Four Star Virdell Larkins one of the best

Defensive back Virdell Larkins (5-11, 180, 4.5) from Oakland (Calif.) Tech earns his star ranking by being versatile, athletic physical, aggressive and tough. Not only is Larkins a standout corner, but he has helped his team on offense and as a special teams player, too.

As a junior, Larkins accounted for 110 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, six picks (three in one game) and five sacks. His on field performance saw him be named first-team all-city as a defensive back.

Larkins racked up 550 yards and ten touchdowns playing both running and fullback. He also lined up at wide receiver hauling in 13 receptions for 350 yards and three touchdowns. He can also help a team as a kick returner. He returned one punt for a 65-yard touchdown and one kickoff 96-yards for a touchdown.

Larkins has outstanding strength too. His bench is 280 pounds, squat 415 and he cleans 225. Larkins also sports a very explosive 36-inch vertical jump.

As a cornerback, Larkin is very aggressive and physical player who can fill a lot of roles on a defense.

In some formations, Larkins plays a hybrid linebacker position, hence the 20 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Though Larkins has stood out at many positions on the high school level, he projects as a cover corner that isn’t afraid to mix it up.

What is Larkins looking for in a college?

“Academics are the most important,” Larkins said. “You have to take care of that end in case your football goals to work out.”

“Playing in the NFL as always been a dream of mine,” Larkins said. “I want to play for a team that has the coaching that will help me fulfill my goals.”

“I wrote to (former Heisman Trophy winner and Michigan standout and now Oakland Raider great) Charles Woodson and asked him if he would be my mentor,” Larkins said.

When you want to be the best, you enlist the help from the best. Writing to Woodson alone tells you how motivated this young man is.

Larkins is still waiting word from Woodson.

Another interesting fact is Larkins and his high school teammate and fellow four-star running back prospect Marshawn Lynch are cousins.

How’s that for bloodlines?

Larkins has offers from every Pac10 school except Stanford. He also has offers from Colorado, Wyoming, Fresno State and Utah State.

In no particular order Larkins’ top eight schools are UCLA, Oregon, Cal, Arizona State, Washington, Colorado, Nebraska and Miami.

Nebraska and Miami haven’t offered as of yet but they are showing him a great deal of recruiting attention.