KC school home to top targets

When you're at a new school like Kansas City (Mo.) Staley, there are going to be plenty of firsts. And it looks like defensive end Orlando Hill and linebacker Jayron Robinson are going to be the school's first legitimate Division I prospects.

Hill, a 6-foot-3 ½, 215-pounder earned Class 4A all-state, all-district and all-area honors in 2008, according to coach Fred Bouchard. Hill recorded 63 tackles and six sacks last year, helping Staley finish with a 9-3 record, despite not having a senior on its roster.

"He has to play with his hand on the ground in college," Bouchard said. "He started at Park Hill South as a sophomore, and then moved into our area. He's dominated in everything he's done. He's been all-state, all-district, honorable mention all-metro. He's a good pass rusher, and I have no doubt he'll be a heavily recruited player."

Bouchard should know.

In his time as a head coach, he's sent numerous players on to the next level, including several three and four-star prospects when he was the head coach at Harrisonville.

"He's got the size the coaches want," Bouchard. "They want their defensive ends at 6-4, and Orlando's height is something that makes him attractive to coaches. He'll get the weight that he needs, and he's got the athletic ability and game to be a successful college player."

So does Robinson, Bouchard said.

Robinson is a little smaller at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, but he might be the best athlete at Staley.

"His brother, James, is a Division I basketball recruit over at Oak Park," Bouchard said. "He might be the school's best basketball player, but he doesn't play because he's so focused on football and track. He understands the collegiate work mentality and knows how hard he'll have to work to be a college player.

"Jayron understands you have to work hard. He really gets it. He understands what a commitment is. He's our best leader, too."

He's also a talented linebacker.

As a junior, he had 123 tackles, six sacks and an interception. That helped him earn all-area recognition also, according to his coach.

"He'll be able to drop into coverage and also rush on the edge," Bouchard said. "He's probably a true 4.6 kid, while Orlando is probably a 4.7. Either way, this kid gets it and has the athletic tools to be a solid college prospect."

Both players don't have scholarship offers at this point, but schools that regularly recruit Kansas City – mainly Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern and Wisconsin – have all been sending regular mail to both prospects.

Bouchard also has a 2011 player that will be one of the top prospects in Kansas City. That player is Evan Campbell, who is 5-7 and 185 pounds. Campbell rushed for 1,249 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. He averaged 10 yards a rush with an offensive line that was still inexperienced.

"He's got a shot to be a great one," Bouchard said.