2012 IMG Academy ALL-MADDEN Mini-Camp Award Winners

More than 120 rising seniors and underclassmen from 20 states, and internationally representing Canada, Switzerland, Mexico and Japan, descended upon IMG Academy for the invitation-only 2012 ALL-MADDEN Mini Camp, which drew to a close Sunday afternoon. Players split their time between classroom film study and intense position-specific drills. As the camp progressed, players advanced from one-on-one to seven-on-seven and ended with 11-on-11 drills, installing the offensive playbook given to them by the coaching staff when they arrived. The camp is designed to replicate the experience of a National Football League mini-camp, simulating a football experience at the highest level to advance player development from the ground up.

IMG Academy football program director Chris Weinke began the ALL-MADDEN Mini Camp on Friday with a stern message to campers, saying, "Just because you put an IMG shirt on doesn't mean you are getting better - it's all about the hard work you put into it."

The players showed that they got the message, battling intensely for the honor of being named to the 2012 IMG ALL-MADDEN Team, and NCSA Athletic Recruiting Next Men In Team.However, the camp award winners for offense and defense were named immediately following the camp. Seven awards were handed out, and include:

TRX Camp MVP

TE Nathan Marcus

(Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West HS/Class of 2013)

“Nathan established himself early as a guy nobody could cover,” said Coach Weinke. “He went 17-for-17 during one stretch of 1-on-1 scrimmages. He consistently had clean releases off the line and created separation with defenders with great footwork getting in and out of breaks. The best part about Nathan is he can still better his fundamentals and running mechanics. He has a lot of upside to develop into a good college football player.”

Gatorade Offensive MVP

QB Evan Wilson

(Sarasota, Fla./Out of Door Academy/Class of 2013)

“Evan is a quarterback we've become familiar with living in the local area,” Weinke commented. “As he's continued to mature physically, he has equally developed his skill. He can make any throw on the field. He has great footwork, great velocity with his throws and he throws with great anticipation. There were times this weekend he was letting it rip with pinpoint accuracy. Evan is a late bloomer on the scene, but a guy with great growth potential. Colleges are going to want to get out to see him play this fall.”

Gatorade Defensive MVP

CB Richard Alllen

(River Ridge, La./John Curtis Christian School/Class of 2013)

“Richard has a complete skill set as a defensive back,” said IMG Academy defensive backs coach Michael Hawthorne. “He has the speed, physicality, strength and vision to become a pretty good defensive back. He doesn't give up on plays, and refuses to put himself in a bad position. He carries his 4.0 GPA onto the field because he's not afraid to ask if he doesn't know where to be. He's a guy that every coach is going to appreciate because he's going to know his assignment with each rep and each play. He'll be a leader in the secondary.”

Bite TechBig Man Offensive MVP

OL Corey Martinez

(Tampa, Fla./Tampa Catholic HS/Class of 2014)

“Corey is a quiet, focused player on the field that allows his actions to set an example,” said IMG Academy offensive lineman coach Michael Gruttadauria. “He's a great athlete that has not only gotten better with size but with his football ability with each visit over the past couple summers. He has the technique, footwork, hand speed, and commitment to the game you want out of an offensive lineman. He really excelled in 1on1 pass protection. He should feel extremely proud for winning this award as he was joined by some excellent offensive lineman at camp.”

SPRI Big Man Defensive MVP

DE Brad Smith

(Tampa, Fla./Tampa Jesuit/Class of 2013)

“Brad continues to show improvements in techniques and playing development,” said IMG Academy defensive lineman coach Tom Pratt. “He works particularly hard on his pass rush techniques which will bode him well in the future. He's advanced his game since the last time we saw him in April. He can be a very good rusher off the end and has the athletic ability to be a guy you could play on the outside in space, too.”

NCSA Athletic Recruiting Breakout Offensive Underclassmen

WR Jonathan Boone

(Orlando, Fla./Freedom HS/Class of 2014)

“Jonathan was a playmaker at camp all weekend,” said IMG Academy guest wide receivers coach EG Green. “He had the best ability of any of the receivers to high point the football, and the best vertical ability to go up and get it. He was very good a running the fade route. He has to continue to work on his inside release and will need to continue to fill out his frame to get stronger at the line of scrimmage. He had great hands and is a threat for your offense when he's on the field.”

NCSA Athletic Recruiting Breakout Defensive Underclassmen

DB Brayden Beard

(Fredericksburg, TX/Fredericksburg HS/Class of 2015)

“Brayden is an athlete you only have to tell once,” commented Hawthorne. “He absorbs information well, and he constantly wants to learn how to put himself in the best position and better himself as an athlete. You can line him up anywhere on the field and he's going to make plays. He continued to develop and improve during camp, and he was as good as anyone making plays in the middle of the field. He's got a shot to become a pretty good football player.”

The 2012 IMG ALL-MADDEN Team will be released Monday, August 13th. For more information, please email football@imgworld.com.