The MVP award went to Claudy Matthews, an unknown prospect from the City of Brotherly Love. The unknown label is a temporary tag, as Matthews stock is sure to rise after his impressive performance. The 6’3” 225 pound defensive end is light on his feet and has more strength than you’d expect when observing on the hoof. Matthews has long arms and a frame that that could stand another 15-20 pounds. He dominated the majority of his 1 on 1 matchups, which is impressive since he was mixing it up with lineman that outweighed by nearly 100 pounds, in some cases even more. Matthews is a little raw, but his upside is off the charts.

Steve Finley also had an impressive performance. He’ll be a two year starter for Harrisburg High School, one of more talented programs in the state on an annual basis. Finley was technically sound, showed the ability to quickly get into his pass-pro set, and appears to be a natural knee bender. In the 1 on 1’s, Finley used his length and wide base to mirror defenders, eventually driving them out of the pocket. His camp performance matches up with his film, which should mid major schools knocking on his door.

Susquehanna High School hosted the camp, so it’s fitting that Avery Robinson came out and represented his school so well. Robinson is the younger brother of Adrian Robinson, a star defender for the Temple Owls, who will be a high NFL draft pick in a year or two. The younger Robinson is not resting on his laurels or namesake, the BBIT camp is just the last in a number of stops that he’s made on the camp/combine circuit. A class of 2012 prospect, Robinson has tremendous quickness off the ball and he loves to initiate contact. A wrestler by trade, Robinson uses some of those techniques when disengaging with offensive linemen. Robinson can continue to put on weight (245-250 right now), and grow an inch or two, he’ll be a surefire division 1 recruit.

Steelton-Highsphire has been churning out college football prospects at a record pace over the past three years, and it appears more are soon to come. Their latest candidate may be Phil Brown, who at times destroyed the competition at the BBIT camp. He can rip right and left equally well, he just seems to have a firm understanding of how to keep offensive linemen off his body due to his quickness and ability to maneuver in tight quarters. Brown really impressed with his effort and energy.

Last but not least is another Susquehanna Indian in Stephen Hairston, who goes at 6’4”, 335 pounds. Hairston moves really well for a guy his size, and with his strength, he literally over powered the competition. He had some good battles with all the players mentioned in this article, and came away with his fair share of victories. If can continue to get in better shape, it will be only a matter of time before he picks up his

 

For the big boys

Friday, July 09, 2010

BY ERIC THOMAS ethomas626@verizon.net

Jamien Harvey has watched the typical football camp: the kind that showcases the athleticism and talent of quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. The kind that are usually the norm this time of the year.

So for the second straight year, the former Harrisburg Cougars lineman -- who played college football at West Virginia -- has decided to hold a camp for the big guys.

Harvey will host the second Big Boys Football Camp, this year at Susquehanna Twp. High School. The camp will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Registration will start at 8 a.m., and Harvey said the camp is free to area lineman who want to attend, but asked that a donation is made to his organization, Big Boys in Training.

Among those expected to attend the camp are Bishop McDevitt lineman Justin Garlic, Susquehanna Twp.'s own Stephen Hairston, and Harrisburg prospects Xavier Gates and Stephen Finley.

"We hold several camps at several schools throughout central Pennsylvania," Harvey said.

Last summer, the lineman camp was held at Steelton-Highspire. Harvey also helped run the Rivals showcase that was held at Hershey High School earlier this year.

"The camp is about giving back to all of the offensive and defensive lineman who paved the way for us. It's about giving a day to the big boys," Harvey said. "It's normally all about running backs and receivers and whatnot, and it's just a day for the big boys."

Harvey said he wanted to do something for athletes who cannot afford the $200-300 camps that prospects attend.

"We try to ask for donations and keep all costs out of it," Harvey said.

Harvey will put the linemen through a series of drills that focus on their agility, run blocking, pass blocking and a drill he likes to call the "sumo" drill, which Harvey said speaks for itself....