College Football Recruiting: Top Recruits Shine at Kirk Herbstreit Classic

The 2011 edition of the Kirk Herbstreit Classic kicked off on Labor Day at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX.

The Classic features five Texas high school teams and three teams from across the country. Edna Karr (LA), Cocoa (FL) and Frederick Douglas (OK) took on Arlington Bowie, Dallas Skyline and Desoto. Cedar Hill played Denton Guyer in the nightcap.

For a recruitnik, the Classic represents a chance to get a look at some of the top prep players in the country.

We caught up with some of the top recruits in the Classic about their performance and where they are in the recruiting process.

Ath Kolby Listenbee 5'10" 165, Arlington Bowie 2012

Kolby Listenbee plays QB for Arlington Bowie. Listenbee has made a verbal commitment to TCU.

Listenbee likes TCU's proximity and the fact that they are going to give him a look at QB.

"They are recruiting me as a receiver, but they are going to give me a chance at quarterback," Linstenbee said. "It is close to home, and it is just a good place to be."

Listenbee is an athlete right now who is playing QB in Bowie's zone-read offense. He will most likely project at WR or DB in college. Listenbee is not a good fit for TCU's spread offense as a QB right now.

Listenbee has received offers from TCU, A&M, Kansas State and Kansas.

Listenbee participated in Nike's "The Opening" competition during the summer. He came away impressed with the play of Peter Jenkins, Bralon Addison, Thomas Johnson and Cayleb Jones.

Listenbee said he may take a visit to KSU.

"I'm thinking about taking a visit to Kansas State. My commitment to TCU is solid, but I just wanted to go up there and check it out," Listenbee said.

RB Russell Hansbrough 5'7" 175, Arlington Bowie 2012

Russell Hansbrough led the Bowie Volunteers rushing attack. Hanbrough rushed for 172 yards on 13 carries to lead all offensive players in the game. Hansbrough is an Arizona State commit who the Sun Devils are recruiting as a running back.

Hansbrough credited his OL for his big day.

"My offensive line said they were gonna come in and give me a lot of yards, and that's what they did. They came in and kept pushing, and that's what I love about my OL," Hansbrough said.

Hansbrough claims offers from Baylor, Kansas State, SMU and Auburn. Hansbrough took visits to Oklahoma State and Arizona State during the summer.

Hansbrough showed great balance and speed. He is probably a legit 4.5 guy at this point.

OL/DL Demonte Hood 6'0" 285, Arlington Bowie 2012

Demonte Hood played DT and DE for Arlington Bowie. He had one sack for the Bowie defense. Hood is being recruited as a DT by Arkansas and Kansas State.

Hood said his favorite schools are Arkansas and Kansas State. He plans to visit Arkansas this weekend.

Hood said, "I am going to visit Arkansas on September 8th."

Hood is pretty open when it comes to recruiting right now. "If they offer me, I will come and visit," Hood said.

Hood said that Denton Ryan DE Mario Edwards was the best player he has seen this year.

"There is a DE for Denton Ryan, No. 17, and he is pretty good," Hood said. "I watched him play and he really brings it."

OL Derek Edinburgh 6'8" 320, Edna Karr (LA) 2012

Derek Edinburgh is one of the largest recruits in the nation. The 6'8", 320-pound behemoth is a verbal commit to LSU.

Edinburgh has surprisingly good feet for a big man. He showed good strength and was impressive in pass protection. He is being recruited by the Tigers to play LT.

Edinburgh camped at LSU, Alabama, Mississippi State and Florida.

Edinburgh said schools are continuing to contact him even though he is a verbal commit to the Tigers.

"Right now, Mississippi State, Colorado, and LSU are recruiting me," Edinburgh said. "I am committed to LSU right now, That is a solid commitment."

Edinburgh only plans on visiting LSU.

WR Jarrell Bennett 5'9" 155, Edna Karr (LA) 2012

The diminutive Bennett did not have a very good day. Karr's offense struggled with turnovers all day and their passing game never got going.

Bennett was held to negative one yard receiving on two receptions.

Jarrell Bennett is committed to Arizona. Bennett said, "I am the first wide receiver to commit in this class. I just like the style of offense they run."

Bennett said he had offers from TCU, Baylor, Kansas and Kansas State, Colorado, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and North Texas. Bennett plans to visit Arizona when they play Oregon on September 24.

Bennett said he plans on taking other visits. "I know I want to visit Baylor for sure, and Pittsburgh too."

Bennett camped at LSU and Florida this summer, and said the best player he saw at any of the camps was Landon Collins.

When asked if there are any prospects fans should keep their eyes on, Bennett mentioned one of his teammates.

"You need to watch Devante Noil. He is injured right now but, he is only a sophomore," Bennett said. Noil is a 5'10", 165-pound sophomore WR for the Karr Cougars.

TE Standish Dobard 6'5" 230, Edna Karr (LA) 2013

Standish Dobard is a 6'5", 230-pound junior TE prospect. Dobard had one reception against Bowie for 11 yards. Dobard also looked solid blocking for Karr. Dobard has a big frame and is still growing.

Dobard enjoyed the chance to challenge himself against an out of state team.

"It was a great experience playing a different team from a different state," Dobard said.

Dobard has already received offers from Florida and LSU which he credited to a strong showing at both camps.

Although he is from Louisiana, Dobard said LSU is not a forgone conclusion as his college choice.

"It is about whatever school I fit in at best," Dobard said.

Dobard said he is receiving attention from Nebraska, LSU, Florida and Alabama. Dobard is being recruited by all these schools as a TE.

RB Tarean Folston 5'10" 190, Cocoa (FL) 2013

Tarean Folston is a junior RB/S for Cocoa. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,260 yards and 13 TDs. Folston starred on the defensive side of the ball against Skyline with two interceptions.

Folston is open when it comes to recruiting. He attended the Florida camp last summer. Folston has no favorites at this time but says that, "everyone is sending me letters."

Against Skyline, Folston had two receptions for 91 yards with a long of 76. Folston also punted five times with an average of 39.6 yards.

Folston is being recruited as a RB.

DL/TE Isaiah Williams 6'1" 225, Skyline 2013

Isaiah Williams played DE in Skyline's 4-3 scheme against Cocoa. Williams was in the Cocoa backfield all night and forced the Tiger's to double-team him.

Williams led Skyline with 2.5 TFLs and 5.5 tackles total.

Williams attended the Texas camp during the summer.

Williams favorites right now are Miami, Florida State, A&M and Kansas State. Williams wants to stay close to home. "I am looking in state. I am looking to stay home," Williams said.

Every college Williams has spoke to is recruiting him as a linebacker.

Wilson said that Desoto junior RB Dontre Wilson was the most impressive player he saw at any of the camps

Williams said that, "I am looking for some place that feels like home. Coaches that take care of me, but at the same time, push me and not just let me slide by."

LB Peter Jenkins 6'1" 205, Skyline 2012

Peter Jenkins played both RB and LB for Skyline.

At LB, Jenkins flashed his 4.5 speed in helping stuff the Cocoa ground attack and their passing game. Jenkins forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter when he blew up a Cocoa WR.

WR Thomas Johnson 6' 180, Skyline 2012

Thomas Johnson is one of the top five wide receivers in the nation. Johnson showed off his 4.4 speed with an 18-yard end around TD run in the first half. Johnson caught five passes for 72 yards against the Tigers.

Johnson is committed to Texas right now but is still considering his options.

"I'm just gonna talk with my mom, we are gonna sit down and have a conversation and decide what we are gonna do," Johnson said. If we decide to take visits I will, if not then I won't.

Johnson attended the Texas camp and the Gridiron Kings. Johnson starred at the Gridiron Kings, helping to lead the team of Texas high school recruits to the national championship.

Johnson was most impressed with his fellow Texas commits at the camps he attended.

WR RaShaad Samples 5'11" 170, Desoto 2013

RaShaad Samples is considered one of the top WRs in the state in the 2013 class. Samples said he was hearing from Kansas State, SMU, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Baylor, Kansas, Oregon and Alabama.

Samples attended the Texas and Kansas State camps.

The best player Samples faced in the camps was DB LaDarrell McNeil from Wilmur Hutchins. Samples also has a lot of respect for Desoto CB Bryson Echols.

Samples knows what he wantsin a school.

"I am looking for a good school, with a nice campus environment where I can get a good education in case football does not work out," Samples said.

Samples is being recruited as a slot receiver. It is still early in the process, and he has not narrowed his list of schools down.

DB Will Barrows 5'9" 170, Skyline 2013

Will Barrows is one of the top DBs in the state as only a junior. Barrows had a interception and a PBU against Cocoa. He also had one of the most impressive plays of the day when he ran Tarean Folston down from behind to prevent a touchdown.

Barrows also plays varsity basketball and runs track. Barrows ran a 10.7 in the 100 and a 22-second 200 and a 49-second 400 at the district track meet.

Barrows has been hearing the most from Auburn, Alabama, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

Barrow attended the TCU camp.

Dallas Jesuit WR Jake Olive was the best player Barrow saw all summer. "Oliver is good, you have to give him that," Barrow said.

Barrow is lookin at in state and out of state schools. He would like to major in education in college.

RB Dontre Wilson 5'10" 170 Desoto 2013

Dontre Wilson was simply the best player on the field for Desoto. The junior RB was a nightmare for the Douglass (OK) team on the ground, through the air and on special teams. Wilson rushed for 25 yards on three carries, caught two passes for 55 yards and a touchdown and returned three punts for 46 yards.

Wilson was pulled early because the game got out of hand. Wilson did his best Chris Rainey impression, and Douglass had no answer for his speed.

Wilson has received offers from OU, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Alabama, West Virginia, USC, Colorado, Purdue and Texas A&M.

Wilson is keeping his options open right now. He has no definitive favorites. He does prefer program with a speed option/spread type offense because he thinks he fits best in that kind offense.

Wilson is one of the top five football players in the state in the class of 2013. He will be recruited by every major program in the country.

DE Michael Richardson 6'2" 225 Desoto 2012

Texas A&M commit Michael Richardson plays DE and DT for Desoto but projects to an OLB in the Aggies 3-4 scheme. Richardson had 1.5 sacks in the first half and sat out most of the second half of a 63-0 Desoto blowout victory over Douglass (OK). Richardson and his Desoto teammates helped Douglass to 50 total yards on 52 plays.

Richardson did not attend any camps this summer.

Richardson did get a chance to watch Gridiron Kings and was most impressed with fellow Aggie commit QB Matt Davis from Klein Forest and Texas WR commit Thomas Johnson of Skyline.

Richardson wants to see the Aggies in a game.

"I am going to the Oklahoma State game for sure. After that, we will see," Richardson said.

Richardson leads a defense that has allowed a total of three points in the first two games of the season.

DB Bryson Echols 5'11" 165, Desoto 2012

I have watched Bryson Echols play in two games now and have only seen an offense test him once. Douglass threw at him once, and the ball fell incomplete.

Opposing offenses respect Echols enough not to test him. Echols also plays soccer for Desoto and doubles as their place kicker. He has field goal range out to 40 yards.

Echols went to the Texas camp and Gridiron Kings.

Echols said that everyone was good at Gridiron Kinds, but one guy stood out.

"Thomas Johnson, he was my teammate at Gridiron Kings, and he was pretty good," Echols said.

Echols is only talking to the Texas coaches and appears to be a very solid commit.

DB Jalen Mills 6'1" 185, Desoto 2012

Jalen Mills blanketed the Douglass (OK) receivers all night. The LSU commit showed great cover skills and had a PBU in the game. Mills looks like your typical long, fast SEC CB.

Mills camped at Baylor, LSU, Texas and Oklahoma State camps.

Mills has received offers from Baylor, Pittsburgh, Nevada, Houston, LSU, ISU, Tulsa, UTEP and Kansas.

Mills said other than LSU, he is interested in taking another visit to Baylor.

The best football player that Mills has faced is Lancaster WR Jacori White.

OL Curtis Riser 6'4" 285, Desoto 2012

Curtis Riser has been a Texas commit since the spring. Texas is recruiting Riser to play RG.

Riser received scholarship offers from A&M, Texas, OU, Oklahoma State, USC, Alabama and LSU.

Riser is committed to Texas but is still talking to other schools. "Definitely LSU. I'm good with Texas but I am still talking to LSU," Riser said. 

Riser has decent feet and moves pretty well for his size. I think he could play RT if needed in college. Riser has good strength, but he needs to work on his technique especially in pass protection. Desoto is going to be a running team all year so he will have to wait until college to work on pass pro.

Riser went to the Nike Opening and tested with some of the top recruits in the country in a combine atmosphere.

Riser said that the best football player he has seen all year is fellow Texas commit Hassan Ridgeway.

Riser does not have any visits scheduled at this time.

RB Laquvionte Gonzalez 5'11" 170, Cedar Hill 2013

Laquvionte Gonzalez had more than 1,000 all-purpose yards in 2010 and has drawn recruiting interest from TCU, Texas, OU, Florida and USC.

Much like Dontre Wilson, Gonzalez is simply the best player on the field. He is also the most exciting. Gonzalez had two punt returns for touchdowns against Denton Guyer called back because of penalties.

The difference in this game was that Cedar Hill had Gonzalez, and Guyer did not. Gonzalez had a brilliant 46-yard catch and run in which he made four separate Guyer defenders miss him. He is the type of player you buy a ticket to see.

Gonzalez finished the night with six receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown. He had 35 yards on nine rushes and returned four kickoffs for 77 yards.

Gonzalez has offers from West Virginia and Oklahoma State and is considering Oregon, West Virginia, Texas and Oklahoma.

Gonzalez said he is looking for "communities, great teams and great uniforms."

He is easily one of the most electrifying players in the state and is well worth the price of admission.

WR Ellis Jefferson 6'4" 197, Denton Guyer 2013

Ellis Jefferson led all Guyer receivers with two receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown on a 66-yard catch and run. Jefferson is a tall receiver who is only playing his second game on varsity. He has a ton of untapped potential.

Jefferson attended camp at Oklahoma State and Texas Tech during the summer.

Jefferson is receiving interest from Alabama, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and OSU.

"I am looking for a good education and a good football team," Jefferson said.

Right now, he is leaning towards Texas A&M and Texas.