2006 Rivals Top 10 (Basketball recruits) – Under Review

Kevin Durant stands head and shoulders above the rest of the 2006 Rivals class, but KD wasn’t even the #1 recruit coming out of this group. Dial back a few years and check how the boys over at Rivals rolled out their Top 10.

Pre-season (Football) All-SCRS 1st Team Defense

The 1st Team Offense is good. The 1st Team Defense is scary good. Could be looking at a few future D1 All-Americans.

DL – Joe Mathis (Upland High, Upland) Despite a questionable showing at the recent #TheOpening (cussed out OL Coach on camera) Mathis is a high-end physical presence on the field. At 6’4 254lbs Mathis has an impressive Rivals listed 40yd dash time of 4.69. During the ’11-’12 season Mathis produced 79 Tackles and 6 Sacks. Lists top choices as: University of Michigan, Nebraska University, and University of Washington

DL – Kylie Fitts (East Valley High, Redlands) The USC bound Fitts enter his season season with the talented East Valley squad. Fitts explodes off the line and tackles with consistent aggression. Registered 79 Tackles and 8.5 Sacks last season. At 6’4 260lbs Fitts is very active/disruptive and spends plenty of time in the oppositions backfield. Committed to University of Southern California (USC Trojans)
 
DL – Kenneth Clark (Wilmer Carter, Rialto) Often dominant up the middle Clark routinely beats double-teams and all but lives in the opponents backfield. Clark registered just 36 Tackles last season but tallied an impressive 7.5 Sacks. Clark makes great use of his 6’2 270lb frame to establish leverage and is rarely knocked off his spot. Committed to University of California Los Angeles (UCLA Bruins)

LB – Cameron Judge (Oaks Christian, Westlake Village) Last season Judge routinely displayed high level technique in wrapping up and driving thru his intended target. Judge registered 112 Tackles and 3 Sacks and was a physical force for his team . Although just 210lbs, Judge plays much bigger and often punishes ball-carriers. Committed to University of California Los Angeles (UCLA Bruins)

LB – Koa Kaleopaa (La Mirada High, La Mirada) Kaleopaa is a devastating tackler and has a great eye for the ball and the ball carrier. Unusually large for an OLB (250lbs) he brings a high level of physicality and aggression to every play. Expect a high impact ’12-’13 campaign. Lists top 3 of Cal, Colorado, and Arkansas.
 
 
LB – Ami Latu (Rancho Cucamonga High) Ami patrols the middle while brother AJ attacks from the outside. The brothers play together in HS and plan to do so at the next level as well. Ami plays with a mean streak and loves to hit. Ami is a force against the run and hits everything in his path. Previously featured on this site. Holds offers from multiple West coast programs

LB – AJ Latu (Rancho Cucamonga High) AJ is the OLB half of the Latu combo and plays much the same as brother Ami does. Once AJ set his sights on a target he simply explodes to the ball, takes great angles, and drives thru the ball carrier. If the brothers had a moto it would most likely be “We hate Fullbacks”. Previously featured on this site. Holds offers from multiple West coast programs

CB – Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga) The ’12-’13 SoCal Defensive Backfield is the best in recent memory. Hawkins teams with the Latu bros. to form a formidable Rancho Cucamonga defense. He’s great out of his breaks and thrives in 1-on-1 coverage. A bit slight of frame (5’11 170lbs) Hawkins compensates with high end speed and lightning quick reflexes. Committed to the University of Southern California (USC Trojans)

CB – Dashon Hunt (Westlake Village, Westlake) Hunt is exceptional when breaking on short routes and more than holds his own when tested deep. The versatile athlete contributed 63 Tackles, 6 INT’s, & rushed for 1300 yards. May ultimately find himself on the offensive side or as a PR/KR specialist (5’10 170lbs), but for now Hunt plays a strong CB and impacts the game from all angles. Most of the West coast has offered.

S – Su’a Cravens (Vista Murrieta, Murrieta) Nothing short of dominant. Registered 100 Tackles, 11 Sacks, and 3 INT’s from his Safety position. Cravens brings sideline to sideline impact and is relentless in pursuit. Good chance this ultra-athlete makes the list from RB, WR, or CB with more playing time. Figures to make an early impact at the next level. Committed to the University of Southern California (USC Trojans)

S – Tahaan Goodman (Rancho Cucamonga) Goodman runs 1A to Cravens #1 spot. Another member of the vaunted Rancho Cucamongs D, Goodman comes in a little light (185lbs) by Safety standards, but is strong (325lb bench) and hits like a truck. He carries elite speed and may ultimately move to a CB spot. Effective in run support and eager to punish WR’s whom venture over the middle, Goodman is a high impact defensive stalwart. Holds 30+ offers.