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Cornerback recruiting

  • So I get that Florida is a great state for high school players, but they really have SIX cornerbacks better than any corner in the state of Teaxs? And Arizona, that has about a tenth the number of NCAA-Div1 players as come from Texas high schools, has THREE corners better than any Texas cornerback? Maybe this is a down year for corners in Texas? Seems to me Maurice Smith and Antwaun Davis are good size, great speed and have a great playing reputation. Can both of those 5ft7 and 5ft9 corners rated above them really play better? Some of those above them are pretty weak on offers, while Davis has the ultimate blue plate offer list in Alabama, Michigan, OU, and 30 more. Smith's is just as good with Alabama, Arkansas, Nebraska, ND, etc. Several above them are kinda sparse, plus they are smaller and slower. Anyone have an explanation?

    Maturin1

  • Maturin1 said...

    So I get that Florida is a great state for high school players, but they really have SIX cornerbacks better than any corner in the state of Teaxs? And Arizona, that has about a tenth the number of NCAA-Div1 players as come from Texas high schools, has THREE corners better than any Texas cornerback? Maybe this is a down year for corners in Texas? Seems to me Maurice Smith and Antwaun Davis are good size, great speed and have a great playing reputation. Can both of those 5ft7 and 5ft9 corners rated above them really play better? Some of those above them are pretty weak on offers, while Davis has the ultimate blue plate offer list in Alabama, Michigan, OU, and 30 more. Smith's is just as good with Alabama, Arkansas, Nebraska, ND, etc. Several above them are kinda sparse, plus they are smaller and slower. Anyone have an explanation?

    Not sure about Smith but Davis had injury problems, believe it was his back, that caused the lower grade...We hear Davis is back and getting really strong and running track...His stock should start to tick up this Spring and really jump up if he has an injury free and productive Sr season this Fall...

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    Bandit18 ●

  • Bandit18 said...

    Not sure about Smith but Davis had injury problems, believe it was his back, that caused the lower grade...We hear Davis is back and getting really strong and running track...His stock should start to tick up this Spring and really jump up if he has an injury free and productive Sr season this Fall...

    Agree. i think Smith will end up in Burnt Orange, along with an oos guy. I'm pretty sure Harris will jump on board due to taking so many oos trips here. He knows what Akina can do for him, it's just a matter of time before he announces. Of course, if he doesn't come here I reserve the right to retract my prediction and claim that I never said such a thing

    "Pavlov was this scientist guy, you know, and every time this dog would ring a bell, Pavlov would eat."

    Kelso ●

  • Kelso said...

    Agree. i think Smith will end up in Burnt Orange, along with an oos guy. I'm pretty sure Harris will jump on board due to taking so many oos trips here. He knows what Akina can do for him, it's just a matter of time before he announces. Of course, if he doesn't come here I reserve the right to retract my prediction and claim that I never said such a thing

    Now that's the Kelso we all know and love!! (No homo!!) clap

    This post was edited by Bandit18 on 3/11/2012 at 9:45 AM

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    Bandit18 ●

  • My point is, are three corners in Arizona better than Smith? I just think Texas cbs as a group are being underrated. Particularly those above them that are small, slow and have a much more limited set of offers.

    Maturin1

  • Smith is underrated

    WildBill71 ●

  • Well, Akina is spending a lot of time looking out of state. Just being very thorough with only two spots available or does he think its a down year for corners in Texas? My guess would be that to this point it is a little of both.

    Crazy Horn

  • I agree with and trust Akina's judgement in this area. If he doesn't like the instate DB's then so be it. If he feels the OOS guys are better, then I trust him.

    2005NatChamps ●

  • 2005NatChamps said...

    I agree with and trust Akina's judgement in this area. If he doesn't like the instate DB's then so be it. If he feels the OOS guys are better, then I trust him.

    I am not questioning Akina's judgment, I am questioning 24/7's rankings of cornerbacks.

    I am wondering how Will Likely at 5ft7 is a top 10 corner, while Smith is at 30.

    I am wondering how Jalen Ortiz is ranked higher with only a couple of decent schools Arizona and UCLA wanting him, when Smith has Alabama, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Arkansas, and many many more.

    This post was edited by Maturin1 on 3/11/2012 at 10:25 PM

    Maturin1

  • I believe the Texas DB's are being under rated. This state puts a lot of DB's in the NFL.

    longhrn

  • Maturin1 said...

    I am not questioning Akina's judgment, I am questioning 24/7's rankings of cornerbacks.

    I am wondering how Will Likely at 5ft7 is a top 10 corner, while Smith is at 30.

    I am wondering how Jalen Ortiz is ranked higher with only a couple of decent schools Arizona and UCLA wanting him, when Smith has Alabama, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Arkansas, and many many more.

    Jesus, NSD is a year out, still have all of the spring, summer camps, and senior years to go. Gerry might be conservative in his rankings as of now, who knows. No reason to get your panties in a bunch over a couple of rating points.

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    khorn28 ●

  • I thought it an astute observation, Maturin.

    jjloehr

  • I wouldn't worry too much about it at this point. These kids are still 11 months from signing their LOI and have their entire senior years left to play. The rankings will undoubtedly change multiple times by the time these kids sign. If it is still this lopsided next november or december, then I'd be more concerned.

    kebonics

  • FWIW, Jacory Warrick would probably rank up there if you're ranking him as a CB. At the same time, I wouldn't put much distinction in somebody claiming a Bama carpet bombing offer. It's most likely not-committable.

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    khorn28 ●

  • Priest Willis is a safety. Maybe even LB. If he can play CB at his size it would be shocking.

    He'll probably end up ranked a lot higher than he already is, but he doesn't look or play like a corner IMO.

    This post was edited by WildBill71 on 3/12/2012 at 12:13 AM

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    WildBill71 ●

  • It's always nice to see DBs that attack the ball. Cole Luke does that (6 INTs, 12 PBUs), Maurice Smith is constantly coming up with this ball on his video, and then he also plays offense. Antwuan Davis doesn't do that. Hopefully he puts to rest the questions about his physicality and ball skills this spring because he has special special measurables.

    Cole Luke is a complete player. Only thing he is missing is elite speed, and he still has plenty of it.

    This post was edited by WildBill71 on 3/12/2012 at 12:22 AM

    Play

    #11 DB Cole Luke Hamilton High School Juni...

    Video Created by Five Star Film Productions five.star.productions@live.com

    http://www.youtube.com/v/qx0kPNzU8hg

    WildBill71 ●

  • WildBill71 said...

    It's always nice to see DBs that attack the ball. Cole Luke does that (6 INTs, 12 PBUs), Maurice Smith is constantly coming up with this ball on his video, and then he also plays offense. Antwuan Davis doesn't do that. Hopefully he puts to rest the questions about his physicality and ball skills this spring because he has special special measurables.

    Cole Luke is a complete player. Only thing he is missing is elite speed, and he still has plenty of it.

    Davis doesn't have an opportunity to attack the ball because they never throw it to his side. He is a shut-down corner with the size, speed, strength combo that no one has in this class. (10.4 100m speed, 340 lb bench press, and he is 6 feet tall)

    TexasBlood13

  • Maturin1 said...

    I am not questioning Akina's judgment, I am questioning 24/7's rankings of cornerbacks.

    I am wondering how Will Likely at 5ft7 is a top 10 corner, while Smith is at 30.

    I am wondering how Jalen Ortiz is ranked higher with only a couple of decent schools Arizona and UCLA wanting him, when Smith has Alabama, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Arkansas, and many many more.

    Do you watch the film on these guys? If you do, you can tell why some are rated so highly. Not saying this is the case, but you can't judge a prospect by his height, weight, 40 time and offer sheet. Can you judge Quandre Diggs by saying 'oh he's 5'9, how can he be ahead of a faster, taller player'.

    Quandre is an excellent example of how size can be overrated at the DB position. Hell, even speed can an overrated aspect. as long as a corner plays the position will intelligence and proper angles, elite speed is not a must. It obviously helps to have great recovery speed, but if a kid has to constantly use his speed to catch up to receivers that outplay him in the first 10 yards from scrimmage, then I would rather trade that off for some football IQ.

    Smith is probably close to an offer, and I think he deserves it. And the good thing about Luke, and Smith as well, is that they are both good safety prospects, so the versatility is a plus. I think Davis will have to have a really strong sr year to make a move in the rankings and maybe get an offer. He has to prove that he is fully recovered and can make big plays at corner. He has fantastic physical tools, but he needs to show that they transfer to the field.

    PMac7 ●

  • PMac7 said...
    Can you judge Quandre Diggs by saying 'oh he's 5'9, how can he be ahead of a faster, taller player'.

    Quandre is an excellent example of how size can be overrated at the DB position. Hell, even speed can an overrated aspect. as long as a corner plays the position will intelligence and proper angles, elite speed is not a must. It obviously helps to have great recovery speed, but if a kid has to constantly use his speed to catch up to receivers that outplay him in the first 10 yards from scrimmage, then I would rather trade that off for some football IQ.

    +infinity. Workout warriors don't matter. For dbs, the ability to swivel your hips matters a lot. Look at Taylor Mays (sp??). 2nd round draft pick who folks said had limited coverage skills and an outside linebacker mentality. Passed the eyeball test but Jim Harbaugh got rid of him quickly.

    txdot

  • PMac7 said...

    Do you watch the film on these guys? If you do, you can tell why some are rated so highly. Not saying this is the case, but you can't judge a prospect by his height, weight, 40 time and offer sheet. Can you judge Quandre Diggs by saying 'oh he's 5'9, how can he be ahead of a faster, taller player'.

    Quandre is an excellent example of how size can be overrated at the DB position. Hell, even speed can an overrated aspect. as long as a corner plays the position will intelligence and proper angles, elite speed is not a must. It obviously helps to have great recovery speed, but if a kid has to constantly use his speed to catch up to receivers that outplay him in the first 10 yards from scrimmage, then I would rather trade that off for some football IQ.

    Smith is probably close to an offer, and I think he deserves it. And the good thing about Luke, and Smith as well, is that they are both good safety prospects, so the versatility is a plus. I think Davis will have to have a really strong sr year to make a move in the rankings and maybe get an offer. He has to prove that he is fully recovered and can make big plays at corner. He has fantastic physical tools, but he needs to show that they transfer to the field.

    Post more please...That is all... wave

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    Bandit18 ●

  • Maturin1 said...

    My point is, are three corners in Arizona better than Smith? I just think Texas cbs as a group are being underrated. Particularly those above them that are small, slow and have a much more limited set of offers.

    Could it be that the qbs and the spread offenses are so darn good in Texas that the corner backs are made to look less talented than they really are? Also Texas seems to play a wide open brand of out score the other team and the best athletes are often put on offense rather than defense.

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    You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Never trust a man who only knows how to spell a word one way. Andrew Jackson

    JFrankWebb

  • Maturin1 said...

    I am not questioning Akina's judgment, I am questioning 24/7's rankings of cornerbacks.

    I am wondering how Will Likely at 5ft7 is a top 10 corner, while Smith is at 30.

    I am wondering how Jalen Ortiz is ranked higher with only a couple of decent schools Arizona and UCLA wanting him, when Smith has Alabama, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Arkansas, and many many more.

    Down year in Texas for DBs is part of recruiting cycle

    GoHorns 1

  • Not worried about DBs. Just tell Akina how many he picks he gets and let him go.
    Look at Duke Echols.......3 star with no offers to speak of this time last year.....he is now at the University of Texas pushing for playing time and he hasn't graduated high school yet.

    Akina could take my pet snauzer and make him all Big-12.

    schoolmaster

  • I think CB is one of the tougher positions to evaluate. Most teams play some form of a zone. Many kids who wind up being CBs start out as QBs and RBs, etc.

    Being a CB is more than just straightline speed, it is about being able to start, stop, cut, turn, etc. Those elite CBs are almost as hard to find as LTs and QBs in the NFL.

    everybodygodeep

  • I wouldn't be worried about the relative ranking vis a vis the other states. The Florida guy is probably a more effective advocate. The relative ranking of the players within the State of Texas seems more relevant.

    VaHorn ●

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