Oh Canada!

Photo courtesy of maxpreps.com

Colleges might consider going to Canada if they want a feisty defender and tight end - Elk Grove's B'Won Canada that is.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive end/tight end may be undersized for both trenches, but he hides that setback with his athletic skill set.

On offense, Canada is a fluid route runner who proved to be a capable red zone target for 12-2 Elk Grove. However, after watching him in my film room, he makes his most plays on defense.

Canada, who runs a 4.62 40-yard dash, shows off that speed with a freakish explosion off the four-point stance. Canada closes quick on quarterbacks and running backs. He shoots through open gaps like a torpedo and, even at 185-pounds, wins a lot of one-on-one battles with offensive tackles thanks to his consistency with keeping his pad level low.

Canada is also valuable in the zone defensive schemes. He's athletic enough to drop back from his end spot, leap for the football, then snatch the ball and take it back in the end zone. He did that twice during his junior year and hauled in three interceptions total.

Obviously, bulk is needed. I also need to see how consistent his hand technique will be. He relied mainly on his speed and bull rushing to get past blockers. Most schools will want even the most undersized linemen to use a swim or rip move more. Still, Canada is capable of being a tone-setter on defense with his speed off the edge.

More on Canada: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/672485/highlights

Going undetected: Fresno County under the radar 2014 prospects

With the Central Section football scene getting ready to officially start the season in 10 days, there's some notable names either sitting on one scholarship offer or zero.

A huge senior year could be on the horizon - if going undetected truly motivates these guys. Here's some notable names that could surprise with a breakout 2013-2014 season beginning with Fresno County:

Photo courtesy of berecruited.com

TEOFILO FREEMAN, ATH, CENTRAL

* Kind of hard to imagine a Central player flying under the radar, especially considering how stacked the Grizzlies are. But Freeman hasn't generated a lot of buzz during the recruiting season and has spent most of his time battling for playing time. However, Freeman did impress at the Fresno State 7-on-7 tournament in June with his ability to spy on the quarterback, then jump on a pass route for the pick as a safety. He's also improved his closing speed on passing plays at other tournaments. On offense, he's not the quickest receiver, but is a nice route runner and can make the middle grabs. He runs a 4.6 40-yard dash and has a vertical jump of 35 inches. While he may have had a solid off-season, it's now more about what he does when the season kicks off on Aug. 24 at Valor Christian of Colorado. Freeman's work ethic could intrigue someone.

More on Freeman:  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/654100/teofilo-freeman

Photo courtesy of ESPN 940

EDGAR SEGURA, RB, MENDOTA

* An all-purpose back who's a threat to rush for over 3,000 yards and score 50 touchdowns, Segura has to be one of the best kept secrets in the Central Section. He's also the owner of two section championships and since he's been on varsity, he's yet to play on a Mendota team that failed to win a title. Segura ran for 2,507 yards and scored 41 touchdowns last season.

More on Segura: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1-imFCnIVA

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

DEJONTE O'NEAL, RB/DB, BULLARD

* O'Neal (middle sprinting) is another all-purpose back used in a lot of ways with the always run heavy Knights. He's an ankle-breaking machine at running back with his deadly cutback ability. He's also added muscle to his frame thanks to a rigorous off-season speed/strength training program through former Bullard High standout Travon Jones. O'Neal has now gone from 160-pounds to between 170-175. He holds one offer from Eastern Washington, but as the carries and yards pile up, so might the scholarship offers.

More on O'Neal: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/412864/dejonte-oneal

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

IVAN ESPIRITU, GUARD/CENTER, REEDLEY

* The leaner 6-foot-3, 270-pound Espiritu is capable of playing all five line spots. He proved that last season. He'll enter the 2013 season as one of the best run blockers in the section and new head coach Mike Vogt plans to run the football down the middle - a lot.

More on Espiritu:  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1749747/ivan-espiritu



KYLE RIDDERING, OT/DE, CLOVIS NORTH

* He's tall and athletic at 6-foot-6, 240-pounds. He's also a gritty run blocker for a Broncos team that's thrived off of a two-headed monster backfield. Riddering plays center and tackle on the offensive line, but because of his frame and feet, he'll likely be considered as a future left tackle if football is in his future. He also plays basketball for Clovis North.

More on Riddering:  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/437459/kyle-riddering

HARRISON CRAWFORD, DE, CLOVIS NORTH

* Crawford missed last season, but several voices in Clovis have said he's the nastiest defensive linemen the two-time defending champions have. Crawford has shown a bull rush and consistent rip move at different linemen camps. If he's healthy and keeps the off-season momentum going, he could become the Broncos' top pass rusher, especially since monster 6-foot-5, 300-pound junior Jacob Daniel will command lots of attention this fall.

More on Crawford: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqHk_YVAR4o

MICHAEL MECHIKOFF, DB, CLOVIS NORTH

* The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Mechikoff might be the best ball-hawking defender in the Broncos' secondary. Mechikoff shows off excellent angle pursuits and football smarts with spotting the football, then making the jump for it. Mechikoff had five interceptions for Clovis North and he gets his coaching from former NFL safety Cory Hall.

More on Mechikoff:  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/454341/highlights/40625380

JOHN PAZ, DE, CLOVIS

* Paz is considered undersized at 6-foot-1, 230-pounds, but he's like any Cougar defensive linemen: He's tough, competitive and he'll eat up the run. If he can improve his hand technique and rely more on a swim or rip move this upcoming season, he could be in for an all-county season.

More on Paz:  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1568727/john-paz

KALONN MILTON, DB, BUCHANAN

* A versatile athlete who's also played running back and wide receiver, Milton seems to swing more toward defense, and he's a valuable shut down cornerback there. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Milton closes fast on screen passes then punishes wide receivers. Milton has looked impressive at different camps with his ability to jam and single cover receivers. On a Buchanan defense with highly-touted safety Adam Soesman getting Bowl Championship Series offers, Milton could see the ball get more thrown his way instead of where Soesman is.

More on Milton: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/934864/highlights

YASMON HAYNES, OL/DL, EDISON

* A powerful bull-rusher at defensive end, Haynes shows off a quick first step and helps wreck havoc up front for the Tigers' defensive line. He's a disruptive force and hard to block with his speed.

More on Haynes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH8ubm9Qj0A

BRANDON STEELE, QB, KINGSBURG

* Got to wonder what position Steele plays at the next level, since he runs like a fullback and has a tight end body at 6-foot-3, 230-pounds. He combined for 2,819 yards running and throwing and had 36 touchdowns. When he takes off and runs, he looks for contact and is one of the hardest quarterbacks to bring down.

More on Steele: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH8ubm9Qj0A

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

DARIAN DUCKETT, FB/MLB, BULLARD

* He's physical on both sides of the football. The 5-foot-11, 220-pounder likes burying his shoulder into linebackers as a fullback, then shows a solid nose for the football on defense as a middle linebacker. 

More on Duckett: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1137128/highlights

Going undetected? Twenty of Nor Cal's best kept secrets

Photo contributed

As we near the 2013 football season, there's some names floating around that's either landed two offers or is still waiting on scholarship offer No. 1.

Judging by what I've seen out of most of these guys at different tournaments and breaking them down in my film room, it's perplexing the offers haven't piled up for some of these talented ballers. However, this could mean added motivation for these guys to shred the field this fall.

We'll start in the Northern California region and cover the bases of the Bay Area, Sacramento and Stockton regions, as we dug up 20 under the radar prospects who could land more college football love with a huge senior year:

Bay Area

MALIK BEACHUM, ATHLETE, AMERICAN CANYON

* Beachum continues to showcase a scrapper attitude at both wide receiver and defensive back, with his ability to fight off press coverages then press wide receivers on defense. One move Beachum has now developed is a head fake, where he's able to elude his defender then sprint to the end zone.

More on Beachum: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/450304/malik-beachum

JOHN LEWIS III, WIDE RECEIVER, BENECIA

*  Lewis III isn't the fastest runner and he's been caught having a slow get-off from the snap of the ball. However, he shows a second gear with his speed after the catch and is capable of the 20-yard gain. He also shows solid body control and adjustments to the football when making the red zone grab.

More on Lewis III: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2413230/lewis-iii

JACK HENEGHAN, QUARTERBACK, MENLO-ATHERTON

* A tall 6-foot-4, 220-pound pocket passer with a strong arm and good field vision even when facing pressure. Shows solid composure when facing the rush. Still needs to work on his feet when dropping back. But good arm strength.

More on Heneghan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpHiJ1mFhrU

TREVOR BEARDEN, RUNNING BACK, LIVE OAK-MORGAN HILL

* An explosive running back with a 4.46 40-yard dash time and 2,176 rushing yards with 22 touchdowns in 2012, Bearden is an elusive and tough back who can break tackles, then break the long run. He's also a good-sized back at 6-foot-1, 205-pounds. Also plays outside linebacker and closes quick on wide receivers. He can work on being consistent with running at a low center of gravity, since he tends to run standing up. Can also use a stiff arm more often. But he's tough, fast and a play maker at RB.

More on Bearden: http://vimeo.com/55253650

MARCUS DE LA PENA, RUNNING BACK, SAN RAMON VALLEY-DANVILLE

* Another tall and elusive 6-foot-1, 200-pound runner with 1,609 total rushing yards in two seasons at the varsity level. Also shows versatility with 32 receptions out of the backfield for 367-yards and three scores.

HARRIS ROSS, RUNNING BACK, PITTSBURG

* Fast, elusive and powerful. Ross launches through an open hole like a torpedo from a submarine. He's also used an array of moves from the juke, to a spin move and also burying his shoulder and trucking a defender. Sacramento State and Eastern Washington are two offers he has. One notable running back from the Pittsburg area was former Oregon State star Ken Simonton.

More on Ross: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7LfnUkGVzY

KEITH BENJAMIN, WIDE RECEIVER, EL CERRITO

* Explosive after the catch at wide receiver. Also an elusive and ankle-breaking play maker in the backfield. Will need to bulk up from his 5-foot-11, 160-pound frame, but capable of being used in a variety of ways.

More on Benjamin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWPUu_GW_s0

KEILAN BENJAMIN, ATHLETE, EL CERRITO

* Shows a quick release and impressive zip at quarterback. Because of size, will likely have to play a different position. He's a dangerous scrambler, though, and can fake defenders on option keepers. That running ability can make him either a running back or wide receiver at the next level.

More on Benjamin:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAQpDou7-j0

JACK ANDERSON, OFFENSIVE TACKLE/DEFENSIVE TACKLE, PALO ALTO

* A feisty 6-foot-5, 255-pound run blocker on offense where most of Palo Alto's running plays go up his side. Defensively, he occupies lots of space and makes inside running difficult for his opponents. Has spent his off-season refining his pass blocking.

More on Anderson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB6Vf9FNABk

 ANDREW FRICK, OUTSIDE LINEBACKER, PALO ALTO

* He attacks gaps like a running back trying to explode through an open hole. Frick is entering the 2013 season as one of the top blitzing linebackers in the Bay Area. He's a 6-foot-1, 210-pound pass-rushing demon off the edge and doesn't stop hustling until the quarterback is on the ground. He's got a strong upper body and does an excellent job extending his hands, then pushing his blocker off of him to halt the play. He's a disruptive force who's drawn Ivy League interest.

More on Frick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGkWX0FUKJU

QUIN MAY, TIGHT END/DEFENSIVE END, NAPA

* Might get more interest as a tight end, since he's got a tall frame on him (6-foot-5, 205-pounds). He's also shown an explosive get-off from the three-point stance and has straight line speed with his 4.88 40-yard dash time. Lastly, he's shown excellent body control on middle grabs. On defense, he's a valuable run stuffer with long arms and a nice explosion off the line.

More on May: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGkWX0FUKJU

Silicon Valley

CHARLES NELSON, GUARD/TACKLE, VALLEY CHRISTIAN-SAN JOSE

* A versatile lineman who's an excellent pass blocker and delivers a viscous pop in the run game, Nelson has solid athleticism but his ability to play more than one line position should intrigue more schools.

More on Nelson:  http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9334265

JOE CASTIGNANI, OUTSIDE LINEBACKER, BELLARMINE PREP-SAN JOSE

* Like Frick, he's another explosive pass rusher who led the team with 12 sacks in 2012. His pass coverage ability, though, impressed spectators at the Passing Down Nor Cal 7-on-7 regional in March. A tall specimen at 6-foot-3, 215-pounds and runs a 4.69 40-yard dash. Sacramento State is his lone offer.

More on Castignani:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUPjtXgpRt4

Sacramento Region

DEVIN JONES, ATHLETE, WOODLAND

* A competitive spirit who shadows and single covers wide receivers all game, then becomes an explosive play maker on swing passes as a wide receiver. One of the best two-way threats in Northern California with one offer from North Dakota.

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

DE'AUNDRE TERRELL, ATHLETE, PLEASANT GROVE-ELK GROVE

* A multi-talented threat who can hurt teams with his arm, legs and leaping ability. Getting his most looks right now as a potential slot receiver.

More on Terrell:  http://caligoldmine.blogspot.com/2013/04/terrell-pleasant-weapon-at-pleasant.html

Stockton Region

WAYNE BROOKS, QUARTERBACK/DEFENSIVE BACK, STAGG-STOCKTON

* Brooks has a lively arm even at 5-foot-8 and shows off a zip to his throws. However, it's his ability to read the quarterbacks eyes, close in on footballs and become this play making safety that can get schools intrigued.

JAELIN RATLIFF, ATHLETE, ST. MARY'S-STOCKTON

* St. Mary's seems to be always stacked with college football talent and Ratliff continues the lineage. An explosive wide receiver who wins a lot of one-on-one battles thanks to his head fake and speed. Also a deadly kick returner who can fake out defenders with his juke moves. A mismatch for those who try to cover him one-on-one and against those who try to keep him squared up.

More on Ratliff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_UCoqAwfK4

BRYAN PASCUAL, ATHLETE, ST. MARY'S-STOCKTON

* Not the tallest player at 5-foot-9, 165-pounds, but he's another devastating play maker who explodes through the open hole and utilizes his 4.4 40-yard dash. He also has an impressive leap to him and is capable of making the jump ball catch, thanks to his 29 inch vertical jump. One of many players used in a variety of ways at St. Mary's.

More on Pascual:  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/913204/bryan-pascual

KYLE DAWSON, TIGHT END/DEFENSIVE END, ST. MARY'S-STOCKTON

* A hustle player on defense who never stops trying. Dawson is an athletic 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive end with run-stuffing capabilities.

More on Dawson:  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1229086/highlights

JAVONTE NORMAN, RUNNING BACK, ST. MARY'S-STOCKTON

* A speedy running back who's at his most dangerous on counter and outside runs. Also, at 5-foot-8 and 158-pounds, he does an excellent job playing hide-and-seek with his blockers, then darting through a hole. Needs bulk, but a touchdown threat every time he touches the ball and reportedly runs a 4.39 40-yard dash time.

More on Norman:  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1295102/javonte-norman

Fleming brings versatility and mean streak

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

Future San Jose State Spartan and now, future Bullard Knight Nautica Fleming has the potential to become one of the more complete cornerbacks in the Central Section this fall.

Fleming (in gray shorts and black dri-fit), a senior this August, already brings plenty of size with his near 6-foot-tall frame. He's added muscle this off-season and has spent his off-season jamming wide receivers at different camps and tournaments.

He's got to be one of the top press cornerbacks already in the section. On film, wide receivers had difficulty shedding past his hands for three seconds and had their routes rattled. Fleming made a lot of quarterbacks hesitant about throwing the ball his direction.

He's not just very effective in the press, though. Fleming shows off a smooth backpedal when playing in a zone coverage and, when the ball is in the air, he closes quick like a hawk locating its prey.

His arms are long, too, and he became a swat down artist at Edison last season. He's also played safety in the nickel schemes and has disrupted potential first down throws.

He'll still need to add muscle for the next level, which will be the Mountain West Conference. He's also going to need to build on his speed, because the MWC has lots of that with schools like Fresno State and San Diego State relying on the spread offense, plus Boise State, Nevada and Utah State preferring to utilize speed with their offensive plans.

He's another college football commit through the Tony Perry Defensive Back Guru tree, since he's active with D.B Guru. If you like lock down corners, Fleming will be one to love through the 2014 class in the Central Valley.

More on Fleming: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/912698/highlights

With this trio of 2015 defensive backs - Southern California could become a no fly zone

Photo courtesy of Golden State Preps

From Culver City, to Long Beach, all the way to San Marcos, the Southern California region has three defensive backs in the 2015 class that are capable of making air attacks unsettled.

Two of these guys already have a combined 16 scholarship offers between them. The other one is the tallest out of the group and the cousin to a recent PAC-12 commit

Here's three 2015 DB's to look out for:

STANLEY NORMAN, CULVER CITY

* Nicknamed "Scrappy" and also a wide receiver/return man, Norman (photo) exploded on the recruiting trail with his lock down skills. Norman shadowed wide receivers at two tournaments with Passing Down and took Best of the West Most Valuable Player. One of his highlights at the state title tournament in Fullerton last April was slowing up high-octane play maker Joe Mixon. He's a feisty cornerback who can press and shadow receivers all day. His hands and play making ability makes him a near complete cover corner. He'll need to bulk up from his current 5-foot-10, 165-pound frame, but Norman already has seven offers including USC.

More on Norman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofxgBx__IhM

Photo courtesy of scout.com

IMAN MARSHALL, LONG BEACH POLY

* He's nearly 6-foot-2 and 185-pounds, and he's not even a senior yet. Marshall has fluid hips for a tall defender and his size, hands and closing speed makes quarterbacks hesitate to throw his way. Marshall is also a wicked hitter. He plays with a mean streak that defensive coaches should love. With nine scholarship offers already, Marshall is continuing Long Beach Poly's tradition of getting the college recruiting coordinators to check in on the Jackrabbits.

More on Marshall:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yda88pssv6o

Photo courtesy of varsitypreps.com

DECHAUN HOLIDAY, MISSION HILLS-SAN MARCOS

* Holiday is the tallest of the group at 6-foot-3, 190-pounds. He also comes with versatility, since he's also played safety. However, his impressive frame and coverage skills could make colleges want him more as a lock down corner. His long arms makes him extremely effective in swatting away the jump ball or sideline grab. Holiday also shadows a wide receiver like a moving cumulonimbus cloud. He's the cousin to recent Arizona commit Devin Holiday. At 6-foot-3 and with impressive lock down skills, could Dechaun Holiday become the next Richard Sherman of Seattle?

More on Holiday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn2opEkM63c