LoneStarPreps: Some of the underrated prospects in 2016
With over 1,000 prospects listed in the database from the state of Texas for the class of 2016, it's nearly impossible not to underrate a handful of prospects on a yearly basis. That being said, even a two-star ranking represents a future D1 contributor in the eyes of those evaluating talent from Rivals.com.
Let's take a look at 10 of LoneStarPreps.com's more underrated prospects from the 2016 recruiting class here in the state of Texas.
1. Missouri City (TX) Hightower 5.6 three-star DE Micheal Johnson
Johnson ended his career at Hightower with a great senior season, finishing with 80 tackles and nine (9) sacks and earned the District 23-6A Defensive MVP award. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound standout chose the Bears over other offers from Pac10, Big10, and other Big12 programs.
A prospect younger for his classification, Johnson should have the opportunity to redshirt and develop next season on the college level. After a year in the Baylor strength and conditioning program, watch out. Johnson can get after the quarterback and that will help the Bears' defense in the wide open offense riddled Big12 conference.
2. Mesquite (TX) Horn Gary Overshown
A prospect mostly over-looked early on in the process, Overshown quickly earned new offers and interest during the spring when prospects could attend junior days and satellite camps throughout the area. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound defensive end caught the attention of TCU head coach Gary Patterson at one of the Horned Frogs' satellite camps and quickly earned an offer the following week.
Despite interest from Oklahoma and a handful of other programs, Overshown remains a firm commitment to TCU. He earned District 10-6A All-District First Team Defense honors this season.
3. Stratford (TX) LB Jordyn Brooks
At 6-foot-1, 232-pounds, Brooks brings college ready size at the linebacker position at either the outside or inside spot. He earned District 19-5A All-District First Team Defense honors this season. Despite late interest from Arkansas, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma - Brooks remains firmly committed to Texas Tech.
4. Arlington (TX) Bowie OL Tope Imade
Imade, a 5.5 three-star prospect, is a load at 6-foot-5, 324-pounds and has even more room to grow at the college level. He earned District 4-6A All-District First Team Offense honors and APSE 6A All-State honorable mention honors this season. Despite late interest from Oklahoma and Michigan, Imade remains a firm commitment to Texas and will officially visit Austin this weekend.
5. Klein Oak (TX) OL Ryan McCollum
McCollum, a 5.5 three-star prospect, is another prospect that went mostly unnoticed early on in the process. After a solid spring and several standout performances at area satellite camps, the 6-foot-6, 270-pound prospect earned offers from Houston, Texas Tech, and Northwestern among others.
The standout tackle originally committed to Oklahoma State, but a late offer from Texas A&M changed things for McCollum and he eventually flipped his commitment to the Aggies in mid-December.
6. Arlington (TX) Lamar CB Madre Harper
Harper, a 5.5 three-star prospect, is a longtime commitment to Mike Gundy and the Oklahoma State program. He earned District 4-6A All-District First Team Defense honors this past season.
At 6-foot-3, 170-pounds, Harper uses his length and athleticism to his advantage in coverage. Despite offers from Arkansas, Stanford, and several others - Harper has remained firmly committed to Oklahoma State since last March.
7. South Grand Prairie (TX) CB Caesar Williams
Williams, a two-star prospect, has narrowed things down to a Top 3 of Indiana, Wisconsin, and SMU after the holidays. He earned District 8-6A All-District First Team Defense honors this past season.
8. Amarillo (TX) DT Ivory Jackson
Jackson, a two-star prospect, committed to Texas Tech in June. He earned District 2-6A All-District First Team Defensive MVP this past season. Despite new offers from Michigan and Kansas State, Jackson remains firmly committed to the Red Raiders.
9. Waco (TX) La Vega OL Waahid Muhammad
Muhammad, a two-star prospect, only started playing organized football a year ago and is already committed to an FBS program. He committed to Tulsa this past August, but late interest from Texas and Cincinnati could result in official visits this month.
10. Keller (TX) DE Houston Miller
Miller, a two-star prospect, committed to Texas Tech in June. He earned District 5-6A All-District First Team Defense honors and 6A All-State honorable mention this past season. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound prospect chose the Red Raiders over offers from Cal, Vanderbilt, and Duke among others.