Houston area school producing prospects

Houston Chavez tight end Harold Turnage is the first Division I prospect to sign out of the city's east side school. While Turnage is off to College Station, Texas, his three other teammates have verbally committed to Tyler Junior College.

Quarterback Robert Bargas and receivers Erik Martin and Justin Bell are reuniting with former Chavez coach Danny Palmer, who is now the head coach at Tyler Junior College.

"We all committed to Tyler," Bargas said. "Erik went up there and liked it. Having coach (Palmer) up there is a big part of it."

Bargas was a two-time, all-district selection at Chavez, while Bell had Division I offers from the likes Houston and Central Florida.

As the Class of 2007 clears out, Chavez has several Division I prospects on the horizon. Headlining next year's class is outside linebacker Jarvis Smith.

Smith (6-2, 205-pounds) transferred from Milby High School after his sophomore season, which did not allow him to play varsity football last season at Chavez. Nonetheless, Smith impressed recruiters so much as a freshman and sophomore that Baylor, Houston and Kansas State have offered him a early scholarship.

"We had a pretty good junior varsity team last year," Smith laughs. "I really like the schools that have offered me and Texas A&M. I want to get this process over early and I'm excited about the opportunity."

Sophomore defensive end/tight end Michael Brockers (6-5, 250-pounds) also transferred from Milby High school, and will be the star of the 2009 class.

Brockers' early favorites include LSU and Texas.

Chavez also has two skill prospect in defensive back Gregory Dixon (6-0, 170 pounds) and receiver Jamaal Johnson (6-2, 170 pounds). Dixon led the Greater Houston area in interceptions with eight last season and Johnson led the district in touchdown receptions.

"I'm excited what we've started here," Chavez coach Dr. Mike Jackson said. "Now we just have to keep it going."

Needless to say, Turnage is the first of many.