Lawrence Central High School linebacker Brandon Lee found only one drawback to Monday's Best of Midwest Combine at the Incrediplex on the northeast side of Indianapolis.
"It's kind of a closed-in area so you can't get after it too much or you might hurt yourself; people could get hurt," Lee said. "But everybody competed pretty well and no one got too out of control.
"I think this is getting me ready for some of the other camps."
Lee is one of the most highly recruited class of 2014 players in the state. He already has offers from Indiana, Purdue, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina State and Ball State.
Lee was a key member of the Bears' unbeaten Class 5A state championship team. After the season, coach Jayson West took the Warren Central job and was replaced by former Western Boone coach Jed Richman.
"I know our defense will be stacked again," Lee said. "Offensively, we lost quite a few seniors on offense, but I think we'll be fine. I think we can repeat if we really want to. It will depend on the amount of work we do and if we come together like we did this past season.
"I'm working on being more of a leader and playing every down like it's my last."
The 6-3, 215-pound Lee was joined at the combine by Bears 6-3, 275-pound offensive and defensive lineman Kevin Willis.
Willis, who is being recruited more as a defensive tackle, received an offer from Indiana last summer. Northwestern and Iowa have shown a lot of interest and he was recently invited to LSU junior day.
"This was probably one of the best camp days I've ever had," Willis said. "I was sharp and quick. I did most of my techniques right. I messed up a couple times, but for the most part I did pretty well."
Willis said he might want to play close to home and really likes the Big Ten programs.
"With all the Indianapolis defensive players, Antonio Allen (Ben Davis), Darius Latham (North Central) and David Kenney (Pike) going to IU (in the fall), I might want to follow behind them and support our home state," Willis said.
HSE receiver gets tested
Hamilton Southeastern junior receiver Cameron Polk said the combine let him know how he shapes up against some of the other top Midwest players.
"It also gave me a good idea on the speed drills and what I need to improve on," he said.
Polk has received an offer from the University of Massachusetts. Indiana, Northwestern, Michigan State and Louisville also have shown interest.
Polk said he is concentrating on improving his route running and gaining weight. Polk, 6-2, 180, has gained 10 pounds since last season and hopes to add 10 more pounds before his final season.
Getting noticed
Cathedral speedy junior Terry McLaurin gained attention during the Irish's state playoff run.
In the state championship game, McLaurin had a 79-yard TD catch and 41-yard TD run and 66-yard punt return that set up another score in a 56-29 rout of Mishawaka.
Yet so far he hasn't received any offers. He hopes that changes soon.
"I'm starting to get a heavier look from IU and I'm an official recruit now according to them," McLaurin said.
McLaurin said he was timed in 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash. At the Nike SPARQ Combine in Massillon, Ohio on Saturday, he was electronically timed in the 40 at 4.43 and his vertical jump was measured at 38 inches.
Ball State and Akron have also shown interest.
"I just hope this weekend boosts my stock," McLaurin said. "This was a good test to see how I match up with these guys in one-on-ones and 7-on-7s."
