South Oak Cliff features several prospects

Dallas (Texas) South Oak Cliff High School has certainly had it's share of top football prospects though being known as a basketball powerhouse. The two-time defending Class 4A state championship basketball school has also produced the likes of Division I-A athletes on the gridiron such as Oklahoma standout Lendy Holmes.

This year coach Chris Gilbert, going into his second season, says that installing his new system should be much easier with several returning players. Many of those are also Division I football prospects.

"We've got several that are getting attention, Gilbert said. "The first guy is a cornerback Kydarian Wilkins and everybody calls him KY. He's an excellent player. Baylor is going to offer him really quick, but it's not official yet. I spoke with the corners coach and he told me that they're looking at one small corner to offer and he's the one they want."

Kansas State is another school that was close to offering before defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff took a job at Miami. Gilbert says he's unsure of where the interest is from the Wildcats since the transition.

Regardless, Wilkins is one of many to watch. Other top defensive players include a defensive end by the name of Jacquies Smith and fellow cornerback Nick Ramzey.

"Jacquies is a 6-3, 215-pound defensive end," Gilbert said. "He's a first-team all-district selection, plays basketball for the defending state championship team we have here. He runs track and has tremendous upside. Texas A&M has shown a high interest in him. Coach (Stan) Eggen who recruits here, brought coach Fran (Dennis Franchione) in to find out more about him.

"Nick is the other corner and is a little bit taller than KY at 5-foot-10 or 5-foot-11. He can run track and tied KY for interceptions this past year as the team's leaders. Nick is rangy corner and more of a cover guy that KY. They both are great tacklers. A lot of schools have a hard time deciding between the two kids."

There is certainly some talented bloodlines running through the school as well. Kansas receiver Dexton Fields brother Demetrius Fields is a receiver that looks the part. Fields stands at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds according to Gilbert.

"His brother is starting at Kansas, so he has an in there," Gilbert said about the younger Fields. "He led us in receptions, touchdown catches, and yardage. He played some free safety for us, but he'll definitely be a receiver when he leaves here. Kansas and then also Boston College and I believe Purdue are interested."

Athlete Michael Newhouse is related to former Dallas Cowboy fullback Robert Newhouse former Baylor and NFL receiver Reggie Newhouse.

"Michael played quarterback in the second half of the season, but he'll be a wideout," Gilbert said. "He's 6-1, 202, and he's a 4.6 (40-yard dash runner). He's just as smooth as he can be. I'm sure if we would have left him at receiver, he would have had the accolades the other guys did."

Three other prospects to keep an eye on include offensive lineman Kory Larkin, receiver Ramone Hester, and running back Tim Jefferson.

"Tim is a 4.4-second 40-yard dash runner and is our top kid in the off-season program right now," Gilbert said. "He's going to have a big year this year. Ramone runs track and started playing defense too last year. Kory Larkin has been starting since he was a sophomore and is about 6-3, 320. He's benching over 300 and squatting over 500. He's going to be a beast and he's got a mean streak in him."