Tide player recognized

From link on PennLive...
A team comprised of some of the best high school football players in Eastern Pennsylvania were able to place in the top 4 teams at the Badger Sport/New Level Athletics Elite 7 on 7 Camp at Rutgers University this past weekend. Their team, the Pennsylvania Playmakers, made it all the way to the semi-finals before losing to the eventual champions, Maryland Flex, 20-19 in a heartbreaking loss. This was New Level Athletic's Northeast Region Championship event and by placing in the top 4, they qualified to play at the National Championship Tournament at the University of Alabama during July 4th weekend. I was able to see and record a ton of action during the two-day event. The video won't be available for a few weeks but here are some thoughts on some of the "Playmakers".


Shawn Simmons (Linebacker) - Harrisburg H.S.- The 6'2", 250 pound linebacker impressed many with his speed and quickness for his size. Teams came to find out that Simmons was able to cover running backs coming out of the backfield as he made a lot of athletic plays on defense during the two-day event. Expect his stock to rise considerably on the recruiting circuit.

Dion Shaw (Defensive Back/Wide Receiver) – Ridley H.S. – 6'0", 170 LBS/Damiere Shaw (Defensive Back/Wide Receiver) – 5'11" 170 LBS – The Shaw brothers locked down their side of the field during the two day event. Dion impressed at the workouts last year and this year and did not disappoint with his performance this past weekend. Damiere made several noticeable defensive plays, especially on the second day where he had key breakups. Basically,no one was getting open on these guys. Their performance this weekend should add to their great reputations.

Max Ward (Quarterback)– Steel-High – 6'2", 175 LBS- You can officially add Ward to the list of one of the better quarterbacks coming back in the part of Pennsylvania. He had earned it with his performance over the weekend. Going against some of the best competition in the Northeastern part of the U.S., Ward was able to hit his receivers on all kinds of routes. Ward specialized with the long throws this weekend, showing an ability to hit his wideouts in stride. He helped lead the Playmakers to a top 4 finish and this performance should add to his confidence.

David Williams (Running Back) – West Catholic – 6'0", 180 lbs. Normally, running backs don't do much during 7 on 7 competitions, but the rules at New Level Athletics/Badger Sport events are different. The running back can run the ball and be effective. That's what describes Williams' performance, very effective. He scored on several TD runs during the two-day event and showed his versatility catching the ball out of the backfield. He's a sophomore right now but he is one of the top 5 running backs coming back for the 2011 season.

Mike Burke (Wide Receiver) – Columbia – Along with Simmons from Harrisburg, Burke has to be a kid whose stock rose during the two-day event. He was unstoppable for most of the two-day event, making all kind of catches. He beat his man several times for long touchdown catches and proved that he is one of the best wide receivers coming back for the 2011 season. There's no doubt he earned a lot of respect over the weekend. With his size and precise route running, there's no doubt he'll be on the recruiting radar soon enough.

Kyle Kerrick (Wide Receiver) – Coatesville – Kerrick showed up on the second day of the event and made an instant impact. He showed good hands and great route-running ability while making key catches during the Playmakers run during the second day of the event.

Blake Rankin (Quarterback) – Bloomsburg – Rankin was a kid already on the radar and definitely improved his stock over the weekend even more with his performance. Rankin picked apart defenses the whole weekend and was able to connect on numerous long touchdown passes during the two-day event. Rankin is one of the best QB's in the state.

Kevin Malone (Safety) – West Catholic – Malone manned the safety position for the Playmakers and got a key interception during the second day. Malone is part of a talented nucleus coming back for the West Catholic Burrs for the 2010 football season.

Larry Zimmerman (Defensive Back) – Pine Grove – Zimmerman had a good first day and stepped up his game during the second day with some key pass breakups. He saw a lot of time during the latter part of the single-game elimination tournament and more than held his own. Although he didn't get to showcase his skills at wide receiver, the All-State defensive back proved he belonged against top competition.

Leroy McClain (Defensive Back) – Susquehanna Township – McClain stepped up his game during the second day of the event, showing more aggressiveness and preventing receivers from getting open. McClain is also a wide receiver but defensive back is where he may end up at when he gets to the college level. He already has the speed.