For a Purpose

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

Let me first off start out by saying what an honor it was to take part in the 2013 Purpose Field Camp in Clovis.

I remember when former Sacramento State wide receiver and Ex-St. Louis Ram practice squad player Elon Paige created Purpose Field's camps, he had not even 10 players showing up and getting work in. However, on Saturday, Paige brought out nearly 40 kids from Clovis, Fresno, to as far as Hanford, Reedley and Tulare.

One highlight was Paige bringing out his father Stephone to talk to the kids about staying humble, staying in faith and influencing them that you don't need to be the popular kid in high school or a mega star to make it in the NFL. Stephone Paige told the kids his journey as an undrafted wide receiver out of Fresno State who went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL. He then shared what he called one of his greatest accomplishments: raising three athletic children that became college graduates.

Some potential future collegiate athletes took the field at Alta Sierra Middle School behind Buchanan High's Veterans Memorial Stadium. The end result are some 2014, 2015 and 2016 prospects who could break out soon with continued work. Truth be told, every kid stood out for waking up on a Saturday to get better for next season. If I had a choice, though, six players captured my attention. Here's who stood out:

--Bullard High's Dejonte O'Neal (photo) stole the show with his speed and versatility. The 2014 prospect was certainly the fastest player on the field and became the top option as a wide receiver and one of the top cover cornerbacks in the camp. O'Neal, who says his natural position is running back, impressed with his ability to quickly recover from slipping during runs. His breakaway speed made him a match up problem for whoever lined up against him and says Utah of the PAC-12 is the lone school talking to him.

--Speaking of match up problems, fellow Bullard High teammate Ricky McCoy will be one to keep an eye on in West Fresno. McCoy is only a sophomore, but is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound tight end who's capable of giving opposing defensive backs fits. McCoy is currently growing into his tight end role, since he was an offensive tackle early in his Bullard Knight career. However, he showed his size and athleticism on the field. He'll need to polish his routes, because he had a tendency to stop his feet. But make no mistake, continued development could make him the best tight end in the Central Section for 2013-2014 and next in line at the same school that produced former Bullard tight end Ian Taubler (UCLA).

--Clovis West looks like a once proud program that's fallen on hard times. However, two young Golden Eagles could give the school hope for the future. Freshman Quarterback Trace Garabedian became the most impressive quarterback with his ability to make the long throws and quick release. He should grow soon from his current 5-foot-6 frame. Wide receiver Darian Owens showed some fast route running skills and an ability to make the tough middle grabs.

--Reedley High is currently searching for a new head coach, plus a new identity after a dismal 2-8 season in 2012. However, massive 5-foot-10, 200-pound sophomore Greg Quezada will give the new regime something to look forward too. Quezada was a bulldozer best known in Reedley for his 191-yard night versus Roosevelt-Fresno. At the Purpose Field camp, however, Quezada turned heads with how quick his feet were for a guy his size. In an area not known for being a college football factory, Quezada could emerge as a highly touted prospect for the city of Reedley with continued progress.

--Defensively, Mount Whitney-Visalia's Abel Tavarez has shut down corner written all over him. The 2014 prospect blanketed receivers all day and has a physical jam at the line of scrimmage. While his size may be a drawback at 5-foot-8, his speed and physical nature could make him a hidden gem in the Central Section.

Van Nuys RB going unnoticed

One of the more versatile players in the Los Angeles City Section happens to be one of the more unnoticed during this last minute recruiting period.

Van Nuys High School running back Kyle Jean hasn't heard from too many people. Too me, this sounds perplexing since he's in the biggest hotbed for football recruiting - the L.A region.

Plus, after watching his film, I'm stunned not too many people have gone after this versatile and explosive player. He's also won over former state of California star and NFL running back Reggie Bush.

Jean runs the ball, returns kicks, catches out of the backfield and also snatched six interceptions for Van Nuys. He totaled 2,485 yards while being out on the field (2,035 rushing, 450 receiving). He was the main cornerstone for a Wolves team that finished 10-2 this past football season thanks to all those yards, picks and 35 total touchdowns.

On the field, Jean has burst and a juke. He'll fake out defenders with his elusiveness. He's also shown to be strong enough to go between the tackles despite his 5-foot-9 frame and along with his elusive nature, also has a spin move that can shake defenders.

I was most impressed with his second gear when finding an opening on the field. Once he bounces outside and takes off, he showed a quicker burst after the first five yards.

He does tend to rely more on his speed and elusiveness. I didn't see him run anyone over when he carried the rock, so that will make me wonder how powerful he can be as a runner. He'll also need to be more consistent with his stiff arm at the next level.

He has heard from New Mexico State and Montana, but Montana had no scholarships to offer according to him. He currently carries a 3.0 core grade point average. Sometimes I also wonder if some schools are turning him away because of his small stature.

In the end, however, this is not only one of the more explosive players in the L.A region, but he just may be the best kept secret in that renown recruiting region.

More on Jean can be found here.

Kemp ready to break out

Looks like Buchanan High School in Clovis could still be in great shape on the perimeters, despite Billy East leaving for Army thanks to emerging 2014 prospect Trenton Kemp.

Kemp, who will be a three-year varsity letter winner in the 2013-2014 season, turned heads at the U.S All-American Combine  from Jan. 3 to Jan. 5.

Despite missing most of his junior year, Kemp managed to hit the ground running to get back into shape and have an early head start on his senior year, with showing up at the event that produced the likes of NFL stars Jamaal Charles, Percy Harvin and Patrick Peterson.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Kemp ended up with the highest vertical jump out of all the wide receivers present at San Antonio. The tall target had his highest jump at 37.5 inches. His vertical wasn't the only area that got spectators to take notice - he ran a 40-yard dash time of 4.48 and showed his upper body strength by bench pressing 185-pounds 23 times.

The skills he's developing now could make him one of the more explosive wide receivers in the Central Section for 2013-2014. He'll be a reliable red zone option thanks to his size. But he already has an explosive get-off from the snap of the football and is very fluid with his hips when running his routes. When healthy, he's versatile enough to double as possession/red zone target or as a deep threat. For a balanced offense like the one Buchanan has ran in the past, Kemp showed to also be an effective decoy in the run game - thanks to being one of the Bears' top options for a crack block on sweep plays.

Bulk will still be needed. He'll also need to show people he can play a full 10 regular season games. But the work ethic is making him one to watch this off-season and in 2013-2014.

MORE ON KEMP: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/912706/trenton-kemp

All-stars of the Cal State game

Saturday's scene at Visalia's Mineral King Bowl looked like the high school all-star game version of the mud bowl.

The rain-soaked contest was won by the South 19-14, but along with the mud and rain, the other scene was 11 players total sticking out on both sides. Two happen to be uncommitted running backs from the Central Valley.

Here's a look at who shined the brightest at the Cal State game in the rain and mud:

SOUTH

The quarterback duo of Narbonne-Harbor City's Troy Williams (Washington commit) and 6-foot-7 behemoth Kelly Hilinski created fits for the North defense. Both quarterbacks kept the North on their heels with their athleticism on roll out plays. Hilinski, who holds five offers including Arkansas, was tough to bring down when he took off running.

Despite giving up some huge run plays, the South defense saw a punishing performance out of UCLA commit Kenneth Clark, who ate up ball carriers in the middle or forced plays to go outside. The 6-foot-2, 285-pound defensive tackle can be a demon in the PAC-12 if he improves his overall technique, but he can make some game-changing plays.

Washington State commit Gerald Wicks of Long Beach Poly made the most spectacular plays of the night. Wicks had two returns of 40+ yards.

NORTH

One underrated running back and one overlooked back was the story here.

Beginning first with the underrated running back. Sunnyside-Fresno's Errian Wingfield received a late invite and may have helped his recruiting cause. Wingfield scored the longest touchdown of the night for the North, when he blew through the open hole on the left side for the 80-yard score. Before the game, Wingfield landed his first offer from New Mexico State.

The overlooked back was Stockdale-Bakersfield's Deon "D.J" Martin. Despite having a star-crossed career that including a suspension that claimed half of his junior year, Martin provided some punishing runs for the North and became one of the top workhorses. Martin also made the play of the night, when three different fumbles from a bothced snap eventually landed into the hands of Martin, who would score on a 25-yard touchdown for North's first score. The former Cal commit, who didn't qualify academically with the Golden Bears, still has Arizona State, Fresno State and Vanderbilt on the offer front.

The man paving the way was Nevada commit Chad Specht. The massive 6-foot-6, 295-pound man child from Clovis West was the key behind North's running success. Defensively, Stanford commit Kevin Palma (Mission Oak-Tulare) showed off his closing speed in the mud by sealing some outside plays. Fresno State commit Justin Holmes (Edison-Fresno) displayed his reaction skills and hauled in one interception.

Two late additions that helped their cause on the recruiting trail was Liberty-Bakerfield wide receiver Kenny Davis and Edison-Fresno safety Ronnie Manning. Davis provided energy on offense with his playmaking ability, while Manning was a helping hand as a run stopper.

Granite Bay Gold

Photo courtesy of Max Preps

A euphoria is likely still present in Granite Bay, following the Grizzlies' dream season of winning the state Division-I championship.

A team that began the year on a 1-3 start will enter 2013 with a 12-game winning streak. The state D-I champs will also bring back three key players from the title run who could get a bevy of interest from the college ranks soon, especially when junior day rolls around.

Here's three players to look out for from Granite Bay:

TONY ELLISON, RB/WR/KR, CLASS OF 2014

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Ellison was the most dynamic player the Grizzlies had during their title run. Ellison combined for 19 touchdowns through running, receiving and returns.

Ellison (photo) has a freakish explosion once he gets the ball in his hands. He's deadly in the fly sweep with his 4.4 40-yard dash time and 3.8 shuttle run. One of his strengths is his ability to turn the corner, then take off. However, he'll also juke and run around defenders and break more long runs. His vision is another strong trait for him. His ability to hit the perimeters hard makes him valuable in wheel routes or screen passes to the sidelines.

He'll need to polish his ability to hold on to the football properly. He did get caught swinging the ball away from him while running instead of keeping it close to his chest. His film also didn't show him running between the tackles, so that will make me wonder if he can handle a 25-30 carry night next season with some runs going inside.

Still, Granite Bay should have one of the more explosive players in the state coming back next season.

MORE ON ELLISON: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/489787/highlights

LUKE BUSSEY, DB, CLASS OF 2014

Bussey is another junior capable of making explosive plays. He'll show off soft wide receiver-like hands then explode through any open hole for the defensive touchdown.

He'll need some added muscle with his 160-pound frame. He also stands at 5-foot-10, so there's no telling if this cornerback will continue to grow. But Bussey intercepted four passes for the state champs and more off-season work could land him some offers either as a corner or safety.

MORE ON BUSSEY:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtAHavDbVus

CAMERON SMITH, LB, CLASS OF 2015

Smith will be one to keep an eye on for not only next season, but the year after. He's already off and running on the recruiting trail as BYU and UCLA have shown early interest.

He's a big kid at 6-foot-3, 220-pounds. From his outside linebacker spot, Smith showed off a tremendous nose for the football and was seldom caught out-of-position. He helped fill holes versus the run.

As of now, he seems more like a run-stuffer. He's got two years, though, to polish his coverage ability and pass rush. He's got good size and speed to help generate some early looks.

MORE ON SMITH: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2280991/highlights

On lockdown: Underrated 2013 Cornerbacks

Photo by Chris Martinez of DB Nation

The recruiting game is picking up steam and for most schools around this time of year, they're searching for some last minute gifts to help fulfill their needs.

For teams looking to stock up on shutdown cornerbacks or playmakers, there's eight prospects that could become a potential prized gift in the secondary.

Here's a look at some underrated 2013 defensive backs that have the potential to make someone happy in the secondary this holiday season and when the fall comes around:

C.J. BROUSSARD, CLOVIS

It's perplexing to me how Broussard (photo) only sits on one offer from Azusa Pacific. He has begun to generate more interest from the likes of Oregon State and Eastern Washington, but all this guy has done is become one of the main cornerstones of a Clovis High defense that's been the best in the Central Section for two straight years.

The 6-foot-tall, 180-pound cornerback was the Cougars' top shutdown man. His long arms and instincts earned him the swat down artist title. He's also unafraid of exploding into a wide receiver in a jump ball sequence.

His hands, instincts and long arms make him a valuable  lock down guy. He still needs to refine his press coverage since he played mainly in a zone scheme, but he's got a lot of attributes that should generate more interest from a number of schools.

MORE ON BROUSSARD: http://caligoldmine.blogspot.com/2012/08/broussard-closes-in.html

KALAN MONTGOMERY, DOMINGUEZ-COMPTON

Montgomery is a tall corner at roughly 6-foot-2. Size like that has become popular among teams seeking a cornerback, since they have enough size to match up with a tall, possession-type wide receiver.

Montgomery's hands are wide receiver soft and mainly excels in a zone coverage. He does show good closing instincts on angle pursuits and tackles. However, he hasn't shown a lot in press coverage and his tackling ability isn't the strongest, since he tends to come up too high or resort to try and arm tackle a guy.

His size, arms and hands, however, has earned him four offers from San Diego State, Hawaii, Colorado State and Arizona. He can be effective for a team that prefers a zone scheme over man-to-man, like a 4-2-5 look or 3-3-5.

MORE ON MONTGOMERY: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1041318/kalan-montgomery

CHIDOBE AWUZIE, OAK GROVE-SAN JOSE

Awuzie is currently sitting on five offers, but after watching his athleticism and versatility, he clearly should have more.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Silicon Valley star is a do-everything type for Oak Grove. He'll line up at wide receiver, take hand-offs, grab returns, block punts/field goals and finally, bring his versatility to the defensive side of the football, which earned him the title of top defensive player at Passing Down's 2012 Best-Of-The-West State Finals.

Awuzie is athletic enough to line up either at safety or cornerback. His 4.3 40-yard dash speed is what makes him a dangerous chess piece for the Oak Grove defense. They've moved him around to disrupt screens and outside runs, plus his blazing speed and jumping ability will make him very effective against the deep ball.

He'll likely need some bulk, plus decide where to play. In the end, his physical skills has made him one of the more underrated defensive backs in the 2013 California class. He'll also be on display at Saturday's Cal State Game at Visalia's Mineral King Bowl.

MORE ON AWUZIE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfH65X-a6KU

ELIJAH MITCHELL, ELEANOR ROOSEVELT-CORONA

Like Awuzie, Mitchell is another cover man armed with five offers and a 4.3 40-yard dash.

And, like Awuzie, he could use more love on the recruiting trail.

The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Mitchell is a physical player who can deliver some viscous pops especially versus the bubble screen pass. He doesn't rely on a wrap-and-roll tackling technique, his film shows a player who prefers running through a ball carrier and making the big hit.

He has the speed to blanket a receiver in man-to-man coverage. He's still not a complete cornerback because of his size, bulk, and some flaws in his angle pursuits. However, Mitchell is an aggressive player who can probably build off of his Boise State, Army, Wyoming, Colorado State and New Mexico State offers.

MORE ON MITCHELL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2vKiKgoUYg

ARMOND HAWKINS, RANCHO CUCAMONGA

Hawkins brings plenty of speed and instincts and holds three offers (Idaho, Eastern Michigan and North Dakota). Like most of the guys on this list, he too is an aggressive player who goes for the big hit over the wrap-and-roll tackle.

His size at 5-foot-10, 170-pounds is a drawback. Same with his bulk. He does, however, have excellent instincts for the football and can step up in run support. He'll also need to refine his press ability, but he's also going to be on display at the Cal State game and potentially grab more looks.

MORE ON HAWKINS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u_d9MvUQ-E

RAFEAL ARELLANO, LOMPOC

For all the talk at Lompoc about running back Lavon Coleman (Washington commit) and 2014 defensive line/tight end prospect Ainuu Taua (PAC-12, Mountain West and Southeastern Conference offers), it was Arellano who sneaked away with the Los Padres League Most Valuable Player honor for the Braves.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Arellano was another do-everything type on the football field. His head coach Andrew Jones has described Arellano as one of his favorite players because of his willingness to play multiple positions. Arellano scored six touchdowns rushing, five receiving and added one touchdown pass on offense too. His defensive play, however, is what could lead to his permanent home at the next level.

Arellano Grabbed 44 total tackles from his cornerback spot. He was also an active blitzer with three sacks from the secondary. He snatched up six interceptions for a fast and physical Braves defense, with two of those picks against Serra-Gardena.

It will be interesting to see where Arellano lines up at in the college ranks. His versatility makes him a hidden gem in the 805.

DANIEL GONZALEZ, REDLANDS EAST VALLEY

Though he may be considered small at 5-foot-10, 177-pounds, Gonzalez's speed and jumping ability make him worth a look.

Gonzalez, who also doubled at wide receiver for Redlands East Valley, has soft hands and once he sees daylight with the football in his hands, forget it. His 4.41 40-yard-dash time makes few people catch up to him when he's returning the ball for a touchdown. He uses that same speed to close in quick on passes, even the ones away from him. His nose for the football is another strength. What turned my head, though, was his jumping ability for a guy his height. His best vertical jump is 37".

Right now, Gonzalez has Air Force and Navy on the table. Maybe he can grab a few more late offers. His next defense can potentially get a fast and athletic cover man.

MORE ON GONZALEZ: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/78194/daniel-gonzales

LORENZO TERRY, WEST VALLEY-HEMET

Just know this, when Terry touches the football, regardless if its on offense or defense, he'll either take it inside his opponents' red zone or score.

The 5-foot-10, 150-pound Terry was one of the more dynamic players down in the Inland Empire and a threat to take it in for six each time he touched the football. The WR/DB was one of the faster players for West Valley and got an invite to the Oregon camp this past summer.

Terry's bulk and size is likely one reason why the interest hasn't been there on the scholarship front. Make no mistake, though, his hustle, speed and explosive playmaking ability can make him a steal for someone.

MORE ON TERRY: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1726390/lorenzo-terry

State Junior College champs getting Fresno State love

Nine days ago, Bakersfield College tight end Mike Dunn and quarterback Brian Burrell were celebrating a state junior college football championship.

Today, both might be doing a different kind of celebration - one that involves wearing Fresno State gear.

Both centerpieces to the Renegades' title run will travel North on Highway 99 and join the Bulldogs, as the duo verbally committed to Fresno State on Monday.

The move to bring in Dunn is excellent for the Bulldog offense. Current tight end Marcel Jensen is a senior. While Dunn isn't 6-foot-7 or an athletic 260-pounds like Jensen, Dunn has some physical attributes that his next team should love.

Dunn already has excellent tight end size at 6-foot-4, 240-pounds. His get-off from the line once the ball is snapped is an explosive one. His primary route looks like an out route. He did, however, line up out at wide receiver and create mismatches with opposing defensive backs. 

Last items on Dunn, he's an aggressive run-blocker and has enough hops to grab the jump ball versus any opposing defensive back.

As for Burrell, he'll bring a dual-threat dimension at quarterback for the Bulldogs. He combined for 36 touchdowns running and throwing for the Renegades and had four games of three or more touchdown passes.

He's a tough runner that's tough to bring down. The drawback, though, is that he does tend to run upright when he took off. He's also not the most polished quarterback when it comes to field vision and reading defenses.

In the end, however, Burrell is a guy who can be used in a variety of ways at his next stop. Maybe with his 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame, he too can like up with Dunn out wide.

MORE ON BURRELL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-01XDvkv4M

MORE ON DUNN: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/981603/mike-dunn