Houston Hightower is back on the map
Hightower coach Gene Johnson has developed Division I talent over the past decade, most notably at Klein Forest.
After reaching the playoffs this season, Johnson is beginning to put the recruiting wheels in motion at the Fort Bend, Texas school. Defensive end Derrick Shelby (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) committed to Utah this week and two others are looking at Division I offers.
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"Derrick is an open-side, pass-rush defensive end and will grow into his frame," Johnson said. "He runs well for his size and his best football is in front of him."
At the other end is Kenneth Charles, a 6-1, 220-pound, bull-rusher. Charles has been offered by Houston and UTEP.
"We are working on his test score right now, but he was offered off of junior tape," he said. "He had another solid year and has a great motor."
Transferring from Westbury last season is [d]bVictor Aiyewa[/db], a 6-foot-1, 205-pound safety.
"He is physical football player," he said. "He will come up and hit you from the safety spot. He has really come out of the blue for us."
Aiyewa is visiting Washington in early January and is getting looks from Oklahoma State and Arizona.
Defensive tackle Ray Hobson is also receiving interest for his versatility and academics. Hobson (6-3, 270-pounds) starred on both sides of the ball for the Hurricanes.
"He's not this 6-5 kid that everyone is looking for," Johnson said. "But he is tremendously strong and quick for his size and has Ivy League grades."
While Hightower seemed loaded this season, the next two years could be special.
Headlining the group is A.J. Highsmith, a 6-1, 175-pound sophomore quarterback with a tremendous pedigree.
The son of former Houston Oiler and Miami Hurricane Alonzo Highsmith, A.J. combines poise and great genes.
"He's still developing, but he's special," Johnson said. "He hadn't played a lot of quarterback before last year but he developed nicely. Just the velocity on his ball got so much better and he threw for over 2,000 yards."
Highsmith also has three Division I prospects to throw the ball to in juniors Anthony Ledet, Isiah Sweeney and sophomore Clyde Lee.