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Top 10 Defensive Backs In The Metro Area

Union senior Anthony Foster was one of the top receivers in the area in 2007. He’s scheduled to spend most of his time at defensive back in 2008. MIKE SIMONS/ Tulsa World file
 
By BARRY LEWIS World Sports Writer
Published: 7/25/2008  2:04 AM
Last Modified: 7/25/2008  3:43 AM

1. Gabe Lynn, Senior, Jenks: A playmaker in the secondary and as a returner. Has helped the Trojans win two straight Class 6A state titles. For TDs, he returned two of eight kickoffs, one of five punts and two of four interceptions. Also had two fumble recoveries. Recruited by almost everybody, including Arkansas, Louisiana State, Miami (Fla.), Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Southern Cal.

2. Ronnell Lewis, Senior, Dewar: Was the state's leading rusher last season, but impressed many coaches even more on defense. Also led the state with 13 interceptions. Had 45 touchdowns overall. Projects to probably be a linebacker in college. Committed to Oklahoma.

3. David Gordon, Senior, East Central: Not many players are faster than Gordon, who had the state's fastest time in the 100-meter dash as a junior. Also can be a game-breaker as a wide receiver. Committed to Arkansas.

4. Justin Skillens, Senior, Booker T. Washington: Scored TDs on a run, reception and interception in 2007. Shut out OU wideout Jameel Owens in win over Muskogee. Had three interceptions last season. Committed to Tulsa.

5. Terrell Williams, Senior, Union: Could be effective as a quarterback, running back, wideout, linebacker or defensive back in his first season with the Redskins after moving from Edison. Was a starter on Edison's 5A state semifinal basketball team as a junior. Offered by Arkansas, Kansas State, Mississippi, Northwestern and Stanford.

6. Anthony Foster, Senior, Union: Was
one of the state's top wideouts last year with 45 catches for 812 yards and 13 TDs, but he will be spending most of this season on defense. Other secondary members Howard Scarborough and Randy Stanley also could be headed to major colleges. Recruited by Kansas State, New Mexico, Wyoming, Air Force, Oregon State and Tulsa.

7. Price Pinkerton, Senior, Cascia Hall: Had seven interceptions, including three in the final two games, as he helped the Commandos win the 2A state title. Called "a human highlight reel," by coach Joe Medina. Ranked by the Tulsa World as the area's No. 1 wideout. Also a dangerous wideout and kick returner. Recruited by Ivy League schools.

8. Vernon Scott, Senior, Muskogee: Also an effective tailback as he averaged 8 yards per carry, his 2007 season was shortened by a knee injury in the fifth game. Has excellent speed and is back at full speed.

9. Jake Schooley, Junior, Metro Christian: Had 41 tackles and eight interceptions last season, despite not starting until Week 7. Also had two kick returns of more than 50 yards.

10. Clay Ratliff, Junior, Catoosa: Had seven interceptions last year to raise his career total to 11 as he helped the Indians reach the playoffs for the first time since 2000. Was Catoosa's fourth-leading tackler.


HOW THE RANKINGS WERE DETERMINED

Coaches were consulted and players from grades nine through 12 were eligible. The rankings are for the upcoming high school season, not on college potential. Tulsa World sports writer Barry Lewis made the final decisions.

THE SCHEDULE

Running backs (June 26)

Quarterbacks (June 30)

Receivers (July 3)

Linebackers (July 10)

Linemen (July 15)

Defensive backs (July 25)

Kickers (July 26)

By BARRY LEWIS World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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10 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!

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Thomas Cothran, (7/25/2008 4:25:03 AM)
I hope the Union kid that moved in from Edison really MOVED in from Edison. I understand that the higher profile program an athlete contributes to, the better his chances of succeeding in getting different scholarships and the like. But I think we've seen it time and again, that these high profile programs get the talented athletes to "move" into their districts. I don't know if it's right or wrong, but it's a shame that TPS programs have to suffer because their talent leaves before graduation. I know Tulsa Hale was not a good program when Kejuan Jones was there, he still rushed for over 1,000 yards both years he was there. I am a graduate of TPS, and I just think it'd be nice to see these athletes try to add on to the history of these programs that need a little pick-me-up. By the way, congrats to Booker T. for keeping their kids and building success from within. I didn't graduate from there, but I know people who have, and they are awful proud of that program.
Report Comment
Da Truth, (7/25/2008 8:00:51 AM)
I beg your pardon, steve neal(former edison coach) had been in charge of the Hale program when Kewaun was a freshmen I believe and turned that program around in 3 short seansons to a 7-3 and 8-2 season but I agree with you Jenks and Union have the best 2 teams money can buy, once again split them up like the okc schools have done and if they win then all the time I will eat crow.
Report Comment
snoop, (7/25/2008 9:09:57 AM)
Jenks recruits from outside Tulsa, and even Oklahoma. Last year Jenks had two players that live in Alaska when not playing football.

What school district did this Lynn come from?
Report Comment
Bélier, (7/25/2008 12:33:21 PM)
Da Truth, you are wrong and I can show you if you want. I doubt the truth will change your opinion though...
Report Comment
DW, (7/25/2008 5:21:08 PM)
Terrell Williams was being recruited by big schools at Edison so the move to Union doesn't make any sense. The only thing I can think of is that he wanted to have the ability to play for a state championship his senior year.
Report Comment
jenksparent, (7/25/2008 8:01:05 PM)
It's often humorous to see what is included as "fact" in these comments, particularly when it regards Jenks football. Gabe Lynn has been in Jenks the entire time he's played high school football.

As for those two players supposedly living in Alaska when not playing football for Jenks...that would be Tanner Shuck and J. C. Forrester who graduated in 2007. Both moved from Alaska in order to take advantage of playing in a state with a full football season. Tanner's mother lived in Alaska even after he and his father moved to Jenks, and he did return there the spring semester of his freshman year. After that he attended Jenks for the entire school year until graduation. Not only did J. C. live in Jenks on a permanent basis once he moved from Alaska, but his mother was a counselor at Jenks High School.

Did Jenks "recruit" these players? Sure they did--by having an outstanding football program that could help them go on to play college football. Tanner is now at Rice and J. C. is at the Air Force Academy.
Report Comment
commonsense, Tulsa (7/25/2008 9:09:25 PM)
I grew up with Terrell's Mom and the Kid is an phenominal athlete, His mom & step dad both played for OU, I want say there names.

I also work part-time with a Recruiting service. When I got to his home to talk to him I recognized his parents. The kid is a straight (A) student but this is not his first year at union. He was there the last year Blankenship was the coach. But was unsure of the future of the program and his chances to play & went to Edison.
Report Comment
DW, (7/25/2008 10:57:58 PM)
Jenksparent, wasn't Tanner's dad some sort of coach at ORU or am I thinking of somebody else?
Report Comment
WHY?, (7/26/2008 1:27:06 AM)
I disagree, Booker T Washington, as well as other schools INSIDE TPS recruit as well. I think the best way to solve this issue is that everyone should just go to the school in the same neighborhood they live in, go to church in..
Report Comment
snoop, (7/30/2008 10:39:07 AM)
Jenksparent, good to knjow the Shucks and Forresters have relocated to Tulsa/Jenks for good. I had always heard that the two fathers shared an apartment, but it's good to know they relocated their familys to homes for good.

Jenksparent, the list of players that moved to Jenks from other schools is incrediblely long. The "fact" is they were recruited. If you think it's to get a better football scholarship, you don't have the "facts" There are countless young men from Bixby, Sapulpa, Sand Springs etc that colleges find and offer scholarships.

Jenks recruits in ALL sports for the simple reason of winning, but it's a HIGH SCHOOL. There are not enough class rooms for their students. But look at the football Stadium and the brand new athletic facility not a lack of spending there, plenty of room for all the athletes

Jenks need to realize that they are not a breeding gounds for football players, they are a High School where PARTICIPATION should rule not state championships. I wonder how many life long Jenks players get push out, not getting to play when a "recruit" from a Tulsa school comes in and takes their place.

Too bad Jenks does not have the academic reputation of BTW, Holland Hall. The first and only thing Jenks is know for is their sporting teams.................................

Jenks Mom, you and your ilk are sickening
 

 
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