When it comes to two-way prospects from the state of Pennsylvania John Maddox is one of the best. The senior to be from Philadelphia (Pa.) West Philadelphia Catholic had a big-time junior campaign, catching 23 passes for 505 yards and intercepting 10 passes on defense. Maddox played wide receiver and free safety and scored 11 touchdowns. He scored one out of two times he touched the ball on offense.
”It was a great year,” said Maddox of his junior season. “But it happened because of my teammates. I couldn’t do it without them.”
Maddox is being humble. The 6-3 and 170 pound player is good enough to play on either side of the ball at the next level. Offensively he's good in traffic catching the football, especially with a defender draped all over him. Maddox has super body control and concentration. He applies these same skills to his free safety position. But he’s also in the right place at the right time, a trait of all great safeties.
“I am like a centerfielder back there,” explained Maddox of his free safety position. “I just try and cover as much ground as possible. I think I am better at wide receiver because I have been playing that position since street ball. I am just more comfortable there. Last season was only my second playing defense. My first I felt very uncomfortable and out of position. Last year it came together. But I still feel better on offense. I like to go up and get the football. I think I run excellent routes that are precise.”
With Maddox being so proficient on both sides of the ball what would he rather play at the next level? After all, college scouts like him on both offense and defense.
”Honestly, I want to play whatever position that gets me on the field first. It doesn’t matter although I think I am a better wide receiver.”
Now the question remains this, who will he play wide receiver or free safety for? At this time Maddox has scholarship offers from most of the schools on the east coast. His early leader was Penn State. Are the Nittany Lions still the team to beat?
”Yes, you can say that,” said Maddox. “They are my leader. I have seen their facilities and I love their campus. I feel pretty comfortable there. I went to their junior day (recently) and talked with Justin (King) and Derrick (Williams). It was a really good talk. They were recruiting me to Penn State and told me the reasons why they picked Penn State – great balance of football and academics. Plus, I feel comfortable with the coaches I know there.”
Penn State isn’t the only school that Maddox likes even though he favors them. Among his other favorites, Florida, Syracuse, Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina and Purdue have all offered him a scholarship.
“Syracuse is looking for wide receivers and they want to throw the ball more. Plus, they have a good run game to open things up.
”With Florida it has to be the Swamp. I would love to play there but I have not been down there yet. I plan on making a visit to Gainesville this summer. Urban Meyer is there and I love that spread offense.
“Louisville has a spread offense as well and they are moving to the Big East from Conference USA and they are going to be good.
“I like Michigan State’s passing game and they have produced some good receivers like Charles Rogers and Plexico Burress over the past few years.
“UNC is like Notre Dame. It’s beautiful and they have a great blend of academics and football.
“As for Purdue, it’s their offense. What an offense for a wide receiver like me.”
Maddux will have a very busy summer. He hopes to camp at Penn State and Michigan and also plans a midwest and southern tour of colleges with his high school football coach. Notre Dame, Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Indiana, Florida, Florida State, Miami, and Georgia Tech are some schools on the summer visit schedule.
Maddux carries a 2.6 core grade point average and has scored a 880 on the old SAT and 1180 on the new SAT.