After covering high schools in Southern California for something like 50 years, the last 35 in San Diego, here is how it shakes out:
1.
Marcus Allen, Lincoln (San Diego)2.
Reggie Bush,
Helix (La Mesa)3.
James McAllister, Blair (Pasadena)4.
Ricky Williams,
Patrick Henry (San Diego)5.
Rashaan Salaam, La Jolla Country Day The one thing you should notice is the four San Diego players were all eventual Heisman Trophy winners.
1. Marcus Allen: Absolutely dominating both at running back/quarterback and at defensive back. After seeing him score five touchdowns (four on offense, one on an interception) against a previously unbeaten Kearny team in the San Diego Section finals (only one division back in the '70s), I was certain he'd make it to the NFL — as the best DB I'd ever seen. I'll never forget how Kearny ran a 1,500-yard rusher on a sweep to the right, away from Allen, on the first play from scrimmage. As he turned to go upfield, a green streak came in and leveled that rusher. As a defender, he rated right with Oceanside's Junior Seau for intensity and hitting power. On offense he showed his versatility when, as a freshman, he opted to play fullback at USC so he could get playing time and learned how to block. In the NFL, that would be a trademark — not only was he a superb runner, but a devastating blocker.
2. Reggie Bush: He was the speed guy. A state finalist in the 100-meters as a junior, there was no more exciting runner in the open field.
3. James McAllister: Best combination of size and speed. On a really terrific high school team.
4. Ricky Williams: Just dared you to meet him one-on-one head-on. You lost. Always.
5. Rashaan Salaam: It was unfair to see a 6-2, 215-pound kid playing against mostly 8-man teams. Great hands, speed and built like Atlas.
MaxPreps
asked its most experienced writers and freelancers to name the best high
school football player they ever saw. Requirements were at least 20
years on the job and that they had to see the athlete play in person. 
