College coaches have been in an out of Tampa Catholic practices this spring checking out a number of 2013 and 2014 prospects. Here is the recruiting buzz on them all.
Zach Benjamin, 2013, WR, 6′ 5″ 190lbs [Offers: Toledo, UMASS] – Purdue will stop by Tampa Catholic to check in on Benjamin, who received his first two offers last week. He has a lot of interest from USF, FAMU, FAU, Western Michigan, among others. Benjamin is one of the top WR in the 2013 class who has the size, quickness and body control to play at any level.
Chivarsky Corbett, 2014, QB, 6′ 5″ 180lbs [Offers: USF (Basketball)] – If he decides that football will be his No. 1 path Corbett’s potential is through the roof. Corbett has a great frame to build on and will continue to improve as a passer. His footwork has seen great improvement as well as his release and accuracy.
Christian Freeman, 2013, OL, 6′ 4″ 315lbs – Film is unbelievable on this rising senior. Freeman runs well, has great hands and footwork. He is seeing a lot of interest from Western Michigan, Toledo, USF, FAU, UMASS, FAMU and should get his first offer this spring or summer. Freeman projects best as a guard at the next level because of his ability to pull and plus-inside run blocking skills, but he could play tackle in college as well.
Corey Martinez, 2014, OL, 6′ 4″ 315lbs [Offers: USF] – The most legitimate BCS prospect at Tampa Catholic, Martinez is already one of the top lineman in he area, arguably the best in the 2014 class. He has seen interest from SEC and ACC programs like Florida and Miami and will continue to see his interest pick up in the next few years.
Corey Bennett, 2015, RB, 5′ 8″ 165lbs – Bennett has huge upside as a rising sophomore. He has good vision, quick feet and moves like a natural running back. The youngster has good speed in the open field and will be the recipient of an increased workload in 2012.
Justin Vertino, 2014, RB, 5′ 10″ 210lbs – A transfer from Ohio, Tampa Catholic coaches are excited about the rising junior. He is a different type of back than Bennett. Offensive Coordinator Mike Gregory described him as bruiser. He has great vision and has the ability to get four or five yards at will. Currently he is the No. 1 RB for the Crusaders. His film shows an ability to catch the ball well out of the backfield and good blocking skills.
TJ Harrell, 2014, LB/S, 6′ 0″ 202lbs – Heavy interest has been swirling for the rising junior who just picked up his first offer yesterday (South Alabama). Harrell will play on both sides of the ball in 2012 because he is a play maker with the ball in his hands. He runs a 10.8 100-yard dash, but projects as a safety at the next level. He has been larning the TC defensive playbook as a strong safety and will split time there and at linebacker. He should have a handful of offers by spring’s end. FAU, USF, UMASS, Toledo, Western Michigan, and Oregon have all stopped by practice and expressed interest in him.
Dominic Bourne, 2013, DL/OL, 6′ 2″ 275lbs – The rising senior is a physical run blocker receiving interest from FAMU, FAU, and Furman. Bourne, moves well and projects to be an interior lineman. Something should happen for him this spring.
Kendrick Mention, 2013, DB, 5′ 9″ 170lbs – A true cover corner, Mention has gained a lot of interest with West Virginia appearing to be the highest on him. He has great ball skills, is physical and will play a little offense. Mention is a speedster who runs the 400 and 800 in track and will return kicks for Tampa Catholic.
Michael Sarafianos, 2014, DB, 5′ 11″ 180lbs – He is a good looking safety prospect who has been a 2-year starter for the Crusaders. Sarafianos will also play WR in 2012 and has started to really pick up the defensive playbook.
Willie Conley, 2014, DB, 5′ 9″ 165lbs – A two-year starter, cover corner, coaches expect Conley’s interest to pick up this spring. He is a solid cover corner with good feet and hip movement. He has decent speed and ball skills
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