High school football games are being played now all over the South -- and that includes large schools in Texas and Louisiana now in the mix. Between games, practices and new film, plenty of new evaluations are being made. Here are 10 players from the South-Central region whose stock is on the rise this season.
More often than not, when Earle steps on the field, he's the best player. Such has been the case for years, and it's time to begin acknowledging his difference-making skill set. Sure, he possesses the ideal skill set to use on gadget plays, but Earle also stretches the field vertically, is dangerous in the open field and in his opener he showed tough running and the ability to make difficult grabs and absorb contact. Without question, this LSU commitment has inserted himself into the five-star conversation with upside much like Tyreek Hill's.
Howard has been a known commodity in Louisiana for years -- even before he took his first varsity snap as a starter in October. Howard did not miss a beat in his debut, accounting for six total touchdowns - including five through the air - in the first half of St. Thomas More's victory. Howard made difficult throws downfield look effortless with impressive arm strength and the ability to fit throws into tight windows or use his legs to tear up defenses. LSU has a bright future at quarterback with Howard on deck.
There's never been much doubt surrounding Johnson's top-level talent. He's a Rivals100 prospect and was tabbed as the No. 4-ranked running back nationwide entering the season. Against a talented Cy-Park defense that was keying on him, Johnson was magnificent and showed how versatile his game is. He caught passes, bounced off defenders and powered forward and broke long runs to the outside. Around the goal line, he was a force that couldn't be contained. Johnson is down to LSU, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M.
In an unusual offseason, it was not surprising to see Perkins rack up double-digit offers in a hurry. In his first season playing varsity football, Perkins turned heads with his athleticism, toughness and quickness off the line.
During an in-person evaluation, Perkins was even more impressive. Playing on offense, defense and special teams, the Rivals250 outside backer is especially physical and makes game-changing plays. Perkins is a native of New Orleans. LSU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Florida, Oregon and Baylor are all competing for his commitment.
Rivals created a profile for Ross around this time a year ago as a reserve defensive lineman on a loaded state championship North Shore squad. Now, Ross is entrenched as the starter and he's playing like one. Ross made plays behind the line of scrimmage and up and down it. He was physical and a key element in shutting down the running game. UTSA was the first to offer the junior defensive tackle. More offers are on the way.
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Robinson brought fireworks in the first few weeks of the return of Mississippi high school football. The junior running back showed patience, impressive start-stop acceleration and was a downhill runner in the open field, especially near the goal line. Pair that a 4.64-second 40 that he clocked in the spring. The strong start to his 2020 season resulted in new offers from Oregon, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Michigan.
Smith was one of the signature risers in the most recent Rivals rankings update because we saw the dynamic impact the Oklahoma pledge was making on both sides of the ball for Texarkana (Texas) Texas High. Through two games as a senior, the Rivals250 outside linebacker has piled up nine sacks, including six a week ago. Smith is playing out of his mind so far this fall and has been a terror off the edge. He's going to be a difference-maker for the Sooners in no time.
Strickland entered his senior campaign as the No. 50 offensive tackle in the country and a top 75 prospect in Texas. His senior season is giving us reason to re-evaluate. Strickland has reformed his body and is overpowering defenders week in and week out. He’s been excellent in pass protection and consistently throwing defenders to the turf, as well as seeing some snaps at defensive line. Michigan recently extended an offer to the Houston standout, who is also considering Purdue, Arkansas and SMU, among others
Tucker was excellent in a showdown with defending Class 4A champion Pleasant Grove last month. The Texas Tech commitment drove defenders off the ball routinely, was stout in pass protection and anchored an offensive line that kept the pocket clean and paved big holes in the run game and really negated the impact of Rivals250 defensive end Landon Jackson. One Big 12 source told Rivals that Tucker will be have a 10-year NFL career after seeing that performance.
Watson has been one of the most productive sack artists in the Lone Star State over the past two seasons, but his senior season may be his most promising yet. Last year, Watson managed seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss, and in the past two years he's accounted for a combined 13 sacks and 33 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The TCU pledge is off to fast start in 2020 at a new position - stand-up linebacker in a three-man front. Watson is showing better burst off the line and using his hands as weapons. In two weeks, he has as many sacks and is on track to smash last season's total.
