Christy shows versatility

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The Midwest Showcase Camp drew 71 athletes from 14 states this past weekend, including many of the region's and nation's top kickers, punters and long-snappers. There were many kickers and punters who have the ability to play in college, and here are some of the top performers.

Taylor Zalewski (Orlando Park, Ill./Carl Sandburg), was right up there with Christy as far as an all-around kicking performance at camp. He performed well in the drill work on field goals and led the camp with nine made kicks during the field goal charting phase of camp. He finished first during the kickoff charting portion of camp and second during the kickoff competition. Taylor showed a rare combination of Division I power and consistency in his kicking. His field goal range off the ground was impressive and his skill set is rare. He is a kicker who can compete with anyone in the 2011 class. Taylor also performed well by placing first in the charting portion of the punting session, but he struggled in the punt drill work and the punting competition.

Ross Martin, Solon, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit) is one of the best in the class of 2012. Ross, who won the field goal competition, has an explosive leg and can consistently hit from 55 yards away (and periodically from 60-plus yards). That is outstanding for someone who is going to be only a junior in high school. Ross also has a natural motion and rhythm that is easily repeatable. He has great kickoff potential but still needs some work to catch up to his field goal skill.

Long snapper Zach Ewan (Phoenix, Ariz./North Canyon) came into this camp as the nation's top long-snapper from the class of 2011, and he did not disappoint. Ewan's snaps consistently went through the target at 14 yards with velocity consistently in the low .7s. He can make an immediate impact at the college level and is one of the few athletes who is game-ready right now. Another snapper who had a good day was 2012 prospect Zach Hirth (Eureka, Mo./Eureka). Hirth won the snapping competition at the end of camp and showed great potential as a snapper.

Chris Colombe (Waukesha, Wis./Catholic Memorial) had a strong camp, making eight field goals during the charting session and finishing near the top of camp during the kickoff session. His field goal height off the ground was solid throughout the camp.

Ben LeCompte (Barrington Hills, Ill./Barrington) had a solid camp both kicking and punting. He finished second during the punt charting portion of camp and showed good hang times that were consistently around 4.5 seconds. LeCompte is a solid combo prospect for the 2011 class.

Tanner Jones (Hastings, Neb./Hastings) made nine field goals and finished second in the punt competition. Jones showed impressive leg strength on his punts, including a blast that was over 53 yards and had a 4.78 hang time.

2011 class members Michael Hill (Tarpon Springs, Fla./Tarpon Springs), Peter Mortell (Green Bay, Wis./Notre Dame De La Baie Academy), Justin Carbol (Chicago, Ill./Brother Rise), and Drew Meyer (Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead) also had strong showings during different phases of camp.

Jamie Kohl is the director of Kohl's Kicking, Punting and Snapping Camps.

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