LSU head coach Les Miles got a stud at quarterback when dual-threat Russell Shepard of Houston, Texas committed to the Tigers...
Russell Shepard, QB, 6'1"/179 lbs Houston, Texas - Cypress Ridge High - Runs the 40 in 4.4... - Is rated the fifth best high school player in the country by Rivals...is rated the number one QB by Rivals... - Rivals stated, "Called the most dynamic offensive playmaker in Houston since Vince Young and his numbers speak for themselves. In 12 games as a senior, Shepard has rushed for 1,947 yards and 29 touchdowns. His passing numbers are just as impressive with 1,849 through the air and 18 touchdowns. He’s also only thrown four interceptions." ... - Is rated the number one high school player in the country by ESPN...
As of January 7, 2009, ESPN had this assessment of Shepard... Shepard is a rare athlete who resembles University of Florida receiver Percy Harvin when lined up at quarterback--a scary thought. Shepard is lean, flexible and plays with a lot of wiggle. He might seem like just a great athlete playing quarterback at first, but he's the real deal as a complete player. Still, he makes most of his plays with his legs, either on called runs or on scrambles after the initial play unravels. Causes headaches for defenses because he can break down a defender in the open field as well as anyone. Stays low to the ground and doesn't take a lot of big hits. Has excellent vision and the lateral mobility to bounce runs outside after starting inside.
Excels at locating cutback lanes. Takes little time to reach his top speed. Has the burst to get through holes quickly and to turn the corner. Accelerates out of cuts, changes directions quickly and shows fluid suddenness in space. Wins most footraces. Has a smooth, fluid release and a quick, compact delivery on his throws. Flashes the ability to place the ball anywhere on the field when on time. Shows some zip on underneath throws and can fit balls into some tight spots in the short range. Has good touch and timing on the deep ball. Throws on the run very well and has the arm strength to throw off balance and across his body.
He's explosive in all areas: change-of-direction skills, elusiveness, speed and arm. Shepard is much further along as a passer than Terrelle Pryor was at this stage, and Shepard is more explosive. He's the type of player any college program would want to get his hands on the ball as often as possible because he is a gamebreaker. He will be given every opportunity to remain at quarterback, but also has the elite skills to play a number of spots which gives him possibly the biggest value of any prospect in this class.
Where is he headed? Shepard verbally committed to LSU on December 5, 2008...it is a solid verbal commitment...he also had offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and Florida...
According to Rivals.com, Jelani Jenkins is the top rated high school defensive player...
Jelani Jenkins, olb, 6'2"/220, Olney, Maryland/Our Lady of Good Counsel High - Runs the 40 in 4.45...has 4.0 GPA... - Is ranked 9th overall by ESPN...
As of January 5, 2008, Rivals.com had this assessment of Jenkins after his performance at the Under Armour game... Assets: A smart and athletic linebacker prospect with good speed. He plays downhill and is very physical. Areas for improvement: Jenkins needs to play with more discipline. What was most impressive in the game: Jenkins had a huge collision with White running back Trent Richardson when trying to tackle him. He made some nice plays running sideline to sideline. Jenkins finished with five tackle. Conclusion: At only 16 years of age Jenkins future is so bright. He's just an explosive linebacker prospect that can make plays all over the field.
Has proved it all season long that he’s one of the nation’s best players, but recent performance on national television sealed the deal to make him now the nation’s top defensive prospect.
As of January 5, 2008, ESPN had this assessment of Jenkins: Jenkins is a tough, rangy outside linebacker prospect who plays fast and physical on every snap and has tremendous upside. He has a tall, leaner frame and lacks ideal bulk at this point, but he should fill out very well while retaining his natural explosiveness in space. Possesses great fast-twitch athleticism and packs the punch of a much bigger linebacker. Generates striking speed over a short-area. He's a very strong tackler who wraps up low and drives through with great power from his hips and lower body. Gets great jumps on the ball and is a very reactive athlete. Steps down quickly when filling vertically and delivers great power at the point of attack. Also excels when pursuing laterally and sifting through the wash. Gets over trash fluidly while maintaining sharp pursuit angles. Hits the run seams inside-out to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. Has good change-of-direction quickness to make up for false steps. Flashes great range and a high motor when chasing sideline to sideline. Shows great blitz ability off the edge with his first-step quickness and good acceleration. Demonstrates good run instincts, coverage instincts and a nose for the ball. Could get more consistent depth on his coverage drops to effectively utilize his good closing speed. Sometimes struggles to disengage the blocks of uncovered linemen. Needs to add bulk and increase his upper-body strength to improve his shedding ability. Most of Jenkins' weak spots can be addressed with proper coaching or weight-room work. His ability to both make plays in space and stack the run between the tackles is highly-coveted in an outside linebacker prospect. Excellent prospect.
Where is he headed? Jenkins has visited and/or will visit Florida and Penn State...he also lists Illinois, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, Stanford, and Virginia Tech as favorites...
Earlier this week Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith was voted the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year...the AP has been presenting this award since 1957...when looking over the list of other coaches who have won this award, there were some interesting facts that I wanted to share with my readers...
- Despite winning four Super Bowls, Chuck Noll (photo, left) of the Pittsburgh Steelers was never named Coach of the Year...
- Other notable non-winners include: Paul Brown (Browns, Bengals), John Madden (Oakland), Tom Flores (Oakland), George Seifert (San Francisco, Carolina), Hank Stram (Kansas City, New Orleans) and Tony Dungy (Buccaneers, Colts)...
- Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry, and Bill Walsh only won the award one time each...together, they combined to win seven Super Bowls...
- Lombardi won the award in 1959, his first year with the Green Bay Packers...he never won the award again despite dominating the entire decade of the 1960s...
- There was only one tie...that happened in 1967 when George Allen of the Rams shared it with Don Shula of the Colts...
- Only three coaches ever won the award in back-to-back seasons: Allie Sherman of the Giants (1961-62); Don Shula of the Colts (1967-68); and Joe Gibbs of the Redskins (1982-83)...
- In 1957, George Wilson of the Detroit Lions was the first recipient of the award... (Wilson is in the bowtie in the picture on the right)
- Don Shula received this honor the most - four times...(Colts 1964, 67, 68 and Dolphins 72)...
- Chuck Knox is the only coach to win the award with three different teams - (Rams 1973, Bills 1980, Seahawks 1984)...
- Despite taking the Buffalo Bills to the Super Bowl four straight years, Marv Levy never received the Coach of the Year award...
- Ray Rhodes was the first African-American coach to win the award...he received this honor in 1995 as coach of the Eagles...Lovie Smith of the Bears is the only other African-American to take this honor...
- Despite their "Commitment to Excellence," no Raiders head coach was ever named Coach of the Year...
- Some of the forgotten names to win the award include: Buck Shaw, Eagles, 1960; Red Miller, Broncos, 1977; Jack Patera, Seahawks, 1978; Lindy Infante, Packers, 1989; Wayne Fontes, Lions, 1991...
Today's feature is high school running back Bryce Brown...
Bryce Brown, rb, 6'0"/215, Wichita, Kansas/Wichita East High - Brown is listed as the 2nd best high school player in the country by Rivals.com... - Brown is listed as the top running back in the country by Rivals... - In 2008, Brown rushed for 1,873 yards and 29 touchdowns in just nine games... - Good receiving skills... - He was co-MVP of the U.S. Army All-American game where he ran 6 times for 45 yards...he also caught 2 TD passes (60 and 45 yards)... - "Bryce is the best player in the country," U.S. Army East coach Terry Smith said. "This kid is dynamic, he's explosive, he's strong, he's quick, he has every asset you need in a big player."... - Is listed as the 11th best player overall and 2nd best RB by ESPN... - Is rated the 2nd best high school player by Scouts.com - His older brother Arthur signed with Miami (Fla) in the 2008 recruiting class...
Here is what Rivals wrote about Brown after the U.S. Army game: Assets: Has very good speed, quickness and is a multi-purpose, every-down back that can do it all. Areas for Improvement: Brown is a leader through his ability and I would like to see him become a more outspoken leader. What was most impressive in the game: Just like all week in practice he demonstrated his ability to slip out of the backfield and become a vertical threat in the passing game. Conclusion: He proved to the whole country on a national stage that he is the top running back in the nation. The only question now is will he end up a Hurricane?
As of January 3, 2009, here is what ESPN has about Brown: Brown is a highly productive back with a rare combination of speed and power. He runs with the kind of explosiveness his brother Arthur displayed as a top linebacker prospect in 2008. He has a solid, thickly built frame and the compact body structure necessary to be a workhorse type at the next level. Presses the hole, but also has a great blend of vision, balance and decisiveness to hit the cutback lane sharply and burst through the line of scrimmage. Squares his shoulder pads quickly out of his cuts and instantly generates excellent north-south speed. He's a bit straight-lined, but he has the smooth hips, body control and suddenness to avoid defenders through initial traffic. Makes subtle cuts to sidestep trash without losing much in transition. His low center of gravity and ability to reach top speed in an instant gives him the power to break initial arm tackles consistently. Needs to watch body tilt as he can run high but demonstrates a strong lower body, good determination and relentless leg drive on contact. Picks up extra yards and finishes runs. Flashes the speed to bounce outside, turn the corner and go the distance. Has the explosive extra gear in space to separate. Shows adequate hands and receiving skills, and the strength to chip and pick up the blitz. Brown's somewhat questionable open-field elusiveness and level of competition are the only real concerns at this point, but he definitely has the physical gifts to make an early impact at the next level.
Where he is headed? Committed to Miami (Fla) in February 2008, however, there is talk that he may change his mind...Oregon may be his other choice...
Here is a 3:41 clip of highlights from Brown's performance as a RB:
With signing day fast approaching, Stiles Points will be featuring various players who may be the next stud in college...today's feature is Rueben Randle who is listed as the top high school player in the country by Rivals.com...
Rueben Randle, wr, 6'3"/195 - Bastrop, Louisians/Bastrop High - In 2008, Randle played QB for his team...he threw for 2,207 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 607 yards and 12 scores... - Randle had 7 receptions for 75 yards in Saturday's U.S. Army All-American game... - Randle is ranked 6th overall on the ESPN Top 150...he is the top rated wide receiver... - Randle is listed as the 2nd best wide receiver by Scouts.com...
This is what Rivals wrote about Randle after the U.S. Army game... Assets: Excellent height, soft hands and superior body control. Areas for Improvement: Needs to get back into the swing of running routes on a regular basis since he played quarterback this year. What was most impressive in the game: Leading receiver in the game with seven catches for 75 yards, and he was not at full strength all week because of a pulled hamstring which happened during the first practice. Conclusion: Will have a similar impact as a freshman as Julio Jones, A.J. Green, Michael Floyd and DeAndre Brown wherever he ends up.
As of January 4, 2009, ESPN has this breakdown on Randle: Explosive and fluid for a size receiver, Randle resembles a taller Josh Jarboe (class of 2008). He is big and strong, but athletic for his size. Plays fast and has explosive playmaking skills. His size and speed make him a legitimate deep threat. He's versatile and able to play multiple spots in a formation to create mismatches. Struggles to get off press coverage against talented, savvy cornerbacks--like most young receivers. He's tough and fearless over the middle. Makes tough catches in traffic and secures the ball even when absorbing a big hit. He's a bit high-cut, but shows little stiffness in his hips. Has more explosiveness running vertical routes than he has after the catch, but his initial burst and second gear still make him a threat to go the distance. Shows surprisingly fluid athleticism with the ball in his hands and isn't strictly straight-lined in his movements. He isn't exactly shifty in space, but he has natural cutting ability. Catches the ball in stride and has enough elusiveness to make multiple defenders miss. Can turn a short catch into a big play. Has very long arms and can high-point the ball in traffic. His size gives him natural red-zone tools, and he can make the acrobatic catch. Has a wide catch radius and very impressive focus. Has very good return skills and vision in the open field. Needs to polish his route-running skills, but that should come with time and experience. Randle has the blend of size, speed and playmaking ability to create mismatch problems on the perimeter or in the slot at the college level.
Where is he headed? Randle has visited or will visit the following schools: Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State
Also has a shot: Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, USC
John Branch of The New York Times wrote a fascinating article about the inexact science about how football officials determine a first down... "Since 1906, football teams have needed to gain 10 yards for a first down. From the sideline, far from the action, two sticks connected by a chain have measured the required distance, their placement estimated by eyesight." ...
John Branch also did a side-bar article of how the men on the chain gang operate and thier duties.. "The N.F.L.’s chain gang is actually a seven-person crew, hired for game-day duty by the home teams." ...
Michigan locked up a huge recruit at Saturday's U.S. Army High School game...Detroit Cass five-star nose tackle William Campbell announced he will be a Wolverine..."One analyst on the telecast said, “It’s the first sign of good news in Ann Arbor for awhile now.” ...
Thayer Evans of The New York Times writes how high school running back Cierre Woods gets ribbed because he is going to Notre Dame... "Wood, a 6-foot, 192-pound tailback, has had people laugh in his face, crack jokes and mock him about his college choice. Some have even referred to the Fighting Irish as the “Lirish” for their recent losing ways." ...
Woody Wommack of the Orlando Sentinel writes how high school recruits are getting weary as signing day looms... "While a lot of teams are showing late interest, Debose said he wanted to make a decision tonight, partially to relieve some pressure he has received from coaches and recruiting services eager to learn of his decision." ...
Pete Thamel of The New York Times writes how Dan Mullen is juggling two jobs as Florida prepares for the national title... "He realized that he was missing one of his two cellphones, the tangible signs of the dual life he had been leading. Mullen’s phone with the 352 area code represents the job he will finish this week as Florida’s offensive coordinator. His 662 phone number signifies his new position as the coach at Mississippi State." ...
David Wharton of The Los Angeles Times writes about the falling career of Vince Young... "The 25-year-old former college superstar and NFL rookie of the year has lost his starting job with the Tennessee Titans amid questions about his ability to handle pressure. There was a bizarre, and much-publicized, incident earlier this season that by various accounts had him sulking, depressed, even suicidal, all of which he has denied." ...
Michael Wilbon of The Washington Post writes how these are not your great grandfather's Cardinals... "The Cardinals, left for dead weeks ago during a string of amateurish and lopsided defeats, did the stuff they're known to do, like throwing the ball beautifully, and some things they rarely resort to, like running the ball and playing resourceful, turnover-forcing defense." ...
LSU head coach Les Miles got a stud at quarterback when dual-threat Russell Shepard of Houston, Texas committed to the Tigers...
k--a scary thought. Shepard is lean, flexible and plays with a lot of wiggle. He might seem like just a great athlete playing quarterback at first, but he's the real deal as a complete player. Still, he makes most of his plays with his legs, either on called runs or on scrambles after the initial play unravels. Causes headaches for defenses because he can break down a defender in the open field as well as anyone. Stays low to the ground and doesn't take a lot of big hits. Has excellent vision and the lateral mobility to bounce runs outside after starting inside.
