Four prospects in 08 at VAs Manchester
According to head coach Tom Hall, Midlothian (Va.) Manchester has four prospects to watch in 2008. Leading the way is 5-foot-10, 175-pound cornerback Leonard Smith.
"He's a good running back that ran for 1,140 yards and 23 touchdowns in seven games for us last year, but in college he's going to be a cornerback," he stated. "That's where he's made most of his postseason awards and he's a physical kid that is very explosive.
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"I think he'll be an early offer kid because he's a tremendous football player that is big-time."
A lot of schools have already shown interest in Smith.
"He's getting a lot of mail from Virginia, Virginia Tech, Maryland, North Carolina, Boston College, Marshall and Georgia," he said. "He hasn't talked about any favorites, but I know he really likes the ACC and his sister goes to UVA."
Hall went on to say what kind of player his star talent is.
"He's a great kid that is very polite and soft spoken," he said. "He's a yes sir no sir type of guy and will do anything you ask of him. He's very active in the community and is the type of kid you want on your football team."
Earning all-district both ways as a junior, Smith posted 52 tackles, two interceptions and eight deflections last season.
Joining Smith on offense is 6-foot-3, 220-pound quarterback Chris Hardee.
"He's getting interest from Wake Forest, Duke, Richmond, William & Mary, Virginia and Marshall," he said. "On the field, he's an attractive type of prospect because he continues to improve and has poise.
"He's more than likely a smaller Division I or I-AA prospect, but he's a true leader. He makes smart decisions, has a big arm and can scramble around enough in the pocket. He's a great kid off the field too. He'll go above and beyond breaking down film."
Hardee threw for 719 yards and accounted for 11 total touchdowns as a junior.
Manchester's defense has two brothers in Cameron Jude and Ryan Jude. Both are versatile linebacker/defensive ends.
The first is 6-foot-4, 235-pound Cameron.
"On the field, he's very quick off the ball and aggressive at defensive end," he said. "He's got a huge wingspan and a lot of upside. If you see his frame, he's gigantic and will be even more so in a couple more years.
"He's also a very hard worker and has terrific work ethic. The thing is, he's a Fork Union type of kid possibly. He's taking night classes to get his grades up and hopefully he can pull them where they need to be."
Plenty of schools are showing interest including Virginia Tech, Boston College, North Carolina State and Nebraska.
His brother, 6-foot-3, 245-pound Ryan Jude is an all-district linebacker after posting 79 tackles, five sacks and four deflections as a junior.
"He's super aggressive and strong," he said. "He's a prototypical linebacker that has a nasty disposition and is the backbone of our defense. He is the kind of kid when he walks into the weight room he catches your eye.
"Ryan is a great kid with an incredible work ethic, but he's got some work to do in the classroom to put himself in position."
Hall believes Virginia Tech is currently standing out to Ryan. Other schools including Virginia and North Carolina State are also showing interest.