Blue-Grey All-American Combine: Colorado Regional Scouting Report (2016)

Promising prospect K.J. Sapp was among the many recruits in attendance at the recent Blue-Grey All-American Combine outside of Denver (CO). (Photo Credit: Tyler Seielstad)

Nevermind the fact that the Blue-Grey All-American Combine took place this past weekend just outside Denver (CO) for the first time in the brand’s history. Infancy stage or not, prospects from the Centennial State made it a point to make the workout a memorable one.

In retrospect, now after a few days have passed, credit is given where it’s deserved and NFL veterans Mark McMillian and Matt McChesney had plenty to do with the overwhelming turnout. Recruits in attendance fed off the energy of the one-time professionals.

The scene was set, naturally. Also worth mentioning, the background or venue was none other than Valor Christian High, home of Christian McCaffrey, a one-time Blue-Grey All-American Bowl selection, current Stanford Cardinal and likely first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

With the facts out of the way, it’s time to get down to business and take a closer look at some of the individuals who left a lasting impression on the powers that be, specifically McMillian and McChesney.

Luke McCaffrey, QB, Valor Christian (CO): The 6-foot-2 and 175-pound freshman, with obvious gridiron bloodlines, took the first step toward soon emerging from the shadows of his successful brothers and father who played in the NFL. His upside appears to be limitless.

Toden Blaise, QB, Chaparral (CO): First thing that jumped of the page, or on film, was his frame. The 6-2 and 205-pound junior delivered results as well, that was during skills testing and one-on-ones. Dylan Leston from Douglas County (CO) fell into the same category.

Jalen Mergerson, QB, Eaglecrest (CO): The 5-11 and 165-pound sophomore did not perform like one of the underclassmen. Instead, he was steady, with the poise of a varsity veteran.

K.J. Sapp, RB, Cherokee Trail (CO): About as well-rounded as anyone on hand, the 5-9 and 160-pound junior was unstoppable, at times. With added focus moving forward, sky’s the limit.

Joshia Davis, RB, Valor Christian (CO): The 5-11 and 185-pound sophomore might have been the top skill position player on the field, regardless of class distinction. Remember his name.

Damario Portillos, WR, Pine Creek (CO): Inside, outside, underneath, down the field, the 6-2 and 200-pound junior made plays all over. So did Dylan Holt from Vista Peak Prep (CO).

Wyatt Wieland, WR, Pine Creek (CO): The 6-1 and 175-pound sophomore held his own, so did Daniel Smashum from Vista Peak Prep (CO) and Ryan Thibault from Valor Christian (CO).

Zaire Hamilton, DB, Greenwood Village (CO): On the verge of embarking on his prep circuit career, the 5-7 and 140-pound freshman-to-be was not afraid of the bright lights, or big stage.

Kaden Morin, DB, Loveland (CO): The 6-foot and 165-pound junior opened up eyes and did so from start to finish. Same thing can be said about Weston Lee from Lakewood (CO).

Alec Hamilton, LB, Regis Jesuit (CO): Limited for a majority of the workout, the 6-1 and 220-pound junior still has his fair share of college interest from schools on the West Coast.

Corte Tapia, LB, Windsor (CO): The 6-3 and 220-pound junior, for all intents and purposes here, stole the show. Particularly on the defensive side of the ball. He was truly dominant.

Heston Paige, OL, Thunder Ridge (CO): Fun to watch, especially during the one-on-ones in the trenches, the 6-5 and 275-pound junior did nothing to tarnish his growing reputation.

Matt McClurg, OL, Heritage (CO): The 6-5 and 298-pound junior had visits lined up with programs in the Pac-12 Conference, but changed plans. Turned out, it was a good decision.

Jalen Sami, OL, Vista Ridge (CO): Bigger than most his counterparts, stronger as well, the 6-6 and 300-pound junior displayed a bit of somewhat surprising athleticism throughout.

Jackson Block, DL, Columbine (CO): The 6-3 and 225-pound was limited in large part due to a recent injury. The setback, however, did not prevent him from making his mark.

Editor’s Note: Tyler Seielstand took professional photos during the workout, from start to finish, mind you. Feel free to take a look at the images on his site (click this link for more info).