Chapter 7 Combine

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[15/06/2021, Stanford University, 10:30]

The sun beamed down on the sprawling green fields of Stanford University, where the Baller Series Combine was in full swing. It was a magnet for scouts, reporters, and football enthusiasts, all hungry to see the future stars of college football. The combine was hosted last minute due to COVID, but the Football world still showed up to pick up the next best thing.

Due to the effect of the pandemic, a lot of talented recruits from the high school class of 2021 had yet to be locked down. Thus, this Combine was a chance for them to pick up these talented players. Jace was one of them who had announced that he would make his pick after this 3-day combine.

Jace Lyon, better known as "Hakeem ", to those closest to him, adjusted his cleats as he took in the atmosphere. His 6'2" frame and sharp, gaze scanned the field that was already bustling with activity. He wasn't the only 5-star recruit here who had yet to make his choice, so he decided to bring his A game.

That goes especially with a player like Mike Jones who had travelled up from Florida to take part in this combine. He had also won state this year and was a more traditional quarterback than him. His pocket presence and calmness to stay there is one of the best in the 2021 high school quarterback class.

Letting go of his thoughts Jace tied his Bandana over his head laying his curly afro back so it wouldn't get in the way. Smearing on the war paint he jogged onto the field to begin his warmup joining Tariq and Jason.

"Yo, Keem, you ready to put on a show?" Tariq called out as he did a few high knees, his athletic frame bouncing with energy. Tariq, as a 3-star running back, was just under 5'9 but had muscles for days built in a dynamic way that gave him a lot of explosive power and trucking ability.

The only reason he was only a 3-star recruit was the fact he sat off most of his junior season. Upon his return covid hit leaving him with only a few games to showcase his skills. Thus, this Combine was all the more important for him to reassure his prospective colleges and maybe earn a better offer.

Jason was another story as he and his dad moved across the country due to their league shutting down. It was only after the lockdown that he regained his eligibility allowing him to play for Crenshaw High. His offers were a mix of D2 and D3 colleges with only a half ride from a D1 college who are not sure whether to bet on him fully.

They likely offered him a scholarship to serve as 3rd or 4th string WR which they could train up to standard. He out of the 3 friends needed this Combine the most and it came as no Suprise as asked Jace for a favour. "Yo J. if we get paired later for position drills make sure to throw it to my sweet spot."

"Don't worry with your route running you're sure to impress your fair share of scouts and you know dam well Jace don't miss," Jace responded with a confidant smile as he started doing dynamic stretches.

"Quick leave him alone, he has started talking in the third person again," Tariq exclaimed before sprinting down the field seemingly trying to get as far away from this crazy person.

The trio laughed as Jace waved Tariq off with a shake of his head. "Run all you want, T, understanding my genies isn't for everyone."

~~~

[15/06/2021, Stanford University, 11:30]

The field was buzzing with activity as players showcased their skills in different stations. Scouts with clipboards and stopwatches dotted the sidelines, murmuring amongst themselves while cameras from sports networks captured every moment. The combine wasn't just about raw talent; it was about showing how well players could perform under pressure.

The first set of drills focused on individual athleticism. The 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump were up first. They were all split into different groups and given different numbered vests. Jace was number 223 and was placed in a group of 5 quarterbacks from the 11 that were participating in the combine.

"Alright Jace your up," the official called out motioning for him to step up under the measuring section.

---

Height: 75.25 inches

Weight: 208 pounds

BMI: 26.21

Arm Length: 33.13 inches

Hand Size: 9.50 inches

Wingspan: 78.500 inches

Birthdate: 19/07/2003

---

"Move onto the next area," The staff said with a professional expression as they motioned for Jace and the rest of his group after spending an hour measuring the boy's biometrics.

They all simply nodded wanting to get as far away as possible from the group that consisted of doctors and more medical professionals. If it was up to them, they would do a more comprehensive assessment that would reveal even their 20 ancestorial lineage. Some might even want to take certain DNA tests out of pure curiosity, so it came as no surprise that the players hurried to the physical section of the combine.

The first stop for everyone was the standing vertical jump and the Broad Jump. Jace was second in his group in the vertical jump reaching 31.5 inches just barely beaten by a shorter fellow who scored 33.5 inches. For the broad jump section, he scored 9'10 inches raising the brows of a few scouts.

While Jace was known for his powerful throw and ability to scramble when needed he hardly ever used his legs. His wide field of vision added with game IQ and accuracy in throw made it as such that he is able to pick out open teammates the moment they go free. However, he had been working hard to improve other facets of his game vastly improving his mobility.

The next stop for Jace and his group was the 40-yard dash station, where speed and acceleration were the focus. The players lined up, each preparing mentally for the burst of energy it would take to impress the scouts. They would get 3 attempts taking a break to recover while the other players took their turn.

Jace was the second one to go from his group as a blond boy named Ben with the number 222 went first. He excelled at this, having gained plenty of practice running away from gangs and cops. Thus, he wasted no time walking to the starting position shaking his feet lightly to get rid of any lingering nervousness.

At the starting line, his beat-up under-armour boots dug into the artificial grass off of the Stanford Stadium. Putting his left foot forward he crouched down as his right hand touched the line white line that signalled the starting point. Taking a deep breath, he focused on the soft grass that was a mix of real and fake grass.

He focussed inwards letting his body slowly tense as his core tightened and leg muscles contracted ready to explode forward. Closing his eyes for a second he heard the first noise that signalled the countdown, the second time he heard it his eyes shot open and the loud whistle signalling the start sounded but he barely heard it.

With his concentration fully focused on waiting for the start signal the moment it was blown his body sprang forward before his mind could fully realise it. He had crossed 10 yards before his thinking caught up, but Jace forced himself to stay focused on simply increasing his pace. His legs pumped with power as he surged forward his head still lower as he crossed the halfway point in a matter of moments.

His arms pumped rhythmically, and his legs stretched wide with each step, his cleats barely kissing the ground. Before the onlookers could even blink, he had already crossed the finishing line causing the scouts and coaches to murmur as the time clocked in. "I got 4.3 what you got," one of them asked a nearby coach as he glanced at the stopwatch in his hand.

"I got 4.4"

"I have 4.32"

"4.30 from me."

They all simultaneously exclaimed seemingly wanting to make sure their times were accurate even though the laser radar connected to the official stopwatch flashed with the time the next second.

[4:33]

"Shit that boy fast," one of the more casual onlookers exclaimed as he saw the official time. He wasn't the only one He wasn't the only one. A low murmur rippled through the crowd of scouts, coaches, and other players, all of whom had taken notice of Jace's performance.

"I knew he was an athlete, but he really stepped up into another gear this senior year," A chubby coach wearing the Oregon Ducks cap commented as he proceeded to write something in his notebook.

His words caused a discussion to break out between the coaches as they discussed the changes Jace must have undergone this year. They had seen him at the 2020 Nike combine in Arizona and his acceleration hadn't been as good only about acceptable. Their discussion caused a black coach standing at the back to take on a contemplative look as he took on a thoughtful look.

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To Be Continued...