[/caption]

150 High School prospects converge at the Oxley Center to showcase their skills.

On a beautiful afternoon in Boca Raton, an impressive number high school athletes from across the sunshine state assembled on the football fields behind the Oxley Center, as they participated in the 2009 FAU Development football camp.

It is clear that these camps benefit the kids on many levels: the educational aspect gained from the drills preformed, and a chance to showcase their abilities that might otherwise go unnoticed.  Thus, they are able to take advantage of the opportunity to leave a good impression and hopefully heightening their status as a recruit.

With the continued success of the football program, benefits are clearly starting to become more apparent - from the last recruiting class, to today’s camp being one of the largest yet to date.  It's obvious that the seed sewn not long ago is forming roots.  Prosepcts from around the state are now looking at Florida Atlantic as a place of opportunity and the desire of being part of a building program is continuing to gain momentum.

The recruiting territory, having once stopped just north of the Orlando area, has now grown to include the entire state of Florida - with a focus on the local kids.  Today’s camp not only gave the kids a chance to showcase their talent, but gives the coaching staff quality time getting to know the players on a more personal level.  The extra attention hopefully will yield the chance to keeping the Florida kids playing locally.

A few comments from Coach VanValkenburg on the recruiting landscape.

[kaltura-widget wid="oscx8o6xue" width="400" height="290" addpermission="" editpermission="" align="center" /]

Towards the end of camp the kids where split into groups representing their respective sections of the state. Each was addressed by a different coach.  Coach Payne pointed out the importance of earning a college degree and preparing yourself for a life after football.  Payne further emphasized, having the label of an All-American is a nice honor, and whether you have the talent to reach the next level or not, an injury can just as easily side track your career path and not earning a college education would be a disservice to yourself.

He also stressed the importance of not falling into the trap of "stars" provided by recruiting services:  "Until a coach sees your film, has interest, and talks to you, stars are worthless", said Payne to onlookers.

Overall, there was some solid talent on the field at the Oxley today and some just might end up being Owls in the very near future.

Here are two prospects of note  that where in attendance today:

Andre Mondor

Plant HS

OL

6-3, 320

"Mondor is a massive interior line prospect who is a mauler in the run game and equally effective pass blocking. At 6'3, 320 he has the natural size and athleticism to excel at the next level." - scout.com

Kedrick Rhodes

Trinity Catholic HS

RB

5-10, 175

Hold offers to FIU, Iowa, and Northwestern

Both have indicated that no one school has an advantage at the present time, and are still formulating their decision.