Dvonte Mckneely, one of California's prep stars to watch for the 2014 class
Every year high school athletes all over the nation get over looked or missed in recruiting. It's a huge competition of profiles, video's, 40 times, and scouting analysis. To find that diamond in the rough, so to speak, is a huge risk, that may cost a college coach his job if certain athletes don't perform to their potential. So being a underrated prep football athlete is tough in more ways than one. Some kids bloom late, and grow into their bodies after high school. Others live in rural areas where coaches and scouts simply don't go see. The biggest one is the "project tag", meaning given a few years down the road, the athlete may possess talent that could make an impact in the future.
There is tons of focus in these specific areas, but i believe the most crucial ingredient for an underrated high school prep star is, "Do you fit the system?". Instead of focusing on the elements you cannot control, focus on getting your brand of football to a system that could use it. For example, if you play in a run dominant offense (Wing-T, Option, etc) maybe trying getting noticed by Air Force, Nebraska, Navy or Georgia Tech. If your used to a offense with a open passing philosophy, (Spread, Air Raid, Shotgun, Pistol) maybe Hawaii, SMU, Washington State, or Nevada could be viable options for recruitment. Either way, an athlete who takes the time to recognize this has a better chance (More Doors Open) to get a look from colleges/universities as a underrated football player. A "jumping board" is always a nice start to an athletes success in recruiting, which is why Dvonte Mckneely is our focus today.
Dvonte Mckneely is a Sophomore at Corona Centennial High School in California. He is 5'11 ,195 lbs, and runs a 4.62 40 yard dash. The Underclassmen is 16 years old, and actually played his 2011 season at Eleanor Roosevelt in Eastvale, California where Dvonte had 48 receptions, for 498 yards, in a spread-style of offense. When asked about what he thought about being recruited and the process of it all, he replied;
"I didn't really get serious about football until someone told me i have a bright future ahead."Which would be an excellent motivator, and exactly what a young football athlete can use to help drive themselves to the next level. Dvonte Mckneely is still only a sophomore though (Class of 2014), and gives him time to blossom the next 2 years in his ability, as well as the recruiting process. Dvonte has no current interest or scholarships from any schools, but i personally believe by this summer, after a few camps/more scouting he'll have no problem getting looks from D-1 colleges/universitites. When asked what his future goals are athletically and academically he replied,
"Continue my success on and off the field, I would love to get a D-1 scholarship and play in college, and get a shot at playing in the NFL."Dvonte Mckneely currently is on the honor roll with a 3.5 GPA and received Language Arts honors. He also was ranked 12th in yards for all high school sophomores in receiving (11-man football). Don't forget this name, look for Dvonte Mckneely in a couple of years, at a campus near you!
Here's Dvonte's Youtube Video Feed:Related articles
