North Shore full of talent, again
Galena Park (Texas) North Shore High School has put out more Division I athletes than any other school in the state of Texas over the past 12 years.
College coaches fly into Houston's Hobby Airport, rent a car and head directly to the east side school to take at look coach David Aymond's future prospects. This year is no different. The stable is chock full of senior and underclass Mustangs who will be passed the Division I torch.
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"Our front seven on defense could be the best we've ever had," Aymond said. "We also have a sophomore class who will get a lot of time on varsity this year.
"We have a few questions in the secondary, but our front seven in very good."
Leading the punishing front seven is first-team, all-state defensive end Marcus Jones. While he's a little undersized, Jones destroys offensive game plans.
"He can't be blocked," North Shore defensive coordinator Jon Kay said. "He is a little short, but he's a Division I football player. He's a beast and we've had some here."
Jones is an academically qualified athlete who is receiving interested from Air Force and Stephen F. Austin.
On the other end is Braylon Gurnell (6-3, 220-pounds), who has the frame to be a late blooming sleeper. Gurnell's weight has fluctuated due to playing basketball in the Spring.
"He has a Division I frame," Kay said. "Someone will take a chance on his upside. His father is giant."
On the interior are two underclassmen that have Mustang coaches excited.
Junior Chase McEntee (6-2, 245-pounds) and sophomore sensation Thaddeus Randle could be the most recruited athletes in the area over the next two years.
"Those two guys have the height that schools are looking for," Aymond said. "They are pups, but play like the real thing."
McEntee started as a sophomore and "Big Baby" Randle impressed during the Spring, receiving a coveted varsity black jersey.
Sophomore Terrance Kindle (6-4, 200-pounds) will also receive some reps at defensive end.
Seniors Kelly Walker (5-11, 200-pounds) and Terence Hall (6-1, 215-pounds) will be the next line of defense at linebacker. Hall is another senior sleeper, who has the height to play up or down at the next level.
Mark Orphey will lead the secondary and is getting looks from Conference USA and Big 12 schools, while sophomore cornerback Eric Ruben is the next Division I corner at North Shore.
On offense, the Mustangs are led by unproven quarterback Vance Fizer, one of the school's best athletes.
"Vance is going to do great for us," Aymond said. "He is a smart kid who has sacrificed for us. He could be a defensive end or linebacker for us. He can be a Division I defender."
Senior running back Chris Ganious (5-9, 170-pounds) has the area's best acceleration at the position, but his size may hold him back.
He led the Houston area in yards-per-carry as a junior and will probably receive offers as his senior tape goes out.
"He's a guy that doesn't need much space to break one," Aymond said. "He's a home run hitter."
Emerging on the depth chart is sophomore water bug Deaundre Jones (5-5, 165-pounds), who will play varsity this season.
"He's incredible," North Shore offensive coordinator Brian Ford said. "He makes one move and runs straight. He's fearless, but his speed is unbelievable."
Junior Matthew Tolbert (5-10, 170-pounds) moved from running back to split end.
"We need him at receiver," Aymond said. "He could be our best running back, but he's our best receiver also."
Filling the big shoes at tight end will be sophomore Barrett Matthews (6-2, 235-pounds).
"He's along the lines of Dajleon Farr and Earl Mitchell," Aymond said.
The 'Sho must go on.