Engagement Insider
1/28/13
One hundred of the nation’s top high school football players were given a glimpse of their dream, and then were prepared on how to achieve it.
NFL PREP 100 is dedicated to changing the culture of the NFL through touching prospective players at the high school level. The program administered by VTO Sports and presented by Under Armour, is conducted in NFL cities where low graduation rates intersect with the most players supplied to the league.
This past Saturday and Sunday, one week before it hosts Super Bowl XLVII, the city of New Orleans and the NFL Saints hosted the PREP 100 event where some of the top football players from around the nation were not just instructed by some current and former NFL players, but were also shown what it takes off the field to make it to the top level. And to prepare in case they do not make it.
“PREP 100 is an excellent platform to extend our reach and develop the future of the NFL both on and off the field,’’ Troy Vincent, the Vice President of NFL Player Engagement and a former Pro Bowl player, said. “The Saints community came together for the common cause of developing their student-athletes and educating parents about health and safety and expectations at the college and pro levels. We so appreciate the Saints organization for opening their facilities and bringing their community together for this purpose. We thank New Orleans for allowing us to be a part of their community."
For two days, the high school athletes – the top juniors and sophomores in the country -- sat in the same meeting rooms that quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints sit in all season, the same ones the San Francisco 49ers will use this week in preparation for the Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens.
“This was a great event,’’ Odis Lloyd, a former University of Arkansas football player and one of the three founders of VTO Sports, said. “You’re talking about the biggest event of the nation’s No. 1 sport happening here in a week and the kids are here on the same field, in the same rooms. The San Francisco 49ers are arriving here, just as you’re leaving. What’s better than that?’’
PREP 100’s goal is to make the student-athlete better in every way. They have the ability on the football field. They were taught how important it is to develop in the classroom, to have high character, and also the importance of safety in a game where concussions are becoming a real danger.
Vincent, whose career began as a No. 1 draft pick with the Miami Dolphins, talked to the students about the advent of social media and doing the right thing. David Tyree, the former New York Giant, who made the greatest catch in Super Bowl history, spoke to the students about determination and excellence.
The young men also took the APTUS assessment to determine how they process information and learn. This assessment tool assists coaches in teaching the intricate details of the game.
“This fits right in with what we want to do with player initiatives,’’ Curtis Hollomon, the NCAA’s Director of Leadership Development, said. “The impact is now and in the future. This is perfect for us and what we want to do; the next stop (for the student-athlete) is us. The value they are putting on the educational program is ideal."
“Our focus is leadership development. We know what they can do in the sport. This is about everything outside of the sport. We’re not worried about them as athletes. We worry about how they will break things down. We worry about how they are going to make decisions.’’
The truth is that 1.4 million students play high school football across the country, 66,000 of them will play in college, less than 300 will get drafted by the NFL and only 140 of the 300 remain after three years.
“This is what kids dream of, being in this situation in a NFL facility,’’ Lloyd said. “Troy’s idea for this is great. But the chalk talks, as we call them, are just as important. Every coach here is a college graduate. We’re giving them not just a dream, but the visuals to go with that dream. We don’t just want to prepare them for the next few years of playing football, but for what they’re going to do the next 50 years.’’
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PREP 100 SERIES, CLICK HERE.
CHECK OUT THE TOP PERFORMERS BELOW.
CHECK OUT 24/7 SPORTS TOP PERFORMERS HERE.
CHECK OUT RIVALS TOP PERFORMERS BELOW:
1. RB LEONARD FOURNETTE, NEW ORLEANS (LA.) ST. AUGUSTINE
If there was a question about the top player in attendance, Fournette left no doubt. He was the most impressive prospect and it was easy to pick him out of the crowd. During drills he showed footwork and change of direction, and in 7-on-7 he caught the ball well out of the backfield. He went on to play safety and linebacker on defense just because he could. When he wasn't on the field, he was busy encouraging his teammates. He has the full package.
2. CB TONY BROWN, BEAUMONT (TEXAS) OZEN
Brown entered the camp as one of the more versatile and dominant defensive backs in the country. In terms of pure athleticism, there is no doubt he brings it. In drills he showed quick feet and the ability to turn and run with anyone on the field. He did appear to be a little rusty and appeared more comfortable working at safety. He worked most of Sunday's 7-on-7 at safety due to his team's lack of safeties and as expected was one of the most impressive prospects.
3. CB TROY VINCENT JR., BALTIMORE (MD.) GILMAN SCHOOL
I'll admit I didn't know much about Troy going into this event other than his dad was former NFL defensive back. As drills began, it became evident he could stand by his own talents. He is quick coming out of the break and has excellent footwork. He is crisp in his movements and has a knack for being exactly where he is supposed to be. He entered the event with several offers and it is clear why. He brings the strength and technique to play with anyone.
4. CB BLAISE TAYLOR, AUBURN (ALA.)
The first thing you notice is Taylor is on the short side, but then it becomes very apparent that he is very quick, very smart, and very skilled. Taylor has played on offense but his skills are better suited for defense. Over the weekend in New Orleans he worked mainly at cornerback and was a standout. He is explosive in and out of his breaks and has the athleticism to overcome any doubt some may have about his height.
5. S ANTHONY MILTON, NEW ORLEANS (LA.) O.P. WALKER
Milton played both offense and defense and he grew up a wide receiver. However, his future seems to be on defense, where he was a standout as a safety. He checked in at 6-1 1/2 and 175 pounds and did a great job, whether he was dropping back or coming up to make a play on the ball. He reports interest from the likes of Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.
6. TE ANTHONY JONES, NEW ORLEANS (LA.) EDNA KARR
It was easy to see Jones brings a lot of athleticism to the table. He is a big-bodied athlete who runs really well for his size and showed reliable hands throughout the day. He made a couple of leaping grabs and showed strong hands on the afternoon. He is capable of lining up on the line or splitting out wide. He is very comfortable as a receiver and is going to be another weapon at tight end for defending state champion Edna Karr in 2013.
7. ILB DEMETRO STEPHENS , LITHONIA (GA.) ARABIA MOUNTAIN
In these events it is hard for linebackers to really shine, but Stephens did a great job in drills and in one-on-ones and 7-on-7 work. He was the class of the linebackers and looked very comfortable dropping back in his drop. He recorded a couple of interceptions on the day and helped his team to the championship game on Sunday.
8. S DWAYNE EUGENE , NEW ORLEANS (LA.) RUMMEL
Like many of the defensive backs in attendance, Eugene worked on both sides of the ball. However, safety seemed to suit him well. He made several plays coming over the top to either make grab an interception or knock the ball away. He is on the bigger side at 6-2, 207, but he moved well throughout the entire weekend.
9. CB HENRE' TOLIVER, METAIRIE (LA.) RUMMEL
On Sunday, Toliver quickly made himself noticed. He showed great ball skills and did a great job of staying in the hip pocket of receivers and using his 6-1 frame and 160 pounds to gain position on receivers. Northwestern has come on strong for this state champion defensive back.
10. CB JERMAINE ROBERTS, NEW ORLEANS (LA.) ST. AUGUSTINE
Roberts did most of his work at safety, but his body type is better suited for cornerback. He is on the small side for a safety but on Sunday he appeared to be more comfortable at the position. He does have the ability to transition. He has the hips and the instincts needed for a defensive back, and his ball skills showed with a couple of interceptions.
11. OL PEYTON WINBUSH, NEW ORLEANS (LA.) ST. AUGUSTINE
Over the course of the two-day event, Winbush was a standout. The 6-3, 285-pound prospect lined up at tackle and guard during one-on-ones on Saturday, and it did not seem to matter whether he lined up at left or right. He was eager for reps and he handled his business. He showed good footwork and a strong punch, and he did not stop at his first move, he went for the kill.
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO RIVALS.COM.