BALTIMORE, MD March 27, 2014 – Dreams do come true at the NFL PREP 100 Series Presented by Under Armour and the National Guard – even for sophomores.
Just 17 days after lighting it up at the Baltimore Series stop, Quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. was offered a college scholarship by Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Coach June Jones, a noted gridiron guru for field generals.
“I coached Dwayne in my Baltimore QB group, and he was different, and I know when I see different,” observed Rich Bartel, a quarterback coach for the PREP series who has been coaching high school signal callers for years. “He had a countenance and subtle confidence combined with raw ability that just stood out to me, so I found his father to tell him that his son was unusual.”
His dad, Dwayne Haskins Sr., was glad he did.
“This was the best camp we have attended, and opened up doors for us when my son got the chance to show his skills,” he said. “It was well organized, and very informational from the parents’ standpoint, starting with a series of classroom talks where both players and parents took notes.”
Following the morning education sessions, the 120-plus players, parents and staff were off to the Baltimore Ravens training facility where the 6’2”, 175-pound QB showed his stuff.
“He looks bigger and plays taller than he is, and his throwing and footwork from the pocket showed a high ceiling for a sophomore,” said Bartel. “He also has great self-awareness and knows his strengths and weaknesses. Dwayne can play big-time ball and has the talent to play in the National Football League.”
But before that, the student-athlete who attends BullisHigh School in Potomac, MD, will go to college, and Bartel wasted no time initiating the process for the 16-year-old.
“I texted 15 different coaches whom I have relationships with to send them his highlight reel, and June Jones wrote back immediately, asked what grade Dwayne was in, and when I answered tenth grade, he said he was going to offer, and he did,” exclaimed Bartel.
But SMU was not alone in showing their interest.
“I also received quick responses from a number of other big schools who liked him, which is wonderful since he works on his game with a passion and is now reaping the rewards,” mentioned Bartel. “Everyone wants exposure, which our PREP 100 Series provides, while also developing character and talent so our student-athletes will go back and impact their school and community.”
That impact was also felt by the Haskins family.
“Dwayne Jr. is very excited, and honored that he is being recognized,” said his father, adding that his son “now just wants to keep getting better and better by taking what he learned at the PREP 100 Series to maximize both his mental and physical attributes.”
The PREP 100 Series will continue to develop the “Total Athlete of Tomorrow” with upcoming stops in Miami, Dallas, and Oakland, before closing this year’s Series in Cleveland on June 21.