FORT COLLINS – Prairie View wide receiver Jordon Vaden made some people sit up and take notice during the Day One Camp at Colorado State University at the end of July.

    The nationwide camp (some came from as far away as Michigan and Florida) involved combine testing, a timed 40-yard dash, workouts and such drills as one-on-one coverage and seven-on-seven scrimmages.

    “I attended the camp as a receiver, but I was there to show all my talents as a ball player,” Vaden said. “Six other teammates and I attended the camp and tried to show some leadership throughout the day. I felt I needed to lead the receivers, even though I was the youngest out of the group.”

    Vaden was pleased to get feedback after the one-day session, especially the part dealing with competition against seniors. Vaden is a junior.

    “The coaches gave me some great feedback,” he said, “things I needed to work on, like the weight room and getting a little smoother in beating press coverage. I love getting feedback from coaches. It does nothing but make me a better player. They said I can play at the (NCAA) Division I level and to keep working hard.”

    CSU officials couldn’t comment officially. To do so would have been a violation of NCAA rules, according to a school spokesman.

    “Most people’s heads would have gotten bigger,” Vaden said. “But it was a humbling experience for me. It definitely gave me some confidence that I can make it at the next level and with more hard work, I can achieve my dreams.”

    Vaden also learned a few more facets of life as a tall receiver in high school.

    “I need to work on beating press coverage,” Vaden said. “Because I am a taller receiver, corners try to get under my pads. I need to just keep my pads down, use my quickness and size as an advantage.

    “Another focus point is the weight room,” he continued. “Coaches have said I have the frame and natural ability to become a great player. The weight room can help me put some weight on and even more speed into my game.”

    When Vaden begins the process of deciding where to go to college, CSU will be on the potential list.

    “Very much so,” Vaden said. “I love Fort Collins and have family and friends nearby. The coaches seem to click with me and were very insightful. CSU is a good academic school. I definitely have an interest in attending.”

    Prairie View opens the 2010 season at home against Frederick Sept. 3.