Covaughn Deboskie, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound four-star running back from Hamilton High School in Chandler, Ariz., started his senior season very successfully. He rushed for 82 yards on five carries and a touchdown as Hamilton defeated Sierra Vista High School from Buena, Ariz., 44-0. Deboskie also had three receptions for 76 yards in a game that was called at halftime because of the stormy weather. Sierra Vista features another highly touted Arizona running back, Jamal Womble. Next up for Hamilton is Brophy on Aug. 30.
Deboskie, ranked No. 24 in the Southwest, No. 135 nationally and the No. 16 running back in the country by Scout.com, still favors California slightly over Stanford, Arizona State, Florida, Georgia Tech and Alabama. All of his favorites have offered (19 total). Although he hasn't set up any official visits yet, Deboskie will be attending the Cal/Tennessee game on Sept. 1.
"I'm really excited about that game," Deboskie said. "It's west versus east and you don't see that too often. I hope Cal can win and prove that the West Coast schools are just as good. Obviously, everybody respects USC, but not a lot of the other schools are recognized. Cal and UCLA are other programs that are really good and deserve more respect."
Despite Deboskie's fondness of the west, he admits that there's something about the southern schools that is piquing his interest. "Georgia Tech would give me a great education and I like Atlanta a lot," he said. "It's a city that is my culture, which is black.
"Florida put together one of the best recruiting classes last year and I think they've got enough speed to win the national championship again.
"I love the tradition at Alabama and that they like to run the ball a lot," he said. "They are getting more and more speed backs that are versatile and I like coach Nick Saban a lot too. He said to expect some huge changes there and I think he's gonna be the next
Paul Bryant."
Deboskie hasn't visited Alabama, Florida or Georgia Tech yet, but he has had the chance to check out both Arizona State and Stanford already. "(New Stanford coach) Jim Harbaugh is really enthusiastic, but he's got a lot to prove," he said. "Hopefully he'll be able to help them out and actually win some more games. He's caused a bit of controversy this summer with some of the stuff he's said, but I think it's all on purpose. He's trying to fire people up and get people excited about Stanford football."
Although Deboskie likes Arizona State a lot, he admits he's concerned about their depth at running back. "I know they have some good, experienced players there and will be a good team, but they still have like four running backs. It would be really tough to start or even get a chance to touch the ball.
"Cal is in the lead right now because of their running back situation," Deboskie said. "Next year I'd have a good chance to get some playing time. It'll be a dog fight for the starting position next year.
"My parents and I are gonna create a pro/con list and find a school that will help me the most with my future."
He reports a 4.1 core GPA and a 1380 SAT, which he plans to retake on October 4.