By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

When the checkout asks “paper or plastic?” it’s for an item that is going to do virtually the same job.

That’s not the case with a football combine and a football camp.

College football camps are more of a money-maker for the assistant coaches. Some players do get an up-close look, but most big-time colleges already have their recruiting list.

High school football players who want to get their actual skills tested should attend a combine and they will have a chance locally with the first annual Tri-State Rehab High School Football Combine.

“Combines give college coaches a more accurate account of a player’s skill level,” said director Dave Coburn of Tri-State Rehab. “Most of your college programs use combines in their recruiting process.”

The combine will be held Saturday, July 9, at Ironton High School and will also feature former Ohio State Buckeyes fullback Tyler Whaley as the midday guest speaker.

Anyone interested may register. Fees are $25 by Monday, May 23, or $50 by Wednesday, June 1.

The combine will conduct tests and drills used in NFL combines and they will include: measurements, 40-yard dash times, broad jump, flexibility test, 3-cone drill, L-drill, vertical jump, power throw, and bench press.

The bench press will test players on the number of repetitions they can do. Freshmen and sophomores will bench press 155 pounds while juniors and seniors use 185 pounds.

Freshmen and sophomores will be tested beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch will be available to all grades at noon and include Whaley’s informational speech. The juniors and seniors will begin testing at 1 p.m.

College coaches are not permitted to attend combines. However, results are made available to the players as well as colleges. Coburn has contacted various colleges and “they assured me they look at the results.”

National underclassmen combines are conducted across the country. However, most combine fees are $90 and $120 for walk-ups and does not include any travel costs.

“We’re hoping to make this an annual function. We’ve got some great sponsors who are making this possible at a minimal cost. The response and support has been unbelievable,” said Coburn.

For more information or to register, contact Coburn at davecoburn37@yahoo.com