Incoming Freshmen Players to watch.  Here is a list of incoming freshmen that S.W.A.G had the pleasure to work with during the offseason.  In a couple of years when you see these kids all over the news, you can say, S.W.A.G broke the news first!

Irik Dobbins- RB/DB (Buhach Colony)- Dobbins is very athletic that was able to help his cause by playing in the 7 on 7 with S.W.A.G during the offseason.  Dobbins will develop into a long and physical cornerback throughout his high school career.  Dobbins will need to work on his top end speed, but will conquer that with his work ethic.

Dante Cloy- WR/DB (Buhach Colony)- Cloy is a big target for quarterbacks.  Already standing at 6’0” he will grow before his high school days are over.  Cloy has a good ball sense and knows how to catch the ball at its highest point.  Cloy needs to work on his speed, strength, and route running.  He will need a big offseason in the weight room and in the 7 on 7 circuit next year to improve his skills.

Vincent Alvarez- RB/LB (Los Banos)- Alvarez puts us in the mind of Bo Jackson.  He is a game changer on the football field and on the baseball diamond.  But here we will focus on football.  Alvarez will play running back and linebacker for the Tigers.  We are also hearing he might get some time behind center as a QB.  Alvarez has intelligence, speed, and toughness.  Alvarez will need to work on his top end speed and quickness.  Alvarez will open his game up, when he gets a full offseason in the weight room and continues in the 7 on 7 circuit.

Alberto Marquez- QB/DB (Le Grand)- Marquez is one of the best young signal callers in the area.  In his only second year of playing QB, he has picked up the position well.  Has great arm strength and shows great athleticism.  Would love to see how Le Grand will open up the passing game when he gets to the varsity level.  Needs to work on QB progression, but with his work ethic he will pick this up during the offseason. 

Julian Diaz- RB/DB (Le Grand)-Diaz is following a stable of good running backs to come out of Le Grand.   He is a kid that does not look special until he puts on the pads.  He played well during the 7 on 7 circuit.  He will get to show his worth when he straps on the pads and gets the ball in his hands.  Currently, he will play linebacker for the Bulldogs JV defense, but he will probably develop into a cornerback.  With Marquez and Diaz, the Bulldogs will be back at the top in a couple of years.

Jason “JJ” Crockett WR/DB (Merced)- Crockett played QB throughout his youth football days.  He was converted to WR during the 7 on 7 circuit and did not disappoint.  Crockett is standing at 6’1” going into his freshman season.  Crockett shows great speed, but needs to improve his route running and consistency.  He will be a big time receiver as he matures.

With football season coming near, S.W.A.G has compiled a list players to look out for this fall.  All of these players came into contact with S.W.A.G during the spring.  These players will make an impact on their teams this fall.  It’s about time to grab your popcorn and enjoy the show.

Tyrone Williams-QB (Merced)- Williams will be turning heads this fall.  Playing with a grudge all offseason, Williams torched defenses up and down the state.  For his spectacular performance, Williams received the Passing Down Central California MVP as he led the SWAG Factory to a championship in Elk Grove.  Williams is now standing at 6’5” 212 pds, will definitely be a hot recruit out of the Valley.  Look for Williams to spread the ball to a talented group of Bears.  Williams should have over 2,500 yards passing and 30 TDs.  His primary targets will be A.J Stewart, and Nick Camper.

Frank Ginda- LB (Pacheco)- Ginda is one of the biggest recruits in the Central Valley.  Holding offers from San Jose St and Air Force Academy, a lot of other schools have shown interest.  The Panthers leading rusher last year has picked up 15 pounds of muscle and has got faster.  Ginda impressed schools with the second highest Nike Sparq rating at the Northern California event.  Look for Ginda to make an impact on both sides of the ball.

Aundre Sherman – ATH (Buhach Colony)- Sherman will be Buhach’s go to guy this fall.  The question will be where will you see Sherman?  He will for sure make an impact on both sides of the ball and on special teams.  Sherman had a great offseason, where he showed how physical he can be on the defensive side of the ball and how he can produce big plays on the offensive side of the ball. Currently, not holding any scholarship offers, Sherman has received a lot of interest.  Look for Sherman to pick up an offer early in the season.

Jabar Byrd- RB (Merced)- Byrd is a player that will be key if the Bears want to make a run this year.  Last year, he shared carries with Kris Turner Jackson, and had an average of 11 yards every time he touched the ball.  Oh, and don’t forget Byrd will be called as the Bears “Lockdown” cornerback.  Last fall Byrd had two interceptions.  Look for Byrd to have an exceptional year on offense, defense, and special teams.  Currently, Byrd is holding the University of Mary (North Dakota) offer.  Look for Byrd’s recruiting to pick up this fall, when schools see what he does when he straps on his helmet.

Bransin Johnson- ATH (Clovis North)- Johnson will need to have a big season on both sides of the ball for the Clovis North to run the Valley.  Johnson coming off of a spectacular offseason, is holding an offer from Weber St.  Johnson will get some touches on a loaded Clovis North squad.   Look for Johnson’s recruiting to pick up during the season. 

Kalama Kamoku-LB (Pacheco)- Kamoku was sidelined due to knee injury for the entire season last fall.  Kamoku rushed for over 800 yards on the varsity squad as a sophomore.  He has had a spectacular offseason in the weight room, and is showing no signs of a knee injury. Teams will have problems running on Pacheco’s defense with Ginda and Kamoku in the middle.  Also, the backfield of Kamoku and Ginda with the addition of some speed backs should make an exciting offense to watch.   Colleges will need to see how the knee holds up before he gets an offer.  Look for Kamoku to pick up offers during the season. 

Raneil Rogers- WR (Washington Union)- Nicknamed “Mr. Go Get It,” Rogers will go into the fall as Washington Union’s #1 receiving threat.  Rogers had a good junior year, but is looking to improve.  Rogers had a great offseason, where he was seen going against the best during the 7 on 7 circuit.  Currently Rogers is receiving a lot of college interest, but does not hold any solid offers.  Look for Rogers to have big games for Washington Union this fall.

Stevan Johnson- RB (San Joaquin Memorial)- Johnson known as a north/south runner has improved vastly this offseason with his pass catching ability.  Johnson has dropped weight and is faster going into the season.  Last season Johnson rushed for over 1,000 yards, and is looking to surpass that this season.  Currently he is getting a lot of college attention, but does not have any solid offers.  Look for big things in Johnson this fall.

Damarrio Hammonds- DB (Patterson)- Hammonds led the area with nine interceptions a year ago.  Here is a player that has taken full advantage of the offseason.  Hammonds picked up the defensive back MVP of the SoCal Elite Camp in June and followed up with receiving an offer from Weber St.  Look for Hammonds to have a stellar season on the offensive side of the ball also.  Hammonds recruiting should pick up after a solid season.

Mark Russell-WR (Lincoln HS)- Russell has turned heads this spring and now is ready to translate this to Friday nights.  Russell will need to touch the ball at least 15 times for Lincoln to be successful.  Russell will touch the ball on the ground, air, and special teams.  Look for Russell to gain college interest at the beginning of the season. He will develop into a slot receiver at the next level.

Yates Hunter- LB (Lincoln HS)- Hunter had to sit out five games last year due to transferring from Weston Ranch.  Weighing in a 6’0” 235 pds, Hunter will be exciting to watch in the middle of Lincoln’s defense.  He will also be a key factor in Lincoln’s offense.  Currently Hunter does not have any college offers, but it should pick up in the fall.

Brandon Sanchez-QB (Buhach Colony)- Sanchez is a transfer from Merced High School.  Sanchez played JV last year and was a dual threat quarterback.  Look for Sanchez to help out Buhach through the air and on the ground.  With weapons on the ground, Buhach will need Sanchez to get the ball through the air to Sherman and use his legs to make sure defenses stay honest.  He should pick up college interest this fall and next spring.

Luke Lange-QB (Stone Ridge)- Lange coming off of a knee injury has something to prove this fall.  Lange has had a good offseason attending camps, qb training, and on the 7 on 7 circuit.  Natural leader, watch Lange lead Stone Ridge to some victories.  Lange’s recruiting should pick up during the season as colleges see how the knee holds up. 

Jaseim “JJ” Wills- WR (Clovis)- Wills had a remarkable offseason.  During the 7 on 7 circuit,  JJ played with Purpose Field and SWAG Factory. Entering into his junior season, Wills will make an impact this year. Look for Wills to pick up college offers after making some big plays.  Wills has big play capabilities every time he touches the ball.  Wills will be a big time recruit next year.

David Walker-WR (Los Banos)- Walker has made the transition from RB to WR with no problems.  Currently, Walker is 6’4” 206 pounds of straight muscle.  With his large frame, it will be hard for DB’s to cover Walker.  Look for Walker to have a solid year.  Walker has had a productive offseason on the field and in the classroom.  Walker received the Offensive MVP at the S.W.A.G Elite Camp during this summer.

Mike Lawson- DB (Patterson)- Lawson is a name you will be hearing the next few years.  Lawson has not played a varsity snap yet, but will be ready when called.  Rushing for over 2,000 yards on JV last year, he is for sure to provide excitement for the Patterson offense.  But Lawson could be a better defensive back.  Lawson provides excellent speed, hips, and has a knack for the ball.  This class of 2016 recruit will be on everyone’s dream list.

Carlos Garcia-ATH (Pacheco)- Garcia played up as a sophomore last year.  He had a great offseason working out with the SWAG Factory 7 on 7 team.  Look for Garcia to contribute more on the offensive and defensive side of the ball this fall.  With his success during the offseason, look for Garcia to go into the fall with a lot of confidence.

Jace Alcazar- LB (Buhach Colony)- Alcazar will be suiting up for his first year of varsity football and will be called upon to hold down the fort for Buhach’s defense.  Alcazar will be plugging the middle for the defense.  Watch for Alcazar to turn heads this fall and get on college recruiting boards.  He has an amazing work ethic that will translate to hearing his name called on Friday nights.

Deontae Smith-DB (Pacheco)- Smith a Los Banos High transfer will be looking to contribute to the very talented Panthers.  Smith, a sophomore will get playing time on both sides of the ball mostly being on defense.  This will be Smith’s first year at the cornerback position.  Smith should get some good looks on the offensive side of the ball and special teams.  He will be a big time recruit in the future.

Isaiah Montanez- RB (Golden Valley)- Montanez will be suiting up for his first year of varsity football.  He will be Golden Valley’s featured back.  Montanez shows great speed and power at the RB position.  Look for Montanez to rush for over 1,000 yards on a young Golden Valley team.  Montanez was very impressive at the SWAG Elite Camp.

S.W.A.G’s 1st Annual Elite Camp took place at Yosemite High School in Oakhurst, CA from July 31st through August 2nd.  The athletes also camped at Beasore Meadows near Yosemite National Park. 

Day 1:

Campers checked in at Yosemite High School in Oakhurst, CA.  Following a brief orientation about camp expectations, campers hit the field and were put through a college simulated offseason workout.  The workout was coordinated by Coach Jerron Cannon.  Coach Cannon flew out from Wichita Falls, Texas to assist with the Elite Camp.  Coach Cannon played running back for UC Davis and is currently a teacher, coach, and personal trainer in Texas.  Coach Cannon states, “The kids need to know how to work during the offseason, so they can get an advantage over their opponents.”

Following the workout, campers enjoyed some free time at the Yosemite High School pool.  After the swim and quick dinner, campers made the trek to Beasore Meadows to set up camp.  The campers were responsible for setting up their own tents.  The campers had forty minutes of daylight to set up their tents.  “We wanted to see the kids work under distress, and bond together to get the job done,” stated S.W.A.G Director DeVon Hilliard.  The kids were able to relax and get to know each other for the rest of the night. 

Day 3:

The next morning, the campers had to wake up early and breakdown their campsite.  Once the camp was cleaned up, the campers received breakfast.  They would then make it to the field for their last session.  The last session would put must see 1 on 1 match ups.  S.W.A.G.’s staff called out  names and position match ups that they wanted to see.  This was an opportunity for the S.W.A.G coaching staff to evaluate one last time.  Players that looked good were: QB’s Tyrone Williams (Merced), Damien Paulo (Patterson), Frank Cocio (Atwater), Brandon Sanchez (Buhach Colony)  RB’s Justin Stefani (Buhach Colony), Kamare Bailey (Mariposa), Isaiah Montanez (Golden Valley, LB’s Hunter Yates (Lincoln Stockton), Nathayn Wood (North Valley, Reno), Jace Alcazar (Buhach Colony), TE’s Quian Newsom (Buhach Colony), Ryley McConn (Bishop Manogue, Reno), WR’s Mark Russell (Lincoln, Stockton), David Walker (Los Banos), DB’s Damarrio Hammonds (Patterson), Mike Lawson (Patterson), Collin Crown (McQueen, Reno).  At the end of the camp there were three awards that were handed out.  The first award that was given was “Mr. Character.”  This award is for the camper who is coachable and leaves it all on the field.  Ryley McConn (Bishop Manogue, Reno), was given this award.  “This kid will be playing football at the next level and he will succeed.  He will succeed both on the football field and in life,” stated Nickelson.  The next award went to David Walker for his offensive performance.  He would use his size and speed to make plays at his WR position.  The last award was given to the defensive MVP.  This was given to Patterson HS ATH Mike Lawson.  “Mike can be one of the greatest to ever come out of this area.  He has a great deal of athletic talent.  He has started to take the classroom serious,” stated Hilliard.  The camp will be back in 2015 with more elite campers.