TCU watching many of the Top Louisiana players for 2010

Posted on May 21, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized | 1 Comment

TCU has always kept a close eye on Louisiana players, but this year that interest appears to be greater than before.  The staff has previously gotten players such as Jimmy Young, Jarracea Williams, Chris Scott, and Kenny Cain and has chased some of the top prospects over the years, but look for the staff to make some great inroads in the talent rich state with this class. 

The first offer out to a player from Louisiana was to Jarrett Fobbs who is recruited by Jarrett Anderson.  Fobbs is rated in the Top 10 for the state and is a WR/DB candidate.  In 2008 he was Mr Everything at Shreveport Huntington, rushing for 614 yards and 5 TDs, having 359 yds receiving with another 5 TDs, running 4 KOs back for TDs and had 31 tackles and 4 picks on defense.

JARRETT FOBBS (6′0, 185, 4.5) Huntington HS (Shreveport, La.)

The next offer was to an extremely athletic QB out of Stonewall’s North DeSoto, Curtis Carter.  Carter has the speed and skills to be  either a shutdown corner or a big time receiver.  17 TDs in 2008 rushing or passing.

CURTIS CARTER (6′1, 185, 4.41) North Desoto HS (Stonewall, La.)

The next group are a bunch of pure athletes that have been receiving a lot of attention from the coaches recently and expect more than one to get an offer.

QB/DB JEREMY MEYERS (6′2, 205, 4.51) St. Michael HS (Baton Rouge, La.)
Meyers has a tremendously strong arm and very good speed.  In 2008 threw for over 1,200 yards and rushed for nearly 900 yards. He is being recruited as a quarterback and as a safety at the next level.  Kid loves to bring it.

ATH DREW DILEO (5′11, 175, 4.5) Parkview Baptist HS (Baton Rouge, La.)
In 2008 he had 760 yards rushing including 9 TDs as well as 315 yards receiving with 4 TDs.  Recruited as a DB.

DB GAVIN WEBSTER (6′0, 190, 4.45) Lutcher HS (Lutcher, La.)
Played QB for Lutcher but does it all and led his team to a state championship.  Recruited as a shut down corner.

QB TAYLOR BURCH (6′3, 205, 4.6) Neville HS (Monroe, La.)
in 2008 threw for over 1,300 yards and eleven touchdowns before tearing his ACL in the ninth week of his junior season.  Still question marks on his knee but if has a good 2009 could move rapidly up the recruiting ranks.

TE NICK SCELFO (6′3, 215, 4.7) St. Michael HS (Baton Rouge, La.)
Can play DE, little recognition due to the fact that St Michael not a team to throw the ball around much.

RB/DB/WR JONATHAN McKNIGHT (6′0, 170, 4.5) John Curtis HS (River Ridge, La.)
Brother of USC’s Joe McKnight and played with Kenny Cain last season.  In 2008 he had 1,107 all-purpose yards as well as 37 tackles and 8 picks on defense. On special teams he returned 17 punts for 331 yards and 12 kickoffs for 326 yards.

Some of the other Top Louisiana recruits not committed to watch (from TigerRag): 

RONNIE VINSON (5′11, 190, 4.53) Defensive Back Newman HS (New Orleans, La.)
Vinson is best suited as a corner at the next level. However, he spent much of his time on offense last year, carrying the rock for over 800 yards, catching it for another 400 yards while scoring 15 times.

TERRANCE BROADWAY (6′1, 200, 4.5) Quarterback Capitol HS (Baton Rouge, La.
Broadway is as deadly with his arm as with his legs. As a junior, while missing three games with an ankle injury, he recorded over 1,300 yards passing with 16 touchdowns and added 200 yards on the ground with another four scores.

JAMES WRIGHT (6′2, 185, 4.55) Wide Receiver Belle Chase HS (Belle Chasse, La.)
Helping his team to a state title last season, the All-State receiver hauled in 58 passes for 1,058 yards and 18 touchdowns.He also carried the rock 22 times for 214 yards and four touchdowns.

MUNCHIE LEGAUX (6′4, 185, 4.6) Quarterback Edna Karr Magnet HS (New Orleans, La.)
Legaux showcased his accuracy last season while completing 203 of 295 passes for 1,784 yards and an amazing 44 touchdowns. He added another 435 yards on the ground.

NICK JACOBS (6′5, 240, 4.8) Tight End/Defensive End Many HS (Many, La.)
The future Tiger has the ability to play on either side of the ball at the next level.

HOUSTON BATES (6′2, 218, 4.8) Defensive End St. Pauls HS (Covington, La.)
Bates may be used as a defensive end or outside linebacker at the next level. As a junior he tallied 69 tackles and 14 sacks.

WALKER ASHBURN (6′3, 250, 4.75) Defensive End John Curtis HS (River Ridge, La.)
Ashburn plays with a high motor on every play. Last season he racked up 89 tackles with 11 sacks while leading his team to yet another state championship.

LUKE CARPENTER (6′4, 290) Offensive Tackle John Curtis HS (River Ridge, La.)
The light-footed hog-molly played a vital role in opening up holes for the Patriots’ offense which ultimately led them to another state title.

JAMES GILLUM (5′11, 180, 4.7) Running Back Pearl River HS (Slidell, La.)
On 170 carries the All-State back rushed for over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns.

KARL BUTLER (6′0, 182, 4.55) Defensive Back Brother Martin HS (New Orleans, La.)
Butler was a Second Team All-State selection after recording 23 tackles, 25 pass-breakups, and four interceptions.

2011 Watch List

Posted on May 19, 2009
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This is just a start, but a list of some of the Juniors in 2009 to keep an eye on: 

Quarterback

David Ash 6-3/190 Belton, TX

Jaquarius Daniels 6-4/220/4.6 Austin, TX (Reagan)

Stevie Joe Dorman 6-4/200/4.8 Somerset, TX

Cooper Jones 6-4/185 Lone Oak, TX

Ryan Polite 6-2/175/4.7 DeSoto, TX

Aaryn Sharp 6-1/215 Round Rock, TX (Stony Point)

Aaron Shockey 6-3/205/4.8, Haltom City, TX 

Blake Turner 6-3/180/4.6 Rowlett, TX

Jamal Turner 6-1/170/4.6 Arlington, TX (Sam Houston) 

J.W. Walsh 6-2/185/4.6  Denton, TX  (Guyer)

Running Back

Joe Bergeron 6-0/240  Mesquite, TX (North)

Malcolm Brown 6-0/205 Cibolo, TX (Steele) considered one of the top RBs in the country for 2011.

Darren Ervin 5-10/175 Houston, TX (Lamar)

Sammy Flowers 5-11/180/4.5 Pflugerville, TX

Kenny Farrow 5-10/185 Hurst, TX (L.D. Bell)

Aaron Green 5-11/180/4.4 San Antonio, TX (Madison)

Antoine Jimmerson 5-10/170 DeSoto, TX

Daniel Lasco 6-0/180/4.5 The Woodlands, TX

Cam McDaniel 5-11/175/4.5 Coppell, TX

Dante Price 5-8/155/4.5 Austin, TX (LBJ)

Eric Rimes 5-11/190 Giddings, TX

Herschel Sims 5-10/180 Abilene, TX  Destined to be a RB with that name….

Kenny Williams 5-10/210/4.7 Pflugerville, TX (Hendrickson)

Tevin Williams 5-11/175 Euless, TX (Trinity)

Wide Receiver

Kameel Jackson 6-1/185/4.55 Arlington, TX (Sam Houston) MVP Rivals Duncanville camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF_owRYJEtc

Miles Onyegbule 6-3/185 Arlington, TX

Everett Pleasant 6-5/195 Humble, TX (Atascocita)

Mark Roberts 6-3/180 Beaumont, TX (West Orange-Stark)

LaDarrin Robertson 6-4/190 Longview, TX

Desmond Roland 6-2/190/4.6 Dallas, TX (Lake Highlands)

Jaxon Shipley 6-0/165/4.55 Brownwood, TX

K’Sean Wesley 5-11/180 Port Arthur, TX (Memorial)

Tight End

Chris Barnett 6-5/265 Dallas, TX (A Maceo Smith)

Offensive Line

Shaban Dika 6-5/288/4.8 San Antonio, TX (Warren)

Taylor Doyle 6-5/265 Lake Travis, TX

Spencer Drango 6-6/260 Cedar Park, TX

Sedrick Flowers 6-3/275 Galena Park, TX (North Shore)

Garrett Greenlea 6-5/275 Klein, TX (Collins)

Horace Hayes 6-4/235 Schertz, TX (Clemens)

Marcus Hutchins 6-5/265 DeSoto, TX

Brad McNulty 6-3/295 Allen, TX

Hunter Nealy 6-2/270 San Antonio, TX (Reagan)

Jaylyn Turner 6-3/305 Big Sandy, TX 90%-blocking grade, 18-pancakes, and played all positions on the offensive line, All-State

Defensive End

Ryan Alexander 6-2/225 Canadian, TX 

Cedric Reed 6-5/240 Cleveland, TX

James Rushing 6-5/220/4.7 Houston, TX (Memorial) can’t miss prospect with a name like that…

Greg Townsend, Jr 6-4/235/4.7 Beverly Hills, CA son of TCU great and one of the top DE prospects in the country.

Anthony Wallace 6-2/235 Dallas, TX (Skyline)

Defensive Tackle

Marquise Anderson 6-2/265 Cibolo, TX (Steele)

Jacob Brendel 6-3/255 Plano, TX (East)

Jordan Wade 6-4/250 Round Rock, TX (Stony Point)

Linebacker

Michael Dobson 5-10/195 Bandera, TX

Devon Hocutt 5-11/235/4.8 Killeen, TX (Ellison)

Stefan Jackson 6-0/215/4.6 Kirbyville, TX

P.L. Lindley 6-3/190 Round Rock, TX (Stony Point)

Chet Moss 6-1/225/4.65 Cedar Park, TX Father played at Rice and already offered by SMU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWnoCp_izXI&

Cornerback

Earl Foster 5-11/170 Houston, TX (Lamar)

Leroy Scott 5-10/190/4.4 Houston, TX (South)

Safety 

Nick Shepard 5-10/180 Houston, TX (Cypress Ridge)

Damian Payne 5-11/185/4.6 Houston, TX (Klein Forest) Offers already from several schools, will graduate in Dec 2010.  

Jabari Prewitt 5-9/165/4.6 Hutto, TX

Athlete

Michael Brewer 6-0/170/4.7 Lake Travis, TX

Quandre Diggs 5-9/180 Angleton, TX

J.J. Gaines 6-1/160 Irving, TX (Nimitz)

Driphus Jackson 6-1/165/4.5 Cedar Hill, TX

Josiah Monore 5-9/175 Bastrop, TX

DeAndre Washington 5-9/175 Fort Bend, TX (Marshall)

Stephen Williams 5-9/170/4.4 Round Rock, TX (Stony Point)

2010 Recruiting-OL

Posted on April 27, 2009
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The Horned Frogs currently have one of the more talented offensive lines ever at TCU with tremendous talent accross the board and good overall depth.  The 4 incoming freshmen: Eric Tausch, D.J. Yendrey, John Woolridge and Ty Horn, along with a pair of talented walk-ons in Justin Trejo and Michael Rosner definitely put the overall needs for the OL recruiting at a minimum.  However the loss of two very good left tackles after next season, Marshall Newhouse and Nic Richmond will hurt the depth at that position.  Expect the coaches to get at least two tackles and a guard in this class and already have a commit filling one tackle spot in Cameron Fleming.  Offers out to Aleon Calhoun, Cole Underwood, Daryl Williams and Austin Woods and TCU should land at least one from that talented group, however if they have to work down the list there is still some tremendous talent hoping to get an offer. 

Of those on the list and not yet offered there is an outstanding player that has really gone through a lot the past 2 years and has shown to be a tremendous example of endurance and recovery, Gerron Anthony at Tyler John Tyler.  Gerron’s story from the Tyler station KLTV if you have not heard it yet:

TYLER, TX (KLTV) - One year ago, KLTV 7 Sports brought you the story of John Tyler’s Gerron Anthony.Gerron survived the MRSA bacteria, known as the anti-biotic resistant ‘’super bug.’’At the time, out of four patients at Children’s Hospital in Dallas being treated for MRSA, Gerron was the only one to survive.A year later, he’s bigger, faster and stronger. “To be able to come back again, I’m blessed for that,” Gerron said. ”I’m real thankful for that.”Since his fight with the MRSA infection in the fall of 2007, in 2008 Gerron was first team All-District 11-5A and All-East Texas in football at offensive tackle.Now, he’s the starting post for varsity basketball team.“It was hard but at the same aspect, I still had to push myself to get better,” Gerron said.Gerron’s return to athletic form is pretty amazing, considering he dropped 65 pounds during the three weeks he was sick. The damage to his then 15-year-old body could have been devasting. Instead, he’s a much bigger 16-year-old.

“He’s grown an inch, he 6′4 and he’s 305 pounds,” Gerron’s coach and father, Gerald Anthony said.

“Gaining all my weight back, I’m real happy for that,” Gerron smiled, ”and then to gain a little more it helps in the line of football and basketball-wise.”

Coach Anthony jokes his son is so healthy he’s eating him out of house and home.

“I have to work on the side just to feed him!” he joked.

With Gerron’s close call last year, father and son are closer than ever. But, you might not be able to tell out on the court. 

“I’m still tough on him,” Coach Anthony said. ”I’m probably tougher on him than everybody else. He knows nothing is personal we’re just talking about the game situation and if you are one of the players I treat them all the same.”

Gerron and Gerald are happy for every moment they have shared on the court this season. They both hope to extend their school year together with a playoff run.

Depth Chart: 

LT

70 Marshall Newhouse 6-3 317 Sr.

79 Nic Richmond 6-8 322 Sr.

LG  72 Kyle Dooley 6-3 310 So.66 Blaize Foltz 6-4 310 R-Fr.C76 Jake Kirkpatrick 6-3 305 Jr.77 Spencer Thompson 6-4 270 So.64 James Fry 6-3 269 R-Fr.50 Tyler Marrou 6-5 268 Sr.

RG

78 Josh Vernon 6-2 295 Jr.

71 Zach Roth 6-5 310 Jr.

RT

61 Marcus Cannon 6-5 350 Jr.

62 Jeff Olson 6-4 282 So.

68 Trevius Jones 6-3 293 R-Fr.

Others: Ryan Wyatt Sr., Justin Trejo RSFr., Michael Rosner RSFr., John Woolridge Fr., D.J. Yendrey Fr., Eric Tausch Fr., Ty Horn Fr. 

Commit:

OT Cameron Fleming 6-5/275/4.8 Houston, TX (Cypress Creek) 1st team all-district, huge upside and frame to easily get to 300+ without losing athleticism.  Plays on Cy-Creek basketball team also.

Offers:

Offers:OT Aleon Calhoun 6-7/315 Navasota, TX- big and athletic, has offers to play basketball also.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-m1vFlgLMQ&feature=related

Offers: 6-7/315 Navasota, TX- big and athletic, has offers to play basketball also.OT Cole Underwood 6-5/265/4.8 Denton, TX (Guyer) Originally played DE & TE (2nd team all-district TE) and kept on growing, plays basketball also for Guyer.

Offers: 6-7/315 Navasota, TX- big and athletic, has offers to play basketball also. 6-5/265/4.8 Denton, TX (Guyer) Originally played DE & TE (2nd team all-district TE) and kept on growing, plays basketball also for Guyer.OT Daryl Williams 6-6/260/4.9  Corinth, TX (Lake Dallas)

Scout Inc. evaluation:

Williams has good upside and athleticism when projecting for the next level. Has desired height but lacks the bulk for offensive tackle at this time. This should be remedied through weight room work as his career develops. His arm length appears to be very good for the position. This is a good athlete who possesses the initial quickness, flexibility and foot speed to play left tackle. Although he demonstrates the ability to dominate lesser opponents we feel he must play more with a flat back vs. down lineman. Demonstrates the ability to gain leverage vs. shaded opponents but tends to raise up, narrowing his base. Shows good balance in space, can get to 2nd level defenders and plays on his feet well. Has the quickness and body control to pull and trap. Good understanding of when to seal inside, again to high. In Pass pro has the ability to bend and slide feet. Can get to the wide rusher but only flashes quick set ability, this should improve. Good arm but punch and location must improve. We feel as his development improves so will his explosiveness and playing strength. Displays aggressiveness and the willingness to finish blocks but some inconsistencies occur. Williams will benefit from a red shirt year. After a year to develop both physically and technique wise, we feel he can begin to contribute at the BCS level. 

C Austin Woods 6-4/275/5.2 Rockwall, TX (Heath)

Others:

C

Robert Chapman 6-2/270 Clark, TX

Phillip McGruder 6-3/260 Kansas City, KS (Washington)

Trevor Murphy 6-3/275/4.85 Jefferson, TX #2 rated center for the Frogs.
OG

Tyler Brown 6-4/290 Missouri City, TX (FB Elkins) High on TCU’s list

Drew Carroll 6-6/270 Abilene, TX

Brandyn Hinnrichs 6-3/270/5.0 Argyle, TX teammate with commit David Johnson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGjE0iam3Yo

Blake Jordan 6-6/289 Graham, TX

Bryce Redman 6-2/265 Longview, TX 87%-blocking grade, 96-knockdowns, All-State

Joshua Trahan 6-4/313/5.8 Orange, TX (Little Cypress-Mauriceville)

Mason Y’Brabo 6-2, 305, Sulphur Springs, TX 23-knockdowns, 42-pancakes, 87%-blocking grade, allowed only 3-sacks in 428-attempts

OT

Gerron Anthony 6-4/305/5.1 Tyler, TX (John Tyler) All-district and all East Texas in 2008, post on the basketball team. 

Troy Baker 6-7/292 Waco, TX (Conally) soft to Tech

Luke Burleson 6-6/275 Allen, TX

Robert Bradford 6-6/310/5.2 Missouri City, TX (Fort Bend Marshall)

Jacob Jenkins 6-3/260 Gilmer, TX 90%-blocking grade, 84-pancakes

Austin Lunsford 6-4/290 Garrison, TX 79-decleaters, and graded 82% blocking, All-State

Tramon Shead 6-5/240 Cayuga, TX 85%-blocking grade, 25-pancakes, and part of an OL that lead Wildcats to nearly 5-thousand yards rushing

Evan Washington 6-5, 295 DeSoto, TX 84-pancakes, 0-sacks and 2-QB pressures allowed all season, 95%-blocking grade, All-State

Austin Weatherford 6-4/275 Maypearl, TX All-District performer as a sophmore.

2010 Recruiting-RB

Posted on April 10, 2009
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So how do you top Waymon James, Matthew Tucker and Dwight Smith?  You don’t!

Even though TCU will lose 3 very good seniors in Ryan Christian, Joseph Turner and Chris Smith, the needs at tailback are very low, but expect them to try and get one very quick back in this class.   Currently the only offer out is to Longview’s Tyler McCray and the chances of landing him and his teammate Aaron Johnson look very good. 

At fullback with Luke Shivers backed by Ryan Hightower the depth is a little shakier, but one of the big backs such as Matthew Tucker could fill in if necessary.  In addition to a TB one FB is needed and Kendrick Perkins would be a fantastic get at that position.

Overall, some very good running backs hoping to catch on at TCU, but the limited class size will keep the signings to the minimum.

Depth Chart:

FB

48 Luke Shivers 6-0 220 So.

TB

24 Joseph Turner 6-1 225 Sr.

18 Ryan Christian 5-11 180 Sr.

34 Edward Wesley 5-9 185 R-Fr.

36 Chris Smith 5-11 231 Sr.

26 Jai Cavness 5-8 175 So.

Others: Jercell Fort SO, Ryan Hightower JR, Waymon James Fr., Matthew Tucker Fr., Dwight Smith Fr.

Offers:

RB Tyler McCray 5-11/185/4.5 Longview, TX In 2008 210 carries for 1,727 yards and 26 TDs. Eastexas.com class 4A player of the year.

Ath Kendrick Perkins 6-3/220/4.6 LaPorte, TX RB that led LaPorte deep into the playoffs last season until the met Katy in the regional championship, had over 800 yards in the playoffs alone.  FB/LB recruit.

http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=309792&shu=1

Others:

Ky’Ordrick Black, 5-9, 190, Tyler, TX (John Tyler), 146-carries, 978-yards, 7-TD’s, caught 30-passes for 220-yards and 5-TD’s

Seydadrian “Da Da” Brown 5-8/165/4.5 Tyler, TX (Robert E. Lee) 212-carries for 1,235-yards, 12-TD’s, and caught 12-passes for 183-yards, 1-TD

Chris Burrell 5-6/155/4.35 Ramsey, NJ (Don Bosco Prep)

Ja’Terian Douglas 5-11/180/4.5 Arlington, TX (Lamar) Leading rusher in DFW area, All-State

Stephen Hopkins 6-0/210/4.65 Flower Mound, TX (Marcus)

Xavier Brown 5-11/190/4.59 Pearland, TX (Glenda Dawson)

Jermane Longino 5-11/200/4.5 Missouri City, TX (Hightower)

Marcus Murphy 5-9/170/4.4 DeSoto, TX 200-carries, 1,307-yards, 17-TD’s, 40-catches, 563-yards, 6-TD’s, 1-2XP, also completed one pass for a 53-yard TD

Kevin Pope 5-10/202/4.5 Mount Enterprise, TX

JaMichael Rozier 5-8/170/4.5 Klein, TX (Collins) Son of Michael Rozier

James Sims 5-11/190/4.5 Irving, TX (MacArthur)

Tyren Watts 6-1/175/4.47 New Waverly, TX

FB

Kenneth White 5-11/205/4.6 Southport, NC (South Brunswick) also plays LB in 2008 264 carries for 1,576 yards & 15 TDS.

2010 Recruiting-QBs

Posted on April 7, 2009
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Barring injury the QB situation is good for a few years to come, but depth is a huge area of concern.  Gone after this coming season is Marcus Jackson who has been a solid backup to Andy Dalton who has two seasons left.  After that Casey Pachall is expected to take over and he will live up to expectations, however insurance is needed behind him and expect at least one QB in this class that is expected to stay at that position.  RSFr Yogi Gallegos and walk-on Kyle Wilson currently add depth.

Sam Carter is the frontrunner and he continues to be actively in contact with the coaches.  After Carter are the athletic Jeremy Johnson and raw, but extremely talented Jacob Morgan.  Johnson can play multiple positions and may sneak in as a second QB in the group, but don’t expect them to go too much deeper than these players, though some good talent such as Josh Dorman, Darian Godfrey and Tyler Arndt interested in the Frogs.

Depth chart 

QB

14 Andy Dalton 6-3 215 Jr.

11 Marcus Jackson 6-1 216 Sr.

4 Casey Pachall 6-5 194 Fr.

Others: Yogi Gallegos RSFr, Kyle Wilson RSFr

Offers:

QB Sam Carter 6-1/210/4.52 Houston, TX (Sharpstown) athletic QB who ran for 1,021 yards and threw for 1,759 yards in 2008.

QB Jeremy Johnson 6-2/173/4.5 Silsbee, TX

Others 

QB

Tyler Arndt 6-4/200/4.8 Cuero, TX

Josh Dorman 6-1/170 Birdville, TX

Darian Godfrey, 6-1/205, Gilmer, TX, completed 181-316 passes for 2,929-yards, 34-TD’s, 9-Int’s, and ran for 919-yards on 159-carries, 21-TD’s, District MVP, All-State

Jacob Morgan 6-4/215/4.69 Austin, TX Threw for 2,285 yards and 17 tds in 2008.

Scout Inc:

Morgan is a pocket passer in the spread offense that possesses ideal measurables and is a well built prospect. He is in a shotgun offense where he dinks and dunks, but also will roll out, throw on the move and will make his fair share of throws from within the pocket to intermediate ranges of the field. He shows good arm strength, not elite, but possesses good RPM’s and when set and balanced, will plant and deliver with good power and velocity. Throws very well on the move and shows good zip on throws to the sideline when rolling to his right. He is an adequate athlete for the position, but is not much of a threat with his legs. Needs to be protected and use his arm, feet and timing to beat the rush and avoid pressure. He can change ball speeds and shows very nice touch on the deep ball and throws within the red area that needs to be dropped in over coverage. There are times when he looks like an authoritative, strong passer with big throws from the opposite hash to the sideline and he can get hot and shows nice rhythm. However, there are moments with Morgan where his accuracy is inconsistent. He will miss the strike zone when he should not. His overall throwing mechanics are a bit unorthodox, will wind-up just a bit. He isn’t always consistent with his release. We would like to see what type of footwork he can show when having to drop from center and work through progressions in the three and five step passing game. Overall, Morgan is a legitimate Division I prospect with good size and upside to develop and become more polished as a passer. He possesses the physical tools to succeed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWIwJDvwtZk

Adrian Nelson 6-4/197/4.7 Houston, TX  (Bellaire) 

Terrence Prince 6-4/215/4.7 Metarie, La. (Archbishop Rummell). a good athlete who also plays basketball

Jacoby Walker 6-2/190 Spring, TX (Westfield)

2010 Recruiting prospects-DL

Posted on March 31, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized | 3 Comments

The defensive line:

Some of the more interesting and emphatic recruiting this year has been around the defensive line positions.  The recruiting of Reggie Wilson has been the highlight this year as well as the commits from tackle David Johnson and potential end Blake Roberts.  Both excellent pick ups by the staff.

The needs at defensive end are huge with the graduation of Jerry Hughes in 2010 and Clarence Leatch in 2011 and with the expected move of Stansly Maponga to defensive tackle.  The incoming group from Maud will add depth, but still uncertain who goes inside and who may stay on the corner.  Expect one more true defensive end at least in this class.

The leaders appear to be Femi Awe out of Mansfield and Nehemiah Hicks out of Hutto, but Damontre Moore is a high energy kid out of Rowlett and one with a big frame that can easily add some weight without hampering his speed.

On the interior defensive line 4 juniors on the depth chart really will put pressure on the staff the next 2 classes to fill some gaps.  Jeremy Coleman looks to be a star in the making and at least one of the Maud players will move inside, but expect 2 DTs in this class and David Johnson is a huge start.

I like the Patrick Howard kid out of Tyler (would give us 3 from that school).  He anchored the middle of the 3 man front used by Lee and has great speed, size and agility.  Jatashun Beachum at A Maceo Smith is another name to remember, though his recruiting has exploded.

Current depth chart and addition information on players and recruits below:

Current depth chart: 

LE

98 Jerry Hughes 6-3 257 Sr.

95 Clarence Leatch 6-4 245 Jr.

NT

69 Kelly Griffin 6-1 295 Jr.

57 Cory Grant OR 6-2 303 Jr.

94 Henry Niutei 6-4 300 Jr.

DT

96 Wayne Daniels 6-2 250 Jr.

93 Jeremy Coleman 6-2 285 R-Fr.

RE

52 Ross Forrest 6-4 242 So. OR

99 Braylon Broughton 6-6 248 So.

Incoming class:

James Dunbar 6-5 290

Bryant House 6-4 255

Ray Burns 6-1 285

Stansly Maponga 6-2 240

Commits:

DT David Johnson 6-2/250/4.7 Argyle, TX 2008 9-3A Defensive lineman of the Year, HM 3A All State DL, TCU was his dream school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-FSE2aCVq0

LB/DE Blake Roberts 6-4/226/4.5 Tyler, TX (Lee) 2008 recorded 119-tackles, 8-QB pressures, 4-sacks, 7-TFL, 2-CF, 1-Interception, as a junior, and was a 3rd-Team All-Smoaky.com selection.

Great video: http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/MaxPrepsTV.mxp/VideoID-813fa184-a9ac-43a6-b496-363e5f7b93bf

Offers:

DE Femi Awe 6-3/220/4.6 Mansfield, TX Texas Top 100 and very high on TCU

DE Jackson Jeffcoat 6-5/230/4.7 Plano, TX (West) rated as high as #1 in the country for 2010, son of former Dallas Cowboy and UH coach Jim Jeffcoat and a beast since he entered West his freshman season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StBts_HNIvI&NR=1

Others:

DT

Jatashun Beachum 6-1/270/4.7 Dallas, TX (A. Maceo Smith) Plays QB and FB at Smith

William Buckwalter 6-3/250 Bellaire, TX (Espiscopal)

Coby Coleman 6-3/275 Frankston, TX 52-tackles, 10-TFL

Patrick Howard 6-3/280 Tyler, TX (Robert E. Lee) 46-tackles, 5-TFL, 2-sacks, 8-QB pressures

Torrea Peterson 6-5/300 San Antonio, TX (East Central) offered by Oklahoma, Baylor, A&M, Strong interest from Texas.

Melvin Shead 6-0, 275 Cayuga, TX 83-tackles, 4-TFL, 5-sacks, and 2-FR

Dameon Williams 6-4/300/4.9 Irving, TX (Nimitz)

DE

Cooper Brock 6-3/215/4.8 Copperas Cove If the last name sounds familiar its because it is.

Nehemiah Hicks 6-5/215/4.7 Hutto, TX Also plays TE and scored a TD on 7 of his last 12 receptions in 2008.

Clarence Lee 6-4/210/4.55 Jefferson, TX

Damontre Moore 6-6/224.74 Rowlett (TX) 
From Coach Shuman:

Assets: A high energy, high effort guy with all the athletic tools.
Area’s for improvement: Needs to hit the weights and work on his overall strength.
What was most impressive at combine: Was able to run a 4.74 on a slow surface and dominate using his long arms during the one-on-ones. His effort and toughness earned him a share of the DL MVP award.
Conclusion: Really just needs the experience of playing every down as a starter. Moore is extremely athletic and has a frame that will allow him to gain at least 30 more pounds. He could become the biggest sleeper in the State of Texas this year.

Peter Okonofua 6-3 235 Mansfield, TX

2010 Recruiting prospects-WR

Posted on March 21, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Normally I like to  review each years prospects in traditional order, ie from QB, RB, WR. TE, etc, but thought this year I would skip around and base it on areas I think are the more pressing unfullfilled needs.  5 commits to date with rumors of several more as silents or on the verge.  So far announced are a DT, OL, S, and 2 LBers, so what is the most pressing need for the class of 2010?  Wide Receiver!

The current depth chart at WR:

WR (Z)
13 Antoine Hicks 6-2 193 So.
2 Curtis Clay 6-0 180 Jr.
81 Alonzo Adams 6-0 190 Jr.

WR (X)
88 Jimmy Young 6-1 200 Jr.
83 Jonathan Jones 6-4 197 So.

WR (H)
6 Bart Johnson 6-1 190 Jr.
17 Tyler Luttrell 6-1 195 Jr.
88 Josh Boyce 5-11 175 Fr.

WR (Y)
85 Jeremy Kerley 5-10 192 Jr.
13 Antoine Hicks 6-2 193 So.
88 Josh Boyce 5-11 175 Fr.  

Others on the roster: 38 Sam Shutt 6-0 178 Fr, 14 Emmanuel Asaolu 6-1/170 Jr., 10 John Brown 6-0 180 Jr., 83 Billy Pizor 6-0 175 Jr.,  19 Garrett Winsett 5-9 178 So.

TCU currently has one of its better crop of wide receivers than it has had in a long time and with no seniors in the mix the group will be intact for the next few years.  However 6 juniors on the depth chart means there will be pressure to get at least three of those spots filled in this class.

Offers out to Huntsville QB Justin Gilbert and Dunbar super-recruit Darius White.  White is all that and a bag o’chips with size, speed, vertical, etc, etc but is considered to be a Florida or UT commit.  Gilbert is more of an oddity.  Watching his film you see plenty of ball handling and open spaceskills, however tough to judge his ability it tight spaces and how he goes to the ball.  But coaches like him, though appears to be recruited more as an athlete rather than pure receiver.

TCU’s need for a burner to pair with the arm of Casey Pachall first led them to Galena park’s DeAndrew White. Kid is a speedster with a second gear that blows you away.  He extends well and catches the ball away from his body allowing him to use his body well.  DeAndew’s recruiting has since blown up also and is a heavy OU or Fla lean.

The two that are being recruited by TCU now with the highest gradings and most likely TCU leans are Eddie Johnson from Midlothian and  Jonathan Dents from North Richland Hills.  Johnson is a big kid at 6-3 and 195 lbs and has 4.6 speed.  Good balls skills and ability to elevate really sets him apart.  OU is a strong contender for his services.

The relatively unknown, but extremely talented Dents is one to follow.  He will visit TCU soon and as you watch his video (below) you will become a fan.  Josh Dorman is the QB at Birdville and has benefitted tremendously from Dents and another transfer from SLC and familiar name, Clarke Renfro.  Dents has just under ideal size at 6-1 and almost 200 lbs, but has great ball skills, retrieves the ball away from his body well and shields it from the defender better than most.  His ability to break open after the catch is impressive.

Renfro is a kid I hope at least walks-on at TCU and takes up where his cousin left off.

Offers 

WR Justin Gilbert 6-0/180/4.5 Huntsville, TX Plays QB for Huntsville.

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=72103&season=2010&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d72103%26season%3d2010

WR Darius White 6-4/205/4.5 Fort Worth, TX (Dunbar) very athletic, 40″ vert played also CB & S.

Others

LaVocheya Cooper 6-1/185/4.5 Arp, TX Played mostly RB for Arp and all-state trackster. (also 1st team all-state defender with 73 tackles, 6 INTs (2 returned for TDs); 2 punt-return TDs; 2 kickoff-return TDs)

Jonathan Dents 6-1/198/4.58 North Richland Hills, TX (Birdville) Also safety & kick returner,  881 yards receiving & 9 TDs in 2008, all-district.  Plays basketball & runs track, transfer from Southlake (along with Clarke Renfro).  He’s long, has huge hands, catches ball away from body, makes the tough catch, runs away from DBs. 

http://profiles.berecruited.com/cgi-bin/showprofile.pl?action=ShowProfile&section=M&id=336262&movie=31386208

Terry Franks 5-9/172/4.48 Orange, TX (West Orange-Stark)

Eddie Johnson 6-3/195/4.6 Midlothian, TX 45 rec and over 600 yards in 2008.  Impressive ball skills and ability to get deep.  A priority target but OU may win out.

Clarke Renfro 5-10/160/4.5 North Richland hills, TX (Birdville) 1,041 yards receiving & 10 TDs in 2008, all-district

Darrius “Poppa” Rodgers 6-0/175/4.6 Edgewood, TX All-State as a soph. 1st 5 games so far in 2008: 83-catches for 1,219-yards, 17-TD’s, All-State

Quinn Trimble 6-4/175/4.5 Lufkin, TX 2008: 55-catches, 1,146-yards, 12-TD’s, averaged 20.8 ypc

Ta’Coyus Walker 5-8/165/4.4 Grapeland, TX 2008: 54-catches for 922-yards, 10-TD’s, had 18-catches of 20-yards or more, All-State

Deandrew White 6-1/170/4.4 Galena Park, TX (Northshore) has a 10.5 in the 100m & 21.4 in the 200m and also long jumper & triple-jumper.  Very exciting prospect.

Feisty’s The Texas Top 150 for 2010

Posted on March 11, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Since there are so many Top lists that seem to be biased towards individual programs, I submit to you a truly unbiased look at the top athletes in Texas High School football who will graduate in December of 2009 or Spring 2010:
 

Rank Position Player info College commit

  • 1 DE Jackson Jeffcoat (6-5/230)Plano (TX) Plano West
  • 2 RB Lache Seastrunk (5-11/192) Temple (TX) Temple
  • 3 DE Reggie Wilson (6-4/240) Haltom City (TX) Haltom MackDaddyU
  • 4 LB Corey Nelson (6-0/210) Dallas (TX) Skyline
  • 5 WR Darius White (6-4/205) Fort Worth (TX) Dunbar
  • 6 OL Jake Matthews (6-5/275) Missouri City (TX) Elkins
  • 7 DB Ahmad Dixon (6-1/194) Waco (TX) Midway MackDaddyU
  • 8 QB Connor Wood (6-4/209) Houston (TX) Second BaptistMackDaddyU
  • 9 WR Mike Davis (6-1/185) Dallas (TX) SkylineLASt
  • 10 OL Evan Washington (6-5/290) DeSoto (TX) DeSoto
  • 11 OL Trey Hopkins (6-4/260) Galena Park (TX) North Shore MackDaddyU
  • 12 LB Aaron Benson (6-2/205) Cedar Hill (TX) Cedar Hill  MackDaddyU
  • 13 RB Traylon Shead (6-2/210) Cayuga (TX) Cayuga MackDaddyU
  • 14 DB Adrian White (5-10/169) DeSoto (TX) DeSoto MackDaddyU 

  • 15 DT Taylor Bible (6-3/280) Denton (TX) Guyer MackDaddyU
  • 16 LB Shaun Lewis (6-1/200) Missouri City (TX) Hightower
  • 17 RB DJ Jones (6-0/220) Denison (TX) Denison
  • 18 QB Zach Lee (6-4/195) McKinney (TX) McKinney
  • 19 DB Eddrick Loften (5-11/195) Irving (TX) Nimitz OkieU
  • 20 LB Rashod Favors (6-1/230) Fort Worth (TX) Dunbar
  • 21 DB DeAndrew White (6-0/170) Galena Park (TX) North Shore
  • 22 DT DeAires Cotton (6-4/275) Alief (TX) Alief Taylor MackDaddyU
  • 23 DT Jay Guy (6-2/300) Aldine (TX) Eisenhower CaliU
  • 24 DB Carrington Byndom (6-0/165) Lufkin (TX) Lufkin MackDaddyU
  • 25 QB Jameill Showers (6-1/200) Killeen (TX) ShoemakerTAMU
  • 26 ATH James Haynes (6-0/181) Orange (TX) West Orange-Stark
  • 27 OL Dominic Espinosa (6-3/282) Cedar Park (TX) Cedar Park MackDaddyU
  • 28 WR Darius Terrell (6-2/205) DeSoto (TX) DeSoto MackDaddyU
  • 29 OL Luke Joeckel (6-6/280) Arlington (TX) Arlington
  • 30 DB Toney Hurd (5-9/184) Missouri City (TX) Fort Bend Marshall
  • 31 WR Jordan Leslie (6-2/192) Tomball (TX) Tomball
  • 32 WR Kevin Johnson (6-2/190) Houston (TX) Cypress Ridge
  • 33 LB Caleb Lavey (6-4/210) Celina (TX) Celina
  • 34 LB Aaron Franklin (6-1/215) Marshall (TX) Marshall
  • 35 DE Holmes Onwukaife (6-3/220) Cedar Park (TX) Cedar Park
  • 36 RB Dontae Williams (5-11/200) Houston (TX) Aldine
  • 37 WR John Harris (6-2/187) Garland (TX) Naaman Forest MackDaddyU
  • 38 OL Adam Shead (6-4/315) Cedar Hill (TX) Cedar Hill
  • 39 QB Scotty Young (6-3/185) Denton (TX) Ryan TXTechnical
  • 40 WR Eddie Johnson (6-3/194) Midlothian (TX) Midlothian
  • 41 OL Daryl Williams (6-5/269) Corinth (TX) Lake Dallas
  • 42 OL Tyrus Thompson (6-6/278) Pflugerville (TX) Pflugerville OkieU
  • 43 OL Chad Lindsay (6-3/307) The Woodlands (TX) The Woodlands
  • 44 ATH Justin Gilbert (6-0/173) Huntsville (TX) Huntsville
  • 45 DT Daniel Noble (6-4/275) Flower Mound (TX) Marcus OkieU
  • 46 LB Dominique Patterson (6-0/210) Dallas (TX) Skyline
  • 47 QB Sam Carter (6-0/205) Houston (TX) Sharpstown
  • 48 OL Aleon Calhoun (6-7/315) Navasota (TX) Navasota
  • 49 DE Jackson Richards (6-4/240) Southlake (TX) Carroll TXTechnical
  • 50 LB Blake Roberts 6-4/226/4.5 Tyler (TX) Lee TCU
  • 51 RB Ja’Terian Douglas (5-11/175) Arlington (TX) Arlington Lamar
  • 52 QB Jacoby Walker (6-2/190) Spring (TX) Westfield
  • 53 WR Jordan Jolly (6-0/168) Missouri City (TX) Elkins
  • 54 WR Kyle Guinyard (6-1/180) Ennis (TX) Ennis
  • 55 OL Austin Lunsford (6-4/290) Garrison (TX) Garrison
  • 56 DE Joseph Okafor (6-6/231) Houston (TX) Bellaire
  • 57 LB Earl Hines (6-2/205) Port Arthur (TX) Port Arthur Memorial
  • 58 LB Kurt Killens (6-3/201) Round Rock (TX) McNeil
  • 59 LB Anthony Beard (6-2/220) Lumberton (TX) Lumberton
  • 60 QB James Franklin (6-2/218) Corinth (TX) Lake Dallas Mizzery
  • 61 OL Garrett Gramling (6-6/305) Denton (TX) Ryan
  • 62 DB Harvey Jackson (6-2/185) Missouri City (TX) Hightower
  • 63 DE Nehemiah Hicks (6-3/219) Hutto (TX) Hutto
  • 64 ATH Montrae Williams (6-0/175) Texarkana (TX) Texas
  • 65 TE Nate Askew (6-4/220) San Antonio (TX) James Madison
  • 66 DB Bryant Jackson (6-3/175) Sulphur Springs (TX) Sulphur Springs MackDaddyU
  • 67 RB Princeton Collins (5-11/185) Round Rock (TX) Westwood
  • 68 WR Quentin Parks (6-2/206) Humble (TX) Atascocita
  • 69 ATH Joe Powell (6-1/174) Dallas (TX) Skyline OkieU
  • 70 TE Naquan Lee (6-5/260) Crockett (TX)
  • 71 ATH Jatashun Beachum 6-1/270/4.7 Dallas (TX) A. Maceo Smith
  • 72 LB Kris Catlin (6-2/215) San Antonio (TX) James Madison
  • 73 OL Austin Woods (6-5/290) Rockwall (TX) Heath
  • 74 ATH Dominique Sanders (6-1/190) Fort Worth (TX) Dunbar
  • 75 DT Ashton Dorsey (6-3/275) Tyler (TX) John Tyler MackDaddyU
  • 76 RB Ben Malena (5-10/201) Cedar Hill (TX) Cedar Hill
  • 77 ATH Adrian Phillips (5-11/190) Garland (TX) Garland MackDaddyU
  • 78 WR Ross Apo (6-2/190) Arlington (TX) The Oakridge School MackDaddyU
  • 79 WR DeAndre Perry (6-3/210) Austin (TX) Bowie
  • 80 OL Robert Bradford (6-6/310) Missouri City (TX) Fort Bend Marshall
  • 81 DB Brent Walters (5-11/174) Willis (TX) Willis
  • 82 RB Darius Dotson (6-0/205) Hitchcock, TX
  • 83 OL Troy Baker (6-6/284) Waco (TX) Connally TXTechnical
  • 84 DT Michael OGuin (6-1/295) Van Vleck (TX) Van Vleck SMOO
  • 85 OL Cam Feldt (6-5/290) Pilot Point (TX) Selz Arkie
  • 86 ATH Aaron Johnson (6-1/175) Longview (TX) Longview
  • 87 DB Roland Veal (6-0/177) Houston (TX) Chavez
  • 88 DE Brandon Forge (6-4/240) DeSoto (TX) DeSoto
  • 89 DT Logan David (6-3/250) Rockdale (TX) Rockdale
  • 90 QB Tyler Arndt (6-4/200) Cuero (TX) Cuero
  • 91 OL Dalvin Glass (6-3/270) Dallas (TX) Carter
  • 92 LB Tevin Jackson (6-2/215) Garland (TX) Garland MackDaddyU
  • 93 DB Barry Browning (6-1/170) Everman (TX)
  • 94 RB Aaron Spikes (5-10/185) Dallas (TX) Pinkston TXTechnical
  • 95 DE Femi Awe (6-3/220) Mansfield (TX)
  • 96 LB David Durham (6-3/228) Austin (TX) Westlake OhSt
  • 97 RB James Sims (5-11/190) Irving (TX) Irving Macarthur School
  • 98 ATH Darian Lazard (6-0/170) Pearland (TX) Dawson
  • 99 TE Antonio Johnson (6-6/250) Diboll (TX) Diboll
  • 100 WR Darius Tubbs (6-4/205) Humble (TX)
  • 101 ATH Marcus Mallett (6-1/205/4.6) Cleveland (TX) TCU
  • 102 QB Darian Godfrey (6-1/190) Gilmer (TX)
  • 103 QB Matt Joeckel (6-4/220) Arlington (TX) Arlington
  • 104 RB Stephen Hopkins (6-0/220) Flower Mound (TX) Marcus
  • 105 ATH Marcus Murphy (5-9/170) DeSoto (TX)
  • 106 OL Ian Gray (6-7/300) Pearland (TX) Pearland
  • 107 DB Tyler Stephenson (5-10/175) Lancaster (TX) Lancaster
  • 108 DB Quentin Hayes (6-1/175) Lancaster (TX) Lancaster
  • 109 DT Torrea Peterson (6-3/287) San Antonio (TX) East Central
  • 110 LB Stephen Maeweather (6-2/203) Houston (TX) Sharpstown Okie St
  • 111 WR Chris Jones (6-2/172) Daingerfield (TX) MackDaddyU
  • 112 OL Robert Chapman (6-3/260) San Antonio (TX) Tom C Clark
  • 113 QB Jeremy Johnson (6-2/173) Silsbee (TX) Silsbee
  • 114 RB Tyler McCray (5-11/185) Longview (TX) Longview
  • 115 LB Domonique Patterson (6-1/225) Dallas (TX) Skyline
  • 116 ATH Denzelle White (6-3/192) Plano (TX) East
  • 117 DT Cedric Steward (6-2/290) Channelview (TX)
  • 118 ATH Malcome Kennedy (6-0/195) Cayuga (TX) Cayuga
  • 119 DE Clarence Lee (6-4/210) Jefferson (TX) Jefferson
  • 120 DB Alton Demby (5-10/180) Galena Park (TX) North Shore Houston
  • 121 DB Kevin White (5-10/170) Round Rock (TX) Stony Point
  • 122 DE Michael Daniels (6-3/240) Garland (TX) Naaman Forest
  • 123 QB Nathan Sorenson (6-2/185) Texarkana (TX) Texas Okie St
  • 124 ATH Kendrick Perkins (6-3/220) LaPorte, TX
  • 125 WR Sheldon McClain (6-2/174) Cibolo (TX) Steele
  • 127 RB Xavier Brown (5-11/190) Pearland (TX) Dawson
  • 128 DT David Johnson (6-2/250) Argyle, TX TCU
  • 129 DB Jeremy Chappelle (6-3/205) Bullard (TX)
  • 130 WR Gerard Shillow (6-2/205) Round Rock (TX) Stony Point
  • 131 ATH Kye Hildreth (6-1/170) Navasota (TX) Navasota
  • 132 DT Tim Ford (6-2/245) Missouri City (TX) Fort Bend Marshall
  • 133 ATH Trey Franks (5-9/172) Orange (TX) West Orange Stark
  • 134 OT Jonte’ Berry (6-5/285) Houston (TX) Alief Taylor

  • 135 RB Josh Bell (5-11/195) Sugar Land (TX) Kempner
  • 136 DE Dylan Klare (6-3/235) Refugio (TX) Refugio
  • 137 WR Winford Tennell (6-3/195) Irving (TX) Irving
  • 138 DB Larry Stephens (5-10/180) Galena Park (TX) North Shore
  • 139 RB Tyren Watts (6-1/175) New Waverley (TX)
  • 140 QB Cole Hubble (6-2/195) Bandera (TX) Bandera
  • 141 OL Xavier Ruben (6-3/280) Baytown (TX) Baytown Lee
  • 142 LB Xzavious Harrison (6-3/220) New Waverley (TX)
  • 143 LB Derrick Davis (5-11/230) Temple (TX)
  • 144 S Ray Mitchell (6-1/180) Irving (TX) MacArthur
  • 145 RB Brandon Armstrong (5-7/170) San Antonio (TX) Roosevelt
  • 146 WR Bud Sasser (6-2/185) Denton (TX) Ryan
  • 147 WR Quinn Trimble (6-2/175) Lufkin (TX) Lufkin
  • 148 OG Detterious Jackson (6-3/315) Dallas (TX) Madison
  • 149 QB Jared Barnett (6-1/190) Garland (TX) Garland
  • 150 LB Lowell Williams (6-2/210) Missouri City (TX) Fort Bend Marshall

2010 do it again!

Posted on February 17, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized | 2 Comments

So can the coaches top the class of 2009?  You know they are going to give it their best shot and so far, the early results have to get you excited.  However, with the projected class size of 16 for 2010 it will be dissappointing results in the Scout or Rivals rankings, but expect this group to be exactly what will be needed.

As in 2009, there are really no huge, glaring weaknesses to fill so the staff will have lots of wiggle room in their final numbers by position and again expect a lot of versatility in a good portion of the athletes who will sign.  Already on board are two extremely early commits, commits that are not only extremely talented, but kids who really are huge TCU fans.  David Johnson out of Argyle fills one of the few big need positions in this class, defensive tackle and Blake Roberts, is a versatile athlete who could pay either linebacker spot or move to the defensive line.

DT David Johnson 6-2/250/4.7 Argyle, TX 2008 9-3A Defensive lineman of the Year, HM 3A All State DL, TCU was his dream school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-FSE2aCVq0

LB/DE Blake Roberts 6-4/226/4.5 Tyler, TX (Lee) 2008 recorded 119-tackles, 8-QB pressures, 4-sacks, 7-TFL, 2-CF, 1-Interception, as a junior, and was a 3rd-Team All-Smoaky.com selection.

Great video: http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/MaxPrepsTV.mxp/VideoID-813fa184-a9ac-43a6-b496-363e5f7b93bf

The remaining need positions are wide receiver and center with quarterback depth being a priority.  The rest is open, but expect at least some added OL & DL depth, and a conerback in the mix.

Lots of offers out and plenty big names on the board for TCU and as mentioned this should really pull in a talented group.  A few areas to highlight:

Dunbar: a trio of extremely talented players in WR/CB/S Darius White, CB/WR Domnique Sanders and S/LB/FB Rashod Favors.  All three are big, fast & rarely sit during a game and all three are in huge demand.  They are not looked at as a package deal.

Cayuga: Offers out to an extremely talented athlete, Malcome Kennedy and one of the premier backs in the nation, Traylon Shead.  In addition Melvin and Tramon Shead are prospects as well as CB Billy Duncan.

Wide receivers: In addition to Darius White, top prospects include Huntsville’s Justin Gilbert, Daingerfield’s Chris Jones,  Midlotian’s Eddie Johnson and Galena Park Northshore’s DeAndrew White.

Defensive ends: Coaches will have some decisions here.  A third Brock, Cooper, is in the mix along with several more very talented DEs.  One that will get lots of looks is Nehemiah Hicks from Jeremy Kerley’s school, Hutto.  Hicks has size and speed and can also play tight end.  Of his last 12 receprions in 2008, 7 went for touchdowns.

Listed below are these highlighted players as well as many more of high interest.  The best talent in the state are looking at TCU and finding room for the players who want to come to TCU will probably be the biggest challenge for the staff in 2010.

Offers:

QB Sam Carter 6-1/210/4.52 Houston, TX (Sharpstown) athletic QB who ran for 1,021 yards and threw for 1,759 yards in 2008.

QB Jeremy Johnson 6-2/173/4.5 Silsbee, TX

QB Connor Wood 6-4/210/4.6 Houston, TX (Second Baptist) was 166 of 264 (62.9%) for 2,248 yards, 20 TDs and only 5 picks in 2008 passing, also ran for 405 yards & 17 TDs.

RB Tyler McCray 5-11/185/4.5 Longview, TX

RB Traylon Shead 6-3/210/4.5 Cayuga, TX 2008 391-carries, 3,540-yards, 52-TD’s, averaged 8.91 ypc, All-State, District MVP, AP 1A offensive player of the year, Texas Prep and Smoaky All East Texas. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYyk7u9B2no

RB/WR Aaron Spikes 5-10/180/4.45 Dallas, TX (Pinkston) Over 2,800 yards in two seasons.

WR Justin Gilbert 6-0/180/4.5 Huntsville, TX Plays QB for Huntsville.

WR Chris Jones 6-0/170/4.5 Daingerfield, TX 2008 2nd Team All State, All District 42-catches, 1,045-yards, 12-TD’s, also averaged 16.1 yards per carry for 340-yards and 6-TD’s

WR Darius White 6-4/205/4.5 Fort Worth, TX (Dunbar) very athletic, 40″ vert played also CB & S.

OT Daryl Williams 6-6/260/4.9  Corinth, TX (Lake Dallas)

OT Austin Woods 6-4/275/5.2 Rockwall, TX (Heath)

DE Jackson Jeffcoat 6-5/230/4.7 Plano, TX (West) rated as high as #1 in the country for 2010, son of former Dallas Cowboy and UH coach Jim Jeffcoat and a beast since he entered West his freshman season.

DE Reggie Wilson 6-4/240/4.7 Haltom City, TX Top 5 in Texas.

LB Aaron Franklin 2-1/215/4.5 Marshall, TX ESPN 150 watch list

LB/DE Caleb Lavey 6-3/220/4.6 Celina, TX other early offers include TAMU, Ark & Tech 2008 200 tackles, 5 sacks, 3FF, 2FR, over 400 tackles in 3 years at Celina, 2008 3A Defensive Player of the Year, All-Area (DFW) Defensive Player of the Year.  Visited TCU in the fall and has received a lot of interest from the coaches.

Website: http://caleblavey.mnlavey.com/index.htm

LB Steven Maeweather 6-3/203 Houston, TX (Sharpstown)

LB Marcus Mallett 6-1/200/4.8 Cleveland, TX

CB/WR Dominique Sanders 6-1/190/4.4 Fort Worth, TX (Dunbar) also WR.  Offers include Texas, Oklahoma, Tech but has TCU as a top choice

S/LB/FB Rashod Favors 6-1/230/4.5 Ft Worth, TX (Dunbar) Key player on a talented Dunbar team.

Ath Aaron Johnson  Longview, TX completed 92-243 passes for 1,628-yards, 15-TD’s, and rushed for 927-yards on 133-carries, and 13-TD’s

Ath Malcome Kennedy 6-0/195/4.6 Cayuga, TX EastTex Iron Man, 2nd team all state WR, playmaker on the defense.

Ath Kendrick Perkins 6-3/220/4.6 LaPorte, TX RB that led LaPorte deep into the playoffs last season until the met Katy in the regional championship.  had over 800 yards in the playoffs alone.  FB/LB recruit.

Others of interest:

QB James Franklin 6-3/220/4.6 Lake Dallas, TX Top dual-threat in DFW area and through 8 games in 2008 has rushed for 880 yards on 148 carries and scored 15 TDS and thrown for 2,053 yards, completing 141 of 209 attempts for 19 TDs.  Son of former OU and Baltimore Colt WR Willie Franklin.

QB/Ath Darian Godfrey, 6-1/205, Gilmer, TX, completed 181-316 passes for 2,929-yards, 34-TD’s, 9-Int’s, and ran for 919-yards on 159-carries, 21-TD’s, District MVP, All-State

WR/CB Terry Franks 5-9/172/4.48 Orange, TX (West Orange-Stark)

WR Eddie Johnson 6-3/195/4.6 Midlothian, TX 45 rec and over 600 yards in 2008.  Impressive ball skills and ability to get deep.  A priority target but OU may win out.

WR Joe Powell 6-1/1758/4.5 Dallas, TX (Skyline)

WR Darrius “Poppa” Rodgers 6-0/175/4.6 Edgewood, TX All-State as a soph. 1st 5 games so far in 2008: 83-catches for 1,219-yards, 17-TD’s, All-State

WR Quinn Trimble 6-4/175/4.5 Lufkin, TX 2008: 55-catches, 1,146-yards, 12-TD’s, averaged 20.8 ypc

WR Deandrew White 6-1/170/4.4 Galena Park, TX (Northshore) has a 10.5 in the 100m & 21.4 in the 200m and also long jumper & triple-jumper.  Very exciting prospect.

OT Chris Adcock 6-3/255/4.9 Dallas, TX (Christian)

OT Robert Bradford 6-6/310/5.2 Missouri City, TX (Fort Bend Marshall)

OT Aleon Calhoun 6-7/315 Navasota, TX

OT Luke Joeckel 6-6/280 Arlington, TX brother of QB prospect Matt, sister plays volleyball at TCU and dad played OL at Tech.

OT/C Tramon Shead 6-5/240 Cayuga, TX 85%-blocking grade, 25-pancakes, and part of an OL that lead Wildcats to nearly 5-thousand yards rushing

OT Evan Washington 6-5, 295 DeSoto, TX 84-pancakes, 0-sacks and 2-QB pressures allowed all season, 95%-blocking grade, All-State

OT/C Austin Weatherford 6-4/275 Maypearl, TX All-District performer as a sophmore.

DT Michael O’Guin 6-1/320/5.0 Van Vleck, TX Texas Top 100 for 2010

DT Melvin Shead 6-0, 275 Cayuga, TX 83-tackles, 4-TFL, 5-sacks, and 2-FR

DT Dameon Williams 6-4/300/4.9 Irving, TX (Nimitz)

DE Cooper Brock 6-3/215/4.8 Copperas Cove If the last name sounds familiar its because it is.

DE/TE Nehemiah Hicks 6-5/215/4.7 Hutto, TX Also plays TE and scored a TD on 7 of his last 12 receptions in 2008.

DE Clarence Lee 6-4/210/4.55 Jefferson, TX

LB David Durham 6-3/225 Austin, TX (Westlake) very athletic, all-state wrestler

LB Earl Hines 6-2/205/4.7 Port Arthur, TX (Memorial) Highly recruited and offers already from KSU & Tech. 

LB Kurt Killens  6-3/205/4.61 Round Rock, TX (McNeil) Parents web page has all the info: http://www.teamkurtkillens.com/home.htm

LB Shaun Lewis 6-1/200/4.5 Missouri City, TX (Hightower) Texas Top 50 recruit 2008 135 tackles, 20 TFL & 9 sacks.

CB Devin Figures 5-11/185/4.4 Jefferson, TX good speed, 2 picks as a soph in 2007.

WS Barry Browning 6-1/170/4.55 Everman, TX Father played at TCU and offer already from Stanford.

ATH Jeremy Johnson 6-0/170 Tyler, TX (John Tyler) 2008 completed 115-189 passes for 1,230-yards, 10-TD’s, and ran for 953-yards on 146-carries and 8-TD’s

Class of 2009-High on WOW factor, versatility

Posted on February 4, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized | 1 Comment

A lot has already has been said about this group of recruits at TCU and no question that the excitement over this class is probably greater than any group since the days of Jim Wacker.  Coach Gary Patterson will call them “paper tigers” and definitely we will not know how good this class is for several years, but the expectations will be there.

One of the reasons that the coaches have been able to recruit so may athletes in this class is that outside of a few areas, there were no pressing needs at any one position to be filled with this class.  In addition, while this group may have more players with the ability to get playing time right away, there will not be a huge rush to get any of them on the playing field too soon.  Yet, with 3 players, Casey Pachall, Tanner Brock and Josh Boyce, going through Spring ball and tremendous talent among the rest of the class, the coaches may have a harder time keeping them off the field. 

Some position summaries and their WOW factor based upon some personal experiences that may or may not have occurred in a certain person’s lifetime:

Casey Pachall may possibly be the best QB prospect to hit the campus since Sam Baugh.  His ability to make just about any throw and make it with accuracy and velocity impressed coaches from Florida to South Bend.  Add to that his ability to scramble and either throw on the run or tuck it and head up field effectively will have many frog fans anxiously waiting to see him on the playing field. 

WOW factor: The Southwest YMCA and the pool had been cleared, except for Linda & a shy young lifeguard who were busy cleaning up the area.  It was one of those hot August nights and one last dip seemed to be in order…lets just say the TV show Baywatch is losely based on that night and guess who the Hoff modeled his character after?

As impressive as Pachall is, the running backs in this group are potentially even better.  Dwight Smith & Matthew Tucker both named Texas State Players of the Year and Waymon James is a human highlight reel.  Possibly the best group of running back recruits in the nation.  In addition, Kenny Cain, Michael Venson & Jurrell Thompson come to TCU with impressive resumes running the ball in their own right.

WOW factor: Beatles just released a new album that summer and several pre-teens rushed to the Record Store at Westcliff Village on their Schwin Sting Rays (from Bolen’s no less), even bought a new needle for the phonograph.  Took the album back and listened with Karen’s older brothers in their black lit room and by the time that final piano chord finished on A Day in the Life these young kids each looked at each other and just said it. 

At wide receiver is Josh Boyce and potentially Michael Venson.  Boyce is an impressive athlete and had a tremendous year at Copperas Cove on both sides of the ball as well as on special teams.  Venson is just a great athlete and expected to play on the defense, but will certainly attract the attention of the wide reecivers coach Burns.

WOW factor: He was bet $5 he couldn’t do it, so he got on same said String Ray and headed down Ranch Veiw, before reaching Autumn Drive released the handle bars and rode to Overton Park before grabbing the brakes.

The group of offensive lineman may not get the attention as do the players at the skill positions, but Eric Tausch, John Woolridge & especially Ty Horn may push for playing time early.   Horn just finished an impressive season at Midway which earned him accolades from coaches & writers across the state.

WOW factor: Young freshman at Paschal in the TCU parking lot on a Saturday night, Mary was a sophomore and had a blue 1969 Cougar, she let him drive.

The Trio from Maud high school comes to TCU already with a lot of attention.  Ray Burns, Bryant House & James Dunbar are very big men from a small school playing at a level not generally seen in the lower divisions in an entire region, much less at one school.

WOW Factor: Fresh out of college and working at the Meadows Building in Dallas, the young man was watching a filming of a TV show in the courtyard when he turned and found himself standing next to Priscilla Presley.  She says “you must be new” and he replies “No, I been working here about 3 months now”.

In addition to the Maud Squad, the coaches also signed two more impressive defensive linemen in D.J. Rhino Yendrey and Stansly Maponga.  These two bring a lot of energy and agressiveness to each play.

WOW Factor: Another hot summer night they decide to head to the New Bluebird Lounge on Horn.  Stopped by several of the area folks playing games of chance, the cards are wickedly dog-eared and the answers are obvious but they play along until they decide to go in and listen to the Juke Jumpers with Johnny Reno.  A young guitarist from Dallas follows them named Stevie Ray Vaughan who plays a few sets with “Bluebird” himself.

The next trio are a group of tackling machines.  Tanner Brock finished 3 straight seasons as an all-state linebacker and almost 700 career tackles.  Justin Isadore comes to TCU with the reputation of not just making a lot of tackles, but making them with force and Trenton Thomas made the move from safety to linebacker at Brehnam, earning him 1st Team All-State honors.  In addition both Tucker & Cain will get looks at linebacker and overall these players should have no problem continuing the high level of linebacker play that has become a trademark of the TCU defense.

WOW factor: Bob Dylan at Tarrant County Convention Center.  Afterwards they decide to stop in at The Hop for a few beers and their famous Spaghetti before heading home.  Guess who walks in also for dinner?

Finally, and definitely not least is Malcolm Williams, a highly recruited safety out of Grand Prairie.  Originally signing with Oklahoma out of high school, Malcolm completed two seasons at Trinity Valley and finished first team all-conference playing at both cornerback and safety positions.

WOW Factor: Rolling Stones at Cotton Bowl with ZZ Top & Eagles.

As you work through the lists of signees, note the accolades each has received and wtch their videos probably the one overriding impression is that these are great athletes and almost all could play one of several positions at the highest level of college ball.  The WOW factor is definitely what get most of the attention, but the versatility of this group may be even more impressive.

Casey Pachall-projected position: QB Other options: QB

Waymon James-Projected position: RB, Other options: RB

Dwight Smith-Projected position: RB, Other options: RB

Matthew Tucker-Projected position: RB, Other options: LB, DE

Jurrell Thompson-Projected position: S, Other options: RB, CB

Ty Horn-Projected position: OL, Other options: OL

Eric Tausch-Projected position: OL, Other options: OL

John Woolridge-Projected position: OL, Other options: OL

Ray Burns-Projected position: DT, Other options: OL

James Dunbar-Projected position: DE, Other options: RB, DT, TE

Bryant House-Projected position: DE, Other options: DT, OL

Stansly Maponga-Projected position: DE, Other options: DT

D. J. Yendrey-Projected position: DE, Other options: DT, OL, TE

Tanner Brock-Projected position: LB, Other options: DE

Justin Isadore-Projected position: LB, Other options: SS

Kenny Cain-Projected position: LB, Other options: RB, S

Trenton Thomas-Projected position: S, Other options: LB

Josh Boyce-Projected position: WR, Other options: CB, S, KR, PR

Michael Venson-Projected position: CB,KR,PR Other options: RB, S

Malcom Williams-Projected position: S,KR,PR Other options: CB

The class of 2009

QB

Casey Pachall 6-4/185/4.7 Brownwood, TX 2008 APSE 1st Team All-State, Texas Top 50, #21 recruit in the State by LSR, 2008, 2,808 passing yards, 31 TDs, 11 INTs; 512 rushing yards, 7 TDs, in 2007 110 carries 424 yards 3 TDs 85/182 46.7% 1,339 yards 9 TDs 9 INTs. Also offered by Florida, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Baylor, Houston & Arizona and turned down trip to UT junior days to come to TCU.

http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/maxprepstv.mxp/videoid-2f3f2929-665b-4c17-b2fa-a5e8e1d1e118

Texas Football on the commit of Pachall: Brownwood QB Casey Pachall, a player most outlets have ranked in the state’s top 100 players and amongst the top five or six quarterbacks, has given out his verbal commitment to the Horned Frogs, making him one of the best and most highly touted recruits that TCU has landed in quite some time. To put things in perspective, Pachall also had an offer from Notre Dame and links to both Oklahoma, Arizona and other BCS programs.So how big could this be for TCU? Well, Pachall has the type of frame (6-4) that can develop into an NFL body if he can add 20-25 pounds of weight and an absolutely huge arm — there is no throw that he is physically incapable of making, and his windup/release is surprisingly quick for the amount of power he puts into it. He can also run, and has excellent speed and agility for a kid his size. In short, Pachall has all the tools and is going to be as good as he wants to be. To put it mildly, this is a huge addition for the Frogs.If Pachall stays true to his commitment, he’s in great shape to have a productive collegiate career. Assuming current Horned Frog quarterback Andy Dalton stars for three more years as many expect, then Pachall could start as just a sophomore if he redshirts his true freshman year. It’s a perfect situation — a redshirt year to grow, one year as a backup, then he takes the field for the next three. Very promising.

Scout Inc. evaluation (video):

 http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=55064&season=2009

Pachall has some gunslinger and playmaker in him, both as both a passer and a runner. He is very tough, competitive and ultraconfident within his team’s scheme. Takes great command of the offense, but could fit into just about any scheme. Possesses good size and shows very good athleticism when he needs to call on it. Has excellent quickness and the ability to tuck the ball and scramble. Can make big plays when the game is on the line, and he’s always trying to make a play or keep one alive. Excels at creating on the move and breaking down defenses. Can buy a second chance with his feet and throw on the run. Shows elusiveness, a quick set and a good overall feel in the pocket. Can display quality footwork, and generally is very accurate to all areas when he does. Has a live arm and likes to drive the ball into tight spots down the seam. Shows a consistent release and impressive velocity. Can get rid of the ball quickly and beat the rush with his arm. Can be a bit wild in his mechanics and needs to play under control more consistently. Takes a few too many risks with the ball. Needs to balance his confidence and competitiveness with better poise. Must regularly play within himself and the offense. With his best football clearly ahead of him, Pachall should see his stock continue to rise.

RB

Waymon James 5-9/203/4.45 Sherman, TX 2008 APSE All-State 2nd team, TSWA 2nd Team All State, 1st team All-District, 2007 All-State HM, 11.2 yards per carry for 1,500 yards and 15 TDs in 2007. Offers include Nebr, TexT, GaTe, Tuls & Uta. 

http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/maxprepstv.mxp/videoid-7af68ce3-48a5-4d7d-9c60-7699820736ca/lastsearch-Waymon%20James

TexasFootbal on the commit: TCU is continuing to add to its stellar ‘09 class, and have now added Sherman RB Waymon James to a group that already sports offensive standouts like OL Ty Horn, QB Casey Pachall, ATH Jurell Thompson and WR A.J. Dugat. Here’s the story on James — unless he has a truly outstanding ‘08 campaign, he’ll never eclipse the hype of nationally-known players like Chris Whaley or Dexter Pratt, but for anyone who’s seen him play, this kid is 100% the real deal.He’s posted back-to-back 1,000+ yard season. He’s run for 14 or more touchdowns in both. He measures out at just 5-9 but checks in at 205. He combines 4.41 speed with a 305 pound bench press. And some of his runs that are popping up on Youtube are pretty good, too. He’s a unique blend of speed, agility and power — current TCU fans should think incumbent RB Joe Turner thoughts, but with more lateral mobility and breakaway speed.DCTF spoke with Sherman coach Drew Young earlier in the year, and he spoke in glowing terms of the things James brings to the field. Now we’ll see if he can do it wearing purple.

From Scout Inc:

James is smaller, yet very productive running back prospect with the skills to develop into an effective change-of-pace back in an open spread system at the next level. Shorter frame but is well-built, compact and utilizes his low center of gravity well picking and stabbing through the hole and quickly hitting the small run seams just as they open. Reaches top-speed by his 2nd or 3rd step and displays above average acceleration. Runs with good vision, body control and balance. Displays good hips and lateral quickness sidestepping trash and bouncing outside with his good perimeter speed. Good initial momentum when he hits it downhill coupled with his compact frame allows him to occasionally bounce of tackles. Can be slippery to wrap up; keeps his feet driving and doesn’t give defenders a clean shot. However, top-end speed in the second level is good not great for a smaller back, and we didn’t see a great second gear on film needed to separate from faster D-I defensive backs. Burst and explosiveness out of his cuts is just adequate and he often struggles breaking through initial contact; not the type of back that can carry the load at the major college level. Overall, James does show soft hands out of the backfield and has the skill set to develop into productive scat or complement back at the next level

Notes

Committed during junior year. 2006-’07: Rushed for over 1,000 yards and at least 14 touchdowns during his sophomore and junior seasons…

9-5-2008 http://kten.texomafanjam.com/kickapps/_Sherman-Football-from-9508/video/318403/23413.html

Sherman v Lake Dallas 8-29-08 http://kten.texomafanjam.com/kickapps/_Sherman-Football-from-82908/VIDEO/312277/23413.html

(skip to 6:10 for great run) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY5_sVu5YDw

(skip to 1:10 and 2:00) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GNLTdc3bt4&feature=related

Dwight Smith 5-11/222/4.3 Carthage, TX Smith rushed for 2,820-yards and 41-TD’s on 239-carries, caught 2-TD passes, and broke single season school records for rushing yards and TD’s, he was the District Co-MVP, All-State, TSWA All-State Offensive Player of the Year, and All-Smoaky.com Player of the Year along with 1st-Team All-Smoaky.com.

http://www.hsgametime.com/dfw/videopage.html?nvid=315175&shu=1

Matthew Tucker 6-1/210/4.55 Tyler, TX (Chapel Hill) #22 RB in nation per Scout, 2008 APSE Offensive Player of the year, AP 1st Team All-State, TSWA 1st Team All State, 2007 3A All State, 2008 had 2,306 yards on 276 carries, 27 TDs and #49 recruit in Texas per Aggie Yell. Probably the best RB in 2009 that you never heard of (Well you have heard of him by now, but at the time it was written..).  Camped at TCU and was to visit Arkie, but something got in the way.

Evaluation

Tucker is an impressive runner and overall athlete at his size; expect recruiting to heat up with another productive season. He is tall, well-built and should develop into a 6-foot-2, 225-pound slasher at the next level once he attacks a college weight-training program. Could be sliding under the radar because he is more of a one-gear back but he attacks the hole and squares up quickly out of his cuts for added power. Shows good vision and a feel for the cutback. Is deceptively shifty and a sharp, decisive cutter through traffic. Runs with good in-line strength and power. Determined back whose feet keep driving on contact and he flashes good lower-body strength pushing the pile. Good leg drive and is the type of back who will keep pounding the football and wear down a defense with his blend of size and speed. However, he won’t be able to retain current YAC at the next level unless he improves body-tilt and continues to fill out his leaner, athletically-built frame. Lacks the second gear possessed by the great backs in this class and top-end speed is just adequate; has a bit of a gallop to his stride when trying to separate in the second level. With that said, Tucker is a very talented runner and could be a high-carry guy at the next level once he polishes up and continues to physically develop to complement his aggressive downhill running style. Could get a look at OLB with his measureables. great special teams performer.

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=55913&season=2009&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d55913%26season%3d2009

 RB/DB

Jurell Thompson 6-0/195/4.5 Witchita Falls, TX (Rider) All State, DMN State Top 50 for 2009 and Rivals 4 star athlete, 55 tackles as a safety and 907 rushing and 18 all-purpose TDs in 2007.  Offers include Arkie, AriSt, Ol Mi, Uta, GaTe and SMU. 

TexasFootball.com on the Thompson commit to TCU: They may not have started with the flair that the Longhorns did, and they may not finish with the same authority that A&M likely will, but TCU’s recruiting so far has been brilliant.The Horned Frogs have added Wichita Falls Rider ATH Jurell Thompson, who has been as instrumental to Rider’s recent successes as names like Shavodrick Beaver and Eric Ward. In 2007 alone, the gifted Thompson compiled almost 1,000 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns and two punt returns for touchdowns. Oh yeah, and he’ll also play defensive back in 2008.Thompson is actually quite similar to Dayton’s AJ Dugat, another TCU 2009 commit who has built a reputation as a rusher and pass-catcher. At this point, it looks like head coach Gary Patterson is making it a priority to compile large groups of athletic utility types to use around offensive centerpiece Andy Dalton. Whether or not this commitment opens the door for Rider QB Beaver, who has also expressed interest in TCU, remains to be seen.

Scout Inc. evaluation (video):

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=55888&season=2009

Thompson is a versatile athlete and great two-way player at the high school level. In our assessment, he actually possesses the rare skills to play on either side of the ball in college depending on a team’s schemes and needs. Has good size. Lacks prototypical height on defense but is well-built and lean enough to still pack on 10 more pounds of additional bulk and retain his current speed and athleticism. On offense, he is a strong, downhill runner but still very sudden and decisive through the hole. Does not waste much squaring up out of his cuts and finding the north-south cutback seam. Shows good body control, balance, vision and burst slicing through the small creases. Ability to generate great initial speed and momentum through the hole allows him to run with good power and earn productive YAC. Often bounces, spins and runs through tackles and finishes. Shows good foot-quickness bouncing it outside and loses little in transition cutting lateral. However, his pad level can be inconsistent and could hinder his YAC at the next level. Can get chopped down and tripped up low, durability is a concern as well with his tendency to run upright. Good speed but quicker than fast. Can get chased down with proper angles when he reaches the second level and is far from a burner. Shows workhorse qualities and could be the type of back to carry the load and wear down a defense with power and still make defenders miss with his hips. Good hands and receiver skills add to his upside. Defensively, this kid shows great range on both run and pass support and a striking short-area burst closing on the ball. Displays good explosiveness from his hips popping and driving through defenders. Pedal and coverage technique will need some refinement but the physical tools are there to mold into a good strong safety. Overall, Thompson is an impressive athlete and a fierce competitor. Could be a sleeper in this class.

OL

Ty Horn OT 6-5/265 Waco, TX (Midway) 2008 TSWA 2nd Team All State, AP 2nd Team All State, First team all district player drawing heavy interest from TAMU & UH also.  named as the top CenTex recruit for 2009 by the Waco Tribune. 

Scout Inc. evaluation:
Horn is a solid offensive lineman both in the run and pass game. He is a tall and impressive narrow hipped lineman that looks, and is fairly athletic. Really excels as a pass blocker. Sets back with a good solid base and power angles. Does a good job of stopping the pass rusher with a jolting first punch forcing the defender to restart. Keeps his heels down and uses his long arms to keep separation from the rusher while maintaining proper relationship between the defender and the quarterback. As a run blocker is not as fundamentally sound but is still very effective. Plays a little high but has so much strength in his core that he can get movement at the point of attack anyway. Needs to be more violent with his hands in order to jar the defender but still does a good job of controlling the opponent. Athletic and light on his feet for such a tall player. Very good technically on the reach and zone blocks; takes good lateral first steps while locking into the defender. Gives exceptional effort and really works to finish the block. Horn is what offensive line coaches look for in a lineman; a tall and athletic player that is tough and aggressive.

John Wooldridge 6-5/285 Bellaire, TX (Episcopal)

Scout Inc. Evaluation

Wooldridge is a very good offensive lineman that could play either guard or tackle at the next level. He has excellent size and good mobility for such a large player. Very solid base blocker that comes out of his stance fairly low and flat for a tall lineman. Loses a little leverage after initial contact due to lack of knee bend. Very powerful in the upper body and shows the ability to really unload on the defender with his hands and pads; just needs some more consistency. Keeps legs moving after initial contact and sustains his run blocks nearly every time. Carries his weight well in a short area and often manhandles opposing linemen. A very solid pass defender that uses his long arms and powerful punch to stop pass rusher in his tracks. Wooldridge can develop into an outstanding college lineman with some agility and flexibility work. 

Notes

Committed during junior year…

Eric Tausch OG 6-3/280/5.1 Dallas, TX (Jesuit) 1st Team All-District

Scout Inc. evaluation:

Tausch is an athletic offensive tackle that plays much bigger than his dimensions indicate. Looks the part physically and has the lower body to be very solid in all phases of the game. Quick out of his stance and fires into the defender. Pad level is decent but could be a little lower and flatter backed. Violent with his hands and brings a powerful initial punch. Drives his legs on contact and gets good movement at the point of attack. Blocks down aggressively but gets too angular at times; sometimes loses defensive linman or linebacker over the top as a result. Needs to stay square when blocking down. Technically sound when zone and reach blocking; executes proper footwork and gains outside control of the defender. Pass protection is very impressive; sits back and anchors down showing patience in letting the defender come to him. Uses his hands well to stop the pass rushers initial charge. Quik feet allows him to mirror the defender buying his quarterback time to deliver the football. Tausch is a very good lineman that is technically very sound and has a motor that never quits.

DL

Ray Burns DT 6-1/290/5.3 Maud, TX 2008 OL 108-knockdowns, 38-pancakes, District MVP, TSWA !st team OL, 2nd Team DL, AP 1st Team All-State OL and 2nd team DL 63-tackles, 7-sacks, 26-QB pressures, 7-CF, 1-PBU, 1-FR.  In 2007 1st Team All-Smoaky EastTexas (all divisions) 87 knockdowns, 23 pancakes, 22-TFL, 14-Hurries, 7-CF, 1-FR, All-State DL, District MVP, offers include Arkie, TAMU & Tuls  http://texasfootball.com/mediamgr/player.php?sid=4766&s=1204738206-978434477 

Scout inc evaluation:
Burns is a defensive tackle prospect with adequate size. He will display solid quickness off the ball and can get to the shoulder of a blocker and get into a gap to be disruptive at times. Will flash the ability to fire off the ball low, shoot his hands, and knock a blocker back to control at the point of attack. You would like to see that more though. He needs to watch his pad level as he tends to get high coming out of his stance. He also needs to work to be more consistent at shooting his hands and creating separation. He is an active kid that will fight when blocked to get free, but he will let a blocker get into him and he can be pushed off the ball. He is a solid tackler. Displays good balance, but needs to protect his legs by staying low and using his hands. He has a good motor and flashes the ability to be a disruptive at times between the tackles. As a pass rusher will get to half-a-man and throw a rip to power his way up-field. Will flash the ability to jump into a gap and get skinny to slip past a blocker. Burns needs to keep working to clean some things up, but flashes the ability to be a productive defensive tackle.

James Dunbar DE 6-6/290/4.79 Maud, TX in 2008 as FB 85-carries, 617-yards, 11-TD’s, 7-2XP’s, District MVP, TSWA 2nd Team All State DL, on DL 40-tackles, 12-TFL, 1-sack, 1-PBU, 9-QB pressures .  2007 1st Team All-District DL, also played FB, UT junior day invitee, offers include Bay, Hou, TAMU and Tuls. 

Travis Stewart DCTF on Dunbar:
I had heard quite a bit of talk about Dunbar over the past few days/weeks, and about how great his skill set was when you consider how few 1A players go on to the DI level. Well, after watching his tape, I can say I agree. He’s big, and he still looks like he could use a little more work to chisel that frame down, but he’s got uncanny athleticism and body control for someone of his size and, like former TCU DE Tommy Blake, he even totes the ball once in a while. He didn’t blow my socks off, but he’s certainly a great player and unquestionably lives up to his reputation. http://texasfootball.com/mediamgr/player.php?sid=4764&s=1204738206-978434477

Scout Inc evaluation:        

Dunbar is a good-sized kid and he displays solid athleticism for a kid with his size. He is a bit of a jack-of-all trades for his high school team playing several different positions, but with his size and size potential he will need to be a defensive tackle at the college level or possibly an end in a 3-4 look. He has an adequate get-off. He does not have a stance that lends itself to firing off the ball. He more steps and reads. It helps him to stay low at times and take on a block. He needs to be more consistent in his pad level and needs to use his hands more to take on and separate from blocks. Despite his size he can be pushed off the ball when he gets tall out of his stance. He displays the ability to move his feet well in a short-area and navigate around blocks. Pursues to the ball. He is an adequate tackler and needs to work on his angles of pursuit and wrap-up more. As a pass rusher he could cause some problems as an interior player. Flashes the ability to get to the shoulder of a blocker and work past. Needs to use his weapons more and keep developing some pass rush moves. Dunbar shows some flashes and is a prospect with some upside. Looks to be the biggest kid on the field in high school and will need to adjust to more comparable competition, but could develop into a productive college defensive lineman.

Bryant House DE 6-4/265/4.9 Maud, TX 2008 OL 78-knockdowns, 30-pancakes, District MVP, TSWA 1st team All State OL, AP All-State OL and on DL 62-tackles, 14-QB pressures, 8-PBU, 2-CF, 3-FR, All-State . In 2007: All-Smoaky East Texas (all-divisions), 111 Knockdowns, 27 pancakes, offers include Arkie & Tuls

http://texasfootball.com/mediamgr/player.php?sid=4765&s=1204738206-978434477

Scout Inc evaluation:
House makes up one-half of a pretty formidable duo for the Maud high school defensive line along with James Dunbar. Like Dunbar, House is a good sized kid, though not as big as his teammate. His does at times look to be a bit more explosive. He will also tend to get tall out of his stance and try and find the ball before going, but will also fire out at times and can be disruptive. House would fit well in a mosh pit as he is a physical kid that likes to slam into opponents. He needs to use his hands more. He can be tough to push off the ball, but will not bring his hands and can struggle to shed. When he does use his weapons he flashes the ability to be violent with them. He has a good motor. Can be a bit sloppy as a tackler. Displays adequate short-area change-of-direction skills. When he gets to the shoulder of a blocker in pass rush situations he can power his way up-field. Needs to use his hands more to help work moves. Like his teammate, House is a kid who flashes some good upside. He is a big and physical kid that could develop into a productive college player. With his frame he may likely also end up inside at defensive tackle.

Stansly Maponga 6-3/245/4.8 Lewisville, TX (Hebron) District 6-5A Defensive POY, HM AP All-State, 5.5 sacks and 71 tackles this season. He was listed as the No. 85 recruit in the state on the rivals.com preseason Top 100 list

http://community.prepticket.com/video/video/show?id=823292%3AVideo%3A82304

http://www.maxpreps.com/fanpages/maxprepstv.mxp/videoid-E5B2BFD6-A052-4C7E-9A1A-07EE8250FBB2

Scout Inc evaluation

Maponga is a busy body in the trenches. He lacks ideal size and looks smaller than what he is listed. He will line up and play some defensive tackle and while a kid with decent thickness he is too small for the tackle position. He plays end also and while you wish he was a little a taller that may be the better fit. He has solid quickness off the ball. He is a physical kid that does a good job of using his hands. He can take on blocks and hold his ground. Does well against double teams. While he can be pushed off the ball some he will fight to split them and get in on the play. Does a solid job of being able to protect his legs and string plays out. He has a good motor and works to get to the ball. At times he can seem a little wild and lose track of the play. He displays solid straight line speed. He needs to work on his angles of pursuit. As a pass rusher he can be disruptive when he attacks. Has a bad habit of attacking the blocker down the middle of his chest, punching, and then retreating some and mirroring. He needs to work on his pass rushing moves and get away from the dancing and waiting. Maponga is an active player. There are some concerns with overall size, but he plays hard and can get around the football.

David (D.J./Rhino) Yendrey DE 6-3/240/4.65 Edna, TX  11sack, 97 tackles, All-District, 32″ vert

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQiHHmSHiqc

LB

Tanner Brock 6-3/235/4.6 Coperas Cove 1st team all-state 4A as Soph & JR, Logan’s brother and both hard-working athletes. Stats: Sophomore: 229 tackles, 172 solos, and 23 tackles for loss, Junior: 227 tackles, 137 solos, 27 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.  Offers include OU, Ark, Miz, Kans, Tul and many others.

http://www.maxpreps.com/fanpages/maxprepstv.mxp/videoid-4C110596-6E5A-4971-B527-E68460E24582

Scout, Inc evaluation (on their 150 Watch list):

Brock is an outside linebacker prospect with great upside and all the physical tools needed to mold into a good one at the next level. Not overly flashy but is sound and does all the little things right. Great frame when projecting for the next level. He is tall, lean but athletically-built and should explode with bulk once he attacks a fulltime college weight training program. Reads his keys well and gets a good jump to the football. Most productive when playing in space and utilizing his long-stride and rangy body to chase sideline-to-sideline. This kid can cover a lot of ground with proper pursuit angles; overall range on run and pass support is good. Can get knocked off of his pursuit due to his lack of strength but does show proper hand technique keeping blockers off his body with his long arms when scraping. Displays good short-area acceleration when closing on ball carriers in space and is a solid tackler. Shows a good burst filling his middle run gaps when employed inside. Mirrors ball carriers well between the tackles displaying adequate redirection skill for a taller linebacker. However, he does flash difficulty taking on uncovered linemen at the point of attack. Leverage and lack of good strength and explosiveness at the point of attack is a concern. Not great at stacking and shedding. On the outside, he struggles at times breaking down in space and mirroring ball carriers; a bit stiff pursuing laterally. Not a real fast-twitched athlete, tends to build speed. With that said, he shows athleticism in coverage and great potential as an outside blitzer/vertical attacker with his frame and good straight-line speed. Overall, Block is a good prospect if a program has a year or two to develop him. Projects best as a strong side ‘backer. Could eventually grow into a defensive end with continued physical development or play the OLB spot in a 3-4.

Justin Isadore 6-0/205/4.6 Beaumont, TX (Ozen) Offers Aub & Ken, 1st team all-district, 112 tackles 4 picks in 2007

Scout Inc. Evaluation (video)

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=59456&season=2009

Isadore lacks great size, but he’s an extremely explosive athlete and could develop into a disruptive perimeter player if he lands in a heavy pressure defense. He may lack great height but is rangy, athletically-built and has the room on his long frame for continued physical development. Fills hard with great speed and burst. A fast-twitched athlete who is very explosive in space. Generates great speed and power quickly in the short-area allowing him to play much bigger than his measurables. Redirects and mirrors well pursuing laterally and does a good job sifting between the tackles. Takes sharp pursuit angles and can hit the run seam inside-out with his first-step quickness and great burst. Anticipates the snap well and closes fast a blitzer. Relentless motor; plays fast and physical on every snap. Good pop as a tackler and his high impact hits can force turnovers. Opens, turns and runs fluidly in coverage. Has good instincts, ball skills and a knack for making the big play. However, size is a concern when projecting for the next level, and he lacks great speed. Can open up his whole body to the cutoff block and gets engulfed at the point of attack at times. Tends to get knocked off his pursuit lane and struggles keeping blockers off his body when scraping. Tackles high and flashes difficulty running through ball carriers due to his lack of size. Shorter strides hinders sideline-to-sideline range; speed and burst is more effective in short-area. Appears quicker than fast. Bottom line, size will come once Isadore attacks a fulltime weight-training program, and his explosive burst in space simply can’t be coached. Definite sleeper on the recruiting trail if he lands in a system that covers him up and lets him attack the football.

Travis Stewart DCTF on Isadore:

… he’s one of my top five favorite players in the state, regardless of classification. If he and Brock both hold true, it’s Jason Phillips and Hawthorne all over again in Fort Worth.

His blog comment:

Justin Isadore LB, Beaumont Ozen Surprise! We had actually poked and prodded Ozen on info for massive WR Willie Jefferson, a 6-6 pass-catcher with great hands and awesome leaping ability (see how I worked another name in here?) But he sent us a laundry list of names in addition to the giant Panther, one of which included Isadore, a 6-0, 205-lb. linebacker who had my attention about 10 seconds into his tape. He’s fast — very fast, especially if he somehow gets the ball in his hands — and he hits like a meteorite from space. I’d love for him to make his reads a split-second faster, but his pursuit skills can make up for that for the time being, and with his 2007 stats in mind (4 INTs, 4 FFs, 4 FRs and 2 def. TDs), Isadore could soon be on everyone’s — and I mean everyone’s — radar.

DB

SS Kenny Cain 6-1/200/4.6 River Ridge, LA (J.T. Curtis)  Played RB (replacing Joe McKnight) and LBer at Curtis.

http://media.putfile.com/John-Curtis-Junior-RBLB-Kenny-Cain-20

Evaluation

Cain is a strong in-line running back prospect who may also get a look on defense. Great frame with his tall, well-built body. Should continue to physically develop to the 220-pound range while retaining his good straight-line speed. Shows great urgency out of his stance as a running back and attacks the line of scrimmage flashing good quickness through the hole. Very difficult to arm-tackle at the high school level and consistently breaks through initial contact with his combination of good lower-body strength, leg drive and pure determination. Feet never stop on contact and he seems to always be falling forward. Needs to watch overall body-tilt but will lower the shoulders through traffic and lay the boom on smaller defensive backs. A strong between the tackles runner but he displays occasional shiftiness and deceptive jump-cut skill side-stepping the trash and avoiding initial penetration. Shows he can bounce it laterally and stretch it outside when needed. While we like his hardnosed in-line running style, he frequently misses the cutback, struggles sliding through the small creases and needs to run with a bit more patience. Vision through traffic and “pick and slide” zone running skills are a concern when projecting for the next level. Top-end speed is good for his size not great. May have better range on defense where he is active and a good sideline-to-sideline chaser. Will need added size to hold his base at the point of attack, refined technique in coverage and overall fundamental polish. Overall, we like Cain’s physical tools and his aggressive mentality as a both a runner and linebacker prospect. A kid who should also shine on special teams and be a stud in the return game. Good upside with his great frame for continued physical development. 

Notes

2007: Carried 132 times for 1,122 yards (8.5 average) and 15 touchdowns…

Trenton Thomas  S 6-0/194/4.49 Brenham, TX  AP 2nd  Team All State, TSWA 1st Team All state, In 2008 147 tackles, including 14 tackles for losses. He had 16 quarterback pressures, two sacks, 2007 HM all-district basketball player.  Offers include Houston.

TexasFootball on Thomas:

TCU has also been hot lately, and just got a verbal from Brenham LB Trenton Thomas (a verbal sent to me by readers — thanks!). TCU coach Gary Patterson should be excited about the defensive possibilities the 5-11 senior presents — at 5-11, he runs a 4.49, which suggests a safety, but he will play linebacker this year for the Cubs and could end up being a like current Frog superstar Stephen Hodge, who’s played a little of both in his TCU career. Thomas is the Frogs’ 11th verbal, which is second in the state only to the Longhorns.

Michael Venson 5-10/180/4.42 Katy, TX (Morton Ranch)  Played RB, WR and DB, rushed for 962 yards and 13 TDs on 145 carries, caught 19 passes for 329 yards & 4 TDs, 1st team all-district RB and all-purpose player.

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=43624140ddade75f55b7

Ath

Josh Boyce 5-11/190/4.5 Copperas Cove, TX RB/WR/DB Averaged 26.54 yards per punt return with 2 TDs and 12.47 yards per reception with 7 tds during the regular season last year.  1st All-District return specialist, 2nd team wide receiver.

Evaluation from Scout, Inc (video):

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=60659&season=2009

Boyce is a guy that is going to be getting a lot of attention this summer and fall as not many people have caught onto him in the spring. He is an electrifying athlete with outstanding explosiveness and is a game-changer in the return game. He is a tightly wound player with a muscular build and adequate height. Spends most of his time at wide receiver and corner, but is built and moves like a running back which may be where he ends up. Possesses outstanding ball skills and versatility. Speed is excellent and he shows a second gear and ability to pull away from the pack. Takes little time to reach top speed and has the burst to turn the corner quickly. Possesses very good lateral mobility, can bounce runs inside after starting inside and can cut back. Shows good elusiveness in the open field and doesn’t take a lot of big hits. Does an adequate job of catching the ball, can make defenders miss and can produce after the catch. Boyce is not an elusive, fluid guy with flexible wiggle, but more of a jab, cut and accelerate guy with little wasted motion. Has a bit of stiffness to him, but he is so explosive and shows burst to get to top gear in the open field. He would be the ideal quasi-back in the spread because he can do what wide receivers do, but he has the appearance of a running back. If he were to line up at RB in this scheme, he would likely be getting a lot more attention as a runner with good instincts, speed, vision and homerun ability. Overall, Boyce is an exciting back/receiver and he could see the field right away as a return guy. He’s that good in this area.

JUCO

S Malcolm Williams 5-11/205/4.45 Athens, TX (Trinity Valley CC) Originally from Grand Prairie (South) and signed with OU in 2006, but didn’t pass the TAKS.  He spent a season as an assistant coach at Eastern OK and then went to  TVCC.  Speedster and long jumper and was rated as a Top 10 safety for 2006 and Texas Top 100, 1st team All-State and named 5A All-Purpose MVP (All Purpose MVP - DB/RB/WR/KR Malcolm Williams, South Grand Prairie ).  Recruited by Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri and Oklahoma State.  Very good pick up by Anderson.

Evaluation

Williams is one of the more smooth, fluid safeties in this class and he appears to have some cover skills that impress you. He also has excellent overall quickness and more than adequate speed for the position. He is really efficient in his man to man coverage abilities, has excellent hips, and can turn and run with most slot receivers. He has good overall pass instincts, has no wasted motion, and shows the ability to plant and drive and close on the ball. He also has good leaping ability, and is very competitive when going up for the ball and challenging receivers. He is adequate in run support and very willing to come up and tackle and get involved. He is a good open field tackler, and shows good range in run support. He also does a nice job of locating the ball, and for a young player, he seems to have good overall instincts. When you watch him you wish he was a little more physical vs. the run, he is adequate, but not punishing. Tackles well in space and is willing, but is not as effective when the play is coming right at him near the line of scrimmage. He is not an intimidating safety, although he is certainly adequate in his toughness and competitiveness. His versatility to possibly move to corner in a pinch or match-up with a slot makes him an intriguing prospect. Very athletically gifted with a good mentality and motor.                     

2007 in game 1 was Defensive player of the week as he has 11 tackles and returned a fumble for a TD to defeat Georgia Military.

2008 In week 3  Williams had seven tackles, an interception return for a touchdown and a sack against NEO.