Sunday, August 12, 2012

2013 Head Scratchers-Top Recruits that still dont get the prestige they should

2013 Head Scratchers

Photo by: National Underclassmen Football Combine

2013 Head Scratchers

Courtesy: Barry Every / National Underclassmen Combine         Release: August 06, 2012
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NUC National Analyst Barry Every takes a look at some of the kids that for some reason have proven to have DI talent but are yet under recruited. These athletes have caused several NUC staff members to scratch their head and wonder what some college coaches are looking at when they evaluate players. Kids chosen for this article have been seen in person this year; with the camp they participated in underneath their name. The prospects also are athletes that have not committed to a college at the time of the article.
No player was contacted by NUC staff members for this article. All combine numbers and awards are located on the Nationalunderclassmen.com website free of charge for any fan, recruiting expert, or college coach. Most players missing video in this article may still have it on YouTube but it has been trademarked by a recruiting site/service (247Sports, Scout.com, Rivals.com).
Some may ask why write an article like this.  Because these kids have outshined other prospects that are more heralded on the field of play. And simply put it is the right thing to do.  If you are a college coach looking for help at a particular position the NUC highly recommends looking into the players below along with a boat load more that have shined at one of our camps this spring. Over 40,000 kids have come through our camps over the last two years alone.
My challenge to college coaches is to stop buying into the overhyped players on the internet. With approximately 33% of highly regarded prospects panning out at the collegiate level it may be wise to look elsewhere. Great players can come from anywhere not just one area of the country! Bobby Bowden once said in a staff meeting to his coaching staff "If you want another job try doing the best at the current one you have and stop worrying about moving up the chain." And finally good luck to every college football staff this fall; may your dreams come true on the football field.
 
 
1.     Christian Cole, LB, McDonough, MD
Size: 6-1, 211
Camp: NUC East Five-Star
Offers: Buffalo
My Thoughts: This very muscular linebacker was a high effort participant at the NUC East Five-Star. Even when initially beaten during one-on-ones he was able to hustle back into the play. Cole was also extremely physical at the point of attack doing a good job of steering backs off their intended route. You would think that Big East and MAC schools would be all over this tough inside linebacker who will light you up with a big hit under the chin.
 
2.     Peter Cvijanovic, OL, Benedictine, OH
Size: 6-5, 274
Camp: NUC MW U100, NUC Top Prospect-Elite Camp
Awards: NUC MW U100 OL MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: When I saw him get into his three-point stance for the first time it was like "You have to be kidding me". Cvijanovic has a tremendous powerbase with long muscular legs and a flat back. What does this mean? It means he is a natural hip and knee bender that is every bit 6-foot-5. This offensive lineman had a 26.5-inc vertical which is a truer indicator of how athletic he will become down the road than a 40-time. His frame will allow him to play at 300-pounds and he still won't be considered overweight. College coaches have to realize that he only weighed 233-pounds after his junior season. He is currently 274-pounds which he has weighed at his last two NUC events. Cvijanovic is one of the biggest head scratchers because offensive tackles with great bodies don't grow on trees. Cvijanovic should have several Big Ten offers let alone everyone in the MAC.
 
3.     Patrick Dalton, OL, Whitewater, GA
Size: 6-6, 352
Camp: NUC South Five-Star, NUC SE U100, NUC Top Prospect-Elite Camp
Awards: NUC South Five-Star OL MVP, NUC SE U100 Overall MVP, NUC Top Prospect-Elite Camp OL MVP
Offers: Georgia Tech & Kentucky
My Thoughts: At first glance it is hard to believe that someone can play offensive line in college at this size. Let me tell you this he has dominated DI defensive line recruits at every camp he has been at this season. What is amazing is how he can sit in a chair and two hand punch pass rushers silly during one-on-ones. At the very least he is a giant guard with a tough attitude that doesn't mind mauling opponents. If he trims down to 340 pounds he will become a sure fire right offensive tackle at the next level. College coaches are going to be sorry about passing on this behemoth. Dalton has a couple BCS offers but he should have double digit offers he is better than half the committed lineman in the SEC and ACC.
 
4.     Jordan Degreffenreed, RB, Farmington, MI
Size: 5-7, 180
Camp: NUC Midwest Five-Star
Awards: NUC Midwest Five-Star Overall MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: The problem with camps/recruiting services is if a kid goes to a camp early in his career and runs a pedestrian 40-yard dash it somehow stays on his profile forever. Degreffenreed was at the NUC Midwest Five-Star, a camp that had no less than 15 to 20 DI prospects, and he outshined them all. He is quick in space while possessing uncanny body control and hands. He may only be 5-foot-7 but he is one rocked up all-purpose back. Degreffenreed should have offers from several MAC schools.
 
 5.     Bryan Driskell, RB, McKinney Boyd, TX
Size: 5-7-1/2, 178
Camp: NUC Southwest Five-Star
Awards: NUC Southwest Five-Star RB MVP
Offers: Navy & New Mexico
My Thoughts: Driskell led the Dallas Metroplex in rushing at the end of the regular season. He also proved to be a very dangerous return man. Yet he has two measly offers. I have seen this kid take over 7-on-7 games because he is dangerous in space and near impossible to corral for linebackers. Maybe coaches are worried about his size? I know this he is one muscled up all-purpose back that is not afraid of contact.  If you are worried about durability then realize he carried the ball 317 times in 11 games as a junior. He should have all the WAC, MWC, and some Big12 schools recruiting him hard.
 
 6.     Chris Fletcher, RB, Bob Jones, AL
Size: 5-8, 165
Camp: NUC Atlanta (II), NUC SE U100, NUC Top Prospect-Elite Camp
Awards: NUC Atlanta (II) Overall MVP, NUC Top Prospect-Elite Camp Overall MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: Fletcher transferred to Bob Jones HS, AL last season and was put in the defensive secondary. He has run legit 4.4 40's at multiple NUC events this year and has walked away with Overall MVP twice. This prospect is a high character kid with speed, ball skills, and tremendous change of direction. C-USA, Sunbelt, Big East, and MAC schools need to track his progress this fall as he takes over the fulltime running back duties. I can guarantee barring an injury college coaches will not be disappointed with his play this fall.
 
 7.     Joseph Gibson, OL, Rockhurst, MO
Size: 6-3-1/2, 279
Camp: NUC Central Five-Star
Awards: NUC Central Five-Star OL MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: This guy beat out several kids already committed to DI schools for OL MVP at the NUC Central Five-Star Showcase. Why, because of his superior lower body structure and hip flexibility. He was able to sit in the chair and battle with great pad level against all takers at the Central Five-Star. What is really amazing is that he is at a high profile school in the Midwest and still has no offers. His size, football IQ, and toughness make him an ideal offensive center prospect. The fact that he does not have some Big12 offers along with a host of MWC, and WAC offers is just plain crazy.
 
 8.     Tony Lashley, LB, Rockhurst, MO
Size: 6-0-1/2, 226
Camp: NUC Central Five-Star
Awards: NUC Central Five-Star LB MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: This linebacker has excellent overall body structure and a frame that will allow him to eventually play at 240-pounds making him the ideal inside linebacker prospect. Similar to his teammate he is at a very high profile school in Missouri. This guy is a very hard worker and does a nice job of dropping into coverage. I truly believe that his best football is still ahead of him. He also should have some Big12 offers along with several MWC and WAC offers.
 
 9.     Marchello Lewis, LB/DE, West Laurens, GA
Size: 6-2-1/2, 224
Camp: NUC Atlanta (II)
Awards: NUC Atlanta (II) LB MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: This guy is built like a gridiron monster and a perfect hybrid LB/DE. He is extremely physical at the point of attack and looks good dropping in coverage. When he puts his hand on the ground and takes off from the edge he is nearly unstoppable. College coaches that are not familiar with South Georgia need to look on a map to find Dublin, GA. He also claims to have the grades to easily qualify. He should definitely be getting interest from Big East, C-USA, and Sunbelt schools.
 
 10.    Darrion Locke, OC, Winston Churchill, MD
Size: 6-2-1/2, 328
Camp: NUC East Five-Star
Awards: NUC East Five-Star OL MVP
Offers: South Dakota
My Thoughts: Locke was a beast during the one-on-ones as an offensive center. He went against every interior lineman in the camp and used his size, strength, and pad level to outduel them. True offensive centers are hard to find and this guy has the physical and chemical makeup to excel at that position in college. His ideal playing weight would be closer to 310-pounds but that is very doable for this gridiron warrior. Locke should have Big East, MAC, and some ACC schools all over him.
 
11.    Gus Madden, LB, Ross, OH
Size: 6-4, 209
Camp: NUC Midwest Five-Star
Awards: NUC Midwest Five-Star LB MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: This tall long athlete had the best ball skills of any linebacker I have ever seen in a camp setting. It may be because he is also a traveling AAU basketball star. I truly believe he could project as a hybrid TE/WR that would become a total mismatch at the next level. Madden has little to no bad body weight and the frame that can tack on some serious muscle mass. College coaches are constantly looking for superior athletes and the fact that he does not have some Big10, Big East, MAC, and, ACC offers is just plain mystifying.
 
 12.    Josh Morris, ATH, LaSalle Academy, RI
Size: 5-9-1/2, 174
Camp: NUC East Five Star
Offers: Several FCS (I-AA)
My Thoughts: Morris stood out as a receiver in the most talented NUC Five-Star event. This event easily had 40 DI prospects on hand. I have to think that most colleges can't believe that there is a legit DI prospect in the state of Rhode Island. This leaves him to be recruited by mostly FCS schools in the Northeast. I am willing to bet that this kid is willing to go anywhere in the country to prove he can excel at the DI level. He should have some Big East and MAC schools all over him. Yes he is also the reigning Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year.
 
13.    Nick Newman, LB, Battlefield, VA
Size: 6-3, 192
Camp: NUC East Five-Star
Awards: NUC East Five-Star Co-LB MVP
Offers: Temple
My Thoughts: Newman is another prospect that should already have double digit DI offers. He has everything a college coach wants in an outside linebacker. He is tall, long, and athletic. He beat out other more heralded and overhyped linebackers at the NUC Five-Star event in New Jersey. He looked spectacular dropping in coverage using his superior lateral movement and long arms to break up passes. On top of that his film is very good so he is not just a camp monster. Big East and ACC schools should be all over this prospect.
 
14.    Bill-Bijon Parker, WR, Fairfax, CA
Size: 6-0, 155
Camp: NUC West Five-Star
Awards: NUC West Five-Star Overall MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: Parker has actually won major awards at three events this year for the NUC. He may be a tad on the thin side but he runs such precise routes and possesses very soft hands. His feet are very quick coming off the line of scrimmage making it hard for defensive backs to jam him. Unfortunately for kids out West they have less options of being recruited by DI colleges or even FCS schools than their counterparts across the country. He should already have MWC, WAC, and possibly some PAC10 offers by now.
 
15.    Aaron Piper, ATH, Duncanville, TX
Size: 5-9, 171
Camp: NUC SW U100
Awards: NUC SW U100 RB MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: This kid totally dominated the SW U100 event especially during the 7-on-7 portion of the camp. He looked like a Peter Warrick clone making would-be tacklers whiff in the open field. College coaches really need to look at Piper as a slot receiver and potential kick returner. I will stand on a table and scream that he is better than half the receivers in the country that have already committed to DI colleges. College coaches will get one last chance to get on board as he takes over the helm as quarterback at Duncanville this fall. Duncanville plays in the most athletic 5A District in the state of Texas. He should already have a ton of Big12, MWC, and C-USA offers. And yes he has grades and is a high character kid!
 
16.    Dubois Ross, ATH, Pius X, PA
Size: 5-11-1/2, 173
Camp: NUC East Five-Star
Offers: Buffalo & Massachusetts
My Thoughts: College coaches need to look at a map of Pennsylvania and find out how to get to Bangor, PA. It is north of Allentown, PA near East Stroudsburg. Not only is this prospect a versatile athlete he is also a tremendous student. Yes he plays 1A football in PA but he helped guide his team to the state championship game versus Clairton HS. Last year he had 1,177 receiving yards and amassed 93 tackles. He could play receiver or corner back at the next level. The last time I looked tall corners where a coveted gem on the gridiron. Ross should have several Big East offers and some Big10 offers.
 
17.    Aaaqil Sheppard, Iona Prep, NY
Size: 6-1, 202
Camp: NUC East Five-Star
Awards: NUC East Five-Star Co-LB MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: First of all Iona Prep is located in New Rochelle, New York near Yonkers, New York. Not only is this prospect a very athletic linebacker he is of high character and in good academic standing at a great high school. Sheppard like Newman beat out other more heralded linebackers at the NUC East Five-Star Showcase. He is a natural in coverage and has tremendous closing speed. Again he should have tons of interest and offers from ACC and Big East schools.
 
18.    Charles Simons, WR/S, Palisades Park-Leonia, NJ
Size: 6-1, 200
Camp: NUC New Jersey North
Offers: None
My Thoughts: Simons did not play football last year due to the New Jersey transfer rules. He is also at a high school that has no history of being good at football in recent times. This once former Bergen Catholic athlete could project on either side of the ball. As a receiver he has the size to create separation and freaky body control. I personally think he may best project as a hybrid safety/linebacker. He covers a ton of ground in the secondary and really knows how to attack the ball. He should have an offer from almost every FCS school in the Northeast. I know this he is better than prospects committed to some Big East Schools.
 
19.    Silas Spearman, RB, Seminole Ridge, FL
Size: 5-9, 190
Camp: NUC SE U100, NUC Top Prospect-Elite camp
Awards: NUC SE U100 RB MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: Spearman admittedly has some work to do to get his core GPA up. He has said that it has already started with some summer classes that will not affect his transcript till this fall. This is one rock solid looking back that has the ability to make yards after contact and wear down defenses. He possesses legit 4.5-speed and has very good change of direction. I see kids get offered all the time that have yet to qualify why not Spearman? I know he is better than half the running backs already committed to FBS schools. He would excel in the Big East, MAC, WAC, MWC, C-USA, and the Sunbelt.
 
20.    Terrence Summers, DL, Springfield, TN
Size: 6-1, 272
Camp: NUC South Five-Star, NUC SE U100
Awards: NUC South Five-Star DL MVP; NUC SE U100 Strongest Man & Combine King Line
Offers: Tennessee State
My Thoughts: Athletic interior defensive tackles do not grow on trees. He projects at the position hardest to find by defensive coaches. He is quick off the ball and stronger than a raging bull. He has run sub 5.1 40's and has benched 185-pounds as many as 38 times. Like Spearman Summers has retaken some classes that will not reflect on his transcript until this fall. Summers could be a star in the SEC, ACC or any conference in the country.
 
21.    Brian Walker, Jr., RB, Sulphur, LA
Size: 5-9-1/2, 170
Camp: NUC Southeast Five-Star
Awards: NUC Southeast Five-Star Overall MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: This prospect totally dominated the Southeast Five-Star Showcase. He has run sub 4.5 40's multiple times at NUC events which doesn't happen that often. He has superior acceleration and the ability to make defenders whiff in the open field. Walker also has excellent body control and hands. He is ideal as a back in the spread offensive or a slot receiver. His academics are in order and he is another high character kid. Walker should have offers from some SEC, ACC, and Big12 Schools not to mention C-USA, WAC, MWC, and Sunbelt Schools.
 
22.   Kris Weatherspoon, S, Natchez, MS
Size: 6-1-1/2, 186
Camp: NUC Southeast Five-Star
Awards: NUC Southeast Five-Star DB MVP
Offers: Alcorn State & Southern
My Thoughts: Weatherspoon is a tall rangy safety with excellent ball skills. His size is ideal for a strong safety and he may even grow into an athletic outside linebacker. He like Walker outshined more heralded players at the NUC Southeast Five-Star Showcase. My understanding is that he is in excellent academic standing and has a qualifying test score. He should definitely already have offers from most C-USA and Sunbelt schools.
 
23.    Cinwon Whitehead, CB, Lovejoy, GA
Size: 5-9, 170
Camp: NUC South Five-Star, NUC SE U100
Awards: NUC South Five-Star DB MVP
Offers: None
My Thoughts: For starters he is no longer at BT Washington High School in Atlanta. College coaches and SE recruiting experts need to take note. He proved to be a true lock down cover corner at the NUC South Five-Star. He has hips on a swivel, is physical at the point of attack, and he ran sub 4.5 40's at the NUC SE U100. This fall he will be on a defense that threw eight shutouts last season in Georgia's largest classification. Good corners are hard to come by and it's amazing that Big East, ACC, and some SEC school have not offered this high character student athlete.
 
 
Barry Every's Work Experience
1994-1996                    University of North Carolina Football Office
1996-2000                    Florida State University Football Office
2000-2007                    University of Georgia Football Office
2007-2011                    National Recruiting Analyst Rivals.com
2011-present                 National Analyst for National Underclassmen       
 

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