Five gold mines emerging

From Stockton to Bakersfield, five upperclassmen are beginning to etch a name for themselves with their high level of play. All five have either begun seeing the interest increase or are flying under-the-radar. Here's who they are:

Photo courtesy of hudl

JAELIN RATLIFF, WIDE RECEIVER, SENIOR, ST. MARY'S-STOCKTON

* Ratliff, who holds a Wyoming offer, was part of this Cali Gold Mine list before the season began. Now, the 5-foot-10, 165-pound Ratliff has 11 catches, 224 yards, a whopping average of 20.4 yards per catch and five touchdowns. He's becoming one of the best kept secrets in the 209.

Contributed photo

SAVION SIMMS, ATHLETE, JUNIOR, CENTRAL-FRESNO

* Simms, another athlete highlighted by CGM back in the spring, has emerged as one of the more dangerous playmakers once he gets the football. Simms made a name for himself with one interception against Valor Christian of Colorado in front of ESPN2 cameras, then added a 67 yard touchdown catch against Hanford and now, Simms added a 44 yard touchdown catch against Kern County power Liberty-Bakersfield. The Grizzlies have had a slow start at 1-2, but Simms has given Central another game changer to look forward to. He's recently received heavy interest from San Diego State.

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

IVAN ESPIRITU, OFFENSIVE LINE/DEFENSIVE LINE, SENIOR, REEDLEY

* Espiritu and the Pirates endured a rough 37-6 loss at Dinuba on Sept. 6, but the 6-foot-3, 270-pound versatile lineman had at least three pancake blocks and helped pave the way for a running attack that tallied 263 rushing yards. Last year, Espiritu played all five line positions. Along with his versatility, he's got the best mean streak out of any Pirate lineman.

MICHAEL WRIGHT, RUNNING BACK, JUNIOR, DINUBA

* First, it was mobile quarterback David Rico (Cal Lutheran) who helped create a buzz in the Tulare County city of approximately 24,000. Then, it was Marcus McMaryion taking the Central Section by storm at quarterback and is committed to Oregon State. Now, Michael Wright looks to be next in line. Despite being 5-foot-9 and roughly 175-pounds, Wright has carried the Emperors' offense with his cutback ability and speed. Wright has 38 carries, 400 rushing yards and eight touchdowns for the 2-0 Emperors.

JOSH MEDINA, QUARTERBACK, SENIOR, LIBERTY-BAKERSFIELD

* Despite being barely six feet tall and playing in a traditional run-first offense, the Patriots look like they're starting to trust the arm, smarts and athleticism of Medina. The senior looked Alex Smith-like last season with his ability to showcase his accuracy, be a game manager and limit his mistakes. The end result was Medina throwing for 1,831 yards, completing 63.9 percent of his throws, tossing 18 touchdowns and being intercepted just three times. However, this year, Medina has raised his level of play with his arm and mobility. He went 24-of-30 for 228 yards, three touchdown passes, then added 11 carries for 42 yards and three more touchdowns in a thrilling 43-41 overtime win against Central on Sept. 6. His performance was also against one of the top secondaries and defenses in the state. A performance like that could generate late interest.