CenTex 2013 Big Time Running Back, Lawrence Mattison!

(Junior Year Highlights)

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7940633

Week 1 Key Matchups in Central Texas!

Week 1 in Central Texas has fewer intriguing matchups as it relates to a number legitimate prospects playing against each other, however, fans will always see good, competitive football played in Central Texas.

Alamo/River City area

Converse Judson vs. Cibolo Steele

For the 2nd consecutive week, San Antonio will have the most intriguing matchup in Central Texas football.  The aforementioned prospects from Week 0 for both teams should not disappoint in this contest.  Expect Judson's Tre Flowers to have a busy game defending the countless offensive weapons that Steele possesses.  Both teams should make deep runs into the postseason and probably won't be as heavily challenged for the rest of the regular season.  (See the prospects' names of these two teams from Week 0 matchups)

Hill Country area

Round Rock vs. Harker Heights

Harker Heights has two '13 Texas commits with Darius James (OL) being the #1 prospect in the Central Texas and one of the top prospects in the nation at his position.  James is the most dominant player in the region and destroys his opponents each play.  He can also line up on defense and be just as devastating as a defensive tackle.  He is a candidate for numerous All-American teams.  Naashon Hughes, another Longhorn commit, for some odd reason is labeled as an outside linebacker prospect, but his true calling should be at cornerback.  He will line up at both safety and corner on defense while getting some snaps at QB and splitting out at receiver on offense.  Unfortunately, Heights will be without the services of '14 running back Marcus Anderson who suffered an injury in a preseason scrimmage.  Anderson, a notable prospect in his respective class, should be back in time for district play to showcase his Division 1 skills.

Round Rock on the other hand has 1 lone legit prospect in '14 in Keyon Dilosa.  The 6'3" receiver may be considered an "Athlete" on many recruiting publications due to his ability to play defensive back just as well.  He has a long wing span, soft hands, can out-leap most defenders, and can stretch defenses.  On the defensive side of the ball, he is a ball hawk and is solid in run support from the free safety position.  '13 Samuel Lawlis is good linebacker prospect with good size at 6-2 and 210 lbs. but needs a super senior season to solidify himself as a Division 1 prospect.  However, expect for him to perform extremely well in this game.

1-AA and Division 2 Prospects

Harker Heights

'13 Tyrel Stokes (DB), Jonte Burton (LB/RB), '14 Damion May (QB)

Round Rock

'13 Dakari Antoine (CB)

College Station A&M Consolidated vs. Waco Midway

Like Cibolo Steele is in the Alamo City area, Midway (the 4A state runner up last year) has the most star power in the Hill Country area.  They possess a two-headed monster at QB with '13 prospect Deondre Ford and LSU baseball commit Kramer Robertson, the son of Baylor women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey.  Ford has a much stronger arm, being deadly accurate on the long ball and is very athletic making several long TD runs.  In contrast, Robertson, who will most likely get selected in the upcoming MLB draft, throws well on the run and is outstanding at improvising to make big plays.  '13 wideout Hunter Jarmon is the most coveted recruit on the team.  He runs precise routes, is not afraid to go across the middle, and has bona fide on-the-field speed to beat cornerbacks deep.  Another two-headed monster occurs in the backfield in '13 running backs BJ Kelly and  DeCharr Greer.  Kelly is more of the nifty type that can hit the home run play at any given point and Greer is more of the bruiser between the tackles who still has good speed.  On defense, '13 Chrishard Buhl is one of the top linebacker prospects in Central Texas.  He can drop back and cover slot receivers very well and also chase down running backs from behind.  Don't be surprised to see him get some recruiting attention at safety. '13 Justin Barnes, has prototype cornerback size at 6'2", which makes him an attractive prospect in a lot of college coaches eyes, but he will need to have a solid and consistent senior campaign to be a "for sure" Division 1 prospect.

After the departure of big time '13 defensive tackle prospect and Nebraska commit Christian Lacouture, A&M Consolidated still has Jimmie Gilbert to anchor the defensive line.  He has long range  at 6'5", great balance, and is very fluid on the edge.  Gilbert uses his basketball and leaping skills to in batting down passes and making diving tackles from behind.

1-AA and Division 2 Prospects

Waco Midway

'13 Chaz Chase (OL), Anthony Degrate (CB), Deondre Degrate (WR), Devon Edwards (DE), Daniel Garza (OL), Carlos Leal (Deep snapper), Harrison Miner (DE)

A&M Consolidated

'13 Weston Garner (QB)

STAY TUNED FOR VERY IMPRESSIVE WEEK 2 MATCHUPS!

CenTex Preseason c/o 2014 Top 20 Prospects!

The 2014 class is definitely not short on talent.  Here is a sneak peak at the Top 20 prospects that will have fans mesmerized throughout the entire season.  This class may be better as a whole, than their predecessors of 2013.  A few of the names listed will be All-American candidates.

TA's Scouting Scoop is an NCAA Certified Scouting Service.

CenTex's Top 20 Prospects

(in alphabetical order only)

Ty Anderson OT 6-5 260 (Austin Lake Travis)

Malik Clemons LB 6-1 215 (Killeen Shoemaker)

Byron "Scooter" Daniels WR 6-1 175 (San Antonio Madison) (wow!)

James David LB 6-3 215 (Rockdale) (wow!)

Keyon Dilosa WR 6-3 195 (Round Rock)

Bear Fenimore QB 6-2 223 (Round Rock Westwood)

Dimitri Flowers TE 6-2 220 (San Antonio Churchill)

Darrion Johnson CB 5-9 177 (Brenham) (wow!)

Jeremy Jones QB 6-6 190 (San Antonio East Central)

Joshua Malin DE 6-5 252 (Cibolo Steele)

Varshaun Nixon RB 5-10 187 (Austin Lake Travis)

Josh Pelzel OL 6-6 283 (Rockdale)

Samaje Perine RB 5-11 215 (Pflugerville Hendrickson) (wow!)

Jordan Randolph ATH 5-10 170 (Waco University)

Derick Roberson DE 6-4 220 (San Antonio Brennan) Texas commit (wow!)

Austin Schlottman OT 6-5 275 (Brenham) (wow!)

Te'rel Simmons ATH 6-1 168 (Elgin)

Arrion Springs CB 5-11 185 (San Antonio Roosevelt)

Justin Stockton RB 5-9 170 (Cibolo Steele) (wow!)

Zach Vaughan DE 6-4 220 (Round Rock McNeil) (wow!)

Other Notables - Marcus Anderson (RB - Harker Heights), Xavier Conley (QB - Pflugerville Hendrickson), Bobby Limon (OL - Kyle Lehman), Daniel McCants (ATH - Killeen), Thomas Middleton (RB - Cedar Park), Jordan Severt (QB-Austin Westlake), LaDarius Thomas (WR - Temple)



Central Texas Football Legend Spotlight



Central Texas Football Legend Othello Henderson #9 (Green Jersey)

Othello Henderson, a 1990 graduate of C.E. Ellison High School (Killeen, Texas), exemplified the perfect example of a "big time," hard working blue chip student-athlete.  Initially, Othello was not seen as the athlete that high school coaches were anticipating to get coming out of middle school.  He started out on the Freshman B team for the Eagles and the next year played on the junior varsity before sheer guts and determination elevated him to a back up role on the varsity as a high school sophmore.  By the end of that year, he hit a growth spurt and shot up to 6'2" and 200 lbs., which prompted his high school coaches to utilize him on both sides of the ball.   

In his junior year, the primary position he was known for was free safety, where he developed a reputation as a "bruising hitter" and had the innate ability to utilize his 4.31 speed in making tackles behind the line of scrimmage, without blitzing.  Henderson amassed 92 tackles, 5 interceptions, 8 pass break ups, and 2 punt returns for TD's, helping the Eagles finish with a 6-4 record, just missing the postseason.  Later in the spring of his junior year, he ran on one of nation's top 4x100 relay teams in track & field, which the Eagles clocked a time of 40.43 seconds in addition to his 13.62 time in the 110-meter hurdles.  Not surprisingly, Othello began receiving interest letters from Division 1 programs (in both sports) such as Nebraska, Texas A&M, Texas, Miami, LSU, Florida, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and UCLA.  After having such a strong junior year, he would be fueled to play at an even higher level as a senior due to him not being recognized in Texas Football Magazine as one of the state's top 15 defensive backs.

During his senior campaign in the fall of 1989, Henderson compiled 110 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 10 pass break ups.  Playing double-duty on offense, he lined up at receiver and wingback catching 8 passes for 242 yards and 4 TD's, and rushing the ball 30 times for over 200 yards and 5 TD's in helping the Eagles to their only 10-0 regular season record in school history.  His big playmaking ability on defense along with his stats ranked him as the top recruited free safety prospect in America and was selected to the USA Today Newspaper All-American Team with the likes of future college sensations Chris Weinke, Andre Hastings, and Robert Smith.  In addition, he was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Classic, earning MVP honors in a contest that also featured Drew Bledsoe, Jerome Bettis, and Hastings. 

He capped off his senior athletic campaign in track & field by running a best of 13.28 in the 110-meter hurdles, running a leg on the winning Texas Relays 4x100 relay team in 40.94, and being part of the Eagles' national record setting shuttle-hurdle relay team in 57.20.  Most importantly, he graduated high school with a 3.5 GPA and scored over 1,000 on two sections of the SAT test.  He signed a National Letter of Intent to attend UCLA where he had a outstanding career as an All-Pac Ten Conference free safety.  After college, he graduated to the professional ranks and enjoyed stints with the New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Green Bay Packers.  Today, he is an educaitonal speaker for the National Collegiate Scouting Association.

Central Texas Prospects, Games to Watch!

The following games are for Week 0 of the most intriguing teams, matchups, and legit Division 1 prospect names mentioned to enjoy attending during the early part of autumn underneath the Friday Night Lights in the Central region of the Lone Star State.  Stay tune and save the date (September 1, 2012) for the classes of 2013 and 2014 CenTex top prospects list in our Fall Scouting Report!  TA's Scouting Scoop operates as an NCAA Certified Scouting Service and is your main source for what is going on in Central Texas high school football.

Week 0

Alamo/River City games (San Antonio area)

Historically, the most astounding prospects that derived from Central Texas were in the Austin area along with the areas just north and east of the Capital city.  However, in the past few years the bulk of the CenTex talent has shift southward with the San Antonio area having the most star power that is continuing to grow astronomically.  Expect to see more than a significant number of the teams in South-Central Texas to make deep runs in the playoffs.

Cibolo Steele at San Antonio Madison

The 2012 season kicks into full gear with the top 2 teams that have the most blue chip prospects.  Steele, the 5A state runner-ups last season and the state champions the year before that, probably has the slight edge in terms of prospect numbers, although that has nothing to do with the outcome of the game.  The battle in the trenches may actually be the most intriguing part of this game.  Madison's "Big" Vincent Taylor ('13 OK State commit and 1 of the region's and state's top defensive lineman prospects) and Steele's Cory Staud ('13) should both penetrate the offensive line all night, which will probably generate some double teams eventually.  The interesting man-to-man matchup on the edge of the trenches will be between Madison's offensive tackle George Roberts ('13) and Steele's defensive end Joshua Malin ('14).

Erik Huhn (Steele), a 2013 Texas commit, is the region's top 2013 free safety prospect and expect him to be a huge presence in both the passing game and run support.  He will have his hands full trying to chase down Madison's speedsters Marquis Warford ('13) and Dominique "Phat Phat" Daniels ('15) who both can take it the distance at any given moment while also being able to slip through the grasp of defenders.  Steele's Jordan Sterns ('13), an Oklahoma State commit, is the CenTex region's #2 cornerback prospect who can have an ascension to #1 if he can shut down either 1 of the top receivers that Madison will be showcasing.  Dannon Cavil ('13 Ole Miss commit) is the region's top receiver prospect and his teammate Byron "Scooter" Daniels is vying for the #1 receiver spot for the 2014 class.  Both are athletic geniuses that should give most defensive backs fits throughout the season.  Either way, it will be a highly anticipated matchup with whoever Sterns matches up against on the "island."  Madison's defense should have have all it can handle though with the top ('14) running back prospect in Justin Stockton.  The speedy state 100 meter finalist does everything superbly from running between the tackles, making people miss, catching passes out of the backfield, outrunning defenders, and breaking tackles.

Other Division 1 prospects

Steele - ('13) Taylor Lundy (OL), John Burton (DB), Matt Mayle (WR), Justin Roberts (OL), Breylnn McCollum (QB), Thaddeus Thompson (TE), ('14) Kenny Wise (LB), Matthew Simmons (DE)

Madison - ('13) Galen McAlister (ATH), ('14) CJ Reese (DE)

1-AA and Divison 2 Prospects

Madison - ('13) Cody Wetz (DE), Alex Smisek (QB)

Smitshon Valley at San Antonio Brandeis

Smithson Valley's Lawrence Mattison ('13) will mostly likely be the top running back prospect of this class.  He is a prototype running back with the size and speed that attracts 8-man fronts.  His stock is steadily rising as one of the state's top backs.  Brandies' Joshua Lewis and Cameron Rogers ('13) , are sideline-to-sideline linebackers that are feared hitters, should be going head-to-head all game with Mattison.  The wildcard of the game is Brandeis' Trinton Ynclan ('13).  He is classified as an "Athlete" but plays the running back position.  He has the best peripheral vision of any other ballcarrying prospect in CenTex and can outrun defensive backs.  Although underrated, expect for him to play slot receiver at the next level as he is in the mode of a Wes Welker type.  Andrew Heft ('13) of Brandeis, is a 6'6" pass catching tight end with an Ivy League academic resume'.

1-AA and Division 2 prospects

Brandeis ('13) Faissal Shabani (DB), Peter Agu-Udemba (RB)

Lake Travis at Converse Judson

Two teams with numerous state titles on their resume' are usually both very disciplined and heavily talented and this year will be no exception.  Lake Travis is entering its first year in 5A football and looking to continue its streak of state championships.  Judson, a team that never backs down from any of their opponents is looking to add another state championship to its trophy case as well.  Tre Flowers ('13) the region's #2 free safety, is a constant reminder of the way Deon Grant played at Tennessee with his ability to cover a lot of ground making him extremely feared in the passing game.  He is also not afraid of run support and was one of his team's leading tackler as a junior.  His defensive backfield mate Jarveon Williams ('13) plays the strong safety position but is more of a cornerback prospect.  He is fearless in run support and has the speed to run up and down the field with the fastest of receivers.  Lake Travis' Hunter Siddons ('13 North Texas commit) and Ty Anderson ('14) should dominate their offensive tackle positions, preventing anyone from coming around the edge.  Both Siddons and Anderson will be opening up holes for Varshaun Nixon, the region's class of 2014 #2 running back prospect and one of the state's top prospects as well.  Nixon is a big play waiting to happen anytime he touches the football and does not shy away from contact.  Look for both he and Flowers' names to be heavily mentioned throughout the entire game.  Zach Austin ('13) is an underrated receiver that constantly beats defensive backs deep and always is guaranteed to make the first person miss after making the catch.  Austin will be catching his passes from Baker Mayfield ('13) who although does not have prototype size, is very accurate and undefeated as a starter at QB.  Placekicker Kevin Marcotte ('13) can be the difference maker in the outcome of the game with his ability to kick both long-range and field goals from tough angles.

Division 1-AA and Division 2 prospects

Lake Travis - ('13) Brock Kenyon (DB), Zach Joiner (WR), Connor Shannon (DE)

Judson - ('13) Matthew Baldwin (DE), Johnathan Baker (OC), Jermaine Adams (WR)

Capital City area games

Cedar Park at Austin Westlake

The tale of two teams that have a history of long runs in the playoffs, known for playing an extremely disciplined style of football these two teams also have some intriguing prospects.  ('14) H-Back/Power Back prospect Thomas Middleton is a bruiser that can not only run the ball ferociously, but can also catch passes out of the backfield and make big plays.  His name will become familiar to a lot of foes.  OT Riley Mayfield is a prototypical offensive tackle at 6'8" 280.  He does not give up sacks nor tackles for loss and is always looking to hit someone.  Center Davis Geertz ('13) and offensive guard Yuri Rogshenkov ('13) will also help establish the blockade to all opposing forces and ensure an effective offense.  At Westlake, prototype up-and-comer ('14) QB Jordan Severt finally gets the nod to showcase his strong arm and his ability to throw precise sideline routes and use his 6'3" 220 lbs. frame to be an effective runner as well.

1-AA and Division 2 Prospects

Cedar Park - ('13) Nathan Harwell (RB), Ethan Fry (WR), Keith Tambe (LB), Jackson Paine (LB)

Westlake - ('13) Jack Meredith (DB), Judge Finley (OT), Brandon Box (WR)

Hill Country (Waco, Killeen, Temple) area games

Manor at Waco

This game is 1 of the top matchups between 4A opponents with a ship load of athletes.  Waco's Andrew Billings ('13 defensive tackle prospect) is by far the top recruit in this game and one of the top ranked overall players in Central Texas.  He can dominate on either side of the ball, always making his presence felt but his calling at the collegiate level will most likely be on the defensive side of the ball.  Adrian Norwood is a 2013 ball-hawking safety that is projected as a cornerback who also makes a lot of noise in run support.  On the offensive side of the ball, Myron Hills ('13) is an athletic target at receiver and will have the attention of the defense each time he approaches the line of scrimmage.  He can stretch the defense and catches the ball well in traffic.  ('13) Kicker Ben Diaz can help determine the outcome of the game with a long or short range field goal if he is put in position to do so.  For Manor, Dominique Brisco ('13) is a hard hitting force of nature with good speed to chase down ball carriers.  Brisco's mere present makes it hard for any team to have a strong running game against the Mustangs.  2014 running back prospect Tyrone Owens will get a chance to display his talents on the big stage consistently as the full-time starter.  He has a dangerous spin-move and has the speed to break the long run at any moment.  Quinton Baker ('13 cornerback prospect) will more than likely shadow Waco's Hills throughout the game with his innate ability to cover man-to-man.  He has outstanding anticipation skills, has amazing speed, and is very physical.

1-AA and Division 2 Prospects

Manor - ('13) Kelton Evans (WR), Jalen Washington (ATH), Gerald Cannonier (DB)

Brazos Valley (Bryan-College Station, Navasota, Brenham) area games

Brenham vs. Richmond Foster

Year-in-year-out, Brenham always has legit prospects.  Sitting just on the very edge of Central Texas, they are taking on non district opponent Richmond Foster.  The Brenham Cubs feature big time safety Justin Davis ('13) who is built a lot like Sean Taylor and just as intimidating.  He is a two-stepper, covers the deep ball well, is great in run support and can even cover slot receivers.  Kwadareus Chapel ('13) is receiver that has soft hands and tremendous leaping ability.  A lot of times he is used as a possession receiver but will beat you deep when you least expect it.  The Cubs also have some star power in the 2014 class with Darrion Johnson, by far the best cornerback prospect of his class, the region, and maybe the state.  He does everything above and beyond what college coaches look for when scouting the cornerback position.  Austin Schlottman ('14) is another amazing prospect in 2014.  The offensive tackle stands 6'5" 270 lbs. and dominates defenders.  His feet move well both laterally and backwards and he makes numerous pancake blocks and has a huge wingspan.  Richmond Foster, although not part of the CenTex area has just one prospect that stands out in Darien James ('13).  He is lethal on both offense as a power back at 6'1" 230 lbs. and is a quick, rush end on defense.  When running the ball, he never gets taken down by only one tackler and has deceptive speed.  On the defensive side of the ball, it will be an interesting battle on the edge between he and Schlottman of the Cubs.

1-AA and Division 2 Prospects

Brenham - ('13) Tyler Watts (WR), Desmond Lockett (DB), Mitchell Eben (OL)

Richmond Foster - ('13) Evan Temple (OL), Lionel Ebge (LB), Hunter Strimple (OL)