Prowling Playgrounds For Prospects

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By Norman Chad

Monday, June 22, 2009

Rivals.com and Scout.com provide Sports Nation with an invaluable service: They keep us up-to-date, as we should be, on the top high school prospects being recruited for student-athlete status at our institutions of higher learning.

But what about middle school jocks?

Isn't there some place where pre-teen standouts can get noticed?

Yes, there is!

Just the other day, while grazing the Internet over a glass of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2006, I discovered the following information on the home page of JuniorRank.com (italics mine):

"At 6-4 and over 230 pounds, Kyle Bosch of St. Charles, Illinois is no ordinary 8th grade tight end. With good hands, good grades and a 'nasty' disposition on the field, this JuniorRank.com Preseason Regional 'Top 20' candidate is definitely 'One to Watch.' "

There was even a photo of Kyle lifting weights.

I marked him in my notebook as a top five prospect for the 2017 NFL draft.

(Of course, Hoopscooponline.com has been scoping out stellar basketball-playing SIXTH-GRADERS for years. It's tireless work that must be done.)

The news gets even better:

This Saturday, JuniorRank.com is holding one of its "junior football combines" in Chicago; next month there will be one in San Diego. For just a $49 registration fee, you get nine hours of football instruction and evaluation from an elite group of combine coaches.

Lunch is included!

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