player_tooltip player_id='2204816' first='Javion' last='Hopper'] - Picked up an offer from Carson-Newman, who saw him at the showcase live! People have said he's the most talented DB in the Chargers' secondary this season.   OL [player_tooltip player_id='772855' first='Samarion' last='Dawkins'] - Had a strong performance at Mars Hill camp, and received his 2nd overall offer! More to come from this talented OL Prospect.   LB [player_tooltip player_id='2104509' first='Brayden' last='Fortenberry'] - Picked up his 2nd overall offer from Roanoke College - expect more to come from the Linebacker MVP!   OL Tyson White Jr - After picking up his first offer at the CFI MEGA Showcase, Tyson has absolutely blown up and has now received a total of 8 offers! Tyson came from West Virginia, and now he's on the map big time!   OL [player_tooltip player_id='2112026' first='Crawford' last='Williams'] - The big and strong interior OL prospect picked up his first Division 1 offer from Nicholls State! As a 2028 prospect, this is just the beginning for him!   WR [player_tooltip player_id='1657753' first='Doc' last='Caldwell'] - Our WR MVP finally got his first offer from Division 1 Samford University! With Doc's speed and physical frame at 6'3, he's just getting started from a recruiting perspective!   QB [player_tooltip player_id='2086212' first='Atodrick' last='Settles'] - Shortly after the showcase, AJ picked up his first offer from Division 1 Hampton University! AJ's dual-threat ability will allow him to be looked at in multiple positions on the next level!   LB [player_tooltip player_id='1702088' first='Faison' last='Manning'] - The talented linebacker picked up his 2nd overall offer from Hampden-Sydney after the showcase. Faison should have a big senior season coming up!   WR Lucas Culberson - Lucas picked up his 2nd overall offer from Hampden-Sydney as well. I'm excited to see how he looks in a new-style Bulldogs offense this year!   DB Hezekiah Joiner - The athletic and fast defensive back has caught the attention of both Tulsa University and West Georgia, as he has picked up two offers in short order after the showcase! He will be one to watch!

As we enter the official start of camp season across North Carolina, I wanted to give some final notes from the CFI MEGA Showcase, which has seen some players really start to blossom with their early performances at college showcases already this offseason.