Hidden Gems: Under the Radar 2021 Prospects, Part 2

Scott Hood July 6, 2020 @ 05:14 PM

New Mexico has always been an underutilized source of football talent. For some reason, the players in this state generally don’t receive the recognition they deserve (being geographically located next to the football-obsessed state of Texas is possibly a major factor) and continue to fly under the radar from a recruiting perspective. In Part 2 of a multi-part series, we highlight five 2021 prospects who are all poised for breakout seasons and deserve the opportunity to play at the next level: [player_tooltip player_id="26185" first="Jeff" last="Davison"], 5-11, 185, Cleveland (Rio Rancho): Only one Class 6A quarterback can claim he led his team to the state championship, and that’s Davison, whose lack of offers to date is probably attributable to a shoulder injury he suffered last season that forced him to miss several weeks of action in Sept. and Oct. before returning in early November. He completed 61 percent of his passes and threw for 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns with zero interceptions in just six games last season. If he stays healthy, his dynamic skills should be on full display for the Storm this season. [player_tooltip player_id="26184" first="Nick" last="Lucero"], 6-1, 205, Las Cruces: Known for his strength and physicality, Lucero is going into his third season as a starting defensive end for one of the state’s cornerstone football schools. He consistently overpowers offensive linemen. According to Las Cruces coach Mark Lopez, Lucero will choose between college or the Marines after graduation. If he chooses the former, he should get an opportunity to play at the next level. Daniel Barraza, 6-2, 180, Rio Rancho: Rio Rancho’s top returning receiver this season after collecting 30 receptions for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2019. He should be new starting quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="26198" first="Joey" last="Cave"]’s favorite target this season. Good size, good hands, runs crisp routes. Everything you want in a tall receiver capable of winning 1-on-1 battles with defensive backs. [player_tooltip player_id="26197" first="Braiden" last="Romero"], 6-2, 165, Clovis: The tall DB just needs to add some weight to his pound frame and he should start getting some calls from college coaches. But he possesses the height and athleticism coaches seek in the secondary, especially safety. Romero earned Second-Team, All-District honors in 2019 after registering 33 tackles in 9 games. [player_tooltip player_id="26176" first="Luke" last="Mummert"], 6-1, 215, Albuquerque: Mummert is one of the top defensive standouts in the City of Albuquerque, but rarely gets the attention he deserves because of the school he plays for. He’s also an excellent student. Mummert plays football with the passion, emotion and competitive fire you want. He’s around the football on nearly every play.