NCEC DMV 2026 Camp: Top Performers and Standouts Take Center Stage

In its second year, the NCEC DMV 2026 Camp once again proved why it’s becoming a premier platform for exposure in the region, bringing together elite talent from Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. With national attention growing through platforms like Under Recruited Athlete and a push to elevate under-recruited athletes’ camps like NCEC, there is greater visibility, education, and the ability to compete against athletes who are hungry for opportunities.  This year’s camp showcased a wider range of athletes, from middle to high school, as well as athletes from homeschool, public, and private schools. A diverse array of talent that builds on a strong foundation, the NCEC DMV is looking to build upon at Morgan State University.

From dominant linemen to explosive skill players, here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the top performers and “best of the best.”

LINEBACKERS (LB)

Left to Right: Jaden Phillips (2030), Aaron Rawson (2028), Lucca Bateman (2027)

BEST OF THE BEST MVP

Aaron Rawson – Dulaney High School | MD

Aaron Rawson is a 6-foot, 200-pound sophomore linebacker out of Dulaney High School who shows early physical traits that translate well to the position. He has a sturdy, well-proportioned frame for his age with room to continue adding strength and mass as he develops. At the camp, Rawson displayed solid movement skills in short areas, showing the ability to plant, redirect, and work downhill with purpose. His footwork is ahead of many in his class, and he flashes the ability to close space effectively when he diagnoses the play. While he is still refining his overall reaction speed and lateral range, the foundational tools are in place for continued growth.

What stood out most was Rawson’s competitiveness and coachability throughout the event. He consistently took reps with energy, responded well to instruction, and showed a willingness to improve from drill to drill. With continued development in instincts, play recognition, and overall consistency, Rawson has the tools to elevate his game and emerge as one of the more improved linebackers in the area.

TOP PERFORMERS

Jaden Phillips – Calvert Hall College High School | MD

Jaden Phillips is an emerging young prospect headed to Calvert Hall College High School in the Class of 2030. At this early stage, Phillips flashes natural athletic ability with developing coordination and movement skills that translate well in a camp setting. He shows comfort in drills, the ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to compete, which are key indicators for future growth at his age. His motor and engagement level stand out, as he consistently works through reps with energy and focus.

While still in the early phases of physical and technical development, Phillips displays encouraging upside with room to grow into his frame and refine his overall skill set. As he continues to develop strength, body control, and positional understanding, his trajectory will be worth tracking over the next several years.

Lucca Bateman (2027) – Catonsville High School | MD

Lucca Bateman is a 2027 linebacker out of Catonsville High School who demonstrated good movement skills with the ability to work downhill and stay active around the ball. While his overall athletic profile and size may make him a safety at the next level, he shows flashes of great instinct to come downhill and close on the ball effectively. Bateman’s biggest strengths come from his motor and coachability. He takes instruction well, continues to work through reps, and shows a positive approach to development.

RUNNING BACKS (RB)

Left to Right: Daniel Thorpe (2029), Geron Mills II (2029), Michael Sinclair Bellamy II (Coach), Joshua Gorham (2028), Raemond Williams (2027), Nicholas Kelley (2028), Brennan Ball (2027)

BEST OF THE BEST MVP

Geron Mills II (2029) – Concordia Preparatory School | MD

Geron Mills II, a future star hailing from Concordia Preparatory School, measured in at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds. He distinguished himself from the group with a strong blend of athleticism and 1-on-1 effectiveness, consistently securing catches while demonstrating polished, technical route running. Mills consistently performed at a high level throughout drills, showing confidence, coordination, and the ability to execute with purpose. His movement skills and natural feel for competition allowed him not only to keep pace with top talent but also to outperform many of his peers.

What stood out most was his ability to rise to the occasion in a competitive setting and maintain consistency from rep to rep. Mills showed strong coachability, took instruction well, and applied it immediately, which helped elevate his performance across the board. At this early stage, his size and physicality already give him an advantage, and when paired with his work ethic and upside, he projects as one of the more promising young prospects in the area.

TOP PERFORMERS

Brennan Ball (2027) – Armstrong High School | VA

Brennan Ball entered the camp with real production behind his name, and it showed. During his time at Mechanicsville High School, he delivered multiple standout performances that distinguished him among running backs in the Richmond area. During the camp, Ball stood out for his decisive running style, bursting through the line, consistently hitting holes with purpose, and finishing runs strong. Known locally for high yards-per-carry production and multi-touchdown performances, he brought the same downhill physicality and efficiency to drills.

What separated Ball from other backs was his ability to combine proven in-game production with camp performance, not just flashing in drills, but showing traits that clearly carry over to Friday nights. He reinforced himself as one of the more complete and reliable running backs in attendance, continuing to build momentum as a rising Class of 2027 prospect out of Virginia.

Not only is Ball an exceptional athlete, he is also a scholar-student who will graduate with his associate’s degree and high school diploma. The program he attends at CodeRVA is a rigorous academic school, which we believe makes him a great fit for IVY and academically strong institutions.

Daniel Thorpe (2029) – North Point High School | MD

Daniel Thorpe is a 2029 running back out of powerhouse North Point High School, a big-framed sophomore who looks the part physically with his 6-foot, 200-pound build. He brings a strong downhill presence and the ability to run with power and absorb contact. In a camp setting, Thorpe displayed encouraging balance and body control for his size, with flashes of burst once he gets moving north-south. His physicality stands out early, paired with a level of confidence and composure that’s advanced for his age.

At this stage, Thorpe is still developing in overall quickness, lateral agility, and change of direction, but the foundational tools are there to build on. His size, combined with his willingness to compete and take coaching, gives him intriguing long-term upside. As he continues to refine his footwork, vision, and acceleration, he has the potential to grow into a more complete back. Thorpe projects as a solid prospect who could be a productive weapon year to year.

Raemond Williams (2027) – Milford Mill Academy | MD

Raemond Williams is a prospect out of Milford Mill Academy who shows encouraging production to go along with his developing skill set. As a Top 5 running back in the 3A North Baltimore Region, his efficiency and ability to create explosive plays make him a Player To Watch in Maryland.

In a camp setting, Williams carries that same energy, showing solid athletic ability, competitiveness, and a willingness to work through reps. He displays flashes of burst and playmaking ability with the ball in his hands, while also showing positional versatility at RB or Slot. With his early efficiency, competitive motor, and upward trajectory, Williams is a developing prospect whose progress will be worth monitoring.

Joshua Gorham (2028) – Bishop McNamara High School | MD

Joshua Gorham is a prospect out of Bishop McNamara High School who shows promising early traits with room to develop into a solid player over time. In a camp setting, Gorham displayed encouraging athletic ability and a willingness to compete, working through drills with consistent effort and focus. He showed flashes of coordination and body control, and the ability to execute fundamental movements, while staying engaged throughout the session. As an underclassman, Gorham is still in the early stages of his development, but his coachability and motor stand out as positive indicators for long-term growth.

Nicholas Kelley (2028) – Harford Technical High School | MD

Nicholas Kelley is a 2028 standout out of Harford Technical High School who has already begun gaining early varsity experience on both sides of the ball. Listed as a linebacker and running back. While still early in his career, varsity reps as an underclassman are a positive indicator of the coaching staff’s trust and an opportunity for accelerated development.

In a camp setting, Kelley projects as a developing athlete with positional versatility and a willingness to compete. He shows flashes of physicality and engagement, working through drills with consistent effort as he continues to build his overall skill set. As he matures physically and gains more in-game experience, improving his instincts, play recognition, and overall consistency will be key areas for growth.  Kelley has the frame and foundation to become a more complete prospect as he progresses through high school.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (DB)

Left to Right: DaMetreis Hooker (2027),  Tayler Brown (2027), Lorenzo Foster-Franklin (2027), Braelon Dorsey (2027), David Knight (Coach), Sanchez Dockins (2028), Jayden Brown (2027)

BEST OF THE BEST MVP CORNERBACK

Braelon Dorsey (2027) – Mount Saint Joseph High School | MD

Braelon Dorsey is a complete athlete out of Mount Saint Joseph High School who brings an intriguing combination of size, athleticism, and early production. Measured around 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Dorsey has a long, athletic frame that translates well on both sides of the ball as a DB/WR. His ability to contribute early at a competitive program speaks to both his talent and developmental upside.

In a camp setting, Dorsey stands out as a versatile athlete with range, ball skills, and fluid movement ability. He shows flashes of playmaking ability with the ball in his hands and the tools to impact the game defensively, backed by his length and coordination. He has already begun to draw early recruiting attention, holding an FBS Division I offer from Syracuse, which reinforces his long-term potential. Dorsey projects as a high-upside athlete who could emerge as one of the more notable prospects in his class.

BEST OF THE BEST MVP SAFETY

Tayler Brown (2027) – Frederick Douglass High School | MD

Tayler Brown is a solid athlete from Frederick Douglass High School who shows developing traits with encouraging upside at this stage. At camp, Brown demonstrated good initial burst and functional athleticism, allowing him to stay competitive in both individual drills and live reps. He showed flashes of body control and coordination, particularly when working in space, and displayed the ability to adjust and finish plays when locked in. His motor was consistent throughout, and he competed with an edge that helped him hold his own against comparable talent.

Where Brown stands out most is his coachability and willingness to improve, taking instruction and applying it quickly across reps. While still refining his overall polish, particularly in reaction time, technique consistency, and play recognition, the foundation is there for continued growth. Physically, he has room to develop and add strength, which will be key in elevating his impact and ability to handle more physical matchups.

TOP PERFORMERS

Jayden Brown (2027) – Southern Alamance High School | NC

Jayden Brown is a 2x All-Conference athlete at Southern Alamance High School with good size and fluid movement, who stands out during drills and competes at a high level.  In a camp environment, he handled reps with composure and competed with purpose, displaying solid movement patterns and a developing feel for the game. He doesn’t try to overextend himself, instead relying on fundamentals and effort to stay consistent throughout drills and live work.

What stands out is his approach: he competes, listens, and makes adjustments on the fly. Those traits, combined with continued physical development and technical refinement, give him room to take a noticeable step forward.

Lorenzo Foster-Franklin (2027) – Reservoir High School | MD

Lorenzo Foster-Franklin brings a solid combination of size, effort, and physical upside to the field for Reservoir High School. In a camp setting, he showed the ability to compete consistently, working through drills with good energy and a willingness to engage. He flashes functional athleticism, moving in space and showing comfort in his role, while maintaining a steady motor throughout reps.

Foster-Franklin stands out for his approach and physical willingness, showing the ability to play with toughness and stay active around the ball. While still refining his overall technique, reaction speed, and consistency, the foundational tools are in place for continued development. He projects well for the next level and will become a more impactful player this year.

Sanchez Dockins (2028) – Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School | MD

Sanchez Dockins hails from Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School, a Baltimore powerhouse and back-to-back state champs. He shows early developmental traits and competitiveness, with consistent energy and engagement. He flashes functional athleticism, moving in space and staying active throughout reps, showing a willingness to compete against comparable talent.

Dockins’ approach and motor stand out as positive indicators, as he takes coaching well and continues to build his confidence with each rep. While still in the early stages of his physical and technical development, he shows flashes of coordination and body control that can translate with continued refinement. As he gains experience and continues to develop strength, speed, and overall consistency, Dockins has the tools to become a more complete and impactful prospect over time.

DaMetreis Hooker (2027) – Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School | MD

DaMetreis Hooker is an intriguing blend of raw athleticism and competitiveness that shows up in a camp setting. He moves with purpose and covers ground efficiently, showing comfort in space and staying active through reps. His energy level stands out, as he consistently competes and looks to finish plays rather than just participate in drills.

There’s still clear room for growth in terms of overall polish and consistency, but the upside is there. Hooker shows signs of natural playmaking ability when he’s confident and reacting quickly, and continued development in technique and awareness will help unlock that more consistently.

DEFENSIVE LINE (DL)

Left to Right: Tyrone Bailey (Coach), Mekhi Wilson (2027), Brendon Toler (2027), John Jachens (2027), Oladipo Imode (2027), Arnell Bland Jr. (2028), Herbert Parham II (Coach)

BEST OF THE BEST MVP

Oladipo Imode (2027) – Edgewood High School | MD

Oladipo Imode delivered one of the most dominant performances at the camp, earning MVP honors while reinforcing his status as a multi-offer Division I prospect. He not only lived up to expectations but elevated them, adding another offer on the spot following his performance. Imode consistently separated himself from the field with his blend of athleticism, playmaking ability, and competitive intensity. He showed the ability to impact every phase of the camp, moving efficiently in space and making plays in both drills and live reps against top competition.

What stood out most was his ability to perform under pressure and maintain consistency throughout the event. Imode competed with urgency, responded to coaching, and translated instruction into execution at a high level. His confidence, motor, and natural instincts allowed him to control the pace and stand out as one of the clear top performers. With multiple Division I offers already in hand, he picked up another D1 offer at the camp.  Imode projects as a high-upside prospect who continues to trend upward and produce at a high level against strong competition.

TOP PERFORMERS

John Jachens (2027) – Catonsville High School | MD

John Jachens is a do-it-all utility specialist at Catonsville High School. His presence was felt with one of the most consistent motors at the camp. He distinguished himself through relentless effort and competitiveness, approaching every rep with urgency and a physical mindset. Jachens showed the ability to stay active throughout drills, competing with intensity and refusing to take plays off, which allowed him to remain effective across multiple phases of the event.

His energy and toughness were clear strengths, as he consistently outworked everyone at the camp, both in contact and in drills. Jachens stayed engaged in both individual and competitive periods, taking on linemen twice his size, despite his lean, compact frame.  While still developing in terms of overall polish, reaction speed, and technical refinement, his approach provides a strong foundation for continued growth. With his motor, drive, and willingness to compete, Jachens projects as a developmental prospect who can elevate his impact as his physical tools and technique continue to improve.

Arnell Bland Jr. (2028) – North Point High School | MD

Arnell Bland Jr. hails out of powerhouse North Point High School.  Bland shows encouraging early traits with room to continue developing. In a camp setting, he demonstrated solid athletic ability and a willingness to compete, working through drills with consistent energy and focus. He flashes functional movement skills and coordination, showing the ability to stay active in space and remain engaged throughout reps.

Bland’s motor and approach stand out as positive indicators, as he competes with effort and responds well to coaching from drill to drill. While still in the early stages of his physical and technical development, he shows flashes of potential that can translate with continued growth. As he adds strength, refines his technique, and builds consistency, he has the tools to become a more complete and impactful prospect over time.

Brendon Toler (2027) – Appoquinimink High School | DE

Brendon Toler is a dual-threat lineman prospect out of Appoquinimink High School who showcased versatility at the camp at several positions on both sides of the ball. He approached each phase with consistent energy, showing the ability to adapt and compete regardless of position. Toler displayed functional athleticism and coordination, allowing him to stay active in space and remain effective across multiple drills and competitive reps.

What stood out most was his willingness to compete and contribute in different roles, paired with a steady motor throughout the event. He handled the workload on both sides without a drop in effort, which speaks to his conditioning and competitive mindset. While still refining his overall technique and positional polish, his versatility and approach give him a solid foundation to build on.

Mekhi Wilson (2027) – Calvin Coolidge High School | DC

Mekhi Wilson is a 6’5, long-armed defensive end out of Calvin Coolidge High School who brings a competitive edge and a developing athletic profile to the field. In a camp setting, he showed the ability to stay engaged throughout drills, competing with energy and a willingness to take on reps against comparable talent. Wilson flashes functional movement skills and coordination, allowing him to operate effectively in space while maintaining control through his movements.

His approach stood out as a key strength: he competed consistently and responded to coaching throughout the event. While still building his overall physical profile and refining his technique, he shows upside as he continues to develop into a Division 1 prospect.

 

OFFENSIVE LINE (OL)

BEST OF THE BEST MVP

Xavier Cannady (2027) – Dunbar High School | MD

Xavier Cannady is a returning prospect out of powerhouse Dunbar High School, where he was an anchor on a State Championship team. Just like last year, Cannady dominated the trenches, bringing a competitive mindset and willingness to expand on his skill set. Cannady showed solid effort and engagement throughout drills, competing with high energy and a willingness to mentor the younger linemen.

His motor and approach stand out as key positives, as he competes consistently and responds well to coaching. With his flexibility and low base, Cannady’s overall technique, reaction speed, and positional consistency are the foundation for his Division I projection. As he continues to develop physically and gain more experience, Cannady has the tools to become an All-State Performer in his Senior Season.

TOP PERFORMERS

Andrew Gary (2027) – Huguenot High School | VA

Andrew Gary is a returning prospect out of Huguenot High School, where he anchors the offensive line. In a camp setting, he demonstrated a competitive approach, working through drills with consistent energy and focus. Gary flashes functional athleticism, moving in space with coordination and control while staying engaged throughout reps.

His football IQ and coachability stand out as key positives, as he competes with effort and responds well to instruction. Gary’s still refining his overall technique, reaction speed, and consistency; the foundation is in place for continued development. As he continues to build strength, improve his overall athletic profile, and gain experience, Gary has the tools to become a more impactful and reliable contributor over time.

Ethan Carroll (2027) – Christ Church School | VA

Ethan Carroll shows a solid foundation with encouraging traits as a Division I athlete hailing from Christ Church School.  Carroll approaches reps with purpose, displaying consistent effort and a willingness to compete across drills. Carroll flashes functional athleticism, moving efficiently in space and showing coordination and balance while staying under control throughout his movements.

His consistency and coachability are clear strengths, as he processes instruction quickly and translates it into execution across reps. He further elevated his performance by earning a Division I offer at the camp, reinforcing his trajectory as a developing lineman with a strong foundation. With continued growth and refinement, Carroll has the potential to emerge as a more complete and reliable contributor this season.

WIDE RECEIVERS (WR)

BEST OF THE BEST MVP

Taj Carter (2028) – Dr. Henry A Wise Jr High School | MD

Taj Carter is a 2028 prospect out of powerhouse Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School who shows promising early traits with room to continue developing. In a camp setting, he approached drills with energy and focus, showing a willingness to compete and stay engaged throughout reps. Carter flashes functional athleticism with the ability to move efficiently in space, paired with developing coordination and body control.

His effort level and responsiveness to coaching stand out as positive indicators for long-term growth. He works through reps with purpose and shows the ability to make adjustments as he gains more comfort. While still in the early stages of his development, Carter has a solid foundation to build on. With continued growth in strength, speed, and overall technique, he has the tools to evolve into a more impactful and consistent contributor over time.

TOP PERFORMERS

Asaiah Anderson (2027) – Mount Saint Joseph High School | MD

Asaiah Anderson brings a competitive presence and developing skill set that translated well at Mount Saint  Joeseph. He approached drills with consistent energy, showing a willingness to compete and stay engaged throughout each rep. Anderson flashes functional athleticism with the ability to move efficiently in space, paired with encouraging coordination and body control that allow him to remain effective across different phases of the event.

What stands out most is his motor and responsiveness to coaching. He takes instruction well and works to apply it immediately, showing growth from rep to rep. What separates him right now is his mindset. Anderson competes, adjusts, and keeps showing up rep after rep without drop-off. He’s still putting the pieces together technically, but the foundation is there. As he continues to develop physically and sharpen his overall game, there’s room for him to take a noticeable step and become a more impactful presence moving forward.

Malachi Robinson (2029) – St Charles High School | MD

Malachi Robinson shows encouraging early traits with a foundation that stands out for his age. As a young receiver at St. Charles High School, Robinson displays natural coordination and the ability to stay engaged throughout drills. In a camp setting, he flashes developing athleticism with smooth movement patterns and a willingness to compete, which allows him to hold his own against peers.

There’s still a lot of room for growth, but the pieces are there. Robinson shows a willingness to compete and keep working, which is what you want to see this early on. As he continues to grow physically and gain more experience, those flashes can turn into more consistent production. He’s a player to keep an eye on as he develops over time.

Tyrae Richburg (2029) – Franklin High School | MD

Tyrae Richburg is young receiver from Franklin High School. As an early-stage prospect who shows flashes of natural ability and competitiveness in a camp setting. He approaches reps with good energy and doesn’t hesitate to engage, showing a willingness to test himself against others. There are moments where his coordination and movement stand out, particularly when he’s able to stay balanced and play under control.

At this point in his development, Richburg is still building his overall game, but the effort and mindset are there. He shows a willingness to learn and continues to work through reps without fading, which is important at this stage. As he adds strength, gains more experience, and sharpens his fundamentals, he has the opportunity to turn those flashes into more consistent production over time.

Zayne Mouapi-Searles (2028) – Bishop McNamara High School | MD

Zayne Mouapi-Searles is an intriguing young prospect from Bishop McNamara High School who shows early flashes of athleticism and confidence in a camp environment. He moves with purpose and isn’t hesitant to compete, showing a willingness to take on reps and stay engaged throughout. There are moments where his physical tools stand out, particularly when he’s able to operate in space and play with controlled movement.

What makes him worth tracking is the upside tied to his development. He’s still putting things together from a technical standpoint, but the effort and approach are there. Mouapi-Searles competes, stays active, and continues to work through reps, which are positive signs at this stage. As he continues to grow physically and refine his skill set, he has the potential to develop into a more impactful presence over time.

QUARTERBACKS (QB)

BEST OF THE BEST MVP

Maximus Newson (2028) – Discovery High School | GA

Maximus Newson is a known young star on the national stage having competed and won the Middle School Army All-American Bowl for Team Georgia along with competing at a high level in Georgia. He displays a number of skills not seen in many young quarterbacks his age  competing at a high-level with confidence and pose. In a camp setting, he shows up as mature, take charge, lead by example guy with an impressive football IQ that flashes throughout reps and movement drills. He doesn’t hesitate to engage and show younger athletes instruction having a natural willingness to compete.

Hands down there’s a clear developmental upside to playing in a State that has produced several star high school quarterbacks. Newson shows the kind of effort and mindset that can accelerate progress, consistently working through reps and staying locked in.

TOP PERFORMER

James Johnson (2032) – Home School | MD

James Johnson is an extremely young prospect who already shows encouraging early traits in a camp setting. He brings noticeable energy and enthusiasm to each rep, staying engaged and willing to compete against his peers. For his age, he shows developing coordination and a natural ability to move, with flashes of balance and body control that stand out in drills.

At this stage, the focus remains on growth and development, but Johnson’s approach and willingness to learn are strong indicators for the future. He listens, competes, and continues to work through reps without hesitation, which is exactly what you want to see at this level. As he continues to mature physically and gain experience, he has the foundation to build into a more polished and impactful player over time.