RISING STAR WATCH: JUSTIN PRINCE

Justin Prince intercepts a pass against Serra (Gardena) in the 41-40 overtime loss on Sept. 18. Prince is emerging as the Gauchos' next big-time recruit at Narbonne High (photo contributed). 

Twelve players at Narbonne High School in Harbor City have reeled in some offers and letters from different colleges. One of those players is a prince….

Justin Prince that is.

Idaho has shown early interest in the 5-foot-11, 185-pound junior who is emerging as the Gauchos’ next hitter and ball hawk. Gaucho wide receiver coach James Finley called Prince “a really big hitter who loves contact and is one of the smartest, most instinctive defensive backs in Southern California.”

After breaking down Prince in our film room, he has the makings of a bona fide national recruit, especially at a place that will likely send at least seven players to the NCAA Division I ranks come National Signing Day in February 2016.

Here’s a closer look at Prince:

WHAT TO LIKE: Has quick reaction speed like an advanced GPS system and redirects himself to the football. Shows excellent eyes and awareness on where the play is going. Runs with a low center of gravity and adjusts his hips well to where the ball is heading. Has the cover speed of a cornerback and sticks to the hips of a wide receiver during man coverage. Isn’t afraid to come crashing down at the line of scrimmage against the run. Buries his shoulder into a ball carrier’s hips and rarely goes above the torso. Hard-nosed, cerebral player.

WHAT TO BUILD ON: Need to see how consistent he is with using his hands to shed blocks against screen and swing passes. Also will be curious to see how he fares against bigger and faster receivers, since most of the wideouts he’s gone against are either as tall as him or shorter.

OVERALL: Prince will keep the college football coaches coming to “The ‘Bonne.” He’s been called a young Brian Dawkins at NHS. He’s a defensive back who knows where plays go and covers his territory like a tiger in the jungle.