What I Did On My Summer Vacation
From Left; Miquiyah Zamora (Chiawana), Zachary Umemoto, Tyler Holle, Tim White, Joey Jansen (Kamiakin), Jacob Schmidt, and Troy Redmann (TC Prep)
7/14/10 Kennewick, WA–
We are reaching the mid-point of summer (already?) and for many kids across the state their summers have been chockfull of activities.
Most went right from spring sports into summer baseball, football and soccer. There was spring football, then team and individual camps at Boise State, Eastern Washington and Central. The Tri Cities teams held their own team camp and most schools have “voluntary” weight lifting and athletic development “camps”.
Even more have been honing their skills in a variety of ways including individual workouts and “Combines”, basically a skills showcase for bettering ones chances at a college scholarship.
WSN held its first combine and a small, yet talented group of locals turned out to compete. What did we learn? Well Kamiakin for one appears to be LOADED with talent and athleticism (check out our Football preview coming soon). Other schools including Chiawana and Tri-Cities Prep want recruiters to take notice too.
Here is a quick assessment of the participants and the Combine:
Tim White: The creme of the crop that attended that day. White led the league in both reception and receiving yards last year as a Junior, with 70 catches and over 1,000 yards. Tim had attended other combines earlier this summer and was familiar with the drills so this played a huge benefit right from the start. White has received recruiting interest from several colleges including EWU, CWU, WSU. We think he is D1 material, due to his quickness, precise route running and hands. White performed well in the combine drills with top marks every event except vertical and bench. Look for Tim to be one of the standout players in the Big Nine.
Zack Koons: The only lineman that attended that day. Koons is a 09 transfer from Connell. Zack showed good mobility and athleticism. This was his first combine and he settled in as we went through the drills. Look for Zack to be a key contribute on a Kennewick team that needs to show toughness on the line this year to compete.
Troy Redmann: Closing in on the top all-time receiving records in the 8-man state history (already holding records for single game receptions (16), and single season touchdowns (25). Redmann has a “next level” frame and displayed great competitiveness and poise. Redmann would be a starter on any team in the TriCities and should not be overlooked because he plays 8-man.
Miquiyah Zamora: The athletic junior-to-be is reported to have participated in our combine with a broken foot. According to those in the know, he is having his foot evaluated so as to maximize his potential in his junior year. Despite the foot problems Zamora’s name routinely comes up as one of the top HS athletes in the TriCities, and his coaches absolutely gush over him. He posted the top strength marks with 16 reps of 185lbs, which means if he gets his foot problems taken care of watch out.
Tyler Holle: Holle posted some impressive numbers overall and looks to be the breakout player in the Big Nine. Deceptively fast at 6’2″ Holle’s laid-back demeanor belays the competitive fire that burns beneath. Good vertical marks show his explosiveness. Also a stand-out basketball player for Kamiakin, Holle should be fun to watch this year.
Joey Jansen: Listed at a generous 5’10 Jansen will compete for the starting QB spot on the Kamiakin Braves team. A natural leader, Jansen turned heads in the quickness and explosiveness drills. Most impressive was his day’s best vertical jump of 32in. A star Baseball player in his own right, Jansen’s elusiveness may spell trouble for opposing defenses this year. Though he probably leans toward baseball, if he sticks with football he projects as a WR or DB.
Zach Umemoto: Zach has a nice combination of power and speed that will serve him well this year as a starting RB for Kamiakin. Umemoto’s name was called often in games we covered last year, as a sophomore. Look for Umemoto to increase him combine numbers in the months to come. His short-shuttle time alludes to his agility and balance, a good combination for a Big Nine back.
Jacob Schmidt: Schmidt, just a Junior, showed quickness in each of the drills and looks to cause havoc alongside teammate Redmann in the B-8 ranks. Schmidt did not participate in the bench-press due to a bad wrist. With 2 years to develop prior to college expect to see Jacob improve his marks while helping Tri Cities Prep to another state run.