WINDERMERE, Fla. – With the NFL Pro Bowl Games taking place this weekend, over 250 recruits from 27 different states got together in Orlando, Fla. for the annual National Preps Champion National Combine. The multi-day event was highlighted by Saturday’s on-field sessions, which included testing, positional drills and 1-on-1s. Below are some top performers from the event.
ALPHA DOG: TYSON CARTER, WR
Carter is a bit of an unknown after having his junior season derailed by a collarbone injury, but he could be in store for a big senior season at Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater as he won rep after rep. It was certainly encouraging to see Carter constantly create separation, but it should also be noted that he tested off the charts with a blazing 4.61 in the 40-yard dash on the Zybek laser system and a 123-inch broad jump. Carter, who was a regional qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles last spring, doesn’t report any scholarship offers at the moment, but looked like a prospect that could play at the FBS level. He is expected to catch passes this upcoming fall from rising junior Carter Emmanuel, who is already drawing plenty of college interest.
NEXT TEN:
–Will Krzysiak, WR: Kryzsiak proved to be the most polished route runner of the bunch. He was also sure-handed and one of the best at the gauntlet drill. Krzysiak produced as a junior, catching 58 passes for 1,090 yards and 11 touchdowns. Yale recently offered the Argyle (Texas) standout, who is another regional qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles.
–Hans Pederson, DL, class of 2026: Pederson made the trek all the way down from Buffalo, Minnesota. He was an instant eye-catcher with his moldable frame and moved well when asked to change directions. Pederson, who has an extensive hockey background, already holds early tenders from Central Michigan and North Dakota State. More are likely coming.
–Jackson Jones, OT: Jones measured over 6-foot-6 and had arguably the longest reach of anyone. He’s going to be a tackle at the next level, but also got some looks at guard during 1-on-1s and held his own in the middle. Jones will need to keep progressing, but the upside is there. The Franklinton (La.) Pine big man was set to visit Houston on Sunday.
–Jaquez Dixon, EDGE: Dixon was the best of the bunch when it came to the pass rushers as his first-step gave opposing blockers plenty of issues. The three-sport athlete is coming off an 11th-grade campaign in which he totaled 25 tackles for loss and five sacks at Farmville (N.C.) Central. He could eventually kick inside with his growth potential.
–Caleb Matelau, LB: A hard-nosed linebacker under the lights, a non-padded camp wasn’t exactly the setting for Matelau to shine, but he impressed with his lateral quickness and coverage skills. He totaled 96 tackles as a junior at Palmetto (Fla.) and doubled as a short-yardage running back. Louisville recently hosted Matelau for a Junior Day.
–Anthony Prevalon, OL: Prevalon was arguably the best offensive lineman during 1-on-1s. He’s light on his feet and was able to quickly refortify. Prevalon spent this past season working at right tackle for Jacksonville (Fla.) Providence, but should be viewed as more of an interior projection. He has FBS tools to with with, but is still searching for his first offer.
–Jeffery Johnson, CB, class of 2026: Johnson was explosive in footwork drills for the defensive backs and sticky in coverage when competition ramped up with the wide receivers. He’s on the smaller side, but not afraid to get physical. Johnson has picked up seven passes the past two seasons on varsity at Hesperia (Calif.) Oak Hills. Arizona has offered.
–J.B. Shabazz, OT, class of 2026: Shabazz is a name to file away for another day due to his size. He’s still got a ways to go from a technical standpoint, but he’s over 6-foot-5 and athletic. A basketball player throughout his youth, Shabazz has gotten snaps on both sides of the ball at Winston Salem (NC) Oak Grove. North Carolina offered back in October.
–Jamal Rule, RB: Rule ruled on Saturday. He also ruled as a junior, rushing for 2,712 yards and 36 touchdowns while averaging 9.9 yards per carry for a Salisbury team that made the third round of North Carolina’s 2A playoffs. Rule, who posted a 120-inch broad jump, owns a muscular build and flashed plenty of agility. He’s another one with no offers to his name.
–Ian Reynolds, QB: It was a large group of quarterbacks and Reynolds was our favorite. He’s got a sturdy frame and was consistent with his ball placement. As an 11th grader, Reynolds was a Georgia AAAAAA honorable mention after he helped North Atlanta make the state playoffs. He’s drawn some early interest from Jacksonville State and Georgia Southern.
AROUND THE FIELD…
Carter was selected by the camp’s coaches as the overall MVP of the afternoon session (QB, WR/TE, DB) while Matelau was named overall MVP of the morning session (OL, DL, RB, LB).
Reynolds was the MVP of the quarterbacks, Dixon was the MVP of the defensive linemen, Prevalon was the MVP of the offensive linemen and Krzysiak was the MVP of the wide receivers. Other positional MVP awards went to: tight end Tivon Sakaguchi of Idaho Falls (Idaho) Bonneville, running back Josh Bell of Euless (Texas) Trinity), linebacker Sylvester Dority of Lake Minneola (Fla.) and defensive back Saalim Davis of Atlanta (Ga.) North Atlanta.
Glenn Allen (Va.) cornerback Kamden Tiller was another defensive back that impressed. He’s got some length.
Jeffrey Fobbs III brought plenty of energy to the defensive line group and was presented with the Semper Fi Athlete Award by the United States Marines.
Orlando (Fla.) The First Academy 2026 Blaze Jones might eventually grow into more of an edge player, but had his moments in coverage while working with the linebackers.
Draper (Utah) Corner Canyon’s Kai Meza was a smooth mover in the wide receiver line while Jordan Cleaves of Concord (NC) Cox Mill made some nice diving snags. Both are in the class of 2026.
2027 quarterback AJ Rahal appears to be the next arm up at Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine, which is notable because the school has produced back-to-back Elite 11 finalists in Holden Geriner and Luke Kromenhoek. The lefty has a smooth stroke.
