I'll be releasing my class of 2011 state rankings over the next few days. I plan to start of with southern states first, and then I'll move on to other areas, national positional rankings, and then the class of 2012 (more than likely in a watch list type of form). As with all rankings, these are fluid and subject to change (many times) between now and signing day. Comments, questions, and criticisms are both welcomed and encouraged.
1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Pointe (Rock Hill)
Not only is Clowney the best prospects in the nation, let alone the state, he's one of the best that I've ever seen. Clowney has great size and speed (6'6 240 and runs in the 4.5 range), and plays with a motor that is unmatched by any prospect in this recruiting cycle. It's rare to see a prospect with Clowney's immense physical tools play every snap as hard as he does. Due to this, Clowney isn't just a great prospect, he's a great player. Last season he had 144 tackles and 23 sacks. What's even more impressive is the number to turnovers (fumbles, tipped balls that are intercepted) he creates. For most teams that play South Pointe, it's a victory if Clowney is held to 2 sacks with no turnovers forced. What's even scarier is the rate at which Clowney is improving. He's consistently improving his pass rush, particularly his hands at the line of scrimmage and his pad level (had a tendency to play high at times as a sophomore). If he does everything he's supposed to, Clowney has top 10 pick written all over him.
2. Charone Peake, WR, Dorman (Roebuck) Clemson Verbal
Peake is one the top receivers in the nation and is electric with the ball in his hands. Dorman is a run-dominated offense, so Peake doesn't see a ton of receiving opportunities on 1st and 2nd down. He does however get touches in about every way possible (returns punts and kicks and carries the ball via end-arounds, direct snaps, and hand offs). This really adds to Peake's versatility and has helped him fine-tune his skills as an open-field runner, which is rare to find in a 6'3 receiver at the high school level. Despite his limited opportunities, Peake has shown immense promise as a pure receiver with ability to separate and nice ball skills when catching the ball in traffic. Peake will need to continue to refine his route-running skills, but should make an early impact in college due to his versatility.
3. Brandon Shell, OT, Goose Creek
Shell is a big tackle with a lot of promise. Although he's not as tall as listed (closer to 6'6 than 6'8), he still has great size for a tackle prospect. Shell transferred to Goose Creek by way of West Ashley prior to his junior season. Goose Creek is a run-oriented team and as a result, Shell operates primarily as a drive-blocker. On film, Shell comes hard off the ball, finishes his blocks, and plays with good intensity. Shell, whose uncle is NFL Hall of Famer Art Shell, has a basketball background, and it shows in his overall athleticism. After watching him in camp this summer, it's apparent that he's a natural knee-bender. While Shell hasn't done a whole bunch of pass blocking, he has the tools to be very good in that regard, should he receive the necessary coaching. Moving forward, Shell needs to improve on a few fundamental things, like hand placement (has a tendency to have his hands too far outside). Improving his overall strength is also important to his development, but I seriously doubt that will be a problem.
4. Phillip Dukes, DT, Manning
Dukes is an every down DT, who is able to impact a game in a number of ways, which is quite rare on the high school level. Dukes has a great combination of size and athleticism. He's 6'3 285 with little fat and has the frame to gain more solid pounds. At a combine this summer Dukes ripped off a 4.95 40 yard dash, which is exceptional for his size. Dukes also stands out on film, and it's his sideline-to-sideline ability that really caught my eye. He also does a nice job of recognizing pass/run situations. Dukes lines up all over the place for Manning, but most likely projects as an attacking 3 technique at the next level. Like a lot of high school defensive linemen, Dukes needs to fine tune his game like playing with better leverage and pad level (has a tendency to be a bit high at times). He would also be well-served to work on fending off cut blocks, as he gets chopped a few times on film with his knee exposed.
Dukes is an every down DT, who is able to impact a game in a number of ways, which is quite rare on the high school level. Dukes has a great combination of size and athleticism. He's 6'3 285 with little fat and has the frame to gain more solid pounds. At a combine this summer Dukes ripped off a 4.95 40 yard dash, which is exceptional for his size. Dukes also stands out on film, and it's his sideline-to-sideline ability that really caught my eye. He also does a nice job of recognizing pass/run situations. Dukes lines up all over the place for Manning, but most likely projects as an attacking 3 technique at the next level. Like a lot of high school defensive linemen, Dukes needs to fine tune his game like playing with better leverage and pad level (has a tendency to be a bit high at times). He would also be well-served to work on fending off cut blocks, as he gets chopped a few times on film with his knee exposed.
5. Everett Golson, QB, Myrtle Beach North Carolina Verbal
I've had the opportunity, to watch most of Golson's illustrious high school career unfold. Going into his senior year, he already holds state records for career passing (126 passing touchdowns) and has the chance to rewrite the state record book and get close to Chris Leak-like stats with a great senior season. As a junior, he had one of the better years nationally for any QB, passing for 47 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Being a smaller quarterback (between 5'11 and 6'0) with such prolific numbers, many on the outside try to force him into stereotypes like "the system QB who puts up huge numbers" or the "athlete playing quarterback" among others. It's easy to see how these thoughts come up, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're true. In fact I say that they aren't. Sure, he's well-coached and is a good athlete (holds a Clemson offer in basketball), but his arm strength, the way he spins the ball, and his ability to make every throw match up with the best quarterbacks in the nation. As far as raw skill-sets go, he's among the very best. Moving forward, Golson really needs to gain solid mass in order to take hits at the next level. It will also be interesting to see how he handles being a back-up in his first year or two considering he's played, and starred, ever since he stepped foot in high school.
I've had the opportunity, to watch most of Golson's illustrious high school career unfold. Going into his senior year, he already holds state records for career passing (126 passing touchdowns) and has the chance to rewrite the state record book and get close to Chris Leak-like stats with a great senior season. As a junior, he had one of the better years nationally for any QB, passing for 47 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Being a smaller quarterback (between 5'11 and 6'0) with such prolific numbers, many on the outside try to force him into stereotypes like "the system QB who puts up huge numbers" or the "athlete playing quarterback" among others. It's easy to see how these thoughts come up, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're true. In fact I say that they aren't. Sure, he's well-coached and is a good athlete (holds a Clemson offer in basketball), but his arm strength, the way he spins the ball, and his ability to make every throw match up with the best quarterbacks in the nation. As far as raw skill-sets go, he's among the very best. Moving forward, Golson really needs to gain solid mass in order to take hits at the next level. It will also be interesting to see how he handles being a back-up in his first year or two considering he's played, and starred, ever since he stepped foot in high school.
6. Dexter Staley, ATH, Williston-Elko (Williston)
Staley is the most versatile prospect in the state. He's 6'2 215 and plays everywhere for Williston-Elko, excelling at running back, wide receiver, and outside linebacker. Last season, he scored 31 touchdowns in about every which way possible, leading Williston-Elko to a class A state title. On film, Staley is an absolute man among boys. He's a violent and punishing runner at RB and has great ball skills and in-air ability as a WR. Despite this, he's most likely an OLB at the next level due to his size, aggressive nature, and burst off the line. He's still raw at the position and is mainly used in pass-rush situations, but his potential is limitless. Staley's academic situation is, by far, his largest hurdle. You won't see Staley ranked this high by anyone else, due to the high likelihood that he'll be forced to attend junior college. I have him ranked this high for a few reasons. First off, I think there is a drop off from my top 6 players to the players that are ranked 7-10. It's by no means considerable, I just feel that Staley's definitely a top 6 player. Additionally, there's a lot of inconsistency on the weight of academic issues when ranking prospects. Whether their situations are unknown or ignored, it's inconsistent (see 2009 FSU signee Willie Downs as an example). It will probably remain inconsistent until there's more transparency as far as academic situations are concerned. Regardless, Staley's a top 100 type talent and reminds me of Lawrence Timmons when he was coming out of Wilson High School in 2004.
Staley is the most versatile prospect in the state. He's 6'2 215 and plays everywhere for Williston-Elko, excelling at running back, wide receiver, and outside linebacker. Last season, he scored 31 touchdowns in about every which way possible, leading Williston-Elko to a class A state title. On film, Staley is an absolute man among boys. He's a violent and punishing runner at RB and has great ball skills and in-air ability as a WR. Despite this, he's most likely an OLB at the next level due to his size, aggressive nature, and burst off the line. He's still raw at the position and is mainly used in pass-rush situations, but his potential is limitless. Staley's academic situation is, by far, his largest hurdle. You won't see Staley ranked this high by anyone else, due to the high likelihood that he'll be forced to attend junior college. I have him ranked this high for a few reasons. First off, I think there is a drop off from my top 6 players to the players that are ranked 7-10. It's by no means considerable, I just feel that Staley's definitely a top 6 player. Additionally, there's a lot of inconsistency on the weight of academic issues when ranking prospects. Whether their situations are unknown or ignored, it's inconsistent (see 2009 FSU signee Willie Downs as an example). It will probably remain inconsistent until there's more transparency as far as academic situations are concerned. Regardless, Staley's a top 100 type talent and reminds me of Lawrence Timmons when he was coming out of Wilson High School in 2004.
7. Shon Carson, RB, Lake City
Carson is a thick, compact runner (5'8 185). I've seen Carson play in person a number of times (in what by chance turned out to be statistically the worst games of his career) and what jumped out to me is his combination of productivity and durability. He's a very patient runner who is adept at hiding behind the offensive line and accelerating once he finds his hole. This style of running has proven to be highly successful as Carson has already run for over 5,000 career yards. On film, Carson shows great balance and a very nice power base (very strong in the weight room), thus making him difficult to tackle. Carson also has very nice speed (has clocked multiple sub-4.4 40's) and is able to pull away from defenses on a consistent basis. As Carson progresses into college he needs to improve on hitting the hole harder (can be overly patient at times) and his cutting ability (not bad by any means, but can be a little soft in the ankles at times). Baseball could play a factor in his recruitment as he is a standout on the diamond and could be drafted anywhere from the 6th to potentially the 2nd round.
Carson is a thick, compact runner (5'8 185). I've seen Carson play in person a number of times (in what by chance turned out to be statistically the worst games of his career) and what jumped out to me is his combination of productivity and durability. He's a very patient runner who is adept at hiding behind the offensive line and accelerating once he finds his hole. This style of running has proven to be highly successful as Carson has already run for over 5,000 career yards. On film, Carson shows great balance and a very nice power base (very strong in the weight room), thus making him difficult to tackle. Carson also has very nice speed (has clocked multiple sub-4.4 40's) and is able to pull away from defenses on a consistent basis. As Carson progresses into college he needs to improve on hitting the hole harder (can be overly patient at times) and his cutting ability (not bad by any means, but can be a little soft in the ankles at times). Baseball could play a factor in his recruitment as he is a standout on the diamond and could be drafted anywhere from the 6th to potentially the 2nd round.
8. Shamier Jeffery, ATH/WR, Calhoun County (St. Matthews)
Over the past year, Jeffery has been somewhat enigmatic as far as recruiting is concerned. Coming off a hyped sophomore campaign, Jeffery switched to QB for Calhoun County midway through the season and hasn't made many camp stops in the summer besides 7-on-7's with his team (playing at QB). This is somewhat atypical for players from Calhoun County, as in the past they've been all over the camp circuit. As a result, in the past year, I really haven't had too much of a chance to evaluate Jeffery against top competition, while playing at his projected position, wide receiver. The majority of Jeffery's film from his junior season is at QB. While he does show some promise with good athleticism and a capable arm, he looks to be raw as a QB at this point and only shows the ability to make fade passes to the corner of the endzone on a consistent basis. On film at WR, he shows the ability to go up and get the ball at it's highest point and is strong in the air. It's difficult to get a great read on his speed due to the aforementioned jump-ball propensity of the Calhoun offense. Regardless, it's safe to say he's a step faster than his brother (South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery), but is also shorter at 6'2. I'm anxious to catch Jeffery in person this season to see how he's progressed.
Over the past year, Jeffery has been somewhat enigmatic as far as recruiting is concerned. Coming off a hyped sophomore campaign, Jeffery switched to QB for Calhoun County midway through the season and hasn't made many camp stops in the summer besides 7-on-7's with his team (playing at QB). This is somewhat atypical for players from Calhoun County, as in the past they've been all over the camp circuit. As a result, in the past year, I really haven't had too much of a chance to evaluate Jeffery against top competition, while playing at his projected position, wide receiver. The majority of Jeffery's film from his junior season is at QB. While he does show some promise with good athleticism and a capable arm, he looks to be raw as a QB at this point and only shows the ability to make fade passes to the corner of the endzone on a consistent basis. On film at WR, he shows the ability to go up and get the ball at it's highest point and is strong in the air. It's difficult to get a great read on his speed due to the aforementioned jump-ball propensity of the Calhoun offense. Regardless, it's safe to say he's a step faster than his brother (South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery), but is also shorter at 6'2. I'm anxious to catch Jeffery in person this season to see how he's progressed.
9. Jerrell Adams, ATH, Scott's Branch (Summerton)
Adams is somewhat of a late riser. He plays QB and LB in a run-dominated scheme that found him handing off on nearly every play. Due to this, Adams has had very little opportunity to show playmaking ability, at least offensively. He's raw, but he has very nice tools to work with (6'4.5, 215 and runs in the 4.6 range). Up to this point, Adams has showcased most of his athleticism on the basketball court for Scott's Branch and on the AAU circuit. There's some uncertainty about his future position (expressed early preference for defense, but since backed off) so he's best characterized as a jumbo athlete (TE/DE) at this point. Regardless, his size/speed combo can't be ignored and while he will need to gain weight either way, Adams has a lot of upside.
Adams is somewhat of a late riser. He plays QB and LB in a run-dominated scheme that found him handing off on nearly every play. Due to this, Adams has had very little opportunity to show playmaking ability, at least offensively. He's raw, but he has very nice tools to work with (6'4.5, 215 and runs in the 4.6 range). Up to this point, Adams has showcased most of his athleticism on the basketball court for Scott's Branch and on the AAU circuit. There's some uncertainty about his future position (expressed early preference for defense, but since backed off) so he's best characterized as a jumbo athlete (TE/DE) at this point. Regardless, his size/speed combo can't be ignored and while he will need to gain weight either way, Adams has a lot of upside.
10. Tony McNeal, QB, Chester Clemson Verbal
As far as high school careers and attention goes, McNeal has operated in the shadows of Golson and Worley. This, in part, is due to an ACL tear that sidelined him for the majority of his junior season. McNeal has rebounded strongly, however, and has come back taller and with added weight (about 6'1 180ish). He's always had a strong arm and nice feel for the game. McNeal showcased his talents on national television in a star-studded all-star 7-on-7 event that found him as one of the top performers of the entire tournament. I'm still curious to see how he moves on his knee during his senior season, but all indications are that it shouldn't pose a problem. Prior to the injury, he wasn't a guy that was going to blow by anyone, but was definitely a capable runner. McNeal is a very nice fit for Clemson's offense and reminds me a lot of current Tiger QB Kyle Parker, who like McNeal was initially underrated nationally as a QB.
As far as high school careers and attention goes, McNeal has operated in the shadows of Golson and Worley. This, in part, is due to an ACL tear that sidelined him for the majority of his junior season. McNeal has rebounded strongly, however, and has come back taller and with added weight (about 6'1 180ish). He's always had a strong arm and nice feel for the game. McNeal showcased his talents on national television in a star-studded all-star 7-on-7 event that found him as one of the top performers of the entire tournament. I'm still curious to see how he moves on his knee during his senior season, but all indications are that it shouldn't pose a problem. Prior to the injury, he wasn't a guy that was going to blow by anyone, but was definitely a capable runner. McNeal is a very nice fit for Clemson's offense and reminds me a lot of current Tiger QB Kyle Parker, who like McNeal was initially underrated nationally as a QB.
No comments:
Post a Comment