David McNabb
TexasPrepXtra.com Staff
Todd Dodge's 16th annual QB/WR camp remains one of the Southwest USA's top draws for young talent. Dodge started the camp as a North Texas assistant and after leading Southlake Carroll to four state titles in the last five years, Dodge and his camp moved back to the University of North Texas. Dodge was named UNT coach last December.
The camp drew 600 players this week from as far away as North Carolina, Mississippi, every Texas border state and hundreds from around the state including San Antonio, Smithson Valley, Katy, Austin Westlake and Allen.
Dodge's camp had 300 7th-9th graders in the morning and 300 10th-12th graders in the afternoon at Denton's Fouts field and the UNT athletic complex. Putting that in perspective, most camps are considered a huge success if they get about 150 kids.
Among the camp standouts was Rockwall senior Braden Smith, who continues to show a strong, accurate arm and his setting visits for several college camps the rest of the summer ...
The camp surprise was Fort Worth All Saints junior Doak Ralston, a 6-1 junior with a power arm .. He'll be with first-year All Saints coach Aaron Beck, who just had Cal signee Brock Mansion while at ESD
McKinney sophomore quarterback Zach Lee and Hebron junior QB Tanner Marsh had strong camps ... Southlake Carroll WR Chris Brainard, on the recruiting bubble of North Texas, SMU, TCU and Utah, looked very good
Plano junior Rex Burkhead signed up for the camp as a quarterback but he suffered a sprained ankle training last week .. Burkhead recovered from a mild sprain but then got ill on Tuesday and Wednesday. He stopped by for a visit Thursday looking about 10 pounds lighter but not limping .. Burkhead will play free safety and then alternate between running back, receiver and quarterback offensively
Euless Trinity, which has a power running offense but always stocked with good athletes, had a pair of standout quarterbacks in Denarius McGhee and Stetson Smith. Trojans receiver Tyree Tucker looked as good as expected and Ross Apo shined as well
From Georgetown, senior quarterback Morgan Mickan was a strong all week as was Austin Anderson senior Duncan McGee.
And if you think Southlake Carroll is going to run dry anytime soon, you haven't seen incoming freshman Matt Katz, whose strong arm and well-trained Dragons work ethic got him a first-day Pacesetter Award and excellent showing all week.
