South Mississippi athletes showcase their skills at Rookie 2 Recruit’s Combine by Caliber Combine and Zybek Sports

South Mississippi student-athletes had the opportunity over the weekend to see how they measure up against competition from across the country during the Rookie 2 Recruit event hosted by Caliber Combines and powered by Zybek Sports. The event gave athletes the chance to post verified athletic testing numbers that can strengthen their recruiting profiles as they pursue opportunities at the collegiate level.

Participants completed Zybek Sports’ standardized athletic testing, which provides nationally verified rankings based on speed, power and agility. Testing included laser-timed 40-yard dash results using the same technology featured at the NFL Scouting Combine, along with broad jump, vertical jump and agility drills. According to Zybek Sports Owner and CEO Mike Weinstein, verified data gives athletes an objective way to showcase their abilities to college recruiters.

“The great thing about high school athletes is one, there are so many of them, but also these athletes right here, they might be really great athletes here in Mississippi, but they get to show where they compare across the country,” Weinstein said. “It’s a big world out there, and we show these athletes where they stack up. We started every test with the phrase ‘It’s on you’. They start the time, they stop the time. This shows the athletes where they stack up, not where they live, what team they’re on or how much money they make. These are their numbers, and they can use these numbers to show high schools and colleges how they can be competitive and of value to their program.”

After watching Gulf Coast athletes compete, Weinstein said he was impressed with the level of talent on display.

“They are really amazing athletes. I’m not saying that just because I’m here,” Weinstein said. “Once they get their reports from us tonight, they will be in the top 95th percentile. We’ve tested over a quarter of a million athletes right now, so being in the top 90th percentile, if not the top 95th percentile, is something to take to the bank.”

For many athletes, the event provided more than just a chance to compete. It also offered valuable feedback they can use to improve while giving college coaches verified performance metrics. St. Patrick running back Liam Richards said the combine was an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities.

“It was good getting the opportunity to show off my skills, do my 40-yard dash and all these other workouts that show what we can do,” Richards said. “I think it’s a good opportunity to get out here and show what we’re capable of. This is what gets you to the next level.”

Gulfport football and track athlete Jayonne Pollard said he enjoyed seeing how he compared against other competitors.

“I love competing, so that’s why I came out here to see all the times and stuff and where I’m at against high schoolers and collegiate athletes and things like that,” Pollard said.

West Harrison baseball and football athlete Deklan Foster said the experience highlighted areas where he can continue to improve.

“It was a blessing. I got to see my numbers and compete against other people that I know, and it was just a great experience,” Foster said. “I got to learn about places I need to improve in, and it was a great step to get to the next level.”

Gulfport football and track athlete Cordarious Payton echoed the importance of verified testing for athletes hoping to continue their careers.

“It’s really important if you want to get into the next level of sports,” Payton said. “I’m really thankful that Coach Barna brought it up for us to really help out with speed and stuff.”

With verified performance data now in hand, the athletes leave the Rookie 2 Recruit event with measurable results they can use to strengthen their recruiting profiles as they work toward competing at the next level.