PISCATAWAY, N.J.- There obviously was a load of top-shelf talent at the Badger Sport Elite 7-on-7 this past weekend at Rutgers University. That being said, it wasn’t like the event was without under-the-radar players showing up, top underclassmen emerging and other news and notes.
Quarterback Ian Fisher led the state of Maryland in passing last season.
Here’s a look at some odds and ends from the event.
-Quarterback Ian Fisher (Brunswick, Md.) is a 6-foot-4, 240-pounder with a cannon for an arm. The state of Maryland’s leading passer last season (3,027 yards), Fisher is getting interest from the in-state Terps, Rutgers, Duke, Florida State, Wisconsin and others.
-We really liked the versatility and athleticism of athlete Darius Merriweather (Vorhees, N.J./Eastern). The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder competes hard and can play either side of the ball. At this point, we make like him a little better at free safety depending on how he checks out on film on that side of the ball. Rutgers and Penn State are showing interest, along with FCS program Southern Illinois, who signed Ronald Baines out of Eastern High in the Class of 2011.
-His teammate, Class of 2013 cornerback Eli Woodard (Vorhees, N.J./Eastern) had a nice two days of work, particularly on Saturday when he matched up well with potential five-star Stefon Diggs (Olney, Md./Good Counsel).
-Cornerback Brandon Banks (Gwynn Park, Md.) had some good moments. He moves well, has good height and athleticism. Maryland and several other programs are showing interest and we expect his stock to continue to rise. His brother played at Middle Tennessee State and his father for Virginia State.
-Defensive end/tight end Alex Robinson (Bowie, Md.) was impressive on the hoof and looked athletic. He claims an offer from Iowa and says that he plans to visit Maryland for junior day coming up in March. Penn State and UCLA also are showing interest.
-Wide receiver Shakur Nesmith (Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Charter) came out of nowhere to shine. The 6-foot-5, 190-pounder gets good separation with his route running and quickness and has good enough hands. He probably needs to work on timing his jumps on jump balls in the end zone and use his height to his advantage.
-Maryland Flex, led by Class of 2014 cornerback Jalen Tabor (Washington, D.C./Friendship Collegiate) won the tournament championship on Sunday.
-Wide receiver/athlete Marcus McGill (Rochester, N.Y./Gates-Chili) did not compete until the second day of the event, but showed why he’s getting attention from several college programs. He’s a big-bodied, fast prospect that could conceivably play in the secondary if things did not work out on offense.
-Also from McGill’s team (West New York), athlete Devante McFarland (Half Hollow Hills, N.Y./West) looked good in coverage at times. He passes the eyeball test and moves well.
Gerry Hamilton contributed to this report
- JC Shurburtt
- Director of Recruiting - 247Sports