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Blocking machine in Texas
Mid-Atlantic | Midlands | Midwest Thirteen colleges had already offered scholarships to offensive lineman Ben Wilkerson (6-4, 265, 5.0) as of May. The youngster, a center prospect from Hemphill, Texas, had 75 "pancake blocks" last year, including 14 in the game that decided the district title. "He could go to the NFL tomorrow," said one recruiter. "Nobody in the country is as good as he is. He's the best in Texas and the best in the country. He's also a superior student [1,100 SAT]." "Whenever I think of bigger schools, I think of better competition. That's part of it, and I'm looking forward to it," said Wilkerson, who squats 610 pounds. "I can move very well for a big person. When I'm on the field, I take care of business. I'm at the top of my game as far as technique and quickness." Wilkerson favors LSU ("I really believe coach [Nick] Saban can turn things around," he said. "They impressed me the most overall. They even have my major, computer technology, and are only four hours away.") just slightly over PURDUE (Oct. 7 visit -- "I got a chance to hang with the coaches, and I like how much confidence they have, and I believe they will be a top team. They worked hard against MICHIGAN. I was also very impressed with their academics."), TENNESSEE (Oct. 21 -- host Jason Respert -- "The stadium is huge. You can get lost there. I'd love to be part of a system that always produces great talent. Coach [Phillip] Fulmer is someone you know you can trust."), UCLA, OKLAHOMA (will attend TEXAS TECH game) and ARKANSAS. "TEXAS A&M is near my top six," Wilkerson said. "I'm gonna check out a game in November. MICHIGAN was one of my faves as a kid but I don't think I want to go that far away. That's why OKLAHOMA and ARKANSAS moved up." Now, an update on some recruits around the country. For more detailed information on these and other players, visit www.superprep.com.
Mid-AtlanticJohn Ritcher, TE/LB, 6-3, 230, 4.8, Raleigh Ravenscroft, N.C.The last name alone is enough to evoke some great football memories for in-state fans, who watched John's father, Jim, turn defensive linemen into butter as a center at N.C. STATE in the late '70s. The younger Ritcher has a similar build to his father, but is a faster athlete. Nine-game (8-1) stats: 300 yards receiving, four TDs. Excellent student: 1,230 SAT/27 ACT. Ritcher favors NOTRE DAME ("Coach [Kevin] Rogers says they are really interested and he is trying to get me to visit them," he said. "I've heard that they offer players mostly on the trips," Dec. 1 official visit) slightly over N.C. STATE (offer, childhood favorite, attended ARKANSAS STATE game, dad attended and played with coach Chuck Amato, 15 minutes from home), BOSTON COLLEGE (offer, recruiting the hardest, beautiful campus, strong academics, "They are the only school which is recruiting me strictly as a outside linebacker."), DUKE (offer, attended VIRGINIA game), EAST CAROLINA (offer) and ARKANSAS. Leon Mizelle, DB/WR, 5-11, 175, 4.55, Hampton Phoebus, Va. Quick, athletic, versatile and fast, "I'm very precise and smooth," said Mizelle. Nine-game (6-3) stats: QB - 63-of-95, 677 yards, nine TDs; WR -- 10 receptions, 179 yards, two TDs; 23 solo tackles, two picks. Mizelle favors NORTH CAROLINA (offer, recruiting the hardest, attended TULSA game and will attend MARYLAND game, "They are rebuilding and I could contribute early," he said. "Also, the surroundings are beautiful," 60 percent chance) solid over N.C. STATE ("They have a lot of senior DBs that will be leaving. They also tend to redshirt their players and help them develop."), EAST CAROLINA (offer), NORTHWESTERN (offer) and VIRGINIA. "VIRGINIA TECH is not really recruiting me hard anymore, and neither is NOTRE DAME," Mizelle said.
MidlandsBen Cronin, OL, 6-5, 270, 5.2, Ames, Iowa"I'm quick off the ball and have a very explosive first four steps," Cronin said. "My overall 40 is my weakness, and I've only played offense for one year." Cronin needs strength (only benches 270). Excellent student: 3.2 core GPA/24 ACT. He favors IOWA (offer, Dec. 22 official trip, attended IOWA STATE, OHIO STATE and WISCONSIN games, "They are really struggling this year and yet everything is really positive," Cronin said. "There isn't a lot of that bad press or feeling from the coaches or players.") slightly over WISCONSIN (offer, Dec. 2 visit, likes the Big Ten, "WISCONSIN is a premier place to play offensive line. They send all their offensive linemen to the NFL.") and both lead big over IOWA STATE (offer, Dec. 15, attended OHIO U and NEBRASKA games), NEBRASKA (still waiting to be admitted) and NOTRE DAME (attended NEBRASKA game, "I'm not their top choice and I guess they are waiting on another guy before they offer me.") Marques Simmons, RB, 5-9, 178, 4.4, Davenport North, Iowa "I like to hit people and I can overpower guys. I'm a power runner, not a slasher. I need to improve my footwork and my speed (10.34 100m; 21.46 200m)." Marques now favors IOWA (attended MICHIGAN STATE, IOWA STATE and WISCONSIN games, childhood favorite, recruiting the hardest, "I get along with the coaches and they are so close that I feel comfortable there.", 45 mins away) slightly over IOWA STATE (cousins are Marcel and Aaron Howard--"We're pretty good friends but it's not going to be a factor in my decision."), WISCONSIN ("The stadium is turf and that's what I'm used to playing in.") and NEBRASKA. Nine game (0-9) stats: 1,788 yards, 14 TDs. 2.8/Dec first-time ACT.
MidwestJoe Mauer, QB, 6-4, 210, 4.8, STATE Paul Cretin Derham, Minn."He's big-time and comes from a great, athletic family," said one recruiting coordinator of this SuperPrep Elite 100 pick. "A real leader too." But another college coach said, "He's pretty good but not great. His delivery isn't great and he doesn't play against terrific competition. He doesn't look like a Brodie Croyle, but he will get a lot of offers." This drop-back QB favors MINNESOTA (up-and-coming team, attended PENN STATE and ILLINOIS games, parental preference, "I am their No. 1 QB recruit," said Mauer. "I'm just most familiar with them. I know what to expect and how I'd be able to help them right away. It would be nice to stay close to home but it won't be a deciding factor.") slightly over ARIZONA (Dec. 2 official trip, "I really like the warmer climate. It's totally different from Minnesota. The people there seem very friendly and I felt comfortable there."), FLORIDA STATE (December official visit, "I am their No. 2 QB behind Brodie Croyle. But I think he's looking at ALABAMA and probably will end up there. At least, that's what I've read."), and these three lead solid over MICHIGAN and MICHIGAN STATE. Ten-game (9-1) stats: 1,700 passing yards, 25 TDs, two picks. Gordon Niebylski, OL, 6-4, 300, 5.1, Birmingham Brother Rice, Mich. Niebylski moved into the starting lineup at right tackle this past season and was very impressive. He's short but moves well and is strong (benches 370). Niebylski now favors NOTRE DAME (dad Bruce is a grad and played baseball for the Irish, childhood favorite, "I've grown up going to their games and hanging out on the campus," he said. "It's kind of always been where I've wanted to go. They said they want to see how my season ends and they really want me to visit. If they had already offered me, I'd be committed by now. But the same thing is true about MICHIGAN STATE.") slightly over NORTHWESTERN (only favorite which has offered, Dec. 2 official trip, recruiting the hardest, likes academics, "The team is really coming around and I really like coach [Randy] Walker. He has control of his team and you can tell the team loves playing for him."), MICHIGAN STATE (Dec. 9 visit, mom's preference -- "She liked the atmosphere at the games and gets along with the coaches. They keep telling me they are going to offer and that I am next on their list."), MICHIGAN (childhood favorite) and STANFORD.
NortheastEd Hinkle, WR/DB, 6-2, 170, 4.5, Erie Cathedral Prep, Pa. This versatile prospect has been a WR and DB the past two seasons, but is also playing QB as a senior. Eight-game (8-0) stats: 900 yards passing, 17 TDs, 1 pick, 10 TDs rushing; 25 tackles, 4 picks. "It doesn't really matter to me what position I play," Hinkel said. I can play any skill position. I move well and I'm very quick and aggressive," Hinkel favors SYRACUSE (75 percent chance, childhood favorite, would play DB, recruiting the hardest, attended PITTSBURGH game, "I think I fit in well there. I like my chances to play early as well.") big over VIRGINIA (WR, beautiful environment and campus, "They are recruiting me for offense and I'd like a shot at receiver wherever I go."), IOWA (FS, Dec, 15 official trip), ILLINOIS and PITTSBURGH (recruiting the hardest, attended PENN STATE game). "It's really going to depend on my visits. At this point SYRACUSE is my top choice," said Hinkel. "I've always liked them and I haven't seen anything that I dislike, but I might get a better feeling when I take my other trips." Charles Rush, DL, 6-3, 285, 4.95, Erie Cathedral Prep, Pa. Aggressive, quick, instinctive, agile and strong (benches 350). "I could work on shedding blocks better and on my inside hand placement," said Rush, a SuperPrep preseason All-America. He favors PENN STATE (childhood favorite, recruiting the hardest, Jan. 12 official trip, "They are No. 1 and have always been No. 1 because I haven't taken any trips to see what the other schools are like," said Rush. "I know PENN STATE and I know what to expect and that's why they lead, but another school might really surprise me.") slightly over MICHIGAN (Jan. 5, amazing facilities, great business school), PITTSBURGH (attended PENN STATE game), STANFORD and NOTRE DAME (attended STANFORD game -- "I was very impressed at the game. I love coach [Greg] Mattison and we have a good relationship. He comes off as very caring and passionate about what he does.").
SoutheastTramain Hall, RB/WR/DB, 5-10, 180, 4.45, Deerfield Beach, Fla. Eight-game (3-5) stats: 11 receptions, 205 yards, five TDs; 900 yards rushing, 10 TDs.Hall, a SuperPrep preseason Elite 50 choice, favors FLORIDA STATE (childhood favorite, attended DUKE game, "I go there every other weekend," he said. "Everybody follows FLORIDA STATE. I have family and friends there and it's like my second home.") slightly over N.C. STATE (recruiting the hardest, Dec. 8 visit, "I like that they are a newer program and have a new coach. I feel like I could go on in there and really be a part of their success."), OHIO STATE, MIAMI (will attend LOUISIANA TECH game) and NEBRASKA (would play DB -- "I didn't think they were interested, but they said I'd have a real good opportunity to play early. I wouldn't mind playing defense, especially for a school like NEBRASKA."). "NOTRE DAME is a great school and they are probably No. 6," Hall said. "I hear INDIANA is a great campus, but I don't think I'd fit into their style." Kiel Angry, RB, 5-8, 185, 4.45, Leesburg Lee, Ga. "I run hard and feel like I should score every time I get the ball," said Angry, who claims to bench press 435! "I need to work on my open field cutting and I could always improve my speed." Angry favors CLEMSON (attended N.C. STATE game, recruiting the hardest, "They run an option offense and it's quick," he said. "It's a very physical offense, which I like. That's how I play. I come right at you.") slightly over GEORGIA (childhood favorite, parental preference -- "We've always loved the 'Dawgs. They produce a lot of running backs, but it's not the same kind of tough, physical offense like at CLEMSON. CLEMSON plays down and dirty football."), SOUTH CAROLINA (will attend TENNESSEE game), MARSHALL and TENNESSEE STATE (likes offense, best chance to play early). Eight-game (2-6) stats: 600 yards rushing, 12 TDs.
SouthwestBrent a QB, 6-5, 200, 4.7, Shreveport Evangel Christian, La.After spending the last three years as Brock Berlin's backup, Rawls has quickly assumed control of Evangel's pass-happy offense. He played WR last season on Evangel's state 5A championship team. Despite his lack of experience as a signal-caller, Rawls, A SuperPrep preseason Elite 100 choice, had received offers from all of his favorites before the season even started. He's having a terrific year, and through nine games has thrown for 2,500 yards and 25 TDs with only seven picks. Rawls favors FLORIDA STATE (Oct. 14 official trip -- "I loved being around all the coaches," he said. "Bowden is a legend. I also like how [Chief Osceola] comes out and throws the arrow in the middle of the field. It gets everyone pumped.") slightly over PURDUE (Sept. 23 --"The people are so nice. I went out with them after the game and instantly fit in. I like Drew Brees. Considering he's up for the Heisman, he's really normal and not all talk. Kyle Orton [QB already committed to the Boilers] is not from a school that throws a lot. I don't know how good he is. But I'll have to compete wherever I go."), OKLAHOMA (Nov. 14, "I'm amazed by them. They throw the ball a lot and my coach sent them my film, so they offered me. I like their offense. It's similar to my high school's."), CLEMSON and ARKANSAS (Nov. 5). Anthony Evans, RB, 5-10, 190, 4.55, Pearland, Texas Evans rushed for 4,273 career yards before this season and is keeping it up with 1,304 yards and 14 TDs through eight games. "One of the real playmakers," said one college assistant. "Whether the emphasis is on running or throwing, they will find ways of getting him the ball." Evans favors OKLAHOMA (recruiting the hardest, Dec. 15 official trip, "They find ways to win," he said. "I'm impressed that they are undefeated, and it seems like they can continue their success.") slightly over KANSAS STATE (offer, Dec. 3 official visit, "I like how much they mix it up. Plus, their defense is as solid as their offense."), TENNESSEE (Jan. 12, great running game and coaches), UCLA (offer), WISCONSIN and BAYLOR (offer, only favorite visited).
Far WestTui Alailefaleula, DE, 6-5, 280, 5.0, Anchorage Bartlett, AlaskaThis superior pass rusher is one of Alaska's most heralded recruits in recent years. Last year he had 80 tackles and 20 sacks, and he's added 18 more sacks this season. "I have good quickness and I always beat out the man in front of me," he said. "I need to improve my intensity." Alailefaleula favors OREGON (parental preference -- relatives nearby, visited Oct. 21 -- "I really liked the campus," he said. "The school is nice and I really like the players. They are all solid, and they talked about their own recruiting," 80 percent chance) solid over COLORADO (Nov. 17 -- "They have a large Polynesian community on campus."), WASHINGTON, MICHIGAN and NEBRASKA (11/24). All have offered. Junior Taylor, WR, 6-2, 180, 4.5, Mesa, Ariz. "I see the field well and move quickly," said Taylor. "I have good instincts. My ability to make people miss with the catch is what colleges like about me the most." Taylor, a SuperPrep preseason All-America, announced his commitment to UCLA on Oct. 30, over WASHINGTON, ARIZONA STATE and ARIZONA. "I chose UCLA over WASHINGTON because of the distance to WASHINGTON," he said. "I'm real close to my family and it wouldn't be fair to them to be that far away. UCLA is about a six-hour drive and they'll be able to come and watch me play there. Also, UCLA thinks I might be able to play as a freshman. But I think I'll probably redshirt. If [Brian] Poli-Dixon and [Freddie] Mitchell leave early because they are such good pro prospects, then I'll get to play. But if they stay, they could teach me the ropes. So, it's a no-lose situation for me." For more from SuperPrep, click here.
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