The Orlando Timber Creek Wolves and DeLand Bulldogs played to a 14-14 draw on Friday night at Spec Martin Stadium. There was lots of talent on display with three prospects holding a total of 39 verbal offers.
Timber Creek scored first on a short run by freshman sensation Jacques Patrick. DeLand answered with two touchdowns from JoJo Kemp before Timber Creek scored on a long touchdown completion late in the second quarter.
DeLand had opportunities in the second half, but mistakes cost the Bulldogs. They lost a fumble, threw an interception and lost 30 yards on a broken play with under 20 seconds to go in the fourth while the team was in field goal range.
Jacques Patrick (6-2 200) 2015, Timber Creek RB
[Offers: Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Central Florida]
Patrick showed flashes of why he is already one of the most talked about running backs in the Orlando area amassing 112 total yards. The DeLand defensive front was much larger than Timber Creek’s offensive line and made running between the tackles difficult. Patrick did get loose once, taking a screen pass 46 yards down the sideline before being caught from behind by DeLand’s Marquion Lane. Outside of his one burst Patrick was kept, relatively, in check. He was however able to chew up 4-plus yards nearly every down, but wasn’t able to get by the DeLand’s second line of defense. Patrick runs hard and is difficult to bring down. He has good vision and a quick burst through the smallest of seams. He’ll continue to flourish and become one of the hottest prospects in his class.
JoJo Kemp (5-10 190) 2013, DeLand RB
[Offers: Arizona State, Florida International, Indiana, Iowa State, Kentucky, Marshall, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Rutgers, South Florida, SMU, Temple, West Virginia, Western Kentucky]
Kemp had a performance that will earn him even more scholarships rushing for 86 yards and two touchdowns. He showed off his quickness, elite vision, strength and toughness. The junior running back excelled running the ball off tackle as Timber Creek’s defensive front was constantly spread out due to DeLand’s read option attack. He ripped off multiple runs of 20-plus yards and scored twice. Kemp has very good side to side movement, which hurt him on a couple of plays as he ran East-West too much and lost yardage. Additionally Kemp lost one fumble when he broke to the third level and the Timber Creek corner put his helmet on the ball. Overall he had a solid performance that showed of many aspects of his game – even defensively playing some safety.
Marquion Lane (6-2 175) 2013, DeLand ATH
[Offers: Arizona, Arkansas, Boston College, Florida International, Florida State, Illinois, Louisville, Massachusetts, Miami, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Purdue, South Florida, Vanderbilt, West Virginia]
The ultimate definition of an ATH, Lane ammassed 200 total yards and made impacts at QB, WR and CB. Having seen Lane a number of times last year, I was thoroughly impressed with his improvements. Lane has hit the weight room hard this offseason improving his balance and ability to withstand hits. He has a strong arm, but it appears his future is on the outside. Lane could play WR or CB at a high level – most likely CB unless he improves his hands (he dropped two wide open passes). One question with Lane this year will be if he can withstand the grind of playing every snap of offense and defense. He has good hips, feet and a strong back pedal at corner and he isn’t afraid to come up and hit.
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Follow Kyle on Twitter @KyleBennettBCP or email him at Bennett@BigCountyPreps.com