May 11, 2007

Jim Baxter
SCVarsity.com

We are less than one week away from the 2007 SCVarsity.com All-State Football Combine. The unequivocal best sports performance evaluation and testing event available to South Carolina high school athletes, this combine is set to host some of the state's top football players at Brookland-Cayce High School this weekend for a great day of talent showcasing. Here's a look at what to expect on Saturday from the quarterbacks.

After working the Nike Football Training Camps for several years, we had an opportunity to see the best in the busines put on great events. There is no doubt that those are quality events for the players. The problem was, there were so many players wanting in that it turned into an almost invitational and limited the number of players from our great state that were able to attend. Last year, I decided that I wanted to bring that same quality of evaluation and training to South Carolina and make it open exclusively to Palmetto state players. The response has been overwhelming and we've had to work overtime to put plans in place to make this event the best ever in our state.

With four hundred players registered, we will be able to evaluate and test some great high school football players and prospects. There will be some of every type here...the player who just wants a chance to measure himself against great talent; the player who has the ability to play at the next level but just hasn't had the exposure; the players who are sure to turn the heads of all-star coaches; and the total freaks that will not ony be top ranked players in the state, but will be highly sought after by college recruiters from around the country.

Now, we'll take a look at the quarterbacks who are scheduled to be at this year's combine.

West Florence quarterback Jimmy Howell is a 6-6, 240lbs signal caller who will be getting his first starts under center this season. He's been an all-region performer since his freshman year as a punter, but he looked good at the Elite 11 camp in Atlanta last month and the Nike Camp in Athens. He possesses the size and strength to make the difficult throws on timing routes and can throw the long ball well. He's got a quick drop and set and with some added lateral speed, may be a strong sleeper at the quarterback position. Strom Thurmond's Aramis Hillary, is a 6-3, 213lbs dual-threat quarterback, but has solid passing skills and great accuracy. He passed for more than 1,700 yards last season, while rushing for more than 700 yards. He has offers from Mississippi State, East Carolina, and Appalachian State.? Myrtle Beach's Andrew Ellis passed for 2,100 yards last season for the Seahawks and is one of the state's top returning quarterbacks in terms of statistics. His older brother is NFL player Alex Van Pelt. Conway's Dakota Derrick, is a 6-5, 190lb two year starter for the Tigers. He passed for 2,410 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2006.

One sleeper to keep an eye on is Bamberg-Erhardt's Chris Pressley. The 6-4, 185lbs athlete is about to get some offers on the table as either a wide receiver or defensive back, but he will start again under center for Coach Ron Duncan's Raiders. He is scheduled to work out at quarterback on Saturday, but may switch to WR or DB.

Some underclassmen to watch are Union's Bo Whitney, a 6-4, 210 pounder who got limited action behind a seasoned veteran last season, but did manage to 16 of 32 passes for two touchdowns in his few appearances. Chesnee's Cedric Proctor (2009) is a 5-11, 175lbs speedster who passed for 1,039 yards last season and 10 scores, while rushing for more than 600 yards.

Here's a look at the quarterback roster of players that will be in attendance Saturday.