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

Steve Stephens (right) was one of many individuals who opened at eyes at the recent Blue-Grey All-American Combine (Southern California Regional). Photo credit: Jorge Birelas.

Once again, after reaching out to one-time professional peers such as Lorenzo Neal and Ricky Watters, NFL veteran Mark McMillian ran the show at the nationwide Blue-Grey All-American Combine (Northern California Regional) at San Jose City College (CA).

Also worth noting, in attendance to most likely get a closer look at the many up-and-coming recruits from the West Coast were recent Blue-Grey All-American Bowl alumni such as Princeton commit Kevin Davidson and Utah State commit Morian Walker.

Safe to say, no one left the venue disappointed after most every individual on hand put his respective best foot forward during the workout to impress the powers that be That said, here’s some insight on a few of the prospects who left a lasting impression.

Tyler Vander Waal, QB, Christian Brothers (CA): The 6-foot-4 and 215-pound junior was one of the marquee names around. Makes sense that college interest continues to grow, and grow, for him.

Richard Kirbyson, QB, De Anza (CA): With a live arm, perhaps the most impressive thing about the 6-3 and 185-pound junior was his somewhat surprising athleticism. Safe to say, his ceiling is high.

Phillip Tran, QB, Archbishop Mitty (CA): The 6-2 and 215-pound junior is no slouch. Far from it, in fact. A competitor, when the going got tough, he got going. There’s plenty to like about his game.

John Bell, QB, Sobrato (CA): Still raw, for the most part, the 6-4 and 190-pound sophomore was able to show more than a few glimpses of potential when given the all-important opportunity.

Jordan Mims, RB, Menlo Atherton (CA): The 5-10 and 175-pound junior was not only physical, but also elusive. That’s a good combination, naturally, for a player at his particular spot on the field.

Javon Sturns, RB, Valley Christian (CA): A teammate on the prep circuit for Walker, it appears as if the 5-10 and 170-pound junior is capable of carrying the torch once the upperclassman moves on.

Bryson Toles, WR, Damonte Ranch (CA): The 6-3 and 180-pound junior presented match-up problems all over the field and was nearly unstoppable in the red zone, especially around the goal line.

Reidel Bradford, WR, Berkeley (CA): Vastly improved since his debut this time last year, the 5-11 and 170-pound junior continues to take steps in the right direction with regards to his craft.

Sam Nuss, WR, Pinole Valley (CA): The 5-11 and 180-pound junior lined up inside, also outside, and delivered results throughout. He was favorite of the signal-callers, no doubt about it.

Steve Stephens, DB, Edison (CA): Seemingly ahead of his time and truly fearless, the 6-1 and 185-pound sophomore was not afraid of the often more experienced competition across of him.

Elijah Isaiah, DB, Edison (CA): The 6-1 and 185-pound sophomore, similar to his prep circuit teammate Stevens, already has three offers. Expect more schools to jump on the bandwagon.

Alex Johnson, DB, Moreau Catholic (CA): No task was too tough for the 5-8 and 185-pound junior. Big, small, fast or quick, he did not back down from any challenge during a fine effort.

Jemaurri Bailey, DB, Vanden (CA): The 6-1 and 180-pound junior took some reps at wide receiver and did well. Still, in terms of life in college, he appears destined to patrol the secondary.

Jovon Johnson, Junipero Serra (CA): With plenty of talent surrounding him, the 5-9 and 175-pound junior refused to get lost in the shuffle, and in the end, he actually stood out in a crowd.

Hadari Darden, LB, Moreau Catholic (CA): The 6-3 and 190-pound junior looked the part. And played the part. Still, eager to prove himself, he took reps on the offensive of the ball, as well.

Zach Angelillo, LB, San Joaguin Memorial (CA): Capable in of stopping the run and limiting effectiveness in the pass game, the 6-1 and 195-pound sophomore is now realizing his potential.

Connor Russell, LB, Montgomery (CA): The 5-10 and 187-pound junior didn’t take a play off. That type of commitment was noticed by the coaching staff and group of scouts at the workout.

Dylan McCreery, OL, Valley Christian (CA): In search of a leader from the group of prospects down in the trenches, the 6-4 and 327-pound junior emerged as the unquestioned go-to-guy.

Kary Kutsch, OL, Shasta (CA): A workout warrior, the 6-5 and 265-pound junior did well during skills testing and it was more of the same once individual hand-to-hand combat got going.

Talon Oritz, OL, Pine (CA): The 6-2 and 303-pound junior opened up plenty of eyes at the afternoon’s events. The same thing can be said about Kegan Richards from Red Bluff (CA).

Angel Virelas, DL, Valley Christian (CA): What he might lack in stature, the 5-10 and 235-pound junior makes up for with technique and quickness. It was a recipe for success here.

Joshua Kauvesi, DL, Maria Carrillo (CA): The 6-2 and 300-pound junior caused problems when one-on-one drills started. When double-teams came his way, he also held his own.

Editor’s Note: Jorge Birelas from Sports Media Photography took professional photos during the workout. Feel free to take a look at the images on his site (click this link for more info).