New Names in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - At Rockhurst high school Sunday afternoon there may not have been the class of 2017 national names that some other editions of the Rivals Camp Series could boast but there was plenty of other top shelf young talent and, as of yet, unheard names to learn about. The entire SoonerScoop.com staff was on hand and had a chance to watch the prospects up close and here are some names that stood out to recruiting editor Josh McCuistion.
In his first few reps Babb consistently showed an ability to separate from defensive backs and ran under balls that seemed over thrown. As time wore on he also showed something more than speed, winning jump balls as well as winning elaborate routes, and not surprisingly showing some ability after the catch. Babb's mix of length and explosion makes him a very interesting 2018 prospect.
The latest in the line of impressive Farniok offensive linemen, Farniok may not have the size of his elder brothers Derek and Matt, but all that they have learned clearly shows up in their brother's game - who is eerily reminiscent of his eldest brother Tom. Farniok is a technically sound offensive lineman who shows great ability to move his feet and keep a solid base. The question will be how he continues to physically develop as some of the bigger and more powerful defensive lineman seemed to overwhelm him a bit in close quarters.
Green, a recent Sooner offer, was outstanding thanks to his length and ability to drive on balls thrown underneath him. The big corner came all the way from Houston to make an impression and he absolutely did, taking home the defensive back MVP offer.
From little known to earning a five-star challenge invite, Hayes ran the gauntlet on Sunday at Rockhurst. Hayes will need to shave some bad weight off of his body but even with that extra weight he still moved his feet well and showed the ability to possibly play right tackle at the next level. That being said his best future is probably at guard where his athleticism could be on the high end and the supreme violence in his hands projects beautifully.
Maize, who features as both a linebacker and defensive end for his Deerfield, Ill. team, worked solely with his hand on the ground and though he could play a bit upright at times he showed some athleticism on the edge. He seems to be a guy who is going to have to find someone who projects him a bit as he doesn't have the prototypical length for a 3-4 and maybe isn't the fluid athlete you generally see in a 4-3.
Tatum was one of the camp's real surprises after having little notoriety so far in his career. He spent his sophomore year at Putnam City North but is now at rival Putnam City and looks like he could be only the Pirates second division one signee since Bryan McCann in 2006. He is a defensive end with nice length and surprising quickness with a particularly nice first step for a player with such a frame.
No player was more impressive going through drills than the defensive lineman from the other side of Missouri. During one-on-ones Trout didn't quite dominate like his physical make-up says he should, and probably someday will, but his quickness and power are things that are hard for many players so young to match.