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Golden Recruiting Wire: Cal Legacy Richard Rodgers Pledges

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August 24, 2010 | August 19, 2010 | August 12, 2010 | August 5, 2010
July 28, 2010 | July 22, 2010 | July 15, 2010 | July 8, 2010

 

Friday Night Lights

  • Palo Verdes Panthers (Las Vegas, NV) defeated Grass Valley Gators 62-20 [1][2][3]. Brandon Wright, RB/DB had the most statistically dominating week of all Cal recruits by rushing for 292yds on the ground w/ 4 TDs on 12 carries. He had at least 4 runs of > 20yds (44, 65, 68, 29).

    Highlights from the game (Wright is #4 in white) -

  • Viliami MoalaJames SampleGrant Union Pacers (Sacramento, CA) featuring Viliami Moala, DT, James Sample, S, Shaq Thompson, ATH {2012} defeated Folsom Bulldogs 49-14 [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Thompson rushed for 127yds on 18 carries and a TD in addition to catching 3 passes for 91yds and a TD [10]. Moala was triple-teamed all night long [11]. Photo galleries from the game [12][13].
  • Aaron GreenJames Madison Mavericks (San Antonio, TX) led by Aaron Green , RB defeated Steele Knights (Cibolo, TX) on ESPN [14][15][16][17]. Green electrified and finished the game with 170yds rushing on 28 carries. Green scored the winning TD w/ a 68yds run [18][19][20].

    Green has real cut and go ability and he does a nice job of setting up defenders for an ankle break. He's not powerful, but I wouldn't call him soft either. The two red zone fumbles were distressing, but that's something you can correct. Really quick and a nice complementary back for any program. Feed him 10-15 carries and 4-5 catches a game and get him involved in the return game [21].

    Game highlights -

  • <a class=Northern Guilford Nighthawks (Greensboro, NC) defeated Northeast Guilford 40-14 [22][23]. Maurice Harris, WR caught a 7yds TD completion and a pass > 50yds in the win.
  • Nathan BroussardPlano West Wolfpack (Plano, TX) defeated Arlington Martin 16-14 Thursday night [$24][25]. Nathan Broussard, DE/LB and his defense stood out for the Wolfpack.
  • DeAnthony ArnettSaginaw Trojans (Saginaw, MI) lost to Midland Dow Chargers in its opener 41-6 [26]. DeAnthony Arnett, WR was limited to 4 catches for 17yds.

 

Tedford & Company

  • Richard RodgersRichard Rodgers, TE St. Johns (Shrewsbury, MA) pledged to Cal [27]. Rodgers stood out in St. Johns Pioneers' scrimmage game against the Brockton Boxers [28].
  • Bryce Treggs, WR St John Bosco (Bellflower, CA) {2012} interviewed [29]. The summer camp workouts have benefited Treggs as he's truly one of the elite SoCal WRs in the 2012 class [30][31].

    "What makes Bryce a quality receiver is his work ethic and how he prepares every single day," St. John Bosco Coach Jason Negro said. "During our three-week dead period, he was out lifting and running and doing all the things he needed to do to better himself."

  • Viliami MoalaViliami Moala, DT Grant Union (Sacramento, CA) is becoming a household name. Cal is the leader for Moala and his teammates [$32][$33].

    Moala, who goes by Vei, is part of one of the strongest prep defensive lines in recent memory, along with fellow linemen Darryl Paulo and Faigame Lopa. Last season Grant Union's defense allowed only 68 points and shut out six teams. The Pacers set a state record with 77 sacks.

    Moala, now a senior and 6-foot-2 and 330 pounds, was called a bulldozer by one observer. He had 105 tackles and 15 sacks last season, earning the Sacramento Bee newspaper's All-Metro team defensive MVP honors.

    Nicknamed "Tiny," Moala can bench a staggering 495 pounds. His coach, Mike Alberghini, likens his hands to shovels.

    Alberghini likes to tell the story about how he often spotted Moala watching from the stands during the 2006 season. Eventually he had to ask the 300-pound kid why he wasn't playing football: Moala replied he was only 13 [34].

    Four years ago, Moala never thought he’d even play football, let alone be in a starting lineup. While he liked watching Grant games on the weekends, he was first and foremost a rugby player. Moala’s family hails from Tonga, an island nation in the South Pacific that counts rugby as its national sport.

    "It’s pretty big among the Polynesians here," Moala says.

    But many athletes of Tongan descent — such as Haloti Ngata, a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens who grew up in Inglewood — have also found success in football. It took some trickery to get Moala to join that group.

    One day when Viliami was in the eighth grade, Sione [Moala's older brother] told him to grab his cleats for a rugby game. Sione then drove him to the park, dropped him off and kept driving. Turns out the rugby game was actually a practice for a youth football team. Sione had pulled a fast one on him.

    But rather than try to find a way home, Moala decided to give football a shot. It’s a choice he’s glad he made. For starters, he met his best friend, Faigame "Puka" Lopa, who’s now a star senior defensive end/offensive tackle for Grant. And he realized he should’ve been playing football all along [35].

  • Mustafa JalilMustafa Jalil, DT Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, CA) profiled [36]. His Cathedral Catholic Dons are expected to win once again despite graduating more than half of the starters from last season [37].

    "I loved SDSU, but when I saw Cal my eyes just opened up," said Jalil. "I just knew Cal was the place."

    Jalil didn’t play organized football until he stepped on the Cathedral campus.

    He and his older brother, Abu, a former Dons standout now playing at New Mexico Highlands, grew up near Kit Carson Park in Escondido focusing their energies on indoor soccer and roller hockey.

    "I was a beast at roller hockey," said Jalil, adding, "If football doesn’t work out, I’ll have to go back to it."

  • Jordan RigsbeeJordan Rigsbee, OG Pleasant Valley (Chico, CA) and his Vikings are expected to battle for the top playoff spot in the CIF Northern Section [38].
  • Kyle Boehm, QB Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, CA) is expected to lead his Monarchs to repeat as West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) league champions.

    Boehm is the complete package. His legs are just as dangerous as his arm. The Cal-bound senior threw eight touchdown passes in '09 and ran for 14 more, including a monster 200-plus day on the ground in a 28-14 victory over St. Francis last fall.

    "Last year our expectations were high," Boehm said. "This year they're even higher. We want to go back-to-back and win the WCAL again. The loss to end the season only fuels the fire to get back out there and start winning again."

    The recruiting process came down to UC-Berkeley and the University of Washington for Boehm, but the Monarchs quiet leader chose to be a Golden Bear and stay close to home.

    "Cal has always been my favorite team growing up," Boehm said. "I'm very excited to have made my choice and to be going to such a strong program [39]."

    ARCHBISHOP MITTY (9-1-1, 6-0-1): The Monarchs made a dramatic turnaround to win a share of the WCAL title last year before being upset in the first round of the playoffs. Senior QB Kyle Boehm rushed for 877 yards and 14 scores and threw for 936 yards and eight touchdowns to earn league co-player of the year honors. He has made a commitment to Cal. RB Rocky Meszaros rushed for 686 yards and seven touchdowns last season. OT/DE Parker Smith (6-3, 250) is one of the top linemen in the section. LB Jacob Barrow (6-0, 220) returns after recording 91 tackles as a junior. G/LB Chris Eglesia is a tough player, and WR/K Brandon White is an offensive threat and a weapon with his strong leg [40].

  • Jordan Morgan, S Lakeside Blue Ridge (Lakeside, AZ) named to Arizona High School Football Preseason Supersquad on Defense [41]. His Yellow Jackets are expected to run away with the AZ Class 3A Championship [42]. Unfortunately, Morgan won't be cleared to play on the field until the AZ Interscholastic Association clears his recruiting allegations in September [43].
  • Daniel Lasco, RB The Woodlands (The Woodlands, TX) and his Highlanders defeated Monterrey Prepa Tec Borregos 44-7 [44][45]. Lasco had a mild ankle and remained out after the 2nd series of the game. He is day-to-day [46] and most likely won't play this Friday night [47].

    Lasco is also featured in stories w/ Houston rapper Paul Wall on music and sports [48][49].

  • Avery wallsAvery Walls, S Eagles Landing Christian Academy (McDonough, GA) confirmed his plan to officially visit Cal October 9th [50]. He is set to visit Tenn on September 11th, Michigan on September 3rd, and Oregon on October 2nd. He plans to graduate from High School December 20th and greenshirt.

    The most important thing about where he will attend college though seems to be the degree he will work towards while working on the gridiron. "Academics are the key. I want a good system." Walls said the school must meet his two most important criteria: a Tier One academic institution and it must have a quality business program. Most of the west-coast schools that Walls will visit meet those two factors as do UConn and Virginia. South Carolina and Tennessee are the only two schools from the south that Walls is really considering, but that has a bit less to do with academics as it does with the SEC and its "great fans [51]."

    Walls' ability to deliver big hits is also receiving notice [52] -

  • Jalen JeffersonJalen Jefferson, ATH St Bonaventure (Ventura, CA) set to officially visit Cal October 9th [53]. He and the Seraphs are looking to compete w/ Oaks Christian Lions in the Marmonte League [54].
  • Todd BarrTodd Barr, DT Lakewood (Lakewood, CA) and his Lancers are expected to defend their league championship this year w/ their "Red Swarm" defense [55]. He has set his official visit to Washington, Florida, and Miami [$56][$57]. Cal is most likely the leader for Barr [$58]. He is expected to visit Florida on October 16th [59]. He is visiting Washington on September 18th when the Huskies take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers [60]. Viliami Moala and James Sample will also be present.
  • Known for his kick off the line, Barr will likely have to add bulk to play in college at defensive tackle. He is praised for his ability to read blocks and get to the ball.

    Barr is also a fine student with a 3.75 GPA. His smarts translate to the football field, where he is praised for his savvy.

    "He's got great athletic ability, and the quickness — those first two steps when he comes off the ball," MacNeal said. "And to top it all off he's smart [61]."

  • Colt LyerlaColt Lyerla, ATH Hillsboro (Hillsboro, NC) is in no rush to narrowing his choices of schools down [62]. The reigning Oregon Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year is faster than last year. Lyerla has expressed interest to Tedford & Co for the rush LB spot [$63].

    "He's [Lyerla] a real down-to-earth kid," Hillsboro defensive tackle Joe Ashby said. "He doesn't like to take all the credit. It was great to play with him, because he didn't make you feel like he's the star of the team."

    Lyerla, who has drawn comparisons to both Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher, is among the top 10 linebackers in the 2011 recruiting class, but he has said he would be better suited at h-back or receiver [64].

    Lyerla will not be eligible for Hillsboro's opener due to family matters [65].
  • Devon BlackmonDevon Blackmon, ATH and his Summit Skyhawks are going to open their season against Etiwanda, Marvin Jones' high school, on September 2nd [66]. Scout.com has Blackmon as the 3rd-best WR recruit from CA [67] w/ 4.41s 40yd dash. The Skyhawks also has another complementary weapon at RB [68].

    At various times he has played at QB, running back, receiver, safety and kick returner, and he prompted one former high school coach to describe him as "a man against boys."

    Most colleges that have shown interest in Blackmon — and there are quite a few — envision him at receiver, which is where he played in the offseason at the recent Champion Gridiron Kings 7-on-7 event in Florida. He could also be a prospect at defensive back.

    "I don't have a favorite (position)," Blackmon told the Fontana Herald News. "I like them all. Any way you can get the ball in my hands, I feel comfortable with that [69]."

  • Antoine ArnoldAntoine Arnold, WR Chaparral (Temecula, CA) is the 4th-best WR recruit from CA according to Scout.com [70]. Arnold and his Chaparral teammate Darius Guillory are expected to dominate their competition [71][72]. The head coach of Chaparral is trying to find the identity of the Pumas [73].
  • Patrick FlavinPatrick Flavin, OT Benet Academy (Lisle, IL) is playing for a new Head Coach this year. His nimble footwork and massive frame will pave the way for the Redwings' ground game [74].
  • <a class=Jon Lewis, DE Klein Oak (Spring, TX) named captain to his Panthers team [75]. His Klein Oak team should be vastly improved from last season's 1-11 performance. The Panthers are picked to finished 3rd in the TX Class 5A District 17 competition [76].
  • Amir Carlisle, RB The King's Academy (San Jose, CA) and his Knights are looking for a balanced ground and air attack this year [77]. Carlisle runs a 4.4 40 and has a 38" vertical leap. He is visiting Cal, Stanford, Maryland, Notre Dame, Arizona State, and USC to making a decision after his senior season.

    "What I've heard from people that saw him at the Cal camp and the USC camp is that he's stronger, bigger and faster than he was last year," TKA head coach Ron Kellner said. "We're obviously really excited to have him for another year [78]."

    THE KING’S ACADEMY (8-4, 4-2): The Knights play in the Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division and have a bona fide star in Amir Carlisle, ranked as the No. 11 running back in the country by rivals.com. Coach Ron Kellner has other impressive players, including LeeRoy Richardson III, who rushed for 751 yards and six scores last season. QB Nathaniel Recine has a quality target in two-time all-league WR Ben Leong. Senior DT/OT Gunnar Loos mans the trenches, along with Ben Jendricks and C Jeremy Wilczek (6-2, 310). OLB Thomas Dana is a strong tackler [79].

  • George Atkinson IIIGeorge Atkinson III, ATH Granada (Livermore, CA) and his Matadors will be featured this week against Sierra and Jarrod Daniels [80].
  • Byron Marshall, RB Valley Christian (San Jose, CA) {2012}is also expected to lead the Warrios to compete for the WCAL championship. Byron is the younger brother of ASU's Cameron Marshall.

    SF Chronicle has Valley Christian #2 & Mitty #4 in WCAL [81]. NorCalPreps.com has Valley Christian #6 and Mitty #9 in Northern California.

    Marshall, a breakaway threat just about any time he touched the ball last season, was the WCAL's Sophomore of the Year and co-Utility Player of the Year after scoring 23 touchdowns last season. Most of Marshall's scores were products of Valley Christian's running game. He packed the ball 149 times for 17 touchdowns and 1,035 yards, an average of nearly seven yards per carry. Marshall, a state meet qualifier in the 100 meters and the long jump last spring, demonstrated his versatility by catching 11 passes from Vaiana for 331 yards and four touchdowns. The speedster added two more TDs on kick returns.

    "He gives us a lot of options," Machado said about the multi-talented Marshall, whose older brother Cameron is a sophomore running back at Arizona State. "He also is our lock-down cornerback on defense [82]."

    VALLEY CHRISTIAN (8-4, 4-3): The Warriors finished strong last year, winning five in a row, including an upset of Archbishop Mitty in the first round of the playoffs before losing to St. Francis in the Open Division semifinals. The Warriors have a wealth of returning talent, led by junior Byron Marshall (5-foot-10, 195), who rushed for 1,116 yards with 25 total touchdowns and has over 20 scholarship offers. Darrelled Jones helps give the Warriors one of the top rushing tandems in the section. QB Zach Vaiana (5-10, 195) broke school records with 17 TD passes and 1,191 yards. He has a sure-handed target in WR Bryan Fobbs (5-11, 195), who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds and has interest from Boise State and Oregon. LB Jamaal Rose (6-3, 210) is sought by colleges for his speed and hitting ability. Blue-chip recruit Justin Satele, a cousin of Raiders lineman Samson Satele, will play center and defensive tackle [83].

  • <a class=Marqise LeeJason Gibson, OLB, Marqise Lee, ATH Serra (Gardena, CA) starts off the season as the #5 team in the State of CA, behind Grant, Crenshaw, De La Salle, and Westlake [84]. They are ready to defend their CIF Division III Bowl Title [85].
  • Jason GibsonJason Gibson, OLB Serra (Gardena, CA) profiled [86].

    Gibson is "extremely gifted'' coach Scott Altenberg tells The Associated Press.

    "He's got a tremendous motor,'' the coach said. "He's just so hard to stop.''

    Even bigger numbers are expected from Gibson this season, with perennially talented Serra ranked among the top five teams in the state.

    He played last season at defensive end, but Gibson says he's more suited to play at linebacker, and will switch his senior season at Serra in hopes of playing there in college. He will need to bulk up to play defensive end in college.

  • Marqise LeeMarqise Lee, ATH Serra (Gardena, CA) profiled [87].

    The 6-foot-1, 187-pound defensive back, who also plays wide receiver, picked off six passes and pounced on two fumbles last season. He also had 89 tackles, four touchdowns and a safety.

    But he really wowed onlookers over the summer at a Nike 7 on 7 event in Oregon with seven interceptions.

    "He kind of just fell into football," coach Scott Altenberg told The Associated Press. "Last year was his coming out year as a player for us."

    Lee is listed on recruiting boards as an athlete for a reason. He's also a star on the track and at hoops. He helped lead his basketball team to a state title last season. Lee averaged 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game.

    "When he touches the ball, you just don't know what's going to happen," Altenberg said.

  • Danny SheltonDanny Shelton, DT Auburn (Auburn, WA) profiled [88].

    "At his age already, some of the things he can do on offense are things it takes college kids a couple years to learn," he said. "For his size, he's really athletic, that's what sets a kid like him apart from other big kids. If you're big, you're big, and sometimes you're able to do things in high-school football just because you're big. He would be as effective a lineman at 175 pounds with the same skill set. He could easily be a starting tight end for us. He's a total athlete."

    Wrestling helped Shelton with his footwork, strength and conditioning. He also competed in track and field, placing fifth at state in the shot put and sixth in the discus. This year he has visions of wrestling and playing basketball, although that seems unlikely due to practice and scheduling conflicts.

  • Brennan ScarlettBrennan Scarlett, DE/TE Central Catholic (Portland, OR) went on unofficial trips this summer to USC, UCLA, Cal, Stanford. Oregon and Oregon State should also join the California schools in the hunt for Scarlett's services. He hopes to announce at the US Army All-American game [89].
  • Stefan McClure, CB Vista (Vista, CA) has Washington and UCLA as leaders. Cal & Boise State trail. McClure will visit all four programs before making a decision [90].
  • Frank Clark, WR Glenville (Akron, OH) is playing LB to help out the Tarblooders [$91].
  • Thomas Johnson, ATH Skyline (Dallas, TX) offered by Purdue. He runs a 4.40s 40 [92].
  • Cyrus HobbiCyrus Hobbi, OG Saguaro (Scottsdale, AZ) officially visited Oregon State [$93]. Arizona is his next stop. Hobbi benches 405lbs and is nicknamed "The Virus [94]."
  • Ray DrewRay Drew, DE Thomas County Central (Thomasville, GA) is about to become a 5-star recruit according to Rivals [95]. The Thomas County Central at Thomasville opening rivalry game was the top 10 games of the week in the State of Georgia [96][97][98].
  • DeAnthony ArnettDeAnthony Arnett, WR Saginaw (Saginaw, MI) profiled [99] and interviewed by local TV WNEM [100]. He runs a 4.45s 40. There is overwhelming sentiment that the consensus #1 recruit from the State of Michigan will eventually commit to Michigan State. He was named to Associate Press' 25 Best Recruits from the Central Region [101].

    "He has great balance when he runs his routes," Lee [Gary, Arnett's coach] said. "He's never stumbling or tripping, which is unusual for a high school player. He has phenomenal football sense. When I say this kid gets open, I mean he's wide open. He's spinning kids around [102]."

  • Aaron GreenAaron Green, RB James Madison (San Antonio, TX) also named to Associated Press' 25 Best Recruits from the Central Region [103].
  • Christian HeywardChristian Heyward, DT Pointe Loma (San Diego, CA) profiled [104]. Nebraska fans are hoping that Heyward will officially visit Lincoln.

    Heyward didn’t play tackle football until ninth grade, but blossomed as a sophomore starter for the Pointers, leading the team with nine sacks and ranking second with 59 tackles. Last fall, his 50 tackles, nine sacks and six pass deflections were team highs, to go with two recovered fumbles and six pass deflections.

    "I realized my sophomore year I could be something special in football," said Heyward, who carries a 3.0 grade-point average. "I was playing well against guys who were two years older and I decided something like college football or even the NFL could be a reality."

    Noting he’s planned recruiting visits to Arizona, Oregon and Miami, Heyward outlined these factors in his ultimate decision: "A good football and academic environment, a good fit with the coaching staff and the education I will get."

  • Todd BarrDevon BlackmonJason GibsonChristian HeywardCyrus HobbiColt LyerlaMarqise LeeViliami MoalaTodd Barr, DT, Devon Blackmon, ATH, Jason Gibson, OLB, Christian Heyward, DT, Cyrus Hobbi, OG, Colt Lyerla, ATH, Marqise Lee, ATH, Viliami Moala, DT named Associated Press' 25 Best Players in the West [105].
  • Mustafa JalilChristian HeywardMustafa Jalil, DT, Christian Heyward, DT, Stefan McClure, CB are bringing San Diego Section Football back on college recruiters' map [106].
  • Lavonte BarnettLavonte Barnett, DE Paraclete (Lancaster, CA), Steve Dillon, DE Palmdale (Palmdale, CA) named to preseason All-Area team [107].
  • Brendon BigelowBrendon Bigelow, RB, Tee Shepard, CB {2012} Central East (Fresno, CA) have a unique training method - "The Hill [108]."

  • Jordan Richards, WR Folsom (Folsom, CA) pledged to Stanford [109]. Cal eliminated.
  • Kasen WilliamsKasen Williams, WR Skyline (Sammamish, WA) pledged to Washington [110]. Cal eliminated.

 

Montgomery's Crew

  • Jabari Brown, SG 6-3/205 Oakland (Oakland, CA) has set an in-home visit w/ Coach Montgomery on September 28th [111]. He is open to any of his 9 leaders of Cal, Washington, Oregon, St. John’s, Georgia Tech, UConn, DePaul, Maryland, and Miami. Oregon is getting a second in-home visit w/ Brown [112]. Maryland is also getting an in-home visit [113]. He is planning to visit UConn officially on September 25th [114].
  • Juan Anderson, SF 6-6/200 Castro Valley (Castro Valley, CA) is set to officially visit Arizona State the weekend of October 1st [$115]. Cal, Marquette, Arizona State, and Oregon are in Anderson's leader group.
  • Norvel Pelle, PF 6-8/180 Price (Compton, CA) is expected to visit Kansas [116].
  • Brandon Ashley, PF 6-8/225 Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland, CA) {2012} is the 6th-ranked recruit in the Class of 2012 [117][118].
  • David Kravish, PF 6-9/200 Lee's Summit North (Lee's Summit, MO) is Cal's new target at PF after Wiltjer's pledge to Kentucky [119]. Kravish has an older sister who lives in SF. Iowa, Colorado, and Cal lead. He is scheduled for an official visit to Berkeley on September 24th.

    "David is a post player. At the high school level he's pretty much a typical interior back-to-the basket post kid. But at the college level, he can be more of an out on the floor small foward. He has tremendous offensive skills. He can put the ball on the floor and attack you off the dribble, he's a great passer, and from 20 feet in can knock down the jump shot."

  • Kyle Wiltjer, PF 6-9/225 Jesuit (Portland, OR) pledged to Kentucky [120]. Cal eliminated.