KANSAS CITY -- It was a cold, overcast and rainy Mother's Day at North Kansas City High School for the National Underclassmen Combine on Sunday, but the weather was overshadowed by an extremely talented crop of prospects.
This combine was strong at every position, but the top dog was offensive lineman Jordon McCallister (Junction City, Kan./Junction City). To go along with his dominating performance in one-on-ones, the 6-foot-3, 305-pounder showed great strength with his eye-popping 38 reps on the bench press.
McCallister says he's hoping to parlay his showing at this combine, as well as other camp and combine appearances, into scholarship offers.
"There was a lot of good competition out there on Sunday," McCallister said. "I felt I dominated but I'm always trying to work hard and get better. You can never be satisfied. I've been coached well at Junction City. We have a good program, and I'm just trying to get better, and hopefully schools will see my work ethic and want to offer me a scholarship."
Schools are taking notice of McCallister, and the wait for his first scholarship offer could soon be over.
"Kansas State is only a 20-minute drive from my house," the three-year varsity starter said. "I've been to Manhattan several times. I've also been to Lawrence to visit Kansas. I'm hearing from Oklahoma and I'm getting a lot of stuff from Stanford. Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska and UCLA have all contacted me."
Alexander the great
Definitely one of the most intriguing prospects was running back Donnell Alexander (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs South). The 5-10, 190-pounder is the son of late Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas.
Alexander spent most of his high school career trying to get settled in at one school. He started in Olathe, Kan., transferred to Grandview High School in Missouri and is now enrolled at Blue Springs South. Looking at his junior highlights, you can see he has all the tools college recruiters are looking for in a big-time running back.
"Arkansas, Alabama, Miami and Oregon are the schools that I like the most right now," Alexander said. "I've been on a lot of visits, but no offers yet. I think a lot of coaches are just now finding out that I've transferred. I'm confident that once everything settles down, everything will fall into place."
Alexander also handles pressure well. In addition to being the son of one of the greatest to play the game, he was inserted as the starting tailback as a freshman and now plans on taking his game to the next level at Blue Springs.
"I had 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns last year," he said. "I was named second-team all-state. Next week, I'm going to Oakland for the Nike Combine. I plan on going to the NUC Elite 100 combine in Indianapolis. I'm always trying to get better."
Notes
• Linebacker Ryan Karlin (Kansas City, Mo./Rockhurst) took top honors at his position.
• Wesley Leftwich (Columbia, Mo./Hickman) was voted wide receiver MVP as well as combine king.
• Marquise Cushon (Raytown, Mo./South) took top defensive back honors.
• McCallister's teammate, Terrence Allen (Junction City, Kan./Junction City), was awarded top running back.
• Calvin Jacobson (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs South), who is Alexander's teammate, was voted top quarterback.
• Jordan Nubine (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs) was full of energy, showed outstanding leadership skills and took away top tight end honors. The 6-4, 200-pounder should get plenty of looks during the spring evaluation period.
• Defensive back Jackson Long (Kansas City, Mo./Staley) drew raves from the combine coaches. He is a tough, physical athlete who showed the ability to flip his hips and run with elite wide receivers. He made several big-time plays and will be a prospect to watch.
Photo courtesy of Chris Pool
