Sleeper WR getting offers, setting trips
One of the fastest rising players on the West Coast is wide receiver Kevin Smith (6-2, 205, 4.5) from Compton (Calif.) Centennial. It is hard to believe that the athletic Smith has only been playing football for a year and half. He already has two offers and is on the verge of getting a lot more.
"Kevin is as pleasure to coach and he's a phenomenal athlete," Centennial head coach Eric Scott said. "I think once people see him on tape, he will be able to write his own ticket, that's easy.
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"I mean the proof is in the pudding," Scott said. "He's doing things for us that you can't teach. I wish I could, but I can't and won't take credit for what can do.
"I taught him the game and taught him how to run his routes and stuff," Scott said. "But as far as the heart and his determination, those things you can't teach, like his moves, athleticism and leaping ability, the way he breaks tackles. That's determination and heart.
"Some of his catches are just unbelievable until you see him," Scott said. "I mean he jumps over two or three people. He plays some quarterback, too, for me, if I need him too.
"The thing that is so hard to believe is he hasn't even played two whole seasons yet," Scott said. "This coming up will be Kevin's 14th game.
"Kevin started in game five last year," Scott said. "He came in mid-season. I asked him to play and thankfully he said, okay (laughs).
"This season is his first full year," Scott said. "I was able to have for spring ball and we worked on a lot of little things."
The football neophyte already has two offers to his credit and it appears he's on the verge of gaining even more.
"Kevin has offers from Washington and Colorado, for sure," Scott said. "He has interest and the feeling is mutual in Arizona State, UCLA and most of the Pac 10."
Smith took his first official visit to Colorado this past weekend and he had a good time. He has another visit scheduled to Washington on November 28th.
"UCLA wants him to visit," Scott said. "All they need to see is his transcripts and once they do, he's good to go. He has it all, including good grades. He will probably take all five visits before he makes up his mind.
"Kevin doesn't have a school that he loves because this all new to him," Scott said. "He's a good kid. He doesn't say much. He doesn't give anybody any trouble and once the lights come on he is just a phenomenal athlete.
"Kevin is just amazing the way he leaps over everyone to make the catch," Scott said. "All anyone would have to do is check him out.
"I mean he plays for a team that is known as a cellar dweller," Scott said. "He's one of the reasons why Centennial is 5-3."
The reason Smith is tardy to the game of football is he was playing basketball, but now he understands that his future is with a football in his hands. Keep an eye on this fast rising prospect.