Bradenton, Fla. – The venue for the high school football world was at IMG Academy over the weekend, which hosted the Future 50 event. Loaded with talent in 2023, the one-day camp also had a handful of guests top potential customers by 2024.
As always, Sunshine State is well represented. We take a close look at some of the highlights from the camp.
FUTURE 50: CV vs. DL | Recruiting rumor factory | Analysis by location | Skill 1 vs 1
McClain has been around this season, especially along the 7v7 circuit. The five-star corner is always up for competition, and that was right on Saturday. McClain’s dedication to his craft is evident even in the camp’s tutorials at top speed while working on the details.
With McClain working against people like Zachariah Branch and Johntay Cookaudiences saw the future of college and pro gaming in Bradenton.
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Rarely can one see the top ranked players in the senior class and the juniors in their respective positions working together. Another gem from the camp is to compare Ricks, the top of the class in 2024, against McClain.
McClain is taller with a larger wingspan, but Ricks may be faster at the hip. Both are technicians at their trade and deserve a five star rating.
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Endowed with natural height and size, Mauigoa is a weight room fighter and has made himself a specimen. Mauigoa’s strides in the game are coming from his hand placement to his footwork. The four-star IMG attack for the ball impressed everyone and left with the title of CV MVP.
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From the 2021 on-court season through to the end of the season, Johnson’s stock has continued to rise. Four stars Ohio State committed as well as any corner out there and showed that ability in the Future 50, frequently vacating top receivers and closing windows while on the verge of parting.
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Class of 2023 has Justice Haynes and class 2024 has Gibson. His 4.4 pace is a difference maker, but his smooth running style and change of direction make him an elite prospect. In the first innings, Gibson was able to show his hands when running and catching passes like a cashier.
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Without pads or attack lines to get through, defenders will have a hard time showing off what they can do on the field during camp. Besides the limitations, Bowles separates himself from the group of peers with his cover skills. Taking on the receiver and turning his back, Bowles showed his change of direction and closing speed will keep him on the field to the next level.
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The IMG Academy roster has always been filled with top players, and Johnson-Rubell has helped make that squad a national championship contender. Already ranked as the second best safe in its class, Johnson-Rubell is growing into one of the best in the 2024 cycle regardless of location.
Safeties don’t always shine at the 1-on-1 camps with receivers, but Johnson is more than just organizing on his own. During the 7v7 season of camp, his route awareness and instincts took over allowing him to get through the passes and partings that would be the big plays.
