Houston athlete bounces back from injury
Houston's Spring Woods High School has been hit by the injury bug over the past couple of years.
Coveted safety Daniel Johnson (who committed to Texas Tech) was sidelined much of the 2005 season, while running back Marcus Mendoza was sidelined for several games last year before committing to Nebraska. While Johnson's football career seems to have ended, Mendoza has excelled at Nebraska as an early enrollee.
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"Marcus has made an early impact this spring at Nebraska and we are really proud of him," Spring Woods coach Dwayne Eggerman. "Graduating early and getting in Nebraska's spring program has really benefited him and will give him an edge on the other incoming freshman."
Also shelved for six games in 2006 was Greg Burks, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound linebacker, with a high ankle sprain.
"Greg is one of those can't miss deals," Eggerman said. "He's getting mail from everyone. When coaches saw his sophomore film they were blown away. He was running backs from behind on toss sweeps. He was everywhere. Last year, he was just hurt."
Healthy and ready for a successful spring, Burks could play anywhere from safety, linebacker, defensive end or wide receiver.
"He's that talented," Eggerman said. "At the next level, he could get on someone's training table and be a rush end. He can really move around, and the best thing is that he could graduate early like Marcus and will be qualified."