COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio Nike Football Training Camp tour stopped at Ohio Dominican University this past weekend, and seven players earned invites to The Opening. There were several stellar performances, but only 24 can be named to Columbus All-Nike Camp team.
Note: Selections are based upon feedback from NFTC position coaches as well as past and projected on-field performance. Athletes are in the Class of 2013 unless otherwise noted.
TOP PERFORMER
OL David Dawson, 6-3.5, 290, Cass Tech (Detroit)
The nation's No. 1 offensive guard dominated during one-on-ones, earning MVP honors. Quite possibly there has not been a lineman this year that showcased the power and quickness Dawson did with his initial punch. The future Wolverine is ahead of his years, demonstrating nearly flawless technique in his pass-protection setting.
TOP UNDERCLASSMAN
DL Malik McDowell ('14), 6-5, 280, Loyola (Detroit)
McDowell has been creating quite a buzz lately in racking up offers from top programs in the Midwest, and he could be one of the top overall prospects this time next year for 2014, A player of his size should not move so easily on the field.
OFFENSE
QB: Luke Del Rio, 6-1, 187, Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Co.)
Breakdown: Del Rio had a great weekend, grabbing MVP honors the day after an attention-grabbing performance at the Elite 11. Right now, just Colorado State has offered, but look for that to change very soon.
RB: David Gaydosz, 5-10, 189, Winfield (W. Va.)
Breakdown: Position MVP competed from start to finish, keeping the overall groups energy up. Showcased an ability to get in and out of breaks well while running routes and caught the ball extremely well.
RB: Mikel Horton, 6-1, 232, Lakota East (Liberty Township, Ohio)
Breakdown: Big back with good quickness for his size performed at a high level in every drill. Impressed coaches with willingness to block, which he did very well.
WR: Gary Brown, 5-11.5, 188, Westerville South (Westerville, Ohio)
Breakdown: Brown was the leader of the group from the beginning, finishing with MVP Honors. As a junior he caught 60 passes for 1,048 yards and 13 touchdowns.
WR: Mike Dudek (2014), 5-10.5, 170, Neuqua Valley (Naperville, Ill.)
Breakdown: Dudek was a standout at the Chicago Nike Combine earlier this year and was able to show that he has the skills to back the athleticism. He ran quick, precise routes all day and impressed with his ability to time jumps and go up and get the ball at its highest point.
TE: Keith Towbridge, 6-5, 247, Central Catholic (Toledo, Ohio)
Breakdown: Towbridge is the essential big target quarterbacks love, and he showed he knew how to get open and play big. The Louisville commit even showcased an ability to block by taking a couple reps with the offensive line and looked confident battling quicker rush ends.
OL: Logan Tuley-Tillman, Manual (Peoria, Ill.)
Breakdown: Performed admirably while dealing with a bum shoulder. Long
arms and bottom-heavy frame make him an absolute natural at either tackle
spot. Showcased exceptional technique and patience in his pass set.
OL: Lovell Peterson, 6-3, 276, Wayne (Huber Heights, Ohio)
Breakdown: Stout, lean and extremely athletic lineman confirmed why he is considered the top center in the region. Uses hands well and showed some phenomenal footwork.
OL: Kyle Meadows, 6-5, 272, Lakota West (West Chester, Ohio)
Breakdown: Showcased a good overall athletic ability while demonstrating an understanding of the nuances of the position. Still very raw in pass protection but potential is there.
OL: Dwayne Brown, Warren Central (Indianapolis)
Breakdown: Competed from start to finish and was able to win most of his reps in one-on-ones against more talented players.
ATH: Jalin Marshall, 5-11, 193, Middletown (Ohio)
Breakdown: Marshall put together two very impressive workouts, first at the Elite 11 and then during the early part of the camp. It was during one-on-ones when he lined up at receiver where it was easy to see how talented he really is.
DEFENSE
DL: Billy Price, 6-3.5, 305, Austintown Finch (Austintown, Ohio)
Breakdown: Price is the essential nose guard with power and the willingness to get dirty and do work. Has a quick first step and uses his upper-body strength extremely well to fight off blockers.
DL: Taco Charlton, 6-6, 244, Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio)
Breakdown: This was Charlton second impressive workout this year at a Nike Camp. Has a lighting quick step off the line to complement his long stride making him nearly impossible to block.
DL: Kenton Gibbs, 6-1, 278, Cass Tech (Detroit)
Breakdown: Came on toward the end of camp during one-on-ones, where his quick hands and strength allowed him to win a couple matchups. Could develop down the line with some dedication to getting in better shape.
LB: Michael McCray, 6-1, 238, Trotwood-Madison (Trotwood, Ohio)
Breakdown: Camps are not the best setting for McCray, who overcame a slow start to grab MVP honors. It was during the half skelly period where his ability to cover in space was easy to see. He has quick acceleration and the ability to close on the ball.
LB: Jon Reschke, 6-2, 229, Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)
Breakdown: Well-rounded player who has been well coached. Showcased an ability to cover in space, and the Michigan State commit impressed by going full speed at all times.
LB: Darrien Howard, 6-0.5, 260, Chaminade-Julienne (Dayton, Ohio)
Breakdown: Howard is determined to prove that he is quick enough to play the position despite his size. Does have a quick twitch and moves well in space, and he'll only get better if he is able to trim down.
LB: Ja'Wuan Woodley, 5-10.5, 227, Bishop Hartley (Columbus, Ohio)
Breakdown: Athletic "mike" linebacker with speed that surprised the coaches. Stood out during the one-on-ones, where he used his speed to close well on the ball.
DB: Cam Burrows, 5-11.5, 200, Trotwood-Madison (Trotwood, Ohio)
Breakdown: The future Buckeye plays the position with such ease it sometimes looks as if he is not trying. Burrows lived up to all expectations and earned an invite to The Opening for his performance.
DB: Reon Dawson, 6-0.5, 163, Trotwood-Madison (Trotwood, Ohio)
Breakdown: Dawson, who at times is a bit overshadowed by Burrows, is extremely talented in his own right. He is very smooth and loose in the hips, which allows him to cover well in the open field.
DB: Delano Hill, 6-0, 194, Cass Tech (Detroit, Mich.)
Breakdown: Hill is the prototypical ball-hawking safety, impressing with his ability to up and get the ball over receivers. Easily made some of the days best plays and was awarded MVP of the group.
DB: Ross Douglas, 5-10, 179, Avon (Ohio)
Breakdown: It was Douglas' ability to cover in the slot that grab the eyes of the coaches. He is very quick and showed an understanding of zone coverages.