Usually in the recruiting game you have two approaches....Either a player commits early and wants to get it out of the way for his senior season or a player waits to get all his visits in and make schools sweat it out. It has gotten to the point that some players hold big press conferences where media outlets televise the signings. A lot of the hoop la is determined by the individual player and how good he is.
In the case of Eduardo Clements schools may have to hold on to a scholarship and wait until the day of signing day for this prized recruit. This prized recruit out of Booker T. Washington high school in Miami, FL is no stranger to the public eye. A highly sought after recruit who has been in televised games because of his big name school has the skill set to warrant all the attention. Listed at 5'10 185lbs. Eduardo combines a nice blend of speed and elusiveness with the ability to stick it up in between the tackles when motivated.
The featured running back in a high powered spread offense has the ability to make quick decisive cuts and take it to the house out running most secondary players with his 4.4 speed. Eduardo shows great ability to not only catch the ball out of the backfield but line up as a receiver in mismatches against linebackers. What sets Eduardo apart from other running backs is his knack for breaking first contact with either shifty hips within the hole or his elusive spin move in the open field. With his home threat always a concern for defense I know that after getting into a college program and having big time blocking this kid will definitely be worth the long wait.
Check out his video and let me know what you think.....
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A New Number 1
In the world of hoops there really is no down time. Even during the off season the team rankings change after different camps from month to month. Well now isn't any different and it looks like the state of Tennessee has produced another top talent that will help Memphis reclaim the number one recruiting class of 2010.
Tarik Black looks to be the newest edition that will put Memphis in the top spot. The Memphis native is a superior athlete who shows so much promise and upside that is understand why he has gotten interest from most schools around the nation.
After watching the film Black's soft hands and ability to run the floor really stand out. He does a good job of getting open in transition and always finishing strong. When in the post Black makes strong quick moves and shows the ability to get off a lot of clean shots. He also has the ability to finish with a right hand hook shot on a consistent basis. The best thing about Black's game is the ability to defend and the hustle he has on the court. He has great quicks, feet, and ability to alter shots.
Tarik is listed as a center, but once in college I think he will be able to play center out of necessity but flourish as a power forward. Black's raw skills make his acquisition a big pick up for any team especially since I feel he is underrated despite his 4 star ranking. He will become a true force once he refines his offensive game.
Tarik Black looks to be the newest edition that will put Memphis in the top spot. The Memphis native is a superior athlete who shows so much promise and upside that is understand why he has gotten interest from most schools around the nation.
After watching the film Black's soft hands and ability to run the floor really stand out. He does a good job of getting open in transition and always finishing strong. When in the post Black makes strong quick moves and shows the ability to get off a lot of clean shots. He also has the ability to finish with a right hand hook shot on a consistent basis. The best thing about Black's game is the ability to defend and the hustle he has on the court. He has great quicks, feet, and ability to alter shots.
Tarik is listed as a center, but once in college I think he will be able to play center out of necessity but flourish as a power forward. Black's raw skills make his acquisition a big pick up for any team especially since I feel he is underrated despite his 4 star ranking. He will become a true force once he refines his offensive game.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thursday Night Lights
It isn't too often that high school games are played on Thursday nights, but when its a nationally televised game that tends to be understandable. This past Thursday night Miami Northwestern faced off against the number 7 ranked team in the country Miami Central. Miami Northwestern two years ago was the best team in the country led by starting Miami University quarterback Jacory Harris as well as a host of other current Cane players. Although they lost a lot of talent the current Miami Northwestern program is led by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and receiver Michaellee Harris. Those two along with running back Corvin Lamb were potent enough to create big plays and score when their team needed it.
Miami Central who came up short in the 22-14 lost was plagued by early penalties having more than a dozen penalties by half time accumulating over a hundred yards of penalties. But once again I came away impressed with the ability of Jeffery Godfrey (Miami Central QB) to not only make plays moving around in the pocket and throwing down field but the intensity and passion that he plays with. I know a lot of schools are wanting to move him to receiver or possibly defense, but in my mind if he gets in a spread offense he can really do some damage. He has an extremely strong arm and just knows how to make plays and is smart with the football.
I think Bridgewater really made a name for himself especially considering he had to compete with the hype of Godfrey. I think after this game he is looking like a more mobile Jacory Harris with the ability to improve as a passer and on the intangibles. But regardless it was a great match up of talented and speedy kids.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Can't Forget Hoops
I know some of my die hard hoop fans are wondering if I have completely forgotten about the hardwood, and for that this piece is for you. Now although I cater to the season (it being the heart of football season) I was reminded by preseason basketball that in a couple of months some of the best high school talent in America will be trying to Make the Jump to the Next Level.
Well after searching through a few highlights and game footage I came across an amazingly gifted point guard out of Memphis, Tenn. Joe Jackson will not wow you with his stature (5'11 170lbs.) but with the ball in his hands his talent is evident. In my opinion this shoot first point guard if 3 inches taller would be the number one shooting guard in the country and possibly the best offensive player in the country. He reminds me a lot of a player out of NY by the name of Jonny Flynn with his energy and ability to score in bunches and create for others.
There isn't anything on the offensive end that Joe cannot do. He is a speedy guard who has the ability to create of the dribble not only because of his speed, but more because of the attention he draws as a scorer. Joe has one of the best mid range games in the country and he knows how to position himself to make plays effortlessly. Joe also does a good job of getting quality shots despite his small stature. His game from beyond the arch could use some work, but is consistent enough to cause havoc on the defense. On the defensive end Joe utilizes his speed and quickness to play the passing lanes. He also excellent bounce that allows Joe to cheat and make blocks from the weak side.
It is clear that Jackson is one of the premier talents around. With college coaching and a bigger and better players around I think he will become a more well rounded point guard and a fear among all opposing players. If you don't think so check out his video.....
Well after searching through a few highlights and game footage I came across an amazingly gifted point guard out of Memphis, Tenn. Joe Jackson will not wow you with his stature (5'11 170lbs.) but with the ball in his hands his talent is evident. In my opinion this shoot first point guard if 3 inches taller would be the number one shooting guard in the country and possibly the best offensive player in the country. He reminds me a lot of a player out of NY by the name of Jonny Flynn with his energy and ability to score in bunches and create for others.
There isn't anything on the offensive end that Joe cannot do. He is a speedy guard who has the ability to create of the dribble not only because of his speed, but more because of the attention he draws as a scorer. Joe has one of the best mid range games in the country and he knows how to position himself to make plays effortlessly. Joe also does a good job of getting quality shots despite his small stature. His game from beyond the arch could use some work, but is consistent enough to cause havoc on the defense. On the defensive end Joe utilizes his speed and quickness to play the passing lanes. He also excellent bounce that allows Joe to cheat and make blocks from the weak side.
It is clear that Jackson is one of the premier talents around. With college coaching and a bigger and better players around I think he will become a more well rounded point guard and a fear among all opposing players. If you don't think so check out his video.....
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
A True Hog in Razorback Country
As I watch college and high school games through Friday and Saturday I make different observations that affect the things I write about here on my blog. After watching the University of Georgia battle LSU I noticed how the pressure that a QB feels throughout a game does somewhat dictate how that player plays. Now although LSU came out with the win, it was clear that UGA's front four created some problems for LSU's QB.
After combing through some recent film I found a kid down in Arkansas that could end up creating some havoc on opposing offensive lines in the near future. Through my experience I have found it extremely hard to project Defensive Tackles from high school. So often they may be big, but not as adapt at using their tools in order to make plays. Well Byran Jones (DT 6'3 310lbs.) knows how to use his tools. After watching Byran;s film its clear that even though his height might restrict him from playing offensive line the toughness and nastiness that he plays with just belongs on the D-line.
Jones uses his hands well when attacking the shoulder of the opponent. He is at his best when he lines up as a 1-technique over the center. Jones has excellent burst out of his stance and usually gets under the pads of offensive lineman displaying excellent leverage for a man his size. Areas for improvement are consistency and better use of hands for pass rushing purposes. But in my opinion Defensive line is one of the harder positions to play as a true freshman. But with a college weight program and good coaching I can see Jones Making the Jump to the Next Level.
After combing through some recent film I found a kid down in Arkansas that could end up creating some havoc on opposing offensive lines in the near future. Through my experience I have found it extremely hard to project Defensive Tackles from high school. So often they may be big, but not as adapt at using their tools in order to make plays. Well Byran Jones (DT 6'3 310lbs.) knows how to use his tools. After watching Byran;s film its clear that even though his height might restrict him from playing offensive line the toughness and nastiness that he plays with just belongs on the D-line.
Jones uses his hands well when attacking the shoulder of the opponent. He is at his best when he lines up as a 1-technique over the center. Jones has excellent burst out of his stance and usually gets under the pads of offensive lineman displaying excellent leverage for a man his size. Areas for improvement are consistency and better use of hands for pass rushing purposes. But in my opinion Defensive line is one of the harder positions to play as a true freshman. But with a college weight program and good coaching I can see Jones Making the Jump to the Next Level.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Unconventional Receiver
As time ticks on through the season players will begin to show their talent and following the post season will be invited to the coveted All-Star games. One of the biggest of those is the U.S. Army All-American game. This game usually involves the best of high school talent from across the nation. Throughout the season I will be profiling talent that has either made the list or has ability to play in a game of this caliber.
As I continue to comb the Southeast region a player in the state of Louisiana caught my eye. Trovon Reed out of Thibodaux High School clearly has the talent in order to play in any All-Star game in the country. This wide receiver has some of the fastest wheels and best moves in the south. Reed also has the ability to return kicks and punts and has a knack for making tacklers miss in the open field.
The only issue that arises when finding an All-Star game for Reed to play in is what position will he play. He currently plays in a triple option style running offense that requires him to mainly receive handoffs and block on other running plays. Regardless of positioning once Reed makes it to college and has time to settle into the receiver position he will be able to refine his route running and in my opinion he will be one of the few to Make the Jump to the Next Level as a freshman.
Check out his video......
As I continue to comb the Southeast region a player in the state of Louisiana caught my eye. Trovon Reed out of Thibodaux High School clearly has the talent in order to play in any All-Star game in the country. This wide receiver has some of the fastest wheels and best moves in the south. Reed also has the ability to return kicks and punts and has a knack for making tacklers miss in the open field.
The only issue that arises when finding an All-Star game for Reed to play in is what position will he play. He currently plays in a triple option style running offense that requires him to mainly receive handoffs and block on other running plays. Regardless of positioning once Reed makes it to college and has time to settle into the receiver position he will be able to refine his route running and in my opinion he will be one of the few to Make the Jump to the Next Level as a freshman.
Check out his video......
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Championship Match-Up
Friday Night games are always exciting and big when your a high school player. The crowd creating a buzz as the players warm-up for quick off. This past Friday there was a little more excitement and buzz around the stadium for the match-up between perennial powers Byrnes high school (South Carolina) and St. Thomas Aquinas high school (Florida). These two big time programs are known for there high profile players. Byrnes has blue chippers Marcus Lattimore (RB), Corey Miller (DE), and Brandon Willis (DE). All three of these kids are going to big time schools. And St. Thomas Aquinas is led by Cody Riggs (CB) and LaMarcus Joyner (CB) as well as another 12 or so division I talent players.
With this much talent on the field fans knew they were in store for something special. The contest ended with a score of 42-34 in favor of the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders. The Raiders had numerous big plays off of the Byrnes Rebels turnovers. Lattimore, who is still undecided of a college choice, ran for 122 yards and 2 tds but had 3 lost turnovers. Miscues like those led to points for the Raiders. The game was an offensive shoot out with the Raiders having big plays of 40, 52, 73, and 93 yards. Not to be outdone the Rebels offense was pretty potent itself. The Rebels QB Chas Dodd threw for 416 yards and 3 touchdowns and probably could have made the game closer if it hadn't been for the Rebels 6 fumbles. Nonetheless the capacity crowd of 15,000 plus enjoyed the game.
Regardless of the outcome both schools will vie for state championships in their respective states and even more scholarship offers for their players. In the end the tradition and strong foundations will lead to more successful jumps to the next level for players as well as coaches.
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