May 8, 2011
Contra Costa College in San Pablo was the setting on Saturday morning for the first NorCalPreps.com College Prospect Football Combine. Close to 50 Northern California high school football prospects received guidance and training from professional trainers in the morning while current and former NFL players taught the prospects specific positional skills during the afternoon.
After the morning registration, the prospects were taught proper stretching and warm up exercises. They then underwent testing in the 40 Yard Dash, 3 cone shuttle, Pro Shuttle, Broad Jump, Vertical Jump, and Bench Press.
Anthony Eggleton is Director of Sports Training at Ants Body and Mind. "Many of the kids need to be prepared both in terms of conditioning and technique for such combines," said Eggleton. These techniques include good running technique in the 40 yard dash or proper handling of the weights during the bench press.
"You can tell that some of the kids here today have been away from football for an extended period of time and need to be better prepared," continued Eggleton who was positive about the combine's ability assist prospects to prepare and train for higher level performance.
Todd Leachman, former high performing college athlete and current coach with the National Football Academy, manned the 40-yard dash testing station and spoke to the prospects about such topics as breathing techniques and proper shoes. He observed how some of them had foot pronation and how to correct the condition. In addition, Leachman reviewed proper starting techniques when running and stressed the importance of combines dictate that prospects attend them in game shape.
Justin Landry of Hollywood Athletics observed how the attendees pushed each other to succeed and provided encouraging vibes during the sessions. Landry, a former track star at Langston University and Cal State East Bay, was also impressed how the coaches and professional trainers taught key fundamentals and techniques. In addition, Landry stressed the importance of stretching and warming up properly to avoid injury.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (Oakland Tech class of 2004) and former McClymonds High standout, Derrick Hill, were in attendance as spectators. Hill, a nose tackle at California and the No. 48 rated prospect in the Rivals100 2006 class, commented how such combines are more important than ever. During his high school years, Hill attended a Nike combine where Division I college coaches were in attendance. With the recent evaluation period changes, college coaches are more restricted in their attendance. As a result, Hill stated, "These prospective athletes need to get these numbers to the college coaches. And this training will be more important to prospective collegiate athletes in improving their numbers."
Dr. Dermont Spell, team doctor for the Contra Costa College football program, reiterated how the prospects in attendance would all gain something of value. Spell who specializes in chiropractics observed the prospects' biomechanics in the various drills. When he saw poor technique that could cause injury, he quickly offered corrective instruction. Spell also commented on how the coaches and professional trainers were a wealth of knowledge and that there were no egos among the prospects to make the combine a positive experience for all involved.
During lunch, the attendees gathered for a question and answer session with the trainers and five current or former NFL players, Terrell Roberts (DB Oregon State/Cincinnati Bengals), Lamont Thompson (DB Washington State/Tennessee Titans), Clarence Martin (DB Fresno State/Angeles Rams), Julian Jenkins (DL Stanford/Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Courtney Anderson (TE San Jose State/Oakland Raiders), and Josh Johnson (QB University of San Diego/Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
Jenkins mused how having specialists at each station was important. For example, the L-drill, also known as the 3-cone drill measures quickness and speed and is a more accurate measure of game time ability. The athletes were shown the fundamentals and proper techniques for such a standard football combine test. As a result, they got more value out of the drill.
Anderson, who played at Richmond High and Contra Costa College, felt the combine was an excellent experience for the young men, who were able to get different coaching experiences and techniques. "This combine will help prepare the kids for the drills that they need to work on during the summer," said Anderson. "And the working atmosphere between the staff and the prospects has been a great way to give back to the community and help these prospects be closer in reaching a four year program."
Former El Cerrito High standout, Roberts, was responsible for defensive back drills as he starred at that position for the Bengals. He explained the importance of hand placement, foot work, vision on the field, and other tangibles needed to be a good secondary player. When Roberts was in high school, he recalled how the Nike Camp allowed him to measure himself against other prospects. He felt the NCP combine emphasized the fundamentals of each position.
Oakland Tech alum Josh Johnson was responsible for the quarterback drills and helped run the 7-on-7 drills. Johnson said, "There is only so much a person can learn in a day. I've been pointing out minor adjustments and have been impressed with how the kids have retained them during the drills." Being able to make minor adjustments are key according to Johnson as those are real game time skills that are needed for a quarterback. He also went over feet placement, timing, shoulder placement, field vision, and mechanics with the signal callers. He was also impressed by how the quarterbacks were able to perform during the 7-on-7 drills as these quarterbacks were working with new receivers and play calling.
All in all, the feedback was positive from day 1 of the NorCalPreps.com College Prospect Football Combine. Day 2 on Sunday will be the same format but with middle school prospects.
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