The NCP Football Watch List for the 2012 class was released on Monday. It's now time to go more in-depth on the list as sports analysts Douglas Benton and Steve Hu discuss the national prospects, early commits, position strengths and possible breakout performers in another edition of the NCP Roundtable.
1. Who do you think are the national prospects out of this group and why?
Steve Hu: Grant defensive back Shaq Thompson. He is the only five star prospect. Playmaker is an overused tag on star players, but Thompson is a playmaker on either side of the ball who can change the tone of a game on one play. Also, De La Salle linebacker Michael Barton. De La Salle's defense lost several key pieces. Barton will have to be the senior leader on the defense should the Spartans want to get far this season. Passing an early season test against Florida power St Thomas Aquinas can really ingrain Barton on the national spotlight.
Douglas Benton: I expect there to be more national prospects coming out of this region than in recent years. Among the early stars are Pleasant Grove defensive tackleArik Armstead, who brings great size and athleticism to the line, and Thompson, who is a dynamic defender and a devastating running back. Others to look for are Valley Christian-San Jose running back Byron Marshall (best home run threat in this class), Salesian offensive lineman Freddie Tagaloa (great size/athleticism), San Ramon Valley quarterback Zach Kline (one of the top quarterbacks), Whitney tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (athletic two-way threat) and Buhach Colony defensive tackle Aziz Shittu (emerging on national scene after strong USC Nike Camp showing).
2. Early impressions, what is the strongest position group?
Steve Hu: Linemen. Armstead, Shittu, and Tagaloa headline the guys in the trenches who will dominate in their senior year. They all should step right in as college freshman and contribute to their college suitors.
Douglas Benton: As usual, the quarterback and offensive line groups should be strong coming out of Northern California. First the quarterbacks, Kline and Houston lead the way out of the East Bay Athletic League. Along with those two are Whitney's Jake Rodrigues, Miramonte's Ross Anderson and Granite Bay's Brendan Keeney as possible three star and higher recruits. The offensive line has high end talent as well with Armstead, Tagaloa, Granite Bay's Gavin Andrews, Independence's Fernando Villanueva and Buhach Colony's Matt Cochran.
3. Who is a play not on the Watch List that people should look out for?
Steve Hu: Bellarmine quarterback Travis McHugh and Pittsburg athlete Feao Vunipola. McHugh is a fundamentally sound quarterback who will be able to direct the Bellarmine offense. Bellarmine may be under the radar in the WCAL, but McHugh could put them at the head of the class. Vunipola is a two way LB/RB. He probably will be a linebacker prospect and would not surprise if he registered triple digit tackles for Pittsburg.
Douglas Benton: It is a group of quarterbacks who were among the players just left off the list. McHugh has good size coming back for Bellarmine and Vanden's Ben Scoot and Terra Nova's Chris Forbes also bring good frames that should draw college attention. Folsom is the defending Division II state champions and new quarterback Tanner Trosin is a quarterback/athlete who will have a big senior year.
4. Which early commit do you think is the best get for the school and why?
Steve Hu: Armstead. Older brother, Armond, is already at USC. Lane Kiffin has a good get in the younger Armstead, who could step right in and contribute immediately. Arik will be able to channel his older brother's experiences as an immediate contributor for the Trojans. The sanctions against USC apparently has not scared away the 2011 nor the 2012 class so far.
Douglas Benton: Anytime you get a talent like Armstead, it is a good value commitment and that is exactly what USC has. Armstead has already been invited to the Army All-American game and should see a steady rise in his national stock this summer and fall. Cosumnes Oaks' defensive back Marcus Rios is another solid get for Boise State. Last year, the Broncos snagged an early commit from Cosumnes Oaks defensive end Robert Ash, who has numerous BCS schools interested in him come the fall.
5. Who is most ready to have a breakout summer performance?
Steve Hu: Pittsburg quarterback Malik Watson. Watson shared QB duties last year, but will now be the main signal caller. He has a cannon for an arm along with all the prototypical QB attributes. Pittsburg had a mediocre season last year, but a solid summer can propel Watson and his team to a strong regular season.
Douglas Benton: Serra running back Erich Wilson is a player on the verge of breaking out as a big play threat who possesses smooth speed. Coming from a good program will help jumpstart his summer. Oak Ridge wide receiver Dylan Collie is another name to watch as he already has cemented his football skills and exposure to wide ranging competition to show he can match up physically will send his stock upwards. Also, Monterey Trail offensive lineman Leonard Wood is a player to watch continue to develop.
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