Hansen tabs Prague signal caller Dakota Harris 2008 Preseason Offensive MVP; Tulsa Union dominates with four on the First Team, including dazzling running back Jeremy Smith.
By Scott Hansen
MaxPreps.com
Remember the name Dakota Harris.
Prague’s dual-threat quarterback is a small town superstar with a big-time game. Harris enters his senior season as the Preseason Offensive Most Valuable Player in Scott Hansen’s MaxPreps Oklahoma All-State team.
Prague, just north of Interstate 40 on Highway 377 in Eastern Oklahoma, has a population of just over 2,000 residents. Harris used the 2007 season to make big city headlines in the Daily Oklahoman and the Tulsa World as he led Prague to the Class 2A semifinals.
If you have the Red Devils on your schedule this coming season, prepare for a heavy dosage of Harris left, Harris right, Harris middle, and Harris pass. Using his arm, Harris threw for 2,311 yards and 18 TDs while operating out of a no-huddle shotgun offense. Harris rushed for 1,673 yards and 34 TDs, making his touchdown total a whopping 52 in 2007.
“Some people consider me a pro-style quarterback, but I guess they haven’t seen my rushing stats,” Harris said. “Being All-State is not all that important to me. I just want us to beat the teams in our district which is the toughest in 2A, hands down.”
Along with Harris, other proven quarterbacks in 2A-5 are Eufaula’s Ethan Sharp and Chandler’s Jack Gray. Sharpe and Gray aren’t too shabby, either. Sharp threw for 2,036 yards and 24 TDs last season while Gray threw for 20 TDs and added eight more on the ground for the Lions. Prague played Eufaula in the first round of the 2A state playoffs last season, with the Harris and the Red Devils beaten then-unbeaten Eufaula.
“They are both outstanding quarterbacks that I am excited to play against,” said Harris, who has received Division I interest in recruiting, including one offer.
Harris feels his Red Devils have a leg up on a touch district that also includes Okemah, Beggs, Holdenville, Henryetta, and Morris.
“We have an outstanding defense this year. Brad Crawford and Travis Baker are some players to keep an eye on over on defense. We might have the edge in our district, but it is because of our defense,” said Prague’s signal caller.
Tulsa Union has four first-team honorees, all Division I prospects. Jeremy Smith leads the way, fresh off a junior campaign where the Oklahoma State verbal rushed for 1,748 yards and 20 TDs. Wide receiver Anthony Foster, tight end Tracy Moore, and offensive lineman Brian DeShane join Smith on the first team.
To honor the University of Oklahoma’s offense of the past, three running backs are featured in a wishbone offense with one wide receiver. Why not when you have Beau Blankenship, David Oku, and Smith in the backfield?
Jenks quarterback Mark Ginther was named the All-State Offensive MVP after his championship-winning campaign last season. Who will be the Ginther of 2008?
First Team All-State Offense
Quarterback
Dakota Harris, Prague (6-0, 220, Preseason Offensive MVP)
Harris exploded onto the scene in 2007, attempting to redefine the term ‘dual-threat’. Harris, who plays for Class 2A Prague, proved he could run and throw just as well as the players at the big schools. Harris threw for 2,311 yards and 18 TDs. On the ground, Harris was equally as impressive. Harris rushed for 1,673 yards and 34 TDs. Harris will bring his gaudy stat-sheet into 2008 as arguably the top signal caller in Oklahoma.
Running Backs
Beau Blankenship, Norman North (5-8, 210)
Don’t attempt to tackle Blankenship one-on-one. You will need an army of defenders to bring down this single-handed wrecking crew. Blankenship rushed for 2,200 yards and 26 TDs as a junior, leading Norman North to the Class 6A quarterfinals. As a sophomore, Blankenship broke out with 1,597 yards and 16 TDs. Blankenship will take his deceptive speed to Iowa State University. Before heading to Ames, Blankenship will be a key factor on who wins Class 6A in 2008.
David Oku, Midwest City Carl Albert (5-9, 185)
They say academics are important in high school sports. Oku proves that because when he sees a crease, it becomes academic at that point. Nobody will catch him and six points is imminent. Think of a smaller version of Reggie Bush, the best way to describe what Oku brings to the table. Playing at 75 percent last season due to an ankle injury, Oku still managed 1,628 yards and 20 TDs. Oku has Florida State, Nebraska, and Tennessee to name a few on speed dial. Oku is a big-time prospect, arguably the most exciting player the state of Oklahoma has to offer in 2008.
Jeremy Smith, Tulsa Union (6-0, 210)
When perennial power Tulsa Union needed big yards in 2007, they called on its horse. Smith is one of the brightest prospects in the region after rushing for 1,748 yards and 20 TDs as a junior. Despite being related to former Oklahoma defensive back Reggie Smith, the Union running back is verbally committed to attend upstart Oklahoma State. As a sophomore, Smith proved his ability in the passing game with his 362 receiving yards and five TDs. Smith is ready to make a huge impact in 2008 as Union’s go-to performer.
Wide Receiver
Anthony Foster, Tulsa Union (5-8, 175)
For Northern Illinois bound quarterback Brandon Rogers, Foster developed into his go-to guy in the clutch. Foster was nearly impossible to track in a man-to-man situation. Foster caught 37 passes for 665 yards, an average of 18 yards per grab, as a junior for the Redskins. Foster also hauled in 13 TDs in 2007. Foster will have to develop a relationship with a new quarterback in 2008. If that happens, another huge season is possible for Foster.
Tight End
Tracy Moore, Tulsa Union (6-4, 230)
Moore was another threat in the passing game for Rogers and the Redskins in 2007. Moore caught 29 passes for 448 yards and four TDs as a junior for Tulsa Union. Moore has developed into a Division I prospect entering his senior season for Union and is looking to expand on his recruiting mail with another outstanding performance in 2008.
Offensive Line
Brian DeShane, Tulsa Union (6-3, 280)
DeShane anchored Union’s offensive line in protecting Rogers and paving gaping holes for Smith out of the backfield. Union averaged 342.9 yards per game last season en route to a 13-1 record and the Class 6A state championship game. DeShane is verbally committed to attend the University of Tulsa.
Brandon Webb, Owasso (6-4, 320)
Webb is one of the highest regarded players in the entire state and has already informed Oklahoma State of his intension to sign with the Cowboys. Webb helped give running back Jacques Washington rush for 1,755 yards and 14 TDs in 2007. Webb had plenty of love in the recruiting department, but felt Oklahoma State was the best fit for this big-time tackle.
Michael Bowie, Sand Springs (6-5, 300)
With programs such as Tulsa Union, Jenks, Muskogee, and Owasso in the Tulsa area, sometimes players from other schools get lost in the shuffle. Not this 300-pound tackle from Sand Springs. Bowie has verbally committed to the University of Kansas heading into his senior season. The Sandites are an emerging program and big things could be in store for 2008. Bowie is the leader and holds the key to its fortunes.
Alvin Bailey, Broken Arrow (6-4, 300)
Broken Arrow is the sleeper entering the 2008 season. Broken Arrow returns its quarterback, running back, and this space-eating lineman. Bailey is as strong as an ox and is a Division I talent. Junior Jerrod Green rushed for 1,102 yards and 12 scores last season with Bailey leading his route to the end zone. Bailey and the Tigers are definitely a team to keep an eye on this season.
Jake Alexander, Jenks (6-3, 260, Jr.)
Alexander’s father played in the National Football League, and this Alexander is on the right path. Alexander has been starting on the varsity squad for his only two years of high school, both resulting in Class 6A state championships. Jenks rolled to an average of 446.7 yards per game in its state title last season, with Alexander quietly leading the way on the offensive line. Alexander has already committed to the University of Tulsa despite entering his junior season.
Kicker
Bryce Easley, Norman North (6-2, 180)
Easley had a solid season as Norman North’s kicker in 2007. For the Class 6A quarterfinalists, Easley converted 11-of-17 on field goal attempts and connected on 29 PAT’s last season. Easley’s long of his junior season was from 43 yards out. With the Timberwolves loaded with talent all over the place, it can also rely on a steady kicking game heading into the 2008 season thanks to Easley.
Second Team All-State Offense
Quarterback
Tyler Tettleton, Norman North (6-0, 190)
Missed 2007 with knee injury. In 2006, threw for 1,852 yards and 10 TDs along with eight rushing TDs.
Running Backs
Timothy Flanders, Midwest City (5-9, 190)
Two-sport star and two-way player rushed for 1,604 yards and 20 TDs along with 4 INTs on defense.
Marco Nelson, Glenpool (5-10, 180, Jr.)
Huge sophomore campaign for 4A state finalists; rushed for 1,973 yards and 27 TDs in 2007.
Wide Receivers
Tramaine Thompson, Jenks (5-9, 160)
Quick-strike threat for Trojans; caught 33 passes for 565 yards and seven TDs for Class 6A state champs.
Brett Davis, Shawnee (6-1, 200)
Played quarterback and receiver in 2007; rushed for 7 TDs and averaged 17.9 yards per catch with 7 TD grabs.
Tight End
Greg Brown, Bixby (6-3, 230)
In run-oriented offense, had 189 yards receiving and 2 TDs; big-time run blocker committed to Tulsa.
Offensive Line
Gavin Howard, Owasso (6-5, 260)
Second Division I prospect on Rams offensive line; committed to Kansas.
Keenan Taylor, Tulsa Washington (6-4, 250)
Huge upside for Taylor; verballed to Kansas State over the summer.
Calvin Barnett, Tulsa Washington (6-4, 290)
Along with Taylor, yet another hot prospect on Hornets offensive line.
Cody Hughes, Norman North (6-4, 300)
Moore transfer brings instant credibility to the offensive front for the Timberwolves.
Christian Crigler, Millwood (6-0, 260)
Small-school gem looking to get Falcons quickly back on the map along with young talent.
Kicker
Nick Chafey, Bethany (5-9, 165)
Hit 12-of-17 field goals with a long of 48, including state playoff winner against Alva.
Ones to Watch in '08
By the time 2008 is all said and done, an All-State selection could be on the cards for these athletes.
Terry Bell, OL, Lawton (6-3, 295)
Bell was a two-way starter for the Wolverines last season; Lawton averaged 325 yards per game with Bell paving the way.
Stetson Burnett, OL, Lawton MacArthur (6-3, 275)
With Burnett on the line for the Mac’s new no-huddle offense, the Highlanders averaged 361.5 yards per game.
Keaton Callins, QB, Guthrie (5-11, 180)
Callins was good enough to move Kye Staley all over the field; Callins threw for 1,192 yards and 16 TDs compared to just one INT.
Clint Chelf, QB, Enid (6-3, 195)
Threw for 1,593 yards and 15 TDs, added eight rushing TDs; Offered by University of Tulsa.
Dax Dilbeck, QB, Edmond Deer Creek (6-1, 175)
As a junior for 5A Deer Creek, the Oregon State commit rushed for 1,235 yards and had 24 total TDs.
Aireius Ervin, WR, Lawton (6-3, 205)
Ervin caught just 18 passes as a junior, but made them count with 293 receiving yards and five TDs.
Shawn Jackson, QB, Tulsa McLain (6-0, 240)
Blue-chip linebacker prospect; Jackson rushed for 1,269 yards and 16 TDs, threw for nine TDs.
Chris Littlehead, OT, Sequoyah-Tahlequah (6-3, 300)
Sequoyah had its first Division I signees in ’08, Littlehead could follow suit in ’09.
Ryan Randolph, QB, Bishop McGuinness (6-3, 190)
Last season, Randolph threw for 879 yards in a run-first offense. Randolph threw for 12 TDs and had no interceptions in 111 attempts.
Clayton Smith, RB, Guthrie (5-9, 200)
Smith rushed for 1,059 yards and 26 TDs on the highest-scoring offense in Oklahoma history in ’07.
Destin Stewart, ATH, Douglass (6-3, 195)
Stewart was one of the leaders for the resurgent Trojans, posting 467 yards receiving and six TDs.
Jacques Washington, RB, Owasso (6-1, 185)
Had big shoes to fill in replacing older brother; responded by rushing for 1,755 yards and 14 TDs.
Terrell Williams, ATH, Tulsa Union (6-3, 215)
For Class 5A Edison in ’07, Williams had 328 receiving yards on just 12 catches and two TDs. Williams could play a number of positions of the Redskins this season. He is an outstanding talent.
Underrated, Highly Talented
Some of these names are not talked about as much as they should be.
Johnny Aguilar, WR, Wilburton (5-10, 175)
Brandon Allen, QB, Plainview (6-2, 185)
Colton Barnes, WR, Oologah (6-3, 185)
Jordan Barrett, QB, Oologah (6-3, 210)
Matt Benham, ATH, Okeene (6-4, 195)
Malachi Blankenship, QB, Tulsa NOAH (6-1, 170)
Coy Blake, RB, Henryetta (5-8, 150)
Josh Booker, RB, Putnam City North (5-10, 195)
Sam Clancy, QB, Cascia Hall (6-5, 195)
Cayden Cochran, QB, Cashion (6-1, 165)
Ben Coleman, OL, Tulsa East Central (6-3, 280)
Reno Conchitas, RB, Tulsa East Central (5-10, 175)
Josh Daugherty, RB, Lincoln Christian (5-10, 185)
Cory Davis, OL, Mustang (6-2, 290)
Greg Dicks, OL, Claremore (6-5, 315)
Rodrick Douglas, RB, Millwood (5-11, 220)
Reed Dowling, QB, Ardmore (Jr.)
Donte' Foster, WR, Guthrie (6-3, 190)
Hunter Frantz, ATH, Putnam City North (5-10, 190)
Cale Fulps, QB, Broken Arrow (5-8, 155)
Taylor Gardner, WR, Moore (6-0, 160)
Dusty Gehrke, WR, Grove (6-0, 170)
Jack Gray, QB, Chandler
Jerrod Green, RB, Broken Arrow (5-8, 160, Jr.)
Mark Hayes, TE, Bishop Kelley (6-4, 240)
Derrick Hinson, WR, Tulsa East Central (6-1, 205)
Dalton Irvin, RB, Bixby (6-0, 190, Jr.)
Aaron Kannard, OL, Broken Arrow (6-3, 275)
Sterling Koons, QB, Tuttle (6-2, 190)
Grant Longcrier, QB, Miami (6-2, 180)
Auggie McCulley, RB, Hennessey (6-0, 180)
Brandon McElhaney, RB, Noble (5-9, 175)
Clint Miller, RB, Duncan (6-2, 210)
Matt Mitchell, RB, Stillwell
Clayton Moncrief, OL, Kinta (6-9, 360)
Bryce Moore, RB, Tuttle (5-8, 170)
Wayland Moore, QB, McLoud (6-3, 195)
Anthony Morales, RB, Edmond Memorial (5-11, 205)
Matt Oberste, QB, Sallisaw (6-3, 185, Jr.)
Turner Peterson, WR, Heritage Hall (6-2, 190)
Price Pinkerton, WR, Cascia Hall (6-1, 175)
Creadell Pennon, RB/WR, Altus (5-10, 185)
Chris Perry, RB, Stillwater (5-10, 190)
Randy Ponder, RB, Edmond Santa Fe (5-10, 190)
Cody Richardson, RB, Sequoyah-Claremore (6-0, 190, Jr.)
Kevonte Richardson, QB, Millwood (6-3, 200, Soph.)
Darwin Rideau, RB, Star Spencer (6-1, 200, Jr.)
James Ritter, RB, Panama (5-10, 185)
Adam Schlitz, QB, Ponca City (6-4, 210)
Ethan Sharp, QB, Eufaula (6-0, 185)
Tijh Slaughter, RB, Guymon (5-11, 210)
Terry Smith Jr., TE, Tulsa Washington (6-3, 215)
Ryan Stringer QB, Clinton (6-0, 165, Jr.)
Kendall Thompson, QB, Southmoore (Soph.)
Justin Underhill, OL, Dewey (6-4, 320)
Jason Vail, QB, Skiatook (6-4, 180)
Alex Valle, RB, Bishop McGuinness (5-10, 180)
Max White, QB, Durant (6-1, 185)
Josh Zimmer, RB, Washington (5-10, 205)
Oklahoma 2008 Football Preview Schedule
Monday, August 4: Oklahoma 2008 Football by the Numbers, Notebook
Tuesday, August 5: Oklahoma 2008 Preseason All-State Offense
Wednesday, August 6: Oklahoma 2008 Preseason All-State Defense
Thursday, August 7: Oklahoma Class 6A Preseason Ratings
Friday, August 8: Oklahoma Class 5A Preseason Ratings
Monday, August 11: Oklahoma Class 4A/3A Preseason Ratings
Tuesday, August 12: Oklahoma Class 2A/A/B/C Preseason Rundown
Shameless Plug
Give your players and program a chance to be recognized nationally. To request a password to include your roster and statistics for the upcoming season, visit the website below. Have a great 2008 season!
http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/CoachHandout.mxp
