Top Talent Converges on Morgan State for Inaugural DMV NCEC Camp — A Breakout Success

Baltimore, MD — The 1st Annual DMV High School & Middle School NCEC Camp, hosted by Derrick Tatum, Founder & CEO of the National College Evaluation Camp (NCEC), alongside the UnderRecruitedAthlete/URA Sports Show, was a breakout success this past weekend at Morgan State University. Known as the largest exposure camp in the South, NCEC expanded north for the first time, bringing its elite brand of performance evaluation, mentorship, and exposure to the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) region.

Derrick Tatum, a former NFL player and nationally respected recruiting consultant, has led NCEC in developing over 500 college athletes and brought the same high standard of evaluation, instruction, and mentorship to the DMV. His vision for the camp was clear: give under-recruited athletes the tools, exposure, and mentorship to get to the next level — on and off the field.

“This wasn’t just about running a 40 or making plays in 1-on-1s,” Tatum said. “It was about building young men. The DMV has elite talent, and now the nation’s starting to notice.”

With hundreds of student-athletes in attendance — including some from the South and even Canada — players participated in Zybek’s NFL-verified performance testing, skill position training, 1-on-1 competitions, and educational seminars led by a lineup of powerful speakers.

Significant Impact Made at the DMV NCEC Camp

One standout presence was Derrick McPherson, CEO of MAC Fitness, who delivered high-energy, science-driven training focused on speed, explosion, nutrition, and mental health. “This camp wasn’t just about reps — it was about results,” said McPherson.

Throughout the day, a series of impactful speakers delivered guidance on football, life, character, and academic responsibility.

Seminar Speakers Included:

Derrick Tatum – Founder & CEO of NCEC
As the architect of the National College Evaluation Camp, Tatum opened the event by sharing his journey from the University of Kentucky to the NFL, and how today’s athletes must understand that recruiting is a business. He stressed discipline, long-term planning, and the importance of putting yourself in the right environment early. His message set the tone for the day: “Exposure without preparation is a wasted opportunity.”

J. Stephen Palmer – Director of NCEC
Palmer’s dynamic message challenged athletes and parents to reframe their mindsets, take ownership of the recruiting process, and prioritize education.

Dr. Alexys Lynch – True Sports Physical Therapy
Dr. Lynch helped athletes better understand injury prevention, the recovery process, and how proper care extends careers and performance levels.

Herbert Parham Sr. – Coach & Mentor
With 30+ years in coaching, Parham delivered wisdom from his S.A.C.K.S. program, focusing on preparing middle school athletes for high school and life.

Paul Lewis III – Cornell / Akron / NFL Draft Prospect 2025
Lewis shared his journey from Baltimore to the Ivy League and his current NFL pursuit, reminding athletes that hard work and character open doors beyond football.

Kyel Hemby – JUCO All-American / NFL & CFL Vet
Hemby’s story of redemption — from academic issues to the NFL — drove home the importance of grades and discipline.

Donald Davis – Baltimore Coaching Legend
Davis closed with a powerful talk to parents on intentional investment, long-term patience, and the power of strategic decision-making in their child’s journey.

More than just another showcase, the DMV NCEC Camp gave athletes fundamental tools for success — physically, mentally, and academically. The event proved that the DMV is not only loaded with talent but also ready for the national spotlight.

With the success of this inaugural event, Derrick Tatum and the NCEC team have already confirmed a 2026 return, with an even larger platform and new collegiate partnerships on deck.

For many of these athletes, this camp was just the beginning — the journey forward is now wide open.