L.A. NUC top performers

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The National Underclassmen Combine Five-Star Showcase hit Los Angeles on Saturday and featured some elite talent from around the state of California and beyond.

Lavon Coleman had a very complete day.

We take a look at the top performers from the event:

Lavon Coleman, RB, Lompoc – Coleman may have had the most complete day out of a loaded running back position group. He is a thick back that has the ability to be a downhill physical presence but he displayed a surprising dose of body control and natural pass-catching ability out of the backfield. He looks the part of a true every down back.

Craig Lee, RB, Redlands – A four-star prospect, Lee was the most highly-touted player in attendance and he lived up to his billing by showing a terrific running back frame, great feet and agility and the burst to get upfield in a hurry.

Andrew Ballin, RB, Hoover – Despite the running back group being loaded with talent, Ballin stepped up and took home the MVP award showing a terrific all around effort. The 2013 prospect came into Saturday’s event with very little attention and recruiting news of note but made a statement with his performance. Ballin showed good hands, great burst after the catch and the versatility to project in a number of different roles.

Kaodi Dike, WR, St. Mary’s – Another big time sleeper, Dike is getting only some surface interest from Northwestern and UCLA but looks like he has the ability to land much more interest. Dike was clearly the top wide receiver in attendance, running crisp routes and showing soft hands throughout the day. His size and movement skills make him a unique talent.

Jonathan Lyles, CB, Damien – If Dike was the obvious choice at the wide receiver position, Lyles had the same kind of separation from the field at the defensive back spot. He fluid, natural defender showed great hips in transition and the instincts to read and diagnose routes with ease.

Ross Berry, OG, Templeton – Somebody is missing out on a very good offensive line prospect in Berry. At 6-4, 270, Berry projects to the inside but manned the edge on Saturday with ease. He is ox-strong with a thick lower body that is tough to move in his pass set. Berry showed surprising quickness as well and looks like he could be a big time steal for any program. Currently he is only hearing from the likes of Army, Fordham and San Jose State.

Lorenzo Melvin, DE, Desert Vista (Ariz.) – No one put together a better effort on Saturday from an intensity standpoint than Melvin. He is a high-motor prospect that is slightly undersized as a defensive lineman but showed very good speed off the edge, toughness at the point of attack and a fantastic competitive attitude. With one offer from South Dakota State, Melvin could see more coming down the line.

Dalton Fields, DT, Pine Creek (Colo.) – Immediately Fields stands out due to his impressive frame and strength while engaged. Fields was one of the most impressive defenders to compete on Saturday and was a handful all day for offensive linemen. As he continues to polish his technique, Fields looks prepared to continue to be a defensive force. He currently holds an offer from Colorado State and thinks Wyoming could be next.

Alek Torgerson, QB, Huntington Beach Edison – Togersen is not on many college radars right now because his senior year will be his first year as a starter in high school at quarterback. You would never know it by watching him throw though. Togersen showed a live arm, a clean delivery was absolutely on the mark all afternoon long. Despite his limited experience, Torgersen could play himself into some summer offers if he has more performances like the one he put together on Saturday.

Kyle Allen, QB, Desert Mountain (Ariz.), Class of 2014 – Allen made Gerry Hamilton’s list of top performers at the Dallas Elite 11 camp and without having any idea of who he was, the kid stepped up and emerged as arguably the top arm in the LA event as well. Allen has a calm demeanor and understands where the ball needs to be and when. After a sophomore year that saw him put up 2600 yards passing and 21 touchdowns, expect big things out of this youngster.