Stock Up: Unknown prospects making a BIG IMPACT on defense

By Jerry Williamson

Rising stars have a great reputation when it comes to highlighting prospects that are little-known on college football recruiting boards and recruiting websites, but after their feature, their scholarships and stars eventually comes shortly afterward. I have an impressive group of class-of-2020 playmakers who are division one recruits in waiting that are destroying the completion this fall that deserves recognition. Every prospect listed holds above a 2.5 GPA and already has their test score or is registered for the next ACT or SAT test date. Not only is this group academically sound, but they all fit the bill of D1 prospect at their position (height, weight, and speed) that will allow them to catch someone college football program eye soon. 

Blanche Ely | Darnell Deas

Note: Deas is the true definition of a ball hawk. The 5-11, 170-pounder has a staggering seven interceptions on the season. He has also found the end zone a total of four times. On special teams, Deas returned touchdowns as both a punt and kick return specialist and three additional scores on offense. 

The week, Deas received his first scholarship from Howard. Deas has top end speed. The rising talent has yet to run the forty-yard dash, but as a sophomore competing in track and field, he ran a 10.7 100m. 

Miami Southridge | Naqoun Fagan

Note: The Spartans football roster holds a plethora of division one recruits, and strong safety/outside linebacker Naqoun Fagan (6-1, 195) is a division one in waiting. The younger brother of Syracuse linebacker Nadarius Fagan hasn't disappeared in notable games this season. 

Fagan led the defense in tackles twice against the most notable opponents thus far this season, against unbeaten Miami Palmetto and Carol City. He has delivered his share of big plays on the season causing three forced fumbles, two defensive scores, two fumble recoveries, a sack, and one safety. 

Gulliver Prep | Dante De Rosa 

Note: The blue raiders defense has an emerging talent who reminds me of a BIG TEN linebacker. He just knows how to find the ball, regardless of his height (5'11") and solid speed. De Rosa is the leading tackler in 4A by a large margin, 22 to be exact according to MaxPreps. De Rosa was named South Florida Conference Player of the week. 

His height may be considered average, but listen to this average. De Rosa has averaged 12.5 tackles per game and 3.5 tackles for loss. The tackling machine sports a 3.0 GPA and has even more impressive numbers. Here's another stat, De Rosa recorded 15 tackles in a single-game and 9 tackles another game just within two quarters. The emerging talent also caused 2 fumbles and one fumble recovery.