There was a Nike Sparq combine held in Cleveland this weekend, and the results are posted on ESPN. There are a few relevant numbers from the results. (The athletes are given a "Sparq" rating at these events, which is a score based off their results at each event)
- Ohio DE Ifeadi Odenigbo finished 5th overall with a Sparq score of 109.02. This was Ifeadi's first combine, and he placed fifth overall out of hundreds and hundreds of kids.
40 Time: 4.62 Shuttle: 4.25 Vertical Jump: 33.5
- Ifeadi's teammate, OL Benny McGowan (6'4", 300 lbs) was the first offensive lineman to ever score over 100 on the Sparq scale. Ifeadi told me that Benny was injured for most of his season, which is why there aren't more schools after him, but he's a sleeper. Benny also happens to like Michigan, and has them in his top five. You can see a clip of his film here. McGowan is going to try to get in touch with the Michigan coaches soon. Keep an eye on him.
- Michigan DB Leviticus Payne finished 13th overall with a 4.56 forty time, which was fourth fastest at the event. Greg Biggins from ESPN said Leviticus was a rising senior honorable mention winner:
Payne is a two-way standout who could end up at corner or running back in college. He had a great workout running a 4.56 40 on a slow track, with a 4.25 shuttle, 36-foot power ball toss and a 32 inch vertical jump. His 97.92 SPARQ Rating was good enough for No. 13 overall in the event and it seems only a matter of time before his offer list begins to expand. Iowa and Toeldo have offers so far and Indiana, Cincinnati, Bowling Green, Michigan State and Michigan are showing heavy interest as well.
- RB Marc Cargle from Pontiac held the top overall score with 111.3. Cargle was hurt for most of his season, which is why there hasn't been much hype around him.
UnverifiedOptimism? I think so.
Life should be good in the future.
Go Blue!