Hard-hitting Burgess dominates on 'D'

Updated: September 26, 2002, 11:11 AM ET
By by Tom Lemming, ESPN.com football recruiting analyst | ESPN.com football recruiting analyst
I first took note of my No. 14 prospect -- DB Prescott Burgess (6-3, 224, 4.6) of Warren (Harding), Ohio -- at last January's U.S. Army All-American Bowl at San Antonio. I was talking on the sideline with Harding's superstar RB, Maurice Clarett of the East squad, who told me that I'd be inviting his teammate Burgess to next year's U.S. Army game. When I returned home, I reviewed some highlight film of Clarett that Thom McDaniel, Harding's head coach, had sent me. McDaniel mentioned that in addition to watching Clarett, I should also be on the lookout for No. 4, SS Burgess.

Now, with the 2002 high school season under way, Burgess is the most talked-about prospect in Ohio and one of the nation's premier defensive players. In fact, you have to rank him as a potential Defensive Player of the Year nationally. He's as quick as light to the ball, rarely misses tackles and is known for his bone-jarring stops. A three-year starter and a general on the field, he makes an impression with every hit. He's supremely confident and shows remarkable recovery speed and range. I believe he hits harder than just about any high school LB or DB in the nation.

He's a great all-around athlete who averaged 12 points and 15 rebounds per game as a small forward in basketball last season.

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