Four offers for LB Jakob Johnson

A few weeks ago, we brought you the tale of German transplant Jakob Johnson, whose name was just beginning to generate a buzz in recruiting circles. Johnson, as you may remember, made the decision to come over to the States in the summer to play his senior year of prep football at Ribault High School in Jacksonville.

Well, the story continues to be written. It turns out that, as expected, Johnson's stock continues to rise.

#Wisconsin #Badgers just offered me
— JakobJohnson (@JohnsonJakob) October 7, 2013

It should be noted that Wisconsin already has a commitment from Ribault quarterback D.J. Gillins, also a new addition at Ribault this fall, after previously playing at Eagle's View Academy in Jacksonville.

Justin Barney, a Preps writer for the Florida Times-Union also gave a positive review of Johnson's play in during a 42-29 victory for Bishop Kenny over Ribault on Friday.

@justinlwells He looks good. Definitely passes the eye test. Dropped an INT late in 2nd half; better coming up to play the run.
— Justin Barney (@JustinBarneyTU) October 5, 2013

The offer from Wisconsin gives Johnson four now, as he previously picked up tenders from Idaho, Tennessee and Tulane as well. In addition, Johnson visited Florida State on Saturday for the Seminoles' 63-0 win over Maryland at Doak Campbell Stadium, proving he's on the radar for a whole bunch of schools other than just the four who have throw their hat in the ring so far.

Many schools probably want to see as much tape as possible before offering a prospect who is new to the States, and that makes sense. Still, I'm not sure how long some programs can stand to wait before pulling the trigger on the offer if they are taking a look at Johnson. He does plan to enroll early at the school of his choice, so his time frame on making a decision is obviously a bit more accelerated than some.

Going back to the positives for Johnson here. The size is ideal (6-4, 240). He's comfortable in space, enough so that I don't think it's out of the question he could play the MIKE in a 4-3, although he figures to probably be a better fit at linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He's got a big frame, enough that some more certainly isn't out of the question, meaning a transition to the defensive front is possible too.

Then, throw in the fact that he can be on campus in January. If there's concern about his knowledge of the game or adjusting to playing the ball at this level in America, he will get an entire spring practice under his belt before his freshman season. There are a bunch of positives here. Johnson's best days on the gridiron are clearly way out in front of him.

And with the Big Three schools now apparently moving into the mix as well (Florida State and Miami have expressed interest, still no word on Florida yet), the pursuit of Jakob Johnson could get very intriguing over the next several weeks as he continues to take visits and consider his options at the next level.

The Gators target a Tennessee commitment

Florida extended an offer to Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, Calif.) wide receiver Eric Lauderdale on Monday afternoon.

#Florida Offered 🐊
— Eric Lauderdale (@e_lauderdale) September 30, 2013

Lauderdale is originally from Fayetteville, Ga., which is about 40 minutes southwest of downtown Atlanta. Saddleback College has him listed on the 2013 roster at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. He's presently committed to play for Tennessee next year, which he made sure to reaffirm after announcing the offer from UF.

Still #VolNation though
— Eric Lauderdale (@e_lauderdale) September 30, 2013

However, it should be noted that Florida has had some success in recent years of prying away JUCO players who were already committed to Tennessee. The Gators landed defensive tackle Edwin Herbert out of the City College of San Francisco in 2009 (Oops!) and then Damien Jacobs from East Mississippi Community College in 2012. Herbert was a non-contributor at Florida and only lasted in Gainesville for a year, while Jacobs has been a valued rotational tackle since joining the Gators. With Tennessee's ongoing struggles this season, it's a situation that certainly bears watching.

It's also worth noting that Florida has not signed a receiver from the junior college ranks since Carl Moore out of Sierra Community College in Rocklin, Calif. back in 2008.

As I've maintained, the Gators need to land at least three more skill prospects in addition to the players they've already managed to bring into the fold. And that doesn't even take into account potential attrition at the wide receiver position (of which I suspect there could be some following the season). So that number could very easily rise from three before National Signing Day rolls around.

During his freshman season at Saddleback, Lauderdale made 60 receptions for 916 yards (15.3 avg.) and 7 scores. He has yet to play in a game for Saddleback this season through three contests.

German transplant Jakob Johnson: Player to watch?

The name of Jacksonville Ribault linebacker Jakob-Elijah Johnson popped up on the radar this week ($). Johnson is playing his senior year of prep football in the Sunshine State, by way of Stuttgart, Germany.



It's hard to read too much into the highlights above from his time on the field in Germany. The competition Johnson faces is fairly dreadful. There are also a few assorted clips on Hudl from his first three games at Ribault, as well. He certainly looks the part, however. And Johnson clearly displays a willingness to initiate contact, which is awfully important in any prospect projecting to the defensive side of the football.

Ribault has Johnson listed at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, up from the 6-3, 230 his highlight videos posted on YouTube back in February had him at. If either measurement is legitimate, Johnson has excellent size for a LB/DE prospect coming out of the prep ranks.

Germany, of course, probably would be considered to have the best track record of producing football players out of any country in Europe. New England Patriots offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer is a native of Germany, as is Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Bjoern Warner. Markus Kuhn starred at N.C. State and spent last season with the Giants. There have been a few success stories in recent years, to be sure.

Of course, there's also the example of Constantin Ritzmann. The "Germanator" was highly publicized coming out of North Florida Christian in Tallahassee where he starred for a year after coming over from Germany. Ritzmann never quite lived up to the hype, but did carve out a solid career in Knoxville, and had a cup of coffee in the NFL.

In any case, the physical skills indicate that Johnson is at least worth a look for major college programs looking to add some size in the front seven. His story should be an interesting one to follow over the coming months.

2013 Preseason Florida All-State Team (All Classes)

Just a fun little exercise here with the first full weekend of real games coming up for Florida high schools. This is the my humble little submission for a preseason All-State team. This is an all-classification team, with only seniors being eligible for inclusion. 24 members total – 12 each on offense and defense. We'll revisit this group in December once all the games have been played.

Offense

QB Treon Harris (5-11, 185, Ft. Lauderdale/University School) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– Alright, so I cheated. Originally my pick was slated to be Sean White. But after watching both guys this weekend, I switched my pick to Harris. Yes, I realize that Harris will very likely play another position in college. But, hey, if Russell Wilson can succeed at less-than-ideal size in the NFL, why can't Harris at the college level? Son of a coach, will put up big numbers and is very likely to lead his team to a second-consecutive state title. This is not a bad pick here. But then again, White wouldn't be either.

RB Dalvin Cook (5-11, 196, Miami/Central) – Committed to FLORIDA

– I decided to go with the more explosive of the Central duo. Barring injury, the presence of both Cook and Yearby will limit the amount of carries each back gets. Regardless, they will still put up big numbers on the way to what should amount to be yet another season which ends at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

RB Sony Michel (5-11, 205, American Heritage-Plantation) – Committed to GEORGIA

– Now a full two years removed from reconstructive knee surgery, I expect Michel to put on a show this fall. When he's fully healthy and on, Michel is the best back in the state of Florida. That ability should be on full display in 2013.

WR Ermon Lane (6-2, 196, Homestead) – Committed to FLORIDA

– A year after nearly putting up a 1,000-yard season for Homestead, Lane will now have Georgia commitment Gilbert Johnson on the other side to help loosen up the defensive focus on his abilities as a big-play receiver.

WR Travis Rudolph (6-1, 190, West Palm Beach/Cardinal Newman)

– Over the last three years, Rudolph has amassed over 3,100 yards and 43 touchdowns from scrimmage. He should prove to be a threat on the ground and through the air once again for Cardinal Newman.

WR Artavis Scott (5-11, 180, Tarpon Springs/East Lake) – Committed to CLEMSON

– The numbers are going to be ridiculous once again. Scott should end his career as one of the most prolific receivers in the history of Florida high school football. Having a nice running-mate like George Campbell will also keep defenses from focusing too many double teams on Scott.

OL David Sharpe (6-7, 280, Jacksonville/Providence)

– This is more of an upside pick than anything. But even with so much development ahead of him, I can't imagine there wouldn't be too many coaches around the state of Florida that would turn down the opportunity to have this guy protecting their quarterback's blind side.

OL Trevor Darling (6-5, 330, Miami/Central) – Committed to MIAMI

– Although he can do it all at the high school level, expect Darling to excel at guard on the next level for the 'Canes. It will be another ho-hum season for the big man, as he helps pave the way for a pair of 1,000-yard backs at Central.

OL Isaiah Wynn (6-2, 275, St. Petersburg/Lakewood) – Committed to GEORGIA

– He's a little undersized, which has to be a slight concern in looking ahead to the next level. But Wynn is a dominant offensive lineman at the prep level who deserves mention here. Although he plays tackle for Lakewood, Wynn represents the pivot for this line, as he is likely to kick inside to guard or center at Georgia. Wynn's long arms do compensate for his lack of ideal height, but Wynn needs to add a few pounds once he arrives in Athens as well.

OL Montel McBride (6-4, 350, Plant City) – Committed to ALABAMA

– Yeah, he needs to drop some weight. But McBride is a force on both sides of the ball for Plant City. Perhaps the most destructive force at the guard position in the state this fall. Think a (slightly bigger) Ira Denson.

OL Kc McDermott (6-7, 300, Wellington/Palm Beach Central) Committed to MIAMI

– All things considered, McDermott is probably the best offensive lineman in the state of Florida right now. He is the cornerstone for Central's hope of making the playoffs for the second consecutive year (and second time in school history.) I expect the big man to battle for a starting job right of the bat when he arrives in Coral Gables.

AP Bo Scarbrough (6-2, 220, Bradenton/IMG Academy) Committed to ALABAMA

– The newest addition to a start-up program at the IMG Academy, Scarbrough is a five-star prospect who moves to the Florida after previously competing in the Yellowhammer State. Scarbrough will be primarily tasked with running the football at IMG. But he could also develop into a big-time linebacker at the college level as well.

Defense

DL Khairi Clark (6-2, 330, Hollywood/Chaminade-Madonna) – Committed to FLORIDA

– Clark is quite a load to handle in the middle of the line. He needs to drop some weight before he heads to Gainesville, but I'm sure there won't be too many offensive linemen excited to take on this big load during Friday nights this fall.

DL Rohan Blackwood (6-5, 220, Brooksville/Nature Coast)

– Blackwood put on 15 pounds after recording 15 sacks last fall. Now fully committed to football after moonlighting as a power forward on the hardwood (where he averaged 15 and 11 as a junior on a 25-4 squad for Nature Coast), expect Blackwood to put up some huge numbers this fall.

DL Jacob Pugh (6-4, 225, Tallahassee/Godby) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– There's a number of big-time pass-rushers in the state of Florida for the Class of 2014 (Keyon Brown, Trent Harris, Justus Reed, Denzel Ware, Richard Yeargin, etc.) I'm not sure I'd take any of them over Pugh.

DL Travonte Valentine (6-3, 290, Hialeah/Champagnat Catholic) Committed to MIAMI

– Like Clark, Valentine is another dominating presence in the middle of the defensive line. The best football is well out in front of Valentine, who transferred to Champagnat Catholic from Palm Bay Bayside in the spring.

LB Dillon Bates (6-3, 210, Ponte Vedra Beach/Ponte Vedra) – Committed to TENNESSEE

– The son of former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro Bill Bates, Dillon is blessed with an intriguing blend of size and speed. He recorded over 100 tackles at Ponte Vedra in 2010.

LB Kain Daub (6-3, 240, Jacksonville/Sandalwood) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– Daub excels as a pass-rusher for Sandalwood. A mid-season transfer last year, it will be interesting to see what he can do playing alongside Blake McClain for an entire fall.

LB Darrion Owens (6-3, 215, Orange Park/Oakleaf) – Committed to MIAMI

– Owens played safety last fall for Oakleaf and recorded over 100 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Now at linebacker – the position he will play in college – he should put up even bigger numbers as a senior.

LB Sharieff Rhaheed (6-2, 205, Ft. Pierce/Central)

– A hand injury will keep Rhaheed out for the first couple of weeks. His return will immediately improve a strong Cobras defense which also claims highly regarded defensive end Rashawn Shaw.

DB Duke Dawson (5-11, 195, Cross City/Dixie County) – Committed to FLORIDA

– Dawson hopes to carve a similar path as that of former Dixie County star Nick Collins – a player for whom Dawson has many similarities to. He recorded 43 tackles and a pair of interceptions for Dixie County a season ago.

DB Kendall Gant (6-2, 185, Lakeland/Lake Gibson) – Committed to GEORGIA

– After recording 62 tackles and five interceptions in 2012, the rangy Gant was a really nice pick-up for the Bulldogs earlier this summer. His length gives opposing offenses fits.

DB Trey Marshall (5-11, 196, Lake City/Columbia) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– The speedy Marshall was one of the top performers over the summer at Nike's eliete prospect camp, The Opening.

DB Quincy Wilson (6-1, 196, Ft. Lauderdale/University School) – Committed to FLORIDA

– Wilson's size could allow him to play either cornerback or make a smooth transition to safety at the next level. As it stands, Wilson will be a lockdown corner for the Suns as they make a run at a second-consecutive state championship. He recorded 34 tackles and an interception for the Suns a season ago.