Focus '06 - Javoni Chappel (CB)

Lock-down cover cornerbacks are always at a premium and one of the best in the Midwest is Ohio’s Javoni Chappel. The 5-foot-8, 175-pounder, from Trotwood (Trotwood-Madison) has the ball skills of Brandon Harrison, who signed with Michigan in February but he attacks the football better than most corners that I’ve seen on film. Who has offered Chappel? Who are Javoni’s early favorites? Check it out.

Cornerback is the most pressure-filled position on the football field. Cornerbacks have to have selective amnesia and they have to have a little cockiness to themselves. Explosion out of the back-pedal and smooth hip turn are a must to play this position.

Javoni Chappel has all the tools to play corner at the next level. He’s a super athlete with explosive quickness and outstanding footwork. Chappel says he owes his success on the football field to his coach.

“I owe everything to Coach (Maurice) Douglass,” said Chappel.

“Coach (Douglass) knows what it takes to play cornerback at the next level. He played with Kentucky and in the NFL with the (Chicago) Bears.

“Coach Douglass is good at teaching the little tricks that cornerbacks can use to their advantage on the football field.

“Coach is the one who taught me to have a plan before I go out on the field. Study my opponent on film. Look at the tendencies of my opponents. He taught me to be confident but not cocky. Coach Douglass has been a true mentor and I’ve been blessed to have him be a part of my life.”

For those of you who feel that Chappel might be too small to play corner at the next level, take a look at his film clips. Javoni has a tremendous vertical leap and he hits like a strong safety. He’s also excellent at supporting the run.

Which schools have offered Chappel a scholarship?

“I have offers from North Carolina, Notre Dame, Penn State, Purdue and Eastern Michigan. West Virginia and Wisconsin are close to offering. Michigan just requested tape.

“My favorites right now are Ohio State, North Carolina, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Purdue, Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan.”

Chapel told Scout.com that he attended a 1-day combine at Tennessee last weekend and he plans on camping at Ohio State, Purdue, Michigan, West Virginia as well as a few different combines.

“We’re going to West Virginia as team.” Chappel said. “Coach Douglass is going to be helping out at Michigan this year, so I’ll be going to that camp for sure. I’m also going to be going to the Michigan Nike Camp and the (Scout.com) combine at Akron.”

Chappel led his team in tackles from his cornerback position with 65-solos. He broke up 12 passes and had 2 interceptions.

Check out junior video of Javoni Chappel by CLICKING HERE.