Driven by horsepower

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

No one in the California prep football scene seems to be making a bigger statement than a school that had their first varsity football season just four seasons ago.

All Clovis North (8-0 overall) has done is win the Central Section Division-II championship in 2011, then rout three different powerhouses this year in Buhach Colony-Atwater (ended 23-game regular season win streak), Frontier-Bakersfield and back on Thursday, a deep and loaded Central-Fresno squad with a 50-7 score.

Looking at the Broncos for the first time since the Fresno State football camp, this team isn't just fast, they're physical and young. They not only overwhelm their opponents with their speed, but also their physical nature under head coach and former NFL safety Cory Hall.

Hall's team is now getting noticed in the high school football scene. The same is the case for his hard-hitting defense that's not only full of young talent, but looks ahead of their peers.

Along with some notable defenders, I came up with five players total to keep an eye out for on the recruiting trail for Clovis North:

BOLU OLURUNFUNMI, RUNNING BACK, SOPHOMORE

With his hard nosed running style at 5-foot-11, 192-pounds, Olurunfunmi brings a change-of-pace option in the Clovis North backfield. But against Central's talented defense, the sophomore showed an elusive side to him, as he often made cuts to the left then had the Grizzlies running from behind. He scored three touchdowns in the Thursday game on just nine carries and 64 yards. As a sophomore, he has the potential to become the most complete running back ever produced at Clovis North. He could be the top running back in the 2015 class for the Central Section.

MORE ON OLURUNFUNMI: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/450003/bolu-olorunfunmi

KYLE RIDDERING, OFFENSIVE TACKLE/DEFENSIVE END, JUNIOR

While Olurunfunmi and senior Carson Guzman punish the trenches in the running attack, Riddering is one of two key linemen that helps spring them loose. Riddering is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound tackle with some smooth feet and an improved run block from his sophomore season. He'll need to bulk up after the season, but his athleticism has given pass rushers fits this season.

ISAIAH DURAN, OFFENSIVE GUARD/DEFENSIVE TACKLE, JUNIOR

While Riddering brings the most size and athleticism, Duran brings the mean streak on both Bronco lines. He's a fierce competitor with a motor that stops after the fourth quarter. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound Duran blows defensive linemen off the ball in the run game with his low pad level and upper body strength. On defense, he's creating a push that can make running lanes congested and life miserable for quarterbacks looking to throw. Duran is also a star wrestler at Clovis North, so that should explain his ability to stay low and push people around. He's a fierce run-stuffer and could be a valuable nose tackle in the 3-4 real soon, or a 3-technique defensive tackle in a four man front.

MORE ON DURAN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mVD82ojw1M

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2XWTbD5xV8&feature=relmfu

JACOB DANIEL, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, SOPHOMORE

Daniel already looks like he can play college football, since he's 6-foot-5, 300-pounds. Funny thing is, he plays like he can be at the collegiate level with his size and power. The massive Daniel occupies plenty of space for the Bronco defense. He helped collapsed the pocket in his last game versus Central. He and Duran provide a deadly 1-2 punch on the interior line for the Broncos.

HAYDEN HAUPT, OUTSIDE LINEBACKER, SOPHOMORE

While Duran and Daniel bring the muscle up front for the Bronco defense, Haupt (No. 30 in the photo) brings the heat from his outside spot. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Haupt has a viscous first step and with his closing speed, he's in front of a quarterback in just 1-2 seconds, which was evident against Central as he came in untouched on at least three different occasions. Haupt will obviously need bulk, but he's a good-sized linebacker for a sophomore and he could become the fastest linebacker in the Central Section soon. One reason for that is Haupt does speed training with former NFL and Sacramento State wide receiver Elon Paige during the off-season.

MORE ON HAUPT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6HNxlZ3boU