by Vernard Abrams
Rule The Air and Battle of the Trenches Showcase 2017
On Saturday, March 25th, some of the top football players from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and surrounding states came to showcase their talents. Approximately, 20+ teams and organizations were represented. The 4th annual Rule The Air Showcase once again was a hit! The camp included elite instruction and evaluation from some of the nation’s top trainers. Director and lead QB coach, Vernard Abrams of ACE QB and WR, Donovan Dooley of QBU, Sam Mora of Sam Mora football, Sudan Ellington of Big Skills Academy, Key Moore of RunIt RBs, Kevin Zeblium of Keystone Sports, Brandon Bing of Probing Elite. Vernard Abrams also known as Abe, has been making a name for himself by developing many of the area’s top QB and WR collegiate and NFL prospects. This year includes NFL Draft hopeful, University of Penn’s signal caller, Alek Torgersen.
Camp Recap: Saturday’s event was filled with outstanding talent from youth leagues and High Schools all over PA and surrounding states. The camp was split into two parts by age. The morning session was for players from grades 4 through 8 and the afternoon session, for grades 9-11. The showcase gave each athlete an opportunity to display his abilities. All participants were evaluated as they were put through a series of drills and competitions during the day. The player evaluation process started at warmups all the way through the last whistle at camp’s conclusion. Participants took part in developmental drills, then applied their new knowledge and skills in one on one competition. The action was non-stop! Quarterbacks displayed accuracy and arm strength. The Receivers and Running backs constantly made plays. You will surely hear about a few of them on the Spring/Summer college recruiting trail. l definitely wouldn’t want to have to play defense against them during the 2017 season. The defensive back play was better than anticipated. Although outnumbered, they displayed, technique, speed, and tenacity battling WRs and RBS on multiple reps. At the end of the day, parents and athletes were raving about the camps organization and talent that was present.
There were 100 attendees between the two session and each position group had multiple coaches to instruct them throughout the day.
Beyond Xs and Os: Participates were not only observed and evaluated on physical talents, but on attitude and leadership while interacting with their peers. Coach Abe and staff took every opportunity during breaks to discuss the keys to becoming successful in life and on the field. He also relayed the message that too often many football players limit themselves. They focus so much on being great football players, that they don’t focus on attacking the school work and being the best they can within their family dynamic. The goal is to be multi-dimensional, to be great not only in football but most importantly in life, hence the name of Abrams’ training company ACE (Athletes Creating Excellence). Overall, we can say that it was a great day filled with great competition and fun atmosphere.
Photos and a Prospect Review of the showcase will be posted for the camp on www.coachabefootball.com
Top Players Middle School:
Quarterbacks -Tyler Barry, Donovan Salters, Trey Holsman, Jeron Phillips, Jr., Landon Henline
Skill Players– (MVP Offense) Liam Kennedy, Dante DeNardo, Michael Price, Edward Quinn, (MVP Defense) Mekhi Williams, Devin Smith
Linemen-(MVP) Jordan Alvarez
Fastest Man – Devon Smith
Defensive Player
Top Players High School:
Quarterbacks – Stone Hollenbach, Jared Lewis, Ryan Yost, Matt DeLaurentis
Skill Players – (MVP-O) Jayvonne Campfield, Rodger Holcombe, (MVP-D) Isaiah Watson, Keishawn Jones, Noah Santiago, Kyrin Jackson, Sterlen Barr Jr., Caleb Mead, Jaime Rodriguez
Linemen – (MVP) Rahmel Turner, Jeremiah Carter, Beau Lanzidelle
Fastest Man – (Tied) Isaiah Watson and Keishawn Jones
