A Scout’s Report – Week 4
Scout: Randy Taylor
This is the fourth in my series of reports that will run throughout the football season. Each week I’ll report on the top prospects from the high school and junior college games I attend.
As a part of my job as a scout, I like to see prospects in person to check body type, confirm height and weight and get an overall feel for the player, i.e. how he carries himself, is he a tough kid, can he move his feet, etc.
My notes on the top prospects from these games will be reported here for you to learn more about some of the special players in California.
Thursday, September 21, 2006 – Orange Lutheran HS vs. Valencia HS
*Aaron Corp - Quarterback, 6-4 190, Orange Lutheran HS, Senior
He’s better each time I see him. Corp has a good presence on the field he’s confident and is a leader. Aaron is an athlete that can run and has good quickness making him a major threat when he gets outside the pocket. His throwing motion is improving, as is his arm strength and accuracy. He can spin it. USC should be continuing their current run as “quarterback U” with this kid.
*Blake Ayles – Tight End, 6-4 235, Orange Lutheran HS, Junior
Blake is a great looking kid with long arms and the body of a college veteran already. He catches the ball with his hands and is an athlete in space. Ayles has the motor and toughness that we all look for, making him the complete package. He’s been an offer guy since he was a sophomore.
*Michael Reardon – Defensive End, 6-5 255, Orange Lutheran HS, Senior
Reardon is another great looking prospect from Orange Lutheran. He has a very good frame and looks like he can get big. Michael’s athletic, agile and quick. He can bend his knees and tries to use his hands. He does run well enough to play on the D Line but could also be a big time offensive lineman. In fact, that’s where he could make the most money down the road. What I like most about this kid is that he’s on the kick off team.
Friday, September 22, 2006 – Esperanza HS vs. LA Jordan HS
*Kevin Jablonsky – Quarterback, 6-0.5 180, Esperanza HS, Senior
Kevin is an athlete, runs well and can spin it. He has good arm strength and gets rid of the ball quickly. He could be the perfect read/option quarterback. Jablonsky is smart and can make plays with his feet.
Friday, September 22, 2006 – Redlands East Valley HS vs. Upland HS
*Ronnie Fouch – Quarterback, 6-1.5 195, Redlands East Valley HS, Senior
Fouch spins it very well, throws a nice tight spiral and has good velocity on his ball. He runs pretty well and makes plays on the run. He is a lean muscular kid with long arms and looks like he’ll get bigger and stronger. Ronnie needs to make decisions faster and improve his accuracy. Work on his technique and fundamentals will help him.
*Devin Mahina – Defensive End/Tight End, 6-4 225, Upland HS, Senior
Devin is a big athlete that can run. He has long arms and room to grow, necessary whether he plays DE or TE. He isn’t the most fluid kid and is still raw but there is a good upside. Mahina looks like a defensive end where he can use his toughness and motor.
Friday, September 22, 2006 – Norco HS vs. Los Osos HS
*Jordan Campbell – Linebacker, 5-10.5 220, Norco HS, Senior
The phrase, “he plays with his hair on fire” must have been coined when they watched Jordan play. He is a missile when attacking the ball carrier. There is suddenness about this kid and an urgency to make every play. Campbell isn’t big or track fast but plays like he’s both.
Some teams will be concerned about his top end speed and others about his size but will be playing against him and wishing they recruited him. He should be ideal in a defense that wants a middle linebacker who can run and make plays as long as they have big tackles who can keep blockers off of him.
Saturday, September 23, 2006 – Golden West College vs. Long Beach City College
*Junior Fasavalu – Safety, 6-0.5 185, Long Beach City College, Sophomore
Fasavalu is a very good football player. What else should we expect from a former Long Beach Poly product? Junior is tough and physical. He can cover the slot receiver and fill on running plays as a safety or he can line up at corner to be physical with receivers in press coverage. He also has the feet and hips to play in space. Junior is a good tackler as well. Special teams are better when he’s involved.
Saturday, September 23, 2006 – Saddleback College vs.Fullerton College
*Joe Chatman – Running Back, 5-9 190, Fullerton College, Sophomore
Joe has quick feet, changes direction very well and gets downhill in a hurry. He’s a tough kid that runs hard and can make the defense miss. Chatman is good between the tackles because of his strength and he keeps his feet moving. He has a little hop step that helps him escape tacklers and go laterally with some explosion. Check his top end speed but all in all he's very productive. Joe is one of the better backs in California JC Football this year.
*PT Gates – Running Back, 5-9.5 195, Saddleback College, Sophomore
Patrick is an explosive player and can get to full speed in a hurry. This is important because his full speed is very good. He’s a smooth athlete that will run by you using his quickness and acceleration. Gates can make you miss if he has to and can be physical. He also catches the ball out of the backfield well making him more versatile. This young man is an elite back in the state.