Looking for talent in Alabama

Vanderbilt signed three prospects from the state of Alabama last year, and the Commodores basically went across the state to get those three with Jared Morse coming from just outside the Tennessee/Alabama border in Oxford, Jordan Matthews coming out of Madison two hours away and then Chase Garnham coming from all the way down in Mobile. It was one of the first times during Bobby Johnson's tenure that Vanderbilt went to Mobile and really recruited the area, much less signed a prospect from there. Two years ago, the team also grabbed Zac Stacy out of Centreville which was just about an hour out of Prattville. So VU's covering a number of areas in the state.

For this reason, I've expanded my research beyond the Birmingham and North Alabama region to see what prospects are where. Vanderbilt's already made some moves on a few prospects from the state including Linden High running back Kendarius Fritts, Cordova linebacker Maleki Harris, John Carroll defensive end Brandon Wood, Baldwin County offensive tackle David Simon and Minor High defensive back Chris Jones. Other guys from the state they offer include Alabama commitments Daryl Collins and Brent Calloway as well as Louisville DB Jacquese Kirk.

Overall, there are currently 34 prospects from the state of Alabama with either offers or listed as receiving interest from the Commodores in the Rivals.com database. A lot of these guys we've mentioned in the War Room and there will likely be more offers to come with some prospects.

However, there's still a few guys that I have found that intrigue me and should end up being D1-A signees by next February (grades permitting). Who knows, maybe Vanderbilt will get involved with some of them.

Justin "J.J." Hudson- Prattville Christian
Athlete
5-foot-11, 175-pounds

What's not to like about this kid. He's a two-sport star who definitely brings it on the football field. He's quick, athletic, could play multiple positions. On video, Hudson reminds me of a Marsalis Teague type, or the kid down in Florida last year, LaVaughn Whigham, whom signed with Texas Tech. Accounted for 2,203 all-purpose yards and 21 total TDs in 2009. He also caught 14 touchdowns in 2008. I think if he was at Prattville High or somewhere else like a MBA or Brentwood Academy, people would be all over him. At the moment, I'm not sure what his recruiting picture is like but Wake Forest signed a kid from PC last year, so I'd have to think that people are going to take notice of this kid, if they haven't already.



Jason Webb- Auburn High
Wide Receiver
6-foot-3, 195-pounds

Tall receiver who seems a bit raw right now but I think there's a tremendous growth in his game coming. In fact, when I watch him, I feel like I'm seeing Chris Boyd's junior film all over and anyone that followed Boyd could see a significant jump from junior to senior film. I think there's the same potential there. He's considered to be one of the better WR's that no one's talking about in Alabama but I'd have to think that schools like Auburn, UAB and Alabama have to know about him. He's another guy like Boyd and Hudson in the respect that he has a basketball background as well.



Desmond Wills- Lincoln High
Linebacker
6-foot-1, 215-pounds

A very physical looking linebacker with real solid speed, lateral quickness and instincts. Flies to the ball and better yet, he can pluck the ball out of the air too. Has had two solid years and should be a major prospect. He reportedly has an offer from Kentucky already but I think he'll be a guy that racks up about a handful of SEC offers and some ACC and Big East offers. Reminds me of Georgia's Darryl Gamble in a way. The more I watch him, the more I like. Can be a playmaking linebacker.


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Rashad Cunningham- Davidson
Wide Receiver
6-foot-4, 200-pounds

It's a little surprising that Alabama hasn't been all over this kid. It wasn't surprising to go back to his profile today and see that Arkansas, Kentucky and Memphis have offered him. The kid is a big strong target who can flat out play. Not sure what his numbers are exactly but I'd have to think they'd be a little stunted by his quarterback's lack of a real arm. Davidson's style of offense probably doesn't help either. Still, Cunningham jumps off the tube to me. I like his hands, his wheels, his overall cut, etc. Looks like a definite SEC WR to me.



Jaren Jackson- T.R. Miller High
Safety/Running Back
5-foot-11, 175-pounds

Another physical guy whether he's laying hits at safety or bringing power at running back. A real downhill runner, I believe Jackson could be effective as a tailback in an I-formation. He really gets behind his pads, has solid balance and even churns his legs high circa Roger Craig in 1988. His speed is adequete but I think he could still be effective due to his quickness. His best spot in terms of SEC play in my opinion would be at safety though. I think he moves real well in space, seems to read very well and will bring contact. I would like him to be bigger for safety, but I think he could be a good free safety on the major level. It sounds like Georgia's pretty interested.



Other Players:

Traj Ragland- Bob Jones
Running Back, 5-foot-11, 200-pounds

Speedy, elusive back. Has a good initial burst and sees the field pretty well. Probably a back that's going to end up at a BCS school with continued growth.

Charles Benning- McGill Toolen
Linebacker, 6-foot, 220-pounds

Undersized and not the fastest LB in the world but seems to have a good head for the game. Can also bring the power on hits.

Rico Dunn- Hoover
Defensive Back, 6-foot-2, 185-pounds

The son of former Alabama defensive lineman Eric Curry, Dunn's physical and plays with a lot of energy. He's a prospect that I'm hoping to get more info about because he may be a fringe SEC player.

Antwan Rogers- Williamson High
Linebacker, 6-foot-1, 233-pounds

Plays defensive end in high school but everyone believes he'll project to LB. I haven't actually seen video of him but everything I've found about him says that he lays some vicious hits and runs very well. Some have compared him to DT Shackelford.

Denzel Bynum- North Jackson High
Defensive Back, 5-foot-11, 165-pounds

A very speedy DB, running in the 4.3's in the 40 and a 10.65 in the 100 meter dash in track. He's pretty explosive and has the talent to be an effective corner in college if he can get a bit bigger.

Corey Johnson- Anniston High
DE/Linebacker, 6-foot-4, 206-pounds

Long, rangy defender that has the athleticism to play end or linebacker. Needs to add size but should start seeing offers soon.

Brodrick Hughes- Blount High
Defensive End, 6-foot-3, 272-pounds

A real quick big man that just looks like a monster on the football field. Also has pretty solid strength. Won DL MVP in Mobile NUC.

Dre'Shon McGaster- Foley High
Defensive End, 6-foot-2, 225-pounds

Very quick off the edge player who could possibly be a linebacker as well. I would not be surprised to see Alabama come up and offer him because I think he'd fit well in Saban's system.

More:

RB. Tray Cosby- Tanner High (5-foot-10, 175-pounds)
ATH. Ryan Watson- Decatur High (5-foot-10, 175-pounds)
OL. Reginald Patrick- Clay High (6-foot-3, 275-pounds)
DE. Lonnie "L-Train" Freeman- Luverne (6-foot-3, 250-pounds)
OL. Jabree N'jemanze- Shades Valley (6-foot-4, 295-pounds)
OL. Bartavis Whigham- Northview (6-foot-3, 303-pounds)
RB. Cedric Brooks- Midfield (5-foot-10, 166-pounds)
RB. Dedrick Forsythe- Leeds (6-foot, 195-pounds)
QB. Matt Hamner- Maplesville (6-foot-4, 175-pounds)
QB. Breyuane Sanders- Robert E. Lee (6-foot-2, 175-pounds)

Central Florida Prospects emerging

The state of Florida is always full of prospects, wherever you go. Whether it's Miami, Ft.Lauderdale, Tampa, Tallahasee or even Orlando, prospects are everywhere, each year. A few prospects in the Orlando/Central Florida area have caught my attention recently, so I thought I'd highlight them in my newest blog entry.


Roderick Ryles- Safety/Cornerback
Dr. Phillips, Orlando
6-foot-1, 185 pounds

Summary: Long, very impressive frame. Can do great things with the ball in his hands and can tackle with the best of them. Maybe another Myron Lewis in the making.



Trenier Orr- Cornerback
Ocoee High
5-foot-11, 175-pounds

Summary: Looks to be one of the best DB's in Florida from what I've seen. Very instinctful, good ball skill and quick. Also a good WR that reminds me of a Bradley Roby.



Luther McDowell- Athlete
Leesburg High
5-foot-11, 180 pounds

Summary: Versatile runner with good quickness, but probably a better corner prospect. Strong ankle, balanced feet, has a lot of upside.



Darryl Monroe- Linebacker
Olympia High, Orlando
6-foot-1, 215 pounds

Summary: Strong, athletic, quick. Reminds me of Brandon Bryant, or at least what VU would've gotten out of a healthy Bryant. Gets overshadowed by teammates, but someone's bound to find him.



Corian Hamilton- Safety
Olympia High, Orlando
6-foot-1, 210 pounds

Summary: Solid two sport athlete who's already pulled in some BCS offers. Looks like a solid in-the-box safety to me, probably won't get out of Florida.

Sophomore Highlights Only:


Garrett Clark- Offensive Tackle
Daytona Beach Mainland
6-foot-5, 285 pounds

Summary: Punishing offensive tackle, absolutely manhandles opponent. Definite BCS prospect in my opinion.

Sophomore Video only:


Keon Brooks- Athlete
Apopka High
6-foot, 180 pounds

Summary: Impressive running QB, who could be a solid DB in college. Has some Casey Hayward in him.



Dante Campbell- Receiver
East Ridge High, Orlando
6-foot-4, 195-pounds

Summary: Long, impressive looking target. Has good speed, but better agility. Could be a highly effective possession or red zone receiver in college.



Eric Farkas- Safety/Special teams player.
Seminole High, Sanford
6-foot, 185 pounds

Summary: Very smart safety with good ball skill and some toughness. Reminds me of Jay Fullam in a way and also a very good punter and kicker. Someone's going to get a good overall football player with this guy.



Deion Green- Defensive End/Tight End
Edgewater
6-foot-3, 220 pounds

Summary: Versatile to play on either side of the ball at a major school. Reminds me of UGA's Orson Charles in a way. Probably won't get out of Florida.



Sam Richardson- Quarterback
Winter Park
6-foot-3, 185 pounds

Summary: An athletic QB with good touch. Can beat people with his arm or quickness. Reminds me of Goro in a way.



Aaron Nielsen- Tight End
Freedom High, Kissimmee
6-foot-5, 225 pounds

Summary: Sound extra blocker and good 10-yard route runner. Might not be overly athletic as a TE but could be a pretty athletic tackle. A possibl weapon either way.



Thomas Smith III- Running Back
Apopka High
6-foot, 200 pounds

Summary: A strong and athletic runner. Has good speed, good instincts, toughness. Should start racking up offers soon.



Breon Allen- Running Back/Athlete
Warner Christian Academy
5-foot-9, 170 pounds

Summary: A small school talent with speed, quicks, everything really. Needs more size, but could be a running back or corner. Comparative to local star Jeremiah Bryson.



RJ Altman- Defensive Back
Edgewater High
5-foot-10, 185 pounds

Summary: Small but physical and quick. A top DB prospect who would probably be 4 or 5 star status if he was just 2 inches taller.



Kevin Richardson- Linebacker/Defensive End
Deltona High
6-foot-4, 200 pounds

Summary: Hybrid defender, rangy with good speed. Needs to shed blocks better and add more size but someone to watch in the future.



Josh Jones- Quarterback
East River, Orlando
6-foot-6, 185 pounds

Summary: A tall QB from new school so he may be really under the radar. Has good accuracy, smooth delivery and good feet. Lots of upside.



Brian King Jr.- Defensive Back
Evans High, Orlando
6-foot-2, 190 pounds

Summary: Physical, smart, quick. Has the look of a definite D1 safety to me.



Steven Hughes- Quarterback
Palm Bay High, Melbourne
6-foot-3, 175 pounds

Summary: Good arm and good feet. An athlete that reminds me of Miami signee Stephen Morris.



Teddy Dwork- Quarterback
Benjamin School
6-foot-5, 200 pounds

Summary: A bit of a project but with a solid frame. Throws a tight ball and seems to have a lot of upside.