South Bend (Ind.) Washington saw its fair share of college coaches walk the halls in pursuit of David Perkins who signed with Ohio State and Gehrig Dieter who inked with SMU in the 2012 class.
Daigien Morgan is one of the state's top athletes in the class-of-2014.
Some of those same recruiters may be coming back in the near future.
Panthers head coach Jay Johnson is excited about four of his underclassmen and a few are already garnering Division-I interest.
Leading the way is quarterback/athlete Daigien Morgan, who was one of the top passers in the state this past fall with 2,519 yards and 27 touchdowns. Most likely a receiver or defensive back recruit on the Division-I level, the 6-foot, 185-pound Morgan also rushed for 760 yards and 10 scores. Ball State and Bowling Green are showing the most interest.
“Just his playmaking ability,” Johnson started. “This past season we used him more on defense so he’s starting to impact the game on both sides of the ball. He’s definitely a special player and special athlete and he’s definitely a guy the opposing team’s defense has to figure out a way to stop him and slow him down.
“For him, I think he’s definitely D-1,” Johnson continued. Out of Starkville, Miss., Johnson played his college ball at Notre Dame. “He has the athleticism and the skill set to step into a D-1 program and be in a position to help them win games. He’s so athletic and he can play multiple positions.”
Morgan’s top target was sophomore receiver Antwon Ivery (5-10, 165), who was among the state’s leading pass catchers with 73 receptions for 1,007 yards and 12 touchdowns.
“Definitely another young star for us with him just being a sophomore this past season,” Johnson said. “He’s definitely one that is going to continue to improve and continue to get better. A valuable weapon that stretches the field.”
Haki Woods is a 6-foot-3, 175-pound junior safety/receiver that registered 76 tackles, six interceptions, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He also added a receiving score and a punt return for a touchdown. Ball State and Indiana State are showing early interest.
“With his athleticism and size, that is definitely what the game is transitioning to and what skill guys are,” Johnson said. “He has great speed and a nose for the ball. He’s a big playmaker for us and a leader for us.
Johnson’s son Tyler White, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound freshman, could have a chance to follow his father in his Division-I footprints.
“There is tons of potential there with his football savvy already at this point,” Johnson said. “Very excited about the potential he has at quarterback or receiver. He has great hands, runs very good routes and the sky is the limit.”
- Steve Wiltfong
- National Recruiting Writer - 247Sports