MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Nike Football Training Camp made its way to a FBS school for the first time on the 2012 tour as the University of Memphis played host to 250 athletes. Four players came away with invites to The Opening from a deep field of prospects. There were several stellar performances, but only 24 can be named to the Memphis 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
LB Frank Herron, 6-4, 234, Central (Memphis, Tenn.)
Herron was simply the most dominant player in attendance. He picked up the DL MVP award followed by a phone call to the LSU coaching staff to pledge his commitment to the Tigers. Good size with a great first step, quickness, and straight-line speed. He will need to improve his moves and hands as a pass rusher, but he has all the tools to be a solid 4-3 end.
TOP UNDERCLASSMAN
QB Josh Malone ('14), 6-2.5, 181 Station Camp (Gallatin, Tenn.)
The WR coaching staff raved about him from the start of camp until the last rep. Malone is a quick learner and possesses a high football IQ. He has a good, lean body frame capable of adding upper body strength. Reliable hand-catcher that was able to create separation consistently. Not a burner but can stretch the field with his stride and is a dangerous red-zone threat. Already holds eight offers and figures to be around 20 this time next year.
OFFENSE
QB: Austin Allen, 6-2, 205, Fayetteville (Ark.)
Breakdown: Secured the QB MVP award after showing above average accuracy and velocity on his ball. Allen is committed to his hometown Razorbacks.
RB: Mark Dodson, 5-10, 183, Whitehaven (Memphis, Tenn.)
Breakdown: Nabbed the RB MVP. The Ole Miss recruit ran for over 2,000 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior.
RB: Altee Tenpenny, 5-11.5, 210, North Little Rock (Ark.)
Breakdown: Tenpenny earned his second consecutive trip to The Opening as the Alabama prospect continues to impress on-lookers while overcoming his junior year leg injury.
WR: Paul Harris, 6-3, 190, Frederick Douglass (Upper Marlboro, Md.)
Breakdown: The lanky wideout looked polished running routes and grabbed a spot to The Opening with his camp effort.
WR: Anthony Miller, 5-11, 174, Christian Brothers (Memphis, Tenn.)
Breakdown: Surprise WR MVP winner among the talented group of split ends. Last fall, Miller hauled in 43 receptions for 944 yards.
WR: Devante "Speedy" Noil, ('14), 5-10, 169, Edna Karr (New Orleans)
Breakdown: Explosive athlete that spent time at QB last year, but has a bright future as a flanker.
WR: Dannon Cavil 6-4.5, 205, Madison (San Antonio)
Breakdown: Big-body receiver that runs good routes and uses his size well. Cavil committed to Ole Miss in March.
WR: Carlos Burse, 6-2, 193, Alpharetta (Ga.)
Breakdown: The second-team All-State selection accounted for 883 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago.
OL: Christian Morris, 6-6, 289, East (Memphis, Tenn.)
Breakdown: The OL camp MVP packed a serious punch and uses his long arms well to wall off defenders.
OL: Deon Mix, 6-4, 315, South Panola (Batesville, Miss.)
Breakdown: Better as a run blocker, lined up at tackle and is still learning the position.
OL: Joey Bloomfield, 6-5.5, 312, Ballard (Louisville, Ky.)
Breakdown: Bloomfield played with a nasty streak and was physical all afternoon. Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming have offered the Bluegrass State stalwart.
DEFENSE
DL: Herbert Moore, 6-0.5, 314, East (Memphis, Tenn.)
Breakdown: The best DT among the interior lineman. Overpowered most of his opponents in one-on-ones.
DL: Terrence Williams, 6-1, 273, Springfield (Tenn.)
Breakdown: Nice job with his hands and did well in drills. Needs to work on his flexibility and hips to increase his get off.
DL: Tanzel Smart, 6-1, 314, Scotlandville (Baton Rouge, La.)
Breakdown: Tulane offered Smart after breakout junior campaign that saw him record 90 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks last season.
LB: Marcus Robinson, 6-3.5, 210, East (Memphis, Tenn.)
Breakdown: The big-play linebacker with double-digit offers took home the LB MVP award and will be headed to Oregon for The Opening this July.
LB: Jonathan Jackson, 6-2.5, 220, Mayfield (Ky.)
Breakdown: Displayed great leadership and makes others around him better. Western Kentucky has offered the in-state star.
LB: Lyn Clark, 5-11, 220, O. Perry Walker (New Orleans)
Breakdown: Under-the-radar linebacker out of New Orleans. Memphis is showing interest and he should add offers with a productive camp circuit this summer.
LB: Petera Wilson, ('14), 6-2, 208, White Station (Memphis, Tenn.)
Breakdown: Underclassman claims early offers from Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Texas Tech.
DB: Darrius Sims, 5-9.5, 169, Whitehaven (Memphis, Tenn.)
Breakdown: Sims got the nod for DB MVP. The speedy cover corner has racked up twelve interceptions over the last two seasons.
DB: Noel Ellis, 5-9.5, 170, Edna Karr (New Orleans)
Breakdown: The Class 4A All-State selection nabbed a trip to The Opening on Friday. Although Ellis isn't the biggest or fastest, he has good ball skills and closes well.
DB: Donald Gray, 5-10, 178, White Station (Memphis, Tenn.)
Breakdown: Great size and length that allows him to mix it up in press or off coverage. Explodes out of his back pedal and is smooth flipping his hips.
DB: Jeryl Brazil, 5-9.5, 184, Loranger (La.)
Breakdown: The LSU target and track standout has a stocky build. Checked in at corner, but he may be better with the ball in his hands at the next level.