Louisiana's Most Explosive Athletes and Playmakers in the Class of 2018

February 6, 2018

Louisiana's Most Explosive Athletes and Playmakers in the Class of 2018

by Lee Brecheen and Jace LeJeune

(The Following Players Selected are Seniors Only)

(Lee Brecheen personally scouted all of these players below. For the following players, Lee will give out his scouting breakdown on each player.)

Louisiana really has some of the best athletes that come out of high school football every year in the United States. Outside of the State of Florida, Louisiana produces some of the fastest and most explosive athletes you will see every year. Coaches from all over the country recruit Louisiana, and still there are plenty of kids that go unnoticed on the national level because they are not ranked. Some of these kids might have to start at the junior level to be recruited again in two years.

These are the best players I saw in the last two years from a speed stand point with athletic ability statewide and from a play maker stand point. Some of these kids are not DI players, but they are great athletic difference makers that were fun to watch in the open field week after week. I was able to go to over 100 games, several practices of these teams in full pads, and watched the rest of the teams in full game film by the end of December.

I hope you enjoy the breakdown below of Louisiana best:

Lee's Most Explosive Athletes in South Louisiana:

Everyone talks about Anthony "Pooka" Williams (Hahnville). Williams ran for over 3,000 yards just in 2017. He is a big time athlete, who is a very determined rummer, with that fifth gear and moves you cannot coach in the open field. Not only was that seen this year, but I saw that from Williams over the last three years. After running for 3,118 yards and 37 touchdowns and leading his team to the 5A state championship, "Pooka" will make his mark playing for the Kansas Jayhawks next season.

Gary Young (Carver) runs a 4.40/40 and looks faster. Young is incredible in open field quick and fast. At 5-9, 170 pounds, he will be a WR/CB in and could be an impact on special teams as he will return both punts and kickoffs for Southern University next season.

Glenn Willis (Sulphur) runs a 4.40/40 and looks a lot like Anthony Williams, who was mentioned earlier. At 5-7, 175 pounds with incredible hips and speed, this kid is very underrated and would help a lot of teams in as a running back/Special Teams returner. Willis finished the 2017 season with over 1,400 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns.

Wayne Toussant (Photo provided by Wayne Toussant)

Wayne Toussant (Plaquemine) runs with the football as a running back or returner at only 5-9, 170. However, he is so quick and fast that it looks like he is walking when everyone else is running in a sprint. This past season, Toussant accounted for over 1,000 yards of offense and 17 total touchdowns. Toussant signed in the early signing period and will bring his legit 4.40/40 speed to Louisiana Tech next season.

Trenton Charles (Property of LAFM)

Trenton Charles (Scotlandville), who is 5-9, 165, has incredible hips and 4.4/40 speed in open field. This kid did not have to do everything because of the many other athletes on the team. Still, Charles was able to put up back to back 1,000 yard rushing seasons in his career. In 2017, Charles ran for over 1,200 yards and 13 total touchdowns. The Scotlandville senior is an early signee as he will play football at Yale next fall.

Da’Von "Smoke" Harris (West Feliciana) was so fast that he made people miss while running backwards and forwards on many plays in open space. At only 5-6, 170, Harris makes it up with his 4.4/40 speed. Smoke, as his teammates and his coaches call him, was a human highlight film having 2,344 total yards and 24 touchdowns. It was the state championship game that Harris made his mark as he had 307 all purpose yards against Richwood to help his team win their first state championship while gaining game MVP honors. To add to his list of accomplishments, "Smoke" also was name this year's WAFB Warrick Dunn (Catholic High/Florida State/Atlanta Falcons/Tampa Bay Buccaneers) award winner. Harris will join Wayne Toussant at Louisiana Tech next season.

Derek Turner (West Feliciana) played quarterback during his time with the Saints, but will be a great slot receiver or a corner back in . Turner has another gear and is one of the better bigger athletes in state. He is determined when he in the open field at 6-0, 190 pounds. To go along with his determination, he also has 4.40/40 speed. Turner, to me, is a national recruit that has a NFL future. Turner was the ringleader of West Feliciana's Big Three as he led the Saints to their first state championship in program history by accounting for 2,456 yards and 38 total touchdowns. As of right now, Turner is committed to Louisiana Tech.

Reginald Williams (Property of LAFM)

Reginald Williams (Ellender) did not get the notoriety statewide, but let me tell you, he is a big time player with 4.40/40 speed and moves in the open field. Williams is a smooth runner as a RB, but he would also make a great corner back or slot wide receiver in . The program's all time leading rusher with 3,275 career yards will be signing this Wednesday with McNeese State.

Sheldon "Sticks" Jones (Property of LAFM)

Sheldon "Sticks" Jones (Warren Easton) was a threat to score every time he touched the ball with his 4.4 speed. He is also tough for his size being around 5-9, 165. "Sticks", as they call him, ended his senior season with 54 catches for 800 yards and six touchdowns. The Warren Easton senior has signed to play with the UTSA Road runners.

Cedric Williams (KIPP Renaissance) was the best wide receiver no one knows about except the high school coaches and I guess you can add me to list. When this kid caught anything in stride, he took it to the house and looked every bit as good as any wide receiver I saw in 2017 and that includes Devonta Jason (Landry Walker/Mississippi State signee), Terrace Marshall Jr. (Parkway/LSU signee) and JaMarr Chase (Rummel). This kid was the most explosive and fastest I saw run in stride in Louisiana. In 2017, Williams was the Bobcats' top receiver reeling in 44 passes for 744 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Chris Lewis (Property of LAFM)

Chris Lewis (Crowley), who ran a 4.40/40, played wide receiver, defensive back, and running back during his career at Crowley.

At 5-7, 170, Derius Davis (West Feliciana), played running back and defensive back for the Saints. Davis has a great blend of quickness and speed. Derek Turner's brother made plays on both sides of the football for the 3A state champions accounting for 1,176 total touchdowns and 17 touchdowns while racking up 40 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back. As of right now, Davis is committed to play for the TCU Horned Frogs.

Rashawn West (Port Allen) is a smooth runner that has 4.40/40 speed and could either play running back or defensive back.

Rashawn West (Property of LAFM)

Jimel London (Property of LAFM)

At 5-9, 160, WR/RB Jimel London (East Ascension) has incredible hips and quickness as well as 4.40/40 speed. Over this past season, London was Swiss Army Knife for the Spartans accounting for over 1,000 yards of total offense along with 12 touchdowns.

Damian Johnson (Property of LAFM)

At 5-9, 170, Damian Johnson Jr. (False River) has had an amazing career with several games over 300 all-purpose yards as a quarterback, wide receiver, running back, and defensive back. The 2016 Louisiana Football Magazine 1A Offensive Player of the Year had over 4,000 yards and 39 touchdowns that season, but the play that would live on forever will be Johnson's behind the back game winning two point conversion.

Treylon Barnaba (Property of LAFM)

RB Treylon Barnaba (Carencro), who is 5-10, 185, has great 4.45/40 speed and toughness.

LaRenz Morris (Property of LAFM)

LaRenz Morris (Kentwood) is a great athlete that has 4.45 speed. He was a huge part on how the Kentwood Kangaroos were able to reach the Class 1A State Championship game. Morris was a matchup problem as he lined up at wide receiver, defensive back, and even at quarterback.

Tahj Magee (Property of LAFM)

Tahj Magee (Franklinton), who is 6-0 185, played on both sides of the football for the Demons at quarterback and defensive back. He could play at either wide receiver or defensive back in as he has great ability with 4.45/40 speed. The younger brother of former LSU running back Terrence Magee was a dual threat quarterback running and throwing for 1,000 yards each as well as accounting for 22 total touchdowns. Magee has signed with Louisiana Tech to continue his football career.

Sylvester "VJ" Carroll (Amite) is a late bloomer at 5-7, 165. He has 4.40/40 speed with great open moves along with an extra gear.

RB Troy Hurst (St. Helena Central), who at 5-10, 190, is a talented athlete that has 4.45/40 speed and toughness. Hurst is really an underrated running back for in my opinion. I think he's got DI skills. Hurst will play at the DI level next year as he has already signed to play with the Memphis Tigers.

Cameron Vidal (Property of LAFM)

RB Cameron Vidal (St. Paul's) is lighting in a bottle as he has 4.4/40 speed. He is so fast and quick at 5-8, 182 pounds.

Dustin Jackson (Sam Houston) is a talented slot receiver that can run a 4.45/40. I think he is a DI player. He has great hands and is big time in open space after catching the football.

Markail Nixon (Iowa), who at 5-11, 165, is super quick in space as a slot wide receiver. Nixon has 4.45/40 speed and is a play maker. Not to mention that he also has great hands. He is very underrated when it comes to recruiting as he only has one current offer right now and that is from Dartmouth.

Jake Vascocu (Property of LAFM)

Jake Vascocu (Ascension Episcopal) played quarterback for the team and helped the Blue Gators reach their first state championship in 2016, but missed most of the 2017 season. Vascocu is a great athlete in space and has really good 4.45/40 speed. Not only is he a great athlete, but he is a tough one too.

Finally for South Louisiana, there is wide receiver KeJohn Batiste (Covington). At 6-2, 178, this kid can flat out fly, but what amazes me the most is that he has the extra gear in the open field to go the distance. Batiste is as good as any I saw in open field with his speed. Batiste was the Lions' top option in the passing game this season as he finished with 49 receptions for 846 yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season.

Lee's Top Explosive Athletes in North Louisiana

Calvary Baptist senior RB Kordavion Washington is looking to break even more records at Southern Arkansas University. (Property of LAFM)

RB Kordavion Washington (Calvary Baptist), who at 5-8 175, is an incredible athlete with legit 4.4/40 speed and great moves in open field. The record setting Cavalier running back ended his incredible high school football career with 4,056 total yards and 56 total touchdowns. Washington will sign this Wednesday with the Southern Arkansas Muleriders.

Ar'Darius Washington (Photo provided by Ar'Darius Washington)

Ar'Darius Washington (Evangel Christian), who at 5-8, 165, reminds me of Tyran Mathieu (LSU/Arizona Cardinals) with his ability to read everything as both a defensive back and as a wide receiver making big time plays with his speed and high IQ of the game. As of right now, Washington is committed to playing for the LSU Tigers.

Rodara Ellis (Property of LAFM)

Rodara Ellis (Grant) does not get the coverage statewide for being a big time athlete, but I watched this kid and let me tell you he is big time. He runs a legit 4.4.40 and has that special fifth gear. He will make a great corner back or slot receiver in . At Grant, Ellis has ran for back to back 1,000 yard seasons. So far, he has one offer from Southwestern in Winfield, Kansas.

Rashad Naylor (Property of LAFM)

Rashad Naylor (Rayville) is another big time sleeper can run a legit 4.45 or better and could play number of positions in including running back, wide receiver, and corner back.

Ruston senior WR Donald Johnson (Property of LAFM)

Donald Johnson (Ruston) is exciting to watch as a wide receiver in open field. He is super quick and explosive, which is a really tough combination to cover. He can run also run a 4.40/40 or maybe even better. As of right now, Johnson is committed to play for the Grambling Tigers.

LaCedric Smith (Property of LAFM)

LeCedric Smith (Northwood), who at 5-10, 170, is as good as any speedy athlete in Shreveport or North Louisiana for that matter. He is a legit 4.40/40 or better type of player and is really tough as a slot receiver to cover in open space and in space. I think Smith is a big time steal and a DI player.

Derreon Washington (Plain Dealing), who at 5-9, 175, really brings toughness as a running back for his team, but as a defensive back or return guy, that is where he will be in . He is off the charts quick and fast as he can run a 4.45/40.

Coby McGee (Property of LAFM)

Coby McGee (Airline), who is 6-0, 180, can run a 4.40/40 and has some really big time jets in his legs. When this kid gets the ball in stride, it's like a track meet for the 100 meters and hes usually not getting caught. The big play wide receiver will sign on Wednesday to play at Northwestern State.

Larry Moton (Woodlawn/Shreveport) is very underrated statewide as he can run a 4.45/40 or better. To go along with his speed, he is a tough player that has great hands. Moton has that extra gear to make things happen in open field. As of right now, Moton has received a couple of offers, but has not signed with anybody.

Hidari Ceasar (Property of LAFM)

WR/DB Hidari Ceasar (Richwood) is 5-11, 175, has big time 4.45/40 speed, toughness, and not to mention he is one of the main reasons the program made the Class 3A state title game in 2017. Ceasar has already signed during the early signing period with the TCU Horned Frogs.

Johnathan West (Wossman)

Johnathan West (Wossman) has big time speed as a defensive back or wide receiver for his team. I think he is DI caliber as a slot receiver or as a corner back in .

Frederick "Tank" Davis (Property of LAFM)

Frederick "Tank" Davis (Calvary Baptist), who at 6-0, 180, might be the most underrated wide receiver in North Louisiana. Davis can run a 4.40/40, has great hands, and great speed with that fifth gear to get away. Davis finished his Calvary Baptist career with 1,430 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns. He will join his teammate Kordavion Washington at Southern Arkansas.

Maguire Parker (Property of LAFM)

Maguire Parker (North DeSoto) is a big time player because he is so quick and on top of that, has great hands. This kid will be a big time DI wide receiver in because he is advanced even in route running for the next level. Parker has very underrated speed and quickness. Parker finished his career with 112 catches for almost 2,000 yards and 22 total touchdowns. As of right now, he has one offer from Louisiana .

Josh Newton (Ouachita Parish), who at 5-10, 175, can do it all as he either can be a running back, wide receiver, or a defensive back in . Newton can just flat out run. He can run a 4.40/40 or better as he is a smooth runner in the open field. The two year starter had 35 receptions for 733 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior year. Newton has already signed with the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks to play in the fall next season.

Slade Bolden (Property of LAFM)

Slade Bolden (West Monroe), who at 5-10, 185, played quarterback for his team, but will be a slot receiver in . Bolden has great hands, tough, and has very underrated 4.45/40 speed. He will in time be a great player as a slot wide receiver because of his work ethic and high IQ of the game to go along with his speed. The 2017 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year ended his incredible high school football career with 1,622 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 1,460 rushing yards, and 20 rushing touchdowns to go along with a 4.0 GPA. Bolden has signed in the early signing period with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Kavacion Webster (Property of LAFM)

The smallest kid in the group I saw might be the quickest in space and would make a D-III All-American as a running back or as an athlete. He is Kavacion Webster (Haynesville), who is 5-6, 155. This kid can really run in space and makes things happen.

Lee's Best Big Athletes in the State:

Finally, these are the Jumbo Athletes that to me were off the charts good and big time DI players. I am puzzled they are not getting recruited by more DI schools.

Cedric Anderson (Property of LAFM)

WR/FS Cedric Anderson (East Feliciana), who is 6-4, 190, has 4.45/40 speed, is a big time hitter, has great hands, makes things happen every week, maintains a 4.0 GPA, and just so happens to be the head coach's son. This kid, to me, is a SEC player.

Javon Antonio (Property of LAFM)

Then, there is Javon Antonio (East St. John), who is 6-4, 220 pounds with 4.5/40 speed. The chances are that this kid will have to start off at a junior . Remember the name because there was not a better big athlete in Louisiana than this kid. He has got NFL written all over him. He runs a fast 4.5/40 or better and is a gifted player that is tough and long tough long. I saw this kid play a few times over the last three years. If Antonio keeps working hard and goes to a junior , he has a chance to come out in two years and be a All American. He played wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive back over the years at East St. John.

Diallo Landry (Property of LAFM)

QB Diallo Landry (Catholic New Iberia) would make a great free safety in and can be as good as he wants to be at the next level, which might have to start at a Junior . Landry is a legit 6-2, 200 pounds with 4.6/40 speed and if he keeps working hard, he could end up being at 6-2, 220 and be a big time outside linebacker or again free safety in . In high school, Landry did his damage as the quarterback running the Wing T. Landry led the Panthers to their first state championship since 1962. He got them there by throwing for 1,629 yards and 16 touchdowns while running for almost 600 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground.

Kevin Jones (Property of LAFM)

In North Louisiana, there was no one better as a Jumbo Athlete to me than Kevin Jones (Madison), who at 6-2, 205, has legit 4.45 speed and is a big time athlete. This kid can either be an outside linebacker or free safety in and be a star for Louisiana Monroe. This kid should have been ranked nationally as one of the best in the state. Jones will go down as the best player in program history with an incredible 6,000 yards of offense for 80 total touchdowns on offense and having 200 tackles and 13 interceptions on defense.

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