Rising Star: Doral Academy Preparatory (FL) 19' CB/DB Wendol Philord (5-9, 160)

DORAL, Fla. -- Sophomore cornerback Wendol Philord of Doral Academy Preparatory, has made his presence known this off-season, shutting down the notable and bigger wide receivers of the world, as the starting cornerback for the (Nightmares) No. 1 ranked 15U high school 7v7 all-star team in the Southeastern Region.

The once heralded Pop Warner superstar at defensive line and Miami High spring football running back (scored 2 rushing TDs), has found his niche in the secondary, and has earned the highly-praise, as the next Rising Star student-athlete in South Florida. The converted cornerback, who stands 5-foot-9, 160-pounds, has benefited from the world of 7v7 football, showing off his hidden talent, which are his man-to-man and zone coverage skills.

As a whole, the finest underclassmen wide receivers in South Florida this off-season, has been a non-factor, when the undersized, fast and physical Philord is asked to shut down opposing teams go-to wide receivers. The emerging star, quietly locked down a 6-foot-2 wide receiver, who was offered by Tennessee. Philord has helped his (15U) 7v7 All-Stars football team win three consecutive tournaments and helped his fall football team, reach the playoffs, for the first time in school history, ending the season (8-3, 7-1).

Philord, recorded one interception, 10 pass breakups and was responsible for over 50 solo tackles as the firebirds breakout athlete the past season. Last fall, starting varsity mainly used as the firebirds rover at defensive back, his film highlights his strength, as an excellent open field tackler and someone who loves contact, but lacks the film showing his ability in coverage, which 7v7 has brought to light. Philord, has picked off six passes throughout four tournaments and weren't targeted in several games as well. His play, which has been going under the radar, has helped his team win notable events, such as Pylon, War Zone and IMG.

Philord four interceptions at the IMG Tournament, aided to the outcome of the first-year 7v7 15U football program, crowned as the Southeastern Regional Champions. His upside, is through the roof, considering his growth is far from over. The 15-year-old father (Wendol Philord Sr.) who stands 6-foot-2, committed to Tuskegee out of high school. In addition, Philord was awarded the War Zone Tournament defensive MVP and scored two touchdowns on the opposite side of the ball.

HUDL: http://www.hudl.com/profile/7569793/wendol-philord

Twitter: @wendolphilord12