Diamonds in the Rough: Class of ’23 (Part One)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boatloads of talent get overlooked each and every recruiting cycle around the nation, including here in the great state of Texas. Some have Division 2 futures. Some have Division 3 futures. Some have NAIA futures. We aim to shine a spotlight on them - and help them get noticed by the right programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In our new 'Diamonds in the Rough' series, we will highlight some lesser-known players around the state. Many of them have no offers, but are absolutely deserving of a look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB Glendon Willis - 6'3" 170 / @GlendonWillis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Senior Stats (so far): 69% completion. 1,904 pass yards, 19 touchdowns, 1 interception. 148.0 Rating.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Irving MacArthur signal-caller is throwing for 272 yards per game. What's so impressive about Willis is that he's not a 'one read and take off running if it's not there' type of a quarterback. He's poised and comfortable in the pocket, and shows the ability to go through his progression, step up in the pocket, and deliver an accurate ball. His 69% completion is quite eye-opening. On deep balls, he hits his guys in stride and throws them open when he needs to. He needs to bulk up a bit and develop some more arm strength, but he is a potential starter at a Division 3 or NAIA program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently has no offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OL [player_tooltip player_id='314232' first='Nathan' last='Robison'] - 6'6" 330 / @RocRobison </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big, physical guard still looking for his first offer, Robison dominates in the run game. Precisely the kind of interior presence you want anchoring your zone system, he shows good footwork and pulling ability for a big guy. I would like to see him develop a little more intensity when firing off the line, but without question, there is a smaller program out there who will love to have Robison developing in their O Line room for the next 4 years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently has no offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RB RJ Brown - 6'0" 200 / @The_RJBrown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An intriguing senior who has been clocked at 21 mph this season, Brown has the potential, and pure speed, to become a standout at the next level. He's a very shifty athlete who easily makes guys miss at the line of scrimmage. He's around 1,000 all-purpose yards on the season, and with two more games on the schedule, has a chance to add to his already impressive numbers and rack up a few more offers. Nominee for the Scout Trout/ESPN Plus 2023 All-American Game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Has Division 2 offers from East Central and Eastern New Mexico.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id='136162' first='Julius' last='Nealey'] - 5'11" 210 / @JuliusNealey</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nealey may be a little undersized, but is the type of player that will have an impact for a smaller program at the next level. He plays with great instincts and flashes an impressive ability to read plays and get into the backfield consistently. Mostly plays linebacker, but occasionally lines up with his hand in the dirt and rushes off the edge. He's an extremely versatile, hard-working player who can become a quality player for his college program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently has no offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->