From Under Recruited Athlete to FBS Success Story: How Westley Flamer Turned Exposure Into Opportunity

By the time the final whistle blew at the Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB) Exposure Camp in Detroit, it was clear that Westley Flamer wasn’t just another talented linebacker in a crowded field—he was a prospect on the verge of a national breakout.

My first exposure to Flamer came during the Elite Talent Bus Tour, founded by CEO Derrick Tatum. Now in its 11th year, the six-day recruiting circuit has been instrumental in developing and exposing thousands of athletes, including future NFL players and prospects whose recruiting rankings soared to four- and five-star status after the tour. The bus tour originated in Atlanta and traveled north, visiting nine college campuses over six days, culminating in Detroit at Sound Mind Sound Body—the largest exposure camp in the country. Hosted at Wayne State University, the event brings together more than 1,500 top invited athletes, over 200 college coaches, and three elite camp sessions in a single day, all sponsored by Adidas.

First Impressions Matter

Before Flamer ever stepped between the lines, his film stood out. Clean angles. Quick processing. Violent yet controlled finishes. But what separated him early wasn’t just production—it was character.

That impression only deepened after spending hours speaking with his mother and learning about the foundation of the athlete. Their family’s intentional approach to recruiting, development, and exposure reflected the same discipline that shows up in Westley’s game.

A Technician Among Elite Talent

On the field, Flamer validated every expectation.

Throughout linebacker drills, he moved with smooth efficiency—hips fluid, eyes disciplined, footwork sharp. In one-on-one competition, he won every rep, often against nationally ranked athletes. What truly set him apart was his ability to apply coaching immediately. While others needed repetition, Flamer absorbed instruction from college coaches and implemented corrections on the very next snap.

That coachability didn’t go unnoticed.

Throughout the day, FBS assistants and coordinators consistently pulled Flamer aside, listening as he confidently pitched why he belonged at the next level. Despite having no scholarship offers at the time, he never waited for attention—he earned it. Between camp sessions, he made deliberate rounds, introducing himself to as many staffs as possible.

A Head Coach Takes Notice

During linebacker group work, Flamer caught the attention of Eddie George, head coach of the Bowling Green Falcons. The interaction was brief but telling—body language, technique, and football IQ all aligned.

Still, the SMSB camp ended without an offer.

For many prospects, that’s where momentum fades. For Flamer, it was just the beginning.

The Turning Point: Bowling Green

The Elite Talent Bus Tour’s return route to Atlanta included a stop at Bowling Green—one Flamer and his mother had flown from the DMV specifically to attend. The tour itself was about more than exposure; it was about immersion—understanding college environments, expectations, and competition.

At Bowling Green’s camp, everything clicked.

Westley delivered another strong performance, and this time, the results followed. He earned his first FBS scholarship offer during the summer before his junior season. From there, the floodgates opened—more than nine FBS offers soon followed, validating what evaluators had seen months earlier.

Production Meets Visibility

Following a stellar junior season at Westfield High School, Flamer’s stock continued to rise. His performance and consistency drew increased attention from regional recruiting outlets, national media evaluators, and platforms like MaxPreps, where verified production and game-to-game impact reinforced his camp dominance.

His parents’ commitment to working with recruiting experts helped magnify that exposure—ensuring Westley’s story, film, and metrics reached the right decision-makers at the right time.

Just Getting Started

With momentum building and his partnership with URA (Under Recruited Athlete) strengthening his brand and visibility, Flamer’s trajectory points sharply upward. College programs are no longer asking if he belongs—they’re asking how soon he can help.

And for those following his journey, one thing is clear:
Westley Flamer is only scratching the surface.

🔗 Explore Westley’s official URA profile:
www.underrecruitedathlete.com/westley_flamer

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