Looking for instant impact? These recruits will have it

Sporting News, The, Feb 12, 2001 by Tom Dienhart

We all want it right now. Check that. We wanted it a second ago. Indeed, we live in the microwave popcorn era. Pass the remote control before you order that on-demand movie. And check the computer for any instant messages before you come back to the couch.

But if you've got a second, I'd like to introduce you to a few high school players who figure to have a just-add-water impact on the college football scene next fall. You might have heard about them on signing day. Now we just have to wait for the start of the season.

One player likely to provide instant gratification is Joe Mauer, considered by most to be the nation's No. 1 quarterback prospect. Mauer (6-4, 215), who went 25-2 as the starter for Cretin-Derham High in St. Paul, Minn., is headed for Florida State--and his timing couldn't be better for the Seminoles.

Jared Jones recently was kicked off the squad for breaking team rules, muddling a quarterback situation that was handled by Chris Weinke the past three seasons. The only quarterback on scholarship for spring ball is Chris Rix, a freshman who redshirted last season. The Seminoles might move Anquan Boldin from receiver to quarterback, a position at which he excelled in high school, to compete for the job and add depth.

And there's Mauer. He can throw on the run. Better yet, he can execute the up-and-out toss, which is perhaps the most difficult of any pass for a quarterback. He has a strong arm but is capable of throwing a pass with touch.

Eleven years ago, Weinke was the Cretin-Derham senior quarterback choosing Florida State. And just as Weinke was, Mauer's an excellent baseball player, projected by many to be a first-round pick in the June amateur baseball draft. Mauer, who hit .542 as a junior, is one of the nation's top catching prospects.

"There are so many ways I could go," Mauer says. "I could sign (with a baseball team). I could sign and play college football, or I could go to college and play both sports."

Weinke signed and played in the Blue Jays organization for six years before going to Florida State, making him imminently qualified to counsel Mauer. "Chris Weinke said I've got to remember I'm in the driver's seat and have some fun with it," Mauer says.

While we wait on Mauer's decision, we can keep an eye on these players who figure to make the biggest impacts as true freshmen this fall.

Charles Frederick, WR, Boca Raton, Fla./ Pope John Paul. When you check out Frederick's 5-11, 175-pound frame and his 4.4-second 40 time, you see there might be something to the whispered comparisons to Peter Warrick. Washington is desperate for a playmaker on the perimeter, which is where Frederick fits.

Kevin Jones, RB, Springfield, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara. Jones (6-1, 215), who broke Penn State's heart by pledging allegiance to Virginia Tech, is a frightening package of power and speed. Lee Suggs will return for his junior year after scoring a national-best 28 touchdowns last season, but Jones won't be denied his time in the spotlight.

Chris Spencer, OL, Madison, Miss./Central. In recent seasons, we've seen linemen such as Kevin Breedlove (Georgia), Antonio Hall (Kentucky) and Michael Munoz (Tennessee) start as true freshmen in the SEC. Spencer (6-4, 305) will be the next for a Mississippi team that will trust him to protect its quarterback.

Carnell Williams, RB, Attalla, Ala./Etowah. He figures to fill the hole left by Rudi Johnson for an Auburn program committed to the run. Williams (6-0, 190) has the size to break tackles; his terrific speed and underrated ability to catch the ball out of the backfield enhance his value.

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