Super 30: No better leader than Conner Sherwood
Even as a freshman, Cascia Hall's Conner Sherwood was already a beast.
Is Conner Sherwood among the nicest hard hitters out there? The Cascia Hall stud almost seems like he is too good to be true.
I’m beginning to think he’s just ‘too good.’ Sherwood will be entering his fourth year as a starter in the fall and comes in at No. 18 on the Super 30.
Take another look at the photo to the right. That’s Sherwood…as a freshman…in the semifinals. Needless to say Sherwood is not afraid of the big stage.
I’ve seen Sherwood play several times and what stands out to me is his leadership ability. He commands respect from his teammates and gets it by leading by example. I remember him dominating against Berryhill in the 3A state championship game in 2009. I also remember thinking how in the world is he only going to be a junior?
Fast forward to now, and he’s still the same player and entering his senior year. He has an offer from Tulsa, and I think he should get a couple of more. Not really sure what other teams are waiting for. Good size, great speed, tremendous attitude/character, has proved he can produce in big moments.
Regardless the focus right now for Sherwood and the Commandos is on getting ‘their’ championship back. Losing to Bethany in the quarterfinals was the first time Sherwood wasn’t taking pictures with a gold ball at the end of the year.
And coach Joe Medina, well, he’s not beating around the bush. Medina said he believes this could be his best team ever. Think about that for a second. Should be very interesting when you throw in Heritage Hall, Metro Christian, Anadarko, Tuttle, Kingfisher. Ooh, gotta love 3A.
For my story on Sherwood, go here.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Guthrie: ‘Help wanted’ at wide receiver
Guthrie flag will be waving proudly once again this year.
Driving home from the 7-on-7 passing league at Edmond Santa Fe, and the bank monitor tells me 100 degrees. Yep, 100 degrees at 8:15 p.m. I will say 6-7 p.m. was a heck of a lot worse than 7-8.
Tuesday was more of a feeling out process. Wanted to see what teams were there. The same eight teams will be back at Santa Fe on Thursday night (as will yours truly).
Edmond Santa Fe, Edmond North, Deer Creek, Midwest City, Guthrie, Putnam City North, Westmoore and Douglass.
It was a great opportunity to pick the brain of one of my favorite coaches around in Guthrie’s Rafe Watkins. And it’s pretty clear what the Bluejays need: wide receivers.
When Kentrell Brothers is on the same team, it’s easy to be overlooked, but I think Devonte’ McCully was just as important to last year’s success.
In fact, that was the first thing Watkins said: ‘We don’t have anybody 6-6 that can just go up there and get it.’
But don’t you dare feel sorry for Guthrie. If the team is lacking at WR (big IF), it’s the only spot where don’t have some of the best in the class.
Quarterback? Bryan Dutton, yep. Running back? Luke Davis, yep (watch out for him). Lineman? Blake Belcher, you betcha. And then a stud like Landry Chappell at linebacker. Man, Chappell is right up there among the most productive players around.
Really like the make up of this Guthrie team. No longer the young pups that made a surprise trip to the semis in 2009. Fueled by the disappointment of losing to Booker T. in the semis last season, ready to get back the gold ball.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30 review: Nos. 21-19
Doesn't that picture tell you all you need to know about Zac Veatch?
Back again for another installment of looking back at our latest Super 30 members. So let’s not waste any time, shall we?
21. Kason Key, QB, Owasso
The Rams were the ‘little team that could’ last year. Seriously expected not one thing from Bill Patterson’s group last year. So it was a huge shock to me to see Owasso in the state semifinals but maybe not to the team itself. One big reason for last year’s surge and this year’s expectations is obviously Key. He’s got great size and a great No. 1 target in Keon Hatcher.
For Anthony Slater’s story on Key, go here.
20. Ronnie Davis, CB, Midwest City
He’s going to be recruited as a cornerback, but I’m starting to be more and more impressed with his ability to throw the football. Got to watch him (and seven other teams) at Edmond Santa Fe on Tuesday, and it sure feels like Davis could be returning to his quarterback roots. Either way, I stand by my story that Davis is going to blow up this year, no matter where he plays.
For my story on Davis, go here.
19. Zac Veatch, TE, Broken Arrow
BA coaches got on me good in February when I didn’t have Veatch on the February list. Consider that corrected and consider that an error on my part in the first place. Veatch is a big boy, no doubt. Easily one of the best tight ends in the state. When I was talking to Norman’s George Kittle about Veatch, yep, that confirmed it. “Oh, he is tough to bring down.” Good enough for me.
For Tariq Lee’s story on Veatch, go here.
Now in the teens of the Super 30. Up next is one of the best linebackers not only of this year but of the last couple of years. Been a name to watch for a while now. Stay with us every day as we unveil the Super 30 for 2012, culminating with No. 1 on July 24.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30: Midwest City’s Ronnie Davis’ time is now
Midwest City's Ronnie Davis has waited patiently to make his impact.
A good coach will get in your ear early about some of his top kids. Well, it’s tough to top the efforts of Midwest City assistant coach Jason Sexton.
He’ll take every opportunity he can to just let you know how things are going. But nine times out of 10, Sexton has been 100 percent. So with that type of track record, you start to not brush him off and start to really pay attention when he says something.
That means we’re blaming Sexton if Ronnie Davis doesn’t pan out. I kid (100 percent), but Davis could be one of the more scrutinized choices of the Super 30 at No. 20.
His numbers don’t place him anywhere near the list. But as I’ve stated and will continue to state to email complaints, this isn’t about who the best high school player is. This list is about how the kids are being perceived on the recruiting trail.
And right now, yea, Davis’ stock is rising. He’s got great size as a defensive back, but things might get more interesting if coach Steve Huff believes Davis would best represent the team at quarterback.
No matter where he’s at, Davis is simply grateful to finally getting that chance. And if he does play in the secondary with Ricky Reeves, all I’m going to say is look out. That might be the best corner duo in the state right there.
Davis was a QB his entire life until learning the CB spot last year. The recruiting floodgates opened at corner so definitely going to be keeping tabs on how things progress for Davis.
He has natural instincts, and he’s good at baiting opposing quarterbacks. But in 6A, you don’t play both ways at CB/QB. After waiting, though, one way or another, Davis’ time is now.
For my story on Davis, here ya go.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30 review: Nos. 25-22
A healthy Cole Swayze is a dangerous Cole Swayze for Purcell.
Well, if you love quarterbacks, assume you have enjoyed the last few days of The Oklahoman’s Super 30 for the class of 2012.
And we’re not done yet for a mini-spoiler alert. But first, a look back at Nos. 25-22.
25. Markus Wakefield, DL, Heritage Hall
I don’t have much to add on Wakefield than what I’ve already said. He’s such a smart player who understands the game so well. His quick feet will also make him a name to watch in the future. You know how much he’s valued by how nice Barry J. Sanders and Sterling Shepard treat him. Always treat the big boys well who are leading the way for ya.
For my story on Wakefield, go here.
24. Corben Jones, QB, Yukon
Among the incoming seniors I’ve seen in person, Jones is the best pure quarterback I’ve seen. The qualifier to that, of course, is we don’t get to see a lot of Tulsa area kids as much as we used to, but Jones is about as good quality as they come. With a new stadium and a bevy of weapons to choose from, this year should just build on a solid 2010 season.
For Scott Wright’s story on Jones, go here.
23. Cole Swayze, QB/ATH, Purcell
Tempted to remove the ‘QB’ tag from Swayze. Pure coincidence that Swayze wears No. 23 in football and basketball, and he’s No. 23 on the countdown. Scott Wright raved about his time with Swayze, said he was one of the best kids he’s talked to. The elephant in the room is his health. Coming off yet another major injury, Swayze has to show he can do it for a full season. Still holds an offer from Oklahoma State and appears ready to put past injuries behind him and come up big in the fall.
For Scott Wright’s story on Swayze, go here.
22. Adrian McDonald, QB/ATH, Lawton Eisenhower
OK, the ‘QB’ label should be taken away from McDonald. You watch him in the open field, yea, that’s not a quarterback, my friends. McDonald forced us to take notice of him with how well he played last season in leading Eisenhower to a quality season. Sometimes that ‘tweener’ label of being good at so many spots can hurt a kid so we’ll just have to see how it all plays out.
For Tariq Lee’s story on McDonald, go here.
Who is No. 21? It’s another quarterback is all I’m going to say. Find out in Monday’s Oklahoman. And if you’ve missed out on any of the previous installments, the Super 30 page is here.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30: Markus Wakefield’s IQ is his biggest asset
Heritage Hall's Markus Wakefield is ready to become one of the team leaders for the Chargers.
He’s certainly not the fastest Heritage Hall player. He’s not the biggest. But if you ask me, there isn’t a smarter Charger than lineman Markus Wakefield. His dedication to film and to scouting reports really started to show up during this past season.
Will intelligence be the thing that grabs colleges’ eyes? Not sure, but if someone takes a chance on Wakefield, they’re not taking a risk in the character department.
Wakefield first stood out to me before his sophomore season. Unfortunately for Wakefield, his story is all too familiar. He was a big boy going into his sophomore year. Now going into his senior? Well, he’s pretty much that same big boy.
Put Wakefield in that same spot as Guthrie’s Landry Chappell, Midwest City’s Zeke Lewis, Millwood’s Marc Robinson and Connor Myers of Edmond Memorial from last year. ‘Two inches taller’ and they’d be breaking down his door.
Wakefield does have an offer from Colorado State, and he should pick up at least a couple of more. When talking about Wakefield, also have to mention his quick feet. He has tremendous footwork for a big man.
He’s the first Heritage Hall player to make the Super 30. Obviously he won’t be the last. And if you love quarterbacks, well, you’re going to enjoy the next couple of days of the Super 30.
And for my story on Wakefield, go here.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30 review: Nos. 28-26
Mustang's Brandon Taylor comes in at No. 28 on the Super 30.
Gonna split up the reviews of the Super 30 kids into two posts per week instead of one. In this trio, we begin to see how deep the quarterback spot is in the state. Spoiler alert: you’re going to see even more quarterbacks in the very near future.
However, here’s a recap of Nos. 28-26:
28. Brandon Taylor, QB, Mustang
It irked quite a few Varsity followers that Taylor wasn’t on the original list in February. Taylor worked his way onto the list. Taylor obviously received a lot of looks because of stud WR David Glidden last season, but he’s proving he’s more than capable and deserving of his own attention. And seriously, any excuse to show this photo shot by Chris Landsberger is good enough for me.
For Scott Wright’s story on Taylor, go here.
27. Keon Hatcher, WR, Owasso
Starting to separate himself from the field just a bit. There was a logjam in my eyes at wide receiver a couple of months ago, but Hatcher is pulling away down the stretch. Great camp performances combined with getting an offer from Arkansas has me believing No. 27 might end up being too low when we get right down to it.
For Anthony Slater’s story on Hatcher, go here.
26. Darrack Harger, QB, Sand Springs
Been a name on the radar for a while. I say that because I remember the lack of panic for the Sandites when Johnny Deaton got injured a couple of years ago. Here you have an Oklahoma State commit (at the time) going down, and Sand Springs was still feeling good about things. That said to me all I needed to know about the future of Harger, who was just a sophomore at the time.
For Tariq Lee’s story on Harger, go here.
Who is No. 25? Find out Thursday in The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com/Varsity. And catch up on all your Super 30 goodies as our daily countdown continues until we reach No. 1 on July 24.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Super 30: Week 1 review
Norman's George Kittle has gone from unknown to sought after commodity.
Saturday began our second annual summer series on the Super 30, a countdown of the top 30 football recruits for the class of 2012.
Last year we announced who they were before the series, not this year. If you wanna know who they are, keep yourself locked in at NewsOK.com/Varsity.
This is going to be a daily countdown until we reach No. 1 on July 24.
30. George Kittle, WR, Norman
Most sons of college coaches get some extra looks as a courtesy. And then when you see Kittle play, you realize it’s not a courtesy thing at all. He is Bruce Kittle’s son, but he’s a lot more than that. Kittle is the real deal on either side of the ball. At 6-4, he could be a wide receiver. He also has the intelligence to lead the defensive backfield. He was 6-0 after his sophomore season and is now 6-4 and close to 200 pounds.
For my story on Kittle, go here.
29. Marc Robinson, LB, Millwood
Just like a couple of guys last year, if Robinson was a couple of inches taller, he’d be in the top 10. No doubt in my mind about that. Nobody is going to play with a bigger chip on his shoulder than Robinson, who is getting back on the field after missing last season. A transfer from Heritage Hall, Robinson is ready to show everybody he still belongs among the elite.
For Scott Wright’s story on Robinson, go here.
And for No. 28, check out Monday’s Oklahoman.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Heritage Hall’s Barry J. Sanders content with playing waiting game
Heritage Hall's Barry J. Sanders in no rush to make a verbal commitment.
Heritage Hall running back Barry J. Sanders was at Florida State earlier this week for a camp, but he said that it is not an indicator that he is closer to committing.
Sanders, who has said in the past he wants to wait before committing, stood by that stance Thursday.
“I’m not going to rush into any thing,” Sanders said. “Right now I’m just taking a couple of visits before I narrow it down.”
Sanders said he plans on naming a top five when the school year begins and those five schools will be where he makes his official visits.
Sanders named Oklahoma State, Alabama, Florida State and UCLA as his four favorites last year. Stanford has also become one of his favorites.
Though Sanders was at FSU for the second time, he didn’t work out. He said he is not 100 percent recovered from foot surgery in the winter.
“I’m close. Definitely. I would say in the 90s (percent), but I’m not there, and I don’t want to risk anything,” Sanders said.
Sanders, a four-star prospect, has offers from more than 15 schools, including Tennessee, Auburn and Notre Dame, to go with his top four schools and other universities.
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
Heritage Hall’s Dick Villaflor named National Tennis Coach of the Year
Heritage Hall girls tennis coach Dick Villaflor almost didn’t believe it at first. Villaflor, the face of Charger tennis, was named the national tennis coach of the year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association on Wednesday night in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Villaflor was the only Oklahoma coach to win a national honor.
“I was kind of stunned,” Villaflor said. “This is really pretty amazing.”
Villaflor led Heritage Hall to another Class 4A state championship. The year was also special for Villaflor as it was the final time he would be able to coach one of his kids.
His daughter Carissa, who has signed to play at Newman University in Kansas, won her third state championship.
There were eight Oklahoma coaches up for the national honor. In order to be considered, each had to earn the Region 5 award, which includes Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
The other Oklahoma coaches considered were Okmulgee’s Danny Morgan (athletic director), Red Oak’s Trey Booth (baseball), Capitol Hill’s Donny Tuley (boys basketball), Bethel’s Jerry Johnson (girls basketball), Ardmore’s Steven Ross (golf), Barnsdall’s <strong>Joe Gilbert (softball) and Muskogee’s Bobby Jefferson (wrestling).
***
Robert Przybylo, bprzybylo@opubco.com
