Countdown to kickoff: scouting report

A position-by-position look at the top football players and teams in the county. Today we break down the backfield and defensive backs. 

By JOE SMITH, KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writers
Published August 17, 2007

The Times is taking a position-by-position look at Hillsborough County's top football players and the area's best units at that position. Rankings are based on our observations of past performances, chats with coaches and some educated guesswork. To catch up on previous rankings, head to http://www.sptimes.com/2007/webspecials07/special_reports/countdown/.
Today: Backfields/defensive backs

Aaron Murray
Jr., Plant

The successor to Robert Marve is off to a strong start, winning the Golden Gun award for accuracy at the prestigious Elite 11 camp in California this summer. The 6-2, 205-pound junior already has offers from USF, Ole Miss and Oregon State - and he hasn't taken a regular-season snap yet.

Zack Grossi
Sr., Jefferson

Grossi is another backup trying to fill big shoes; his are of record-breaking QB Stephen Garcia (South Carolina). Grossi has the arm strength and accuracy; with the playmakers around him, points should follow.

Mywan Jackson
Jr., Armwood

Jackson, a converted receiver, will run the Hawks' new shotgun version of their triple-option attack. But Jackson is far from all run and no gun; Callahan said Jackson runs like ex-Hawks QB Jameel Williams and throws like Justin Hickman.

Justin Le
Sr., Robinson

Le passed for more than 1, 500 yards last season and, under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Rob Burns, he's become a legitimate college prospect

Tracy Burr
Sr., Brandon

The 5-11, 200-pound senior is a true drop-back quarterback with a strong arm.

Surprise star

Dontae Aycock, Jr., Chamberlain: You may not have heard of him, but many believe he has big-time potential.

Top five RBs to watch

Jarvis Giles
Jr., Gaither

Among the state's top juniors, Giles has several big-time college programs interested. He's easily one of the county's fastest players.

Carlton Jones
Sr., Middleton

There's a reason they call him "Superman;" In '06, the speedy Jones averaged 8.6 yards per carry. UF and LSU are interested.

Eric Smith
Sr., Armwood

The 5-11, 230-pounder is so versatile he could play tailback or fullback. A 2,000-yard season is possible.

Jahleel Addae
Sr., Riverview

The West Virginia commitment rushed for 1,051 yards last fall and averaged 12.1 yards per punt return. He's the primary weapon for a powerful running attack.

Lovell Jackson
Sr., Plant

The pass-happy Panthers don't run the ball much, but when they do, the ball is in very good hands. Jackson is an exciting player who is capable of going the distance any time.

Surprise star

Willie Hopps, Sr., Blake: Hopps is a powerful runner who gained nearly 1,000 yards last season. Behind a strong offensive line, he's primed for a breakout year.

Top backfields (by unit)

1. Plant: Murray will have a bevvy of options, from one of the county's fastest backs in Lovell Jackson to a stable of receivers.

2. Middleton: With Jones and dual-threat QB Deandre Presley, opposing defenses will have plenty to think about.

3. Armwood: Besides the playmaking Jackson, the Hawks boast a one of state's top running backs in Smith and several worthy backups.

4. Brandon: The Eagles have a true run-pass threat with Samair Baker taking carries and QB Tracy Burr slinging it from the pocket.

5. Jefferson: Grossi will steer a typically prolific passing team, but the Dragons also can offer balance with their backs.

Top five DBs to watch

Angelo Hadley
Jr., Armwood

The 6-foot, 175-pound playmaker had 99 tackles, six interceptions and 10 pass breakups last season.

Justin Bell
Sr., Chamberlain

The safety is coming off a strong junior season in which he had 104 tackles and four blocked kicks.

Chuck Grace
Sr., Hillsborough

The safety is a beast in the defensive backfield, hitting like a linebacker with solid cover skills.

Samair Baker
Sr., Brandon

The stingy defensive back is also a dynamic kick returner. He'll likely get more work offensively as a tailback, with the graduation of Mike Brown.

Jarrel Livingston
Sr., King

The 5-11, 190-pound dual-threat athlete had five interceptions last year and four forced fumbles. Livingston, also the returning team leader in solo tackles, has received interest from Rutgers, LSU and Ole Miss.

Surprise star

Antonio Wallace, Jr., Tampa Bay Tech: The 5-foot-10 corner can make plays in several capacities; on special teams, he returned five kicks for touchdowns last season.

Top units

1. Chamberlain: The secondary is arguably the Chiefs' strongest unit, returning four starters; in summer league, the team went undefeated while giving up three touchdowns or less in the 11 games.

2. Jefferson: The Dragons also won a passing tournament (at USF) thanks to hard-hitting corners Lent Lewis and D.J. Penny. Junior Kyle Holloman had a key interception to seal that tournament.

3. Plant: The Panthers have Cornelius Gallon, as well as James Harrell III, who transferred from Sickles this week. Harrell, son of assistant James Harrell, runs 40 yards in 4.59 seconds and boasts a vertical of more than 33 inches.

4. Armwood: Hadley and Co. will get a big boost from one of the county's top front sevens.

5. Hillsborough: Grace teams up with potential Division I product Andreas Ashwood for a formidable core.

[Last modified August 17, 2007, 00:49:04]