The Opening Houston regional didn’t disappoint from a talent standpoint. Those prospects that didn’t make it to Dallas (and a few that did) tested their mettle against some of the top competition around. HornSports was on-hand to take in the action, and we have analysis for you. I evaluated quarterbacks, defensive backs, and wide receivers. These camps have a quick pace, so it’s tough to stay on top of everything, but we took in quite a bit of action.
Here are my insights.
Quarterbacks
QB – Sam Ehlinger – Austin Westlake (Texas commit)
Ehlinger was pretty much my top priority for the day, and I shadowed his group for about 90% of the camp. This was my first time seeing Ehlinger in person, and anyone concerned about his size should put that to rest. Ehlinger stood a few inches taller than me (I’m 5’11), and he’s built solid as a rock. In drills he showed the ability to make all the throws they asked him to, and he only had a few misses on the day. During the first portion of the day he was pretty much flawless. Ehlinger was in a strong group including camp MVP and Elite 11 invitee Chris Robison and Texas Tech commit Xavier Martin. I thought he was the best player on the field during that portion. Aside from his ability to perform when asked, Ehlinger has such an impressive mental makeup. I rarely use the term “it factorâ€, but I will say it in this instance. What is it that makes up his “it factorâ€? Ehlinger appears to have the right mix of swagger, work ethic, and competitive spirit. Players are expected to sprint in between drills to the next station, and Ehlinger was at the front of his group each time. Afterwards you could tell he was a bit disappointed he wasn’t chosen for MVP or Elite 11 honors. Competitively, the kid is a bulldog who is truly pissed off for greatness. Fortunately, there is a post camp selection for Elite 11. Shane Buechele was actually selected later in the process last year. The other thing I noticed about Ehlinger is his natural athleticism. He looks like a kid that could be successful at anything he chooses to do. Texas fans should be excited for what they have coming in February.
Texas commit @sehlinger3 in slo mo pic.twitter.com/AIc6KhlMxX
— Mike Roach (@Mike_Hornsports) April 3, 2016
QB – Xavier Martin – Cibolo Steele (Texas Tech commit)
Martin’s skillset isn’t made for these camps, but the dual threat showed off his arm in a big way. Martin flashed great arm strength and the ability to process decisions quickly. He also timed in the 4.4’s and was chosen to compete in the speed competition. While most folks question if Martin has the ability to stick at quarterback in college, I think he showed that he is a true dual threat that could be dangerous in the Tech offense.
QB – Frank Harris – Schertz Clemens
Harris is another dual threat we were interested to get a look at, and the lefty did some nice things during drill work. He did have some misses, but he threw the ball with nice touch and accuracy. His running ability is incredible, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him rise during the spring.
QB – Mitchell Jonke – Allen
Jonke doesn’t get the fanfare of his predecessor (Kyler Murray), but he’s a fantastic sleeper prospect. Jonke operates out of the spread with precision accuracy, and his decision-making is high level. He can also use his legs to extend plays.
QB – Jalen Mayden – Sachse (2018)
Mayden is really making the rounds this year, and he put on a show with all the tools that have him in consideration for the top quarterback spot for his class. Mayden is a total package for a spread based passer, and he has two seasons ahead to continue working on his craft. At the regional he showed the ability to push the ball down the field with arm strength, touch, and accuracy. He’s already a big name, but it’s sure to get bigger from here.
Wide Receivers
WR – Mannie Netherly – Crosby (Texas A&M commit)
Netherly had some lapses, but when he was at his best he showed off the athleticism and quickness that have him in the top group of receivers this year. Netherly will need to work on his route running, but his size and athletic ability really stand out.
WR – RJ Sneed – Cypress Ranch (TCU commit)
Sneed has great length and quickness, and he dominated one on ones at times during the camp. His body control ball tracking ability register on the high end, and his leaping ability gives him a great catch radius over defensive backs.
WR – CeeDee Lamb – Richmond Foster (Oklahoma Commit)
The Oklahoma commit has some of the best athleticism and explosive ability in the state. His length and playmaking ability have him primed to rise in the rankings going into his senior year.
WR/DB – Joshua and Jordan Moore – Yoakum (2018)
The Moore brothers were both impressive during their reps at the regional. Both players show good size and speed, with quickness and fluidity to star on either side of the ball. They are on the Texas radar early on.
Defensive Backs
DB – Langston Frederick – Clear Springs
For my money, Frederick was the best corner prospect at the camp. The Clear Springs prospect measured in at 5’10, 170 and ran 4.49 on the laser. He was physical at the line of scrimmage, and he broke up a number of passes and intercepted a few.
DB – Derrick Tucker – Manvel
Tucker is a huge prospect, but he showed the agility and quickness during drills to solidify his status as a top safety prospect. I was most impressed with Tucker’s ability to change direction and shut down guys in open field situations.
DB – Adam Beck – George Ranch
Beck is a long, tall prospect that plays corner for his high school team. He was pretty good in one on one situations, but I think his best bet is a move to safety.
DB – Josh Thompson – Nacogdoches
One day after running at the Texas Relays, Thompson showed up and tested well. Thompson is built well, and he can test at high levels. He did have some mishaps in one on ones, but he also had some big moments and competed hard all day.
DB – BJ Foster – Angleton (2018)
Foster is a name to know early on for the 2018 class. The Angleton safety could be the top player in the state for his class early on. He looked great in person due to his incredible size and top end athleticism.
