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Test - Train - Compete... and Repeat

 Zone Ready Press Release 4.10.09

 


Test – Train – Compete… and Repeat

 

Fort Worth, TX –Good things do come to those who wait, for the Nike Football Training Camp Staff and for B.A. Allen.  After a stellar performance at the SPARQ Combine staged at Coppell High School in Dallas, Allen was invited as a linebacker to participate at the TCU Nike Football Training Camp (NFTC).  And, you guessed it – he was not satisfied with just showing up either.

 

For the NFTCs, athletes are usually invited months in advance and are typically blue chip recruits being hassled by college gridiron coaches to come play for their respective universities.  B.A. found out 12 hours before that he would be camping at TCU and hasn’t really been contacted by anybody.  But this is the beautiful creation that Nike had intended it to be – a chance for anyone to have their day in the spotlight.

 

 

The battle cry for Nike Football is “Test – Train – Compete.”  All athletes are encouraged to attend one of the 32 nationwide Nike/SPARQ Combines to perform their best in 4 athlete attribute tests. Athletes get to see how they stack up with players across the country and most importantly have a marker to document their improvement.  This leads to the emphasis on training to better your best.  Athletes are motivated to always give 100% effort and train for improved health and sport specific performance.  So that when their moment comes, they can compete with all their might.

 

 

 

(On Left) Coach Chris Gizzi preaching the Zone Ready gospel to some future gridiron disciples.

 

 

Check all three boxes for B.A. Allen.  He is the epitome of success when you work hard, measure your progress, and strive to constantly improve.  His labor was rewarded by a NFTC invite.  Never satisfied with just being there – Allen went out and had the kind of day every player dreams of.  The NFTC staff coaches noticed and named him the Linebacker MVP for that day.  And, it’s probably not to long before other coaches from major Division I-A universities start paying notice as well.

 

Coach Chris Gizzi was kind enough to share his list of the top LBs from this past weekend: 

 

1.          #603 B.A. Allen from Wichita Falls HS—From the starting gun to the finish line, this lean Will backer excelled in all aspects.  Some the quickest feet on a linebacker that we’ve ever seen at an NFTC.   Those great feet undoubtedly allow him to move fluidly in space and break aggressively on the ball to make big plays.  His athleticism and playing speed are so impressive; he could be a Safety in a number of schemes.  Regardless if he is a Safety or Linebacker, he will surely make an impact with his ability to be around the ball and finish.  He was our best in man coverage, and that says a lot amongst a very competent group.  Very focused and aware of what’s going on around him – a coach’s dream.

2.          #588 Austin Wilson from Robert E. Lee (Tyler) HS—Wilson probably has the biggest upside of all the backers we saw that day.  Long limbed and sinewy, he can easily get up to 230# with the right training program and a little more seasoning.  His performance during the 1on1s was stellar – a natural aggressiveness came forth.  Always eager to learn and improve; with that attitude and his natural abilities, this young man is going to play a lot more football.  

3.          #613 Kenneth Dickie from Westfield (TX) HS—Like a demolition ball, he was bullying the RBs around every chance he got.  Extremely muscular frame and fine wheels.  Did everything 100% in every drill, another guy who just loves to play ball.  Flawless during the side line tackling drill, he took on the best and continued to make play after play.  This guy plays big! 

4.          #666 Corey Nelson from Skyline (Dallas) HS —This is another backer with a huge upside!  Tall, long limbed and smooth as silk.  Great job using his assets to his advantage – he can finesse the most skilled Running Back.  Also, is aggressive and physical when he needs to be.  Nothing short of a positive attitude – another guy that will play a lot of football before it’s all said and done. 

5.          #612 Nick Canavan from Norman North HS—At most other camps, Canavan would have been an MVP.  His rank amongst his counterparts doesn’t do justice to how fine a camp he did have.  Full speed all the way – he did everything right.  He attacked the best the NFTC could muster and he whipped it.  Impressive physique, awesome agility, and surprisingly smooth linear running mechanics.  Coaches will love having this guy in the locker room – team player, says the right things at the right time, and leads by example. 

6.          #663 Devon Hocutt from Ellison HS—This freight train is a true Mike backer if I’ve ever seen one.  The fact that he is only a 10th grader makes it even scarier for opposing offenses.  He manhandled many an able-bodied athlete that day and held his own in space.  Put this guy in the middle, let him work within a scheme, and heads will roll.  We look forward to seeing him next year at an NFTC.

7.          #524 Matt Ritchey from Big Spring HS—Tall with a frame made for football, this backer can play all over the field.  Speaking with him after the camp, he informed us that he has played Quarterback for his high school team because of injuries.  This player can run, change direction, and he has got room to grow and put on the lbs.  He just needs more reps on D.  But you gotta love that team player attitude!   

 

Apr 06, 2009
 
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