NFL Veteran Evaluations: EverBank Field (2017)

Iowa commit Ivory Kelly-Martin was among the participants in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl on Jan. 14 at Jacksonville Jaguars’ EverBank Field. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Hedden)

For the second time in as many attempts, and true to form after last year’s debut at the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl located at Jacksonville Jaguars’ EverBank Field, Grey defeated Blue, this time around, 27-7, on Jan. 14 in game nationally broadcast on ESPN3.

Local products Georgetown commit Joseph Brunell and Air Force commit Amari Terry nearly nearly stole the show for the Grey. Another hometown prospect, one-time North Carolina commit Rasheed Martin also left a lasting impression on the many in attendance.

Under the direction of Central Florida commit Darriel Mack and Morgan State commit Anthony Butler, the Blue kept things closer than the final score might have indicated and Michigan State commit C.J. Hayes was typically the main target when a play was needed.

Missouri commit Larry Borom, Kansas State commit Bill Kuduk, Kent State commit Eddie Brecht, Navy commit Nick Novak, Army commit Noah Knapp, Columbia commit Peter Wise and Northern Illinois commit Isaac Hawn anchored the line for the Blue.

North Carolina State commit Adam Boselli and Tennessee commit Shanon Reid were selected to play in the game for the Grey, along with the likes of well-known peers Central Florida commit Otis Anderson and Mississippi State commit Cordavien Suggs.

Arkansas commit Jarques McClellion, Vanderbilt commit Randall Haynie, Ohio commit Marlin Brooks, Eastern Illinois commit Austin Johnson and Citadel commits Cole Brown and Micah Byrd-Brown each held their respective own on defense for the Grey.

Colorado State commit Luis Lebron, Michigan commit Sean Fitzgerald, Iowa commit Ivory Kelly-Martin, Indiana State commit Titus McCoy, Miami (OH) commit Johsua Maize and UConn commit Ian Swenson were also forces to be reckon with for the Blue.

Once everyone recently arrived, the country’s best had an opportunity to work with the brand’s staff of NFL veterans, now turned coaches for the All-American Bowl, including the Grey’s Quinn Gray, who returned to his old stomping grounds with the Jaguars.

His assistants included many one-time professional peers, some memorable names such as Ken Stills (Packers and Vikings), Larry Ryans (Buccaneers and Lions), Jerry Wunsch (Buccaneers), Chuck Darby (Buccaneers) and Reggie Young (NFL veteran trainer).

One-time Pro Football Executive of the Year Dick Bell was coach of the Blue. His staff included, Mark McMillian (Eagles and Chiefs), Arlen Harris (Rams), Aaron Harris (Buccaneers), Rodney Beasley (NFL Veteran Trainer) and Al McCauley (Blue-Grey Football Staff).

The addition of Kohl’s Kicking this year to the All-American Bowl was another benefit to the overall product of the game. To that end, Jamie Kohl, Anthony Giugliano and Casey Casper will be an integral part of the future and the selection process for specialists.

Those searching for a replay of all the action, look no further. ESPN3 has the stream archived (follow the link) and the game can be viewed at any point. Also, courtesy of Sarah Hedden, high resolution photos are available (follow the link) and can be found via the web.

Editor’s Note: NFL Veteran Evaluations seen below were randomly chosen. Still, each participant in this year’s All-American Bowl received a personal recommendation from the one-time professionals and that info was sent to college coaches all over the country.

BLUE TEAM

Jay Vanderjagt, QB, 6-3, 185, Coronado (AZ): Good on his feet, with an accurate arm, he improved his stock in the eyes of the powers that be, namely colleges.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Vanderjagt understood what was expected and ran the offense well, with efficiency, he’ll be a good fit at the next level,” Bell said.

Brayden Hull, RB, 5-10, 201, Timberland (MO): Protégé of NFL veteran Arlen Harris, he displayed an expected high football IQ and also delivered desired results.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Hull was prepared for the moment, the stage was not too big for him, and he did a lot of things that were required to win,” Bell said.

Joe Mannino, RB, 5-11, 200, Allentown (NJ): Gritty and tough with a determination to succeed, he went out and accepted each challenge from the coaching staff.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “College coaches need to take a long look at Mannino, he has the ability to make an immediate contribution on campus,” Arlen Harris said. 

Drew Greenhaw, WR, 5-11, 165, Muscatine (IA): A Missouri Valley Football Conference target, his effort in this environment should help his chances to land offers.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “I like what Greenhaw did for us, we did not have to worry about him, hand out the assignment and he took care of business,” Beasley said.

Braxton McClendon, WR, 6-4, 193, Metrolina Christian Academy (NC): A big target down around the red zone, for obvious reasons, he opened up plenty of eyes.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Throw it up, watch him go get the ball. With continued improvement, I can see McClendon doing big things at the next level,” Beasley said.

Jacob Miller, WR, 6-1, 175, Ayersville (OH): Along with Anthony Barmer from Edgewood (MD) and Jaelyn Gaither from Red Land (PA), he did his job particularly well.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Miller was a technician, he worked hard, that’s a good combination. This group of receivers was one of the best I’ve seen,” Beasley said.

Brock Dolly, OL, 6-6, 265, Moorefield (WV): One of the more impressive prospects on hand, his game is ready for the Big 12 Conference, perhaps at nearby West Virginia.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “We could not take him off the field, Dolly did so many things well for us at center. Watch, he’ll be playing on Saturdays,” Aaron Harris said.

Jack Lewaren, OL, 6-6, 280, Ashwaubenon (WI): With no shortage of options in the past, it appears as if the first major scholarship for him could be in place soon.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Colleges are sleeping on him, Lewaren should have at least five offers. Some team out there is going to land a stud,” McMillian said.

Mohammed Elazazy, OL, 6-6, 310, Menasha (WI): He has the attention of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and the Big 10 Conference is also in the picture.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “We had plenty of big guys up front and Elazazy actually might have been the best of the bunch. That’s saying something, too,” Bell said.

Reid Thompson, OL, 6-1, 280, Fenton (MI): With the ball in his hands at center, there was plenty of responsibility on his shoulders and he was not fazed at all.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Smart, physical, and quick on his feet, Thompson has tools to work with. You can see that there’s a fair amount of upside with him,” Bell said.

Derek Horne, LB, 6-3, 210, Milford (MI): A Mid-American Conference (MAC) target, he measured up well with most of the top talent that the country has to offer.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Physical and fast, Horne was also smart and he made bunch of plays, that’s everything you want from someone on defense,” McMillian said.

MiQuille Bryant, LB, 5-9, 185, Monroe (NC): Teamed with Sharmane Alexander from Brunswick (VA) and Marcus Brown from Raytown South (MO), he put in serious work.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Bryant was tough as nails, he really was. All my linebackers were nasty, and in the end, the group got the job done as a team,” McCauley said.

Steven Franklin, DL, 6-2, 240, Glasgow (KY): With double-digit offers, it would not come as surprise to see him end up in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Now, here’s a kid I liked. Franklin had one of those motors that did not stop, always ready to get after the quarterback,” McCauley said.

Devin Miller, DL, 6-2, 260, Archbishop Spalding (MD): At the top of his wish list in terms of colleges are Maryland and Navy. His effort, in fact, might open those doors.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “I’d go to battle with Miller any day of the week, twice on Sunday. He’s ready to play major college ball, mark my words,” McCauley said.

DeVon Mines, DL, 6-2, 228, Romulus (MI): Russell DeMarco from Port Clinton (OH) and Trent Harrell from Chippewa (OH) regularly met with him in the backfield.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Mines did what we asked, listen, the everyone on that line was a player, it was maybe the best unit I have ever coached,” McCauley said.

Kyle Schirmann, DL, 6-3, 217, Holy Cross (KY): Explosive off the line, strong as they come too, he left a lasting impression on the coaching staff, and did so against some well-known national names.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “I like what Schirmann brought to the table. I didn’t have to worry about him, I knew he’d get the job done and colleges love that kind of player,” McCauley said.

Cooper Graham, K, 5-11, 180, IMG Academy (FL): He was automatic in practice and showed off one of the biggest legs we have seen in the history of the game.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Graham’s kicks are NCAA Division I-ready. He hits clean ball, after clean ball, and truly enjoys the big moment on the big stage,” Kohl said.

Bill Rubright, P, 6-2, 180, Marist (GA): With offers on the table, he only improved his stock by continually flipping the field and pinning the opponent deep in its territory.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Rubright catches the ball clean and sets up his drop table. He has the athletic ability and frame to continue developing, too,” Kohl said.

Gunner Daniel, LS, 5-11, 235, Marysville (OH): He displayed great poise, also his rotation and snap times were impressive, to say the least. Keep an eye on him.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Daniel has great technique, an important factor. I only expect him to get better from here as he still appears to on the rise,” Casper said.

GREY TEAM

Connor Curry, QB, 6-3, 195, Evangel Christian Academy (LA): No stranger to the spotlight, multiple teams from Conference USA are interested, specifically Southern Miss.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Curry has some great upside, all the intangibles to make plays at the position and it doesn’t matter if he uses his feet or arm,” Gray said.

Ethan Walker, QB, 6-5, 205, Asheboro (NC): Under the tutelage of NFL trainer Rodney Beasley, his game has improved to the point where colleges are intrigued with him.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Walker has a big arm and can deliver the football with accuracy and power behind it, his size allows him to see the field well,” Gray said.

Jahari Brown, RB, 5-9, 190, New Brockton (AL): Good in space, with the ability to make several people miss, he proved to be the prototypical change-of-pace back.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Brown is a shifty runner who makes people miss and his deceptive power is underestimated, he can go and get tough yardage,” Gray said.

Tyler Goins, RB, 5-9, 215 South Caldwell (NC): He was ready, willing, and able, to do whatever it took to make a difference, a fact college coaches will be pleased with.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Goins can make a difference at the next level, all he needs is a chance, that college will end up happy with having him around,” Stills said.

Jason Browning, WR, 6-3, 200, Space Coast (FL): This big body was shifty and elusive in the open field, a rare combination so to speak, especially with that kind of frame.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Tall and rangy, who can catch the ball in traffic and uses his hands well, Browning can make plays down field against anyone,” Gray said.

Myles Henderson, WR, 6-2, 180, Daphne (AL): Once word started to spread about his effort in this type of setting, coaches were on the phone with him to extend offers.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Henderson deceptive speed that threatens zone and man coverage. He also has uncanny ability to make the more difficult catches,” Gray said.

Luke Ward, WR, 6-2, 190, Northview (FL): Along with Big South Conference target Ethan Piercy from Fort Mill (SC), the tandem posed multiple problems on the outside.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “There’s a lot to like about Ward. He can do it all. He picked up the offense quickly, faster than most, that was a good thing,” Stills said.

Sam Veltman, TE, 6-4, 230, Indian Rocks Christian (FL): Programs from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and Big 10 Conference have expressed interest in him.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Veltman showed great ability to adjust to the H-back position and play in the backfield. He had some good hands for a big kid,” Gray said.

Jonathan Vega, OL, 6-4, 350, Ridge Community (FL): At first glance, and on paper, his height and weight were desirables factors. His play backed up those initial projections.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Vega anchored a team that came together in two days and made all the calls for the offensive line, also some of the quarterbacks,” Gray said.

Austin Brown, OL, 6-2, 290, West Wilkes (NC): Along with Joey Bell from Central (FL), he protected the signal-callers and opened up lanes for the ball-carriers.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Brown and his teammates, in many ways, were key to the win for us with the way the controlled the line of scrimmage,” Stills said.

Hassan Hammiel, DB, 5-9, 160, Southwest Edgecombe (NC): Time, after time, he was up to the task of going one-on-one with the opponent’s top pass-catcher.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Hammiel was feisty and played with the attitude of never being beat. The ability to play man coverage will take him to places,” Gray said.

DeWayne Parker, DB, 5-10, 160, Gadsden City (AL): Once a relative unknown on the East Coast recruiting landscape, the days of flying underneath the radar are over.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “I like Parker, with his decent size and willingness to come up in run support and make tackles that some players won’t make,” Gray said.

Tah’shim Knight, LB, 6-0, 215, Northside Christian (FL): An understudy of NFL veterans Jerry Wunsch and Chuck Darby, he took the advice of his mentors and excelled.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “It was tough for the bigger lineman to get their hands on Knight because of his quickness, though he was ready to tango with them,” Gray said.

Kirkland McKenzie, LB, 6-0, 220, Charles Jordan (NC): Schools from the Patriot League, particularly Colgate, are interested and his options figure to soon increase.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Speed and quickness allows McKenzie to make plays from sideline to sideline. He will come up and hit you in the mouth, as well,” Gray said.

Terrence Curry, DL, 6-3, 270, Mandarin (FL): With more than 10 scholarships in place, expectations were high for him, and accordingly, he lived up to all of the hype.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “When it comes to Curry, and his value, playing on the line for us, he went out and did his job much better than expected,” Stills said.

Roman Lockmiller, DL, 6-2, 215, McMinn County (TN): Athletic as they come, he caused havoc everywhere he lined up on the field, Safe to say, he turned heads.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Lockmiller can play a number of different positions on the field and he displayed some serious versatility during the game,” Stills said.

Mujahid Turner, DL, 6-2, 245, East Chapel Hill (NC): Athletic, as result of refined footwork, explosiveness allowed him to make plays others might have struggled with.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Turner showed flashes. Now, working on his craft and keeping focus will allow us all to hear great things from him in the future,” Gray said.

Tyler Estell, DL, 6-1, 365, Pell City (AL): An immovable object once his feet are set, his sheer mass was often troublesome and difficult to deal from start to finish.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Estell is a zero-technique in a 3-4 scheme, also a one-technique in a four-down scheme and can keep teams from running,” Gray said.

Bryant Wallace, K, 6-1, 170, Rogers (AL): A Jacksonville State commit, he showed some determination when times were somewhat tough, also good height and distance.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Wallace has improved over the years and I expect to see him continue. He has a bright future with potential to shine at the next level,” Kohl said.

Pressley Harvin, P, 6-0, 230, Sumter (SC): A Georgia Tech commit, he was the darling of both coaching staffs, with punts in excess of 50 yards and a 5.0 hang time.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Harvin is one of the most impressive prospects that we have seen in years. He will make an immediate impact at the collegiate level,” Kohl said.

Ben Reeder, LS, 6-2, 210, Mann (SC): With offers from Western Kentucky, South Carolina and North Carolina, he delivered bullets all day long once the whistle blew.

NFL Veteran Evaluation: “Reeder showed good rotation and location. He continues to make great strides on his velocity while developing into a top tier talent,” Cooper said.