Three local high school football players were recently selected by USA Football to attend a 2 day training camp and work to earn a position on the 2013 U.S. Under-18 National Team. The development camp was held on February 9th and 10th in Austin, and featured two days of competition, including individual drills, 1-on-1 training and 7-on-7 situations. This included the opportunity to train with and learn from former NFL players and coaches. Dylan Lewis, Braxton Kilgo and Kaimon Ontiveros, all juniors at Brownwood High School, participated in the camp and have strong resumes which have attracted interest from several different colleges nationwide.
In the 2012 Brownwood Lion football season, Lewis, a 6’, 200 lb linebacker, collected 95 tackles with 2 sacks. Kilgo, a 6’, 205 lb running back, finished the season with 654 yards, seven touchdowns on the ground and caught nine passes for 167 yards and a touchdown. Ontiveros, a 5’11, 170 lb Safety, chalked up 68 tackles with two interceptions, two caused fumbles, 10 pass break-ups and returned the ball 5 times for a total of 210 yards.
Through USA Football’s partnership with the NFL Player Engagement program, the athletes and families attended a variety of off-the-field player development sessions throughout the event. Player development sessions featured former NFL players and coaches addressing the crowd on a range of topics, including the importance of leadership, academics and character development.
Lewis, Kilgo and Ontiveros were provided with a written evaluation by USA Football’s National Team Scouts, all of whom have NFL or college scouting experience. The staff included Steve Price, NFL Scout for Minnesota Vikings; Ron Rice, NFL Player (retired); Terry Shea, NFL Coach; and Desmond Howard, NFL Player (retired). All three Brownwood players received excellent evaluations that graded their strengths and weaknesses, which will help them to improve their skills going forward.
Dylan Lewis, Braxton Kilgo and Kaimon Ontiveros (pictured above) are excited about the opportunity to earn a position to represent their country and wear Team USA across their chests in the next USA vs. the World football game. Photo contributed.