By M. Battle | RepMax Sports Analyst | RepMax

CHATSWORTH, CA — The energy was undeniable. From the moment I stepped on campus at Sierra Canyon on Tuesday, May 6, it was clear this wasn’t going to be your average high school football showcase. This was a recruiting battleground, a stage built for elite athletes to separate themselves—and they did.

The Sierra Canyon vs. Newbury Park Showcase brought together some of the top high school football talent in California, under the watchful eyes of 30+ college coaches, all hungry to identify the next star for their program. This wasn’t just drills and reps—it was a live audition for scholarships, with athletes competing at full throttle in front of Power 5 programs.

From combine testing to position drills and intense 1v1 matchups, the action was non-stop. And by the time the final reps were taken, a number of players had walked away with real college offers—on the spot. This event proved what we’ve been saying all spring: if you can play, RepMax will help you get seen.

The Stars Came to Shine — and Delivered

You didn’t need a scouting background to recognize the star power on display. Nationally ranked players were everywhere, and many of them lived up to the hype—and then some.

Richard Wesley – DE, Sierra Canyon (Oregon Commit)

When you’re committed to Oregon, expectations are sky-high. Wesley not only met those expectations—he surpassed them. At 6’4” with elite length and burst, he consistently blew by offensive linemen during 1v1s. His ability to convert speed to power, bend around the edge, and finish plays was dominant. He looked every bit like a future Power 5 impact player.

Havon Finney Jr. – DB, Sierra Canyon (LSU Commit)

Finney’s tape speaks volumes, but watching him live is something different. The LSU commit showcased the physicality and twitch that made him one of the most coveted DBs on the West Coast. Whether pressing at the line or tracking deep routes, Finney was locked in—showing range, fluid hips, and high-end recovery speed. He was vocal, intense, and clearly set the tone for Sierra Canyon’s defense.

Brady Smigiel – QB, Newbury Park (Michigan Commit)

What Smigiel did during 1v1s and group work looked like something out of a college quarterback room. The Michigan-bound signal-caller threw with zip, layered balls with touch, and showed off advanced anticipation and field command. His ability to scan, reset, and deliver accurately—even under pressure—separates him from his peers. Smigiel is one of the most polished passers in the 2025 class.

Vincent Carner – WR, Newbury Park

The breakout performer of the day may have been Vincent Carner, the 6’3” wide receiver who put together a clinic in route running. He attacked leverage, created separation with subtle footwork, and made multiple highlight-reel contested catches in traffic. With his frame, body control, and natural hands, Carner made it clear he’s ready to join the conversation among California’s top WRs.

Jaxson Stokes – RB, Sierra Canyon

If you blinked, you missed him. That’s how sudden and smooth Stokes looked out of the backfield. Whether in change-of-direction drills or slipping into space during passing reps, his ability to make defenders miss without losing speed was special. He’s got a low center of gravity, elite balance, and a gear that makes defenders freeze. Stokes is a name that will rise fast this fall.

Digital Recruiting = Real-Time Impact

The showcase wasn’t just elite on the field—it was elite off it, too. Both Sierra Canyon and Newbury Park partnered with RepMax to take their recruiting approach to the next level.

Every participating athlete had a RepMax digital profile, accessible by QR code. Coaches in attendance could scan and instantly view verified data, highlights, and contact info. No paper rosters. No guesswork. Just real-time access to real prospects—exactly how modern recruiting should work.

This partnership allowed college programs to evaluate faster, connect quicker, and streamline the recruiting process. It’s no surprise that several offers were made before the showcase even ended.

A Masterclass in Execution

Let’s give credit where it’s due. Running a high-level showcase is about more than just bringing talent together—it’s about structure, flow, and professionalism. And Sierra Canyon nailed it.

Head Coach Jon Ellinghouse and Director of Player Personnel Bruce Bible delivered a showcase that ran with the precision of a college-level camp. Every position group got their shine. Every athlete had their moment. The format was tight, the timing on point, and the competition level was intense from start to finish.

This wasn’t just a successful event—it was a blueprint for how high school programs can maximize exposure and create true recruiting momentum.

On the Rise: Breakout Players to Watch

While the headliners showed out, there were a few under-the-radar prospects who looked ready to explode this upcoming season:

  • Ronen Zamorano (LB, Sierra Canyon) – An enforcer in the middle with a high motor and great instincts. He flies to the ball and brings violence on every hit.

  • Demarkus Barnes (ATH, Sierra Canyon) – A versatile weapon who lined up in multiple spots and made plays all over. His upside is huge as both a return man and two-way threat.

  • Devin Olmande (WR, Newbury Park) – Smooth route-runner with consistent hands and deceptive speed. He’s poised to be Smigiel’s go-to target in 2025.

  • Jack Shepp (TE/DE, Newbury Park) – Big, physical, and versatile. Sheep made an impact on both sides of the ball, showing soft hands as a tight end and toughness on the defensive line.

Final Word

The Sierra Canyon vs. Newbury Park Showcase was everything you want in a recruiting event: big names, breakout stars, organized execution, and real exposure. With RepMax driving the digital transformation of recruiting, events like this aren’t just about the moment—they’re about building futures.

If you’re a college coach not plugged into RepMax yet, you’re already a step behind. And if you’re an athlete who’s not locked in? Get ready, because the season is coming—and the spotlight is only getting brighter.

– Martel Battle, RepMax Sports Analyst