Greg Barton Summer 2007 Showcase

Barton Marketing Workout Brings out the NW Big Men

May 14, 2007Barton Marketing Workout
Recap Dirk KnudsenSpecial to OregonPreps.com
Talk about it in OP Members Forum

It was an overcast day here on Saturday at Williamete University at the Barton Marketing Fottball Combine, but there were easily 200-250 players here during the event. There were actually quite a few colleges at this event as well. Head coach Mike Riley of Oregon State was personally on the field and was busy taking notes. Steve Greatwood from Oregon was there, and coaches from the likes of Washington, Idaho, Idaho State, Western Oregon, Linfield, Stanford, Southern Oregon, Assumption, and former Portland State Coach Tim Walsh now at Westpoint/Army (who says "Hi" by the way) were there as well. Coaches from PSU were there in force....and there were several others.The $100 entry fee seemed to have kept away some of the best talent in the State but for most that went it was a very good day.

The AM session featured an excellent group of QB's, Backs, and Receivers from around the State. All eyes were on Raphiel Lambert of Jesuit and the speedy back did not disappoint showing great quickness and agility as well as some acrobatic catches. Equally impressive was Paul McCoy of Grant HS. His speed and ability to get vertical was perhaps the best we saw this day. Sounds as if his committment to play basketball at Pepperdine is pretty solid but there is no doubt that Paul will have other offers to play football coming in. Also looking good at receiver were Jay Matthews from Lake Oswego, Jordan Freelander and Demetrius Guice from Central Catholic, and Joel Gross from Beaverton.[Photo][Photo] [Photo]Nick Green is making up for missing all of last seasonQB's: The Oregon guys were for the most part excellent. I thought that Nick Green from Central Catholic and Josh Hill from Westview looked the best. I also liked Dan Buckmeier from Westview at QB. Also impressive were Gabe Linehan of Banks and Robbie Kool of Lakeridge. There is also no doubt that Kellen Mastrud of Southridge has improved and would appear to be leading his team for the next 2 years. Andre Broadous from Grant was the most mobile of the bunch and appears to be quicker than ever.

Linemen were very solid! Washington clearly has a class of several premier linemen. But the Oregon Boys showed there stuff. Standouts were Jacob Ayala from Cascade Christian at 6-foot-4, 305-pounds. and man does he bring the nasty stuff. Gavin Drake from Central Catholic impressed on defense. Marist of Eugene will probably outsize anybody in the State this year with Bronson Durrant at 6-foot-4 and 275-pounds; very quick, Rahkim Price at 6-foot-5 and 265-pounds, Thomas Singell at 6-foot-3 and 265-pounds, and junior sensation Charles Siddoway at 6-foot-6, 290-pounds. Watch this group folks. They are well coached, agile and may give Sheldon a handful in week two of the season. Siddoway is capable of being the top recruit in next years class and moves very very well for a big man.Also on the line, John Moore of Hood River gets the work horse award and is listed at 6-foot-5, 285-pounds. Jon Eric Opperud from Milwaukie also had a good day and is listed at 6-foot-7, 280-pounds. Joe Pittman from Glencoe is going to be tough to move as well and at 6-foot-3, 310-pounds, he can generate some great leverage.Perhaps one of the best Senior Linemen I saw all day was Kyle Ritt of Aloha. Great use of his feet and hands and at 6-foot-3 and about 280-pounds, he appears to be in top shape for his season. Matt Lipski draws attention wherever he goesI could not close this look at the Barton Event without discussing Matt Lipski of Ashland. I have only heard about Matt through sources but seeing this giant sort of completed the picture. Now I have seen some similar size but he carries this 6-foot-9, 350-pounds+- frame very well. Matt was capable of throwing opposing players off their feet. He clearly can play and I believe will play D-IA ball. If his agility within a 10-15 yard burst continues to improve he can really be something special. This is the type of tackle that colleges across the Nation dream of. Not only that he is a quality kid.Congrats to all of the players. This is a unique event. That is noted by the fact that the Washington players equaled the Oregon Players.

There are few if any Summer Camps you can get to or events where many coaches can see you as a player at one time. This event was the same as the Barton Sunday workout at Air Attack and was a great way for these players to get seen. Linemen should get to the Western Oregon Line of Scrimmage Camp and all players should get to the June 8, Nike Sparq Combine at Hillsboro Stadium. These are two very good events.One thing the coaches kept coming back to. Speed, Quickness, and Agility! This is the key factor they are looking for and those that had it garnered the most attention.Great job guys! Keep working hard.