NJ/NY NFTC Recap

The Nike Football Training Camp (NFTC) held its annual event in New Jersey for athletes from all over the Northeast. The NFTC gives athletes a chance to test their talent against the top athletes from the region. A total of seven athletes were selected at the end of the event to attend The Opening, a four day skills challenge for the top rated athletes from each of the NFTC events held in July at Nike World Headquarters in Oregon. Here’s a look at some of the athletes that stood out:

Class of 2015

Tommy Hatton (St. Joseph Montvale)-  After several of his reps during the one-on-one segment, Hatton repeatedly said “no more three-star” in response to his ratings from several recruiting outlets. Hatton absolutely dominated the one-on-one session vs. defensive lineman. Hatton, who is being recruited as a center said, “I hate being underrated like I am. This was a statement to all the people out there that Tommy Hatton is real man.” Any doubts regarding Hatton should have been washed away as he earned top OL at the NFTC.

Minkah Fitzpatrick (St. Peters Prep)- Fitzpatrick took another step towards proving that he is one of the top DB’s in his class. His footwork is exceptional and he knows when to be physical. Fitzpatrick locked up everyone he faced during one-on-one’s and earned an invite to The Opening, as expected. He also committed to Alabama on April 19.

Chris Clark (Avon Old Farms, CT)- The highly sought after tight end stood out amongst the tight ends at the NFTC. Clark has an excellent frame at 6’6, 245-pounds. His performance earned him an invite to The Opening.

Brandon Coleman (Archbishop Stepinac, NY)- The dual-threat quarterback showed why he is the target of almost every Ivy League program. Coleman can throw on the run and displayed good decision-making skills during the event.

Kyle Phipps (Linden)– The athlete played running back at the NFTC. Phipps is very shifty and has a nice burst of speed in the open field. A coach from the NFTC told me Phipps performed “very well” throughout the entire day.

Freddie Simmons (Bethlehem Catholic, PA)- The 6’3, 175-pound wide receiver really stood out during the one-on-one session. Simmons ran smooth routes and used his body really well to get the ball. If schools were at the NFTC, he would have walked away with more than a handful of offers.

Ryan Bates (Archbishop Wood, PA)-  Bates, a consensus four-star commit proved why he is one of the top prospects from Pennsylvania. The Penn St. commit has good footwork and performed well during the entire event.

2016 Athletes 

Rashan Gary (Scotch Plains-Fanwood)- The sophomore defensive lineman made it clear why he is regarded as one of the top prospects in his class. Gary has all the attributes to be at a premier Division 1 program including a quick first step off the ball. At 6’4, 285-pounds, he can play at any spot on the defensive line. Gary went undefeated during the one-on-one session at the NFTC and earned the MVP for defensive linemen.

Alex Marshall (Andover, MA)- Marshall may be committed to UNC for lacrosse, but that didn’t stop him from competing in the NFTC on Sunday. He used his 6’7, 245 frame to his advantage and caught nearly everything thrown his way. Marshall may have to put on some weight, but his future is bright after emerging as a top prospect at the event.

Here are Marshall’s highlights from the NFTC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqjE4EQBqL0 

Jarrett Guarantano (Bergen Catholic)- Guarantano showcased his arm strength and poise while breaking down secondaries. He is up to eight offers including Clemson, Auburn, and North Carolina. Guarantano will be tasked with anchoring Bergen Catholic’s offense for the next two seasons.