LB leads the way for Western Branch

Chesapeake (Va.) Western Branch has been known to produce quite a few football recruits in the Tidewater area over the years. New head coach Scott Johnson claims there are four players to keep an eye on in the 2008 recruiting class.

Leading the way is 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker Justin Conyers. Former Western Branch head coach Lewis Johnston remarked on him.

"The thing that impressed me the most about Justin is his football intelligence," he said. "He's a smart kid in the classroom and understands schemes. That says a lot because we get pretty complicated on defense, making adjustments and matching formations. He was our quarterback on defense and is a student of the game.

"I think he still needs to work on his explosiveness to the ball. Sometimes he gets too concerned with reading instead of reacting, but he is a tremendous leader and was the captain of our team as a sophomore and junior. He's really respected by his teammates and has a tremendous work ethic."

Currently a few schools have taken an interest in him according to new head coach Scott Johnson.

"We're talked to quite a few coaches and he's getting interest from North Carolina," he said. "I've also given his name out to Virginia Tech and Virginia. Tech has even stopped by. This summer we talked about going to five or six camps including ones to Penn State and North Carolina."

Last season Conyers registered 110 tackles and nine sacks.

Staying on defense, Johnson discussed cornerback Olimas Robison and safety Darwin Nichols.

"Olimas is 6-foot-2, 170-pounds and has been a three-year starter for us," he said. "He's got real good cover skills and I can see him being a lockdown corner because he's got a knack for the football. He's always around it. He also has a good feel for what the wide receiver wants to run. He should be a good one for us.

"Darwin plays defensive end for us, but probably will be a safety in college at 5-foot-11, 196-pounds. He's a real team-oriented kid that plays the run really well and has good hands."

Rounding out the group is 5-foot-11, 196-pound tailback Hykeem Brodie.

"He's a very powerful and strong running back," he said. "He's done a good job in the offseason getting better and should run for 1,500 yards this season. He's working out every day running track and improving his speed. He only ran for 700 yards last year, but averaged just ten carries a game. All of these guys are under the radar, but they will pleasantly surprise someone who takes a chance."