What Is the Elite Combine?
The Rio Grande Valley Elite Combine is a full-scale athletic testing event for young athletes in grades 1 through 12. Athletes will be measured, timed, and tested across official combine drills — the same evaluations used at the college and professional level.
This is more than a camp. Athletes will be assigned to position-specific coaching groups and run through each event in a competition-style format. Standout performers will be bumped up into the next grade bracket to compete against higher-level talent.
Whether your athlete is chasing a roster spot, testing where they stand, or looking for their first real combine experience, this is the day to show up and put in the work.
Schedule
When & Where
Grades 1 – 5
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Athletes will be grouped by position type and assigned to a coach for the duration of the session.
Grades 6 – 8
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Athletes grouped by position. Standout athletes from the earlier session may be moved up to compete in this bracket.
Grades 9 – 12
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Competition-style format. Especially talented younger athletes may be moved up to this bracket.
Combine Events
40-Yard Dash
The standard measure of straight-line speed. Electronically timed from a three-point stance.
Pro Agility 5-10-5
Tests lateral quickness and change-of-direction speed. Used at every level from youth combines to the NFL Scouting Combine.
L-Drill
A three-cone drill measuring agility, body control, and the ability to change direction at speed in tight spaces.
Vertical Jump
Measures vertical explosiveness. A key indicator of fast-twitch athleticism across all positions.
Meet the Positional Coaches
Domingo Gonzalez
Founder, The Lion’s Den
Coach Dom is the founder of The Lion’s Den and the driving force behind the Elite Combine series. A faith-driven coach with deep roots in South Texas athletics, Dom built The Lion’s Den to develop young athletes through real competition, position-specific training, and mentorship grounded in purpose.
RB / FB / LB
Brandon “Bubba” Evans
Former NFL Player • Optimal Performance Training
Brandon “Bubba” Evans brings professional playing experience and elite-level coaching to the Elite Combine. Athletes will be coached and evaluated by someone who has competed at the highest level of the sport.
O-Line
Kevin Short
Former NFL Cornerback • NJCAA All-American
A First Team NJCAA All-American and former NFL cornerback, Short spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, and Los Angeles Rams before moving into coaching at the collegiate level.
DB / WR
Adonis Cruz
Former Collegiate Offensive Lineman · Founder, ACT Athletics
Adonis Cruz brings collegiate playing experience and hands-on knowledge of line play to the Elite Combine. A former offensive lineman at Texas A&M-Commerce and Cheyney University, Cruz was a standout at McAllen Rowe High School before founding ACT Athletics in Edinburg to develop elite linemen across the Rio Grande Valley.
DL / TE
Reserve Your Spot
$60
per athlete
$40 per athlete with organization (youth football program, YCA, etc.)
FREE Lion’s Den shirt for every registered athlete
Position-specific coaching with experienced coaches
Official combine measurements and testing
Mentorship and testimony session
Payment accepted in person: Cash • CashApp • Venmo • Zelle • Apple Pay
What to Know
What to Bring
- Athletic clothing and cleats
- Water bottle
- Any necessary medications or medical devices
- A ready-to-compete attitude
Registration Info
- Pre-registration via Calendly is strongly encouraged
- Space is limited to 100 athletes per session
- We will need: full name, age, grade, area, position, emergency contact, and medical conditions
Competition Format
- Athletes grouped by grade bracket and position
- Each group assigned to a positional coach for the session
- Standout athletes moved up to compete in the next bracket
- All results officially recorded
Questions?
Call or text Coach Dom for any questions about the event, registration, or what to expect on game day.