Time running out for seniors looking for attention

There comes a time every year when lesser-known high school football players try to raise awareness about their skillset. They need the attention of college recruiters and as November approaches, they realize they are quickly running out of time.

This year, however, is vastly different.

COVID-19 is the obvious culprit that has created problems in the college football recruiting process. Due to the global pandemic, nothing has been normal since March. The spring football practice season was canceled and along with it those always important spring visits from college recruiters. The coronavirus also knocked out college campus visits for prospective athletes. The entire college camp system and most of the 7-on-7 recruiting circuit was also eliminated during the offseason.

Tie in COVID-19 with the already expedited recruiting calendar, which features an early December signing period for the third consecutive year, and it throws an even bigger wrench into the entire recruiting equation. The number of football players who have signed National Letters of Intent during the 2018 and 2019 early periods were relatively high and climbed between the first and second years the early option was available. The first early class had nearly 65% of all signees inked by December. Last year, 70% signed and this year it is estimated that the number could be closer to 85% because of COVID-19 uncertainty.

Players had gotten concerned about landing a college home and far more have committed to schools earlier than ever. The Sentinel’s coverage area saw a record 30 players commit to colleges before October.

That’s why the next few weeks will be more important than ever for players looking to latch on somewhere, and, at this stage, many will take whatever they can.

As I’ve said many times, when it comes to a college education, free is free.

It’s not about the school you attend. Many of these kids wouldn’t even go to college if they didn’t have football, but that a path that once seem accessible is tougher to navigate due to the pandemic.

As UCF co-offensive coordinator coach Alex Golesh said in August, “[This season] is monumentally more important than they probably ever have been. … [for the] guys who don’t have, necessarily, the recruiting that they maybe wanted to. [Senior season evaluation] is certainly going to be huge.”

That’s why, for the next two months, numerous talented seniors will desperately need to deliver their best showing. There is nothing normal about recruiting this 2021 class, so everyone looking for attention will need to do something that gives recruiters a reason to give them a second look.

Here is a breakdown of players who have made the 2020 season count so far:

Sidarius “Duke” Walker, Lake Minneola, RB, 5-10, 190 pounds

Walker has been waiting in the wings and he knew this year would be his time. Of course, what no one knew was that COVID-19 would derail his plans. So far, it’s one of few things to knock Walker off course. His breakout game was last week at rival East Ridge when he rushed for 232 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll have to keep it up, but he has shown he’s a tough runner and deserves a look. Walker is hard to bring down. He takes hits and keeps trudging forward with great balance. He’s also shown his speed once he gets past the second level. This kid is special. Other RBs to watch: Ayron Rodriguez, Winter Park; Malachi Rennie, Osceola.

DJ Boney, Evans High, QB, 6-3, 210

Boney played at Jones during his first season, but then he transferred to Bradenton IMG Academy for two years before returning home to Orlando. He obviously has great size and a cannon for an arm, but he often needs to calibrate the power behind his passing to improve accuracy. He doesn’t have a lot of time left and the IMG stint has helped raise his profile. He has seven Football Bowl Subdivision offers, led by Bowling Green, but he’ll need to do more with his new Evans teammates to secure a college home. Other QBs to watch: Jake Ritts, Winter Park; Canaan Mobley, Edgewater; Ty’Quan Wiggins, Mount Dora Christian, Junior Muratovic, Wekiva.

Sebastian Vargas, Oviedo, WR, 6-1, 170

Vargas is a stellar receiver with great hands, but he’s really playing catch-up in the recruiting process. He was little used at Winter Park last season and transferred to Oviedo, where he has quickly created a great relationship with sophomore quarterback Luke Rucker. Vargas has great hands, is one of the best route runners in the area and can make tacklers miss after the catch. In four games this season, Vargas has 24 receptions for 450 yards and six touchdowns, an average of 19 yards per catch. Other WRs to watch: Yusef Leak, Masters Academy; Jimmy Horn, Seminole; Janiero Crankfield, Bishop Moore; Javion Phelps, Boone; TE Keith Nemasango, Oviedo

Tyson Schwalbach, West Orange, LB, 6-2, 220

Not many people have heard of Schwalbach, but this kid can flat out play. He might be the most active linebacker in Central Florida and is always on the ball in relentless pursuit. He’s also quite strong (325 bench) and deceptively quick with 4.65-second speed in the 40-yard dash. Schwalbach is 220 pounds, but plays much bigger and is adept at reading the football. Can’t-miss kid, but so far, no FBS offers. Others LBs to watch: DE-LB Elijah McMillan, Lake Nona; Curtis Spivey, Apopka; Tyler Fields, Lake Minneola.