By Paul Vozzella
NEFJ Correspondent
MILTON – 30 players brought their talents onto the field in front of over 100 scouts and coaches in attendance for Milton Academy’s Show Day on Tuesday afternoon. It was not the best turnout of the day’s slot of showcases, but there was a noteworthy amount of Division 1 caliber athletes to keep an eye on.
Tucked away at the bottom of campus, everyone was close and personal with the talent. While there are multiple players on the verge of college, it was an underclassman that looked like the most promising prospect.
Sophomore defensive lineman Osiris Niven displayed his get-off and proved to be worthy of consideration with the best of their class. While Niven has yet to receive a Division I offer, he has taken several visits to FBS schools along the East Coast. If the five sacks and seven tackles for loss from last season are any proof of what’s to come, Niven should be receiving official offers in no time.
As far as who has been getting looked at the most, that would be junior quarterback Qur’an McNeilll. He has a chance to take his talents to the SEC with an offer on the table from Arkansas, while also holding offers from Boston College, Cincinnati and a few others.
McNeill dotted up receivers in short range and long distance during his throwing session. His technical refinement was noticeable and, although tough to tell at less than game speed, McNeill showed an ability to roll out of the pocket and throw on the run. This year could lead to plenty more options on the table heading into college if he can continue to play at his best.
Junior offensive lineman Jesse Giddings also got out of Show Day what he put into it. After impressing regional scouts, he added offers from University of Rhode Island and Bryant to a list that already includes Liberty and Brown.
“I was feeling good,” Giddings said. “[I was] moving well, quick and smooth… On days like this, it’s more of ‘float like a butterfly’ and less of the ‘sting like a bee.’”
On the opposite side of the ball, senior linebacker Avi Redman earned an offer from University of Rhode Island after competing in a plethora of drills to showcase his athleticism. While he has now added the Rams as a potential landing spot, he is not close to committing anywhere just yet.
“I got my first offer from Monmouth about a month ago,” Redman said. “We’re getting a lot of interest right now, so we’re keeping our options open. [I’m] just looking forward to what’s coming next.”
The last three aforementioned players were all named captains for the upcoming season; a group that is rounded out by junior wide receiver Kash Kelly. Kelly was All-ISL last season and currently has offers from Campbell and UMass. The 5-foot-11 receiver is a perfect example of who days like Tuesday are made for. Without pads, route-running and footwork is a big emphasis.
The depth for the Mustangs does not seem to be as evident, but with a solid group of top-of-the-roster talent, Milton Academy should be holding its own against the rest of the Independent Scholastic League in 2025.
