Mtshali talks Elite with Scout.com

Offense-Defense Sports
07/24/08

The Offense-Defense Elite Camp has just wrapped up here in Myrtle Beach, and it truly was a clash of the best high school football stars the country has to offer! Don’t just take our word for it…here’s what Elite camper Jamal Mtshali told Scout.com about Elite camp and how, while slowed by injury, nothing was going to stop him from competing:

"Man it's been a ton of good prospects out here. They definitely made sure that they invited the best of the best. It’s a lot of intense competition. I can run with them but I have some severe tendinitis in my hip so I wasn’t able to perform to my full capability. It has slowed down my performance so far but being here it’s a great learning experience and helping my development. Overall I feel good about the camp but I’m a little disappointed about my hip.”

As if playing through the pain wasn’t admirable enough, Jamal was also receiving instruction at a completely new position as he made the switch from defensive lineman to linebacker. Speaking about the instructional process involved in making that transition, Jamal had this to say:

"We did some cone drills, some of them really involved turning your hips. They’re looking for quickness and explosiveness. It’s important to implement that in those drills. We also did some passing drills. I think I did best in the one on ones we had. We had a 7 on 7 thing. It wasn’t full speed but I’m learning how to cover and play zones. It’s a learning experience but it’s going to be a beneficial one for me."

In closing the great interview, Scout.com and Mtshali both had a couple of key points regarding the benefits that were to be had at this intense 3-day event:

“With players from all over the country competing Mtshali hopes to learn as much as he possibly can from the NFL players who are coaching at the camp (some players like former Cowboys standout Nate Newton and former Vikings WR Cris Carter). "It'd be nice to get a chance to compete in the O-D Bowl Game too…” Mtshali said, “…so I'm playing my hardest so that could be a possibility."”

With Mtshali’s physical gifts and athletic prowess on display in Myrtle Beach, it’s safe to say he’s well on his way.