Quarterbacks
I didn't have a say in the MVP voting at the Spotlight 39 camp, but I knew without seeing any other quarterbacks that 2027 Ralphie Puccinelli (6-foot-3) would be at the top of the list. Puccinelli was accurate throwing the deep passes and completed most of his touchdown throws during the 1-on-1 redzone drills.
Derrick Lackey is an 8th grader and appears to be on-pace to be recruited by the time he graduates in 2029. Lackey (6-foot-1) is tall for an 8th-grader, and he is athletic. He is a multi-sport athlete who plays basketball and runs track. He trains with the undefeated Quarterback Group coached by Malcolm Bell.
Running Back
I felt the running back prospects were the best overall group at the Spotlight 39 camp. The running backs coach had several prospects to choose from.
Earning RB MVP honors was Brooke Point 2027 Jaelyn Cox (5-foot-8, 175) who was smooth during the drills and outstanding in the head-to-head against the defense. he made several acrobatic catches and he didn't mind going to the turf to secure the reception. Cox was selected 2nd team All-District at running back and All-District punt returner. He finished 575 yards rushing on just 80 carries.
Rob Hughes Jr. did so well catching the football in the 1-on-1 drills that I jotted his number down as one of the top receivers in my camp notes. As a sophomore, Hughes led Kempsville with 805 yards on 164 carries with 11 touchdowns. He earned All-Region Honorable mention.
Rock Ridge running back Xavier Smith made his receptions during the 1-on-1 matchups look effortless and he made some of his defenders look foolish. He also completed the drills with good footwork and cuts in the open field. Smith (5-foot-11, 200) has a solid build and has the look of a player who like contact
Wide Receiver
Rock Ridge 2027 receiver Desai Ferrell (6-foot-1, 185) was clearly the top wideout at the Spotlight39 camp. He was praised by the camp coaches for not only his skills on the field but for his leadership and attitude. He has the frame to play physical and the confidence to be the best receiver in his class.
Riverbend receiver Camden Simmons was runner-up receiver MVP. He was 1st team All-Region, and 2nd team All-State at All-Purpose in his sophomore season. Simmons played receiver as a freshman but had to play quarterback last season. He threw five touchdown passes while running for six more. He added two kickoff returns and had two picks. Simmons camped with the receivers and his speed and athleticism was on full display. With his skillset, I believe Simmons may have been a top performer at any of the camp skill positions.
Each group was broken down into the top 5 performers for each position.
Good Counsel receiver Jaden Peek (5-foot-10, 170) was one of the receivers who made the cut. He has good technique and fundamentals. He used his quickness to get open and finished the catch with both hands. Peek has some interests from Lafayette and Georgetown
Maryland prospect Cordaro Foote (5-foot-9, 165) is a rising senior who attends Broadneck High School. He has great hands and sems vey polished for the position. He made adjustment on several balls that were not thrown to the best location. He fought thru physical coverage and did what he had to do to make the reception.
Liberty Christian receiver Henry Maier played primarily on special teams while serving as a backup receiver for 2-time defending State champion Liberty Christian Academy. Maier was one of the final five selected to go against the best five defensive backs. He made every catch I watched during the head-to-head matchups.
Offensive Line
Rising senior DaeShaun Floyd made the trip from West Virginia and held his own against the best edge rushers the camp could supply. Floyd (6-foot-3, 325) was often challenged because of his side but still won more reps than he lost. He attends Fairmont High School in West Virginia.
Rising junior Jaiden Hodge (5-foot-11, 290) was selected MVP for being the top offensive line performer. Hodge, who attends St Frances Academy, lined up at the center position and was barely moved by the incoming pass rusher. He used a combination of brute strength, balance, and leverage to control his defender
I didn't have a say in the MVP voting at the Spotlight 39 camp, but I knew without seeing any other quarterbacks that 2027 Ralphie Puccinelli (6-foot-3) would be at the top of the list. Puccinelli was accurate throwing the deep passes and completed most of his touchdown throws during the 1-on-1 redzone drills.
Derrick Lackey is an 8th grader and appears to be on-pace to be recruited by the time he graduates in 2029. Lackey (6-foot-1) is tall for an 8th-grader, and he is athletic. He is a multi-sport athlete who plays basketball and runs track. He trains with the undefeated Quarterback Group coached by Malcolm Bell.
Running Back
I felt the running back prospects were the best overall group at the Spotlight 39 camp. The running backs coach had several prospects to choose from.
Earning RB MVP honors was Brooke Point 2027 Jaelyn Cox (5-foot-8, 175) who was smooth during the drills and outstanding in the head-to-head against the defense. he made several acrobatic catches and he didn't mind going to the turf to secure the reception. Cox was selected 2nd team All-District at running back and All-District punt returner. He finished 575 yards rushing on just 80 carries.
Rob Hughes Jr. did so well catching the football in the 1-on-1 drills that I jotted his number down as one of the top receivers in my camp notes. As a sophomore, Hughes led Kempsville with 805 yards on 164 carries with 11 touchdowns. He earned All-Region Honorable mention.
Rock Ridge running back Xavier Smith made his receptions during the 1-on-1 matchups look effortless and he made some of his defenders look foolish. He also completed the drills with good footwork and cuts in the open field. Smith (5-foot-11, 200) has a solid build and has the look of a player who like contact
Wide Receiver
Rock Ridge 2027 receiver Desai Ferrell (6-foot-1, 185) was clearly the top wideout at the Spotlight39 camp. He was praised by the camp coaches for not only his skills on the field but for his leadership and attitude. He has the frame to play physical and the confidence to be the best receiver in his class.
Riverbend receiver Camden Simmons was runner-up receiver MVP. He was 1st team All-Region, and 2nd team All-State at All-Purpose in his sophomore season. Simmons played receiver as a freshman but had to play quarterback last season. He threw five touchdown passes while running for six more. He added two kickoff returns and had two picks. Simmons camped with the receivers and his speed and athleticism was on full display. With his skillset, I believe Simmons may have been a top performer at any of the camp skill positions.
Each group was broken down into the top 5 performers for each position.
Good Counsel receiver Jaden Peek (5-foot-10, 170) was one of the receivers who made the cut. He has good technique and fundamentals. He used his quickness to get open and finished the catch with both hands. Peek has some interests from Lafayette and Georgetown
Maryland prospect Cordaro Foote (5-foot-9, 165) is a rising senior who attends Broadneck High School. He has great hands and sems vey polished for the position. He made adjustment on several balls that were not thrown to the best location. He fought thru physical coverage and did what he had to do to make the reception.
Liberty Christian receiver Henry Maier played primarily on special teams while serving as a backup receiver for 2-time defending State champion Liberty Christian Academy. Maier was one of the final five selected to go against the best five defensive backs. He made every catch I watched during the head-to-head matchups.
Offensive Line
Rising senior DaeShaun Floyd made the trip from West Virginia and held his own against the best edge rushers the camp could supply. Floyd (6-foot-3, 325) was often challenged because of his side but still won more reps than he lost. He attends Fairmont High School in West Virginia.
Rising junior Jaiden Hodge (5-foot-11, 290) was selected MVP for being the top offensive line performer. Hodge, who attends St Frances Academy, lined up at the center position and was barely moved by the incoming pass rusher. He used a combination of brute strength, balance, and leverage to control his defender
