Football Recruiting - Midlands Region: Bobby Hartzog
The afternoon started with one quality acquisition for Houston.
By sunset, the Cougars had a quartet of offensive weapons in the boat for their 2014 recruiting class from their junior day on Saturday.
After landing Houston Westside receiver Bobby Hartzog to start things off, the Cougars added two Central Texas products in quarterback Bear Fenimore (Austin, Texas/Westwood) and receiver Latrell Martin and finally, a Louisiana product in receiver Steven Dunbar (Metairie, La./Archibishop Rummel).
Dunbar, a 6-2, 185-pound receiver, had offers from Air Force, Kent State, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Northern Colorado and Western Kentucky. He attended Houston's junior day on Saturday and liked what he saw. Perhaps the biggest factor was how he felt about his recruiter, outside receivers coach Brandon Middleton.
"The experience he had, playing at the next level, being an All-American in college, he can help me to reach that or better," Dunbar said. "Also, the opportunity that I have to play and contribute early if I earn my spot is important."
Fenimore summed up the productive day for Houston.
"It was a big day for us," Fenimore said. "I know before today we had some defensive commitments, but to have some more offensive guys is really exciting and the class as a whole is going to be really, really good this year."
By sunset, the Cougars had a quartet of offensive weapons in the boat for their 2014 recruiting class from their junior day on Saturday.
After landing Houston Westside receiver Bobby Hartzog to start things off, the Cougars added two Central Texas products in quarterback Bear Fenimore (Austin, Texas/Westwood) and receiver Latrell Martin and finally, a Louisiana product in receiver Steven Dunbar (Metairie, La./Archibishop Rummel).
Dunbar, a 6-2, 185-pound receiver, had offers from Air Force, Kent State, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Northern Colorado and Western Kentucky. He attended Houston's junior day on Saturday and liked what he saw. Perhaps the biggest factor was how he felt about his recruiter, outside receivers coach Brandon Middleton.
"The experience he had, playing at the next level, being an All-American in college, he can help me to reach that or better," Dunbar said. "Also, the opportunity that I have to play and contribute early if I earn my spot is important."
Fenimore summed up the productive day for Houston.
"It was a big day for us," Fenimore said. "I know before today we had some defensive commitments, but to have some more offensive guys is really exciting and the class as a whole is going to be really, really good this year."
Two Houston commitments, both within a half hour of each other? This was no coincidence.
Quarterback Bear Fenimore (Austin, Texas/Westwood) and wide receiver Latrell Martin (Pflugerville, Texas/Hendrickson) had talked about the possibility earlier this week.
“He told me, ‘If you commit, I commit,’” Fenimore said.
So that’s what they did. Fenimore and Martin both gave the Cougars their pledge on Saturday night, becoming the fourth and fifth members of UH’s 2014 class.
“Happiest moment of my life,” Fenimore said. “It’s crazy how it happened. I just think coach Tony Levine is a great man and I got the blessing of my parents, so I know I was all good to commit.”
Fenimore said he received his UH offer earlier this week and had formed a good bond with offensive coordinator Doug Meachem. He visited for the Cougars’ junior day on Saturday and, after six hours of touring camps and meeting with coaches, he was ready to commit.
So Fenimore did, but kept it a secret. Two hours later, he couldn’t wait any longer. The 6-foot-3, 234-pound pocket passer announced his decision on Twitter, just minutes after Martin made his own declaration.
“Houston is definitely a dream school of mine, and that was the one offer I really, really wanted,” said Fenimore, who also considered Mississippi State and Colorado State. “As soon as I got it earlier this week, I knew I was going to commit.”
Fellow Austin-area standout Martin, a 6-foot-2, 196-pound outside receiver, had considered Houston his favorite school ever since receiving an offer in late March.
Fenimore and Martin joined Houston Westside receiver Bobby Hartzog to make three Texan commits for UH on Saturday. Fenimore hopes the big day sends a message.
“This is a great place to play and coach Levine is amazing,” he said. “This is where we need to be. I’m just pumped up. We’re moving to the Big East, there’s a new stadium coming, it’s BCS football. It’s everything.”
Quarterback Bear Fenimore (Austin, Texas/Westwood) and wide receiver Latrell Martin (Pflugerville, Texas/Hendrickson) had talked about the possibility earlier this week.
“He told me, ‘If you commit, I commit,’” Fenimore said.
So that’s what they did. Fenimore and Martin both gave the Cougars their pledge on Saturday night, becoming the fourth and fifth members of UH’s 2014 class.
“Happiest moment of my life,” Fenimore said. “It’s crazy how it happened. I just think coach Tony Levine is a great man and I got the blessing of my parents, so I know I was all good to commit.”
Fenimore said he received his UH offer earlier this week and had formed a good bond with offensive coordinator Doug Meachem. He visited for the Cougars’ junior day on Saturday and, after six hours of touring camps and meeting with coaches, he was ready to commit.
So Fenimore did, but kept it a secret. Two hours later, he couldn’t wait any longer. The 6-foot-3, 234-pound pocket passer announced his decision on Twitter, just minutes after Martin made his own declaration.
“Houston is definitely a dream school of mine, and that was the one offer I really, really wanted,” said Fenimore, who also considered Mississippi State and Colorado State. “As soon as I got it earlier this week, I knew I was going to commit.”
Fellow Austin-area standout Martin, a 6-foot-2, 196-pound outside receiver, had considered Houston his favorite school ever since receiving an offer in late March.
Fenimore and Martin joined Houston Westside receiver Bobby Hartzog to make three Texan commits for UH on Saturday. Fenimore hopes the big day sends a message.
“This is a great place to play and coach Levine is amazing,” he said. “This is where we need to be. I’m just pumped up. We’re moving to the Big East, there’s a new stadium coming, it’s BCS football. It’s everything.”
Sometimes the first offer is the right one.
That turned out to the the case for Houston Westside 2014 receiver Bobby Hartzog.
The 5-foot-11, 182-pound prospect decided to stay close to home and verbally committed to Houston while attending a junior day on campus on Saturday afternoon.
That turned out to the the case for Houston Westside 2014 receiver Bobby Hartzog.
The 5-foot-11, 182-pound prospect decided to stay close to home and verbally committed to Houston while attending a junior day on campus on Saturday afternoon.
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Houston SPARQ All-Combine team
February, 26, 2013
Feb 26
11:04
AM ET
By Brian Stumpf | Special to ESPN.com
SHENANDOAH, Texas -- Over 1,430 athletes gathered on Feb. 23 at Woodforest Bank Stadium for the Houston stop of the Nike Football SPARQ Combine tour. Here is a look at the 25 standout performers who make up the Houston All-Combine team.
Note: Selections are based upon combine performance as well as past and projected on-field performance. Athletes must have completed two of the four combine tests to be eligible for selection. Athletes are in the Class of 2014 unless otherwise noted.
OFFENSE
QB: Michael Haywood, 5-foot-11, 178 pounds, Houston Westside
Results: 4.73 40-yard dash, 4.47 shuttle, 33-foot power ball, 30.9-inch vertical jump, 76.23 SPARQ
Breakdown: Accounted for 31 TDs to earn District 20-5A Co-MVP honors as a junior.
RB: Rodney Anderson (2015), 6-0 ½, 196, Katy (Texas) High
Results: 4.63 40, 4.13 shuttle, 35.5’ PB, 36.9” VJ, 109.29 SPARQ
Breakdown: Star junior-to-be scored 26 times for the state champion Tigers last season.
RB: Vic Enwere, 6-0 ½, 210, Sugar Land (Texas) Ft. Bend Austin
Results: 4.61 40, 4.31 shuttle, 38’ PB, 41.0” VJ, 120.51 SPARQ
Breakdown: Enwere rushed for 1,208 yards and 16 TDs in the fall. SMU, Rice, Colorado and Utah have offered.
RB: Forrest Town, 5-11, 187, Zachary (La.) High
Results: 4.55 40, 4.28 shuttle, 37’ PB, 40.0” VJ, 113.28 SPARQ
Breakdown: Ran for 945 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior.
WR: Morie Evans (2015), 5-11, 180, Huntsville (Texas) High
Results: 4.58 40, 4.34 shuttle, 34’ PB, 32.7” VJ, 90.96 SPARQ
Breakdown: TCU already has offered this speedy rising junior.
WR: Gabe Fuselier, 5-10, 175, New Iberia (La.) Catholic
Results: 4.45 40, 4.03 shuttle, 35’ PB, 34.9” VJ, 113.28 SPARQ
Breakdown: Repeat selection from New Orleans event upped his SPARQ Rating 12 points.
WR: Bobby Hartzog, 5-10 ½, 178, Houston Westside
Results: 4.49 40, 4.22 shuttle, 37’ PB, 37.4” VJ, 110.91 SPARQ
Breakdown: Caught 35 passes for 654 yards and nine scores to earn all-district in the fall.
TE: Dimitri Flowers, 6-2, 214, San Antonio Churchill
Results: 4.83 40, 4.59 shuttle, 40’ PB, 32.4” VJ, 92.49 SPARQ
Breakdown: Son of former NFL DL Erik Flowers scored 16 times as a junior.
OL: Ashmeed Ahamad, 6-1, 262, Deer Park (Texas) High
Results: 4.80 40, 4.75 shuttle, 32.5' PB, 23.3" VJ, 71.61 SPARQ
Breakdown: Will spend this summer looking to build off a strong 2012 season in which he was an All-District 21-5A selection.
OL: Robert Castaneda, 6-4.5, 304, Round Rock (Texas) High
Results: 5.38 40, 4.78 Shuttle, 41.0' PB, 25.2" VJ, 91.14 SPARQ
Breakdown: Came out of nowhere to post the highest SPARQ Rating for an OL thus far in 2013.
OL: Connor Lanfear (2015), 6-5, 261, Buda (Texas) Hays
Results: 5.54 40, 4.84 Shuttle, 35.0' PB, 31.4" VJ, 74.88 SPARQ
Breakdown: Sophomore starter for the 10-2 Rebels should be a major prospect in the Class of 2015.
OL: Toby Weathersby (2015), 6-4, 280, Houston Westfield
Results: 5.54 40, 5.15 Shuttle, 42.0' PB, 20.2" VJ, 71.52 SPARQ
Breakdown: Posted the top power ball toss of the day. Expected to be a big contributor next year for the Mustangs.
ATH: DeUnte Chatman (2015), 5-11 ½, 210, Houston Summer Creek
Results: 4.55 40, 4.47 shuttle, 37.5’ PB, 35.2” VJ, 104.61 SPARQ
Breakdown: Versatile H-back/tight end should be big weapon for Summer Creek next fall.
ATH: Reggie Turner, 5-7 ½, 151, Pasadena (Texas) Memorial
Results: 4.71 40, 4.09 shuttle, 36’ PB, 32.4” VJ, 92.22 SPARQ
Breakdown: Versatile threat was District 22-5A Co-MVP last fall, scoring 19 touchdowns.
DEFENSE
DL: Zach Vaughan, 6-4, 218, Austin (Texas) McNeil
Results: 4.79 40, 4.19 shuttle, 41’ PB, 32.6” VJ, 112.56 SPARQ
Breakdown: Colorado, Texas Tech, Houston and Rice are among Vaughan’s early offers.
DL: Justin Hollins, 6-5, 205, Arlington (Texas) Grace Prep Academy
Results: 4.67 40, 4.38 Shuttle, 36.0' PB, 33.9" VJ, 96.42 SPARQ
Breakdown: One of the more impressive physical prospects to come through the Houston event.
LB: Arthur McGinnis (2015), 6-2, 204, New Orleans Warren Easton
Results: 4.66 40, 4.44 shuttle, 36’ PB, 32.3” VJ, 92.04 SPARQ
Breakdown: Louisiana rising junior turned in his second strong Nike combine this offseason.
LB: Tobenna Okeke, 6-2, 186, Missouri City (Texas) Elkins
Results: 4.68 40, 4.37 shuttle, 38’ PB, 35.1” VJ, 98.82 SPARQ
Breakdown: Athletic linebacker was an All-District 23-5A pick in the fall.
LB: Micah Thomas, 6-0, 244, Cedar Park (Texas) Vista Ridge
Results: 4.96 40, 4.57 shuttle, 35’ PB, 34.3” VJ, 90.66 SPARQ
Breakdown: Big ‘backer had six sacks and four forced fumbles to earn all-area honors in 2012.
DB: Andrew Aneke, 5-11 ½, 177, Missouri City (Texas) Elkins
Results: 4.66 40, 4.26 shuttle, 38’ PB, 37.4” VJ, 104.73 SPARQ
Breakdown: Track standout showed up big time Saturday.
DB: Craig McWilliams, 5-11, 172, Pflugerville (Texas) High
Results: 4.58 40, 4.12 shuttle, 39.5’ PB, 37.2” VJ, 114.42 SPARQ
Breakdown: McWilliams put himself on the map with day’s second-best SPARQ Rating.
DB: Trai Mosley, 5-8, 163, Pflugerville (Texas) Hendrickson
Results: 4.63 40, 4.30 shuttle, 38’ PB, 36.6” VJ, 100.62
Breakdown: Physical corner totaled 34 tackles and three interceptions as a junior.
DB: Arrion Springs, 5-11, 185, San Antonio (Texas) Roosevelt
Results: 4.46 40, 4.12 shuttle, 33.5’ PB, 34.0” VJ, 107.07 SPARQ
Breakdown: Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Baylor and Vanderbilt are among Springs’ early offers.
DB: Marlon Walls, 5-9 ½, 182, Pearland (Texas) High
Results: 4.64 40, 4.09 shuttle, 34’ PB, 34.4” VJ, 100.95 SPARQ
Breakdown: Safety/outside linebacker earned second-team all-district in the fall.
DB: Jordan Washington, 5-11, 186, Pflugerville (Texas) Hendrickson
Results: 4.73 40, 4.22 shuttle, 39’ PB, 38.3” VJ, 108.72 SPARQ
Breakdown: Washington raised his SPARQ Rating 26 points from a year ago.
Note: Selections are based upon combine performance as well as past and projected on-field performance. Athletes must have completed two of the four combine tests to be eligible for selection. Athletes are in the Class of 2014 unless otherwise noted.
OFFENSE
QB: Michael Haywood, 5-foot-11, 178 pounds, Houston Westside
Results: 4.73 40-yard dash, 4.47 shuttle, 33-foot power ball, 30.9-inch vertical jump, 76.23 SPARQ
Breakdown: Accounted for 31 TDs to earn District 20-5A Co-MVP honors as a junior.
RB: Rodney Anderson (2015), 6-0 ½, 196, Katy (Texas) High
Results: 4.63 40, 4.13 shuttle, 35.5’ PB, 36.9” VJ, 109.29 SPARQ
Breakdown: Star junior-to-be scored 26 times for the state champion Tigers last season.
[+] Enlarge
Sam Khan Jr./ESPNSugar Land (Texas) Ft. Bend Austin RB Vic Enwere had a big day at the Houston SPARQ Combine, posting a 120.51 SPARQ Rating.
Results: 4.61 40, 4.31 shuttle, 38’ PB, 41.0” VJ, 120.51 SPARQ
Breakdown: Enwere rushed for 1,208 yards and 16 TDs in the fall. SMU, Rice, Colorado and Utah have offered.
RB: Forrest Town, 5-11, 187, Zachary (La.) High
Results: 4.55 40, 4.28 shuttle, 37’ PB, 40.0” VJ, 113.28 SPARQ
Breakdown: Ran for 945 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior.
WR: Morie Evans (2015), 5-11, 180, Huntsville (Texas) High
Results: 4.58 40, 4.34 shuttle, 34’ PB, 32.7” VJ, 90.96 SPARQ
Breakdown: TCU already has offered this speedy rising junior.
WR: Gabe Fuselier, 5-10, 175, New Iberia (La.) Catholic
Results: 4.45 40, 4.03 shuttle, 35’ PB, 34.9” VJ, 113.28 SPARQ
Breakdown: Repeat selection from New Orleans event upped his SPARQ Rating 12 points.
WR: Bobby Hartzog, 5-10 ½, 178, Houston Westside
Results: 4.49 40, 4.22 shuttle, 37’ PB, 37.4” VJ, 110.91 SPARQ
Breakdown: Caught 35 passes for 654 yards and nine scores to earn all-district in the fall.
TE: Dimitri Flowers, 6-2, 214, San Antonio Churchill
Results: 4.83 40, 4.59 shuttle, 40’ PB, 32.4” VJ, 92.49 SPARQ
Breakdown: Son of former NFL DL Erik Flowers scored 16 times as a junior.
OL: Ashmeed Ahamad, 6-1, 262, Deer Park (Texas) High
Results: 4.80 40, 4.75 shuttle, 32.5' PB, 23.3" VJ, 71.61 SPARQ
Breakdown: Will spend this summer looking to build off a strong 2012 season in which he was an All-District 21-5A selection.
OL: Robert Castaneda, 6-4.5, 304, Round Rock (Texas) High
Results: 5.38 40, 4.78 Shuttle, 41.0' PB, 25.2" VJ, 91.14 SPARQ
Breakdown: Came out of nowhere to post the highest SPARQ Rating for an OL thus far in 2013.
OL: Connor Lanfear (2015), 6-5, 261, Buda (Texas) Hays
Results: 5.54 40, 4.84 Shuttle, 35.0' PB, 31.4" VJ, 74.88 SPARQ
Breakdown: Sophomore starter for the 10-2 Rebels should be a major prospect in the Class of 2015.
OL: Toby Weathersby (2015), 6-4, 280, Houston Westfield
Results: 5.54 40, 5.15 Shuttle, 42.0' PB, 20.2" VJ, 71.52 SPARQ
Breakdown: Posted the top power ball toss of the day. Expected to be a big contributor next year for the Mustangs.
ATH: DeUnte Chatman (2015), 5-11 ½, 210, Houston Summer Creek
Results: 4.55 40, 4.47 shuttle, 37.5’ PB, 35.2” VJ, 104.61 SPARQ
Breakdown: Versatile H-back/tight end should be big weapon for Summer Creek next fall.
ATH: Reggie Turner, 5-7 ½, 151, Pasadena (Texas) Memorial
Results: 4.71 40, 4.09 shuttle, 36’ PB, 32.4” VJ, 92.22 SPARQ
Breakdown: Versatile threat was District 22-5A Co-MVP last fall, scoring 19 touchdowns.
DEFENSE
DL: Zach Vaughan, 6-4, 218, Austin (Texas) McNeil
Results: 4.79 40, 4.19 shuttle, 41’ PB, 32.6” VJ, 112.56 SPARQ
Breakdown: Colorado, Texas Tech, Houston and Rice are among Vaughan’s early offers.
DL: Justin Hollins, 6-5, 205, Arlington (Texas) Grace Prep Academy
Results: 4.67 40, 4.38 Shuttle, 36.0' PB, 33.9" VJ, 96.42 SPARQ
Breakdown: One of the more impressive physical prospects to come through the Houston event.
LB: Arthur McGinnis (2015), 6-2, 204, New Orleans Warren Easton
Results: 4.66 40, 4.44 shuttle, 36’ PB, 32.3” VJ, 92.04 SPARQ
Breakdown: Louisiana rising junior turned in his second strong Nike combine this offseason.
LB: Tobenna Okeke, 6-2, 186, Missouri City (Texas) Elkins
Results: 4.68 40, 4.37 shuttle, 38’ PB, 35.1” VJ, 98.82 SPARQ
Breakdown: Athletic linebacker was an All-District 23-5A pick in the fall.
LB: Micah Thomas, 6-0, 244, Cedar Park (Texas) Vista Ridge
Results: 4.96 40, 4.57 shuttle, 35’ PB, 34.3” VJ, 90.66 SPARQ
Breakdown: Big ‘backer had six sacks and four forced fumbles to earn all-area honors in 2012.
DB: Andrew Aneke, 5-11 ½, 177, Missouri City (Texas) Elkins
Results: 4.66 40, 4.26 shuttle, 38’ PB, 37.4” VJ, 104.73 SPARQ
Breakdown: Track standout showed up big time Saturday.
DB: Craig McWilliams, 5-11, 172, Pflugerville (Texas) High
Results: 4.58 40, 4.12 shuttle, 39.5’ PB, 37.2” VJ, 114.42 SPARQ
Breakdown: McWilliams put himself on the map with day’s second-best SPARQ Rating.
DB: Trai Mosley, 5-8, 163, Pflugerville (Texas) Hendrickson
Results: 4.63 40, 4.30 shuttle, 38’ PB, 36.6” VJ, 100.62
Breakdown: Physical corner totaled 34 tackles and three interceptions as a junior.
DB: Arrion Springs, 5-11, 185, San Antonio (Texas) Roosevelt
Results: 4.46 40, 4.12 shuttle, 33.5’ PB, 34.0” VJ, 107.07 SPARQ
Breakdown: Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Baylor and Vanderbilt are among Springs’ early offers.
DB: Marlon Walls, 5-9 ½, 182, Pearland (Texas) High
Results: 4.64 40, 4.09 shuttle, 34’ PB, 34.4” VJ, 100.95 SPARQ
Breakdown: Safety/outside linebacker earned second-team all-district in the fall.
DB: Jordan Washington, 5-11, 186, Pflugerville (Texas) Hendrickson
Results: 4.73 40, 4.22 shuttle, 39’ PB, 38.3” VJ, 108.72 SPARQ
Breakdown: Washington raised his SPARQ Rating 26 points from a year ago.
RECRUITING NATION MIDLANDS COVERAGE
The Midlands Region consists of the states of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and
Texas and is where Big 12 programs make a living recruiting. However, with the deep talent pool in the Lone Star State, teams from all over the country flock to the Midlands to find players.
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