By Charles Drake | 8.28.2010

The Plant (Fla.) Panthers went into Bradenton, Florida Friday night for a preseason tilt against a Manatee (Fla.) Hurricanes team they beat for the 5A state championship last winter. TR's Charles Drake was on hand to scout the game as Manatee took the challenge personally and overwhelmed Plant with speed and athleticism to win the rematch 48-10. Go inside to get thoughts from the sidelines.


Plant

- RB/LB/DE James Wilder Jr. | 6'2, 215 | 2011 | Committed to Florida State

He's trying to be the leader of that team -- which I like.  Led them in warm-ups
and continued encouraging teammates even when the game was out of hand.  Wilder
looks even bigger than I remember him being last November.  His lower body is
thicker, and he's probably added 5-10 pounds -- will serve him well as Plant's
workhorse back this year.  As a big running back, James does tend to run high, and
you would like to see him try to compact a little more in traffic and lower his
pad level so the target isn't as big.  He does display very good balance at RB
though and I think with the proper coaching, could turn into a very good college
back in time.  Would love to see more effort in pursuit as a defender, and his
tackling fundamentals need to be addressed if he makes the move to defense at the
next level.


- QB Phillip Ely | 6'0, 180 | 2011 | Committed to Alabama

I have major questions on whether Ely can be a starting caliber quarterback in
major D-1 college football.  He's very accurate from hash to hash, within a 20
yard window -- on mid level to deep outs velocity on the ball gets iffy and he
overthrows to make up for it, which in turn hurts his accuracy when he attempts to
throw outside.  Hasn't grown much physically since November -- still 6'0 tall.
Sneaky athletic -- can make some things happen with his legs.


- OL Tony Posada | 6'6, 315 | 2011 | Committed to Michigan

He best projects as an offensive guard to me, maybe a right tackle in a downfield
running attack. His feet are really slow to get started -- speed rushers just kill
him.  Plays with a lot of intensity, but lets his emotions get the best of him at
times. Loves to maul defenders in the run game.


- WR Antonio Crawford | 5'11, 180 | 2012

Had a nice WR bubble screen catch-and-run for an 80 yard touchdown to start the
game.  Has pretty decent speed for a junior, and he's really quick to accelerate. A
slot wide receiver option D-1 schools should keep an eye on.  Good vision with the
ball in his hands in traffic.

Keep an eye on

DB Eric Patterson | 5'10, 185 | 2011
DT Nathan Schnitzlein | 6'2, 220 | 2012
OL Nathan Shienle | 6'5, 290 | 2012
OL Richy Klepal | 6'5, 260 | 2013





Manatee

- RB Mike Blakely | 5'9, 193 | 2011

Strong, compact runner.  Has added some nice upper body strength the past 10 months
and is playing at an ideal weight right now. Great ball placement when securing
the football -- don't expect too many fumbles with those fundamentals. Always
runs with good balance and strength -- will move a pile forward.  Very impressed with
his overall feel for the game.  He's not a burner with amazing top end speed, but
he's very quick and elusive in confined areas.  Good blocker, great hands,
complete back.  No question in my mind that he can be a workhorse (20 carries a
game) back at any of the top schools in the country. Should be able to contribute
as a true freshman if needed.


- WR Quenton Bundrage | 6'2, 180 | 2011

I like his upside.  He's a senior, but he's young as a football player when it
comes to experience on the field against good competition.  Good size, shifty in
traffic. Lots of coaching to do here, but displays good effort and has very nice
potential to be a good contributor at a D-1 school down the road as a RS-Jr. or
RS-Sr.


- DT Quinton Pompey | 6'3, 265 | 2011
- DT Drakkar Wilson | 5'11, 285 | 2011

Really like the two Manatee starting defensive tackles -- they dominated this
game, especially Pompey.  They aren't going to blow you away with sheer talent,
but they have nice athleticism and very good motors.  Pompey has the higher
ceiling, but both should end up at a D-1 program somewhere. Pompey also shows
good conditioning and stamina -- maintains his effort throughout the game and
doesn't lose any juice in his motions.  If I were a BCS program, I'd take a long,
hard look at Quinton Pompey.


- DE/OLB Chris Pompey | 6'3, 200 | 2011

Good frame -- should be able to add 40/50 pounds without losing much. Projects
best as a 4-3 defensive end.  One of those guys that just seems to always be
around the ball.  Good athlete, long arms, plays very well on special teams.
Abused Michigan OL commit Tony Posada all night with a variety of pass rushing
techniques -- the speed rush being the most effective.  One to keep an eye on and
see how he does against more athletic offensive tackles.


- DB Clinton Heaven | 6'1, 180 | 2012

Most likely a safety when he enters college. Very good athlete, good size, and I
really liked his transitions.  Going to be a BCS recruit.  Uses his hands very
well when disengaging a blocker. Nice tackling fundamentals.


- QB Cord Sandberg | 6'2, 185 | 2013

He's a legit 6'2 already. Pretty good athlete, has nice touch on the ball (very
catchable).  Like his feel for the game, shows instincts in avoiding pressure and
commands the huddle very well for a sophomore.  His footwork and throwing motion
need work, but he does have good ball placement dropping in the pocket.  The raw
tools are here to be a recruit at a major D-1 school.  One to keep an eye on for
2013.



Keep an eye on

S Chase Sandberg | 6'0, 180 | 2012
LB Darius White | 6'2, 200 | 2012