Earlier in the Spring Evaluation period, Ocean Lakes defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi had narrowed his list of schools under consideration to two. Virginia and Virginia Tech sat atop his list, while a number of top out-of-state schools fell from consideration. Now that those schools have been able to visit Ocean Lakes to evaluate and talk to Derrick in person, the big man’s list has changed again.
Lake Taylor cornerback Nhyre Quinerly is seeing his recruitment heat up. The rising junior is still ahead of the curve when it comes to college attention. The latest news should send his stock skyrocketing.
As the Spring Evaluation period winds down, we’re getting more and more news of new offers. After months of mutual interest, Salem linebacker Jacob Brown has landed his first scholarship offer.
($$) Ocean Lakes linebacker Jahvoni Simmons has the look of a big time player. He’s 6-2 and 225 now, and he’s only a high school sophomore playing at middle linebacker. His highlight film is full of punishing hits, and his ability to drop back into coverage has him looking as smooth as silk. It’s no wonder big colleges are jumping on board and doing it early. This morning, a Big Ten school just took Simmons’ recruitment to a new level.
Maury speedster Davion Taylor was one of the success stories of the 2012 season. The Commodores experienced a resurgence and the junior receiver/defensive back/return specialist often sparked the Maury offense before he lost the last few games of the season due to a devastating knee injury. Taylor’s comeback is ahead of schedule. Now he just has to convince the college coaches recruiting the area to expect him to be healthy.
Ocean Lakes wide out and cornerback Quincy Watts has a good pedigree and a great opportunity. He’s worked hard to crack the starting lineup for the Dolphins, making his presence known last year as a sophomore starter. His dad, Malcolm Watts, is the head coach of the track team at Ocean Lakes. Quincy has been surrounded by a lot of talent for years, including players like Corwin Cutler and Eli Harold for Ocean Lakes, plus Virginia Thoroughbreds like Taquan Mizzell, Quin Blanding, Jamil Kamara, and Andrew Brown.
Ocean Lakes’ star quarterback Corwin Cutler hope to start his college career at UVA when injury struck in the first playoff game office senior season. Now, Cutler is rehabbing and instead of heading to Charlottesville, he’ll be headed to Fork Union Military Academy soon.
Kempsville lineman Kyron Speller has been fighting hard to get noticed. It’s finally paid off. The rising senior finally picked up his first scholarship offer on Tuesday and is working hard to earn more.
The Blue Chip Challenge at the Sportsplex was not just an opportunity for some of the best players in The 757 to get together and compete, but the seniors were also competing for a nomination to the 4th Annual Chesapeake Bowl. John Wallpher of the Chesapeake Bowl was on hand on Sunday to evaluate talent. He expected big things and liked what he saw.
($$) Despite the rain that threatened early, the Blue Chip Challenge, hosted by the 757 Sports Academy, was a showcase for some of the best athletes in the region, all looking to earn a selection to the Chesapeake Bowl All-Star Game. There were dominant performances at every position, and surprising outings from players that aren’t getting as much attention, at least not yet.