Sac-Joaquin 2014 versatile threats

Photo courtesy of egcitizen.com

The corridor from Stockton to Woodland has caught my attention recently with players that have proven to do damage in a variety of ways on the football field.

Most of these guys are under 5-foot-11, but don't let that size turn you away. The Sac-Joaquin region should have plenty of versatile threats under the Friday night lights this fall. Here's six to look out for:

DE'AUNDRE TERRELL, QB/WR/DB, PLEASANT GROVE-ELK GROVE

Offers: None

Schools showing interest: Sacramento State, Fresno State, Cal Poly, San Jose State, Eastern Washington, Montana, Portland State, Southern Utah

*Terrell was highlighted by Cali Gold Mine in this April 2 scouting report. He's a 5-foot-8 quarterback with a cannon and deadly mobility. In recent weeks, Terrell is sounding like his future will either be as a slot receiver or cornerback. Terrell has wheels on him and can make a fool out of defensive backs on out routes and wheel routes. As a cornerback, he's excellent with his attack angles and pursuits to the ball. He was rarely caught out of position to miss the tackle. He'll need added muscle to prove he can take on bigger wide receivers this upcoming year, but Terrell can make game-changing plays and the Sacramento region should have one of the most exciting athletes under the lights this fall.

DEVIN JONES, WR/DB, WOODLAND

Offers: One (North Dakota)

*The 5-foot-11, 160-pound Jones may end up as a cornerback, but has also proven to be an effective wide receiver too. He's dangerous on swing passes because of his running back-like vision to locate the open hole then leave a trail of dust. He's also an effective deep threat and can fight jams off the line, then have cornerbacks struggle to play catch-up. Bulk will be needed, but he's a competitor who shadows a wideout with his speed and with his fluid hip direction. He's also a wicked hitter on special teams who could help set the tone on kickoff teams. Lastly, he's the younger brother to current Fresno State strong safety Dalen Jones.

More on Jones: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/482599/devin-jones

WAYNE BROOKS, QB/DB, STAGG-STOCKTON

Offers: None

*Like Terrell, Brooks is another 5-foot-8 quarterback. And, like Terrell, Brooks is another small quarterback who blows people away with his cannon and athleticism. Brooks threw 34 touchdowns and 2,920 yards in his junior year. Then, he turned more heads with his Stockton-based team, Diverse Sports, at Passing Down's Nor Cal Regional at quarterback. In the Best of the West State Finals for Passing Down, Brooks showed off his ball-hawking skills at free safety where he impressed with his reads, closing pursuits and ability to take off sprinting after the interception. He'll likely be better suited at safety in college, but could become an explosive slot or X wide receiver.

JOEY BANKS, RB/OLB/DB, FRANKLIN-ELK GROVE

Offers: One (UC Davis)

Schools interested: Boise State, Sacramento State, Fresno State (taking unofficial visit with the Bulldogs during the week of June 10).

*Banks (photo) is built like a tank and is a hard-nosed hitter. Franklin likes calling on him for a blitz and he'll crash into a ball carrier. He's having to learn safety after being a 5-foot-9, 180-pound outside linebacker. He did impress at the Fresno State camp with his backpedal and hip direction. On offense, he's a tough, gritty running back who can carry two guys with him while carrying the rock. He tends to stop his feet when making tackles and will have to be more consistent about keeping his legs pumping after contact. In the end, though, Banks is a rough hitter who'll be very valuable versus the run at the next level.

More on Banks: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/577690/joey-banks

ESLEY SIMMONS, WR/DB, PLEASANT GROVE-ELK GROVE

Offers: Two (Idaho and Weber State)

*The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Simmons is another playmaking athlete at PGHS who's impressed on the 7-on-7 circuit this off-season. Simmons has soft hands and gets open. He closes in on the football well on defense. His size is obviously a drawback, but he makes up for it with strength and speed.

EARL CHISM, TE/DE/OLB, PLEASANT GROVE-ELK GROVE

Offers: One (Idaho)

Schools interested: Oklahoma

*The big 6-foot-2, 240-pound Chism is freakishly athletic for a big man and has shown off basketball-like hops for the interception from his linebacker spot. Chism has a 38.9 inch vertical leap and runs a 4.63 40-yard dash. He's impressed with his ability to read the quarterbacks eyes then attempt the pick. It'll be interesting to see what position he'll play in college, but he's become one of the Sac-Joaquin region's best athletes.