One of the things I have learned from watching games over the years in person or on video is that the true prospects just jump out. If you have to look for them, then they are probably not going to be big time division recruits.
Such was the case this past Friday night when I went to see Ridgeland take on Canton. Even during pre-game warm-ups a small group stood apart from the other players.
Canton
Joshua Jackson moved inside this evening and played defensive tackle which looks to be his spot. Josh does a very nice job of shedding blocks and getting good pad level. He has lost some of the "baby fat" he had at our combine this past summer and he looks to be in great shape. When the Tiger defense needed an emotional kick in the proverbial backside, Josh provided it.
Jackson played every defensive snap and never took a play off, but he was not as quick out of his stance as I would have like to have seen. He is a sure handed tackler and when the play is over the ball carrier is the one falling backwards.
Terrance Sample is a youngster who really stood out Friday night. Sample comes in about 6-0, 175 and is only a sophomore. Sample was in on over 10 defensive stops from his linebacker position. Given his current frame he would probably find a spot in the defensive backfield most likely at free safety. With a lot of hard work, Terrance could develop into solid division one prospect.
Ridgeland
Trevor Stigers has been on the recruiting radar since his sophomore season. In some of his 2006 footage he looked a little stiff, but no more. Stigers looks very comfortable on his edge and appears to have improved his dexterity.
Trevor has a great motor and he pursues very well. I would like to see Trevor trust his instincts and finish plays with a little more frequency. A few times Trevor diagnosed the play, but hesitated just a bit before advancing. Make no mistake he makes plays and plenty of them. When Canton threw an interception, it was Stigers who was hurrying the quarterback. When Canton fumbled, Stigers recovered it. When Ridgeland blocked a punt and Canton tried to advance the ball, Stigers snuffed it out and made the stop. Trevor was born to play defensive end.
B.J. Lee scored four touchdowns on the evening and looked good doing it. His size will likely keep him out of divison one, but there is a place for Lee at the next level. B.J. gets to the corner as fast as anybody and he is not shy about making contact.
