De Niro Laster exploded onto the scene last season for Shaker Heights (OH), and the flashy athlete has continued to impress. Laster starred at the Raw Talent Sports Combine in Cleveland two weeks ago, then duplicated that performance last weekend at the Michigan Football Showcase.
Laster, 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, ran a 4.6 forty-yard dash time at Raw Talent, then wowed the Scout analysts in one-on-one drills, where he was nearly impossible to cover. Scout was also on hand in Michigan, to see him be even better against tougher competition.
"I think I did real well last year as a sophomore, but I know I'm going to be a lot better next year because I've been working out really hard ever since the season ended," Laster stated. "I want to be the best player in Ohio, and I want to be the best on offense, as well as the best on defense too."
"I like playing wide receiver, and I like playing linebacker, so I want to be great at both," he added. "I never want to leave the field for my team, and I'm working out with Mark Harris, or Raw Talent Sports, trying to get stronger and faster."
Even though Laster has two years of high school remaining, college recruiters have noticed the size/speed combination, and they have been in contact with the Shaker Heights coaching staff.
"I'm hearing from Alabama, Oregon, Syracuse and Ohio State, but I don't really have a favorite school. I just want to play college football somewhere," he added. "I am going down to Alabama this spring to take an unofficial visit. I want to see the campus, and meet their coaching staff."
"My cousin, Andre Smith, played for Alabama, so I'm definitely interested in them," he continued. "I'm also going on the Raw Talent bus tour this summer, and we will be going to a lot of different schools, so I'm looking forward to checking out every school that's interested in me."
As a sophomore last season, Laster had 65 tackles and six sacks as an outside linebacker. On offense, he caught 40 passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns.
EVALUATION: Laster is an extremely raw athlete, but his skill set is very high, with room for a lot of improvement. In both combines, he used his body well to position himself away from defensive backs, and had great hands catching the football. He also showed quick feet for his size, and would seem to project as a wide receiver at the next level. Definitely a prospect to watch in the Ohio class of 2013.