It's been noted pretty widely across this site
and the internet that the Class of 2008 in the Tidewater area is both a deep and impressive list of prospects
with some estimating as many as forty athletes
drawing DI
scholarships. The group has star power at the top (E.J. Manuel and Vinston
Painter rank among the Top 100 Prospects in the nation according to Rivals.com),
depth at the skill positions (three DI wide receivers at Oscar Smith High School
alone) and defensive standouts (Lyndell Gibson and Chris Johnson).
Looking one year down the road, the Class of 2009
should bring plenty of attention and recruiters to the Tidewater area as well.
Taking a look at thirty of them by breaking
them into three groups of ten, our three groups are labeled:
(or, kids who have already made a big impact at
the varsity level)
The Rising Stars (or, kids who are headed for a breakout season)
The Emerging Stars (or, kids who showing flashes of stardom)
One
of the proven stars is Kevin
Newsome, Western Branch - The second team Southeastern District
quarterback, Newsome has great size, outstanding combine numbers and will be
ranked one of the top three quarterbacks in the state next season. A lifelong
fan of Virginia Tech, they are considered his early leaders.
The junior is expected to be one of the top prospects in the Class of 2009 and
one look at his game will tell you why. He's got tremendous size and great
athleticism to start and he is quite accurate on short to intermediate passes.
Want to find out about the other nine 'proven
stars' from the Eastern Region? Click
here!