Scouting some of Mobiles best
MOBILE, Ala. – Rivals.com recruiting analyst Barry Every breaks down some of the Division I-A talent from last week's games featuring Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul's vs. Atmore (Ala.) Escambia County and Mobile (Ala.) Murphy vs. Mobile (Ala.) Davidson.
St. Paul's QB AJ McCarron finished 7-of-12 passing for 112 yards and a score to lead his team to a 15-0 victory over Escambia County.
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A trio of receivers for Murphy - Harlos Brand, Solomon Patton and Raphael Poellnitz - combined to catch 16 passes for 234 yards and three TDs while leading a furious second-half comeback in a 48-45 victory over Davidson.
A closer look at some key players, listed alphabetically:
St. Paul's vs. Escambia County Standouts
PQB AJ McCarron, 6-4/189, St. Paul's
ASSETS: Has good height, above-average mobility, a quick release and a strong arm.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Is a bit thin at this time, so added muscle mass and strength is needed in order for him to take the pounding in the SEC.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: In the second quarter while rolling to his left he threw a 60-yard pass on a rope that would slip through the hands of the receiver.
CONCLUSION: Even though McCarron has suffered through a tough season, there is no doubt that this signal caller has all the physical tools to have a major impact on the quarterback position at Alabama. Don't be surprised if he ends up being a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide.
DQB Rico Stallworth, 6-1/205, Escambia County (2011 class)
ASSETS: Has excellent change of direction and good upper and lower body structure.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Really needs to work on his decision making as he threw into coverage several times. Also needs to let his feet take over instead of forcing passes.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: Was the leading rusher for both sides with 79 yards on 14 carries.
CONCLUSION: Too early to say whether he is actually a DQB or just a gifted athlete playing quarterback. Has the size and agility to possibly be a S, WR, RB or a DQB.
OTHERS WITH DIVISION I-A POTENTIAL: S Andrew Miller, St. Paul's; PQB Jacob Coker, St. Paul's (2011 class); OG Brett Wilkins, Escambia County (2011 class); OL/DL Tyler Nero, Escambia County (2012 class)
NOTE: St. Paul's SDE Mike Thomas, an Ole Miss commit, missed his sixth consecutive game with a lower back injury. He hopes to be back for final game of season next week.
Murphy vs. Davidson Standouts
WR Harlos Brand, 6-0/180, Murphy (2010 class)
ASSETS: Has excellent hands to go along with good speed and body structure.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Work on overall speed and lateral movement.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: Had a key 21-yard catch in the closing moments of the second quarter which cut the halftime lead to 11.
CONCLUSION: This kid will definitely get DI looks. He plays in a pass-happy offense and does a nice job using his hands to make catches.
RB Martin Broughton, 5-11/190, Davidson
ASSETS: Runs extremely hard, has excellent lower body structure and leg drive.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to work on upper body size and strength, and get more reps.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: He came out of the gate hitting the holes hard in the first quarter scoring the first two TDs of the game.
CONCLUSION: This is Broughton's first year of playing any level of organized football. He has DI ability, and hopefully it is not too late for him to get evaluated by colleges for scholarship consideration.
WR Solomon Patton, 5-10/175, Murphy (2010 class)
ASSETS: Possibly the fastest football player in the state of Alabama, and extremely tough to tackle for a small receiver.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Will need to continue to get stronger and be more physical coming off the line of scrimmage in order to get off the jam.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: With 11 seconds left in the game he leaped high into the air to catch the game-winning touchdown, giving Murphy a 48-45 come-from-behind victory.
CONCLUSION: Already has offers on the table from Alabama, Auburn and Clemson. He is a threat to score any time he touches the ball.
WR Raphael Poellnitz, 6-1/175, Murphy
ASSETS: Has good speed and excellent hands.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to get stronger and work on lateral movement.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: Poellnitz took a short pass and tight-roped down the sideline in the third quarter for a 21-yard gain.
CONCLUSION: Currently has an offer from South Alabama. He is having a good year and I believe more offers are on the way. He was recently selected to the Alabama squad in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.
ATH Jarell Smith, 6-0/185, Davidson (2010 class)
ASSETS: Has good size, speed and excels at hitting the right holes.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Most likely is not a quarterback at the next level, he should project as a RB/WR. He gets plenty of reps running the ball, but he did struggle catching the shotgun snaps which concerns me a bit as a potential receiver.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: Easily one of the most productive runners, finishing the evening with 191 yards on 17 carries.
CONCLUSION: Shows the speed and change of direction of a DI college prospect. It will come down to what position he projects at the next level.
OTHERS WITH DIVISION I-A POTENTIAL: CB Jordan Spriggs, Murphy (2010 class); S Keairon Wilson, Davidson; OLB Chris Hughes, Davidson (2010 class); S Jimmy Ward, Davidson (2010 class); WDE Jabrian Niles, Davidson (2011 class)
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