Turlock High varsity football head coach James Peterson and the Turlock Quarterback Club will be hosting a one-day inaugural combine for local football athletes on June 3 at Joe Debely Stadium.
It's called the Central Valley Combine and they are looking to demonstrate area student athletes’ abilities in front of nationally recognized recruiting agencies.
“People around here love their Friday night football,” said Peterson. “I just want kids to come out and I want to open up eyes in the Valley. We sometimes get overlooked because we have a lot of talent... I want that to change, I want people to know we are the real deal.”
Peterson said the big thing is to show and compare the local athletes’ skills with some of the most highly recruited players around the state and nationally.
“This is the first idea we had when we started our QB club, a question asked what else we could do and I want to promote kids in our area playing college football,” said Peterson. “Doesn't mean you have to go to D1, but there are plenty of other colleges where our kids can get a degree and education.”
The National College Scouting Association will be present, breaking down all the levels of the recruiting process and what most colleges expect from their student athletes or recruits.
“That is what we will do out there, get a breakdown of it all,” said Peterson. “What does it mean to be a college recruit? How it helps to create exposure and another avenue to see all the Valley kids at one place as well. We are definitely trying to promote this, this isn't just for THS it's for our Valley kids.”
At the moment, Peterson has 50 kids signed up, from Escalon, Hilmar, Patterson, Denair and Stagg High.
Bonsu Athletics will also be present with an official laser timer for the 40-yard sprint event.
“Biggest thing that colleges look is to see how fast you are,” said Peterson. “And it will be done right and can pass on and NCSA will make an initial profile for free for the combine for all these athletes.”
Along with a 40-yard sprint there will be seven other tests that include vertical jump, shuttle run, medicine ball toss, L drill and bench press at either 155 or 185-pounds.
“We want to make it known that the talent here is as real as it gets,” said Peterson. “There are places to play football, but at times it takes you to reach out to those schools and it’s great because you can still get your education taken care of and college athletics is great.”
The cost for the event is $20 to register early and $30 on the day of. All athletes will receive a T-shirt and spectators will be charged $5 entry.
All athletes will receive breakfast and concessions will be available.
The NCSA and Football University will be presenting recruiting tips and information to players and parents.
The event registering starts at 8 a.m. June 3. A meeting with NCSA will start at 9 a.m. and then the athletes will break into groups and go through each station. The event is expected to conclude at noon.
For more information or to register, contact Peterson at jpeterson@turlock.k12.ca.us.
