Athens NIKE Camp Preview: Defense - SC PLayers
The fourth stop for the Nike Football Camp tour is this Saturday in Athens at the
University of Georgia and there will be twenty-nine South Carolina football prospects on
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hand, testing themselves against the best in the Southeast in the nation's most
prestigious of football testing and training camps.
The Class of 2007 will be one of the most talented groups in recent memory with a very
high number of players who will sign for DI scholarships on next year's national signing
day.
Today, we will focus on the defensive side of the football.
Defensive Line:
The defensive line position will be thin at Nike Camp as far as Palmetto Staters, but
there will be a few on hand. Richland Northeast's Chris Bonds, a 6-4, 238
pound rising sophomore, started opposite Michigan signee Adam Patterson
and collected 43 tackles, 9 for loss, and 8 sacks on the season.
Dutch Fork defensive lineman Aaron Provence is a 6-0, 265lbs defensive
tackle who finished 2005 with 75 total tackles, 7 for loss, 1 sack, and 1 pass break up.
Provence has worked hard in the off season and has significanly improved himself in terms
of conditioning and his speed and agility.
Other players who may participate with either the DL's or LB's are Josh Payton
(6-3,245) of J.L. Mann and Corey Hawkins (6-3, 215) of Blythewood.
Cliff Matthews of Cheraw was confirmed on the camp, but will miss due to the lower
state track championships this Saturday. He is currently throwing the shot put 50 feet and
high jumping 6-4.
Linebackers:
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=48961">Charles White
(6-0, 210), who we feel is as good as any linebacker in the state.
Spring Valley High School will be sending three players at this spot - Tim
Green (6-2, 200), Norman Washington (6-0,200), and Brandon
Weedon (6-1,215). Washington was a defensive back last season, but will probably
find a permanent home at OLB next season.
Defensive Backs:
The defensive backs are fast and athletic and will be tested by some of the top wide
receivers in the country on Saturday, as the one-on-one drills at this position are always
exciting to watch.
Marcus Carrol (6-1,190) of Greenwood High School plays both sides of the ball for the
Eagles and could actually work out with the running backs during position drills.
Jeff Dimary (5-11 1/2, 180) of Dutch Fork High School is a young man
who should impress some people with his coverage skills. He's got excellent speed, 4.5 and
sometimes sub 4.5, and has great hips.
Rahmel Lewis (6-0, 170) of Irmo was a force for the Yellow Jackets
defense last season. He's got good breaking speed on the ball and plays aggressive with
the receivers. His test will be running with the receivers in coverage. He is another one
who should do well.
John Synovec is the sleeper of this bunch. The 6-1, 195lbs rising
senior from Ridge View played safety last year for the Blazers and delivers a powerful hit
when he closes on the ball. He's made huge strides in the off season in his weight gain,
strength, speed, and agility and has turned himself into a legitimate prospect with his
hard work.
Joe Snipe (6-1,180) is an athlete that transferred to J.L. Mann after
football season last year. He played at Southside and was a multiple position athlete
there. He will more than likely fit into the defensive scheme at Mann, but that has not
been decided yet. He could work out at wide receiver or defensive back.
SCVarsity.com will have evaluations on South Carolina players after the camp.
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