D$'s Post-Season Top Prospects in Dade/Broward: 5-1

5. Demetrius Jackson, OLB/DE, 6’4, 215 pounds (Miami)



Here is what Jackson did in his first year of high school football:

• First team All-Dade
• Second team All-State
• 12 sacks (missed multiple games with high-ankle sprain)
• Sack, forced fumble, and batted up an INT in the national championship game. This was the third game of his career.

The springy legs that make Jackson such a dominant rebounder allow him to deflect passes at a Watt-like rate and close distance in a flash. With raw freaks like Jackson, their motors ultimately determine their success. Pro Bowlers Dontari Poe and Jason Pierre-Paul weren’t even productive in college, but their motors convinced NFL teams that they would reach their ceilings. Jackson competes hard and plays aggressive on every snap. His lanky frame is more Dion Jordan than Pierre-Paul, so expect him to play a hybrid role at Miami. Smart, humble kid who scored a 21 on his ACT and wants to be a preacher.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2611977/highlights/53579378

4. Sony Michel, RB, American Heritage- 5’11, 211 pounds 4.38 (Georgia)

Sony is Sony again. The former phenom capped his high school career with a monster season (1,833 yards, 24 TDs) and the state title. He combines 10.6 100M speed with the rare ability to cut at top gear. His long runs (like his 85-yard jaunt against Jackson) appear effortless. And for all of his big-play ability, he is still a 211-pound back who runs strong inside. Sony approaches football like a professional and works on his craft. Excellent receiver out of the backfield. Ready to play a major role immediately.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HXotI1O6Tk

3. Chad Thomas- DE, Booker T, 6’5, 240 pounds, 4.85 (Miami)

Justin Tuck-type player with enormous potential. Huge, athletic frame that will blow up in a college program. Dominated the All-Star circuit against the best tackles in America. During the season, he was the best player on the best defense in the state. Thomas was forced to play some DT for an undersized Tornadoes line, and aside from the Bishop Gorman game (where he went against bigger D-1 caliber guards), he was a terror. Once he adds some strength, he will be a force no matter where he lines up. Classically trained musician who has produced several local hip-hop hits.



www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1506372/chad-thomas

2. Travonte Valentine- DT, Champagnat, 6’3, 338 pounds (Uncommitted)

If not for grade concerns and the unpredictability of DTs, Valentine would be number one on this list. He has the total package at defensive tackle—long, quick, coordinated and powerful with an alpha dog personality. Champagnat used him all over the line (4-technique against Chaminade, zero-technique in the state championship game) and he was dominant. He also played right tackle on offense, which speaks to his conditioning as a 340-pound teenager. His swim move is unstoppable at the high school level. Valentine is the type of player you build a defense around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14COsrsQJL8

1. Dalvin Cook- RB- Central, 5’11, 196 pounds, 4.46 (Florida State)

I’ve been talking about this guy since his sophomore year, so there isn’t much left to discuss. I’ll just leave you with his schedule, his stats, and his senior highlights. They speak for themselves:

Miami Central's 2013 schedule

Dwyer (state champion)
American Heritage (state champion)
Booker T (national champion)
Coral Reef
Don Bosco Prep (25[SUP]th[/SUP] in the nation)
Homestead
Norland
Carol City
University (2012 state champion)
Boynton Beach (first round)
Dillard (second round)
Heritage (quarterfinals)
Mainland (semifinals)
Armwood (state finals)

Stats: 1,940 yards (11 ypc), 34 TDs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsZL0x_GMmE