Hightower prospects getting early looks

There is no shortage of storylines at the talent-rich Hightower High School of Fort Bend, Texas.

The Hurricanes have a quarterback with an NFL pedigree. Three returning starters set the national record for the 4x200-relay in the Class 5A state track meet, which Hightower won. The school could have more than 10 Division I prospects over the next two seasons.

The 2009 quarterback prospect A.J. Highsmith has been the Hurricane signal-caller since his sophomore season. Highsmith (6-1, 180-pounds) is the son of former Miami Hurricane and Houston Oilers running back Alonzo Highsmith. Highsmith is now a college scout for the Green Bay Packers.

While Highsmith needs a couple of inches to be considered a national quarterback prospect, he is being recognized by several schools as a top athlete prospect.

"He could be a safety," father Alonzo Highsmith said. "He will be going down to Randy Shannon's camp in Miami and will work out with quarterbacks and safeties. Coach said that if he stands out, that he may offer him early."

Highsmith led the Hurricanes to the third-round of the 2006 playoffs as a sophomore.

"I really like how Tom Brady and Vince Young just win," Highsmith said. "I'm going to LSU and Miami camps to get the recruiting process started. I'm also going to see how well we can do in seven-on-seven."

While Highsmith headlines the Hurricanes offense, he is supported by several other Division I prospects. Three of those prospects were each on the record-breaking relay team.

Receivers Clyde Lee (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) and Isiah Sweeney (5-foot-11, 170 pounds), and running back Cleon Davis (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) add record-breaking speed to complement Highsmith. All-district selection Anthony Ledet leads the returning receiving corps in experience and yardage.

"I'm getting a lot of interest, but don't have any offers yet," Ledet said. "I think a few schools like Houston, SMU and Central Florida are getting close."

Hightower is also blessed with a huge offensive line with four more college prospects. At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, tackle Devon Miles is the biggest Hurricane prospect. On the other side is Xavier Swain (6-4, 280-pounds) who is receiving interest from Houston, Colorado and Missouri, while Miles is getting looks from Colorado and Central Florida.

Inside at guard is Ben Hamilton (6-3, 290 pounds) and Christopher Forney (6-4, 255 pounds). Hamilton's brother Robbie Hamilton starts at Rice University.

"I think Forney is the sleeper," Hightower coach Gene Johnson said. "He's got great feet and is very aggressive."

Anchoring the defense is Theo Goins, who at 6-foot-4, 280-pounds, is a run-stuffing tackle. Goins will depend on several underclassmen to pressure the quarterback.

Junior defensive end Jelani Johnson (6-3, 200-pounds) and outside linebacker Phillip Stewart have a future at the college level. Johnson father played at the University of Texas, while Stewart's size and speed translates to the Division I level.