Coaches flock to loaded Hebron program this spring

CARROLLTON, Texas - It's a fairly solid year for defensive backs in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. One of those top targets is speedster David Jenkins at Hebron High School, who appears ready to add more offers with the spring inching toward a close.

It's not just speed that Jenkins brings to the table, but size as well at 6-1, 175 pounds. He also was the anchor for the Hebron 4x100 and 4x200 state track teams. On top of that, his highlight film has made its way around and the list of colleges that have been by to get a closer look seems endless.

"Right now the only offer he has from Colorado State, but a lot of people are very intrigued with him because of his speed," Hebron head coach Brian Brazil said. "He anchored our 4x100, and 4x200 teams that went to state. He's the fastest of the bunch. You go down to the state track meet at the 5A level and getting there is one thing - but to be the fastest kid on the team is another."

It's not just track speed that has earned Jenkins interest. Brazil says that though raw, his upside as a football player is why schools such as Arkansas, LSU, Oklahoma, TCU, and Texas are just a few that have or will be by to see him.

"He's still pretty raw in a lot of ways as far as learning the things, but with his want-to and desire, I think the thing that is really intriguing to people is the untapped potential," Brazil said about Jenkins. "If you ask him a question, he's going to be finished in five words or less. He's a good player, good kid, and doesn't say a whole lot. He's well-grounded."

Jenkins had two interceptions in 2009, playing the first half of the season at safety and moving to corner as they moved towards the end of the year.

Texas, according to Brazil, is supposed to be by this week to get a closer look.

Despite how hot of a prospect Jenkins is becoming in recruiting circles, it is an offensive line prospect at Hebron that has the most offers so far. Guard Will Juarez has picked up a pair and coach Brazil is excited about his potential to add more.

"He's been offered by Colorado State and by Kansas," Brazil said about the 6-4, 297-pounder. "TCU, same with Jenkins, they really like Juarez as well. Arizona was hear What [schools] like about Will is he's an athletic big kid. They can see the way he moves and runs, and he won't turn 18 until September of his freshman year of college.

"The thing about Will is he loves playing the game of football. He's only played since he was freshman, before that he played soccer. He's a kid that has a tough mentality. He likes the toughness of the game, likes being a guy with a lot of grit, fight, and lots of nastiness for lack of a better term."

The talent doesn't stop there, there are several other 2011 prospects to watch including inside linebacker Weston Holloway who Brazil says has begun to cook up more attention. His quarterback Kyle Aubuchon has drawn the all-purpose comparisons to the likes of Coppell's star prospect Cam McDaniel. Running back Devin Flynn just made the move in from Nease, Fla., and guys like Lawrence Varnado and defensive end Tyler Rundus could see their stocks rise as they enter their senior seasons. Javan Robinson is the other corner opposite of Jenkins who also has good size.

The talent pool at Hebron doesn't just end after 2011, but the 2012 and 2013 classes as well. Big play wide receiver and returner Kiante Griffin will just be entering his junior season this fall.

Griffin is not a secret by any means. He was named the offensive newcomer of the year for district 6-5A. He caught 31 receptions for 732 yards, averaging 23.6 yards a catch and had 13 total touchdowns as a receiver and returner.

The 6-foot, 200 pound prospect has been drawing some big comparisons from college coaches who drop by the school.

"He's without a doubt the athlete of the bunch," Brazil said. "He even returned two punts for touchdowns that were unfortunately called back. Kiante is a guy that when he gets the ball, he has a chance to take it to the house every time. He just brings that explosion to the table. I've heard coaches that have come by comparing him to (Michael) Crabtree, so that's what you like to hear.

"He has all the talent in the world. The good thing is as a player, I think he'll be able to go wherever he wants to go."

Brazil also highlighted defensive end Deatrich Wise who is a junior-to-be worth watching. Wise stands at 6-5, 220 pounds and was a star throwing (156-02) in the discus back in March and took 14th in regionals.

Even with all of that talent over the next two classes, there is a buzz about a freshman running back who rushed for close to 800 yards and five touchdowns in his first year of high school last year. The sophomore-to-be had some big rushing games against some of the district's best defenses and is earning well-deserved praise.

"Dezmond is a top quality kid, all the way," Brazil said. "We don't like to bring a freshman up unless we know he's the type of kid who can handle it mentally. The best thing about Dezmond is that he's his biggest critic. If it doesn't get done, he's going to work his tail off to make sure it gets done. We're even working him at safety in the spring and he's shown us some good things there. We're just excited about what he can bring to the table and glad we've got him for three more years."