The TDS Raleigh Combine featured perhaps the strongest group of boys ever at a TDS Combine. College coaches and scouts evaluated players during technical sessions, small-sided games, and full field games. College coaches from the University of North Carolina, Campbell, North Carolina State, UNC Greensboro, VCU, among many others were attendance.

Boys in the Best XI came from top clubs like DC United, CASL, South Carolina United Battery, NC Alliance, and Concorde Fire.

Zachary Pedini – FC Richmond – Goalkeeper (2015) – Pedini had an outstanding Combine. Led his team from the back with his ability to both make the big saves as well as the routine saves. Was locked in a battle with U15 BNT GK Andrew Romig for the top Goalkeeper in Raleigh, and narrowly edged him out. Organizes with a good voice, and will be prepared to play at the next level according to Carolina Railhawks GK coach Nic Platter.

Camden Harrison – CASL – Defender (2016) – The 24^th ranked defender in the country for 2016’s showed his defensive prowess in the small sided and full field games. An excellent 1 v 1 defender, Harrison closes on the ball with ferocity and makes sure he wins every tackle he decides to go into.

Keith Gorman – NC Alliance – Defender (2014) – Gorman is very composed on the ball for a defender. Comfortable on the ball and keeps it simple but effective during the build up.

Matt Morgan – Concorde Fire – Defender (2015) – The Concorde Fire product is an intelligent player who positions himself well off the ball. Good athlete that has pace and strength, Morgan can get forward and join the attack just as well as he can defend.

Lawain Howell – NC Alliance – Defender (2015) - Howell was praised on the day for his athleticism and fitness. Has good speed and strength, and can probably play multiple positions across the backline and possibly even in the midfield. Has the potential to keep developing into a very good player for the next level.

Colin Daughtry – CASL – Midfielder (2017) – Daughtry is currently ranked as the 31^st best midfielder in the country for the class of 2017’s, and showed his clean first touch and passing throughout the day. Has a “sweet” left foot, and sat in the right spaces defensively during the full field games.

Jose Carranza – DC United – Midfielder (2017) – The #4 ranked player in the country for the 2017 class left the professional and college coaches in awe in Raleigh. Carranza has a feel for the game that is not often seen with players his age. Excellent positioning, great first touch, and has a wide range of passes in his locker. His soccer IQ is wonderful, and he is an absolute joy to watch. Has the potential to become a very good professional player if he keeps developing at this rate.

Jake Degler – CASL – Midfielder (2016) – Degler is a very good ball winner. Has good technique and a good touch, and is able to keep it simple in the buildup. A modern day Claude Makélelé if you will. Knows his role in a team, and carries it out well.

Lucas Del Rosario – CASL – Forward (2017) – The U15 BNT forward showed why he was ranked as the 3^rd best forward in the country for 2017’s during the Combine. A clinical finisher, Del Rosario puts himself in excellent positions in the final third, and does not miss many chances. Great technique and makes good runs off the ball into space. Many college coaches praised his technique and finishing ability.

Avery Ryan – South Carolina United Battery – Forward (2014) – Ryan is an athletic forward who may also be used as a winger. Attacks at defenders with pace and confidence. Able to finish and puts in good crosses from the wing.  Has many college coaches across the country interested in adding him to their program.

Alex Rose – CASL – Forward (2017) – Rose has some great ideas on the ball, and makes some excellent decisions in possession. His technique is very good, and is a strong passer.