K.C. McDermott transforms game

Miami -- Nike Football Training Camps coach LeCharles Bentley knows a thing or two about playing in the trenches.

So when the former NFL All-Pro raves about a player, the way he did about 2014 tackle prospect K.C. McDermott of Palm Beach (Fla.) Central after Sunday's event at Barry University, people should definitely take notice.

"He's young, a baby," Bentley said.

"And it's so rare to see a kid his age so refined both on and off the field. He just gets it. He loves the game, has great feet, is explosive and a leader. He has everything you want.

"Who knows how good this kid can become down the line."

McDermott, who is 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, loved his Nike Camp experience. He took the time and really soaked in what Bentley and the other coaches were preaching.

"It was awesome and such a great event," McDermott said. "Coach Bentley and the others were just great to me and all the guys. They care. They worked with me on my footwork and how to shoot my hands. Those are two big things I picked up on while here."

McDermott has been down this road before. He was at this same event last season, and it was then that Bentley had a talk with him.

"Last year he showed up at like 295 pounds," Bentley said.

"I told him, 'You can't be pudgy anymore and you need to get serious about your body.' Did you see him? He's like 280, looks bigger and is so much better. He cares, and he's willing to do what he needs to do. I am so impressed."

McDermott also has someone else to look to for advice. His older brother, Shane, plays on the offensive front for the Miami Hurricanes. Shane McDermott was an Under Armour All-American who was nationally recruited by Stanford, USF, Vanderbilt and West Virginia before he signed with Miami.

"He has helped me a lot," McDermott said.