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The purpose of "The Colosseum?" An intense battle between wide receivers versus defensive backs, with only one person being hailed the winner with whomever finished holding the football in their hands.
The camp brought out some future varsity football players from the Central Valley who have already impressed Paige, his father and former NFL wide receiver Stephone Paige and Cali Gold Mine writer Lorenzo J. Reyna. A number of rising prospects had spectators in awe with their route running, strength, hands and attitude. Cali Gold Mine already has a few of those potential prospects on its radar. Here's who to keep a close eye on:
RUSSELL MCCLUNG, WIDE RECEIVER, BUCHANAN-CLOVIS
The 2015 prospect looks like he's next in line at a school who produced highly-touted athlete Billy East (former Army commit, now going to Azusa Pacific). McClung had the fastest 40-yard dash time at 4.62 even though he had a slow get-off from the line. However, McClung ran the smoothest routes and showed the softest hands. He zig-zagged through defensive backs and also drove defensive backs backward when they were trying to jam him at the line. He'll still need to polish his strength, since he had trouble fighting off jams right away at the line. In the end, though, he's a prospect that's growing into his body and blossoming into a rising 2015 prospect.
DAVID BECKENHAUER, DEFENSIVE BACK, IMMANUEL-REEDLEY
Beckenhauer was the smallest defender on Immanuel last season, but ended up being the best ball-hawk with a team-high six interceptions on varsity last season. The 2015 prospect, who's also a star baseball player, displayed a scrapper attitude and didn't back down from any receiver, even with his current 5-foot-8, 150-pound frame. While he does have trouble with adjusting his hips and having experience with jamming at the line, Beckenhauer has the speed to blanket receivers and also came away with two picks. He excels in a zone coverage right now, but added muscle and improving his jams at the line of scrimmage can make him one to keep a close eye on in Reedley.
NICK BUSTOS, DEFENSIVE BACK, LIBERTY-BAKERSFIELD
An incoming senior and 2014 prospect earned the Defensive Most Valuable Player award for hauling down the most pics and delivering the most swats. Bustos was also the best at pressing wide receivers at the line and rarely gave up any touchdowns or big plays when he was on the field. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Bustos is a possible under the radar prospect in Kern County.
J.C ROBLES, QUARTERBACK, EL DIAMANTE-VISALIA
The 2015 prospect is not only a tall 6-foot-5, 195-pound kid with a cannon, he's also a smooth runner with his 4.8 40-yard dash time. Robles showed off a quick release and impressive field vision during the 2-on-2 session versus zone coverages. His throwing motion will need some adjusting, but he may be in for a position battle at quarterback over at El Diamante this summer with his size and arm strength.
J.J WILLIS, WIDE RECEIVER, CLOVIS
A 2016 prospect, Willis kept winning the jump ball battles in the end zone and impressed with his toughness, hands and route running. He'll need bulk down the road, but the 5-foot-11 receiver could be one to watch inside legendary Lamonica Stadium in the future.
TRENTON WILLIAMS, WIDE RECEIVER, LEMOORE
A smooth route runner who showed off his long arms and became a top deep threat on the day. Williams is nearly 6-feet-tall and and also impressed in the jump ball sequence. Bulk will be needed, but the 2015 prospect has potential.
AARON DAGGS, IMMANUEL-REEDLEY
Daggs has impressive size for an incoming sophomore at 6-foot-2 and the 2016 prospect is looking like he's penciled in to be the next starting quarterback at Immanuel. He's got a strong arm on him and has a zip to his passes. He does need to polish his decision making and composure, but he became one of the top quarterbacks inside the Colosseum and is starting to grow.
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