WARWICK- Bishop Hendricken hosted the first annual Rhode Island Showcase on Friday night. Over 25 college football coaches were on hand to watch young men from around the Ocean State workout in front of them.

The showcase was organized by Hendricken coach Keith Croft in conjunction with the Rhode Island Interscholastic Association and the Rhode Island Coaches Association.

The showcase was designed to bring more attention to football players in Rhode Island, a state that has recently produced talented players like offensive tackle Xavier Truss who played at Hendricken and has won two national championships at Georgia. 

Truss is going into his final season with the Bulldogs. The West Warwick native was the highest rated recruit in Rhode Island high school football history. 

Showcases are becoming more prevalent now and they have to be. With private schools seemingly gaining more popularity, public and Catholic school coaches alike are organizing more showcases in an effort to promote their players. It is a way to show them that they are willing to help them get recruited.

Kroft told New England Football Journal that the event went well and he expects it to be even better next season. 

There is talent in the Ocean State and an event like this will highlight that talent.