As the New Year begins, so does the training program for at least 16 future NFL prospects here at Ignition in Mason, Oh. We've got 16 players representing 9 universities - by far the largest and most talented group that we've had in my three years as the Performance Director. Last year players such as Haruki Nakamura of the Ravens and Brian Brohm of the Packers took part in the training program.

Players reported on January 5th and will stay in Mason through the next eight weeks preparing for the NFL Combine and the Pro Days on the respected college campuses. The players will workout twice a day and will also take part in pool workouts, yoga, massage therapy, chiropractic care and character building sessions (Bible Study). Our staff includes myself (Clif Marshall, Performance Director; Ted Borgerding (Performance Coordinator), Ben Creamer (Performance Specialist) and Rick Dennison (Performance Specialist).

Take a look at the future stars of the NFL who have chosen Ignition as their performance training center:

Connor Barwin – DE University of CincinnatiNotable: Probably the most well known player in the media who is training at Ignition APG. Will compete in the Senior Bowl and participate in the NFL Combine.

Trevor Canfield – OG University of CincinnatiNotable: May be the player who will be drafted the highest come April. Will compete in the Senior Bowl and participate in the NFL Combine.

Lamonte Nelms – DEUniversity of CincinnatiNotable: Had a great senior year at UC and will shock scouts in his testing on Pro Day in March..

Mike Mitchell – SOhio UniversityNotable: Mike is out of Fort Thomas Highlands. He is a great athlete with lots of power and speed to be 220lbs. Mitchell is another guy who will test extremely well.

Marcus McClinton – SUniversity of KentuckyNotable: Marcus is a great talent and is the first Kentucky Wildcat to train at Ignition APG for the NFL. He will play in the Texas vs. Nation All Star Game. He is ranked among the top free safeties in the nation.

Londen Fryar – CBWestern MichiganNotable: Londen is the son of former 1st overall pick and NFL great Irving Fryar. He is ranked among the best CornerBacks in the 2009 draft. He will also play in the Texas vs. Nation Game.

Adrian Grady – DTLouisvilleNotable: Coach Marshall worked with Adrian when he was a freshman at U of L and Clif was on the strength staff. He is going to Indy for the combine and has a good chance to be drafted. He will also play in the Texas vs. Nation Game.

Ramon Foster – OTUniversity of Tennessee Notable: Roman’s brother Renardo is a tackle on the Atlanta Falcons and Renardo trained with Coach Marshall during the 2007 draft season. Ramon is rated among the top tackles in the draft and will play in the East West Shrine Game. He is attending the NFL Combine

Anthony Heygood -OLBPurdueNotable: Heygood had a great season as one of the top Linebackers in the Big Ten. He spent time at Ignition this summer training for his senior season. His former roommate Stanford Keglar of the Titans trained at Ignition last year.

Andrew Means – WRIndiana Notable: Means is a 2008 draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds. He played this season with the Rookie team in Billings, Mo. He will test the waters of the NFL and see if he can make a roster. He is extremely athletic and strong and will run well at testing day.

Greg Brown – DTIndiana Notable: Brown was a standout at Centerville High in Ohio and is a three year starter at IU.

Bobby Buchannon -SUniversity of LouisvilleNotable: Bobby is the brother of former NFL great Ray Buchannon. Coach Marshall coached Bobby during his freshman year at Louisville as well.

Eron Riley - WRDukeNotable: Eron is another guy who will impress on Pro Day. I expect high 4.3’s and 40 inch Vertical. Very productive at Duke and earned ALL ACC honors. Returned kicks in his career early on. Great size 6’3 205.

Cory Small - CBFlorida AtlanticNotable: First team All Conference at FAU and has great change of direction speed and tested out with the highest vertical of all players training.

Kalil El Amin – OG University of CincinnatiNotable: Big guy who should well for Offensive Tackles. He seems to be a great kid who is very precise in his drill work.

Fabian Martin - CBPurdueNotable: Reserve Cornerback and Special Teams standout at a Purdue. Could be the fastest player at Ignition. Fabian could run high 4.3 on the Pro Day.

Cory Benton – CPurdueNotable: Two year starter at Purdue. Very agile in his foot work and great athlete. He is strong but needs to add weight to his frame.

Brandon Blackmon – STennessee State UniversityNotable: Brandon is the nephew of Bengal Coach Ray Oliver. Played at Purdue as sophomore before transferring to TSU and playing. Loves the game and works extremely hard.