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.
