Southeast Spotlight: Prospects take center stage as high school season begins

There are certain times of the year when the spotlight on recruiting shines brightly, and the beginning of the season is exactly that. Let’s continue this series by taking a look at some of the top prospects who are sure to be on the radar, including five prospects from the Southeast.

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Cunningham is one of the most athletic prospects in Rivals250. At 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, Cunningham is quick and can get downfield with ease and can play above the rim on jump balls and red zone situations. Cunningham is also a good basketball player, and those traits reflected well in his game Friday night.

We believe Alabama’s Word is a prospect whose traits should propel him into five-star status by the end of the season. The senior season is crucial for evaluating high school seniors, and Cunningham has a few games that we will be watching closely.

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Dear is one of the backs in Rivals250 with the size and speed to match a great teen movie. Diehl will anchor a Quitman (Miss.) High School offense that has had some great games against Mississippi State heading into Week 1 against Meridian (Miss.) High School.

Harlem Berry is the No. 1 shooting guard in Rivals250, and we believe Dear can compete with Jordon Davison, Alvin Henderson, and Gideon Davidson and shake up the top spot in this position group.

Harris was a standout tester this offseason, standing at 6-foot, 200 pounds and posting a sub-4.4 grade in the 40 mile. Harris will play safety for Clemson, but is versatile at the position and can play both inside and free — with excellent coverage and the ability to fly to the football.

Harris and Cedartown (Ga.) will face pass-focused Rockmart (Ga.) in the Aug. 16 opener.

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Odom is one of the most physically impressive defensive ends in the Southeast and will emerge in the updated Rivals 250 after strong performances in training camps across the country during the offseason. Odom, who will play his senior season at Matthews (N.C.) Weddington High School, has the size to win with speed and power.

Ohio State will take on Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day’s talented offensive tackle duo of David Sanders Jr. and Leo De Leo Delaney, this is an All-Star caliber matchup with one of the best players in the country after a strong spring and summer.

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Offord has the best production of any defensive back in the country, regardless of level. The blue-chip AW Parker product from Birmingham, Ala., has a great nose for the football with length, anticipation and smooth coverage.

If not watching Offord this offseason, all eyes will be on the five-star cornerback’s senior season. Parker plays a number of important opponents, including an interstate showdown with five-star USC quarterback JuJu Lewis, which is a great test for the elite defensive back.