The Class of 2013 Top Lists are almost done but man what a deep class it is going to be again. Thanks to all of you submitting additional kids to be considered. Before we know it the 2014 Prospect Lists will be out and in Washington we have a few stand outs already.
One of them is going to be Devante Downs of Mountlake Terrace in Lynnwood, Washington.
We first saw Downs at the Nike NFTC Camp at the UW in 2011. Here was this 6'1" 215 pound freshmen running and drilling with the best ball carriers in the State. His performance was eye-popping to say the least. So we paid attention to him and kept on eye on his Sophomore year.
He grew of course like kids tend to do. As a Sophomore he played both ways but found his way into the Safety – Rover roll and with 90 tackles led his team as a stopper.
This Summer we had a chance to see him in action at the NIKE NFTC at Oregon. There was Devante at 6'2.5" and 234 pounds carrying the ball. And running those cones and drills with the RB group. But biology and time are calling this kid who is a 4.7 40 guy and who has excellent strength numbers.
"I will play wherever I am needed of course. And it is sure starting to look like linebacker is where I might end up in the future. But I still can be a pretty great weapon with that ball in my hands," said an upbeat Downs.
And he is right. This season we expect to see him getting major carries at the RB spot in the pistol offense his team runs. And he will get his yards and TD's too. Stopping the Freight Train is going to be all opponents minds.
Looking at Downs and seeing him grow we project him as a 6'3"-6'4" 255 pound fast MIKE Linebacker or a walk up speed rush Defensive End his Senior year. For now it is enough to know he is a Top Recruit for the Class of 2014.
"I have been getting mail and my coach says quite a few schools have made inquiries. Oregon State, WSU, Boise State, EWU, Idaho, the UW, and several other schools are stopping by and checking in," said Down.
Any favorites?
"Yes," said Devante. "The Washington Huskies. And that really started with Coach Sark came. He has brought a new energy and attitude. For me to be a Husky in the future would be a Dream come true."
His training has been notably improving his skill set as well.
"I am so much stronger then a year ago. Just recently I started hitting the Speed and Agility work and doing plyometrics. My hips and core are way better this season and at 235 I will be 20 pounds heavier then last season. So I am excited about getting out there again."
His Football IQ and ability to pick up offenses and defenses he feels are strengths that go along with his physical skills and he considers himself a leader on the field; especially when the chips are down.
So where does a kid like this have to improve?
"Breakaway speed is where I need to improve and I know I can. There is always room to improve," he concluded.
The 3.62 GPA student wants to study Pharmacy and feels the season ahead can be a good one. The immediate goals are to make the playoffs and win a playoff game. Something the Hawks have never done.
We will continue to follow this young star as he moves into his Junior season. One thing for sure is that Downs is on his way Up!
