Gridironstuds.com Blog

The word has been out for quite some time on Florida talent in high school football. As a result, out of state teams have been hitting the sunshine state hard and fast trying to snag some Florida speed and improve their teams. One of the teams making some head-way in one of the more important counties in the state of Florida is West Virginia.

Currently, WVU has four commitments from the list of the Top 40 players in Palm Beach County. Pahokee wide receiver Fred Pickett and Dwyer High School defensive back Robert Clark are Mountaineer commits along with Glades Central defensive back Travis bell and Heritage Delray athlete Darius Millines . In addition, West Virginia is in the lead for Glades Central running back Antwan Chisholm.

Compare that to national champs Florida who only have two commits out of that top 40 (#1 Matt Elam RB Dwyer H.S. and #4 Gerald Christian TE Dwyer High School). Miami has three commitments (#5 OL Shane McDermott – Palm Beach Central H.S., #32 Raheam Buxton – DB – Pahokee H.S. and #34 TE – Clive Walford – Glades Central H.S.). Florida St. only has one Palm Beach County Top 40 commit and that’s #7 De Joshua Johnson – WR – Pahokee H.S.

---

General dejoshua johnson, matt elam, top 2010 recruits, west virginia

There had been much speculation as to whether or not he would or would not get one but he did. Ohio St. finally offered highly touted in-state talent and Gridironstuds.com member Latwan Anderson.

Anderson’s reported 4.29 speed and entertaining highlight video sent him up the charts in recruiting rankings this past spring. While colleges were jumping in making offers for Anderson’s services next Fall, in-state powerhouse Ohio St. hung in the background wanting to see more. More is what they got.

Anderson made a publicized move from St. Edwards High School to Glenville High School in April. Glenville is coached by Ted Ginn Sr. who has obvious ties to the Buckeye’s program (his son Gin Jr. starred at Ohio St.). Then this summer, Anderson went out and lived up to the hype at various camps. He displayed his athleticism, competitive nature and play making ability while standing side by side with some of the other top rated players in the country. His most notable performance came in the Gridiron Kings event in Orlando where he was the defensive MVP in a pool of very deep prep talent.

Since that performance, Anderson has landed an offer from the defending national champion Florida Gators and now yesterday, the Buckeyes landed their offer. With that, Anderson’s list is likely complete. He has stated his list of final schools consist of West Virginia, Georgia, Cincinnati, Miami (FL), Florida and Ohio St. A notable team missing from this final list that was on it before is the University of Michigan.

---

High School Football latwan anderson, ohio st. buckeyes, top 2010 defensive backs, top 2010 recruits

September 9th

Northwestern H.S. offensive lineman Torian Wilson has chosen Stanford.  Wilson is also being recruited by Miami, Michigan, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, FIU and others.

September 8th

Glenville H.S. defensive back and Gridironstuds.com member Latwan Anderson has released his latest top schools with Florida now being added to the mix. Anderson says it’s West Virginia, Georgia, Cincinnati, Miami (FL), Michigan St., North Carolina and Florida. Says he will take his time with this decision.

Gridironstuds on the Gridiron this past weekend:

- Lakewood, CA Quarterback Jesse Scroggins 17 of 26 with 3 TD’s in 28-27 loss to Crenshaw High

- Cape Coral (FL) athlete Jaylen Watkins rushed for 233 yards and 3 TD’s playing QB in a 35 -14 win.

- Stanhope Elmore (AL) defensive back Demarcus Milliner returned a kick 88 yards for a TD in a 40-27 loss.

- Skyline H.S. (WA) QB Jake Heaps was 17 of 33 for 152 yards and 2 TD’s in 17-0 win.

- Pahokee H.S. (FL) WR Chris Dunkley caught 5 passes for 158 yards and 2 TD’s in 13-6 victory.

- Dr. Phillips H.S. (FL) WR Kenny Shaw caught 5 passes for 113 yards and 2 TD’s in 24-0 win.

- University School H.S. (FL) Douglas Cook was 10 of 16 for 120 yards and 3 TD’s in 20-8 win.

- Pahokee H.S. (FL) WR DeJoshua Johnson was 12 of 21 passing for 218 yards and 2 TD’s.

- Treasure Coast H.S. (FL) LB Jeff Luc 12 tackles (2 for a loss) and a blocked field goal in 19-14 win.

- Treasure Coast H.S. (FL) LB Ed Foley 8 tackles, INT return for a TD (35 yards) and sack in 19-14 win.

- Jupiter Christian H.S. (FL) Will Powers 15 tackles and fumble recover. Also 101 yards rushing in 21-14 win.

- Royal Palm Beach H.S. (FL) wide receiver Jared Dangerfield had 5 rec. for 63 yards and a TD in a win.

---

Rumors and Wires chris dunkley, dejoshua johnson, jeff luc, Jesse Scroggins, top 2010 recruits

Anyone who knows anything about football can tell you that the state of Florida is rich with talent. The NFL names that have been produced by the state can stretch from the Panhandle to the southern tip of the Keys. Each year college programs from coast to coast slide down into the Sunshine State hoping to stock up on talent like hurricane supplies.

With that being said one would have to wonder how a high school so over run with athletic talent can be overlooked but it’s happening. Tucked in the West Coast of Florida, 30 minutes North of Tampa, lies Nature Coast Tech High School located in a city called Brooksville. Brooksville is all of 5 square miles but even a city that small has managed to produce professional athletes, most notably the late Jerome Brown of University of Miami and Philadelphia Eagles fame.

Nature Coast Tech gears up for it’s sixth season of football this year. They are the first school in Hernando County, Florida to make it to the state playoffs in their first three years and they are also the first school to make it to the state playoffs three years in a row. Last season, their run to a possible state title was cut short by sanctions from the Florida High School Athletic Association after they were involved in a brawl with Groveland-South Lake High School. Despite losing 32 players from last year’s team, Nature Coast Tech boasts some of the most athletic talent in all of Florida.

Leading the way is Tevin Drake, a 6’0″ 205 lb running back that put up 1,200 yards a season ago and splashed into the endzone 20 times. His fullback is a state finalist in the sprint events. Antwan Story can boast a 10.61 100 meter dash time and piled up 688 yards on the ground last year from the fullback spot. Story’s younger brother JuJuan is faster than him clocking a 4.31 in the 40 yard dash. Look for him to make noise at wide receiver. You think it’s easy? Lest we not forget versatile QB C.J. Baker who completed 62% of his passes, threw for 700 and rushed for 441. Tight End Braddie Ellison is a beast and showed it at the Randy Shannon University of Miami camp this spring. Along with JuJuan Story and Ellison, Baker will also find comfort in finding the polished senior wideout transfer Jamal Byrd. Senior Justin Murray will anchor the defense from his linebacker spot and will have help from the wealth of athletes that surround him.

The story here is that Nature Coast is loaded with athletic talent however not many college football programs are aware of it. Perhaps it’s because they are relatively new or because they don’t have the press or have not won a state title. Whatever the case may be, they possess talent that can run up and down the football field and terrorize opponents for the entire duration of a football contest. Many of the kids named do not have the amount of offers that kids with half their talent have. It’s time that a spotlight be placed on this school in the tiny town of Brooksville.

Profiles on Nature Coast’s Top Players along with highlight video links are listed below:
- courtesy of assistant coach Robert Kazmier

Tevin Drake

RB/LB 6’ 205 lbs

Thus far in his high school career he has rushed for 3,580 yards on 458 carries – an average of 7.8 yards per carry and he has accumulated 53 touchdowns in the process. Tevin has proven he can start on both sides of the ball so he will be starting at a LB spot as well during his Senior season. Tevin was named the Overall Most Outstanding Performer at the University of Miami’s Football Camp this summer. Tevin currently holds offers from: Miami, Memphis, FAU and FIU. View his highlight video

Antwan Story

RB/OLB 6′ 180 lbs

-As a Junior Antwan used his explosive speed to rack up 687 yards on 84 carries with 6 touchdowns (over 8 ypc). He also averaged 32 yards per return on kickoffs. On the track Antwan is the reigning district champ in the 100m (10.61) and 200m (21.93) and also anchors the champion 4×100 team. His speed translates to the field really well. He hits the hole extremely fast and once he is past the first level the defense is not likely to catch him. He will also be starting at OLB on the defensive side of the ball during his Senior year. View his highlight video

Braddie Ellison

TE/OLB 6’3” 240 lbs

-Braddie knows that we don’t throw the ball much and he does not have a problem with it. He has learned to love blocking and does it extremely well. When we did throw he had 8 receptions for around 200 yards and 1 TD. On the TD catch caught the ball in front of the safety and got hit at the 15 yard line but proceeded to score while dragging the safety across the field. Braddie will also be starting at either LB or DL during his senior season also. He was named the MVP of the Tight Ends at the University of Miami’s Football camp this summer. Braddie currently holds an offer from FIU. View his highlight video.

John Carbone

DL 6’3” 255

-The work he does in the weight room shows on the field. He is strong and physical at the line of scrimmage. He explodes off the ball and he can blow up plays and has enough speed to terrorize the opposing QB. John had 58 tackles and 3 sacks as a Junior. As a Senior John should be unstoppable and the numbers will show it.

Justin Murray

LB/DL 5’11” 205 lbs

-Justin gets after it in the weight room. He comes in on his free time to get extra workouts in and loves being there. During drills he is always a great example and he leads by it. His strength and speed is utilized on the defensive line and on special teams. He made one of the biggest hits I have ever seen during a kickoff return last season. He sprung our return man with it but just about gave himself a concussion in the process. I can’t wait to see what his hard work this offseason translates to on the field this upcoming season. He works as hard as he does in the classroom as the weight room as he also carries around a 3.5.

Avery Clemmons

DB/DL 6’ 190 lbs

-Avery is highly athletic and very strong. He will have every opportunity to use those assets this fall as he will be playing some d-line where he can use both to his advantage to make a lot of plays. If he becomes as dangerous as he is capable down there the entire defense will benefit.

Corey Emerson

OL 6’4” 265 lbs

-Corey is our only returning offensive lineman. He is very athletic and has good feet due to also being a basketball player. He used this summer to add some strength and speed. It should really help him hold down his Tackle spot. He is the leader of our O-line and has a good head on his shoulders. He takes care of business in the classroom also with a 3.5 GPA.

CJ Baker

QB 5’11″ 165 lbs

-CJ is 9-0 as a varsity starter. He has done a tremendous job running our offense. For his size he runs hard and is also very elusive. He also is not afraid to lead up in the hole and take a linebacker head on. When we throw the ball he does a good job making a decision. He also does a great job in the class room as he carries over a 3.2. Though he is a solid QB due to his size he could easily be converted a WR and has the athletic ability and ball skills to do it! View his highlight video.

Michael Lynch

TE/LB 6’2” 210 lbs

-Mike Lynch has all the athletic ability that you could want in a football player and he has a big frame and is absolutely solid. He works hard in the weight room and is very strong. He made a lot of improvement last season and did a lot of learning behind Braddie. He has recently been moved to the O-line so we can utilize his speed and strength to improve that area. He is strong enough to push the bigger guys around too. He will also be seeing a lot of time on the Defensive line.

Jamel Byrd

WR/DB 6’2″ 180 lbs

Brooksville, Fl

-Another great athlete that has the chance to start on both sides of the ball, Byrd has really worked hard this summer and made himself an asset to his team. He has shown a lot of potential and will be in position to make a huge impact during his first and only season in NCT uniform.

Ja’JuanStory
WR/DB 6’4″ 182 lbs

- Ridiculous athletic talent with a 4.31 forty yard dash time on his resume. JuJuan is a 2011 prospect that scouts are sure to be drooling over. View his highlight video.

---

High School Football antwan story, braddie ellison, jujuan story, nature coast tech high school, Tevin Drake, top 2010 recruits

August 28th

Treasure Coast H.S. Linebacker and Gridironstuds.com member Jeff Luc recorded 10 tackles and blocked a kick in his season debut for the Titans.  His team lost a close one however to Ft. Lauderdale Boyd Anderson 20-18 in their kickoff classic.  Kickoff classics do not count against your record.  View Jeff Luc’s highlight video.

Top rated defensive end prospect and Gridironstuds.com member Chris Martin has been cleared to play at Grandview H.S. in Aurora, Colorado.  Early this year,  it was announced that Martin would be transfering from Bishop O’Dowd H.S. in California to the Hun School in New Jersey.  View Martin’s highlight video.

August 26th

Evangelical Christian (Tennessee) TE and Gridironstuds.com member Harrison Jones has committed to Alabama. Jones was also seriously considering North Carolina. View Harrison Jones’ video.

Kaiser High School OLB and Gridironstuds.com member Josh Shirley is considering the following eight schools: Arizona, California, Miami, Notre Dame, Tennessee, UCLA, USC and Washington.

University of Miami quarterbacks Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith have decided to transfer. Word is Smith is headed to Memphis and Cook to West Texas.

---

Rumors and Wires harrison jones, josh shirley, top 2010 recruits

July was a very busy month at Gridironstuds.com as over 30,000 Internet football fans came through the site looking at the latest highlight videos and reading up on the latest high school and youth football information.

Below we have listed the Top 10 most viewed videos during July in order:

(1) Trevor Barsamian – RB – New Jersey- view video click here

(2) Patrone Wood – RB – California – view video, click here.

(3) Austin White – RB – Michigan – view video, click here.

(4) Joe Brennan – QB – New Jersey – view video, click here.

(5) Cody Riggs – DB – Florida – view video, click here.

(6) Quentin Tucker – LB – California – view video, click here.

(7) Evan Berry – Youth QB – Georgia – view video, click here

(8) Jeff Luc – LB – Florida – view video, click here.

(9) Antwan Story – RB – Florida – view video, click here

(10) Latwan Anderson – DB – Ohio – view video, click here

---

General high school football, top 2010 recruits, Youth Football

August 13th

University School (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) defensive end and Gridironstuds.com member David Perry has named a top 5 of Miami, Florida St., Florida, LSU and Rutgers.  Watch David Perry’s highlight video.

Proviso West H.S. (Illinois) wide receiver and Gridironstuds.com member Kyle Prater has set his announcement date for September 2nd.  USC is the leader for the stand out pass catcher.  Watch Prater’s highlight video, click here.

August 12th

Trinity Catholic H.S. (Florida) wide receiver and Gridironstuds.com member Kadron Boone has committed to Texas Tech. Boone is also being recruited by Georgia, Miami and Oklahoma. Texas Tech has nabbed two top wide receivers from the state of Florida. Last month, Gridironstuds.com member Shawn Corker committed to the Red Raiders. Watch Kadron Boone’s highlight video.

Bishop Miege H.S. (Kansas) athlete Justin McCay has committed to the Oklahoma Sooners. McCay is also being recruited by Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Notre Dame and Tennessee.

St. Thomas Aquinas H.S. (Florida) cornerback Keion Payne has announced a top 5 of Florida, Florida St., Miami, Ohio St. and Tennessee.

August 10th

Westlake, GA High School linebacker Michael Taylor has chosen Tennessee. Taylor is also being recruited by Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, Miami and Stanford.

Glenville H.S. defensive back and Gridironstuds.com member Latwan Anderson solidifies that West Virginia is his top choice. He also added that Michigan St. and Georgia are the other two teams in the running for his services. Anderson said to Eersports.com ” I give great consideration to West Virginia.” View Anderson’s video, click here.

Palmdale H.S. cornerback Josh Shaw says that Ohio St. is his leader. Meanwhile he also says that he is considering LSU, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Penn St., Tennessee, Washington, UCLA and USC. View Shaw’s highlight video.

Arundel High School QB Billy Cosh has chosen Kansas St. Cosh is also being recruited by East Carolina and Kentucky.

---

Rumors and Wires florida, florida st., joshua shaw, justin mccay, kadron boone, keion payne, latwan anderson, michael taylor, oklahoma, shawn corker, tennessee, texas tech, top 2010 recruits, university of miami

The stars came out for the University of Florida’s Friday Night Lights event last month.  Many Gridironstuds.com members were there including Lamarcus Joyner, Chris Dunkley, Jeff Luc, Peniel Jean and more.  Check them all out in action in the video below.  Included in the video is the infamous throwing up of the “U” by Tavadis Glenn,  an incident made infamous when the Gators allegedly kicked him out for doing this.  Check out the video below:

---

General chris dunkley, florida gators, friday night lights, jeff luc, lamarcus joyner, peniel jean, top 2010 recruits

August 2nd

Pahokee cornerback has stunned FSU by switching his commitment from the Seminoles to Wake Forest. Noel’s Blue Devil teammate, tight end Zachary Allen has also committed to Wake Forest. Noel is also being recruited by Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Michigan, Louisville, Iowa St., Pittsburgh, Purdue and Vanderbilt.

Another Cape Coral H.S. (Florida) athlete going Division-I. Tight End Jonathan Garcia has committed to Wake Forest. Garcia is also being recruited by Kent St., Northern Illinois and Florida Atlantic.

Carver H.S. (Georgia) quarterback Devin Burns has committed to Maryland. Burns is also being recruited by Georgia, Miss. St., Troy, Arkansas, Southern Miss. and UAB.

Coveted Avon Lake H.S. (Ohio) tight end Dan Schneider has committed to Pittsburgh. Schneider is also being recruited by Florida St. and West Virginia along with Marshall, Air Force and a host of MAC schools.

Byrnes H.S. (South Carolina) running back Marcus Lattimore has narrowed his list down to South Carolina, Oregon, Penn St., North Carolina and Auburn.

August 1st

Boyd Anderson H.S. (Florida) cornerback Cliff Coleman has committed to Ole Miss. Coleman is also being recruited by Florida St., Louisville, Miami and South Carolina.

Cape Coral H.S. (Florida) offensive lineman Dan Koening has committed to Oklahoma St. He is also being recruited by Clemson, Mississippi and Nebraska.

St. Bonaventure H.S. (California) offensive lineman Gionvanni Di Poalo has committed to USC.

July 31st

Miami Pace H.S. Quarterback Stephen Morris has committed to the University of Miami.

Miami Gulliver Prep H.S. quarterback Michael Strauss, who has committed to Tulane, recently received an offer to Alabama. This development may reopen his recruitment.

July 30th

Westlake H.S. cornerback and Gridironstuds.com member Darius Robinson has committed to Clemson. Robinson is also being recruited by Miami, UCF, Stanford and Maryland.

Miami Pace H.S. Quarterback Stephen Morris enjoyed his visit to Miami (according to the Miami Herald) on Wednesday and has announced that the Hurricanes are his top choice. Morris may also receive an offer from Florida in the near future. He would like to make his choice before August 10th. Read the article.

Delray Beach Atlantic H.S. (Florida) WR and Gridironstuds.com member James Louis has committed to the Ohio St. Buckeyes. Louis is also being recruited by Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and LSU.

Princeton H.S. (Ohio) running back Spencer Ware has committed to LSU. He is also being recruited by Cincinnati, North Carolina, North Carolina St., Ohio St., West Virginia, Wisconsin.

July 29th

West Virginia has offered Miami Carol City WR and Gridironstuds.com member Allen Hurns. Hurns is a fast rising wide receiver prospect that has been cutting up defensive backs at camps and events this summer. He also has offers from Miami, Mississippi, Pittsburgh, Central Florida and Florida International.

July 28th

Henry County H.S. (Georgia) wide receiver Markeith Ambles has committed to Tennessee. Ambles is an ESPNU Top 150 prospect and is also being recruited by Notre Dame, UCLA, California, Clemson, Alabama, Florida and Florida St.

Jackson H.S. (Georgia) defensive end Neiron Ball has committed to the Gators. Ball is also being recruited by Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Auburn and…. and…. and… come on, Tennessee.

July 27th

Cardinal Gibbons wide receiver and Gridironstuds.com member Shawn Corker has committed to Texas Tech. Corker is also being recruited by Florida, Miami, Wake Forest and West Virginia.

North Hunterdon H.S. (New Jersey) Tight End Kevin Haplea has committed to Penn St. Haplea is also being recruited by Pittsburgh, West Virginia, North Carolina and Florida St.

Pittsburgh has offered North Florida Christian’s QB Clint Trickett. Trickett is the son of current Florida St. offensive line coach Rick Trickett.

---

Rumors and Wires marcus lattimore, merril noel, top 2010 recruits

Ohio Glenville High School safety Latwan Anderson is good and he’s not afraid to let you know.  The speedster from Ted Ginn’s High School has gone on a mission this summer to prove the words in the headline of this story.

Some people go on fact finding missions,  some people go on award tours,  Anderson has been on a “prove it to you” expedition.   The play making safety is brash and even cocky as some would describe but you have to say that this summer he has backed it up.  The cherry on Anderson’s sundae came last week at the ESPN Gridiron Kings event at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.  With a motherlode of top athletes and recruits competing at the event,  Anderson shined from his safety position.  Anderson used his track speed and instincts to nab 6 Int’s during the tournament (one for a 98 yard touchdown) and walked away with defensive MVP honors.  If you didn’t know him when the summer began,  you know who he is now.

“Not to sound cocky but if I’m not the best safety in the country,  I can’t say who is,  seriously” Anderson told me upon returning from the Gridiron Kings event.

After his performances,  it’s not hard to see how he would not feel that way and it’s also hard to argue with him.  Highly recruited safeties like Jonathan Dowling and Matt Elam were also at the Gridiron Kings event and neither put on the display that Anderson did.

“After watching the other safeties who are said to be better than me,  I’ve come up with the fact that they are really just a little above average,” said Anderson.

“Take it how you want it,  I am the best until proven wrong.  I don’t care what these rankings say,” Anderson continued.

The Rankings are catching on to what Anderson is saying.   In March,  Rivals.com came out with their Top 100 rankings.  Anderson at the time was rated the 66th prospect overall in the country.  Fast forward to July and Anderson is sitting at #35.   He’s also rated the #2 safety prospect in the country.   Remarkably,  Scout.com does not have Anderson ranked in the Top 100 and have somehow listed him as the 25th best safety in the country.   Where have they been this summer?

Despite his new found climb up the ranks,  Anderson’s list of top schools remains the same:  West Virginia,  Michigan,  Georgia, North Carolina and Miami, FL.   Anderson did camp at Michigan St. during the summer so I would not count them out down the road in this process. With Anderson’s recent performances,  more schools may attempt to enter into the race but for now,  West Virginia is his number one with the four others running the race.

Eventhough he was busy getting busy at the Gridiron Kings event,  Anderson was not so blind as to not see who was doing their thing around him.  Anderson was very impressed with Proviso West’s (Illinois) wide receiver Kyle Prater.

“He really is 6’5″ probably taller and he is a legit 4.4, 4.5 speed,” said Anderson.  “That kid is sick,  I can’t lie.”

Despite such a great report on Prater,  Anderson says Dr. Phillip High School’s (Orlando) Kenny Shaw was the best receiver.

“Kenny Shaw from Florida,  he was the best wide receiver to me by far,” Anderson said.

Anderson also gave Louisiana QB Munchie Legaux a lot of love saying that he had a rocket for an arm with accuracy.  Video clips from the event back up Anderson’s summary of Legaux’s skills.

Despite all of the props,  Anderson held his own against the wide outs which begged the question whether or not he would play cornerback in college,  to which Anderson said this:

“I’m probably going to end up playing it anyway.  They always say that I’m 5’10″ or 5’11″ but I’m actually 5’8 3/4″ and I don’t think I am getting any bigger.   A lot of coaches have seen me cover and I think I can just take a wide receiver out of a game which I think I can also.”

With Anderson’s 10.9 speed in the 100,  21.73 speed in the 200 and reported 4.29 speed in the 40,  he has the tools to get it done.   You can make your own judgements on Anderson’s skill and performance this evening when ESPN airs the Gridiron Kings Event on ESPNU at 7 P.M. est. Tuesday.

---

High School Football gridiron kings, kenny shaw, Kyle Prater, latwan anderson, munchie legaux, top 2010 recruits