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'Canes tight in Baton Rouge
Updated: Thursday October 26, 2000 5:08 PM
Mid-Atlantic | Midlands | Midwest Great tight ends are among the more treasured picks in any recruiting class. The best tight end in this year's class looks like Marcus Spears (6-4, 270, 4.8) from Baton Rouge Southern Lab, La. "I can run and block. I have great size and speed," said Spears. "I just move around well. I'm agile, with good feet and hands and a good vertical jump. I have good hand-eye coordination." College recruiters nationwide marvel at Spears' pure athletic ability. "He's the real deal," said one coach. "He's awesome. Very polished, blocks, catches, runs, could play as a freshman. Really special. Quick off ball, too." Spears favors MIAMI (40 percent chance of signing, has visited the city but not the campus, "They throw to the tight end a lot, and I see them winning it all," he said). The Hurricanes have a slight lead over FLORIDA STATE, LSU (attended TENNESSEE and HOUSTON games, sister Deidre is a junior -- "She's not going to affect my decision at all. I'll make my own decision."), GEORGIA TECH, TEXAS A&M and TEXAS. "I wasn't a real close friend with [FSU's] Travis Minor or anything, but I knew him because we were from the same city," Spears said of the former Baton Rouge standout and Seminoles starter. "He's had a good career there and is a senior now. Coach [Jimmy] Heggins told me that they would be throwing to the tight end more and said I'd see plenty of play, and that's why [FSU] moved up past TEXAS. They have more success than TEXAS. Through seven games, all wins, Spears has 12 receptions for 298 yards and five TDs. "I'll decide in February," said Spears. "I haven't set any official trips yet." Now, an update on some recruits around the country. For more detailed information on these and other players, visit www.superprep.com.
Mid-AtlanticDavid Jones, TE/DE, 6-4, 225, 4.8, Silver Spring Spring Brook, Md."I prefer offense and running with the catch is my strength," Jones said. "I have good hands and I'm hard to bring down. I run with more power than elusiveness. I like the ball in my hands. I need to improve my blocking."
Jones also needs to improve his strength (he only benches 230). Seven-game (1-6) stats: 27 receptions, 360 yards, three TDs; 10 carries, 40 yards, two TDs; six sacks. Jones favors MARYLAND (80 percent chance of signing, attended all MARYLAND home games but one, only 15 minutes from home, likes ACC, "They are building a new academic building and adding a learning disability section, too," he said.) big over LSU (Dec. 8 official trip, uncle is on staff, "I like that they utilize the tight end a lot and I read somewhere that they are No. 2 in the nation for athletes' academic support,"), MICHIGAN STATE (Dec. 1, mom's preference, strong academic support), TENNESSEE (Jan. 12) and VIRGINIA TECH (Jan. 19). Nate Ilaoa, WR, 5-10, 180, 4.5, Stafford N. Stafford, Va. "I can make the tough catches and can get open quickly," said Ilaoa. "I need to bulk up and get stronger in my lower body." Seven-game (3-4) stats: 700 yards rushing, seven TDs; 400 yards, 8 TDs. As a junior he had 82 catches for 1,190 yards and seven TDs. Ilaoa favors VIRGINIA TECH (offer, recruiting the hardest, tradition, three hours from home -- small factor, attended RUTGERS game, 75 percent chance) solid over N.C. STATE (offer, Oct. 28 official trip, great passing team), MICHIGAN STATE (offer, November official visit), OKLAHOMA (Nov. 15), BYU (December official visit, parental preference -- is a Mormon, "I haven't heard from them for awhile," he said. "I think it's because of the coaching change. They'd move up if they started showing interest again.")
MidlandsDaric Wilhite, WR, 6-3, 211, 4.5, Pueblo South, Colo.Perhaps no player in the Midlands watched his stock soar as much as Wilhite did this past summer. He put on a show at the Nike camp in Boulder. "There were a lot of outstanding players there," said Denver Mullen coach Mick McCall. "Derek was as impressive as any of them." Wilhite had surgery on Sept. 27 for a torn left ACL and is out for the season. Last year he caught 39 passes for 693 yards for seven TDs. He finished second in the state in the 400 meters (47.6) and fourth in the 200 (21.6). Wilhite favors WASHINGTON (likes passing game, friends with true frosh DB Roc Alexander from Colorado Springs Wasson -- "He really likes it out there and we used to talk all the time because we ran track against each other," said Wilhite.) slightly over COLORADO (attended WASHINGTON game, "Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson went to my high school. We get along well and he thinks I could see some early playing time."), COLORADO STATE (recruiting the hardest, offer), TCU (offer) and KANSAS STATE ("They are not calling me as much anymore. I told them about my injury and they kind of lost intereSTATE") BAYLOR, MICHIGAN and GEORGIA TECH also offered. Blake Larsen, OL, 6-7, 297, 5.2, Atlantic, Iowa There wasn't supposed to be a recruiting battle, as Larsen committed to IOWA almost year ago. Larsen de-committed, however, and now favors TENNESSEE (Oct. 21 visit, hosted by Michael Munoz --"It was awesome," Larsen said. "The place is electric and we all went out after they beat ALABAMA to celebrate. All the guys were great and I felt we really connected. I exchanged numbers with all the offensive linemen there and [frosh QB] Casey Clausen. He's a crazy guy. We had the most fun together.") solid over NEBRASKA (proximity, tradition, "Their only downfall is I'd like to be in a balanced offense. I like the SEC style of play. It prepares you better for the NFL."), NOTRE DAME (childhood favorite), MIAMI (Dec. 8 official visit), COLORADO (Nov. 17) and MICHIGAN STATE "IOWA is still in the game but I knew I jumped the gun too early by committing and I wanted to check out other things," Larsen said. "My future at IOWA probably wouldn't be as great as at some of the top schools."
MidwestKelly Baraka, RB, 6-1, 187, 4.4, Portage Northern, Mich.This pre-season SuperPrep Elite 50 pick shows excellent agility and quickness. "I just have the ability to avoid defenders," he said. "I need to improve my power and sometimes I come to the hole too high. I need to stay low and more compact." Baraka has long favored NOTRE DAME (attended NEBRASKA game, "I just like their tradition," he said. "I'm impressed with how they are handling themselves. They went through a lot of adversity with honor. It says a lot about their character that they are hanging in there," childhood favorite, Dec. 1 official trip, 60 percent chance) solid over MICHIGAN (attended WISCONSIN game, Nov. 11, recruiting the hardest, "They not only check up on me, but also my family, and we talk about life in general."), PURDUE (Oct. 14 visit -- "I stayed at the Purdue Union and my host was Stuart Schweigart. I actually ran against Stuart in track because he was from Saginaw. I was really impressed by the success of their tailback. I knew they had a great passing offense, but I noticed that their running backs can gain big-time yards, and I was told they are looking for a speed-back like me.") These three lead big over NEBRASKA and MICHIGAN STATE (attended NOTRE DAME game). Eight-game (6-2) stats: 1,200 yards (9.6 ypc), 20 TDs. Matt Roth, DE/LB, 6-4, 236, 4.65, Villa Park Willowbrook, Ill."I have good speed and a mean streak," said Roth. "I'm relentless. I bench 340. I need to improve my footwork and my technique." Nine-game (7-2) stats: 125 total tackles, six sacks. Roth likes playing middle linebacker, but some recruiters think he's better suited for defensive end in college. "He's a good inside 'backer," said one college coach. "But he could be an animal coming off the edge for you." He favors IOWA (Dec. 1 official trip, mom's preference -- "She likes the nice coaches," he said. "They were the first ones to offer me and they have been recruiting me the longest. They've been loyal," attended OHIO STATE game, 50 percent chance) solid over PURDUE (Dec. 15, attended MICHIGAN game, "They have a great campus. They've really turned the program around."), MINNESOTA, KANSAS STATE and INDIANA (Dec. 8).
NortheastTroy Banner, DL, 6-4, 275, 4.8, Pittsburgh Penn Hills, Pa.Banner bench presses 405 and is very quick. Eight-game (5-1-2) stats: five sacks, two fumbles caused, 8 catches, 150 yards. He favors PITT (only favorite visited, proximity -- 30 minutes away, "My mom works in the Hill District, which is in the same area as PITT," he said. "My parents and friends could see me play. They are coming up and proving that they are serious about success," 60 percent chance) solid over N.C. STATE ("They are a young team and have an energetic coaching staff. Raleigh is also a great place to live. It's a great atmosphere and they've been recruiting me the longest"), MARYLAND, OHIO STATE (will attend MICHIGAN STATE game) and NORTH CAROLINA. "I was considering VIRGINIA TECH," said Banner. "I went to the WEST VIRGINIA game. It was a good game, but I couldn't see myself living there for four to five years. The campus didn't catch my eye. It wasn't the place for me." Kevin Shaheed Jones, RB, 6-2, 210, 4.4, Springfield O'Hara, Pa. Excellent vision, instincts, shiftiness, power and speed. Jones claims to have run a 4.1. Junior stats: 200 carries, 1,896 yards, 26 TDs. Current seven-game (5-2) stats: 700 yards, 13 TDs. JONES favors VIRGINIA TECH (attended TEMPLE game, "The atmosphere there is great," he said. "I've been there a few times so there weren't any surprises, but I am impressed with how well they are doing," 60 percent chance) solid over PENN STATE ( "I don't know what's wrong with them. They just can't seem to win. VIRGINIA TECH is leading now because of the success they're having."), MICHIGAN, TENNESSEE (Nov. 10 visit) and NOTRE DAME ("I like coach [Bob] Davie. He's straight up and doesn't seem to always be trying to impress me. Plus, I love their campus and they seem to be improving and should be a top team in a few years.").
SoutheastMatt Shelton, WR, 5-11, 170, 4.4, Collierville, Tenn.Perhaps the fastest football recruit in the southeast United States this year (4.23 40 on a track at a summer combine), Shelton has missed the last three games with a partially torn Achilles and is most likely out for the season. He's had no surgery. Shelton favors OHIO STATE (recruiting the hardest, Nov. 18 official trip, "Coach Chuck Stobart has been real good to me and used to coach for MEMPHIS, so he knows my hometown pretty well," said Shelton.") slightly over VANDERBILT (top coaches, three hours away -- not a factor, "OL coach Dennis Harrison's son is going through the recruiting process right now for basketball and really understands what I'm going through. So when he calls, he usually keeps things short. He knows I'm getting a lot of calls and doesn't want to be harassing me all the time."), NOTRE DAME (Dec. 1 visit, "They treat me like I'm part of the family. All schools do that, but I like how sincere they come across. They are a very professional program."), MEMPHIS and DUKE. "All these schools have become the same after awhile," he said. "It's tough for me to even separate them from each other." Ronnie Lunford, OL, 6-5, 320, 5.2, Jacksonville White, Fla. A monster of an OT prospect who sat out last season with academic and injury troubles, Lunford transferred from Jacksonville Bishop Kenny and wowed college scouts in the spring with his agility. He benches 405. Lunford favors MIAMI ("They have a strong tradition and aren't too far away so that I could at least drive," he said. "But distance isn't a big factor. They weren't recruiting me for awhile but then, in September, they called and offered. Now, they are really after me.") slightly over FLORIDA STATE (attended NORTH CAROLINA game, "I like coach Bowden," he said. "He's a church-going guy with good character. I've always had a good feeling about him. And the players seem to respond well to him."), OHIO STATE, TENNESSEE and AUBURN.
SouthwestDe'Arrius Howard, RB, 6-0, 217, 4.45, West Memphis, Ark."I can blow past guys and once I get in front of them, I'm gone," Howard said. "There's no catching me. I'm fast and I have good field awareness. I need to work on my blocking and leg strength." Howard's upper body is very strong: benches 315. Seven-game (4-3) stats: 1,300 yards rushing, 11 TDs. Howard, a SuperPrep preseason All-America, favors TENNESSEE (Nov. 18 official trip, "They are always in the Top 25. They aren't great this year, but every team goes down," he said.) slightly over NOTRE DAME (tradition, "They are a character team, plus they have a lot of exposure. All of their games are televised and everybody knows the IRISH.") and MIAMI ("I watched the FLORIDA STATE game on TV and it was great. FLORIDA STATE is tough to beat. MIAMI earned a lot of respect after that win. They are for real."). "I plan to visit my top three choices," said Howard. Dewayne Brandon, FS, 6-3, 195, 4.5, Temple, Texas Six-game (2-4) stats: 80 tackles, three fumbles caused, two recovered. Brandon favors TEXAS (offer, childhood favorite, Dec. 18 official trip, recruiting the hardest, proximity -- one hour away, "I think I could fit in well and play early," he said. "Plus, I'd have my friends and family at home games to support me," attended four games already) big over FLORIDA STATE (offer, Nov. 19 visit, childhood favorite, mom's preference -- "She wants me to leave Texas. She thinks I've been here too long and that I should see the world."), and both lead big ("It's mainly between the top two.") over NEBRASKA, MICHIGAN and COLORADO (offer, Dec. 8 visit). Academics could be a problem. "I'm taking extra classes to make up my courses," said Brandon. "I should have everything completed to graduate. If not, a JC wouldn't be too bad. I'd just work extra hard to get to a D-I school."
Far WestTim Burnette, TE, 6-6, 235, 4.8, San Clemente, Calif."I don't drop balls and I'm very quick," said Burnette. "I really need to bulk up so I can take on defensive linemen that are bigger." Burnette benches only 250. Six-game (5-1) stats: 12 catches, three TDs; five sacks. Good student: 3.3/1,110 SAT. Burnette favors UCLA (childhood favorite, parental preference --proximity, one hour away -- not a big factor, strong tradition, "They told me they aren't sure if they will offer a tight end at all," he said. "They told me I'd be their top guy if they do offer.") slightly over CAL (offer, strong academics, "I could play basketball there, too."), WISCONSIN (Dec. 1 official trip, offer), MIAMI, OREGON and WASHINGTON STATE (Oct. 21). ARIZONA STATE has also offered. Lynzell Jackson, WR, 6-3, 185, 4.5, Tempe, Ariz. Huge upside. Was a first-team All-Arizona WR in his first season of organized football last year. A D-I basketball prospect, too. Great size, long arms and leaping ability. Needs strength (benches only 195). Eight-game (7-1) stats: 430 yards receiving, seven TDs. Jackson favors TENNESSEE (offer, NFL pipeline, 110,000 fans in stadium) slightly over ARIZONA STATE (offer, recruiting the hardest, 10 minutes away, attended WASHINGTON and UTAH games, "I am most comfortable there and I know of a lot of people," he said. "They are right in my backyard."), ARIZONA (offer, Dec. 8 official trip), NEBRASKA and WASHINGTON (Dec. 1). Academics are a concern. "Schools have told me I have to get my grades up," he said. "My GPA should be improving. But I realize that juco is a possibility if I don't make it. That's not my plan." For more from SuperPrep, click here.
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