May 3, 2006

Rivals.com Football Recruiting Staff
Rivals.com Football Recruiting

Rivals.com Recruiting Wire Pre-evaluation Rivals100 NIKE Training Camps

During the camp season and May evaluation period, there always are multiple prospects that go from unknown to wanted man in a short period of time.

In this week's edition of Five on the Rise, we take a look at several prospects who are really coming on in the class of 2007. Included are three defensive linemen with scary potential, a fast-rising running back from Texas and an athletic quarterback looking to add to an already impressive offer list.

Justin Houston, Statesboro (Ga.)

Position: Defensive end Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 222 pounds Defensive ends who can knife through opposing blockers and get to the ball always are at a premium, so there's a reason why Statesboro (Ga.) end Justin Houston quickly received an offer from the in-state Georgia Bulldogs following his stellar showing at the Athens NIKE Camp on Saturday. As impressive as the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder is in person doing drills, he is equally as good on film with pads on. Houston, who also has offers from Georgia Tech and Ole Miss, likely will pick up many more in the coming weeks and is without a doubt one of the fastest-rising prospects in the Southeast at this time. ?JC Shurburtt ? Click here for video of Houston in action

Antonio Jeremiah, Hilliard (Ohio) Darby

Position: Defensive tackle Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 290 pounds People have been talking about Ben Martin being the consensus No. 1 defensive lineman in Ohio, and if that's the case Hilliard (Ohio) Darby defensive tackle Antonio Jeremiah isn't too far behind him. On one play on film, Jeremiah body slams the offensive lineman and leaps over a blocking fullback on the way to make a sack. It's no surprise that he's already picked up offers from some major teams. His stock could shoot through the roof nationally. ?Jeremy Crabtree

Charles Opeseyitan, Allen (Texas)

Position: Running back Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 188 pounds Many were focused on his teammate and quarterback Nathan Dick, but Allen, Texas running back Charles Opeseyitan may be the more highly recruited of the two when all is said and done. At 5-foot-10, 188 pounds, the well put together runner has gone from sleeper to big time wanted man. Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and SMU are all involved with scholarship offers. Opeseyitan impressed at the NIKE Training Camp in College Station and since then, he continues to be one of the more highly recruited running backs in the Big 12 region. ?John Talman

Joe Haden, Fort Washington (Md.) Friendly

Position: Dual-threat QB/Athlete Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 185 pounds Fort Washington (Md.) Friendly quarterback/athlete Joe Haden is rising on the charts of many major programs. Although he's undersized for a quarterback, Haden has recently earned offers from Florida, Georgia, Ohio State and others. Haden spins the ball very well and has a live arm. He's also very mobile and a terrific athlete. If he doesn't work out at quarterback wherever he goes, he could play wide receiver or cornerback with little transition time. Haden will be at the NIKE Camp in State College, Pa. this weekend hoping to earn more offers. ? Mike Farrell

DaJohn Harris, Gardena (Calif.) Serra

Position: Defensive tackle Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 255 pounds Gardena (Calif.) Serra defensive tackle DaJohn Harris was already a player getting plenty of Pac 10 attention, and for good reason. The 6-foot-4, 255-pounder is explosive off the line-of-scrimmage and he's an amazing athlete with a great frame. His stock went national earlier this week when USC offered him a scholarship and watch for more heavy hitters to follow suit. Harris will get a chance to showcase his game at next weekend's NIKE Training Camp in Palo Alto, Calif. ? Jeremy Crabtree ? Click here for video of Harris in action