ABJ
2/2
on Thu, Feb. 02, 2006
Estwick on recruiting
Next! Canton South junior recruiting gem
Speedy Torrence considered one of nation's best
By Gary Estwick
Cornerback Devon Torrence is just a junior at Canton South, and already, he receives about 20 letters a day from college football and baseball programs.
``Notre Dame to Florida State to Ohio State,'' Torrence said as he recited his mail list.
``Miami of Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State, LSU,'' he continued.
Torrence paused.
``Everywhere.''
Recruiting analyst Dwayne Long of Ohio High Magazine, whose publication will reach newsstands in late March, said Torrence is ranked in the Top 5 in the state. Scout.com ranks Torrence in the Top 100 in the nation.
The Buckeyes are considered a favorite, but Torrence said Tuesday night that the recruiting process is still ``wide open.''
He spent the 2006 recruiting season watching seniors such as Garfield's Chris Wells (Ohio State) and GlenOak's Mike Hartline (Kentucky) make tough choices. He watched them perform under the intense eyes of college recruiters and fans.
Torrence is bracing for his turn in the limelight.
``Sometimes, you get a little nervous, scared, that you might mess up,'' he said. ``But (then you realize) if you weren't good enough, they wouldn't be there talking to you. So you just have to stayed focused. Play your game. Do what you do best. Be a kid.''
Torrence is calm. Relaxed. He even smiles.
``I'm ready for it,'' he added. ``I've always been ready. I was born ready.''
Torrence already has received offers from the University of Akron, Illinois and Kentucky. He attended OSU's Junior Day and, by the end of the summer, should quadruple his offers.
Bill Greene of Bucknuts.com called Torrence the ``top of the creme.''
Torrence rushed 721 yards and 14 touchdowns last season at Canton South. As a sophomore, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards. On defense last season, he led the team with 99 tackles. In 2006, Canton South is expected to find ways to put the ball in his hands on offense, too. He has 4.45 speed in the 40.
The only thing that could stop him from playing college football at a top-10 school is himself. Torrence might be a better center fielder. He hit .575 last season for Canton South and likely will be drafted after his senior year.
OSU, Notre Dame and Illinois have told him that he could play football and baseball.
His final decision likely will come down to the school that allows him to play both sports, or whether a major-league team can offer him a hefty-enough signing bonus to put college football on the back burner.
Here's a few area players to watch in 2006, all of whom the Buckeyes are recruiting.
• Nick Schepis, lineman, Walsh Jesuit: ``If I were to go to the printer right now,'' Long said, ``He'd be the No. 1 linemen in the state of Ohio.'' Schepis is 6-foot-4 and weighs 282 pounds.
• Morgan Williams, running back Canton McKinley: He could be the most improved senior at his position. His performance in the state finals drew a lot of attention. His challenge in 2006 will be to produce with a completely revamped offensive line. Some recruiters project him as a safety.
• Brian Gamble, running back, Massillon: His heroics on a third-and-30 play late in the Division I state semifinals are legendary. He ran for a first down, and two plays later, scored the game-winning touchdown. Recruiters haven't forgotten.
• Andrew Dailey, safety, Massillon: Greene said he could be more physically gifted than Williams and Gamble. He is still growing at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. Projected as a college linebacker.
• George Tabron, linebacker, Canton Central Catholic: At 6-3, 210 pounds, he's faster than he looks. Even more important, Greene said, ``He gets to the ball in a bad mood.'' Long said he might be the best middle linebacker in the state.
• David Arnold, receiver/ defensive back, Copley: Colleges aren't sure if he's better on offense or defense. Arnold is a very physical player (6-foot-1, 180 pounds).
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Messages for Gary Estwick can be left at 330-996-3826 or
[email protected]
