ACA FoxSports/Scout.com Southeast Elite Camp Report

Special Scouting Report:

TUSCALOOSA, ALA. — With over 150 of the region’s top prospects in Tuscaloosa, here is a look at one of the highlights from Sunday’s FoxSports/Scout.com Southeast Elite Camp on the campus of the University of Alabama.

One of  the camp’s top performers was one of the fastest rising quarterback prospects in the Southeast,  Tuscaloosa County’s own Matt Sandlin from Northport AL, the 6-4.5, 212-pound gunslinger recently picked up a scholarship offer from Marshall.

Sandlin displayed excellent footwork rarely seen by a big quarterback. He ran with the LB and DB during drills catching the attention of many of the analyst and participants at the Scout.com Southeasten Elite Camp on April 19, 2009. One analyst was overheard saying, ” Sandlin had the quickest feet I have seen on a QB.” The LB and DB must have agreed as they cheered him on competing against other groups.  A LB commitment to a SEC school yelled out to a DB in the other line, “this brother’s for real”.

For real is an excellent description, Sandlin had the perfect combination of good arm strength and great accuarcy. His  quick release allowed Sandlin to deliver the ball in tight places. He burned top SEC offers at LB and DB and the best in the region alike in 7 0n 7 with 3 TD passes.

In one-on-one’s, Sandlin’s accuracy showed up  as he dropped the ball in over coverage perfectly in the hands of the receiver with nice touch on a 30 yd out from the opposite hash against on of the best DB’s  in the region. Rodney Orr from Tider Insider observed saying, “That was one heck of a throw. He laid it in there perfectly. If the receiver had kept his feet it could have been a touchdown.”

Sandlin picked on the DB’s delivering passes down field and threw the ball with power when he needed to stick a TE in tight coverage. He hit receivers in stride and threw a catchable ball on underneath routes with little adjustment by receivers.

Overall, Sandlin showed great accuracy with no picks and made great decisions. He  has the ability shows nice touch and timing on the deep ball and outside the numbers. Will Matthews wrote,” Sandlin’s stock will continue to rise if he can continue putting up impressive performances at camps like the most recent one.”

Sandlin goes to Huntington, WV, home of Marshall, this week on an unofficial visit to take in the spring game. Marshall will honor the the 1999 National Championship team during the game, which includes  some of the biggest names in the NFL like Randy Moss and Chad Pennington. Sandlin is excited about the visit, “Chad Pennington is one of my favorite players!”

Sandlin was not the only Wildcat with an impressive day at the Sunday’s FoxSports/Scout.com Elite Camp, ACA tight end Brandon Gottfried, offensive lineman Derrick Miles and 2012 wide receiver prospect Parker Barrineau had solid camp performances. Look for more post about them in the upcoming days.

West Alabama high school football all-stars

James Sandlin, ACA, Sr., 6-2, 292, DT

Steadman Shealy, ACA, Sr., 6-0, 167, WR

Matt Sandlin, ACA, Jr., 6-4, 207, QB

Brandon Gottfried, ACA, Jr., 6-5, 209, WR

Harrison Pollard, ACA, Sr., 6-3, 205, ATH

Matt Leddo, ACA, Sr., 6-0, 181, LB

Derrick Miles, ACA, Jr., 6-3, 271, OL/DL

Matthew Lindsey, ACA, Sr., 6-2, 287, C

Mason Hallman, ACA, Sr., 6-1, 232, DE/FB

Blake Brenton, ACA, Jr., 5-11, 182, K

ACA Romps Thorsby

From staff reports
Published: Saturday, September 6, 2008 at 3:30 a.m.

THORSBY | Matt Sandlin completed 14 of 21 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for a touchdown as the American Christian Academy Patriots pounded the Thorsby Rebels.

Behind the arm and legs of Sandlin, ACA darted to a comfortable 28-0 halftime lead. Sandlin threw a 7-yard touchdown pas to Mason Hallman and a 20-yard scoring pass to Brandon Gottfried. He also scored on an 8-yard run. Daniel O’Quinn added a 14-yard touchdown run for the Patriots.

In the fourth quarter, ACA scored four more times. Harrison Pollard had a 21-yard touchdown run, before throwing a 7-yard scoring pass to Gottfried. Austin Grammer then connected with Kyle Smelley on two touchdown passes.

Pollard led the Patriot defense with six tackles and three passes broken up. James Sandlin added six solos and two sacks. Derrick Miles and Kyle Sappington each had 1 sack.