recruiting Brian Mitchell February 7, 1986
The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.)
February 7, 1986
Top prospects also wanted for academic skills
Author: Joe Macaluso
Edition: THE BATON ROUGE STATE TIMES
Section: Sports
Page: 1-C
Index Terms:
ALL STATE PREP
BIOGRAPHY
RECORD
Estimated printed pages: 9
Article Text:
You don't talk high school football recruiting these days without talking numbers: 48, 30, 15, 700 and 2.0.
The State-Times canvassed the state's 10 college football staffs for the 12th annual Top Prospects List. What the coaches or recruiting coordinators discovered was that none of those numbers have anything to do with how fast a star high school senior traverses 40 yards, how much any of them weigh, their height, or how many yards passing, rushing or receiving the prized recruits totaled in their senior seasons.
It has to do with academic eligibility mandated for the first year under the NCAA's famous, or infamous depending on your particular point of view, Proposition 48. It's in the NCAA manual now, so it's Rule 48.
The signing limit is still 30, but what most coaches found out is there are several of the state's best players who can't, for one reason or another, meet the requirements of "core" curriculum, a 2.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and a minimum score of 15 in the ACT exam or 700 in the SAT test.
The NCAA allows a sliding scale this year with tolerances for higher grade point averages to the prospective student-athlete's ACT or SAT scores. But, if a prospect doesn't meet these requirements, then he sits out his entire freshman year, practices and all.
Simple enough, right?
"What we've found it that a lot of kids just weren't prepared to take either test," said one recruiter. "Sometime in October, a lot of them realized the tests were a vital part of the future. Most of them heeded the warning after that.
"In past seasons," he continued, "they just went through the motions for the ACT or the SAT. This year most of them took it seriously."
One coach said a high school advisor found a way to "beat" the system. It came when an athlete did not have the background in natural science and/or social science to go along with math and English to make the grade on the ACT test. He said the athlete then took the SAT test, which has only math and English sections.
"Our problem," said another coach, "was that some of them failed to realize the importance of the national tests until it was too late. Some of them are taking the test for the first time this coming weekend. Unless he is an exceptional player, we might not take the chance to waiting on him. It's a tricky situation."
It's even worse for the seven Division I-A schools.
"I've never in my life, and I've been in coaching for 20 years, have found it so difficult," said a head coach at one of the seven Division I-A schools.
"We've got our commitments and it looks like we'll get what we need, but we've never been caught in such a pinch. Because of the new rules, the big schools are recruiting talent they never would have in past years. They're taking kids a little shorter, a little lighter and a little slower... the ones who have grades and test scores.
"Then, because the Division II schools have no such restrictions (NCAA Division II and III schools are exempt from Rule 48) they're in on some of these kids, too. And, because we have a scholarship limit of 70, we can't afford to take many, if any at all, who'll have to sit out a year. It was a tough change-over from our previous recruiting practices."
But, when the staffs fanned out across the state in the fall, what they found was enough talent to dry the tears shed because of Rule 48.
"It's a good year," remarked one recruiting coordinator. "With a rare exception, we were able to find the kinds of kids we needed.
"What I've noticed it a trend towards more available linemen in the state in the last few years. Used to be big linemen who could play were few and far between. That's not the case this year."
Case in point are Ouachita Christian's exceptional duo of Mike Shepherd and Steve Hudson, both of whom, coaches predict, could play on either side of the ball; and, All-American Warde Manuel of Brother Martin.
And there are quarterbacks, too, the most the Top Prospects List has carried in six years. There are three of them -- Ouachita Christian's record-setter Sol Graves, Plaquemine's pass-run threat Brain Mitchell and John Ehret's "Mr. Everything" Leonard Valentine.
Louisiana has never lacked for skill-position prospects and filling out that list this year are running backs Leroy Hoard of Brother Martin; Leesville Eddie Fuller, who brings the most unusual story to the list; Ruston's multi-talented back Tony Houston; blazing-fast wide receiver James Toney from Archbishop Shaw; equally quick defensive back Travis Oliver from Walker; and, John Curtis tight end Steve Clark.
Among these dozen players, none are considered academic risks. There were several exceptional players in the state who were not considered for the Top Prospects List. The reasoning behind that is a Top Prospect/Blue Chip player is one who can arrive on campus and help the program in his freshman year. If a player has to sit out that season because he can't meet requirements of Rule 48, then they can meet the criteria for a Top Prospect.
Here a capsuled look at the State-Times Top Prospects in the 1986 graduating class:
STEVE CLARK, TE, 6-5, 225, John Curtis -- An excellent student (3.7 gpa) with height and weight ideal for a tight end. Coaches like work habits and attitude. Good blocker with average speed but excellent hands and can catch the ball in a crowd. Class AAA All-State tight end. Visited UCLA, Auburn and Texas and will make a trip to Tulane. Will not sign on Feb. 12.
EDDIE FULLER, RB, 5-11, 203, Leesville -- High school coach Jack Andre likens him to Dalton Hilliard. He should know; he coached both of them at the high school level. Unknown before senior season because he did not play football until transferring from Rosepine to Leesville after junior year. Coaches like great leg strength, speed and ability to cut start and stop and start again. Good first step. Is first-rate receiver, too. The state's Quad-A MVP. Has nine-game stats of 1,584 yardsand 28 TDs. Plays basketball and is good enough in baseball that scouts considering him for major league draft. Committed to LSU.
SOL GRAVES, QB, 6-4, 200, Ouachita Christian -- The only doubt coaches have about him is competition he faced in Class A ranks. Exceptionally strong arm. Is an excellent student (3.7 gpa) and has 4.7 speed in 40. Was Class A MVP in state after throwing for 3,714 yards and a national high school-record 50 TDs. The old record was 42 held by ex-L.A. Rams QB Pat Haden. Son of former LSU safety White Graves. Coaches like his decision-making ability on the field. Has committed to LSU.
LEROY HOARD, RB, 5-11, 200, St. Augustine -- Said to be the best back to come out of New Orleans since Reggie Dupard and Garry James. Was the National Circle of Champions honoree as the best player in the state. Workable grades. Great speed and very elusive runner. Had 1,211 yards in regular season against good N.O. Catholic League defenses. Has narrowed choices to Nebraska, Michigan and Tulane. Will not sign on Feb. 12.
TONY HOUSTON, WR-DB, 6-2, 185, Ruston -- An excellent prospect with 4.5 speed, good hands and good vision. Coaches like him because he's at full speed after first step. Was All-State wide receiver, but also played outstanding defense and could start as a freshman at free or strong safety. At wingback, he caught 34 passes for over 600 yards and ran for 500 more. A good hitter. Could also be first-rate punt and kick returner. Excellent student. Has narrowed choices to Notre Dame, Texas and Texas A&M.
STEVE HUDSON, DL, 6-6, 230, Ouachita Christian -- Foot speed is extraordinary for a big youngster. Runs 40 in 4.7. Was All-State defensive lineman, but could also play linebacker. Coaches say more time in weight room will bulk him up to become prototype college defensive end where he belongs. Excellent student. Choices down to LSU and Arkansas. Was expected to announce commitment today.
WARDE MANUEL, DL, 6-5, 250, Brother Martin -- Attracted lots of attention as only state player on Parade All-America list. A Lindy first-team All-South player. Quad-A All-State defensive lineman. Some coaches say he makes top lists because of sheer potential. time in weight room this summer will improve chances to play as a freshman. Coaches say he lacks a bit in upper body strength, but is very talented athlete with good technique, speed and ability to learn quickly. Top-flight student. A national recruit who settled on Michigan Thursday night.
BRIAN MITCHELL, QB, 5-11, 180, Plaquemine -- Not as big as some coaches would like for a quarterback, but nearly every staff among the state's colleges like him for his exceptional athletic ability. Has excellent speed with strong arm. And, coaches say, his knowledge of the game is solid for a young man his age. Class AAA's Outstanding Offensive Player last season. Coaches also like his ability to make intelligent decision on the field. If need be, could use speed at wide out or defensive back. Threw for over 2,000 yards and had 21 TDs. Has a better than 3.0 gpa in the classroom. It's said he's learning towards USL but also had LSU, Tulane, Arkansas and Northeast on his list.
TRAVIS OLIVER, DB, 6-0, 180, Walker -- Blessed with speed, a factor which coaches say could make him an instant starter in some defensive backfields. Runs 40 in 4.4 and when combined with ability to hit, it makes him a first-rate prospect. A player whose stock rose because of his performance in senior season. Very aggressive. Good student, too. Has narrowed choices to LSU, Tulane, Florida but reportedly will make decision on other two visits among Ohio State, Ole Miss, Illinois and Cal.
MIKE SHEPHERD, OL-DL, 6-4, 255, Ouachita Christian -- Possibly the most highly sought offensive lineman in the state. Coaches rate him the best player in North Louisiana. Size and speed could also make him a star defensive lineman in college. Coaches like his quick feet. Hard worker with reported 3.6 gpa in the classroom. Naturally strong say coaches. Down to LSU and Arkansas. Was expected to announce commitment today.
JAMES TONEY, WR, 6-0, 175, Archbishop Shaw -- Matches 4.4-4.5 speed with excellent hands. has 34 catches for 661 yards (a near 20-yard average) and 6 TDs. Coaches also like his concentration in running pass routes and catching the ball. Doesn't seem to be afraid of catching ball over the middle. A tough player. Is considering LSU, Tennessee and Tulane.
LEONARD VALENTINE, QB, 6-2, 185, John Ehret -- Rated as an excellent arm with plenty enough speed to handle quarterback job in any offense. Passed for 1,360 yards and ran for 600 more. No ACT or SAT test scores yet. While some coaches like him at quarterback, there are some who believe he is better suited for defense. Committed to LSU.
The list of prospects doesn't stop there. The State-Times has 20 more prospects who are outstanding prospects and coaches say could use a year in the college football atmosphere to work their way to becoming first-rate players. It could be because grades would make some of them "special admits" under the Proposition 48 guidelines. If they are, they would be ineligible in their freshman years. Coaches indicate there are four such players on this list. There are 16 who will have little or noproblem qualifying under "48" will be denoted by an asterisk:
KENNETH BURTON* -- WR, 6-2, 180, St. Augustine: Was best receiver prospect in state until injury early last season left him with little playing time. OK now. Committed to Northeast.
CLIFFORD CHAMP -- LB, 6-3, 205, St. Martinville: very aggressive and tough player. Has good mobility. USL, Grambling, Texas A&M interested.
JASON DELMORE* -- LB-RB, 6-2, 220, East Ascension: Coaches would rather see him at inside linebacker, but could also turn out to be big fullback. Good basketball player.
DERRICK DOUGLAS -- RB, 5-10, 180, Captain Shreve: small, but very elusive and averaged over 9 yards a carry in senior year. Visited Oklahoma, Houston and Northeast and has expressed interest in LSU.
CHUCK GORMAN* -- TE, 6-4, 215, La Grange: Coaches like blocking ability. A hard-nosed kid who needs more beef to become major college tight end. Has speed to be possession-type wide out. LSU, Tulane, La. Tech in running.
BRAD GUIDRY* -- LB, 6-4, 225, Cecilia: size and speed make him perfect outside linebacker, but needs to perfect technique. Committed to Tulane.
DEXTER HARRISON* -- DL, 6-3, 230, St. Martinville: could also play TE, but aggressiveness and ability to hit suit him for defense. Needs more weight to play in line. USL, Texas A&M, Northeast interested.
JAY MAYET* -- OL-LB, 6-2, 230, South Lafourche: Coaches would like him at offensive guard. Has speed to lead sweeps. Committed to LSU.
LARRY MEDICE* -- OL, 6-4, 275, DeLaSalle: Coaches would like to rearrange weight but like him because he's show he can carry weight and play well. Committed to Nebraska, but visited Oklahoma since commitment.
DARRYL MILBURN* -- TE, 6-4, 210, McKinley: Can add weight and become effective tight end. Good hands, speed and it hard-nosed. Appears headed to Grambling.
BLAKE MILLER* -- OL, 6-4, 250, Alexandria: Size best asset. Coaches say he needs work on techniques but should be solid player. LSU, La. Tech, Northeast and Arkansas are in running.
JIM POIRRIER* -- K-DB, 6-0, 180, St. Martinville: Has kicked a 57-yard field goal and averaged 41 yards per punt. All-State kicker. A good defensive back, too. McNeese State has a good shot as does USL. Visited Texas A&M.
HENRY POWELL* -- RB-LB, 6-1, 205, Ponchatoula: Athletic ability, attitude, determination big assets. Hard-nosed player who will have to bulk-up to play linebacker. A 1,000-yard runner who had 100 tackles on defense. Son of ex-Bogalusa star "Tank" Powell. Committed to Northeast.
BRIAN PUCKETT* -- OL, 6-5, 260, Ouachita: good prospect who coaches say needs to improve overall strength. good speed. Summer training will help. Committed to LSU.
KIRK RUSSELL* -- LB, 6-0, 210, John Curtis: Could beef up to handle inside linebacker chores. Class AAA All-State. Good student and smart player. Houston, Baylor, Texas and Texas A&M in running.
ALFRED SANCHEZ* -- RB, 6-2, 210, LaGrange: Good all-around athlete who has skills to be back or wide out. Tulane and LSU interested.
DERRICK SAULSBERRY -- RB, 5-10, 180, Thibodaux: main problem is size, but coaches believe 4.5 speed can compensate. Could be wide out, too. Visited Tulane, La. Tech and Texas A&M. Will visit LSU this weekend.
DERON SMITH -- QB, 6-5, 200, Destrehan: top-notch quarterback with strong arm and good speed.
MIKE STONEBREAKER* -- LB, 6-0, 205, John Curtis: With Russell formed a solid linebacking corps for Curtis. Class AAA's Outstanding Defensive Player last season. Determination, hard-hitting ability and speed are plusses. Size in minus. Son of ex-N.O. Saint Steve Stonebreaker. Will visit LSU and has made trips to UCLA, Notre Dame and Texas A&M.
ROD WEST* -- LB-DE, 6-2, 220, Brother Martin: Metro defensive player of the year in N.O. Good speed and a big-play man. Michigan, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Tulane on his list.
And, there are others who have attracted the interest of major colleges at one stage of the recruiting period. They are, with positions, high school and college commitment, if one, in parentheses:
Mike Book, TE, Erath
Ben Brown, QB, Green Oaks
Danny Buckingham, OL-DL, Captain Shreve (Grambling)
Vaughn Calbert, RB, Bunkie
Simmie Carter, RB-DB, West Jefferson
Brian Castle, DL, Jonesboro-Hodge
Roosevelt Collins, TE-DE, B.T. Washington-Shreveport
Obie Davis, DL, Washington-Marion
Paul Demarie, RB, Barbe
Todd Dilworth, OL, John Curtis
Jeff Easterly, OL, Woodlawn-Baton Rouge
Mark Guerriero, WR, St. Frederick's
Eddie Ray Jackson, RB, Vidalia
Andre Kuykendall, RB, Jeanerette
Jerry Melton, DB-QB, Ruston
Vincent Mulmore, LB, Higgins
Gerrick Muse, LB, Woodlawn-Shreveport (Grambling)
Steve Reading, OL, John Curtis
Jay Rink, LB, Brother Martin
Casino Smith, DB, Ouachita Christian
John Spann, RB-LB, Ouachita Christian
Paul Summerlin, TE-OL, Vandebilt CHS
Andy Treadway, OL, Tioga
Keith Whitley, RB, Ferriday
Caption:
7 pictures of blue chip high school football players
PHOTO
Copyright 1986 Capital City Press, Baton Rouge, La.
Record Number: 217709
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