Cassidy's takeaways: Miami-area talent impresses
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Friday’s meeting between South Dade and defending state champion Miami Northwestern was not short of college-bound prospect. Miami alone had four commits in the contest and schools such as South Carolina, Clemson were also represented. Rivals.com’s Rob Cassidy was in attendance for South Dade’s 20-18 win. His takeaways from the contest are below.
CANE-ON-CANE CONTEST
Miami commits Samuel Brooks and Jonathan Denis spent most of Friday night going head to head up front, with Dennis playing tackle for South Dade, getting the best of Brooks on most occasions. Brooks, who is the best looking defensive lineman on Northwestern’s roster, was much more effective getting off blocks and stopping the run than he was in the pass rush, where Dennis won most clashes. Both Hurricane commits had strong showings. And while it’s clear that Dennis, a class-of-2020 athlete, is the more promising long-term prospect, Brooks is probably slightly under-ranked as things stand. His size combined with his ability to fly around in run support gives him enough versatility to be ranked higher within the three-star category.
LADSON LIVES UP TO BILLING
Clemson-bound wide receiver Frank Ladson backed up his top-100 ranking by making the play of the night, a 65-yard touchdown reception that saw him create a load of separation down the sideline and make a long touchdown catch look easy.
It’s long been clear that Ladson is a special talent. It seems almost certain that he will leave the state, as the four-star wideout is adamant that his recruitment is totally closed. Ladson plans to sign with the Tigers in December and says he has no plans to take other visits before doing so.
Francois makes his case
Miami commit Jaiden Francois is off to a blistering start this season. The class-of-2020 defensive back has four interceptions in two games, including a key one in Friday’s win over defending state champion Miami Northwestern. Francois has decent length despite a reputation for being slightly undersized and is probably a bit undervalued as a three-star prospect. His development has been impressive and the results are hard to dispute.
SOUTH CAROLINA PROJECT COULD PAY HUGE DIVIDENDS
South Carolina commit Mark Fox was limited because of injury this offseason, but the offensive lineman looks in shape and formidable in pads. Fox showed a strong upper body and relatively quick feet on Friday, but he may need a year or so to develop the finer points of the position. Fox may well become a star at the college level, but he could benefit from a redshirt season and the attention of a college staff. Fox looked incredible in spurts on Friday but is prone to lapses. Still, his future is promising.
Karman Kinchens Breaks out
A new name on the radar, class-of-2021 safety Karman Kinchens is one to watch at Northwestern. No Bull player made more plays than Kitchens on Friday, as he showed his coverage skills by running stride-for-stride down the sideline to bat away a pass intended for Clemson commit Frank Ladson early in the game. Later in the contest, Kinchens delivered a massive, clean hit to a South Dade wide receiver to break up a play over the middle. The sophomore athlete is young and far from polished, but his potential is real and his motor is elite. Kinchens should get his share of college looks down the road.
2020 tailback shows flashes
Class-of-2020 running back Nathaniel Noel looked shifty in spurts and frustrated south Dade defenders at time on Friday. A patient runner with good burst, Noel holds early offers from Toledo, FAU and others. If he adds size, his offer list could grow this fall.
College coaches in attendance
Two members of the Miami staff, including defensive backs coach Ephraim Banda, were in attendance on Friday. Banda’s presence was fitting seeing as though South Dade defensive backs Jaiden Francois and Keshawn Washington are both currently committed to the Hurricanes. Toledo was also represented by two coaches at Friday’s contest.