Juniors being counted on at Humble
HUMBLE, Texas - Year after year, Humble High School is known as a must-stop for college coaches on the recruiting trail in the Houston area and not only is their senior class a good one, they may have a 2007 class that rivals most.
It all starts with a big prospect for his age in 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker Charles Hines who looks bigger up close than most juniors across the landscape. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Cordell Riggins is quite the players as well at cornerback. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior wide receiver Kijuan Dabney is another from the elite group.
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"There aren't many young guys on the defense, but Riggins and Hines are two of the best that we've had at this age," coach Walt Beasley said. "This year we're polar opposites from last year in that we had an older offense and young defense last year."
Hines, probably the most physically impressive of the group, is a big bodied young prospect who also brings great speed coming off the outside. More people would know about him had he played his sophomore year.
"He had to have some surgery cartilage surgery before he could play last year, but he'll start for us at linebacker and do some special things," Beasley said."
Hines looks like he is ready to take the initiative of being a starter.
"My presence on the field is what makes me good," Hines said. "Watching all the older players before me, they've given me tips and that really helped me. After the injury, my first time back was in the Lufkin scrimmage this year. I've worked hard for this year."
Dabney is a wide receiver prospect but has also shared time at cornerback and safety. Colleges are already interested in that versatility.
"I'm not going to let recruiting stuff get in the way until after my football season around my senior year," Dabney said. "I don't' want to distract my teammates. But, I've had letters come in from UCLA and Northwestern so far. It's pretty crazy."
"Hopefully teams like Texas, A&M, Miami, and Florida come through as well."
Cornerback Riggins is a smaller type of player but makes a big impact on the field. Starting as a cornerback before a mid-season injury, Riggins now will be counted on to line up at safety.
He is not getting too ahead of himself because he knows there is a lot accomplish between now and his senior season.
"I'm learning everyday and I'm receiving a few recruiting letters from UCLA, Arkansas, and Oklahoma State," Riggins said. "When the time comes for recruiting, I'll be ready but I'm just learning."
Running back Reggie Brown was expected to be a big junior player after a breakout sophomore season, but a knee injury will keep him on the bench until his senior season.
Humble defeated Elsik High School on the road 40-14 in the opening game this past Friday night.