NORWALK, Calif. -- Nearly 350 top prospects from California, Arizona, Nevada and beyond competed at the Los Angeles Nike Football Training Camp on Sunday at Cerritos College. There were more than 100 prospects holding offers in attendance and there were several stellar performances, but only 24 can be named to Los Angeles 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
DB Chris Hawkins, 5-10.5, 159, Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.)
Hawkins was the top performer in the top position group Sunday, standing out amongst a loaded contingent of defensive backs by absolutely locking down all receivers that he matched up against. Hawkins had multiple pass breakups in the half-field 7-on-7 period. And while he's not the biggest cornerback, he plays physical at the line in press coverage. Hawkins earned DB MVP, was selected to The Opening and then capped off his big afternoon by announcing his commitment to USC following the camp.
TOP UNDERCLASSMAN
OL Viane Talamaivao ('14), 6-1.5, 299, Centennial (Corona, Calif.)
This rising junior announced his presence as a national recruit in next year's class with a monster effort. Although he projects as a guard at the next level, Talamaivao took reps at right tackle and showed great feet. He's a very confident, patient and technically sound pass protector with a terrific punch.
OFFENSE
QB: Conner Manning, 6-1.5, 195, El Toro (Lake Forest, Calif.)
Breakdown: Record-setting Orange County signal-caller had the most balanced and consistent outing out of a deep quarterback group.
RB: Zachary Green, 5-8.5, 208, St. Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.)
Breakdown: Sturdy back has his first offer from Arizona and could see more after winning RB MVP honors. Stood out as a leader and has good agility for his build.
RB: Deon Martin, 5-8, 189, Stockdale (Bakersfield, Calif.)
Breakdown: Martin committed to Cal two weeks back and looked like a future Pac-12 playmaker Saturday, flashing a great burst and showing great physicality.
WR: Steven Mitchell, 5-10, 177, Bishop Alemany (Mission Hills, Calif.)
Breakdown: Mitchell capped off a big weekend by winning WR MVP and earning a trip to The Opening. Ran great routes and showed terrific hands. Currently has 10 offers.
WR: John Ross, 5-10.5, 166, Jordan (Long Beach, Calif.)
Breakdown: In a camp full of talented wideouts, Ross may have been the most explosive athletically. Very good getting in and out of breaks and got deep a few times.
WR: Demorea Stringfellow, 6-3, 203, Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley, Calif.)
Breakdown: Mitchell may have won WR MVP, but Stringfellow might have the highest ceiling of the group. Has terrific size and was very productive as a junior, catching 46 passes for 1,016 yards and 16 scores.
WR: Jordan Villamin, 6-4.5, 207, Etiwanda (Calif.)
Breakdown: Villamin lists one offer from Oregon State and emerged on Sunday as a big-framed talent deserving of more attention. Made several impressive high point catches and is a tough cover for any cornerback.
TE: Marcus Baugh, 6-4, 229, J.W. North (Riverside, Calif.)
Breakdown: Baugh has all the makings of developing into a big-time playmaker at the next level. His combination of size and strength is very problematic for defenders.
OL: Nico Falah, 6-4, 275, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
Breakdown: Athletically gifted big man has a terrific future. Recently picked up offer No. 13 from USC.
OL: Alex Redmond, 6-4.5, 290, Los Alamitos (Calif.)
Breakdown: Somewhat of an unknown and still waiting for his first offer, Redmond flashed nice skills on Sunday. Is very disciplined and technically sound with great hands.
OL: Poasi Moala, 6-4.5, 258, Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley, Calif.)
Breakdown: Moala might have as much upside as any OL in attendance. Extremely raw but super athletic with a great frame. Reports an Oregon offer.
DEFENSE
DL: Taco Charlton, 6-6, 240, Pickerington Central (Pickerington, Ohio)
Breakdown: Backed up his physical stature on the field with a fine day. Has great athletic frame and once he develops a counter-move to go along with speed rush, he'll be tough to stop.
DL: Joe Mathis, 6-4, 250, Upland (Calif.)
Breakdown: Mathis had a dominant day, perhaps the best overall of any player in camp. Displayed a great first step and used his hands very well. Hard worker who wants to be great.
DL: Ainuu Taua ('14), 5-11.5, 279, Lompoc (Calif.)
Breakdown: Sturdy d-tackle who was very physical inside but also showed sneaky agility and a great spin move. Was a sophomore all-state pick last fall.
LB: George Frazier, 6-2, 238, Monrovia (Calif.)
Breakdown: Confident player with prototypical size. Very coachable and attentive. Was a second team junior all-state selection last fall. Colorado and San Jose State have offered.
LB: Kevin Palma, 6-2, 236, Mission Oak (Tulare, Calif.)
Breakdown: Palma had a huge weekend, posting a 118 SPARQ Rating on Saturday at the Nike Combine and then dominating in drills Sunday. Big-time talent with an offer from Nevada so far.
LB: Dwight Williams ('14), 6-1, 189, Serra (Gardena, Calif.)
Breakdown: Williams had his coming out party on Sunday, cementing himself as a top prospect in the Class of '14. Athletic and competitive, it's easy to see his future in college being very bright.
DB: Tyler Foreman, 6-1.5, 193, Crespi (Encino, Calif.)
Breakdown: This camp was loaded with quality safeties and Foreman was one of the best. Made multiple pass breakups from his safety position during the half-skeleton period.
DB: Tahaan Goodman, 6-2, 184, Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.)
Breakdown: Goodman is a 'tweener, but in a good way, possessing the size and physicality that typically slots a prospect to play safety in college, but also has great feet and coverage skills. Earned an invite to The Opening.
DB: Kaylan Montgomery, 6-0, 156, Dominguez (Compton, Calif.)
Breakdown: Montgomery will need to add weight, but he has a great future. And he competed well all day. Hawaii and San Diego State have offered.
DB: Max Redfield, 6-1.5, 181, Mission Viejo (Calif.)
Breakdown: Redfield was yet another standout safety at an event loaded with quality defensive backs. Competed well for the ball in the air and has great range from safety.
DB: Priest Willis, 6-2, 199, Marcos de Niza (Tempe, Ariz.)
Breakdown: Willis backed up the hype Sunday, displaying the rare combination of size and coverage ability that has led to 29 offers and counting already. Still raw and a very high-ceiling player.