The rankings are based on three factors: last season's performance, performances at combines and consultation with high school and college coaches.
One player not included is quarterback Kevin Newsome. He starred at Western Branch last season and is regarded as one of the nation's top prospects. But he plans to play his senior season at Hargrave Military Academy, a prep school in Chatham. Newsome has committed to play at Michigan but has wavered on that commitment since his transfer.
Also, some athletes have been bumped down or pushed out of the rankings because of their academic standing.
1. Jerod Askew
School Oscar Smith
Height 6-0,
Weight 230
Position Linebacker
What others say Askew is a "beast," one college coach said. Another said, "He doesn't just hit people; he strikes people and knocks 'em out." That's why Askew - seen as one of the nation's top run-stoppers - has more than 25 offers. His offer list includes Michigan, Tennessee, Alabama, Maryland, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Clemson and South Carolina. Askew is explosive and flies to the ball. When he gets his arms around a ballcarrier, the play usually is over. He's relentless and can take command of a game. He's rated No. 4 in the state by one recruiting service and No. 71 in the nation. Last season, he finished with 120 tackles - 24 for loss - and 14 sacks. Expect an even bigger senior season.
2. Logan Heastie
School Great Bridge
Height 6-2
Weight 195
Position Wide receiver
What others say Heastie was dubbed "unstoppable" last season by Great Bridge coach Pete Gale after he led South Hampton Roads in receptions with 58 for 1,067 yards and 15 TDs. This year, one recruiting service ranked him as the top receiver in the country; another has him at No. 33. College coaches like him because of his rare combination of size and speed. He ran a 4.33 electronic 40 time on turf at a recent combine. Another coach said he benefits from an offense that exploits his strengths. As one coach said, "He's a super talented kid." He has committed to West Virginia.
3. Tim Smith
School Oscar Smith
Height 6-0
Weight 180
Position Wide receiver
What others say Smith is an explosive athlete who has the tools to be one of the state's best receivers. Last season, he was overshadowed because he played with three Division I receivers in Kerry Boykins (Maryland), Todd Harrelson (North Carolina) and Jamal Wilson (Marshall). But this will be his year. He can run the 40 in 4.4 and has the kind of speed that numbers alone don't show. He has a breakaway burst that separates him quickly from defenders. As one college coach says, "He gets fast in a hurry." He can score from anywhere on the field; he goes into his senior season having scored on receptions, interceptions, kick returns and punt returns. So far, he has about 20 offers, including Virginia, South Carolina, Louisville, Boston College, Maryland, Minnesota and West Virginia.
4. Telvion Clark
School Granby
Height 6-1
Weight 210
Position Linebacker
What others say As one coach said of Clark, "He did all of the right things at recent combines to get noticed." He ran 4.47 in the 40. He bench-pressed 370 pounds. He recorded a 39-inch vertical jump, which tied for the best at the Eastern District combine. Not bad for anyone, but it's even more impressive when a player weighs more than 200 pounds. He received much attention, including offers from Colorado, East Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. But he committed to Virginia Tech this past spring; the Hokies are thrilled to have him. Last season, he had 153 tackles and eight sacks. He is rated the No. 1 outside linebacker in the nation by one recruiting service.
5. Mike Privott
School Lake Taylor
Height 6-0
Weight 235
Position Linebacker
What others say Privott, who has committed to Louisville, was first-team All-Tidewater and second-team all-state last season. He is regarded as one of the top linebackers in the state. He led the Titans with 126 tackles and five sacks and was named the Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year. He also was the driving force for a team that finished 10-0 during the regular season and had one of the best defenses in South Hampton Roads. Some question his size and speed, but he stops the run and plugs the gaps. As one college coach said after watching film, "He made a ton of plays."
6. Perry Jones
School Oscar Smith
Height 5-8
Weight 190
Position Linebacker/strong safety
What others say If Jones were 2 or 3 inches taller, he might have had every school in the country seeking him. But his size hasn't kept all recruiters away; he already has chosen Virginia from among his 12 offers. Jones is an incredible player who is Oscar Smith's single-season and career record holder for tackles. As one coach said, "Jones has the best tape of anybody I've seen in the state." Another coach said, "Jones is the best player in the area." Last season, he was first-team All-Tidewater and the Southeastern District Defensive Player of the Year. He's also a solid student with a 3.2 grade point average.
7. Sterlin Phifer
School Landstown
Height 5-10
Weight 205
Position Running back
What others say Phifer, who has committed to Boston College, has been a 1,000-yard rusher the past two seasons. Last season, he rushed for 1,281 yards and 10 touchdowns. As one coach said, "He's not fast or flashy, but he's a tough, hard-nosed running back." New Landstown coach Tommy Reamon, a former running back, loves Phifer. "He's going to be the featured back so we can show his mobility and catching ability," Reamon said. "We will show off the skills that helped him get a scholarship to Boston College."
8. LaRoy Reynolds
School Maury
Height 6-2
Weight 210
Position Safety/wide receiver
What others say Reynolds is a big kid who can play several positions. Some recruiters like him at safety. Others think he can grow into an outside linebacker. All agree that he can really play. One coach said, "He's physical and he's relentless." Another said, "He looks really good on tape and has the potential to be a very good linebacker." He has a 3.4 grade point average and is being recruited by Virginia, Syracuse, Connecticut, North Carolina, N.C. State, Tennessee, Georgia, Michigan, Rutgers, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
9. Javanti Sparrow
School Western Branch
Height 6-1
Weight 190
Position Wide receiver/defensive back
What others say Speed, speed and more speed. That's what many college coaches see in Sparrow, who won a state title in the 500 meters in 2007. He also helped the Bruins to state track titles this past indoor and outdoor seasons. As one coach said, "He's one of those kids you have to look at because he's so fast." Sparrow wants to prove to coaches that he's more than just fast. He can play wide receiver or roam the field as a defensive back. He said he has 12 offers so far; he lists West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Rutgers, Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina and Temple among them.
10. Carvin Powell
School Great Bridge
Height 6-2
Weight 200
Position Wide receiver/defensive back
What others say Powell is the younger brother of former Virginia Tech lineman Carlton Powell, who was drafted this year by the Denver Broncos. But Carvin isn't a lineman. He's a tall, rangy receiver with good speed (4.5 in the 40) and soft hands. But several college coaches say they like Powell on defense. One said, "He's a pretty good receiver, but he could be a really good safety at a major Division I program." Powell has received interest from Clemson, UNC, Maryland, Penn State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, East Carolina, West Virginia and Army. Great Bridge coach Pete Gale said Powell is a "no-brainer" when it comes to his ability to excel at the college level. "He just has that rare combination of size, speed and power," Gale said.
11. Shamarko Thomas
School Ocean Lakes
Height 5-11
Weight 200
Position Defensive back/running back
What others say Thomas opened some eyes when he clocked a 4.4 in the 40 at a recent Virginia Tech camp. Some question his size, but others believe he will be a "special player." He has led Ocean Lakes the past two seasons in tackles and had 72 last season. One coach who thinks Thomas is the real deal is Dolphins first-year coach Chris Scott. "He's a diamond-in-the-rough-type player," he said. "I foresee him being Defensive Player of the Year in the Beach District this season. He's that type of guy." The jury is still out on that, but Thomas is making college coaches take notice.
12. Jarmara Gray
School Oscar Smith
Height 6-1
Weight 250
Position Defensive end
What others say Gray was first-team All-Tidewater and second-team all-state last season. He finished with 83 tackles and 18 sacks, missing the school record by one. Gray played his best in the biggest games. In the postseason, Gray sacked Western Branch quarterback Kevin Newsome a school-record five times. In the state semifinals, Gray sacked Westfield quarterback Mike Glennon (now at N.C. State) three times. Tigers coach Rich Morgan said Gray is getting interest from Marshall, Ball State, Kent State and Syracuse. But he expects more interest after the first two or three games this season.
13. Justin Williams
School Landstown
Height 6-4
Weight 225
Position Defensive end
What others say Williams is a newcomer to the area. Landstown coach Tommy Reamon said Williams moved to Virginia Beach from Oklahoma; college coaches followed the trail. Williams was so well-known in Oklahoma that North Carolina coach Butch Davis called Reamon to check on Williams' whereabouts. "Everyone is waiting to see what he'll do at Landstown," Reamon said. "I'm going to make sure that he'll have everything he needs to be an impact player." Reamon said Williams looks like a basketball player at defensive end because of his size, long arms and agility. "He's definitely a major Division I prospect." Williams has received interest from North Carolina, Delaware, Old Dominion and Richmond.
14. Tavon Gatlin
School Green Run
Height 5-8
Weight 170
Position Wide receiver/running back/defensive back
What others say Catch him if you can. That's what many coaches and opponents said about Gatlin last season. One coach said, "He's definitely one of the fastest guys in the area and probably the best player in the Beach District." The only knock against him is his size. On e coach said, "He's just so small, and he could get overlooked." Don't tell that to Green Run coach Shawn Wilson. He thinks Gatlin could emerge as one of the area's top players. "Coaches kill me when they talk about his height. If a kid can play, then he can play." Wilson promises that size won't be a factor by season's end; he plans to get Gatlin the ball often. He can play cornerback and slot receiver and he's an electrifying return man. Interest has come from Tennessee, Louisville, Minnesota, Buffalo and James Madison.
15. Curtis Campbell
School Grassfield
Height 6-3
Weight 205
Position Defensive back/receiver
What others say Campbell should become the first football player in Grassfield's two-year history to receive a Division I scholarship. He has good size. He's versatile and can run. This past track season, Campbell earned All-American status indoors and outdoors in the sprints. On the football field, he can play on either side of the ball. Most coaches seem to like him at safety because of his speed and size. "He hasn't done anything yet on the football field that matches up to what he's done on the track," one coach said, "but I can see why they like him." Campbell has offers from North Carolina and Connecticut and has received interest from Tennessee, South Carolina and Marshall.
16. Byron Parker
School Tallwood
Height 5-11
Weight 175
Position Running back/wide receiver/defensive back
What others say Parker made a name for himself with a strong showing at a combine in Baltimore. He impressed coaches with his ability in various drills, including clocking a 4.0 in the shuttle run. He has run 4.45 in the 40. He has offers from Temple and East Carolina. He can play running back, wide receiver or be used in the secondary. He has generated interest from Clemson, Louisville, Maryland, Oklahoma and Minnesota.
17. Mark Halik
School Maury
Height 6-4
Weight 305
Position Lineman
What others say Halik has been playing football for only two seasons. He played baseball as a youngster and weighed nearly 350 pounds when he started playing football. His work ethic and determination have helped make him a sought-after player. He has worked hard to learn the game; he's receiving interest from N.C. State, Michigan, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Connecticut. He needs to continue to get faster, but coaches say the sky is the limit if he keeps working hard.
18. Boogie McCray
School Lake Taylor
Height 6-2
Weight 205
Position Running back/linebacker
What others say Last season, McCray was a backup to Jay Jay Simmons, a first-team All-Tidewater performer who rushed for more than 1,000 yards and earned a scholarship to ODU. But, when McCray did spell Simmons, he was stellar. Three times he rushed for more than 100 yards, including one game on just four carries. He's a big, physical back who punishes would-be tacklers. He also has decent speed (4.54) to get outside. He also plays linebacker and recorded 12 sacks last season. N.C. State, ODU, East Carolina and Connecticut are showing interest.
19. Antonio Brown
School Indian River
Height 6-3
Weight 200
Position Wide receiver/defensive back
What others say Brown will emerge as one of the area's top athletes this season. He has decent speed at 4.55 in the 40. But he also has size, can catch and has incredible leaping ability. He also has the grades. So far, North Carolina, Virginia, James Madison, William and Mary and Richmond have expressed interest.
20. Walter Davis
School Ocean Lakes
Height 5-9
Weight 180
Position Running back
What others say The No. 20 spot on this list has been lucky the past two seasons. Two years ago, Salem lineman Chima Okoli received a scholarship to Penn State. Last season, Ocean Lakes wide receiver Randall Dunn earned a scholarship to Virginia Tech. Now Dunn's former teammate has an opportunity to earn a big-time scholarship. Davis dazzled coaches at recent combines with his incredible speed. He has run 4.38 twice in the 40, as well as a 4.39. The only knock against Davis is production or "game film." He didn't get much of a chance last season because he was the team's fifth option for having the football in his hands behind players such as Marcus Davis (now at Virginia Tech), Dunn and T.J. Cowart (ODU). "This year, he will carry the load with 20 carries a game," Ocean Lakes first-year coach Chris Scott said. "So, after the third game, he will have film." Without highlights, Davis still has drawn interest from James Madison, Delaware and ODU. Expect to see a growing list by season's end.
The Next 20
Twenty players who just missed making the top 20:
- Kiman Edwards, Western Branch linebacker (6-0, 185): Tremendous tackler.
- Jaquan Glover, Bayside quarterback/wide receiver/safety (6-0, 180): Excellent all-around talent.
- Josh Healey, Atlantic Shores defensive back (6-2, 180): A solid player who was second-team All-Tidewater last season at Greenbrier Christian, but college coaches question the private-school competition he has faced.
- Drew Jarrett, Cox kicker (6-0, 165): Made seven field goals last season, including a 50-yarder that tied him for fourth among the longest field goals in South Hampton Roads history.
- VanDyke Jones, Indian River defensive back (5-10, 180): Quick. A leaper. Has good grades.
- Brian Jordan, Great Bridge defensive end (6-3, 200): Big kid who moves well. He could be a sleeper in the recruiting game.
- Desmond Lee, Booker T. Washington quarterback/safety (6-3, 190): Has size and speed. Will be recruited as a safety.
- Michael Mason, King's Fork receiver (5-11, 155): A playmaker.
- Travis McClenney, Churchland cornerback (5-9, 175): Excellent coverage man.
- Dravon Poitillo, Indian River quarterback/wide receiver/defensive back (6-3, 200): Every combine he has been to, coaches love him. But academics are a concern.
- Stephen Riddick, King's Fork safety (6-1, 175) Coaches like his instincts and his head for the game.
- Greg Ringo, Ocean Lakes defensive back (6-2, 180): A lock-down cornerback with ample upside.
- Rey Rijos, Bayside lineman (6-2, 350): Big and has good footwork. He has a 3.3 grade point average.
- Brian Robinson, Greenbrier Christian quarterback (6-1, 180): Is repeating his senior year at the private school level after playing last year at Group AAA Salem. Has a chance to show his skills.
- Michael Terrell, Norcom linebacker/defensive end (6-1, 220): Plays with high intensity. Great work ethic. Has a 3.8 grade-point average.
- Dominique Walker, Deep Creek linebacker (6-1, 185): A physical player with 4.5 speed. By season's end, he could be known as one of the top defenders around.
- DeAndre White, Indian River wide receiver (6-4, 210): He has the size and ability (33-inch vertical) to play at the Division I level, but college coaches are looking for more from him.
- Shaleiq Worrell, Green Run linebacker (6-1, 220); Hard-nosed. Second-team All-Tidewater last year.
- Kenneth Wright, Churchland safety (5-10, 165): He has all the skills to be a great defender, including speed (4.58) and 39-inch vertical jump.
- Patrick Young, Green Run receiver/defensive back (6-0, 185): Known as a wideout but has made the transition to defensive back. Has size, good hands and runs decent routes.
Larry Rubama, (757) 446-2273, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com
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