By Stephen Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
No matter how advanced and elaborate scouting is at the collegiate level, there are – and always will be – players that slip through the cracks.
Some athletes are late bloomers. Others are deemed too short or too slow, or just don’t have the look of a Division I football player.
Every fall, overlooked recruits emerge as surprises and sometimes stars. These soon-to-be signees have the talent to make the college football superpowers that went in another direction cringe;
Eric Ward, 5-11, 190, WR
Rider (Wichita Falls, Texas)
Committed to: Texas Tech
Ward may not boast the great size that has become desirable for standout receivers in recent recruiting classes, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be an impact player. He wasn’t offered by Texas or Texas A&M, and was originally committed to Oklahoma. But the opportunity to play in the Red Raiders’ wide-open attack was too much to pass up. He is already enrolled at Texas Tech.
Nikita Whitlock, 5-10, 235, LB
Wylie (Texas)
Committed to: Wake Forest
The Texas 5A Defensive Player of the Year and MaxPreps All-American was a force for Wylie at defensive tackle, but will be moving to linebacker at Wake Forest. Many Division I programs stayed away from Whitlock because of his size, thinking his production did not match his college potential. But the Demon Deacons recently made a push for Whitlock, and will utilize his combination of strength and quickness at middle linebacker.
Zaccheus Mason, 6-5, 250, TE
Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nashville, Tenn.)
Committed to: Undecided
Once thought to be more of a basketball prospect, Mason has emerged as a prospect at tight end. He already has the frame, and in his senior season at CPA he proved he has the skill with 20 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns for the Lions.
Perry Jones, 5-9, 190, LB/DB
Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.)
Committed to: Virginia
Another victim of scouts’ attention to height, Jones was the top player in the talent-rich Tidewater area this season, playing both running back and linebacker for the Division 6 state champs. He has remarkable speed and can bench press 350 pounds. Virginia extended an offer and expects to play him in the secondary. His fearless attitude and desire to win will make him a fan favorite for the Cavaliers.
Joe Southwick, 6-2, 190, QB
San Ramon Valley (Danville, Calif.)
Committed to: Boise State
Rarely does a quarterback throw for 3,781 yards and 36 touchdowns as a senior and fly under the radar. But credit Boise State for picking up another underappreciated talent that can flat out play.
Tim Flanders, 5-9, 190, RB
Midwest City (Okla.)
Committed to: Tulsa
Jeremy Young and David Oku were more highly-touted rushers in Oklahoma this season, but Flanders was remarkably productive. Leading the Bombers to a 13-1 season, Flanders rushed for more than 2,100 yards despite rarely playing in the second half of games. Tulsa pounced on Flanders early, as they already have older brother John, a defensive back, on the roster.
Walt Canty, 6-0, 200, ATH
Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.)
Committed to: Duke
The Blue Devils will be getting a special player when Walt Canty shows up on campus in the fall. Canty, a running back and defensive back for the 13-1 Cavaliers, was a difference maker for Dorman. Head coach Dave Gutshall loves Canty’s leadership, which should help ease the transition to college football. Having played a rigorous high school schedule will also help Canty adjust. The future Blue Devil was named MVP of the 2008 Shrine Bowl.
Jim Noel, 6-3, 180
Everett (Mass.)
Committed to: Boston College
If Jim Noel sticks with Boston College in its post-Jeff Jagodzinski era, they will be getting one of the country’s most underrated secondary prospects. An impact player since his sophomore season, Noel starred for Everett, one of the Bay State’s top programs. He has all the physical tools to thrive at cornerback. As he continues to hone his technique, he should emerge as a crucial part of the Eagle defense.
Jeremiah Young, 5-10, 190, RB
Steelton-Highspire (Steelton, Pa.)
Committed to: Undecided
It’s hard to believe that Pennsylvania’s all-time leading rusher remains uncommitted. Not only did Young register 9,027 career yards, but he also led his team to back-to-back Class A state titles. Sure, he played against small schools, but Pennsylvania fans will tell you he is one of the state’s best backs, regardless of class. The most recent PA small school success story? How about Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who tore through Pennsylvania’s Class AA at Jeannette.
