Central California’s Top 2021 Recruits

Jordan Reyes June 23, 2020 @ 04:46 AM

For years, many central valley recruits have largely flown under the radar. Thanks to a number of top recruits in recent years such as Kendall Milton, Jalen McMillan, and Xavier Carlton colleges are finally taking notice of this talent rich area with powerhouse football programs. Here are some of the top 2021 recruits from central California: [player_tooltip player_id="25040" first="Xavier" last="Worthy"], WR, 6’1 175 lbs., Central HS – Fresno Prep Redzone’s third ranked WR in CA is arguably the fastest rising prospect in the state this off season. Recruiting has skyrocketed since April with big time offers from Oregon, Auburn, Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Penn State. A dynamic athlete with elite speed makes him a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. Definition of a vertical threat with the ability to blow the top of the defense using his speed and precise route running. Shows elite hand eye coordination and body control to bring in tough contested passes with ease. [player_tooltip player_id="25050" first="Keanu" last="Williams"], DL, 6’5 290 lbs., Clovis HS Keanu has the ideal size and frame colleges are looking for in a defensive lineman with the athleticism to match. His explosive get off and first step allow him to quickly avoid blockers and get to the ball carrier. Shows his versatility by also being strong and powerful at the POA. Williams is currently Prep Redzone’s 4th ranked DL in the state and holds 22 offers from many of the nation’s elite programs. [player_tooltip player_id="25087" first="Velltray" last="Jefferson"], TE/WR, 6’4 225 lbs., Edison HS Jefferson recently reopened his recruitment after committing to USC last year. He’s an interesting prospect because of his size, athleticism, and ability to play multiple positions, which will depend on the system he’s in and how he develops physically in a college weight program. His size and strength make him a match up nightmare for opposing defenses. Easy target to throw to with his strong hands and large catch radius. Many of the PAC12 schools have offered him along with Tennessee, Nevada, and his hometown team Fresno State. [player_tooltip player_id="25081" first="Jordan" last="Hornbeak"], RB, 6’0 190 lbs., San Joaquin Memorial HS Hornbeak exploded on the recruiting scene during the 2019 season after transferring to Memorial HS from Chowchilla HS. Since then, he has collected offers from much of the PAC12 and Mountain West. He is a physical, downhill back with quick one cut ability and top end speed to take it the distance. Strong runner that runs through arm tackles with good balance and pad level. Shows good vision and patience with the ability to find a lane and attack it. Expect him to put up big numbers for central valley powerhouse San Joaquin Memorial. [player_tooltip player_id="25144" first="Xavier" last="Hailey"], DB, 5’11 160 lbs., Tulare Union HS Good all around CB that has seen his D1 interest on the rise. Currently holds a handful of FBS offers and reportedly receiving PAC12 interest. College’s like his ability to play man coverage all over the field and the fluidity of his hips in transition. Plus speed, quickness, and change of direction allow him to play press man coverage with confidence. Show’s good closing speed out of his break and the ball skills to break passes up. One to watch this upcoming season to see how he’s progressed. [player_tooltip player_id="25178" first="Zach" last="Buckey"], DL, 6’5 250 lbs., Garces Memorial HS Outstanding size and frame at 6’5 250 lbs. for the son of former 49er offensive lineman Jeff Buckey. He’s a good athlete with an explosive first step off the ball. Strong punch at the POA and understands how to use his hands to avoid blockers getting into his body. Plays with a high motor and has a high football IQ. He’s looking to build on the collection of 24 FBS/FCS offers he currently has this upcoming season.