Everyone goes to an event like this trying to make a name for himself. Some, more than others, have already done so because of their past performances. In the case of these players, they've already proven to be big-time players on the field and their performances last Saturday were exceptional.
MVP: Armwood OL Matt Patchan
For the second year in a row, an Armwood player has taken home top honors after Torrey Davis did so last year. Davis went on to become a five-star player who played in the Scout.com/U.S. Army All-American Game in January. Patchan's well on his way.
At 6-foot-7 and 252 pounds, Patchan turned heads with a 4.70/40 time. His 7.13 3-cone drill was nearly unheard of for a player his size. His 32-inch vertical leap and 9-7 standing broad jump were as impressive.
However, as well as Patchan tested, it was in drills that we realized how special he truly is. Playing a left tackle position in 1-on-1 drills, Patchan took on all comers. First it was Miami Northwestern's Marcus Forston. Then it was Benjamin Jones and on and on. He's just so well-coached and looks exactly like an offensive tackle should. In my opinion, he edges out Edgewater's Mike Brewster as the state's top offensive line prospect heading into the spring.
Runner-Up: Miami Northwestern DL Marcus Forston
It's always fun to watch big time players who just love playing the game. That's the way Forston plays. After an outstanding junior season on the field, Forston showed everyone last Saturday why he's widely considered the state's No. 1 defensive line prospect heading into the spring. At 6-foot-2 1/2 and 305 pounds, he ran a 4.90/40 (something 300+ kids hardly ever do at any event), ran a 4.68 shuttle, jumped 27 inches, and did 9-feet on the standing broad jump.
As with Patchan, Forston's true colors came out during 1 on 1 drills. The first time he went was against Patchan. He went straight for the best. He got some work in at both end and tackle. His footspeed, quick hands, raw strength, and ability to clog holes and rush the passer are really fun to watch and they're why he's a near lock to be a five-star prospect on Scout.com when the initial rankings are released at the end of spring.
Runner-Up: Ely DB Patrick Johnson
You can't mention the term MVP without listing Johnson somewhere in it. He was the third player who received mention as the top kid there. At 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, he has the size to play either corner or free safety in college. His 4.44/40 shows he can play cover corner. He jumped 34-inches and did 9-11 on the standing broad jump. In other words, he's going to win most jump balls.
In one-on-one drills, he shut everything down as he always does at Ely. He's very competitive and constantly wants the best receivers to go up against. While Lincoln's T.J. Bryant will get a lot of mention, Johnson solidified his spot, in my opinion, as the state's No. 1 defensive back prospect. He has to be considered a top five player nationally at his position and he's another near lock to be a five-star prospect by Scout.com.