Tom Lemming recently toured through North Carolina, interviewing and evaluating the top prospects in the Tar Heel State.
While 2009 is not a banner year of talent, there are still blue-chip recruits to be had.
The first name on most college recruiters’ board is Robert Crisp, a large offensive lineman from Chapel Hill.
Crisp, the teammate of 2008 prospect Jared McAdoo, is a 6-foot-8, 300-pound tackle who is one of the top three or four players at his position nationwide.
“If you drew up a great player, it would be him,” Lemming said of Crisp. “He’s not yet as dominating as Seantrel (Henderson), but he’s got just as much potential.”
While countless schools across the country have already offered Crisp a scholarship, Lemming said that it seems like Crisp may decide not to travel too far. Additionally, Lemming suggested that Crisp and teammate Pete Singer, a Division I safety recruit, may try to attend the same school.
That certainly bodes well for fans of North Carolina, whose campus is only a few miles away. But don’t rule out North Carolina State, Georgia, or South Carolina.
All of those schools will also be making rounds at Northern Guilford. The Greensboro school has its own stable of recruits, headlined by Keenan Allen.
Allen is a 6-3, 202-pounder had nine interceptions last year, and is one of the premier free safeties in the country.
“He has great range and a terrific nose for the ball,” Lemming said. “He tells me there are no favorites, but Alabama, Clemson, and Penn State are talked about more than others.”
Teammate Matt Farris also impressed Lemming.
“He makes a lot of plays,” Lemming said of Farris, a 6-foot, 215-pound linebacker. “He won’t be a national name, but he’s a blue collar, punch you in the mouth type of linebacker that always seems to make it.”
Another college prospect piquing the interest of college coaches is Northern Guilford tight end/defensive end Christian McCain, who finished the season with 97 tackles and four sacks. The strong point to his game on offense right now is his blocking, though coaches also like his soft hands.
North Carolina State, South Carolina, and North Carolina have all offered him a scholarship.
Two Dual Threats: A pair of quarterbacks from North Carolina who are dangerous throwing and running the ball caught Lemming’s eye.
Gabe Henderson from Southeast Raleigh is not as tall as a typical Division I quarterback recruit, but little about Henderson is “typical”.
“He’s very fast, versatile and elusive,” Lemming said.
Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Penn State have all made offers to Henderson, with Clemson and Virginia Tech making the hardest pushes.
Henderson’s teammate, Kendall Moore, in the hybrid defensive end/linebacker mold, is one of the state’s top six or seven players according to Lemming.
Devin Roberts from New Hanover is another mobile quarterback. The 6-3 Roberts has largely flown under the radar thus far, attracting interest — but no offers — at free safety. Lemming expects big things from him this season.
“This will be his coming out party,” Lemming predicted.
Keep an eye on 6-4, 280-pound offensive lineman Anthony Thomas, who blocks for Roberts at tackle, but will likely play guard in college.
Also worth watching is West Rowan quarterback Jon Crucitti. He gets great protection from tackle Tim Pangburn.
Hitting the Slots: Several versatile slot backs from the 2010 class are making names for themselves.
Selma’s Josh Snead is the most exciting player in the state, according to Lemming. He vision and balance allow him to excel in the open field.
“His game film looks like a highlight film,” Lemming said.
Snead has offers from North Carolina State and Duke.
Another exciting and versatile back is 5-10, 184-pound Tamari White. Lemming thinks White can be a workhorse, despite his less than ideal size. He also has great balance and cutback ability.
West Rowan (N.C.) running back Kevin Parks, a MaxPreps Junior All-American, has breakaway speed.
Photo by Don Wessel
The state’s most productive back is West Rowan’s Kevin Parks, who ran for 43 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards last season as a junior.
At 5-7, his size is an issue, as teams wonder whether he can be an every down back, thus he may be utilized more as a slot back at the next level. However, he recently issued a verbal commitment to the University of Virginia, where he may get a shot as a full-time rusher.
Pinecrest’s James Baldwin also projects as a slot type of athlete. His father, also James Baldwin, spent many years pitching for the Chicago White Sox.
Don’t be surprised to see Anthony Creecy prove to be the best of the bunch. Creecy is 6-0 and plays wide receiver for Southern Durham.
“He’s very tough to bring down,” said Lemming, who also liked Creecy’s ability to create in the open field.
Other Names to Know: Ty Linton (Charlotte Christian). Lemming likened the powerful linebacker to a smaller version of USC ‘s Brian Cushing. Wisconsin was the first to offer Linton, which may suggest that the Badgers are trying to expand their recruiting reach
P.J. Clyburn (West Iredell): Clynburn has good hands on offense, but safety is his calling card. He’s got a great nose for the ball, according to Lemming, and has been offered by Illinois, NC State, and East Carolina.
A.J. Marshall (Southern Durham): Recording 65 tackles and four sacks last year, Marshall proved himself to be a Division I player, where he will likely play cornerback. A number of schools, including Florida, have offered.
{VIDEO_4094ed4c-e766-439a-a813-553a4f064ce1,floatLeftWithBar}Victor Hampton (Independence): A speedy cornerback, Hampton is primed to be the next big recruit from the Charlotte powerhouse.
Chris Smith (West Rowan): Not to be outdone by Kevin Parks’ 43 touchdowns, Smith registered 25 sacks, and showed an uncanny ability to get to the quarterback. He has scholarship offers from Duke, East Carolina, and Virginia Tech.
Corey Robinson (Havelock): At 6-7, 300 pounds and with good strength, Robinson should make a great tackle at the next level.
Gabe King (Page): According to Lemming, this big defensive end with a high motor has offers from every ACC school, as well as SEC schools Alabama and Georgia.
T.J. Leifheit (Hoggard): Leifheit is one of the better tackles in the country, Lemming said. Right now, he is a bit of a sleeper, but is a top-100 candidate.
{VIDEO_5cf4ff53-3544-417f-8737-a345e225decc,floatRightWithTable}Alfy Hill (West Brunswick): Another stand out at defensive end, Lemming thinks Hill is talented enough to play in college right now.
Fre’Shad Hunter (Cary): Hunter is an explosive defensive end who does well getting off the ball and is very quick around the outside.
Prince Shembo (Ardrey Kell): Shembo has been very productive the past two season and will likely continue the trend in 2009.
E-mail MaxPreps National Football Editor Steve Spiewak at sspiewak@maxpreps.com.
