Rising star watch: Stevan Johnson

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San Joaquin Memorial-Fresno's Stevan Johnson could be the latest breakout running back in a section known for strong running play - the Central Section.

The 2015 prospect has already hit the offseason hard with attending the DB Guru Camp and by planning to be involved in the 7-on-7 field.

His highlight film adds more to the intrigue. Here's a breakdown:

WHAT TO LIKE: Johnson is a hard-nosed runner that can break tackles and finish his runs. Does an excellent job of keeping his feet going after contact is made. Shows good vision and a burst through the hole. Displays excellent balance with keeping his feet under him and continuing to complete his run. Also an effective wide receiver out of the backfield. Very reliable in goal line situations since he's proven to be a north-south grinder. Plays some safety and shows good reads in coverage, then has soft hands to make an interception. Returns kicks as well.

WHAT TO BUILD ON: Needs to be consistent about keeping his pad level low. He tends to run upright. Doesn't have breakaway speed right now and can build on that. Mainly relied on burying his shoulder into defenders and can use a consistent stiff arm.

OVERALL: I've always admired and respected throwback runners, and Johnson fits the old school running back label. I like his aggressive running style and big play capability. He's at a school that produced recent Oregon State commit Chris Brown. Johnson might become a more powerful running back at SJM with continued progression.

More on Johnson: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2075312/highlights/90881390

Rising star watch: Ricky McCoy

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna/The Reedley Exponent

The "Predator" is on the loose and could become the Central Section's most sought-after tight end.

Ricky McCoy of Roosevelt-Fresno has become an intriguing prospect for colleges. Nicknamed "Predator" because of his near resemblance to the popular science fiction character, he's received interest from Oregon, Arizona State and Arizona.

He also didn't play an entire season due to the CIF transfer rules this past year (had to sit out 30 days after transferring from Bullard High). Yet, the 6-foot-4, 245 pound McCoy did enough to land All-North Yosemite League honors for Roosevelt.

For non-science fiction fans, you might like what "Predator" offers on the football field.

WHAT TO LIKE: Got to start with size. McCoy already looks like a college football tight end. He's got soft hands and can catch the ball in traffic. Breaks tackles like a bruising fullback. Tough to bring down and it sometimes takes the second or third defender to stop him. He won't go down on first contact. Shows tremendous body control with making his catches. A red zone threat who can win the jump ball battle. Has quick hands and can fight off jams right away. He's a former offensive tackle and has a nastiness to his blocking. Had 23 pancake blocks for Roosevelt. Dominates defenders and drives them back either to the sideline or 10-15 yards. 

WHAT TO BUILD ON: Improving his overall speed is a must this offseason. McCoy doesn't have the speed right now desired by most schools. Still considered a raw prospect because he's transitioning from offensive tackle to tight end. Tends to stop his feet when going out for a pass. Also still learning his routes.

OVERALL: McCoy not only could be the most highly recruited tight end in the Central Section, but he has the potential to be the most sought-after high school football prospect Roosevelt has ever seen. RHS hasn't always been considered a college football factory, especially in the shadow of Edison, Central and Bullard in the Fresno area, but McCoy could be the guy that gets colleges coming over to Roosevelt. He's beginning to remind me of former Fresno State tight end Marcel Jensen - who was another former offensive lineman that became a valuable security blanket at tight end for the Bulldogs.

More on McCoy: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/750653/highlights/87254387

Rising star watch: Isaiah Renfro

Sierra Canyon-Chatsworth wide receiver Isaiah Renfro has had a quiet recruiting period so far with one offer from Utah. That could change, though, judging by what I saw on film and if he has a breakout camp and senior season.

He's capable of it with the physical traits he possesses.

WHAT TO LIKE: Renfro is a tall target who wins a lot of one-on-one battles off of height and speed. He finishes his routes and completes his catches. With his size, he's effective in the red zone but can also stretch defenses as a deep threat. He damages zone coverages by finding a gap in the secondary then getting open. At 6-foot-3 and 188 pounds, he's tough to bring down and can break tackles. Does an excellent job adjusting his body in the end zone during the jump ball sequence.

WHAT TO BUILD ON: Though he gets open and has a nose for the end zone, Renfro runs a 4.6 40-yard dash right now and can get that down to the 4.4 range over the off-season. I haven't seen him fight off jams at the line and noticed most defenses played a zone coverage against him. Also made most of his catches either at his chest or above his head, but not low to the ground. Needs to prove he can also make the low grabs.

OVERALL: One opposing head coach said Renfro makes the kind of plays you'll see on Saturdays in the PAC-12 or Southeastern Conference. I have to agree. Renfro is a rocket ready for takeoff. Right now, he's got the size, route running and big play capability most colleges should love.

More on Renfro: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1697861/highlights/83149380?autoplay=1

Top CGM JUCO team (defense)

Here's who caught CGM's attention on the defensive side of the ball during 2013:

DE: THOMAS CORONADO, FRESNO CITY

- A high energy rusher for the Rams. Coronado helped set the tone for an always aggressive Ram defense.

DE: TUI TALIA, DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE

- The 6-foot-5, 270 pound Oregon commit had 13 sacks. A monster motor on the edge.

DT: JOSH GIBBS, FRESNO CITY

- Tall and physical 6-foot-6, 260-pound specimen who led the Rams with 10.5 tackles for a loss.

DT: KOUREY GABIEL, FULLERTON

- Made an immediate impact by eating up gaps with his 6-foot, 285-pound frame.

OLB: JUSTIN OWENS, FULLERTON

- Athletic 6-foot-1, 215 pound LB that runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and led a stingy Hornets defense in tackles with 82.

ILB: SIMON POTI, FULLERTON

- Led the Hornet linebackers in sacks with five. Has excellent size (6-foot-2, 225-pounds) and instincts.

OLB: MORGAN NEVIN, SANTA BARBARA CITY

- Nevin helped energize a SBCC turnaround by averaging 15.5 tackles per game.

DB: DEONTE FLEMINGS, BUTTE

- Small cornerback at 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, but has soft hands proven by his team-leading seven interceptions and has 4.45 speed.

DB: GERALD NUTT, FRESNO CITY

- Former Fresno State walk-on wide receiver may have found his home in the secondary. The 6-foot-2, 200 pound DB had seven picks and became one of the most physical press corners in the Central Valley Conference.

DB: KHARY LIVINGSTON-COLEMAN, COLLEGE OF THE SEQUOIAS

- Looks like the former high school running back is next in line through the always talent-rich Giant secondary. Had six interceptions last season and holds offers from Jacksonville State and the University of Houston.

DB: JACOBY BUREAU, BUTTE

- Tied for the state lead with eight interceptions. Another small cornerback at 5-foot-10, but a playmaker with a 4.44 40 time and 35 inch vertical jump.

KR: JAMAL LOCKETT, LOS MEDANOS

- Dangerous return man who averaged a state best 36.9 yards per kick return.

PR: AKIL BORDELON, DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE

- Gave DVC excellent field position and returned two punts for touchdowns.

Top CGM JUCO team (offense)

First off, hope everyone is enjoying their 2014.

I want to reflect back on the season it was in the California Junior College scene. More intriguing prospects are being pumped out at JUCO's up-and-down California.

Here's a list of guys that caught Cali Gold Mine's attention:

OFFENSE

QB: SKYLAR HOWARD, RIVERSIDE

- Howard, a Texas product, had a touchdown to interception ratio of 33-6. He's now committed to West Virginia.

RB: DEANDRE MANN, HARTNELL

- Fast and gifted running back who averaged 155.1 yards per game and scored 27 touchdowns.

RB: ELIJAA PENNY, CERRITOS

- The big 6-foot-2, 240-pound back would have been the state's leader in rushing touchdowns if it weren't for Mann (Penny had 20 rushing TD's.)

TE: BO BRUMMELL, BUTTE

- The big 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end is a red zone nightmare for linebackers and defensive backs.

WR: BRIAN FOBBS, DE ANZA

- Undersized at 6-feet, 185-pounds, but Fobbs led the state with 96 receptions and 20 receiving touchdowns. Freaky athleticism and has an NFL-like jump ball ability and can control his catches.

WR: LAVON PEARSON, FEATHER RIVER

- Big target wide receiver at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds. Ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and led the state with 1,598 receiving yards.

OL: DAVE HEDELIN, SAN FRANCISCO CITY

- Hedelin is a 6-foot-5, 285-pound mauler who even was used as a motion man on certain formations. His athleticism made him an extra fullback/h-back for CCSF. Holds over 15 scholarship offers. Recently committed to the Rose Bowl Champions Michigan State.

OL: RICARDO GARCIA, FRESNO CITY

- Garcia fit right in with the always physical Rams approach. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Garcia became one of the top run blockers for FCC.

C: BRIAN HOBBS, FULLERTON

- The 6-foot-1, 330-pound Hobbs drove defensive linemen back nearly 10 yards and set an aggressive tone for a Fullerton offense that averaged 514.8 yards per game.

OL: GREG HUGHES, VENTURA

- An intriguing 2015 prospect at 6-foot-7, 365-pounds and a powerful upper body. Hughes even flattened incoming defenders with just one pop.

OL: CAL IBANEZ, FULLERTON

- Has a nice explosion off the ball and drills defensive linemen in the run game.