[HaleParticipant]

Just went through a football forum and saw a highlight reel for this kid, he looked like a pretty solid QB prospect and he’s signed with USC.

Then I learned that this highlight reel is of him as an 8th grader on Varsity. He was only a freshman this season. He is only 14 or 15 and already looks like he can play in college. I don’t think I’ve been this excited about a QB prospect ever. Too bad he won’t be at USC for 4 more years…

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=4888515

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/11375455

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/09/28/on.scene/index.html

He committed as a 7th grader. Each story is from a younger age. It is kind of crazy. I heard about him of course when he committed and my brother told me about how much money his dad spends/has spent on making his son into an elite quarterback. His dad hired Steve Clarkson, who is a renowned quarterback coach who had worked with the likes of Matt Leinart, Ben Roethlisberger, JP Losman and Jimmy Clausen, among others in his 20 years of work. He started with Sills at age 10 and word is he had a pretty solid freshman year.

You should be excited that you already got Kenny Bigelow, a DT on Sills team in Delaware, as a commit. I really wanted to get him, thought Chip might have connections as he coached in that area, but USC won him over. Sills seems amazing, but you have to worry about Todd Marinovich syndrome. I guess he wanted to do this, but it is a lot to be piled on a young kid, who obviously had his dad, a former quarterback, kind of pushing him. Marinovich worked out well for USC, but we know the story was not necessarily peachy.

I am sure he will be a baller unless something unexpected were to happen, but I always am weary about these young QB prodigies. I remember that ESPN was calling Jimmy Clausen "The LeBron James of Football" and that John David Booty was supposed to be a complete and utter monster. Both made the NFL, but their success was incredibly limited. This story is definitely one to keep an eye on though, as I am hearing his dad has spent MAJOR money on making this kid into the bionic quarterback.

[HaleParticipant]

Yeah I hear you Mikey. It’s just hard not to get excited when one of your favorite college teams gets a kid who looks that good at such a young age. Who knows, maybe he won’t progress at all and will never even start. Hopefully he is the beast he looks to be though.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

But, I totally understand. I am sure he will eventually be a starter, after all, Todd Marinovich was All Pac-10 as a freshman and had a baller couple of years at USC before leaving after his RS Sophomore year. I just have seen so often these kids get early praise and eventually are surpassed by someone we probably do not even know about right now. It seems as more players tend to develop and come out of the woodwork, the child prodigies sometimes meet their match.

Due to my Canada livings, I did not get to watch the Marinovich doc, but you should check it out. Read his wikipedia page, because it is mental. Now, Sills dad sounds slightly more chilled (at least right now), but I just remember hearing he has spent insane bucks on David before he even reached HS. It could pay off big time, plus this kid looks like the goods, but you just wonder what might happen as he keeps moving up through the levels.

To me, this kid should probably be on track to eventually be a college starter somewhere. I am sure Lane Kiffin sees it that way and I am sure that he is hoping circumstances work out to have him start fairly immediately. Hard to predict the future, but it could be a Matt Barkley starting from day one as a true freshman type thing. But, it is so hard to evaluate football players and to know how they will develop.

Will he have elite athleticism that helps him avoid tackles? Will he bulk up to a size that helps him take hits? If you look at Marinovich, his mechanics were perfect, but he had problems with drugs and I think his mentality hurt him as well. I just hope that if he for instance is put in a situation where he is not an immediate starter, or has to wait his turn, he can handle it. Because, as we see in football and even basketball, that does not always happen.

If you look at HS football rankings through the years, it will trip you out. Yes, once in a while they hit the nail on the head with a prospect that has it all, develops like we all thought and loves the game. Jadeveon Clowney, for instance, is a rare, rare prospect and he should be a star (jury is out whether he will be the #1 pick in 2014, but he is probably the early favorite). However, since it is so hard to actually see these guys play against each other in a competitive game setting, it is that much more difficult to evaluate who the best truly are.

As a Duck fan, I am always excited when we land a major recruit. But, I know from experience that some of the "no names" and lower ranked players could serve just as much of an impact. When you get to campus, where you were ranked gets forgotten pretty quickly. In basketball, you get much more of a chance to see how player A plays against equal competition in a game setting. In football, not so much and I think a lot of the time their are even more politics in recruit rankings than basketball.

This is not to say that having a big time recruiting class in football does not help you win, it does. What it does say is, just because a player at one position may be more highly ranked than another, it does not mean they will end up be the best player at said position. Sorry for rambling on, but it is just something I have noticed. I mean, when you look at the top quarterbacks in the NFL, there are not too many who were #1 throughout their HS careers.

You have the Mannings, who come from royal lineage, though I am unsure whether there were not QB’s ranked in front of them when they were younger. Aaron Rogers definitely developed over time, as did a guy like Drew Brees who people felt was tiny. Cam Newton was ranked #14 QB by scout as a HS senior, behind Jimmy Clausen, Ryan Mallett, Aaron Corp (USC guy), Tyrod Taylor and John Brantley (Florida’s starter this season). Mitch Mustain was the #1 QB in 2006, in front of Matt Stafford and Tim Tebow. Jake Locker was #7 that year, Josh Freeman #15, Sam Bradford #17, Christian Ponder #20. Vince Young was #1 in 2002 and he has had his struggles, though he was rad his first couple of years. I guess if history shows us anything, it is that the ranking disparity in QB’s is usually pretty huge.

All I know is, being a 5 star out of HS is definitely not a guarantee to stardom at the next level, or even beyond. Football is so tough to predict, which adds intrigue and makes it fun. I know from experience that the guy you may have expected never to do much can become one of your best players, while the one you were more excited about could end up completely fading out of the picture. Again, sorry for blathering on, but I just know from years of following recruiting, the ones who look amazing from a young age do not always develop into the beasts they were projected to be. Many end up being solid players, but not necessarily dominant forces they were projected to be.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

By Maxpreps:

http://www.maxpreps.com/news/article.aspx?articleid=6ee165e9-f62b-e111-beac-002655e6c45a&page=1

Personally, think it is crazy to even be on any list as a freshman. Not to mention, this gives little to nothing as far as who the actual best QB prospect is, which I still have heard is David Sills from his class. Some names to follow (Relating mostly to Ducks/Trojans recruiting):

• Austin Kafentzis, QB (from) Utah: I knew a guy in college who claimed he was cousins with Kafentzi (which I deem as the plural for Kafentzis) who was a solid HS football player in his own right. Wonder if he is related? Well, besides that, this kid won Freshman of the Year this season and seemed to generally kill it.
• Rodney Anderson, RB Texas: A RB from Texas putting up numbers on a team that rarely plays freshman? Sparked my interest, particularly with the words "RB" and "Texas".
• Lopeti Aisea, LB (?) Oregon: The reason for the ? is that he is 5’11 and 265. As a freshman! DAMN SON! He also goes to the same HS my grandfather went to. Needless to say, I see a possible position change at the next level, but to make it as a freshman LB at his size, must have done something right. Love hearing about in-state guys doing well, will definitely be keeping an eye out.
• Breiden Fehoko, DL Hawaii: Have had a lot of success with Hawaiian players and a lot of Hawaiian’s go to U of O. Always down to see about another.
• Canton Kaumatule, DL Hawaii: Super intriguing prospect. His brother, Luke, just committed to Stanford. He is coming off an ACL tear and hopefully will be alright (Luke, not Canton). However, does this kid not just sound like a football player? He is named after where the NFL HOF is located! Awesome! Not to mention, as a freshman, he is 6’7 and 245! That means he is already as big as his brother, not to mention the other star DL this season for Punahou, Oregon commit DeForest Buckner. We will see if he follows his brother or DeForest, or paves a path to a different school.

Well, I am sure there are others who will go on to big things and the only players I knew on the list before hand were Kafentzis (had just seen his name on MaxPreps before), Sills, Canton Kaumatule and HM QB Tucker Israel (had seen he threw 10 TD’s in a game. Sills being able to beat that out is impressive in its own right, lol). Never know how these things turn out, but being on this list as a freshman probably means good things are headed your way if you keep working and stay healthy.

[HaleParticipant]

 Wow great find. I think Sills only threw 9 TDs last year (albeit he was an 8th grader) but went all the way up to 28 this year.

[paradigmnParticipant]

I watched a couple games of David Sills this year via web stream…In one game he lit it up with like 4 touchdowns 0 interceptions…in another…not so good…but…kid is a freshman, so no big deal. 

Good post Mikey…I saw that earlier today from Max Preps and noitced Nicholas Brossette was 2nd team All-American running back out of Louisiana.

In July I had a lil feature on him  http://prospect-central.blogspot.com/2011/07/nicholas-brossette-ready-to-dominate.html  glad to see he’s doing well.

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Here is a good start:

Put the "can’t-win-the-big-one" discussion to rest today. But begin the "how-blasted-good-is-De’Anthony-Thomas?" talk. 

Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor owned Oregon on this very field in 2009. Auburn’s Cam Newton and Nick Fairley controlled the Ducks in 2010. Those guys beat Oregon. But Kelly finally had the best player in the stadium on his side, and let’s not ignore that Thomas is the No. 1 reason that Kelly finally broke through. 



I know Kelly has three BCS games in three seasons, but with Thomas, it feels like the future holds something even more special. 



Yes, the Ducks played with passion. Yes, they trusted each other as great teams always do — and Kelly talked about his players "believing in the guy to the right and left of ’em." But all that joy and laughter on the field after the "The game is over," announcement by the referee was made possible by the freshman who fumbled away his season-opening debut against LSU so many months ago. 



Thomas, the freshman, left Ducks fans and his coaches slapping their foreheads in the season opener. In the final game, was the best player on the field — bar none. He’s the best player Oregon has ever had. And I don’t write those words without thinking on the greatness of Bobby Moore and Dan Fouts, or the consistency of Jonathan Stewart, or the flair of Dennis Dixon and LaMichael James. Or anyone else. 



Thomas is that good. A generational player with a huge upside. The kind of college athlete who comes along every so often for a great program in the same way Reggie Bush was for Pete Carroll at USC. And I suspect Kelly knew what he had long before Thomas ran away with this Rose Bowl tucked under his arm. 



Thomas touched the ball only twice on running plays in the game, and scored two touchdowns. The first, a 91-yard run that was so blistering fast you expected Thomas would burst through the goal-line, chest extended, then grab an American flag and circle the stadium as if this were the Pasadena 2012 Olympics. 



His second score, a 64-yard circus-run that broke a 28-28 tie, left Wisconsin’s head spinning. I mean, the Badgers have a terrific two-headed monster offense that tied a record for most points scored in a losing effort in Rose Bowl, but how demoralizing must it feel to need six or 10 plays to go 91 yards, then watch Thomas do it in approximately 9.8 seconds? 



"That first one… 98 yards or whatever that was," Badgers coach Bret Bielema said, "nobody put a hand on him." 



Thomas’ strategy? 



"I just see an open field," he said, "and I just try to make a touchdown."

 

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2012/01/canzano_deanthony_thomas_long.html

I tend to dislike John Canzano with a passion, but De’Anthony Thomas is incredibly special. From the first time he carried the football, I said, "This kid is going to be a superstar." I was not the only one thinking that, but the Black Mamba is RIDICULOUS. LaMichael James never ceased to amaze me, but De’Anthony Thomas will probably end up being even better.

De’Anthony is small. He had some fumbles. But I do not think there is a better player in the NCAA with open field. He has speed that is just out of control. Have no idea if he plays RB or WR at the next level, but I know he will make an impact in some facet. This guy is Devin Hester, 100 in Madden, type speed, not to mention the ability to change direction that blows the mind.

If he does not end up winning the Heisman trophy, it will either be due to injury or a complete sham of the award itself (think the second one is probably the likely scenario). Sammy Watkins, Marqise Lee, Jadeveon Clowney, Isaiah Crowell. All amazing freshmen. I am biased here, but I think De’Anthony had the best freshman season out of all of them.

Rushing: 55 attempts 595 yards 10.8 per carry (IN-FUCKING-SANE!!!!) 7 TD’s

Receiving: 46 receptions 605 yards 13.2 per catch 9 TD’s

Returns: 3/52 PR (17.3), 36/983 (27.3) 2 TD’s

Totals: 2,235 yards and 18 TD’s

Plus, he is an ace on the defensive side of special teams. He was rated as the #1 CB by Scout.com. I refer to him as an all-business version of DeSean Jackson. Seeing that I could give a f#ck less about DeSean’s 40 time and think he is the fastest player in the NFL, that is pretty nice company.

[paradigmnParticipant]

It’s crazy Mikey…Besides this chat forum…I don’t really know you at all….but….for some reason you kept crossing my mind whenever the black mamba touched the ball at the rose bowl…lol.

As Dick V would say…"The kid is awesome with a capital A babbbbbbbby." 

He looks super fast on TV…so…I can only imagine how fast he must look live.

You got 2 more years of the Black Mamba also….fun times to be an Oregon fan 4 sure.

You can basically pencil him in as a first rounder in 2014.

 

[eyoxsoowaoParticipant]

Yeah I hear you Mikey. It’s just hard not to get excited when one of your favorite college teams gets a kid who looks that good at such a young age. Who knows, maybe he won’t progress at all and will never even start. Hopefully he is the beast he looks to be though.

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

Those words were spoken by Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle earlier this week as he sat alongside the majority of his new players for the 2012-13 NBA season. On his right were Dahntay Jones, Darren Collison, O.J. Mayo, Chris Kaman and Elton Brand, all lined up at a table with microphones in front of each.

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

I’m settled in and I feel comfortable with the coaches and everybody around me. We have a great staff here and I’m really happy to be here at this point. … Since 2008 I played with Dirk on the German national team even though I’m not very German. I think I have some ancestors somewhere down the line. I’ve been very comfortable during the offseason and the summer participating with him at the different events. I knew from conversations with him the kind of guy Mark was and Coach Carlisle that this would be a great place to play.”eq212

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

Mavs owner Mark Cuban later joked that for the first time in years he didn’t cringe when he watched his team’s starting center shooting jumpers on the practice court. Kaman’s ability to do a number of things with the basketball will certainly make the Mavs harder to defend.easd122

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

“I’m not trying to replace Jason Kidd,” said Collison. “That’s tough to do. I thought he was a great player for this organization, but I just plan to be myself. I was brought here for a reason. Some of the things that I want to bring are an up-tempo style, energy, defense, and whatever I can do to help out these guys. I’m just excited to be here.”sasfsa

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

sfasd

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

“I can’t tell you how much of a chip I have on my shoulder,” said Darren Collison, who was discarded first by New Orleans and then by Indiana despite playing well in both places. “I can’t wait to play, to play the first game, and I have a lot to prove to myself about who I am  as a player. Me and O.J. were talking about that yesterday, about how much of a chip we do have on our shoulders. I just want to play. It’s nice talking to the fans and talking to the media, but I have a lot to prove right now.”t423232

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

“I do feel like I have something to prove,” agrees Mayo, who was the subject of trade rumors and even a failed trade during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies. “It was a crazy four years in Memphis. I’ve been traded, then had the phone call that the trade didn’t go through and you have to come back to work. It was a reality check that this is a business, and as long as you take care of your game your game will take care of you. I just want to come here, have a breath of fresh air, compete with one of the greatest players that ever played, one of the greatest owners to own a team in one of the greatest sports towns in America. I’m here to give it my all and not fail.”dsadsas

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

Adding this new mix of particularly motivated NBA veterans to a group that already consists of all-world power forward Dirk Nowitzki, the ultimate x-factor in Shawn Marion, the still capable Vince Carter, and a nice mix of young talent certainly creates an interesting team on paper. It was difficult, sitting at the press conference, looking at this group, hearing them talk, envisioning this new team, not to start to feel something special in the air.
r23142323

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

Can this team compete with the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder in a Western Conference that looks poised to pass the 2011 NBA champs by?eae2121

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

“One thing about it, you know we have the Lakers game one,” said Mayo. “We don’t need to do too much talking, but I think after that game, I believe Mavs fans will be excited and have big smiles on their faces, and that’s what it’s all about.”zdwq

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

Indeed, it is. And with a group as motivated and with as much experience as this new-look Mavs team will have, anything can happen.sad123213

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

We HOOPSWORLD reported last week, free agent big man Andray Blatche and the Brooklyn Nets will team up for the 2012-13 NBA season, at least on a non-guaranteed basis. After being subject to the amnesty clause, Blatche is not looking for money as much as he’s looking for an opportunity to show that he does, indeed, belong in the NBA.sadasa

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

In seven seasons with the Wizards, Blatche averaged 9.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He showed steady improvement over his first five years, ultimately averaging 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in his best season, 2010-11. There were some setbacks both on the court and in the locker room last season, when Blatche managed just 8.5 points and 5.8 rebounds and started just half of his games after being a fulltime starter the year before. Blatche told HOOPSWORLD it was just time for him to leave, that the situation in Washington had become so bad that a mutual agreement to part company was the only way to go.iyi76

[oelzoosaooParticipant]

The Toronto Raptors are in the ending stages of a long-term rebuilding project, which just might give the franchise an opportunity to break its current four-year playoff drought during the 2012-13 campaign. Armed with an assortment of former lottery picks on its roster, the Raptors have been watching the chemistry of its young core grow and develop while also looking at ways to bolster their talent by acquiring All-Star talent via free agency and trade.fssssa

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