Blue-Grey All-American Combine: Colorado Regional Scouting Report (2017)
After last year’s better than expected debut, it was a no-brainer decision to return outside of Denver (CO) for this past weekend’s Blue-Grey All-American Combine (Colorado Regional).
NFL veteran Mark McMillian was back to run the show as lead instructor, of course. Worth mentioning, NFL veteran trainer Reggie Young joined in on all the fun this time around.
Naturally, both passed along their collective knowledge of the game to the many in attendance, and the consensus before, during, and after, was the prospects were eager to learn.
That said, after meetings with the powers that be, specifically the one-time professional coaching staff on hand, here’s some information on the prospects who made an impact.
Blake Stenstrom, QB, Valor Christian (CO): A Colorado commit, the 6-foot-3 and 195-pound junior planned to be in action, but was not. Still, he remains on the radar.
Derrick Smashum, QB, Vista Peak Prep (CO): The 5-9 and 167-pound junior can play anywhere on the field. Same thing can be said about Luc Andrata from Pueblo East (CO).
Julian Cooks, RB, Doherty (CO): Looked the part, played the part too, the 6-1 and 200-pound junior is ready for the next level. Or so it seems. College interest is about take-off.
Jaion Colbert, RB, Overland (CO): The 5-8 and 195-pound junior turned heads during skills testing. He also kept everyone’s attention once the one-on-one sessions started.
David Moore, RB, Pine Creek (CO): The 5-8 and 165-pound freshman held his own, so did D.J. Jackson from Regis Jesuit (CO) and Hunter Bergstrom from Strasburg (CO).
Dimitri Stanley, WR, Cherry Creek (CO): With multiple offers, the 6-foot and 180-pound junior wanted to be around. Recruiting matters, however, prevented that from happening.
Billy Pospisil, WR, Pomona (CO): With a visit to Colorado already on the top line of his improving resume, sky’s the limit moving forward for the 5-11 and 190-pound sophomore.
Keegan Hufford, WR, Lakewood (CO): The 6-2 and 180-pound sophomore did well, along with Brandon Galvan from Sand Creek (CO) and Daniel Smashum from Vista Peak Prep.
Keion Cross, DB, Rampart (CO): At the last minute, due to an unforeseen circumstance, the 5-9 and 160-pound junior had to miss the workout. Nevertheless, he stands in good faith.
Chandler Callejo, DB, Chatfield (CO): An up-and-comer, the 5-9 and 165-pound junior recently received interest from Mountain West Conference and even visited Colorado State.
Malique McKay, DB, Vista Ridge (CO): The 5-9 and 160-pound junior did not shy away from the bright lights on the big stage. In fact, he delivered a memorable performance.
Tama Tuitele, LB, Regis Jesuit (CO): Perhaps the most high-profile name, Navy has offered the 6-foot and 235-pound junior. Air Force, and maybe, Colorado could be next.
Dilan Gonzalez, LB, Holy Family (CO): The 6-2 and 215-pound junior could have gotten lost in the shuffle, with all the talent in his presence. Instead, he stood out in a crowd.
Elijah Anderson-Taylor, LB, Eaglecrest (CO): Young, and largely inexperienced, the 6-foot and 205-pound sophomore, often times, played with the poise of an upperclassman.
Iosua Maika, LB, Fountain Fort Carson (CO): The 6-1 and 230-pound junior was no slouch. Evan Hansen from Mead (CO) deserved a mention after his effort, as well.
Nick Gossage, OL, Liberty (CO): Down deep in the trenches, the 6-4 and 295-pound junior was seemingly without peer. He was on the better end of several exchanges.
Aidan Cullen, OL, Palmer Ridge (CO): With a frame equipped to handle added mass down the road, the 6-5 and 210-pound sophomore has plenty of potential.
Sio Saipaia, DL, San Creek (CO): The 6-2 and 290-pound junior had a motor that simply did not stop. Thomas Jenkins from Grandview (CO) helped his cause.
Max Closson, DL, Gering (NE): The road trip was worthwhile for the 6-2 and 285-pound sophomore. Jaymeson Nelms from Erie (CO) made the most of his chances, too.
Editor’s Note: Those who did well at this workout, in time, could be invited to one of the brand’s All-American Bowls held at NFL stadium and nationally broadcast on ESPN’s family of networks.
The games take place at Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Raymond James Stadium, Jacksonville Jaguars’ EverBank Field or San Francisco 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium.
Moving forward, the Blue-Grey Football Selection Committee will consider a number of different factors before making an all-important decision on invites to the All-American Bowl. Stay tuned.