You may remember us telling you about Durham Mt. Zion wide receiver Tehvyn Brantley and his amazing travel plans for June--Brantley and father Leroy plan to attend 22 combines and college camps in 28 days, criss-crossing the country from coast to coast.
Today the Great Adventure began, as Brantley participated in a Scout.com combine in Los Angeles. He called not long after it was over to catch us up on his status.
The first thing you should know about Brantley is that his nickname is "The Martian," because he doesn't seem human in that he never seems to get tired. Get back to me on that after you're finished with this insane month, Tehvyn.
Anyway, Brantley said the trip couldn't have started any better. The Scout folks already knew him from their combine in Charlotte when he was the offensive MVP, and were aware that he could play.
"This was a wonderful day," he said from his LA hotel room. "I woke up to a call from Florida--they're recruiting me the hardest, along with UCLA and Arizona State. It's kind of funny; I'm getting more love from the West Coast than from the East."
Brantley said he measured in at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, and that may be part of the problem for some schools. But he improved his 40-yard dash speed, clocking a legit 4.57, and had his best pro shuttle time ever of 4.28.
"And I killed 'em in the one-on-one (receiving) drills," he said, his enthusiasm spilling over the phone.
Someone wanted a picture when he was done for the website, and asked if he wanted it taken with that Clemson hat he was wearing. Brantley laughed and quickly removed it.
"I was like, 'no way!" he said. "I need to keep all my options open."
Brantley is ready to keep it rolling.
"I've been in the weight room, getting set for this, and I aced all my exams, so I'm ready to go," he said.
The Great Adventure continues Monday, at the camp of Arizona State. --Stan Olson
Saturday, May 30, 2009
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5 comments:
Here is an FYI on Brantley, this is his 6th year in High School athletics. Does anyone know the ruling on how he can do this? He played 4 years in public schools and this would make his 2nd year in private schools.
No real surprise on the age issue. See it regularly in Charlotte, but Langston and others at the Observer don't think it's a problem (see earlier posts about Chadwick and other kids at privates). My only question is whether or not dad ran any pass routes? Usually the motivation and drive behind these kids is not too hard to find. If you're good, you don't have to travel the country auditioning. Stay home, save the time, ego stroking,and money--I think colleges will find you in this day and age.
I've seen this kid play the past 2 seasons and he is nothing special. He has average speed for a receiver, doesn't see or play the field unless the ball is heading his way, and is only a decent player at best. If he can't get looks in NC with the talent here, he doesn't have a chance in Cal.
If what you've said about his years in school are true, why doesn't anyone report him to the state athletic association?
well first of all if all u people are so proud of your comments, you shouldnt be anonomous if he is doing good you should applaud that he is not walking the streets.you people are cowards with a lot of time on their hands GET A LIFE!!! what is your kid doin? smoking drugs or wearing nail polish?& for the guy that wants to report someone, why dont you mind your business.Seems to me that everyone is such a critic/coach sitting behind a screen but are not woman or man enough to show faces and name names, i wonder why?
DECEMBER 2010 UPDATE:
Not to throw shots at anyone, but I had the opportunity to see this gentleman at a USC camp, and all I can say honestly is that he has "descent speed", but not the size a Florida, or USC would be looking for. It's not going to happen at the Division 1 level as a wide receiver. But at a 4.57 speed, there is a dime a dozen at that speed, and at the 6.0" level. Maybe tailback, he can get away with it, but not wide receiver.
Now an OVER STATEMENT he might of made, and probably self marketing is,
"This was a wonderful day," he said from his LA hotel room. "I woke up to a call from Florida--they're recruiting me the hardest, along with UCLA and Arizona State. It's kind of funny; I'm getting more love from the West Coast than from the East."
My impression from the USC camp, was that he was ready to cash checks from the NFL. This a perfect example of a young man, and parent who need to be humbled, and the hard work is there...but the size, and the speed are not. Only exception, if he can change his physical presence to a like Maurice Jones-Drew (UCLA, Jaguars), then there may be a chance, but any Division 1 school at this time, it would have to be as a walk-on.
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