From blue-chip recruits to sons of former NFL stars to small-school giants, Orange County remains a fertile breeding ground for high school football talent.
Based on statistics, coaches’ input, recruiting and hours of watching video highlights, we have compiled this year’s Hot 150, a list of the players to watch for in 2014.
As former NFL receiver Keyshawn Johnson, the father our No. 80-ranked player, might say, “Just give me the darn list!”
1. Travis Waller, Servite (6-31/2, 195, Sr., QB): The Oregon-bound quarterback will be a nightmare for defenses because of his versatility. He produced two 200-yard rushing games last season and racked up five games of at least 150 yards passing. He’s Orange County’s version of Oregon dual-threat QB Marcus Mariota.
2. Keisean Lucier-South, Orange Lutheran (6-6, 225, Sr., OLB): Lucier-South moves from defensive end to outside linebacker, which means more freedom to wreak havoc. He recorded 10 sacks last season; he’s now aiming for 20.
3. Malik McMorris, Mater Dei (6-0, 280, Sr., DL/FB): McMorris might be the best two-way player in the county. He’s a critical blocker and power runner on offense, but most importantly for the Monarchs, he’s a disruptive force on defense. He collected 10 sacks last season.
4. Jaylinn Hawkins, Buena Park (6-1, 190, Sr., WR/S): Hawkins is headed toward a monster season. With the graduation of All-County running back Deven Boston, the talented Hawkins will be the Coyotes’ No. 1 option on offense. He hauled in 54 receptions for 777 yards last season. He also is an outstanding defensive back.
5. Ben Humphreys, Mater Dei (6-2, 205, Sr., WR/S): The Duke commit switches from linebacker to safety but he’ll remain a playmaker on both sides of the ball. He might be the best Mater Dei safety since Matt Grootegoed.
6. KJ Costello, Santa Margarita (6-5, 210, Jr., QB): The combination of experience gained last season and the confidence from an impressive offseason could produce a dynamic season for Costello. He also played hurt much of last season, so look for his abilities to surface.
7. Sam Darnold, San Clemente (6-4, 205, Sr., QB): Memo to the Sea View League: Injuries derailed the athletic Darnold last season, but the USC commit is set to bounce back in a big way.
8. Equanimeous St. Brown, Servite (6-5, 205, Sr., WR): St. Brown has the size, skill and quarterback (Travis Waller) to dominate.
9. Cole Smith, Mission Viejo (6-3, 275, Sr., C): The USC commit and son of ex-Rams star Doug Smith is the lone returning first-team All-County offensive lineman and he might be the Diablos’ best player because of his speed and agility.
10. Rick Wade, Santa Margarita (6-5, 245, Sr., DE/TE): With size and athleticism, Wade has the ingredients to emerge as the county’s breakout star. He committed to UCLA.
11. Maurice Davison, Servite (5-9, 160, Sr., CB): The first-team All-County defensive back isn’t physically imposing but showed last season that he is capable of big plays. He had seven interceptions.
12. Kyle Sweet, Santa Margarita (6-1, 190, Sr., WR): Sweet racked up 51 catches for 909 yards and nine TDs last season despite also playing quarterback in several games. Imagine what his numbers will be now that he is focusing on receiver.
13. Clayton Johnston, Servite (6-6, 290, Sr., OL): The USC commit gives the Friars arguably the best tackle in the county.
14. Daniel Bailey, JSerra (6-3, 254, Sr., DE/RB): The Yale commit is JSerra’s version of Malik McMorris from Mater Dei, a physical force on both sides of the ball, only faster.
15. Quinten Pounds, Cypress (6-1, 180, Sr., WR/CB): Pounds was electric last season with four 100-yard receiving games and 10 interceptions. After a stellar track season, he returns with his quarterback, Nick Buras, and the confidence from several Pac-12 offers.
16. Nick Robinson, JSerra (6-2, 205, Sr., QB): Get ready for big numbers from Robinson against good competition. He has improved since averaging better than 200 yards passing a game last season.
17. Cole Norris, Newport Harbor (6-0, 193, Sr., QB): The Northern Arizona commit set the bar high last season with almost 3,000 yards passing, but he has the experience and weapons to make another run.
18. Cole Martin, Corona del Mar (5-11, 185, Sr., RB): The argument for Martin being the best returning back in the county: he rushed for 1,870 yards and 21 TDs last season for the undefeated state champions.
19. Austin Maihen, Santa Margarita (6-5, 290, Sr., OL): The huge tackle is the latest dominating offensive lineman for the Eagles.
20. Matt Locher, Los Alamitos (6-3, 255, Sr., RB/LB): A torn ligament in his foot slowed Locher’s rise last season, but he could emerge as a two-way force. He racked up 147 tackles as a sophomore.
21. Trey Tinsley, El Toro (6-3, 190, Sr., QB): The quarterback at El Toro has become a must-watch position since the Chargers moved to the up-tempo spread. Tinsley averaged just over 300 yards passing last season and will play with even more confidence this season.
22. Devon Modster, Tesoro (6-2, 215, Jr., QB): Modster’s combination of improved passing skills and added weight for running could make him one of the county’s breakout players.
23. Jake Smeltzer, Tesoro (6-3, 187, Sr., WR): Smeltzer’s abilities in the air and in traffic make him one of the county’s best receivers.
24. Eric Barriere, La Habra (6-0, 188, Jr., QB): What will Barriere do for an encore after passing for 2,401 yards and 29 TDs as a sophomore? The Highlanders hope he continues to impress.
25. Jack Savage, Servite (6-2, 210, Sr., LB): The aggressive linebacker provides important energy for the Friars’ defense.
26. Denzal Brantley, Los Alamitos (6-1, 203, Sr., S/LB/RB): Brantley is a hard-hitting and versatile defender who also could be a key offensive weapon. The Griffins leaned on him at the Edison passing tournament.
27. Jake Breeland, Trabuco Hills (6-5, 230, Sr., WR/TE): The Oregon commit injured his knee over the summer and will miss the Mustangs’ season opener. If healthy, he’s one of the best receivers in the county.
28. Manase Time, Edison (6-0, 200, Sr., LB/RB): The Sunset League’s reigning defensive player of the year will see considerable time at running back. Be prepared to see his burst on both sides of the ball.
29. Ethan Aguayo, JSerra (6-1, 185, Sr., WR/DB): The sure-handed Aguayo played like a star-in-the-making at the Air Strike passing tournament.
30. Frank Martin, Mater Dei (6-6, 295, Jr., OL): If you watched Mater Dei last season, you saw the potential in Martin. The right tackle is bigger this season and has added two SEC offers (LSU, Arkansas).
31. Keven Dixon, Buena Park (6-6, 281, Sr., OL/DL): The offensive tackle has racked up five Pac-12 offers for a reason: he’s a big body who can move and he plays with a mean streak.
32. Olive Sagapolu, Mater Dei (6-3, 295, Sr., OL/DL): This interior beast emerged on defense late last season, so look for him to continue that momentum on both sides of the ball.
33. Blake Johnson, Los Alamitos (6-1, 185, Sr., LB/P): Chris Sailer Kicking ranks Johnson as the No. 2 punter in the nation, and he’s also an excellent linebacker.
34. Will Sedgwick, Laguna Hills (6-3, 215, Sr., LB/OL): Don’t forget about this BYU commit. Sedgwick is a powerful defender but also is now playing on the offensive line.
35. Joe Babros, Mission Viejo (6-4, 228, Sr., DE): Babros has excellent size but his speed and pursuit make him special.
36. Carlos Martin, La Habra (5-11, 195, Sr., RB): The speedy back could run wild after breaking through last season with 1,156 yards. He was especially hot in the playoffs with TD runs of 94 and 62 yards.
37. Rasheed Williams, Mater Dei (6-2, 255, Sr., DE): The instinctive Williams plays the edge well and is another big reason why the Monarchs have the best defensive line in the county.
38. George Wilson, Tustin (6-3, 185, Sr., WR): The Utah commit is a master of the double-move at receiver and also a hard-hitting defensive back.
39. Parker Chase, Corona del Mar (6-3, 205, Sr., DE): The defensive end terrorized offenses last season (16 sacks, 97 total tackles). If he improves on those numbers, watch out.
40. Riley Brand, Orange Lutheran (6-1, 205, Sr., S): If the Nevada commit builds off his play last season, he might be one of the most active defensive backs in the county.
41. Tony Williams, Mission Viejo (6-2, 205, Sr., RB/S): Williams will be counted on heavily at safety and also will be part of the rotation at running back.
42. Ben Sukut, Capistrano Valley Christian (6-2, 195, Jr., WR/S): Sukut is a major talent at a small, private school. His speed and aggressiveness would be fun to watch in the Trinity League.
43. Luke Wattenberg, JSerra (6-5, 265, Jr., OL): The Lions’ left tackle is rising so quickly, UCLA has already offered.
44. Schuyler Whitehead, Los Alamitos (6-2, 193, Jr., RB/S): Whitehead adds safety to his work load and the comparisons to Randy Estes could follow. He also will be part of a talented rotation at running back.
45. Micah Croom, Servite (6-2, 195, Jr., S/WR/RB): Croom’s star was on the rise at Long Beach Poly but now he’s a hard-hitting player to watch at Servite.
46. Austen Christian, Garden Grove (5-11, 160, Sr., WR/DB): League opponents probably wish he graduated after all the highlight plays from last season (10 interceptions, 10 receiving TDs).
47. Anthony Battista, Tesoro, (5-10, 180, Jr., RB): Battista and his quick feet became well-known in the backup role to Cole Martin at Corona del Mar. Battista rushed for more than 1,000 yards, including 163 in the CIF Southern Division final.
48. Harrison Carter, Corona del Mar (6-3, 235, Sr., DE): Carter teams with Parker Chase to give the Sea Kings two of the best defensive ends in the county. He had 101/2 sacks last season.
49. Jake Nelson, San Juan Hills (6-4, 275, Sr., OL): Nelson is one of the county’s best tackles and a reason San Juan Hills’ program is on the rise.
50. Taylor Dodds, El Toro (6-2, 185, Sr., WR): The Chargers’ offense will put up numbers and Dodds could emerge as quarterback Trey Tinsley’s No. 1 target. He had 59 receptions for 770 yards last season.
51. T.J. Williams, Kennedy (6-1, 230, Sr., RB)
52. Barrett Barbato, Corona del Mar (6-1, 195, Sr., S)
53. Grady Higgins, Santa Margarita (6-1, 215, Sr., LB)
54. Kyle Penniston, Mater Dei (6-3, 230, Sr., TE)
55. Conner Bianchini, Santa Margarita (6-2, 200, Sr., WR)
56. Bo St. Geme, Corona del Mar (6-0, 170, Sr., WR)
57. Izrael Castellanos, Mission Viejo (6-5, 280, Sr., OL)
58. Pat DiCarlo, Foothill (6-3, 285, Sr., OL)
59. Riley Whimpey, San Clemente (6-2, 210, Sr., LB)
60. Zach Hickman, Tesoro (6-3, 261, Sr., OL)
61. Jack Lowary, Mater Dei (6-4, 205, Sr., QB)
62. Cole Collins, Corona del Mar (5-11, 170, Sr., WR)
63. Jake Favreau, Edison (6-0, 170, Sr., WR/S)
64. Chance Siemonsma, Newport Harbor (6-0, 175, Sr., RB/S)
65. Tate Beachley, Servite (5-11, 178, Sr., RB)
66. Mikey Filia, Irvine (5-9, 165, Sr., QB/P/ATH)
67. Jake Watkins, Valencia (6-0, 175, Sr., WR)
68. Alex Losoya, Mater Dei (6-3, 285, Sr., OL)
69. Dominic Vaccher, Troy (5-10, 155, Sr., WR/S/P)
70. Travis Heer, Huntington Beach (6-0, 210, Sr., RB)
71. Kameron Dennis, Servite (5-10, 180, Sr., CB)
72. Nick Hutson, Mater Dei (5-9, 186, Jr., RB)
73. Riley Gaddis, Newport Harbor (6-1, 204, Sr., OLB)
74. Havili Eteaki, Servite (6-0, 220, Sr., DE)
75. Hojun Lee, Huntington Beach (6-1, 235, Sr., DE)
76. Liam Jimmons, Huntington Beach (6-5, 230, Jr., DE)
77. Justin Hess, Corona del Mar (6-3, 205, Sr., DT/LB)
78. Kenari Drayton, Segerstrom (6-2, 210, Sr., LB)
79. Nolan Thompson, Huntington Beach (6-4, 190, Sr., WR)
80. Keyshawn Johnson Jr., Mission Viejo (6-0, 180, So., WR)
81. Xavier Hernandez, Villa Park (6-2, 220, Sr., LB)
82. Justin Parcells, Servite (5-11, 205, Sr., LB)
83. Jake Bland, Mission Viejo (6-2, 270, Sr., OL)
84. Brock Johnson, Mission Viejo (6-2, 183, Jr., QB)
85. Jake Gigliotti, Yorba Linda (5-11, 185, Sr., QB)
86. Matt Gane, Edison (6-0, 215, Sr., QB)
87. Cole Wilber, Dana Hills (6-4, 205, Sr., QB)
88. Joe Wysocki, Los Alamitos (6-3, 220, Sr., WR/TE)
89. Hunter Margain, Fountain Valley (5-11, 225, Sr., LB)
90. Noah Thompson, Trabuco Hills (6-2, 194, Sr., DB/WR/ATH)
91. Rick Ellison, Santa Margarita (5-11, 190, Sr., DB/WR)
92. Chris Brown, Mission Viejo (5-10, 180, Sr., CB)
93. Brian Scott, Dana Hills (6-0, 190, Sr., RB/S)
94. Scott Patton, Woodbridge (6-3, 195, Sr., LB)
95. Adam Gordon, Capistrano Valley (5-11, 170, Sr., WR)
96. Nick Fehrenbach, Tesoro (5-11, 235, Sr., OL/DL)
97. Lj Northington, Orange Lutheran (6-1, 190, Jr., QB)
98. Hunter Simmons, Huntington Beach (6-0, 190, Jr., RB/S)
99. Humberto Maciel, Westminster (5-9, 190, Sr., RB)
100. Pat Godoy, Valencia (5-10, 190, Sr., QB)
101. Mark Hamilton, Laguna Hills (6-0, 230, Sr., RB/DT)
102. Patrick Reardon, Orange Lutheran (6-0, 205, Sr., FB)
103. Connor Hill, Mission Viejo (5-11, 180, Sr., WR)
104. Dre Hall, Santa Margarita (5-10, 213, Jr., RB)
105. Tucker Scott, San Clemente (6-4, 255, Jr., OL)
106. Mike Miscione, San Juan Hills (5-9, 165, Sr., RB)
107. Adrian Contreras, Mater Dei (5-11, 190, Sr., RB/S)
108. Quinn Hudak, Huntington Beach (6-8, 280, Sr., OL)
109. Michael Mossett, Yorba Linda (6-0, 215, Sr., LB/RB)
110. Jordan Wells, El Dorado (6-0, 175, Sr., WR/S)
111. Will Sorenson, Santa Margarita (6-6, 320, Sr., OL)
112. Joey Stukonis, Newport Harbor (6-2, 270, Jr., OL/DL)
113. Alejandro Ceja, Garden Grove (6-1, 180, Sr., WR)
114. Nick Buras, Cypress (5-10, 180, Sr., QB)
115. Hunter Wallace, El Toro (6-1, 200, Sr., LB)
116. Hoyt Crance, Corona del Mar (5-11, 185, Sr., LB)
117. Ethan Bernstein, El Dorado (6-1, 175, Sr., LB)
118. Noah Evans, Whittier Christian (6-3, 225, Sr., WR)
119. Keaton Cablay, Newport Harbor (6-2, 195, Sr., 6-2, 195, WR/LB)
120. David Eugenio, JSerra (5-8, 189, Sr., LB)
121. Jake Watkins, Aliso Niguel (6-2, 230, Sr., DE)
122. Nico Ament, Servite (6-1, 190, Sr., S)
123. Sal Ochoa, Fountain Valley (6-1, 170, Sr., S)
124. Trevor Casados, La Habra (6-0, 234, Sr., DE)
125. Joey Cox, Calvary Chapel (5-10, 160, Sr., WR)
126. Parker Godfrey, Mission Viejo (5-9, 190, Sr., LB)
127. Emil Graves, Los Alamitos (6-3, 270, Sr., OL)
128. Jared Wilson, Mater Dei (6-0, 225, Sr., LB)
129. Tofa Tupou, Buena Park (6-2, 245, Sr., DL)
130. Brian Abel, Northwood (6-0, 180, Sr., QB)
131. Sam Philippi, JSerra (6-0, 180, Sr., WR)
132. Dakarai Barnett, Fountain Valley (5-7, 150, Jr., RB)
133. Isaiah Diego-Williams, JSerra (5-10, 160, Jr., WR)
134. Trevor Wise, Capistrano Valley (6-0, 180, Sr., WR)
135. Oscar Gomez Jr., St. Margaret’s (5-7, 178, Sr., RB)
136. Steven Vu, Westminster (5-11, 215, Sr., DL)
137. Tyler Noble, Tustin (5-11, 185, Jr., WR/S)
138. Jacob Fimbres, Sonora (5-8, 160, Jr., RB)
139. Alema Pilimai, Tustin (6-4, 200, Jr., QB)
140. Ramon Chaves, Villa Park (6-0, 200, Jr., RB/LB)
141. Moby Contreras, Los Amigos (5-8, 180, Sr., RB)
142. Tanner Matthews, Santa Margarita (6-2, 225, Jr., LB)
143. Billy Hanley, Brea Olinda (5-10, 190, Sr., RB)
144. Will Mathews, Esperanza (6-0, 210, Sr., TE/LB)
145. Kenneth Lamb, El Modena (5-7, 165, Jr., RB)
146. Daniel Alo, Santa Ana Valley (6-2, 280, Sr., OL)
147. Nick Coghill, Valencia (6-2, 240, Sr., TE/LB)
148. Kaene Soto, Fullerton (6-0, 175, Sr., WR)
149. Austin Thomas, Servite (6-2, 227, Sr., DE)
150. Nick Brown, Rancho Alamitos (6-01/2, 180, Sr., QB)
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
