Texas City prospect counts on family
Someone once said that it takes a village to raise kids. For several high school athletes like Texas City's Jarell Routt, extended families provide much needed support to get through the high school years.
Routt (6 feet 1, 190 pounds) has been a standout two-way player for Texas City for the past two seasons. Good enough to be offered a scholarship by Ole Miss earlier this summer and have several programs evaluating him this fall.
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He makes his own money working odd jobs, and when he needs some quiet time and a break from his surroundings he ventures over his best friend Craig Anderson's house.
"I consider them my god parents," he said. "Me and Craig have been friends since the seventh grade and they've always helped me out with everything. I do homework over there and they give me advice on things. They are also going to go on some visits with me."
Routt attended LSU's summer camps and ranks the Tigers as one of his favorites. He also likes Texas Tech and says Houston and Colorado have been calling him during this recruiting period.
"I really like Ole Miss a lot and want to get up there this fall," he said. "I also like Texas Tech and Houston. Staying close to home could also be good for me."
While the Stingarees are 0-2 on the season, opponents are not throwing Routt's way. He also has four carries for 80 yards on offense.
"I like defensive back the most, but I'll play anywhere to help the team," he said. "There will be a different outcome this week."
"Jarell is a good athlete and has some upside," Texas City assistant Tony Willis said. "He's a tremendous kid and a hard worker."
Other Texas City prospects getting college looks are defensive backs Calvin Silva and Julius Walker. Walker returned the season-opening kickoff 95-yards in the Stings first game.
"Calvin is a Division I guy all the way," Willis said. "TCU and Houston are getting close with him. He's a legit 6-foot-1, 200-pound safety with good speed. He's our best athlete."
Junior Jarvis Carraway (5-10, 175) is the team's leading rusher with 217 yards on 32 carries and will headline their 2007 class.