In the ever-evolving, complex relationship between the NCAA and recruiting, showcase events have risen to top as one of the most useful tools for athletes and programs alike to find one another.
So, not surprisingly, the NCAA is working to build an acceptable set of guidelines to police these type of events.
Last year, the Northwest Best Showcase, hosted at Madison High School, featured 375 of the Northwest's best athletes competing in front of 21 college football programs ranging from elite FBS schools to the NAIA level.
The one-day event led to approximately 50 scholarship offers and helped put several area athletes on the map.
Since that time, the NCAA has changed the rules, requiring showcases be hosted by college football programs, rather than trainers, high school coaches or 7-on-7 clubs.
After a successful first year, Madison football coach Don Johnson, Battle Prep West editor Jordan Johnson and other organizers didn't want the recruiting momentum in the Northwest to end.
So, they searched for a college football program willing to take the reins.
Lewis and Clark and College was happy to oblige, taking over 100 percent ownership of an event that former Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator Matt Lubick called, "the most well-organized camp" he'd been to.
"We had to go through a new process, and in doing so we had to find a college that believed in this showcase as an opportunity for the Northwest's top college football athletes," Johnson said. "Showcases are the best, most efficient way for colleges to see you, because you are being seen by numerous schools at once from all levels of college football. We didn't want that opportunity to go away. We are thankful that Lewis and College picked up the baton and took ownership of the showcase."
The camp, featuring various unpadded drills and training sessions, is set to be held June 2 at Lewis and Clark with check-in for linemen beginning at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for skill position players.
Due to late-notice NCAA rules changes, multiple programs are still working to get approval to attend from their respective compliance offices, but here's a look at the schools who have officially been cleared to attend thus far: Oregon State, Utah, Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Eastern Washington, Portland State, Northern Colorado, Lewis and Clark, Willamette, Linfield, Morehead State, Minot State and Whitworth College of Idaho.
To sign up, click the link.
June 2nd. More schools will be added to this line up of guest. pic.twitter.com/D6vRW9kABM
-- Coach Don Johnson Jr (@CoachDonJ) May 20, 2017
-- Andrew Nemec
anemec@oregonian.com
@AndrewNemec