Edward Williams
Malone and Nyangamukenga, others being recruited
Deion Malone may only be 5-foot-7, 155 LBs. But the U.S. Postal worker has plenty of juice in his legs to separate himself from the pack. He made a big impression on coaches from Central State University in Ohio. They offered the slot receiver who sprinted 40-meters in 4.5 seconds and was caught on camera making acrobatic catches with defensive backs draped on his jersey.
His time in the 40-meters, showed scouts that he has recovered from Achilles tendon rupture he suffered during spring football at Portland State in 2021. Before the injury, he had established himself as a kick and punt returner and slot receiver, but never saw the field.
He had entered the Pilots’ program as an accomplished transfer from LA Southwest College.
Malone, who starred in Garden Serra High, had a stellar career at the JUCO level. There, he tallied 717 all-purpose yards in six games his sophomore season and earned all-conference recognition. As a freshman, he recored 52 receptions for 602 yards, four touchdowns, rushed for 143 yards, had 827
kick-return yards. He finished with seven touchdowns.
Now, he had a big decision to make: Carrying boxes for a living or playing football and achieving his dream of graduating.
“I very much appreciated,’’ Malone said about the opportunity to showcase his skills. “I came out here to showcase my talent.
“Before this, I didn’t have any offers. I was just working a daily job, wasn’t doing too much.’’
Malone made it happen.
Right now, Jeremy Clark, a 6-foot-3, 200 pound wide receiver, is talking to coaches at Lincoln University who saw the form Central State University and UNLV athlete sprint a blazing 4.41 seconds in the 40-meters, just off pace from his best mark of 4.3.
He registered 6.80 seconds in the 3-cone drill and 4.47 seconds in the shuttle. His best mark in the event is 4.1 seconds. He leaped 9 feet, 4 inches in the broad jump. Clark isn’t pleased with the latter measurable and is working to improve it.
His performance showed that he has overcome his ACL tear that hampered his career at Central State in Ohio.
The former La Mirada standout and talented graphic artist is optimistic that he will lineup next season in Missouri where he hopes to complete his MBA.
‘’It’s going to be exciting,’’ Clark said. “I had a great performance today. I ran a couple deep routs and got some separation.’’
If Blue Tigers decide to sign Clark, they will be getting an experienced student-athlete whose measurable align with Power 5 talent.
Wide receiver Julian Banks, who suited up for Chaffey College last season, is a hot commodity these days. The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder was captured on camera getting separation from defensive backs and making spectacular catches all over the field.
At the combine, he clocked 4.6 seconds in the 40-meters, 6.76 in the 3-cone drill, and broad jumped 9.5 feet. He has a 32-inch vertical.
“I am looking forward to making some visits this summer,’’ Banks said. “I had a great experience, great exposure today.’’
Central State University, Winston Salem University, Benedict College and North Carolina A&T have spoken to him.
Last season, Banks, used his frame to rack up 498 all-purpose yards for. Banks posses nearly all the physical attributes FBS seek Power 5 programs. Six-feet-one, 210 pounds with a 40-meter time of 4.4 seconds are ideal.
AVAILABLE ATHLETES
Kennedy Jones, a defensive back from El Camino College who came play both ways, demonstrated impressive measurable assessments and made exception catches during the event.
The 6-foot-3, 190 pounder sprinted 4.5 seconds in the 40-meters, clocked 4.4 seconds in the 3-cone and 6.9 seconds in the L-Cone drills. He broad jumped 10 feet, 5 inches and has vertical of 42-feet.
The former Westchester athlete benches 290 lbs., and squats 315 lbs.
As a freshman free safety West Los Angeles Community College, he registered 29 solo tackles,12 assisted tackles.
Last year, the Art Major had 29 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 breakups and not TDs El Camino College. Had five tackles in one game.
In high school, the Comets two-way athlete garnered 554 all-purpose yards.
Senior defensively, he had 58 solo tackles, and 12 assisted tackles and a total 70 tackles. Offensively, he averaged 14 yards per reception, 250 total yards and two touchdowns.
In his junior year, he started and registered 27 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles. Offensively, 32 receptions for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns. He averaged 10 yards per catch.
In his sophomore he was brought up to varsity, and had 15 solo tackles, 1 assists and 1 interception.
“Sadly I have been giving guys injuries,’’ Jones said about how fortunately he has avoided injuries throughout his career.
Theresa Price, the founder of the HBCU Expo and the National College Resources Foundation, has conducted the football combine for five years. “It was amazing,’’ she said. “We also saw a live offer on the field from Prairie View A&M University. … This is why I am here. I am here to serve, to help athletes colleges and beyond. I am her to change trajectories. God has got me here as a vessel. I am so blessed to be used to help our young people, people in general. I am just floored with the results.’’