Mid-South: Five up, two down
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Diesch has been right around the top of the three-star list since he first
received a ranking. He always had a big frame but he did not have much
experience at the tackle position. Now he is Byron Nelson's starting left
tackle. He still has some rough edges when it comes to technique, but there is
plenty to like. He is light on his feet, he is flexible, and he has added
strength. His upside remains high, and he still has plenty of room to add weight
and strength.
UP
DT
Monroe (La.) Neville
Lawrence had a tough summer. He was slowed by a knee injury and it kept him from
showing quickness down the line and the ability to make multiple moves. Well,
the knee is now back to normal and Lawrence is making short work of the
competition. When we saw him in September, his strength and quickness were on
full display. He powered through double teams, shed blockers, and made
plays. His stock fell during the last ranking, but it is on the way back up now.
UP
DE
McKinney (Texas) North
Madubuike currently sits right outside the Rivals250, but he is definitely due
for a move up the list. He is a defensive tackle at McKinney North, but his size,
strength, and quickness make him a prime target to be a strongside defensive end
on the next level. He also has the versatility to slide down to provide
quickness at defensive tackle. Regardless of where he lines up, he is disruptive.
Against Wylie East, he made play after play. His explosiveness really caught
attention. He came off the ball low, often fought off multiple blockers, and
then drove through the ball carrier to make a secure tackle.
UP
DT
Houston (Texas) Westfield
Oliver has drawn criticism for his size, but he is now a solid 6-foot-2,
290 pounds. He is also explosive and active in the middle. His motor is on high
the entire game. He simply does not have an off switch. His quickness off the
ball and strength overwhelms even the best opponents. When we saw him against
Manvel to start the season, he was in mid-season form. He made plays behind the
line of scrimmage, chased down plays from the backside, dropped into
coverage and even recorded an interception. He is a playmaker in the middle
and while he is safely in the Rivals100, he showed he deserves a bump up the
list.
DOWN
OT
River Ridge (La.) John Curtis
Allen's size and flexibility allow him to quickly stand out on the football
field. Six-foot-7, 300-pounds cannot be taught, and he maintains great pad
level. He is also light on his feet and he was able to get to the second level
of the defense. His overall athleticism is hard to find in a big guy. However,
his strength and explosion are a work in progress right now.
DOWN
RB
New Orleans (La.) Holy Cross
Turner is a stocky running back with speed. His straight-line speed and burst
are quick to catch the attention. However, his short space burst and change of
direction are areas we would like to see improvement. He was kept under wraps
over the weekend and his quickness and vision were areas where he struggled. He
is coming back from an injury which kept him out early in the season, so that is
a situation we will continue to monitor.
Jason Howell
Mid-South Recruiting Analyst
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