Prospect watch for week zero: Los Angeles City Section

Photo courtesy of 24-7 sports

We stay in the Southern California region, but this time highlight some of the top week zero action in the Los Angeles region, which has been the biggest hotbed on the recruiting trail for the PAC-12, Mountain West, and even the Southeastern Conference.

Los Angeles City Section

AUG. 24: CRENSHAW AT SANTIAGO-CORONA

Crenshaw not only produced the football version of the Black Mamba (De'Anthony Thomas of Oregon), but the inner-city Los Angeles school has been one of the more consistent programs in the L.A region. As for the Sharks, they've been rather up-and-down under head coach Jeff Steinberg, but this year's squad brings back lots of experience and size.

PROSPECT WATCH FOR CRENSHAW: Versatile Mossi Johnson will be one to watch in this game. He won't just line up at wide receiver. The 6-foot-1, 185 pound three-star prospect also lines up at safety and even quarterback for the Cougars. Johnson is an explosive weapon who even returns kicks. And, for a guy that tall, he's got juke moves for days, proven by this highlight film. Johnson only has one offer right now from UNLV. He's got potential to play wide receiver and return kicks for someone. He led the Cougars in rushing yards last season with 493. Junior Jacob Knight (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) could be the next best running back for Crenshaw after averaging 6.2 yards per carry and scoring seven touchdowns as a sophomore in 2011.

PROSPECT WATCH FOR SANTIAGO: Quarterback Michael Darr provides a dual-threat for Crenshaw in this game. He was actually the Sharks' second leading rusher with 597 yards and four touchdowns in 2011. The big-time prospect though for Santiago could be Dorion Barnett, a 6-foot-3, 200 pound football and basketball star for the Sharks with soft hands and an ability to snatch the jump ball from defensive backs. Barnett (photo) is capable of being someone's red-zone target and needs to build off of his 4.7 40-yard dash time to draw even more interest. So far, letters from the Mountain West and PAC-12 have come his way. Safety Mychel Irving brings good size (6-foot, 185 pounds) and speed (4.63 40) to the Sharks' secondary. Versatile tackle and guard Chris Lacroix brings a nasty streak through both pass and run blocking on Santiago's offensive line.

AUG. 24: LONG BEACH POLY AT CARSON

The Jackrabbits have long been a football factory that has produced the likes of Darnell Bing, Herchel Dennis, Mercedes Lewis, and DeSean Jackson. Carson has also had a tremendous run of success and played in the CIF L.A Section title game back in 2010.

PROSPECT WATCH FOR LONG BEACH POLY: The Jackrabbits have one small but dynamic running back in Manusamoa Luuga. The 5-foot-9, 180 pound Luuga has tremendous acceleration through the open hole and even displays terrific change of direction. Luuga even has lined up at wide receiver for L.B Poly. Size is a drawback, but he's seems real competitive and unafraid of contact. Fellow backfield mate Gerard Wicks (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) is another explosive back that fits in nicely with the Jackrabbits' speed. The three-star and track and field burner so far has a Washington State offer and is currently committed to Mike Leach and the Cougars. Wicks is just as similar to Luuga but has also shown some power at 1:30-1:35 of his film. He led the way with 772 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

PROSPECT WATCH FOR CARSON:   Pu'e Togia will be the one making things go for the Colt offense, as a member of the trenches. Togia brings good height at 6-foot-5, excellent hip adjustment, good hand placement and, the best trait, his mauling attitude to the Carson line at tackle.