In August of 2011, BCP revealed “The Smoke List”, which listed many Tampa Bay Area prospects who did not make our Summer Fire 49 list, but were really good players and could eventually end up being highly ranked and recruited. Today, I looked at our Smoke List to see just who jumped off the Smoke List onto the Winter Fire 49 List. These players made a huge impression on the BCP staff and were ranked amongst the Best in the Bay Area headed into the winter of 2012.
Rodney Adams, Lakewood
2013, WR
6-2/175
#4 Adams skyrocketed towards the top of the Fire 49 rankings with an outstanding 2011 season. He showed up in a big way in the spring of 2011 at the BCP Ignite Showcase and has not looked back since. With incredible speed, exceptional lateral movement and excellent ball skills, Adams ranks as the #1 WR in the 56 school, BCP coverage area.
Devin Abraham, East Lake
2014, S
5-11/170
#21Abraham is not flashy, doesn’t get much run in the media and will not wow you with his size. But what is particularly impressive is Abrahams speed, agility and physicality. Abraham is primarily a safety for the East Lake Eagles, but is projected as a corner at the next level. At 5-11, he is the perfect size to play on the edge at the BCS level.
Toddrick Macon, Admiral Farragut
2013, RB
5-10/185
#30 Macon is the perfect example of seizing the opportunity. When 2014 RB, Cortavious Givens went down with a season ending injury, Macon became the mail man. He carried the majority of the load for the Farragut running attack and proved that he is a bruising ball carrier with magnificent balance and vision. We were well aware of what he was capable of and that’s why he made the Smoke List, but he pounded his way onto the Fire 49 list with impressive numbers each Friday night.
Andre Simpson, Leto
2013, RB
6-2/195
#35 Leto doesn’t ring bells for college recruiters. Jeremy Deering was the last big time prospect to graduate from Leto, now at Rutgers. But, Andre Simpson could be next. It will be hard to market a talented RB on a winless team to college coaches, but Simpson is worth it. A big body running back that did not rush for big numbers due to other factors out of his control. He is a load to bring down and has decent breakaway speed. He will be one to watch this spring.
Ish Witter, Alonso
2013, RB
5-9/185
#38 Witter jumped to an impressive #38 on our Fire 49 list. The sophomore tailback from Alonso was more than just productive, he was electric. Sharing reps with 900 yard rusher, Brandon Holloway, Witter still saw his fair share of carries, slipping tackles, lowering his shoulder and sidestepping defenders. If Alonso can put together another quality offensive line, Witter will have a chance to lead Hillsborough County in rushing in 2012.
Karel Hamilton, Strawberry Crest
2013, WR/S
6-1/170
#42 When your team struggles, it becomes harder and harder to gain attention of college recruiters and the media. Karel Hamilton of Strawberry Crest is as talented as wide receivers come. He is a special player with tremendous upside that has the ability to track the ball in the air, attack the ball at its highest points and take a 5 yard hitch for a 60 yard TD.