Painter isnt the only prospect at Maury

While Rivals100 offensive tackle Vinston Painter is getting all the attention at Norfolk (Va.) Maury. Head coach Delton Cotton claims there are three more prospects to keep an eye on.

The first is 6-foot-0, 270-pound defensive tackle Travis Branch.

"He's a big kid that is real strong and athletic for his size," he said. "He originally came to Maury and played linebacker for us. He's bulked up and works very hard. He also moves well.

"Off the field, he's a real good kid that has a solid work ethic. He's one of those guys that continues to get better and is a good student too."

Last year Branch registered 39 tackles and seven sacks on his way to all-district honors.

Currently Cotton claims I-AA schools are showing interest although Branch plans to attend camps at East Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Maryland this summer.

Joining Branch is 5-foot-11, 178-pounder cornerback Ricky Nichols.

"He actually transferred to us from Hickory last year and is one of the better athletes on our team," he said. "He went to the Army All-American combine and did well in the one-on-one drills. I think his speed helps him a lot. He's also strong benching 275-pounds.

"As far as a person, he's another good one that is close to 1,000 SAT and will have no problem qualifying. He also comes from an athletic family. His father is Ricky Nichols Sr. who played for East Carolina and Indianapolis."

Nichols posted 22 tackles, six deflections and one interception last season.

Finally, all-district and all-region 5-foot-11, 190-pound safety Lorenzo Branch is one to watch.

"He's cousins with Travis and has been in our program for four years," Cotton stated. "At safety, he has a nose for the football and is always around it. He's a pretty tough player and one of those guys that fits a number of positions like Kameron Chancellor. He's got a great work ethic and a desire to play college football and be a good student too."

Branch accounted for 87 tackles, six sacks and two interceptions last season.