Miami Southridge' 1st Annual Red vs. Black scrimmage: Observations
SOUTH MIAMI HIEGHTS, FLA. -- The offense had its ups-and-downs on Saturday morning at Miami Southridge Stadium, but then again, even the best offensive teams in So. Florida will struggle when you have a defense with chemistry and twelve student-athletes with D1-FBS: DEs James Head Jr., Randy Charlton, DeAndre Johnson - LBs Brandon James, Nadarius Fagan, Billy Gibson Jr., Diamante Howard - DBs Shawn Davis, Antwan Collier, Juwan Horne, Chris McDonald Jr., Natron Grayson.
First-year offensive coordinator David Cooney displayed an up-tempo offense with a mixture of spread and power formations.
The bright spot on offense was recently reclassified 18' wide receiver Mark Pope (6-1, 165). There's a reason he has already been awarded a 4-star and holds eleven D1-FBS offers: Alabama, Florida, UM, USF, Tennessee, App State, NC State, Bowling Green, Georgia, West Virginia, Nebraska. Pope just looks like a football player. He can flat out separate and attack the ball at its highest point. Pope led all wide receivers in receiving yards and catches.
Next in-line would be the quarterback play of sophomore Michael Cox Jr. (6-1, 170). Cox Jr. and fellow sophomore quarterback Andre Foster were neck-in-neck, but Cox edged out Foster -- making several great throws to wide receivers: Mark Pope and Rodney Scott and used his legs when needed, turning in three big-plays of ten plus yards. The offense is without question far more a head than last year team.
Junior wide receiver Rodney Scott (University of Miami commit) made a living in the middle of the field. He pulled in several tough catches and is perhaps the best route-runner in So. Florida. Running backs Bentavious Thompson (University of Miami commit)and Courtney Reese appears to be a nice combination as fall approaches. Thompson a Junior who's committed to hometown, University of Miami will give the Spartans a powerful and downhill runner. Thompson scored once today and moved the pile often during the scrimmage. Freshmen running back Courtney Reese (5-8, 160) pulled in his first offer recently from the University of South Florida. Reese turned-in several big runs and displayed a burst along with sneaky strength. Expect the spartans to be balance this fall on offense.
The defense as I stated above, doesn't need an introduction. But, here's five names I observed making big-time plays who aren't on many college football radars this off-season, but worth adding their board.
Pictured above: Freshmen linebacker/strong safety Diamante Howard (6-2, 180) holds four early D1-FBS offers. Howard made over five tackles and returned a pick six for 26-yards. He's also a former state wrestling champion. Sophomore defensive back Herman Jackson (5-11, 170) just happens to play a position that's loaded with five student-athletes with D1-FBS offers, but Jackson is a D1-FBS prospect in waiting. He delivered the biggest hit of the day and didn't allow anything deep on his half of the field. Keep an eye on him. He would be starting right now on several high school teams in South Florida.
Pictured above: Freshmen cornerback Chris McDonald Jr. (5-10, 165) who recently was offered by the University of South Florida -- has the potential to be a Top 150 student-athlete come his senior year. McDonald was tested, but didn't allow a single catch beyond five yards and dropped a would be interception.
Pictured above: Junior defensive end Randy Charlton (6-3, 235) plays with a relentless motor. There's a reason why Nebraska offered the rising junior. Charlton recorded over 10 - sacks last fall. He does an excellent job finding the ball. Expect for this young man to add more offers before the start of fall.
Picture above: Sophomore linebacker Sherron Chester (6-1, 215) took full advantage playing in the spot of starter Brandon James. Chester made plays sideline to sideline and was a force in the middle. He caught my eye for sure. He's a big body that loves contact and controlled the middle at times. The spartans defense has depth this upcoming season.
