USD 7 on 7 tournament wrap-up

By Derrell Warren

USD Tournament Standouts:

QB Joe Joe Hudson San Diego Saint Augustine

Hudson was masterful in his performance at USD. He worked through progressions quickly and threw the ball with anticipation and timing. He often delivered the ball before his receiver had come out of his break, or just prior to him crossing the face of the defender and creating a throwing lane.

QB Nick Robinson JSerra high school (2015)

Robinson was also listed as a standout performer based on his appearance in the Mountain West 7 on 7 tournament held at San Diego State two weeks prior. And just as he did in that performance, he displayed the strongest arm at this event as well. He did however, throw the ball with great touch on fade routes and displayed great vision distributing the ball to all level of the field and working through all the level of his progressions.

WR Ryan Harris San Diego Saint Augustine high school

Harris got open repeadedly at the event and made big plays all day. He was the premiere deep threat but got open using a variety of stop, digs, crossing, and 'stop and go' route to confound defenders through pool play through the tournament portion of the event. I personally observed him play three games and in all three he scored multiple touchdowns. He punctuated that streak with a four score performance versus Roosevelt high school.

WR Lawrence Dickens Spring Valley (Calif.) Steele Canyon

Fresh off an impressive performance at San Jose State camp the previous evening, Dickens displayed the skills that allowed him to be further sought out as a slot receiver by a growing number of schools. He got in and out of breaks cleanly, showed explosiveness over the middle of the field, and showed great agility in being able to high point the ball on fades and make plays in the back of the end zone.

WR Anthony Spencer Eastvale (Calif.) Roosevelt

The big receiver from Riverside county was an exciting play-maker. After initially not being targeted a lot during pool play the rising senior began to assert himself during the tournament portion of the event. Using his combination of size and speed, Spencer began to exploit opposing defenders as he posed a mismatch for the majority of the defensive backs in attendance.

DB Frank Buncom IV San Diego Saint Augustine (2015)

Likely the most coveted recruit at the event-regardless of class-Buncom IV lived up to his billing with physical press coverage. He also demonstrated the ability to plant, drive, as he was able to get his hands on several passes.  The rising junior is already a coveted recruit and demonstrated the size and skill-set to justify such a lofty designation as he won the vast majority of his one on one battles throughout the day.

DB Jordan Brooks San Diego Saint Augustine (2016)

New to the position,Brooks is still adjusting after making the transition from running back. Despite that, the rising sophomore was one of the top cover men at the event. Brooks lined up as both an outside corner and in the slot as well. The speedster was able to stay attached to hip of receivers running vertically down field and displayed improving reactive quickness that will only get better the more reps he gets at the position. He even garnered praise for his play from opponents in-between contests.

DB Andre Joseph Eastvale (Calif.) Roosevelt (2015)

Joseph has great size at the cornerback position at close six-feet. He flashed versatility by  using his increased size (listed at 138 pounds last year but is much bigger) to re-route receivers through zones but also showing the ability to run down the field with them vertically. 

Recruiting update with Limihai Hifo and Sione Takitaki

Interview by Derrell Warren

This past Friday I had the chance to speak with running back Limihai Hifo and three star jumbo athlete Sione Takitaki  of Menifee (Calif.) Heritage. I was able to catch up with them just minutes prior to their first game of pool play in the 2013 San Diego State 7 on 7 tournament. The guys gave a brief rundown of where things stand in their respective recruitments as well as their thoughts on the tournament. 

Program on the rise: Heritage Patriots

By Derrell Warren

Jamal Morrow and Darius Allensworth this past National Signing Day (February 6th, 2013)





For the past two decades prep football in Southern California football has been ruled by powers such as Long Beach Poly, Mission Viejo, Mater Dei, Bishop Amat, Dorsey, and Crenshaw. These programs have left an indelible mark on both the regional and national high school sports landscape. Not only have they established themselves as annual favorites for league and CIF championships, but they have also proven themselves to be constant sources of elite-level talent for college programs. 

  

Now, even though the football program at Menifee, California’s Heritage high school has only competed at the varsity level for seven years, it has established as a burgeoning resource of college-level gridiron talent. This past February defensive back Darius Allensworth (Cal) and 2,000 yard rusher; Jamal Morrow (Washington State) signed on to play at Pac-12 programs (teammates Julio Calix and Marvin Hifo both signed on to continue their careers at division II Western New Mexico, respectively). 


2013 however, is the season that Heritage stands poised to kick down the door and produce an even greater number of football signees as an impressive 37 total colleges visited the Patriots to observe spring practice. 

This past weekend, the Patriots ventured to San Diego to compete in the annual 7 on 7 competition hosted by San Diego State University. After going 3-0 in pool play on Friday, the Patriots went 4-1 in Saturday's tournament competition. Good enough for a quarterfinal appearance.

Before the tournament we caught with defensive back McKinley Grant, tight end Evan Rodriquez, and athlete Matthew Palmer. We discussed not only the tournament, but also recruiting, and how they've used the off-season to improve their individual games. Enjoy!

SDSU 7 on 7 tournament wrap-up

By Derrell Warren

Top performers:

Offense

QB Andrew Cota Tucson (AZ.) Salpointe Catholic

Probably the most impressive signal caller in the event, Cota went through his progressions and worked the field at all three levels. The ball came out of his hand quickly and he showed great confidence and accuracy as he consistently exploited passing windows over the middle of the field.

RB Michael Garner San Diego Madison

A true all-purpose back, Garner terrorized defenders as he was able to get open deep on a series of wheel routes. It’s not often that you see running backs (successfully) used as vertical threats in these events, but Garner was just way too explosive for any linebacker to handle in open space. A versatile performer who can line up anywhere from running back, wide receiver, or can work from the slot.

RB Limihai Hifo Manifee (Calif.) Heritage

In the games covered, Hifo was probably targeted the most of any running back in the entire event. That strategy was justified as he excelled and caught nearly everything thrown his way. A bigger running back (5'11" 225), he displayed good speed in the open field as he was able to rack up yards after catch. Most wouldn't think his physical style of play (in pads) would translate to this type of format, but he excelled.

RB Adrian Petty La Mesa (Calif.) Helix (2016)

Running backs rarely shine in roles other than pass catchers in this type of event. However, Petty displayed top notch elusiveness on draw runs by consistently eluding the initial defender and getting into second level. He showed creativity as a runner and often made multiple defenders miss. Petty was utilized in the passing game as well, lining up both in the backfield and slot, showing soft hands and running good routes.

WR Cameron Denson Tucson (AZ) Salpointe Catholic

The four-star Arizona commit was superb. Recruited primarily as a cornerback; the 6'1" 170 pound future wildcat did most of his damage at wide receiver. He used his athleticism to get open and 'climbed the ladder' to make plays in the air over outmatched defenders. He displayed the short area quickness to get open and pick up first downs over the middle. In addition, he created big plays via deep posts and fade routes. A true talent who was constantly in the end zone during the games covered.

WR Vincent Parrish San Diego Madison

Parrish was one of the most consistent route runners we observed during the tournament. He was very precise and showed good burst coming out of his breaks. He was consistently able create separation over the middle of the field and showed great agility in being able to elevate, extend, and snatch the ball out of the air.  

TE Sione Takitaki Menifee (Calif.) Heritage

In a potent Patriot offense Takitaki was probably its most consistent pass catcher. A two-way player, he excels on defense as a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid. The athleticism and burst he uses to create havoc off the edge translated over to offense, as he lined up as a tight end and h-back. He consistently got open over the middle of the field and displayed great hands, finishing plays whenever he was targeted.

TE Mason Vineyard La Mesa (Calif.) Helix (2016)

Blessed with great size and tremendous upside, Vineyard was one of the most impressive prospects on hand at San Diego State, regardless of class. He has a chance to be the best tight end the San Diego area has produced since former Helix Highlander and NFL draftee (Falcons) Levine Toilolo. 

Defense

DB Amaurie Johnson (2015) San Diego Madison

He was one the most impressive lock-down cornerbacks at the tournament. Johnson displayed the ability to mirror receivers on sharp breaking routes and the long speed to stay attached to them vertically down the field. He exhibited a fierce competitive streak as he thrived when being challenged by opposing quarterbacks.

DB Kaelin Deboskie Tucson (AZ) Salpointe Catholic

Although he played on both sides of the ball during the tournament, Deboskie really made his presence felt in the defensive backfield. Playing corner, he display his long speed by staying attached to the hip of wide receivers on vertical routes. An explosive athlete, he was impressed with his ability to drive and close on short and intermediate routes as well. His weekend was highlighted by a leaping, twisting interception early in the tournament championship versus in-state rival Hamilton high school.

DB Matthew Palmer Menifee (Calif.) Heritage

A two way player for his high school team, Palmer was primarily utilized on the defensive side of the ball this weekend. A bigger defensive back (6'3" 195), Palmer was able to mirror routes effectively. He used his length to generate several PBU's. And although he didn't rack up a ton of picks during the event; smaller, quicker, receivers couldn't create a lot of separation versus the rangy defender.

DB Jalen Glover Menifee (Calif.) Heritage (2016)

A rising sophomore, Glover is transitioning over to cornerback full-time after being the lead runner on the Patriots JV team last season as a freshman. He displayed impressive closing burst on hard in-breaking routes and competed in the air versus fade patterns. He will be a fun player to watch progress over the next few seasons.

Prospect Report: Eastlake High School

By Derrell Warren

Last week I took a visit to Chula Vista (Calif.) Eastlake High School. Now, although the defending CIF champion in San Diego's largest classification is coming back with a relatively young team after graduating its share of key seniors, it’s evident that there are several players of note who will gain the attention of college programs for the next few recruiting cycles.

ATH/DB Isiah Olave (2014) A rising senior, Olave will be a third year starter in the defensive secondary. He’s been recognized as an All-League performer on defense the past two seasons. In March, the 5’10” 170 pound athlete received his first verbal offer from the University of Idaho. He has been in contact primarily with Oregon State, Utah, and camped at San Jose State, Cal, and UNLV.

OL/DL Emelio Rodriquez (2014) is a two way lineman who will be the likely be the starter at left tackle. He carries good length at 6’4” and has plenty of growth potential checking in at a lean 240 pounds. He most likely projects as a defensive end on the college level. No verbal offers as of yet but has received spring interest from San Diego State.

ATH/RB Greg Bell (2016) a rising sophomore, Bell figures to see most of his snaps this season as a wing-back in the Titans ‘Wing-T’ offense. Bell (5’9” 160) is a versatile athlete with the top end speed and lateral quickness to contribute at a number of skill positions. It will be exciting to see how his role expands in 2013.

ATH Traylon Reed (2016) is another rising sophomore; Reed showed nice burst practicing at fullback (The primary ball carrier) in Eastlake’s offense. As far as upside in concern, Reed (5’10” 180”) probably best projects to the defensive secondary long term.

Mountain West 7 on 7 Tournament Top Performers

By Derrell Warren

This past weekend saw teams from three states venture to San Diego to compete at the Mountain West 7 on 7 tournament. Although we couldn't cover every game at the event, let’s take a look at some of the players who stood out in the games we did observe.

QB Luke Langdon Orange (Calif.) Lutheran High School

At an event filled with impressive passers, Langdon was one of the best. He displayed nimble footwork and an over the top delivery that compensates for not necessarily being the tallest quarterback. He exhibited excellent touch on sideline routes, consistently threw receivers open down field, and demonstrated the ability to deliver the ball accurately from different arm angles.

WR Lamarriel Taylor San Diego (Calif.) Mission Bay

Taylor was the most consistent deep ball threat of the tournament; and by a huge margin, at that. He showed explosiveness off the line and used his long gait to stride past defenders and separate down-field.  Although he primarily ran deep posts and take-off routes, the attention he received freed up the short to intermediate areas of the field for the rest of the Buccaneer receivers. A rangy 6'2", Taylor utilized his length and agility to make an array of catches in-between defenders.

WR Andre Betties-Wilson San Diego (Calif.) Mission Bay

Betties-Wilson is a player who projects well to either wide receiver or safety at the college level. Lined up out wide, he created separation out of his breaks, showed consistent hands, and probably was the best jump ball receiver at the tournament.  He started off primarily running underneath shallow crosses and fade routes once his team reached the red zone. Later on in the tournament he shook free on a few deep post routes to show his ability to create the big play as well.

ATH Tyler Whitley Paradise Valley (AZ) Chaparral

The four star athlete was an absolute treat to watch. At about six feet with a strong frame, Whiley projects well to any number of skill positions at the collegiate level. Playing wide receiver for the tournament portion of the event, he consistently won at the line of scrimmage with explosiveness, and demonstrated strong, consistent hands. He was potent in the red zone as well, out leaping defenders with bouncy athleticism. 

ATH Keisean Lucier-South Orange (Calif.) Lutheran (2015)

Although he seemed to be slowed a bit by injury, Lucier-South probably carries the biggest upside of any recruit that was present at the tournament. At 6'6", Lucier-South has plenty of room for additional muscle on his 220 pound frame. The four star most likely projects to the defensive end position at the collegiate level. Lining up primarily at wide receiver during the tournament, he demonstrated impressive agility and ball skills, going up in the air to make several one -handed grabs, and contested catches in-between defenders.

QB Nick Robinson JSerra High School (2015)

Listed at about 6'1", Robinson isn't the tallest quarterback but carries a strong looking frame. The rising junior signal caller’s arm strength was shown as he completed a bevy of 'drive' throws. This was especially true on deep outs, skinny posts, and corner routes. He battled Lutheran Quarterback Luke Langdon in an entertaining shootout that took place during tournament action.

ATH D.J. Lewis Santee (Calif.) West Hills

Nursing a hamstring injury, Lewis wasn't quite able to demonstrate the same athleticism he shows on tape. That said, he competed and showed glimpses of his explosiveness, driving on the ball and contesting passes. He began to settle into a groove after recovering on a vertical route to break up a would-be touchdown. At 6'1", he carries the height and length to match-up with taller, rangier receiving targets.

QB Andriell Alvarado Vail (AZ) Cienega (2015)

He was very impressive in the games in which we were able to study him. Alvarado smoothly went through his progressions and looked off safeties to open up the deep middle for big plays. He exploited those vertical passing lanes; delivering the ball with accuracy, and touch. Showing rhythm and a great sense of timing, he consistently let loose with the football prior to the receiver coming out of his breaks. 

   

WR Ahkeli Rembert Orange (Calif.) Lutheran

Rembert stood out for a few different reasons. First off: The neon socks and gloves made it a virtual guarantee that he would be noticed. Once the footballs start flying however, he strung together a series impressive, diving grabs; often plucking the ball from near his shoe tops. He even included a one handed gem  along the sideline. Now, he wasn't targeted a whole lot in the games we watched, but showed the ability to break down a defenders cushion, and created separation on 'out' cuts with a very good burst.