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re: Class of 2015 Recruiting MEGATHREAD - Twilight Edition
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:14 am to TideSaint
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:14 am to TideSaint
quote:
180. LB Kyahva Tezino (Los Angeles, California), Bishop Mora Salesian High School
Offers include Arizona.
179. WR Miles Boykin (New Lenox, Illinois), Providence Catholic High School
Committed to Notre Dame.
178. WR Ykili Ross (Riverside, California) Polytechnic High School
Offers include USC and Notre Dame.
177. DT Fletcher Adams (Brandon, Mississippi) Brandon High School
Offers include Mississippi State and Ole Miss.
176. S Tyree Kinnel (Dayton, Ohio), Wayne High School
Committed to Michigan.
175. CB Holton Hill (Houston, Texas), Lamar High School
Offers include Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor and Florida State.
174. RB Malik Lovette (Redlands, California), Redlands East Valley High School
Offers include Oregon and USC.
173. CB Jordan Whitehead (Monaca, Pennsylvania), Central Valley High School
Offers include Ohio State, Penn State and Alabama.
172. ATH Jauan Jennings (Murfreesboro, Tennessee), Blackman High School
Committed to Tennessee.
171. S Jaquan Johnson (Miami, Florida), Killian High School
Offers include Miami and Florida.
170. LB Darrin Kirkland (Indianapolis, Indiana), Lawrence Central High School
Committed to Michigan.
169. RB Andre Robinson (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), Bishop McDevitt High School
Committed to Penn State.
168. LB Adonis Thomas (Lawrenceville, Georgia), Central Gwinnett High School
Committed to Florida.
167. TE Jordan Davis (Houston, Texas), Clear Lake High School
Committed to Texas A&M.
166. WR Darius Slayton (Norcross, Georgia), Greater Atlanta Christian High School
Offers include Georgia and Auburn.
165. DT Darvin Taylor (Chester, Virginia), Thomas Dale High School
Offers include Florida State and Virginia Tech.
164. DE D'Andre Walker (Fairburn, Georgia), Langston Hughes High School
Offers include Auburn and Georgia.
163. LB Cameron Smith (Granite Bay, California), Granite Bay High School
Committed to USC.
162. OL Fred Ulu-Perry (Honolulu, Hawaii), St. Louis High School
Committed to UCLA.
161. S Justin Dunning (Whitehouse, Texas), Whitehouse High School
Committed to Texas A&M.
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Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:14 am to TideSaint
quote:
160. WR Van Jefferson (Brentwood, Tennessee), Ravenwood High School
Offers include Tennessee, Ohio State and Penn State.
159. QB Jake Browning (Folsom, California), Folsom High School
Committed to Washington.
158. LB Josh Barajas (Merrillville, Indiana), Andrean High School
Committed to Notre Dame.
157. CB Xavier Lewis (Reserve, Louisiana), East St. John High School
Committed to LSU.
156. ATH Derrick Dillon (Franklinton, Louisiana), Pine High School
Committed to Florida.
155. ATH Jalen Christian (Damascus, Maryland), Damascus High School
Committed to South Carolina.
154. OL Bobby Evans (Allen, Texas), Allen High School
Committed to Oklahoma.
153. OL Patrick Vahe (Euless, Texas), Trinity High School
Committed to Texas.
152. RB Nyheim Hines (Garner, North Carolina), Garner High School
Offers include Clemson, North Carolina, Duke and Stanford.
151. OL Trevor Elbert (Rockwall, Texas), Rockwall-Heath High School
Committed to Texas A&M.
150. OL Ryan Bates (Warminster, Pennsylvania), Archbishop Wood High School
Committed to Penn State.
149. DT Marquise Overton (Jenks, Oklahoma), Jenks High School
Committed to Oklahoma.
148. DE Austin Bryant (Thomasville, Georgia), Thomas County Central High School
Committed to Clemson.
147. WR Juwan Johnson (Glassboro, New Jersey), Glassboro High School
Committed to Penn State.
146. QB Deondre Francois (Bradenton, Florida), IMG Academy
Committed to Florida State.
145. S Larry Pryor (Sulphur Springs, Texas), Sulphur Springs High School
Committed to Texas A&M.
144. LB Anthony Wheeler (Dallas, Texas), Skyline High School
Offers include Texas and Oklahoma.
143. LB Jahvoni Simmons (Virginia Beach, Virginia) Ocean Lakes High School
Offers include Virginia and Tennessee.
142. CB Rico McGraw (Nashville, Tennessee) Ensworth High School
Committed to Alabama.
141. OL Jack Jones (Murfreesboro, Tennessee), Oakland High School
Committed to Tennessee.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:15 am to TideSaint
quote:
140. OL Jerry Tillery (Shreveport, Louisiana), Evangel Christian Academy
Committed to Notre Dame.
139. WR Daylon Charlot (Patterson, Louisiana), Patterson High School
Committed to Alabama.
138. RB Kirk Merritt (Destrehan, Louisiana), Destrehan High School
Offers include Texas A&M and LSU.
137. OL Abdul Bello (Montverde, Florida) Montverde Academy
Committed to Florida State.
136. ATH Donte Jackson (New Orleans, Louisiana), Riverdale High School
Offers include Georgia, LSU and Oregon.
135. ATH Malik Dear (Jackson, Mississippi), Murrah High School
Committed to Mississippi State.
134. ATH Chris Warren (Rockwall, Texas), Rockwall High School
Offers include Texas, Baylor and Texas Tech.
133. WR Carlos Strickland (Dallas, Texas) Skyline High School
Offers include LSU, Oklahoma State and Cal.
132. OL Toby Weathersby (Houston, Texas), Westfield High School
Committed to Texas.
131. DE Chauncey Rivers (Stone Mountain, Georgia), Stephenson High School
Committed to Georgia.
130. CB Frank Buncom IV (San Diego, California) St. Augustine High School
Offers include Stanford.
129. WR Jovon Durante (Miami, Florida), Norland High School
Committed to West Virginia.
128. RB Rodney Anderson (Katy, Texas), Katy High School
Committed to Oklahoma.
127. DE Arden Key (Atlanta, Georgia), Hapeville Charter High School
Committed to South Carolina.
126. TE Devonaire Clarington (Miami, Florida), Booker T. Washington High School
Offers include Miami.
125. CB Eric Lee (Littleton, Colorado), Valor Christian High School
Committed to Nebraska.
124. CB PJ Mbanasor (Pflugerville, Texas), Hendrickson High School
Committed to Oklahoma.
123. CB Marcus Lewis (Washington, D.C.), Gonzaga High School
Offers include Michigan, Florida and Ohio State.
122. QB Drew Lock (Lee's Summit, Missouri), Lee's Summit Sr. High School
Committed to Missouri.
121. WR John Burt (Tallahassee, Florida), Lincoln High School
Committed to Texas.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:15 am to TideSaint
quote:
120. DE Kyle Phillips (Nashville, Tennessee), Hillsboro High School
Offers include Tennessee and Vanderbilt.
119. DE Darian Roseboro (Lincolnton, North Carolina), Lincolnton High School
Offers include Michigan, NC State and North Carolina.
118. OL Josh Wariboko (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), Casady High School
Offers include UCLA, Oklahoma and Louisville.
117. WR Cordell Broadus (Las Vegas, Nevada), Bishop Gorman High School
Offers include USC and UCLA.
116. ATH Shawn Burgess-Becker (Pompano Beach, Florida), Monarch High School
Committed to Alabama.
115. CB John Reid (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), St. Joseph's High School
Offers include Penn State and Michigan State.
114. RB Michael Weber (Detroit, Michigan), Cass Technical High School
Offers include Michigan State, Michigan, USC and Ohio State.
113. DT Adam McLean (Gaithersburg, Maryland), Quince Orchard High School
Committed to Penn State.
112. RB Nick Brossette (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), University Lab High School
Committed to LSU.
111. RB Dexter Williams (Winter Garden, Florida), West Orange High School
Committed to Miami.
110. TE Hale Hentges (Jefferson City, Missouri), Helias High School
Committed to Alabama.
109. DE James Lockhart (Ennis, Texas), Ennis High School
Committed to Texas A&M.
108. CB Kris Boyd (Gilmer, Texas), Gilmer High School
Offers include Texas A&M, Texas and Florida State.
107. WR Equanimeous St. Brown (Anaheim, California), Servite High School
Offers include Notre Dame, UCLA, USC and Stanford.
106. WR Trent Irwin (Newhall, California), Hart High School
Offers include Arizona State and Stanford.
105. RB Eric Swinney (Tyrone, Georgia), Sandy Creek High School
Committed to Ole Miss.
104. DT Neville Gallimore (St. Catharines, Ontario), Canada Prep Football Academy
Offers include Ohio State, Oklahoma and Michigan State.
103. CB Shaun Crawford (Lakewood, Ohio), St. Edward High School
Committed to Notre Dame.
102. WR Alex Ofodile (Columbia, Missouri), Rock Bridge High School
Committed to Oregon.
101. CB Garrett Taylor (Richmond, Virginia), St. Christopher's High School
Committed to Michigan.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:32 am to TideSaint
quote:
98. Isaiah Prince
4-Star Offensive Tackle
6'7", 280 Pounds
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Schools of Interest: Maryland, Ohio Sate, Florida
What to Watch for This Fall
Isaiah Prince has the potential to surge up this list if he makes progress from a fundamental standpoint this season. He relied on the raw strength of his massive frame too frequently last season and can take his game to the next level with refinement.
Scouting Report
His athleticism impresses, especially for a prospect this tall. Prince's range is tremendous thanks to a long reach and wide hips.
He can further develop his base to create more power but currently looks comfortable under 300 pounds. His footwork provide a strong indication of excellent stamina and coordination.
Prince can cut off angles to the passer and drive defenders downfield, displaying solid balance at this stage of development.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:32 am to TideSaint
quote:
94. Matthew Burrell
4-Star Offensive Tackle
6'5", 290 Pounds
C.D. Hylton High School
Schools of Interest: Ohio State, Florida State
What to Watch for This Fall
Matthew Burrell will match up with 5-star defensive tackle Tim Settle this season, presenting an opportunity for both linemen to prove themselves as elite. It's a trench battle worth keeping tabs on.
Scouting Report
Burrell is a relatively congenial guy when you talk to him in person, but he brings a different kind of personality to the football field. That fire helps him blow people off the ball.
He looks comfortable and coordinated, exploding out of his stance and punishing opposing linemen. Burrell completes blocks before moving onto another target downfield.
Though he plays tackle in high school, Burrell appears well-equipped to line up at guard. His aggressive style of run blocking is a pleasure to watch.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:33 am to TideSaint
quote:
77. Drew Richmond
4-Star Offensive Tackle
6'5", 320 Pounds
Memphis University High School
Schools of Interest: Tennessee, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Alabama, LSU, Auburn
What to Watch for This Fall
Some are on the fence about whether Drew Richmond will ultimately find a home at guard or tackle at the next level. A key determining factor could be how he handles pass-rushers off the edge this season, as there are strides for him to make in pass protection.
Scouting Report
Richmond provided some highlight blocks during the three-day stretch in Beaverton and appeared to implement new lessons he learned from instructors.
Richmond does a great job at the point of contact, rolling his hips and punching through the defender. He was a little overanxious at times, and that cost him, but it was an impressive performance overall.
He seemed to take better angles than what showed up on game tape, but of course, there's a big difference between drills and live-game action when linebackers enter the equation. Richmond is ridiculously strong for a high school student and can get away with some mistakes by simply overpowering his opponent.
His reach in pass protection is solid but not spectacular. It would be interesting to see how Richmond adapts to playing guard if asked to make that transition in college.
The outlook here is that he would benefit from a year on the sidelines, cleaning up his technique and building even more strength. Whenever Richmond is deemed ready to take on a starting role, he has plenty of promise.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:34 am to TideSaint
quote:
75. DeSherrius Flowers
4-Star Running Back
6'1", 212 Pounds
Vigor High School
Schools of Interest: Committed to Alabama
What to Watch for This Fall
Desherrius Flowers is a highly effective high school running back but hasn't shown up with a breakout season just yet. He gained 1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground last fall but could be primed to obliterate those numbers in his final tune-up before Tuscaloosa.
Scouting Report
Flowers doesn't have many tricks up his sleeve, but he's a beast as a straight-line rusher. Quite frankly, he is a perfect fit for Alabama's punch-you-in-the-mouth run game.
His violent style shines on game tape and bodes well for what may lie ahead against hard-nosed SEC defenses. He finds the hole in a hurry and hits it with tenacity.
He carries the football with authority and uses an above-average burst to bully opponents who attempt to halt him at the line. Flowers can often be found shrugging off defenders, using raw physicality to push through the line like a battering ram.
He projects, at the very least, as an effective short-yardage and goal-line weapon. Flowers rarely goes down without fighting for extra yards and always seems to fall forward. Gang-tacking is routinely required to bring him down.
A lack of top-end hip fluidity limits his ability to do a lot of damage with lateral movement, but he'll still sidestep a defender from time to time. Flowers' best highlights will occur when he is rumbling downfield in north-south fashion.
Flowers has drawn comparisons to current Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon, a possible 2014 Heisman Trophy candidate from the same community.
"He's got good speed and he's just a powerful back," Vigor assistant coach Ashley Johnson told Mike Herndon of AL.com after Flowers received an offer from Alabama. "As young as he is, he's just going to get bigger and stronger. He loves the weight room."
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:34 am to TideSaint
quote:
73. Leo Lewis
4-Star Inside Linebacker
6'3", 225 Pounds
Brookhaven High School
Schools of Interest: Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Florida State
What to Watch for This Fall
Though he is rated No. 1 nationally among inside linebackers, Leo Lewis is another prospect who appears capable of filling multiple roles in the unit. He'll have a chance to prove that versatility at various times this season.
"I think I could play in any scheme," he told Bleacher Report this spring. "I can work hard and develop enough to play any position, outside or inside. I'm not worried about what kind of defense a team plays."
Scouting Report
Alabama initially claimed a commitment from Lewis, but he backed off that pledge in July. Upon his decision, Lewis immediately became one of the premier uncommitted defensive players in this class.
His intensity (some may call it a mean streak) makes him the kind of middle linebacker you want setting the tone for a defensive attack. He's a complete prospect at the position who flashes tremendous anticipation and exploits offensive weaknesses.
"I'm very explosive," Lewis said this spring. "My instincts are good. I know exactly where to go and when I need to be there."
When he's in position to make a play, it's rare to see the ball-carrier escape his grasp. He wraps up and drives through with a powerful lower body to put opponents on their backs.
Lewis dominates in one-on-one situations when backs or tight ends attempt to chip him off the edge, proving himself as a dynamic and relentless blitzer. He's the guy you want shooting through the gap on 4th-and-inches, making life difficult for everyone on the other side of the football.
Inside linebacker is his most likely landing spot, but don't be surprised if Lewis ends up at the weak-side position. Enhancements in perimeter pass coverage would go a long way toward easing that transition.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:35 am to TideSaint
quote:
71. Jonathan Ledbetter
4-Star Defensive End
6'4", 265 Pounds
Tucker High School
Schools of Interest: Committed to Alabama
What to Watch for This Fall
Look for Jonathan Ledbetter to bulldoze his way into the backfield for several highlight plays. He drops ball-carriers with ferocity and provides an intimidating presence at the heart of a defense.
Scouting Report
Ledbetter is an excellent fit for Alabama's scheme. He can flourish at the 5-technique, developing as a pass-rusher with technical progression.
His length is outstanding, and he commands a ton of room in the trenches. He can cut off gaps with lateral quickness and does a solid job anticipating the snap.
Ledbetter needs to become more consistent with his pad level, which is raised too high at times. He brings a violent style to the front line that should motivate defenders around him.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:35 am to TideSaint
quote:
67. Richie Petitbon
4-star Offensive Guard
6'4", 301 Pounds
Gonzaga College High School
Schools of Interest: Committed to Alabama
What to Watch for This Fall
Richie Petitbon will be a third-generation Division I college football player and appears to be well refined from a family rich with football history. His grandfather earned NFL All-Pro honors as a defensive back before becoming coach of the Washington Redskins, while his dad played for Maryland.
Whether it was passed down from family or developed on his own, Petitbon displays outstanding pre-snap anticipation. He reads blitz and reacts appropriately.
Scouting Report
Petitbon is a heady player who is capable of playing multiple positions across the offensive front. He has plenty to work on, like most prospects, but the pieces are in place for him to develop into a dependable college starter.
Petitbon anticipates what's coming his way quite well in game situations, which is really a testament to his awareness and preparation. He doesn't get fooled by alignments and could become a leader on the offensive line at the next level because of that football IQ.
From a physical standpoint, Petitbon provides pop at the point of contact, but he'll need to become significantly stronger to finish off plays in the SEC. He could generate more power by narrowing his base, which tends to be too wide at times.
This would provide him with a better anchor and allow him to maintain balance against bull-rushing defenders. When Petitbon pairs his smarts with stricter technique, he could make a lot of progress in a hurry.
"I'm just trying to get better every day and do everything I can to be ready for a career at Alabama," Petitbon said at The Opening.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:36 am to TideSaint
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51. Mekhi Brown
4-Star Defensive End
6'6", 220 Pounds
Carver High School
Schools of Interest: Committed to Alabama
What to Watch for This Fall
Mekhi Brown is at the beginning stages of his development as a football player, but initial results have been spectacular. The early Alabama commit compiled 56 tackles, five sacks and three fumble recoveries as a junior, developing greater awareness game by game as the season progressed.
That trend continue in 2014, with his pass-rushing effort most likely to improve.
Scouting Report
Brown, primarily a basketball player in his youth, still possesses the frame of a forward. His wingspan and 6'6" build are a big part of what makes him a highly effective run-stuffer along the edge.
This athleticism also suggests he could thrive in a stand-up linebacker role with the Crimson Tide. Brown admits he remains a work in progress, but the pieces are in place for a bright future.
"People say I'm quick off the ball and I have good burst, but I'm still raw," he said. "I have to work on my technique and coordination. Playing in college will really help with that because you spend so much time working on that stuff with the coaches."
Brown exhibits excellent effort in backside pursuit and drops the hammer on opponents with hard hits that send a message. His length enables him to gain separation in the trenches, and he already does a good job of peeking into the backfield in order to anticipate where the ball is headed.
His skills as a pass-rusher are probably the most unpolished part of his game right now, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Brown rapidly improve in that regard. He could double his sack total in 2014.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:37 am to TideSaint
quote:
48. Lester Cotton
4-Star Offensive Guard
6'4", 325 Pounds
Central High School
Schools of Interest: Committed to Alabama
What to Watch for This Fall
Lester Cotton is clearly working on the craft of blocking, and this should be a special season for his development. He was technically sound and very tight in Oregon, seemingly one step ahead of the opponent.
Scouting Report
Cotton brings rare range to the guard position, as he's balanced as a run-blocker and in pass protection. During drills at The Opening, he displayed elite mobility for a 6'4", 325-pound lineman.
It was eye-opening to see him smoothly kick-slide in both directions to cut off angles. He projects as an extremely effective lead blocker who can pave the way when he pulls and escorts running backs downfield.
Cotton is sturdy and stout, showing off impressive power that pairs perfectly with his lateral agility. He withstood bull-rush efforts from top-tier defensive tackles and never appeared panicked if initially beaten off the ball.
His composure stood out in Beaverton, where other offensive linemen clearly began to cave mentally after suffering a series of bad reps. Cotton is a true competitor who can handle the challenge of taking on burly linemen or blitzing linebackers.
He was a standout performer in a group that featured three Alabama commits.
"It's exciting to work with these guys already because we're going to be doing big things together in the future," Cotton said after drills in Oregon.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:37 am to TideSaint
quote:
44. Deionte Thompson
4-Star Safety
6'2", 181 Pounds
West Orange-Stark High School
Schools of Interest: Committed to Alabama
What to Watch for This Fall
Deionte Thompson returns to the defending district champions looking to add to his vast collection of interceptions. The ball hawk has picked off 11 passes since 2012 and returned two for touchdowns last season.
His hands were on display at The Opening, and quarterbacks should be cautious to test him with frequency this fall.
Scouting Report
Despite being a key member of the country's top-ranked recruiting class, Thompson arguably exceeded expectations at The Opening. He was a roving safety in seven-on-seven competition, dominating in the flat against elite tight ends and running backs.
Though there was no tackling in Beaverton, it's clear why Thompson has earned his reputation as an enforcer in the middle of a defense. His closing speed is terrific and builds momentum for disruptive collisions with the ball-carrier.
His presence alone causes opponents to consider the risks before extending to haul in a pass.
"If receivers are uncomfortable, then that's a good thing," Thompson said at The Opening.
He plays receiver himself at the high school level and surely received interest from colleges about staying at the position. Though he's likely to line up at free safety in Tuscaloosa, don't be surprised if Thompson continues to come up big with catches considering his ball-hawking skills.
There's some concern about his straight-line speed in pass coverage (he's clocked at 4.65 seconds in the 40-yard dash, per 247Sports), but he shows enough acceleration to provide help downfield. Look for Nick Saban to develop Thompson as a defender who can eliminate the opposition's intermediate passing efforts first and foremost.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:38 am to TideSaint
quote:
41. Jacques Patrick
4-Star Running Back
6'1.5", 230 Pounds
Timber Creek High School
Schools of Interest: Florida State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Florida, Alabama
What to Watch for This Fall
Jacques Patrick has a chance to really pad his career stats with a third consecutive 2,000-yard season. He rushed for 30 touchdowns last season, but a greater total seems within striking distance this year given his increased physicality and muscle gain.
Scouting Report
No running back brings a more well-rounded skill set to the field than Patrick, placing him among the nation's premier difference-makers in this class. He excels between the tackles and along the outside edge while providing a reliable short-area outlet in the passing game.
He is a load to bring down, churning through tackles with a powerful lower body that allows room for growth at the next level. Patrick puts defenders on their backsides by exploding with proper pad level at the point of contact and dishes out a devastating stiff arm.
"I like being physical," he said during a break at The Opening. "If I'm getting it done, that opens things up for other players."
Power is the pillar of Patrick's success as a rusher, but it's just part of the package.
He bursts downfield in a hurry and exploits space for sizable gains. Patrick also picks his holes appropriately, displaying patience as blockers pave a path.
He did a solid job on passing assignments at The Opening, even when a mid-route adjustment was necessary. It's just another attribute that will continually keep the opposition on high alert.
"I want to be the kind of running back that can beat teams in different ways," Patrick said.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:39 am to TideSaint
quote:
33. Minkah Fitzpatrick
5-Star Cornerback
6'1", 198 Pounds
St. Peter's Prep High School
Schools of Interest: Committed to Alabama
What to Watch for This Fall
Minkah Fitzpatrick was a menace in the defensive backfield throughout his team's journey to the state championship game last fall. He also contributes at wide receiver, flashing excellent hands.
He'll be called upon to do more on both sides of the ball, especially as teammate and Penn State quarterback commit Brandon Wimbush airs it out more often.
Scouting Report
In yet another sign of gradually changing defensive philosophy, Fitzpatrick is a player who possesses safety size but commands attention at cornerback. Based on his current frame, you could see him step onto the field as a 210-pound freshman capable of covering smaller, shiftier receivers.
He knocked away 21 pass attempts and picked off four passes in 2013.
Fitzpatrick is a long-striding runner but still manages to accelerate quicker than most athletes with his length. He completed the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds at The Opening and was the only player on this list to qualify for the SPARQ national finals.
"I'm just out there trying to make plays that help our team take control of the game," Fitzpatrick said at The Opening. "I feel like I've improved a lot during the past year."
His ability to extinguish rushing efforts and string them out along the perimeter is a big plus. He's a sure tackler who tallied 62 total takedowns in 2013.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:39 am to TideSaint
quote:
31. John Houston
5-Star Outside Linebacker
6'3", 211 Pounds
Junipero Serra High School
Schools of Interest: USC, Florida State, Alabama, Oregon, UCLA
What to Watch for This Fall
John Houston has a chance to vault up this list with a strong senior campaign. He collected a team-high 137 tackles last season, leading the charge for a star-studded defense.
With 239 tackles since 2012, there's little doubt about his playmaking ability. Houston's biggest strides will come as an edge-rusher.
Scouting Report
He offers versatility with elite length and a monstrous wingspan. Still a bit lanky, he possesses enough power to withstand blockers and works laterally along the line before jolting ball-carriers.
His sideline-to-sideline run coverage shines on film. Houston can chase down opponents from the opposite side of the field, taking a proper angle along the way.
An inside 'backer role in a 3-4 scheme may be ideal, but he presents plenty of options in a 4-3 front, where he could flourish at the strong-side spot.
Houston has the potential to neutralize receivers, especially in short areas of the field.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:40 am to TideSaint
quote:
28. Daron Payne
5-Star Defensive Tackle
6'2", 348 Pounds
Shades Valley High School
Schools of Interest: Alabama, Auburn, Texas, Mississippi State
What to Watch for This Fall
Daron Payne has progress to make if he aims to make an early impact at the next level. Despite securing 65 tackles and three sacks last season, his lateral movement is limited by a bulky frame.
Payne has been working to shed unnecessary weight and should benefit from that effort by becoming more agile and explosive as a senior.
Scouting Report
Strength is the paramount component of Payne's game at this point. He powers through opponents with an effective bull-rush and presents a wall along the interior.
His role as a nose tackle is likely to be maintained at the next level, though you could envision him lining up in a 2-technique position.
Payne stands strong against double-teams, clogging the rushing lane and allowing teammates to take advantage. Linebackers will love the space he clears for them up front.
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:40 am to TideSaint
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24. Damien Harris
5-Star Running Back
5'11", 205 Pounds
Madison Southern High School
Schools of Interest: Ohio State, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Alabama, Florida
What to Watch for This Fall
Damien Harris has carried quite a load for his high school squad, scoring 77 touchdowns since 2012. He registered 220 carries as junior, surging to career highs in rushing yards (2,621) and scores (42).
His workload could increase even more in 2014, which would create some serious tread on his tires prior to college. You can't blame a high school offense for maximizing its strongest asset.
Scouting Report
His past success suggests he can thrive as a workhorse back and wear teams down during the duration of a game. Harris is built like a tank and can take a pounding while dishing out contact as well.
He is a bulldog near the goal line, pounding through traffic with eyes on the prize. His ball security is also key, as he maintains possession while deflecting powerful hits.
Harris has elite vision that applies at the line of scrimmage and downfield as rushing lanes develop.
"I've definitely worked hard to get where I'm at right now," Harris said at The Opening. "I try not to pay too much attention to the rankings and stuff like that, but it's nice to see that people appreciate the way I play."
Posted on 8/4/14 at 10:41 am to TideSaint
quote:
20. Blake Barnett
5-Star Quarterback
6'4.5", 200 Pounds
Santiago High School
Schools of Interest: Committed to Alabama
What to Watch for This Fall
Blake Barnett is a bit of a one-man band with the Sharks, lacking the weapons that many of his California quarterback contemporaries can rely on downfield. This forces the former Notre Dame pledge to create opportunities through improvisation, including tucking the ball and taking off.
He managed to rush for 695 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2013. Barnett's matchup with fellow Elite 11 finalist Brady White should be one of the most hyped games in Southern California after the two put up 105 total points in an explosive 2013 season opener.
Scouting Report
The Elite 11 MVP earned himself a fifth star by flaunting his skills in Beaverton. Barnett consistently attacked the secondary and never went through a lull during drills.
He quickly clicked with future Alabama teammate Calvin Ridley during seven-on-seven action. The duo connected for multiple touchdown passes and claimed the tournament title.
Barnett is a confident and polished passer who moves well in the pocket. His running ability provides a compelling storyline for the Crimson Tide's future offensive outlook.
"Coach (Lane) Kiffin and Coach (Nick) Saban were very fond about the idea of their quarterback being able to run the ball several times in each game," Barnett said. "It's something they were looking for, and it made sense as a fit for me."
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