Who stood out this summer?

As we lead into this upcoming season (Cannot wait for the kids to put the pads on) let's take a look back at some of the players we saw live who impressed over the summer

Quarterbacks:

Clayton Dale (2015) 

Cathedral Catholic High school 

San Diego

Dale displayed one of the strongest arms we observed this summer on the 7 on 7 circuit. But his most impressive trait may have been the accuracy he displayed at the Southwestern College tournament. An under the radar recruit; a big junior season (and first as a full time starter) should increase his profile and draw more attention to the talented dual sport athlete.

Joe Joe Hudson

Saint Augustine high school 

San Diego

We had the opportunity to observe Hudson in three separate tournaments and he got progressively better each time out. The senior signal caller distributed the ball to an array of targets and delivered the ball into tight windows. He seems primed for a huge season in 2013.

Running backs:

Elijah Preston (2016) 

Saint Augustine high school 

San Diego

In a format not the most conducive to running backs having big roles, Preston excelled. He ran nice routes, displayed soft hands, and got up to top speed quickly once the ball when in his hands. He demonstrated the downhill bursts that lead him to a 1300 yard season playing varsity ball as a freshman.

Limihai Hifo 

Heritage high school 

Menifee, California

A bruising runner in pads, Hifo displayed possibly the best hands of any running back we observed this summer. The San Jose State commit ran a nice assortment of routes but surprised with his ability to turn up-field and gain yards after the catch.

Michael Garner 

Madison high school 

San Diego

The most explosive back we saw, Garner was a constant big play threat. Linebackers simply could not stay with him on wheel routes as his acceleration got him into open space as he provided his team with a legitimate vertical threat out of the backfield.

Wide receivers:

Lamarriel Taylor 

Mission Bay High school 

San Diego

Taylor was likely the most consistent deep threat we saw this summer. He carries deceptive speed due to his long strides but was open to take the top off opposing defenses and either rip off long gains or open up the intermediate areas for his teammates. He presently holds an offer from Indiana University and has received interest from schools such as San Jose State and UNLV.

Ryan Harris 

Saint Augustine high school

San Diego

Harris was an entertaining player to watch. He ran nice routes and created separation that opened up passing windows for his quarterback. That said, he was at his best on vertical routes. He did a great job fighting through contact and making contested catches down the field.

Cameron Denson

Salpointe Catholic 

Tucson, Arizona

A four-star Arizona commit, Denson was quite possibly the most dominant offensive player we witnessed this summer. A smooth athlete with excellent ball skills, Denson displayed excellent body control as he leaped in the air to make several circus catches.

Athlete:

Tyler Whiley 

Chaparral high school 

Scottsdale, Arizona

The four-star Arizona State commitment was a star in the Mountain West 7 on 7 tournament. He was simply on a different level athletically despite the high caliber of competition he went up against. He took snaps on both sides of the ball but the projected defensive back made his greatest impact on offense, making several difficult catches. Especially on fade routes in the end-zone.

Defensive backs:

Matthew Palmer

Heritage high school 

Menifee, California

Palmer was one of the more intriguing recruits we had the opportunity to see. A two-way star for his high school team, he stood out most on the defensive side. Despite his height (6’3”) he did a good job sticking with receivers through their routes and driving on the ball using his length to break up several passes during the San Diego State 7 on 7 tournament.

Isiah Olave

Eastlake high school

Chula Vista, California

Olave was one of the best two- way performers we saw this summer. A projected cornerback, Olave flashed the ability to track the ball while defending vertical routes and made several plays in the air with his explosive leaping ability and good hands. On offense he stood out as both an intermediate and deep threat, taking the top off of opposing defenses and winning the majority of 50/50 balls thrown in his direction.

Kaelin Deboskie

Salpointe Catholic high school 

Tucson,Arizona

A Texas transplant, and one of the leading receivers in the state last season, Deboskie displayed his athleticism primarily on the defensive side of the ball at cornerback. In addition to being able to mirror receivers on shallow crossing routes or in space, Deboskie also flashed his wide receiver ball skills. He finished plays in the instances in which he was tested by picking several passes thrown in his vicinity. Deboskie has been offered by programs such as Arizona, Arizona State, West Virginia, and Oklahoma State.

Frank Buncom IV

Saint Augustine high school 

San Diego

A nationally rated recruit for the class of 2015 Buncom IV lived up to his advanced billing. He was strong in coverage staying physical through the route. He also used great body positioning that allowed him to win in most 50/50 ball situations. Buncom IV recently picked up an offer from Stanford and they are considered to remain a major factor through his recruitment.