Ohio State Nike Football Training Camp

This was the first time a lot of these kids ran around on the grass since last fall – Midwest winter and spring has been tough on the gridiron off-season this year! They did well, but a four hour practice is a tough haul for these guys right out of the gates. Regardless, there was a relentless pursuit for improvement and learn the game they love. Everyone left a better player!

1. Jaylon Smith (Bishop Luers HS, IN) – Physically impressive – great athleticism, long levers and muscular. Will put significant muscle on his frame over the next couple years (only a sophomore) and definitely in college. Football smart – learning how to manipulate the angles to work to his advantage. He should be something special on the field this fall.
2. James Ross (St. Mary’s HS, MI) – Exceptionally gifted athlete – high frequency and startling burst to the football. Acceptable size for a Will with the frame to put on more muscle. Fine attitude, wants to learn, plenty coachable. 

Honorable Mentions:

• Drake Michaelson (Eden Prairie HS, MN) – Solid player, does a great job taking up space during half skelly. Extremely coachable with a high drive to be successful, this guy shows the potential to keep getting better.
• George Stone (St. Xavier HS, KY) – Will backer-type operates pretty well during 1on1s and has solid agility.
• Ben Gedeon (Hudson HS, OH) – Impressive all out speed and plays with nice knee bend.
• Jamar Ridley (Whitmer HS, OH) – Active eyes prove this guys is engaged 100% when he is on the field. Communicates well during live action to – very needed ability on the next level.
• Luke Roberts (Lancaster HS, OH) – Prototype frame and size and still able to re-direct fairly well. Liked his hustle to the ball and the desire to get better.
• Mike Svetina (St. Ignatius HS, OH) – Plenty of speed, more reps at LB will help him feel the position out better.
• Darrien Howard (Chaminade-Julienne HS, OH) – Massive, yet surprisingly agile. He left before we got to see him matchup with the offensive guys, so hard to tell if he has the twitch to play on the 2nd tier and with clean hands.

The LB roster for the 2011 Nike Football Training Camp at Ohio State