There are some big match ups going on across the Southeast region when it comes to high school football. I will be sure to update all my readers on the big upsets and big individual performances.
I will also be looking for more collegiate players proving that they have successful made the jump to the next level. And to all of you that have sent in questions, comments, and suggestions I appreciate it and hope that you will continue. I am always interested in what my readers think and want to see more of.
The recruiting process is an interesting things to fully understand. You have your kids who get noticed late in the recruiting process, then there are the camp junkies who get noticed while performing in t-shirt and shorts, and then there are those few kids that everyone wants.
In the case of James Vaughters everyone wants him. This 2011 defensive end/linebacker has so much going for him its clear why he is so coveted. James is 6'2 220lbs and has a 4.0 GPA. Not only does he look the part, but he comes from a tradition rich football high school. Probably some of the more famous Tucker high school alumni are Brandon Lang and Thomas Brown.
When it comes to on the field James can do it all. The kid is quick and shows strength that translates beyond the weight room. When taking on bigger players he has great leverage and pop from the hips. And when tackling players he explodes through ball carriers a rarely misses. He reminds me a lot of a larger version of Rennie Curran. He has the speed to chase down ball carriers from the backside and moves his hips well in pass coverage.
I think when it is all said and down Vaughters will commit to the Georgia Bulldogs and play middle linebacker. At that position he will excel and eventually barring injury make the jump to the NFL.
Check out his highlights from Sophomore year and see all the potential.
The dreaded thought of a position change so often is a players worse fear. They immediately say what have I done wrong and why is coach punishing me. They forget that this is a team game and a lot of times a position change can benefit both the team and the player. Stephen Gilmore the current starting cornerback for South Carolina was asked to play quarterback his senior year out of necessity. So it is clear that positions change in college and playing something in high school doesn't guarantee that in college.
Yesterday I profile Avery Walls, and he has an outstandingly gifted teammate in Jordan Akins. A former wide receiver that was moved out necessity has thrived and actually gotten more attention when it comes to recruiting since the move. An unranked talent who makes plays left and right it is a surprise that it took a position change to put him on the map. The 6'3 185 lbs. athlete just understands how to make plays especially in the open field. As an option quarterback he has shown his physical nature as well as his speed and ability to get to the edge of a defense. Jordan also has a knack for making defenders miss.
When given the opportunity to play receiver he looks like a basketball player. Watching his video you see about 4 jump balls that look the same because of how skilled and how much ease at which Jordan goes up over smaller defenders to hi-point the ball.
After evaluating Jordan's talent it is only going to be minimal time before he gets all the attention he truly deserves. He definitely deserves to be playing with the big boys in the SEC or ACC. Check out his video and see what you think.
Just wanted to inform all my readers that I am currently working on some new ideas as well as making some updates to make the website more visually pleasing. If you have any suggestions or ideas please feel free to send them my way.
And don't forget to log on this afternoon to check out the profile of the day. And for direct contact I can be found at Arlance55@gmail.com
As a kid coming up within the high school ranks there comes a point where a player has to be honest with himself. Am I a division I player? Can I play with the big boys of the SEC, ACC, and Big XII? Nothing legitimizes this decision more than an offer from one of these top tier conferences. To get that first offer regardless of whom it is or when it comes it is always an exciting thing.
A player who was originally doubting what level he belonged at was Avery Walls. The 5'11 180 lbs. safety out of Union Grove high school in McDonugh, GA. no longer doubts where he belongs. After receiving an offer from the University of Oklahoma it is clear what level Avery will be playing on.
A reminder that this ultra athletic safety is part of the 2011 class, and after watching his film I see why. Avery has great range and does an excellent job of coming up in run support. And when he fills he does so with authority often causing fumbles. But the best part of his game is the way he plays in pass coverage in the middle of the field. Coaches are already raving about how smart and instinctive he is. Avery always seems to be around the ball. He does a great job of hi-pointing the ball and when in doubt he knocks it down. He also plays extremely hard and this is shown more on special teams where he hustles to make blocks down field. Avery is definitely the kind of player that is Division I talent and coaches will be banging down his door for the next year.
Check out his video and let me know what you think.....
Football is a sport that often relies on set criteria. When it comes to placing a kid in a certain position a lot is determined by that kids physical make up. Offensive and Defensive lineman are usually the biggest. Wide receivers and defensive backs are the fastest and running backs and linebackers are the toughest (had to say it since I am a former linebacker). The idea is that most offensive positions have an equal on the defensive side of the ball. Well often times a player can grow out of one one position and into the other.
That is the case with one of the most talented and physically gifted players in Georgia. Clarence Jackson has, in some circles, been considered the best running back in Georgia. Jackson does it all for his North Clayton high school team and is known as their work horse. It is clear once you see Jackson why he is considered a workhorse. A year ago Jackson was listed at 6'2 215lbs. Well after a year of working out and gaining experience Jackson has added to frame about ten pounds and an additional inch to his frame. Now the question is has Jackson grown out of his position.
Luckily he has the talent to make a seamless transition to the defensive side of the ball. The same skills he possess on the offensive side of the ball suit him defensively. He has the speed to play side line to side line, the strength to take on blockers, and the coverage skills to make plays in the open field. All this being said there will be a strong argument from offensive coaches that he become the workhorse that any offense would love to have. A running back that punishes the defense. Regardless Clarence Jackson is an excellent find and will make some coach whether its offense or defense really happy.
As the high school season presses on its clear that most players stock will only slightly move up or down. But when it comes to a few this seasons, on field results will warrant a few extra looks and more scholarship talk. Down in Marietta, Ga. it is clear that one player will eventually raise his stock significantly, because of his amazing play.
Hutson Mason, the quarterback of an undefeated Lassiter High School is putting on a superb performance of late. Well actually not just of late. Last year as a junior Mason passed for almost 4,000 yards. And 4 games into the season Mason is continuing his tear compiling a 73 % completion percentage, 1,235 yards passing, and 12 touchdowns.
Now some might think it is his measurables that have hurt him, but the 6'3 185lbs. quarterback is physically gifted and can make almost all the throws on a football field. He throws a beautiful deep ball and has good accuracy with throws to both hashes. Mason also shows great ability to move in the pocket and make scrambles in order to move the chains. He also commands the offense with a lot of confidence almost like an on the field coach. The only down side possibly is his Texas Tech like offense that is known to put up big numbers, but I cannot see this kid continue to fly under the recruiting radar. He will eventually get some offers from the big schools and in the end I see him playing in the ACC or possibly a spread type offense.
Check out his video and let me know what you think.
