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The Evolution of Exposure: How Sound Mind Sound Body is Shaping the Future of High School Football
In the new age of college football—where NIL deals and the transfer portal have rewritten the rules of recruitment—getting noticed as a high school athlete isn’t just about talent anymore. The process has become faster, more competitive, and far more selective. With college coaches increasingly favoring experienced transfers, high school players, especially those under the radar, are finding fewer doors open.
But amid the chaos, one program is not only keeping pace with the changes—it’s defining the future of athlete development. Enter Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB), a Detroit-born initiative that’s grown from a regional mentorship camp into a national movement with real influence.
A Launchpad for the Overlooked
In 2025, SMSB is no longer just a camp—it’s a platform, a pipeline, and a lifeline for players chasing college football dreams in an increasingly crowded field. What began with a simple, yet powerful formula—“a sound mind + a sound body = a sound athlete”—has now shaped the trajectories of hundreds of athletes who’ve gone on to earn scholarships, star at Power Five programs, and even reach the NFL.
The key to SMSB’s success lies in its holistic approach: elite football training, academic support, life skills, and mental health education. In an era when highlight reels are often more polished than the players themselves, SMSB focuses on substance over flash—and college coaches have taken notice.
NIL, the Portal, and the Pressure to Stand Out
The transfer portal has turned the recruiting world on its head. Instead of taking a chance on a high school senior, many programs now look to plug holes with battle-tested college athletes. Add in the complexity of NIL, and the result is a high school recruiting landscape where early exposure, verified development, and trusted recommendations are more important than ever.
That’s where SMSB thrives.
“It’s a camp, but it’s also a mentorship hub, a coaching clinic, a leadership conference—all rolled into one,” says SMSB founder Curtis Blackwell. “We’re preparing young men to succeed beyond football. And in the process, we’re opening doors that might otherwise stay closed.”
From Detroit to the Nation
Originally exclusive to Detroit, SMSB has expanded into a nationwide draw, hosting camps in cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Washington D.C., and Chicago. At each stop, hundreds of top prospects compete in front of dozens of college coaches from every level—FBS, FCS, Division II, III, NAIA, and JUCO.
But for all the stars that show up, it’s often the unknown names that benefit the most.
“Without this camp, I don’t think I’d be on anybody’s radar,” said 2026 linebacker Malik Johnson after a breakout showing in Detroit. “I walked out with three D1 follow-ups in my inbox.”
These aren’t empty interactions. SMSB’s credibility with coaches—built over years of consistency and results—means that an athlete’s performance in camp carries real weight.
More Than a Camp—It’s a Culture
In a social media era where hype often outpaces development, SMSB remains grounded in its core values: discipline, character, preparation, and leadership. Yes, players are pushed physically—but they’re also challenged to think critically, lead ethically, and stay grounded through life’s pressures. This culture has made SMSB more than a place to get noticed. It’s become a rite of passage for serious athletes.
“Sound Mind Sound Body prepares you for the next level—mentally and physically,” says former SMSB participant Cam Booker. “It’s where I learned what it really takes to make it.”
Why Every Athlete Should Consider SMSB
At a time when recruiting attention is hard to come by and scholarships are tougher to earn, SMSB camps have become essential stops on the road to college football. With a reputation rooted in excellence and authenticity, the program continues to attract elite talent and the coaches looking to sign them.
Whether it’s through in-person competition, trusted coach connections, or digital exposure via SMSB’s growing platform, athletes are now plugging directly into a proven recruiting ecosystem.
For players without star ratings or social media buzz, that opportunity is everything.
Top Athletes Attending Camps
2027 QB 4
A quarterback from Western High School in Anaheim, California, is quickly becoming one of the top names to know in the Class of 2027. Standing at 6’2″ and 200 pounds, Thomas has already drawn national recruiting attention with a combination of size, arm strength, and high football IQ. During the 2024 season, he threw for 1,736 yards and 17 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions, completing 138 of 225 pass attempts—an impressive stat line for a young signal-caller. He’s also made multiple unofficial visits, showing strong interest from Pac-12 programs. Off the field, Thomas maintains a 3.7 GPA, highlighting his dedication to academics as well as athletics.
At 5’10”, 180-pound Muhammad has emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the Class of 2027. Known for his athleticism and football IQ, He has already attracted attention from several Division I programs. Muhammad’s performance on the field is complemented by his academic achievements; he maintains a 3.8 GPA, demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence both on and off the field. His versatility allows him to excel in various defensive schemes, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Earned Offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado State, New Mexico, and UNLV
Standing at 5’8″ and weighing 155 pounds, Ross is different running a 10.88-second 100-meter dash in the spring. His younger brother Jordan Ross, who signed with Colorado State, shares a similar skill set on the football field. His combination of speed and hands makes him a dynamic playmaker and a top prospect for recruiters.
Earned Offers: University of Arizona, Utah State University, and Boise State University
Hayes Cloutier is a promising quarterback standing at 6’1″ and weighing 195 pounds. He is recognized for his dual-threat capabilities, combining a strong arm with impressive mobility, clocking a 4.5-second 40-yard dash while showcasing his speed and agility. Cloutier’s ability to extend plays and make accurate throws on the move has garnered attention from college programs.
Earned Offers: University of Arizona and Sacramento State University
2026 WR 3
Maxwell Young is a dynamic three-star wide receiver who has attracted attention from several top college programs. Known for his sharp route running, speed, and ability to make spectacular catches, Young is a rising star in the recruiting scene. His combination of athleticism and skills makes him a prime target for programs looking to add a dynamic playmaker to their roster.
Earned Offers: University of Arizona, Utah State, and Boise State, showcasing his potential at the collegiate level.
As a 6’2″, 170-pound dual-threat quarterback, DJ Mitchell demonstrated an ability to take over games as a freshman. In his sophomore year, he improved to 46 completions on 77 attempts for 802 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also rushing for 522 yards and 3 touchdowns. Mitchell’s performance has garnered attention from several college programs. In terms of accolades, Mitchell was named the Ronnie Hillman Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 and earned First Team All-League honors. He also received the Scholar Athlete award in Fall 2023 for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or better.
Earned Offers: Wayne State University, Arkansas, Auburn, Sacramento State, San Diego State, UCF, and Utah . Additionally, he has taken unofficial visits to Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, UCLA, and the University of Oklahoma.
Blake “Blaze” Rogers is rapidly establishing himself as a versatile and dynamic playmaker. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 155 pounds, Rogers showcases exceptional agility and field awareness, contributing significantly to both the football and soccer teams. In the 2024–25 varsity football season, Rogers recorded 29 receptions for 532 yards, averaging 18.3 yards per catch, and scored 8 touchdowns over 11 games. His all-purpose yardage totaled 663, including 115 kickoff return yards, underscoring his multifaceted impact on the field. Defensively, he added 8 tackles, demonstrating his commitment on both sides of the ball.
Off the field, Rogers maintains a 3.5 GPA and is actively involved in the Christian Student Association. His athletic prowess extends to track and field, where he was named the Freshman/Sophomore Track MVP and clinched the 100-meter Freeway League championship with a time of 11.51 seconds. Rogers’ combination of speed, versatility, and academic dedication positions him as a promising prospect in the Class of 2027.
A versatile and dynamic athlete who at 5’10” and weighing 180 pounds has played multiple positions including wide receiver (WR), running back (RB), linebacker (LB), and strong safety (SS). His adaptability on both offense and defense highlights his athleticism and football IQ. In the 2024-2025 varsity season, Tillis recorded 2 receptions for 51 yards, averaging an impressive 25.5 yards per catch. The previous season, he contributed 37 rushing yards over 4 games, showcasing his dual-threat capability. His all-purpose yards total 104 over 5 varsity games, reflecting his multifaceted role on the team.
Tillis is recognized as a three-star dual-sport athlete, emphasizing his commitment to excellence both on the football field and in other athletic endeavors. His dedication to his faith, academics, and family is evident in his personal motto: “GOD 1st, School, Family, Football.”
2029 WR 5
Anthony Uzondu Jr., a Class of 2029 wide receiver from California, is rapidly gaining attention as a top prospect in youth football. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 200 pounds, Uzondu’s combination of size and athleticism sets him apart on the field. His performance has already earned him recognition as a UA Next 8th Grade All-American, highlighting his potential at a national level.
Earned Offers: Sacramento State, indicating early interest from Division I schools.
Standing at 5’10” and weighing 175 pounds, Brown’s athleticism and versatility demonstrate his exceptional skills on both sides of the ball, playing as a cornerback and quarterback. His junior season was marked by impressive statistics, including 30 tackles and 6 tackles for loss, highlighting his defensive prowess. Brown’s athletic metrics are notable, with a 38.6-inch vertical leap and a 10’1″ broad jump, underscoring his explosive physical capabilities.
Earned Offers: Akron, Bowling Green, Toledo, and UNLV
Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 190 pounds, Hill possesses a rare blend of size and athleticism that makes him a standout prospect. His impressive physical attributes include a 4.7-second 40-yard dash, a 32-inch vertical leap, and a 4.2-second shuttle time, highlighting his agility and explosiveness. Hill’s versatility is evident as he also contributes to his school’s basketball team, showcasing his well-rounded athletic skills.
Earned Offers: Kentucky, Michigan, Penn State, Central Michigan, UMass, Temple, Toledo, Miami (OH), and Marshall
2026 DB – Xayvion Dunn, Mentor HS – Mentor, OH
Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 170 pounds, Dunn has emerged as a key player in the Cardinals’ secondary. During the 2024 season, he recorded 39 total tackles, including 28 solo tackles, and secured three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown—Mentor’s first pick-six in nearly three years. His performance earned him Honorable Mention All-Ohio honors. Dunn’s athleticism and playmaking ability make him a promising prospect for collegiate programs.
Savion Lewis is a 2026 defensive back and wide receiver from Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 180 pounds, Lewis is a dynamic two-way player known for his speed and agility. He has recorded a 4.53-second 40-yard dash and a 30.5-inch vertical leap, demonstrating his athletic prowess. Lewis has been a consistent contributor to his high school team, playing both cornerback and wide receiver positions.
Earned Offers: Army, Akron, Bowling Green, and Yale
Standing at 5’11” and weighing 195 pounds, McMullen has demonstrated significant potential on the field. During his sophomore season in 2023, he showcased his abilities with a notable performance of 11 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns in a single game. Despite playing only four games due to transfer rules, his impact was evident. McMullen’s athleticism is further highlighted by his 4.50-second 40-yard dash, 395-pound bench press, and 500-pound squat. His dedication extends beyond athletics, maintaining a 3.5 GPA.
Earned Offers: Robert Morris
2026 ATH – Dontae Swain – East HS, Akron, OH
Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 155 pounds, Swain plays both wide receiver and cornerback, showcasing versatility on the field. Swain began his high school football career at Barberton High School before transferring to East High School for his junior year. Swain’s athleticism extends beyond football, as he also competes in track and field, participating in events such as the 60m, 100m, and 200m sprints . His multi-sport involvement highlights his speed and agility, making him a promising prospect for collegiate programs
Earned Offers: Kent State University
Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 205 pounds, Hill showcases versatility by playing both wide receiver and outside linebacker positions. Hill’s athleticism and leadership have been highlighted in various events, including the Battle Series, where he stood out among his peers.
Earned Offers: Kentucky, Michigan, Penn State, Central Michigan, UMass, Temple, Toledo, Miami (OH), and Marshall
2026 DB – Makhia Boone – St. Edward HS, Lakewood, OH
Standing at 6’0.5″ and weighing 172 pounds, Boone has emerged as a promising talent in the secondary. With a combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ, Boone is poised to make a significant impact in collegiate football.
Earned Offers: Miami (OH), Kent State, and Bowling Green
