Nike Football Training Camp - Stanford

I sound like a broken record, but the players out there keep getting better. In my eight years on the camp tour – I am still amazed how physically talented and mature some kids are. I would say this Stanford group was in the top 5 of LBs that I have seen in my time. So many 6’ plus, big-bodied athletes who could run; many of these kids will play at the next level and possibly beyond.

1. Daniel Halverson (Grant HS, Portland, OR) – Turned on “Beast”-mode once we got into match-up and 1on1 drills. Dominant in all drills – we closed and swallowed up all ball carriers, unstoppable force in pass rush, busted up routes and occupied space in ½ skelly, and locked up some dangerous TE and RBs in 1on1s. 2 things that really were difference makers were his confidence and his eyes. Confidence in how he really stirred the pot and brought the level of play of the other great LBs at camp. His eyes were active in zone coverage, he would use his hands in one direction and his vision would search for work in the other. Absolutely dominant performance today!
2. Chris Santini (Leland, CA) – Non-stop passion and effort for 4hours. But he is more than an over-achiever… as a convert safety he is able to accelerate while still at a very high gear to start. Always around the ball and ultra eager to learn. He is a craftsman and will work to fit in any system at multiple positions.
3. Scott Starr (Norco, CA) – Great athletic build and impressive finisher. He easily could have been MVP – he improved throughout the practice. I feel he might have the biggest upside of the group – get him in a pack of other dawgs like himself on a daily basis and in time he will rise to the top.
4. Shane Smith (Los Gatos, CA) – Might be the best Mike LB in space this year. Super-fly TNT during pass rush and technically sound in all aspects of the camp. High effort and drive to play well every play. I’m sure he’s off the chain in pads too.
5. Jeremiah Allison (Dorsey, CA) – Very sharp kid, major upside. He will put on plenty of quality muscle in college and will continue to improve his ability to operate in space. Exceptional leadership quality. He improved from last we saw him at the Nike Camp at USC.
6. Nick Januska (Ventura, CA) – Fantastic feet and overall speed in every aspect. He did best against the best RB running routes – he stayed closer than anyone. He looks like a DB in his backpedal and break – like a bolt of lightening closing on the ball. Long levers and very lean frame – more muscle while he keeps that speed are in his future.
7. DJ Dunn (Pleasant Grove, CA) – So smooth he almost looks like he is in slow motion. Honestly, I worried that the RBs would pull away from him, but I was wrong. This guy is so efficient and calm under fire, but he is right beside anyone trying to run by him. Great ability to swivel his hips and keep his knees bent. Unreal frame and possibility for physical growth.
8. Nolan Peralta (Elsinore, CA) – Impressive frame and surprisingly agile and fast in coverage. His size immediately gives him an opportunity at the next level – and his athleticism and competitiveness will back all that up and more.
9. Blake Martinez (Canyon Del Oro, AZ) – Awesome frame and play making ability, very smooth and athletic – carries his 240# very well already with room to improve
10. Glenn Gates (Foothill HS, Pleasanton, CA) – Broad shouldered and very comfortable in space for a bigger guy. Another big frame – still looks like he is maturing – very good upside potential.

Honorable Mentions:

• Darion Jackson (Sheldon, CA) – Love the way this guy rolls – very aggressive and hungry to make plays. Also – plenty of upside to get leaner and meaner in college.
• Jimmie Mahoney (Pioneer HS, Woodland, CA) – More of a safety build and agility in space – plenty of hard as nails attitude.
• Andrew Fink (Foothill HS, Santa Ana, CA) – Fantastic burst when closing on the ball. SPARQ stuff shows up on the grass for this guy for sure.
• Josh Lang (Clovis West, CA) – Big and solid LB, mighty fine job covering ground and finding ways to make plays.
• Hardy Nickerson Jr. (Bishop O’Dowd, CA) – Plays at the height of his stance every play – technically sound and very polished. When he fills out 100%, great things will unfold.
• Brandon Heim (Union, WA) – First in line, rabid and hungry in everything that involves being a baller. Love coaching a guy like this!
• Cody Ippilito (Chaparrel, AZ) – He was our best 1on1 coverage guy. Some men just find ways to make plays – they know the angles, they play with poise and they know when to hit the “X” button… enter Epilitto.
• Craig Jones (Central Catholic (Modesto), CA) – Great speed and really twitchy, I’m seeing him making huge plays on special teams.

The roster for the 2011 Stanford Nike Football Training Camp

• Jeremiah Allison Dorsey CA
• Joseph Apele Tennyson CA
• Nolan Biegel Huntington Beach CA
• Javon Bradford Washington (L.A.) CA
• Cameron Buell Casa Roble CA
• Dominic Chadwick Juanita WA
• Johmel Charles Dominguez CA
• Davis Cracknell Atascadero CA
• Darnell Dailey Rodriguez CA
• Zack Giuliano Hilmar CA
• Daniel Halverson Grant (Portland) OR
• Brandon Heim Union (WA) WA
• Michael Hutchings De La Salle CA
• Cody Ippolito Chaparral AZ
• Darion Jackson Sheldon (CA) CA
• Nick Januska Ventura CA
• William Johnson Dominguez CA
• Craig Jones Central Catholic (Modesto) CA
• Josh Lang Clovis West CA
• Tyler Leasau Granada CA
• Mitch Lomax Lake Oswego OR
• Rene' Luis San Joaquin Memorial CA
• Blake Martinez Canyon Del Oro AZ
• Max Mathews Inderkum CA
• Zack Moreland Rocklin CA
• Hardy Nickerson Jr. Bishop O’Dowd CA
• Moana Ofahengaue Westlake (UT) UT
• Nolan Peralta Elsinore CA
• Lucas Petrullo Chaparral AZ
• Khalil Pettway Culver City CA
• Chris Santini Leland CA
• Shane Smith Los Gatos CA
• Danny Smith Palmdale CA
• Scott Starr Norco CA
• Albert Tai Liberty (NV) NV
• Grant Taylor Lake Oswego OR
• Christian Wehrly St. John Bosco CA