Houston holds top receiver prospects
Two years ago it was the year of the tight end in Houston with the likes of Martellus Bennett and Dajleon Farr. Last year it was offensive lineman Matt Allen, Ian Symonette, Roy Watts and Chris Stewart who were the headlines in the Space City.
In 2007, it's the wide receivers' turn to shine.
Advertisement
It's a big class for the big wide-outs, led by Hempstead's Terrance Toliver (6-5, 190-pounds), Wheatley's Cornelius Robinson (6-5,190-pounds), Chavez's Erik Martin (6-4, 190-pounds), The Woodlands Colton McKey (6-5, 210), Kingwood's Brian Heis (6-5, 200-pounds), Jersey Village's Desmon Marrs (6-5, 200-pounds), Furr's Ervin Jefferson (6-2, 175-pounds) and Tyler Melton (6-1, 200-pounds) of Langham Creek.
The class of hybrid hoopsters will light up the scoreboards in the Greater Houston area and at the airports, which will fill with national college recruiters.
Toliver has been offered by Texas A&M, while the others are waiting for the first of their many offers.
Robinson, the fun-loving rangy receiver, favors Michigan, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Florida Sate and Texas Tech, and his 3.5 grade-point-average can take him anywhere.
"I really love Michigan," Robinson said with a laugh. "Growing up I've always told my mom that I was going to Michigan for her. As far as my favorite player, I love Chad Johnson. He's a great receiver and personality."
"Cornelius can go up and get it and he runs precise routes," Wheatley offensive coordinator Dedrick Carr said. "He needs to get stronger in the weight room. That will come this off season."
Jefferson was a first-team, all-district receiver and safety for Furr, but prefers the offensive side of the ball.
"Oklahoma State and Kansas State have already been in here," Furr coach Ronnie Senton said. "He can really run after the catch and break tackles. He's not playing basketball, so we will have him the entire offseason. He's just going to get bigger, stronger and faster. He's a major Division I kid."
New to the scene is Brian Heis, who started for the 2004 state champion Kingwood Mustang basketball team.
"He missed football and came out late last year," Kingwood coach Dougle MacDougle said. "He was away from the game for a year an a half. The last time he was on the football field was on the freshman team before this year.
"He has the chance to be an upper echelon Division I kid. His size, hands and body control are special. He's untouchable in seven-on-seven and we plan to get him the ball a lot this season."
Heis caught 14 balls for 265 yards and three touchdowns last season.
It will be an aerial circus in 2007 so get your tickets early.