ST. LOUIS ? Rivals.com recruiting analyst Barry Every breaks down some of the Division I-A talent that participated in the Sept. 20 game between St. Louis Roosevelt and St. Louis Gateway.
Quadricous Sanford's nine catches for 108 yards and a touchdown on offense, four tackles and an interception on defense helped carry Roosevelt to a 29-12 win over five-star Sheldon Richardson's Gateway squad.
A closer look at some key players, listed alphabetically:
ASSETS: Has excellent height and very good ball skills.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to work on lateral movement and overall speed.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: Had a really nice pass breakup in the corner of end zone in the first quarter. He came a long way to help his corner in coverage on the play.
CONCLUSION: Currently has no offers and is a new name to Rivals.com. He should have a chance of getting noticed when coaches come to see teammate Sheldon Richardson.
ASSETS: Has really quick feet, long arms, nice frame and excellent pass set. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: If he is to project as an offensive lineman he will need to add weight and become more aggressive in run blocking.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: Actually did a nice job versus Sheldon Richardson during pass protection, not allowing him the outside rush. CONCLUSION: Definitely has a chance to be a DI prospect. Ewing has the height and long arms that are coveted by college coaches.
ASSETS: Has excellent size and height for an offensive guard.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to reshape some of his upper body, and work on lateral movement.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: Actually made his best play on defense, recording a sack in the first quarter.
CONCLUSION: Has a chance to be a DI player, currently a two-way starter which may hurt his effort level at times. MAC and C-USA teams should take a serious look at this lineman.
ASSETS: Has excellent speed and very good hands. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to add strength and muscle mass but has plenty of time for that.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: On Gateway's first play from scrimmage he raced 70 yards around the left side and went untouched for a touchdown.
CONCLUSION: I think that there is little doubt that this will be the next big-time recruit out of Gateway. He projects as a RB or even a corner at the next level.
ASSETS: One of the most impressive-looking players in the nation with exceptional athletic ability. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to work on pad level at the point of attack as he has a tendency to pop straight up on the snap of the ball.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: This behemoth demonstrated soft hands on his first catch of the game. He caught the ball at its highest point while being draped by two defenders.
CONCLUSION: This jumbo athlete could play SDE, TE or DT. He will remind fans of a thicker Da'Quan Bowers. He should make an instant impact at Missouri as a freshman.
ASSETS: Has excellent ball skills and very quick feet. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to work on his overall speed.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAY: Really did a nice job catching the ball with his hands out and arms extended, then immediately looking up field to gain yards. CONCLUSION: Mississippi, as his teammates call him, is another prospect new to Rivals.com. He most likely projects as a slot receiver or an undersized safety at the next level. MAC and C-USA schools should take a serious look at this kid.
OTHERS WITH DIVISION I-A POTENTIAL: ILB Julian Davis, Gateway; S DaShawn Moss, Roosevelt; OG Renee Faulk, Roosevelt.