This Sunday proved again that Texas has some of the best talent in the nation. Kohl's Showcase Camp at the University of North Texas had many of the regions top prospects in attendance. There was a 30 mph wind out of the South that made the day's competitions, drills and chartings very interesting. It was a good test of an athlete's ability to adjust and perform under adverse conditions. On the other hand, it also helped athletes hit some record kicks.
Cade Foster, a 2010 kicker from Southlake Carroll High School in Texas, had a good camp. He showed why Alabama and Washington have offered him by winning the kickoff competition. Cade is used to kicking off the one-inch tee on field goals and did pretty well in field goal charting. He does need to make the adjustment to kicking off the ground, but his leg strength and natural athleticism should allow him to make the transition to college football.
Eddie Camara, a 2010 kicker from Cedar Hill High School in Texas, showed he is one of the best ball-strikers in the nation. I have watched him kick for the last two years and he is a gamer, who can hit field goals as well as most current Division I kickers. He has been working on kicking off the ground and did excellent in drill work and competitions. He has the ability to focus and a natural rhythm that will make him special at the next level. He also finished second in the kickoff competition.
Zach Olen, a 2010 kicker from Berkner High School in Texas, is a lefty and his field goals do have a little hook to them. On the plus side, he did hit an 87-yard kickoff and a 64-yard punt that hung in the air for 4.94 seconds. He clearly exhibited a powerful leg that can take him a long way in college football. He is a strong athlete who with a little more refinement off the ground on field goals will be an excellent college prospect.
Kip Smith is a 2010 athlete from Legacy HS in Colorado. He has traveled twice down to Texas to attend a Kohl's Showcase Camp and made good both times. He really showed the leg strength and consistency needed to be a top national prospect. He has film from Colorado showing him hitting long kickoffs and field goals, but people will always question the altitude. Smith showed he is a solid punter and that he gets great height off the ground on field goals. He will gain more Division I attention as the recruiting process goes on because he is as good as the athletes who have already received offers.
Jason Dann, a 2010 kicker from Lake Highlands High School in Texas, was impressive on his field goals into the wind. He made all five of his charted filed goals off the ground into the 30 mph wind. However, he needs to work on his kickoffs to maximize his leg strength.
Steven Valadez, a 2010 kicker from Arlington Bowie High School in Texas, impressed the Kohl's staff with a strong showing. He had great height and consistency on his field goals off the ground. He also punted and kicked off well in the competitions. He was a very motivated athlete, who wanted to do well. He has a great future in football because he was able to rise up and show his talent when all eyes were on him.
Aaron Hayduk, a 2010 athlete from New Braunfels High School in Texas, had some of the most impressive kicks at camp. He is a strong athlete, who has great leg speed. The ball jumps off his foot on field goals and punts. He still needs some work on his smoothness and rhythm to become elite, but has the tools to be special.
Jordan Tyma, a 2010 athlete from Clear Lake High School in Texas, opened some eyes with his performance. His height on field goals was excellent. He is a high school athlete that performed very well in group competition and will be someone to follow.
Awards
Most Outstanding FG Kicker: Eddie Camara
Most Outstanding KO Man: Cade Foster
Most Outstanding Punter: Zach Olen
Jamie Kohl is the Director of Kohl's Kicking, Punting and Snapping Camps.