February 7, 2009

Matt Yanofsky
Rivals High

Following a successful 2008 season that had events all around the country, the National Underclassmen Combine will kick off their 2009 season in Phoenix, Arizona, at Apache Junction High School.

The combine will take place for eight graders through sophomores on Saturday February 7 and the junior combine will take place on Sunday February 8.

The 2008 combine (which took place at the same location) hosted an impressive group of athletes, many whom are expected to return.

As a freshman in 2008, dual threat QB Jordan Morgan impressed NUC coaches with his athletic abilities. Morgan had a 32-inch vertical and ran a 4.49 40 in addition to showcasing his quarterback skills. This performance earned him a spot on the Phoenix freshman all-combine team.

"Jordan was a great athlete with a bright future", said NUC president and CEO Dave Schuman.

Derek Hubbard, currently a sophomore at La Joya High School, will also return to the combine. Hubbard almost literally burned the field up in 08' as his 4.36 40 and 4.62 shuttle earned him the combine's fastest man.

Justin Rodriguez, the 2008 sophomore MVP will also be returning. Rodriguez' success has made him a heavy D-1 recruit.

In past years, stars such as Shane McCullen and Jamal Womble had participated in the Phoenix area combine. McCullen, who will be graduating from Apache Junction High School this year, is headed to Arizona State in the fall. Womble is currently playing at the University of North Carolina.

With huge potential exposure at the 2009 Phoenix combine, expect the incoming group of athletes to put in hard work in a sunny desert day.