Quarterback AJ Chung has been slinging the football on varsity for West Orange since he was a freshman. He started every game this past season as a sophomore and he is rising to become one of the best quarterbacks in the state. Saturday was a testament to his work and growth.
Chung was chosen as the overall MVP at the All-American Exposure Camp, a first-year entity that is trying to bring more exposure to young players across the country. AAE also hosted a girls flag football camp Saturday at West Orange.
Chung impressed camp coaches with his zip on the ball and his accuracy, throwing pin-point passes to receivers despite never having worked with most of the players participating in the camp. He thought it was important to come out and make a strong showing, given that the camp was hosted on his home field.
“It feels awesome to be able to support our West Orange culture and to show all of the rest of the area that we have talent here,” said Chung, who was presented with a $100 check as a scholarship donation from AAE Camps. “It was a great opportunity to be able to compete against some great kids and to be able to train with some great coaches.”
It’s a nice springboard for Chung as he heads into his junior season trying to solidify himself as a major college prospect, while also trying to move West Orange further along in the playoffs. The Warriors made it to the Class 7A region championship his freshman year before losing, and then fell out in the second round this past season.
“We had a solid sophomore season, but we’re just trying to build on that this year, continuing to grow as a team,” said Chung, who has led West Orange to a 20-5 record in his first two varsity seasons. “This steppingstone just shows that my growth is continuing to get better each and every day and I’m using these camps as an opportunity, looking to have a better season than I did last year.”
He said the experience has been instrumental in his growth, under the guidance of West Orange head coach Geno Thompson and offensive coordinator Narlin Clancy.
“Yeah, being able to get experience early is the best way to get film and also the competition brings out the best in the other quarterbacks and brings out the best in me. It’s helped early in my career to be able to play against top talent,” Chung said. “It’s been great playing under Coach Geno and Coach Clancy. I’ve learned many great things and I hope can continue to build on that as I continue with the rest of my career.”
Leading a team can be challenging for a young quarterback.
“It’s definitely different than having a senior, or a big name talking to the underclassmen,” Chung said, “but they have a level of respect for me and I have a level of respect for them. Being able to take hold of a team as a young quarterback is definitely a great responsibility, but also a hard one at the same time because of the age gap.”
The First Academy had several young prospects show out Saturday and one player in particular may have had somewhat of a coming out party. Soon to be freshman Taj Anderson, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound receiver, has shown great growth, both physically and skill-wise, from his younger camp days and he proved he is likely to be a future star at TFA.
Anderson was the high-school level MVP for wide receivers Saturday, while teammates JD Loveless, a defensive back, and Bryscen Robb, a running back, also earned position MVP honors.
“It feels great, just grinding and working and seeing my work that I put in … seeing it come back tenfold, just like in the Bible, how you trust God and then God comes back tenfold. That’s the mindset I have out here,” Anderson said. “I’m just paying my dues and reaping the good harvest.”
Photos: All-American Exposure Camp, boys
The competition in practice is fierce at TFA, with star talent all over the field, which Anderson said has prepared him for his upcoming freshman season.
“Last year I went against a 5-star corner [Danny Odem] the entire year … and I was behind an Alabama commit [Brian Williams] and a Pitt commit [Demetrice McCray],” Anderson said, “so really just fighting for the reps taught me how to stay diligent in my work and taught me a work ethic to just take whatever you can get … just taking an opportunity to grow as an athlete with better athletes around you.”
Loveless was stuck behind Danny Odem as the No. 2 corner this past season, but he’s looking to make his mark as a junior
“It feels pretty good. I’ve been working hard all winter,” Loveless said. “I was behind Danny last year and I learned a lot from him and I’m ready to start this year. I think competing at the top level in high school just really helps me refine my skills and show out.”
Chris Hays can be found on X.com@OS_ChrisHays.