2014 Manor Prospect Continues To Build Resume

Manor 2014 linebacker prospect Jonathan Johnson (#28)

In TA’s CenTex Legit Football Combine coming up this weekend, (June 29) one prospect to certainly watch for is Jonathan “Jay Jay” Johnson, outside linebacker for the Manor Mustangs and a 2014 prospect.

During the spring, Johnson was featured as TA’s 25th-ranked athlete on his “Surety 30” list, and also looks to be listed in the Top 30 summer rankings, as well.

In his junior season, Johnson led the Mustangs in sacks, was second overall in tackles and interceptions and was also awarded First Team All-District honors. Johnson was also a key contributor in helping the Mustangs reach the Class 4A State Semi-Finals.

The outside linebacker has already picked up 2 FBS offers from Texas State and Old Dominion, while picking up 1 FCS offers from Prairie View A&M. He has also sparked the attention of the coaching staff at TCU and plans on making an unofficial visit to Fort Worth on July 26.

One aspect of Johnson’s game college coaches are high on is his size. At 6’1’’, 220 pounds (also benching 352 pounds) he has the size and power to take down big offensive players. Johnson’s strength can definitely be accredited to his decision to compete on his school’s power lifting team, where he was able to make it to the regional round this past season.

“I definitely see powerlifting as an advantage for myself on the football field. I also think it (strength) helps separate me from other recruits” said Johnson.

Another aspect of his game that is gaining college attention is his ability to get to the ball. The aforementioned statistics of Johnson leading his team in sacks and being second in interceptions last fall are some areas in which his speed aids. Whether it’s rushing into the backfield, which Johnson considers the strongest point of his game, or even having to drop back and cover quick receivers, his 4.6 40 speed is not to be taken lightly.

When asked about playing at the next level, Johnson said that he think he can “make a huge impact at the next level...especially with my size and speed.”

While he is expected to pull in more college offers, Johnson is hoping to sign with a program in the Big 12 conference and thinks he can be a good contributor in a 3-4 defense.

“The Big 12 has all of my favorite schools and I like the talent and competition level in that conference,” said Johnson.

So far this summer, Johnson has attended camps by the likes of SMU, Rice and also the Ultimate 100, which was held at Duncanville High School. He is still waiting on feedback.

Being named the MVP in the National Underclassmen Combine in Austin last year, Johnson is looking to add another top notch combine performance at TA’s combine coming up.

“I’m so ready (for the combine). I’m ready to compete and show good defense...in one-on-one’s and everything. I’m ready to go,” commented Johnson.

TA’s Scouting Scoop: "One of those diamonds in the rough. He has the highest motor of any linebacker or defender on this list. He is very relentless and gets to the ball faster than any other linebacker in Central Texas. He is also very athletic, has good feet and never over pursues the ball carrier. He does a great job when asked to drop back in pass coverage and can cover swift running backs. He uses his hands well and knows how to fight off blocks. He also does not miss tackles."

- Ashleigh D., Intern

Small-Town Prospect Determined To Prove Himself At Combine



Rogers 2014 "Athlete" Jackson Sodek (#9)

Competing against the best and top athletes, regularly, while acquiring college scouts’ attention isn’t anything new for athletes who attend larger, more publicized high schools in the area. However, such competition is a new experience for the small town guys. With that being said, they are the ones who seek TA’s combine as an opportunity to see how they measure up and to prove themselves.

So is the case for Jackson Sodek, outside linebacker for the Rogers Eagles and a 2014 prospect. He feels as if he hasn’t been getting the opportunities and recognition he deserves, due to playing for a small school in a small town.

“I’ve just been overlooked,” started Sodek. “We always have good athletes, but we’re not really noticed because our school just isn’t big.”

Due to reasons previously stated, most are unaware of the standout junior season Sodek had. He led his team in tackles, fumble recoveries, fumble recoveries for touchdowns, he was awarded his team’s Special Team’s award and was a First Team All-District Lineman. He was also third overall on his team in tackles.

At 6’2’’ and weighing 190 pounds, Sodek has had great success at the outside linebacker position, specifically in his ability to rush into the backfield and take down quarterbacks and running backs. His speed, clocking a 4.6 40 time, is perhaps his biggest advantage and the best aspect of his game. With his size and speed combined, those aspects even suggests that he could have more success as a defensive back. Sodek is considering the option of playing safety, as it could possibly boost his chances of being recruited.

“With my size and speed, and my ability to get to the ball pretty fast, I probably can make more of an impact playing safety. I’ll consider switching positions to better my chances of getting looked at by colleges,” said Sodek.

His athletic ability will also give him the opportunity to contribute on the offensive side, as well. Sodek has been informed that he will be playing both ways this upcoming season. His coaches have decided to utilize his speed and size at the half back position. Regarding his ability to be a factor on the offensive side, as well, Sodek commented,  “I think I definitely have an advantage with my speed to be able to play both ways.”

With TA’s CenTex Legit Football Combine quickly approaching (June 29), Sodek, who will be working out with the safeties, is excited and sees it as the perfect opportunity to prove himself.

“I’m excited. I’m ready to impress and show that I can play at the next level. I feel like I’m been overlooked so I need to show everyone I can play at the college level,” added Sodek.

TA's Scouting Scoop on Sodek: "A very disciplined football player. Has a high football IQ. Knows how to stay at home and never gets juked by agile ball carriers. Has long arms, a lot of range, and can chase down ball carriers. Due to size, he may have to add on more weight at the next lever or may just be better suited to play safety in college although he does well at the linebacker position. A really good athlete on offense as well and is a heartbreaking kick returner. An underrated and under-appreciated prospect."


- Ashleigh D., Intern

2015 San Antonio Prospect Looks To Surprise At TA's Combine

San Antonio Madison's 2015 "Athlete" Dominique Daniels (#6)

Dominique "Phat Phat" Daniels, a 2015 defensive back prospect, looks to make some noise at this year’s CenTex Legit Football Combine.

The 6’1’’, 190 pound “athlete”, as he is classified by TA’s Scouting Scoop, was San Antonio Madison’s starting safety this past season as a sophomore. Over the course of the season, Daniels was able to record 99 tackles, pull in 3 interceptions, deflect 5 passes and recover 1 fumble.

His athletic skills and his 4.49 40 speed have influenced his coaches to try Daniels out on the offensive side, as well. This upcoming season, along with starting at the safety position, he will
also be Madison's starting running back.

"I've been able to do a pretty good job playing safety, but I think because of my speed and power I'll be able to make an impact playing running back, too...whatever is best for the team," said Daniels.

With last season being his first time starting on varsity, Daniels has yet to acquire any offers. However, he has attended camps of the University of Texas and Baylor University, along with
making an unofficial visit to Baylor with older brother and Texas Tech commit, Byron Daniels.

After attending the University of Texas camp, he received good feedback from the coaching staff.

"They said they liked how physical I was and that I was always able to make plays. They also really liked my effort on each play," said Daniels.

Daniels is also currently planning on attending UTSA's camp on July 17.

Although he is primarily looking to be recruited at the defensive back position, Daniels will work out as both defensive back and running back at TA's CenTex Legit Football Combine on June 29.

"I want to work out at both positions to see different competitions," commented Daniels.

Daniels is currently the #1 ranked "athlete" in the 2015 class by TA's Scouting Scoop.






- Ashleigh D., Intern

San Antonio East Central QB Continues To Rise

San Antonio East Central 2014 QB Jeremy Jones (#16)

Jeremy Jones, the 6’6’’, 190 pound senior signal-caller attending San Antonio East Central, has asserted himself as one of the top quarterbacks in central Texas and looks to continue raising his stock.

After receiving his first offer from Rutgers back in March, the list only began to grow. Jones has now acquired offers from Air Force, New Mexico State, North Texas, Rice and also Texas State. He also has sparked the interest of the likes of Texas A&M, TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma, Kansas State and just recently, SEC powerhouse, LSU.

Jones was also able to gain such attention despite having to split time with his older brother, Christian Jones, who graduated this spring and will be playing at Cisco Junior College in the fall. Due to the split time, Jeremy’s stats may not be eye-popping at first glance. The junior was able, however, to throw for 474 yards while connecting with receivers for 6 touchdowns. He was also able to rush for 207 yards, scoring 3 touchdowns and averaging just about 3.5 yards per rush.

When the season starts this fall, Jones will be able to really assert himself, being the sole leader at the quarterback position.

Being recruited as a dual-threat quarterback, Jones not only has the skill to make multiple throws, but with his 4.63 40 speed, he also has the quickness and agility to make plays with his feet, as well. With those attributes, Jones feels that, “being able to make both types of plays and being 6’6’’ are going to help me make an impact at the next level.”

Though he was considered more of a threat on foot, Jones is developing into more of a pass-first quarterback.

“When I started playing on varsity my sophomore year, I was more of a run-first quarterback, but now I’m developing into more of a pocket passer,” Jones started. “That’s something I wanted to improve on….and also really working on improving my footwork.”

A big part of Jones’ decision will be the school’s offense. Though having played in no-huddle and pistil offenses at East Central, when considering the type of offense that he will make the most impact in at the next level, Jones believes that he can be most effective in a spread offensive system.

“I think I’ll be best in a spread offense, but I’ll consider playing in more of a pro-style system because a lot of schools use that and even at the next level,” said Jones.

Though a lot of athletes like to talk about their work ethic, Jones truly puts his into action. During Spring Break this year, while most teens were on vacation at beaches and just hanging out, Jones used his break as an opportunity to focus on football. Along with his older brother, he spent the week at IMG Academy, a private athletic training institute located in Bradenton, Florida.

In an earlier interview, when asked why he chose IMG Academy for his Spring Break activities, Jones commented, “I wanted my Spring Break to be different from everyone else’s…I wanted to just focus on football.” Jones said he really used the time to really focus on footwork and reading different coverages.

Jones is not only dedicated to working hard in the classroom, but he also makes a statement in the classroom, as well. He finished his junior year with a GPA above a 3.7 and ensures that a school’s academic program will also greatly influence his decision. He plans on studying business management in college. 

As for this summer, Jones will be keeping busy with football activities. On top of organized workouts at his high school, he will be playing in 7-on-7 tournaments and also continue making college visits.

Unfortunately, Jones will not be able to attend TA’s CenTex Legit Football Combine on June 29, as he will be playing in an AAU basketball tournament.

Jones is currently TA’s Scouting Scoop's 3^rd ranked QB in the central Texas area, but his stock is continuing to rise.



-Ashleigh D., Intern

Grear Seeks Last Opportunity With TA’s Combine

Austin Del Valle's 2013 graduate Wilfred Grear (#33)

This time of the year, high school graduates are preparing for the next stage of their life; college. In specific of these high school graduates are the athletes, who are also preparing for the huge transition from high school athletics to college level. While they have already went through the stress of finding a new athletic home, others, unfortunately, are still going through such stress.

So is the case for Del Valle graduate Wilfred Grear. It’s the middle of June and Grear has yet to receive any offers to a new football family. At this point in time, Grear is prepared to do whatever it takes to sign.

Due to some ups and downs and unforeseen circumstances off the field, Grear was only able to play about half of his senior season, therefore, putting a halt to college coaches reaching out to him. Fortunately for this young man, TA’s CenTex Legit Football Combine, which is also opened to unsigned 2013 graduates, can provide him with the opportunity for one last shot at impressing college coaches.

From being in contact with Grear’s younger brother via Del Valle's new head football coach Charles Burton, TA soon decided to reach out to Wilfred and provide him with the opportunity to attend his combine, which he soon took.

“I want to do whatever it takes to sign with a school and I felt like this could really help me,” said Grear.

When asked about his last shot with the combine, Grear said he “really appreciates and is thankful for the opportunity…I’m ready to do whatever it takes and prove myself.”

Though playing at the defensive lineman position his senior season, due to lack of size throughout the team, the 5’11’’, 220 pound Grear is looking to play linebacker at the next level. He has past experience at the linebacker position, having played there his freshman, sophomore and junior years. Grear says that he is more comfortable playing linebacker and feels, there, he can make more of an impact.

Some of the things Grear considers to be the best aspects of his game are his football instincts and ability to diagnose the ball quickly. Also, from having to play defensive lineman and not always being able to overpower opponents, he feels his quickness and 4.5 (40 speed) is an advantage for himself.

Though only playing half of his senior season, Grear was still able to receive 2^nd Team All-District Honors and two Honorable Mentions.

TA’s combine will take place on June 29 at Jarrell High School where Grear will be in action in his last attempt to gain college recognition.

- Ashleigh D., Intern

Trent Andrews, Bosqueville Lineman, Sparks Division I Interest

Bosqueville's 2014 defensive tackle prospect (#66) Trent Andrews

Bosqueville High School’s star lineman, Trent Andrews, has sparked the interest of Division I coaches with his impact on the field.

Andrews, who will be a senior this upcoming year, has not yet received any offers, but has been in contact with FCS schools by the likes of Texas Southern University, South Dakota State University and just about every Ivory League school. He has also recently gained some FBS interest from the coaching staff at the University of Houston.

The 6’2’’, 285-pound lineman is capable of playing three positions, which include guard, defensive tackle and defensive end. This past season, Andrews acquired several accolades at said positions, including: 1st Team All State Defensive Lineman, 2nd Team All State Offensive Lineman, 1st Team Super CenTex Guard, 1st Team All Smoaky Super CenTex Offensive Lineman and 2nd Team All Smoaky Super CenTex Defensive Lineman.

According to Andrews, he feels, at the division I level, he can make the most impact at the defensive tackle position, which is where he also feels the most comfortable. With his size and quickness, recently clocking a 5.08 40-yard dash time, he is explosive and is able to shed blocks particularly well. This past season, he recorded 9 ½ sacks and 36 TFL.

When asked what separates him from other recruits at his position, he said that he prides himself on his work ethic over anything. Though from a smaller school, he knows, with his work ethic, he can compete with guys at larger schools.

"You get in what you put out," said Andrews. "That includes during school and after school workouts in the summer...you just have to stay grinding."

Andrews not only works hard on the field, but he has a great work ethic in the classroom, as well. He currently has a 3.5 GPA and just recently scored a 24 on the ACT. With that, in his search for a college or university, Andrews ensures that academics, not just a strong football program, will influence his decision. He plans on majoring in business with minors in religion and kinesiology.

As for the summer, along with attending TA’s CenTex Legit Football Combine, Andrews plans on attending a few camps, several of which are division I. He will be working out at camps hosted by North Texas, Houston, Rice and also West Virginia, whose camp is invite only. 

- Ashleigh D., Intern

(Trent Andrews Highlights)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/627629/highlights/16356411