Signing Day Primer Part 1: Recruiting Overview

As Signing Day approaches, I figured this would be a good time to re-acquaint the Blog to the Patriot Nation. So, here’s a Signing Day primer to get you ready for the fully or action that is getting ready to happen on Wednesday, February 1^st.

Tell us about the recruits not named Tracy Howard

We already know that Tracy Howard will make his decision on signing day (more on this tomorrow). But, he isn’t the only recruit Miramar will be sending to the next level. Here’s a quick look at the other 24 players who will be selecting their collegiate destinations on, or after, signing day:

Malcolm Lewis – Wide Receiver: Committed to the University of Miami
Lightning fast with shifty moves in the open field, Lewis will have the ability to impact games as a freshman for the Hurricanes. Should see time in the offense, and also as a kick and punt returner.

Devonte Mathis – Wide Receiver: Committed to West Virginia University.
This physically gifted player will join former Patriots Geno Smith, Stedman Bailey, Ivan “Sticks” McCartney, and Dominick Bryan in Morgantown as the Mountaineers look to transition to the Big 12, and build on the momentum from their win in the Orange Bowl.

Brian Williams – Outside Linebacker: Committed to Georgia Southern
Tall, wiry player with a big frame (6’4’’ 210lbs) that could easily support another 20-30 pounds of muscle. A big time talent who should will definitely find himself on the field as a freshman.

Daniel and Reggie Lennon – Offensive Lineman and Wide Receiver: Committed to Florida A&M
These brothers have played on the same football team since age 7, and will continue to play together in College. Daniel (6’2”, 280lbs) is a versatile player, who figures to find a home at Guard. Reggie (6’3’’ 180lbs) is a slick technician at receiver with a knack for getting open. Through the summer and early season, coaches and players claimed to have never seen Reggie drop a pass. While he struggled with drops and fumbles through the second half of the season, he will add a playmaking ability that the Rattlers sorely need on the outside of their offense

Kevin Gonzalez – Offensive Guard: Committed to Howard University
One of the Captains of this year’s team, Gonzalez will be a valued asset to the Bison. He might challenge for playing time as a freshman, but his impact will more likely be felt 2 to 3 years in the future.

Clevonne Davis – Offensive Tackle: Committed to North Carolina Central University
Davis will take his 3 years of starting experience to North Carolina Central. His size (6’3’’ 305lbs) and technique should allow him to challenge for playing time early in his college career.

Mike Fleurinvil and Kiwan Cottle – Defensive End and Defensive Back: Committed to Northwood University
Fleurinvil is a 3 year varsity player, and a member of the 2009 6A State Champions. Cottle is a tall defender (6’1’’) with a wiry, athletic build. Both will play as freshman, probably on special teams for the Seahawks.

Willie Paisley – Defensive Tackle: Committed to Southern University
A late bloomer on the recruiting scene, Paisley will take his considerable size (6’2’’ 315lbs) and talents to the Bayou. Will most definitely play as a freshman, although it figures to be in a limited number of snaps.

Camren Hudge – Quarterback: Committed to the University of Delaware
Hudge is a 3 year varsity player, and a proven winner. While he will have the opportunity to be the next great QB in Delaware history, his time will probably have to wait for a year or 2 as he gets acclimated to the Blue Hens’ offensive system.

D’Quan Williams – Defensive Tackle: Committed to Savannah State
Talented player who emerged as a top player through the course of the season. Williams will join a talented Savannah State team, and bring some Florida flavor to the Georgia team.

D’Vontis Arnold – Running Back: Committed to Bethune Cookman
One of my favorite players since he came to Miramar as a freshman, Arnold has struggled with injuries. He missed the last 14 games of the 2009 Championship season with a high ankle sprain, and he missed all of the 2010 season with a torn left ACL. Arnold was the Thunder to Alex Lee’s Lightning in the Miramar rushing attack, and will make a lot of teams regret not offering him a scholarship when they see his production with the Wildcats next year.

Now, a quick snapshot of the undecided players:

Marrell Jackson – Free Safety
Tall safety (6’2’’) with great range. Led the State of Florida, and finished second NATIONALLY, in interceptions, collecting 12 picks on the year.

Trevon Coley – Defensive End/Ooutside Linebacker
One of the leaders of the Darkside defense, Coley has a good motor and finished with 7.5 sacks. Good technique, and a solid tackler. Will be an impact player in 2 years.

Mark Rucker – Linebacker/Fullback
Rucker (another member of the 2009 State Championship team) is quick, powerful and instinctive. He saved one of his best games for his final home game (the Regional Final vs. Palm Beach Gardens, when he finished with 13 tackles). Could contribute early in college on special teams.

Anthony Hamilton – Safety
Solid defensive player. Had a solid season after missing 3 games with an elbow injury sustained in the Northeast game. Could potentially play Cornerback at the next level as well.

Kameron Capers – Linebacker
A smart but undersized player, Capers will continue to bring a physical brand of football to his chosen college. May need a year to add weight and recover from a broken ankle he suffered in the middle of the season.

Darrell Brown – Offensive Lineman
Good player who filled in all over the line. Will be a valued asset to his chosen college.

Fary Charles – Defensive End
Charles had a couple very strong games at the end of the regular season, and into the playoffs. His play was noticed by coaches and scouts alike. Plays with great leverage he’s learned from wrestling.

Denzel Trowers and Terrence Hill – Cornerback
These 2 players rotated at the “tight” cornerback position opposite Tracy Howard. Both have good speed, and decent ball skills in coverage. While they are small (5’8’’ and 5’9’’ respectively) they are tough, scrappy players who figure to continue to provide solid coverage at the next level.

Charleston Jenkins – Wide Receiver/Tight End/H-Back
Jenkins is a physical specimen at 6’3’’ 215lbs. He offers a mismatch when running seam routes, too fast for most linebackers to run with, and too big for most defensive backs to deal with. Huge college potential.

Gerard Toussaint – Offensive Tackle
2 year player who is very raw, but with good potential. Will need some time to add weight and develop his technique before contributing at the collegiate level.

How has this recruiting season gone?

It has gone fairly smoothly. With one obvious exception that I’ll address later, most of the players have enjoyed a routine recruiting process: schools watch them, send a coach early in the season, monitor their play through the year, send the same coach back during playoffs (probably with an offer) and the player goes from there.

By my unofficial count, there have been no less than 38 schools who have visited Miramar for the 2012 recruiting cycle. Each school has been pleasantly surprised by the talent on the field, and that has led to over 20 athletes earning scholarship offers.

Overall, I believe that a few more players could have earned higher BCS level scholarships. But, if the point is to get as many student-athletes into school as possible, this has been a very productive recruiting season for the Patriots.

Who has made the biggest leap in college interest?

Easily it has been Marrell Jackson. I noticed him starting in the summer, working out in the weight room with Malcolm and Tracy. That work translated into an awesome season, which saw him lead the State in interceptions with 12. Opposing teams quickly took notice of him, and so too did recruiters. Jackson has gone from unknown to potential BCS level recruit in less than 6 months. This type of meteoric rise is uncommon, but it’s well deserved for this talented playmaker.

Who has been the most overlooked recruit?

In my opinion, I would have to say it’s a tie between Mark Rucker and Charleston Jenkins. Both players can be impact players at the FCS (formerly D-1AA level) and could find success at the FBS (Division 1) level in the future.

Rucker, the supreme technician, doesn’t miss tackles, and something that translates at any level. I find it absolutely shocking that he doesn’t have a single college scholarship offer. Dieter Kurtenbach of the Sun-Sentinel did a very nice profile of Rucker and his recruiting struggles. Read more about that HERE

Jenkins needs to work on his blocking if he’s going to stay at Tight End, but his height and athleticism make him a dangerous weapon in any offensive system.

Both players have been overlooked, and I think that a LOT of college teams are going to be kicking themselves for missing on these players.

Who is the best fit considering the school they will be attending?

I think there are 3 players who have the best fit at the next level:

1.  Malcolm Lewis – speedy receiver with good hands, he will most definitely find himself on the field early for the hometown Hurricanes.
2.  D’Vontis Arnold – a big, bruising back, Arnold is an FBS level player who will be playing at the FCS level. His talent should shine, and he figures to have an amazing season for Bethune Cookman. Could potentially have the biggest season of any Miramar senior next year.
3.  Tracy Howard – He’s kind of good. I’ll give you all the details on him in tomorrow’s article.

Which players do you think are going to be in this position come next signing day?

Miramar is in the enviable position of always having top level players, most of whom turn into highly sought after college recruits. With at least 3 players having earned FBS scholarships in the last 4 years, this trend should continue into the future.

As of today, I believe there are 4 players who are going to be the headliners of next year’s signing day:

1.  Linebacker Jermaine Grace – already mentioned as one of the top players in the class of 2013, Grace will be the unquestioned leader of the Darkside Defense next season. Has already received interest from Florida State, Louisville, and Miami, among others.
2. Running Back Alex Lee – this speedy player has good size (5’11’’ 175lbs) and figures to add weight through the offseason. His ability to score on any given play has already drawn attention from Florida State and Louisville, with many others sure to join in as he moves into the spotlight as the feature back.
3.   Center Michael Miranda – Already a seasoned veteran with 2 years of starting experience, Miranda has a bright future at either center or guard at the next level. With good showings on the summer camp circuit, he has the chance to be a high FBS level recruit.
4. Wide Receiver Sean Avant – made a huge splash in the victory over St. Thomas Aquinas, and continued to make plays all season long. Has good height, runs crisp routes, and catches everything thrown his way. Will get looks from major FBS level schools as the next Miramar Star Receiver.

Now, there will obviously be others who earn scholarships, but those are my top 4 for 2013. And, there is arguably MORE talent in the class of 2014, including Trevon Rolle, Devon Wallace, Tanares Robinson, and Kwasim West. The future for the Patriots is very bright.

And that brings us to the end of Signing Day Primer, part 1. Be sure to check back tomorrow for the Tracy Howard extravaganza.

Until Next Time,

Cameron J. Underwood
Miramar Sports