T.J. Leifheit isn't as well-known among North Carolina prospects as, say, Chapel Hill High's Robert Crisp, but that could be about to change.
Crisp, the state's No.1 offensive lineman, is basically off the board with his commitment to N.C. State. That leaves the 6-foot-7, 300-pound Leifheit as the highest-rated in-state O-lineman--and by a wide margin.
Leifheit plays at Wilmington Hoggard High, where he is coached by former Charlottean Scott Braswell. He has never been a sleeper--he's No.11 on The Observer's Top 25 N.C. Prospects list. But he has quietly been garnering more and more attention. Now it seems as if recruiters from just about everywhere have him in their sites.
"I think his top three are North Carolina, Tennessee and California, and they have all offered scholarships," said Braswell. "He also likes Ohio State and Florida but they haven't offered yet."
Leifheit also has offers from Southern Cal, South Carolina, N.C. State, Duke, ECU and Wake Forest among others, Braswell said.
So what do they see in this mammoth tackle?
"He's got that height and length everybody's looking for," Braswell said. "And he's got good feet and great desire. He wants to be an NFL guy one day."
Braswell said Leifheit hopes to graduate early and get a jump on his college career by enrolling and participating in spring practice.
First, though, his senior season awaits. Braswell said Hoggard doesn't keep stats like knockdown blocks. But then he added one stat that every recruiter is likely aware of.
"He hasn't allowed any sacks."
Enough said.--Stan Olson
By the way, if you have any tips on kids (underrated players, offers they've received, ect.) please email me at solson@charlotteobserver.com
Saturday, May 9, 2009
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5 comments:
Having offers from Southern Cal, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Tennessee and Cal is very impressive.
But, I'm surprised UNC isn't ignoring this guy since he's an in-state prospect.
UNC signed more top players in the state than any other program last year . . . you shouldn't be surprised by this. You'll always see the Heels go after the guys that NC produces that fill needs, and can really produce at the next level.
UT? Lane Kiffin has already had 11 players leave the team & signed two players with legal troubles.
Why doesn't UNC win with all this top talent?
UNC hasn't won with all that talent yet because it hasn't all developed yet, remember butch is only entering his third year there but they should contend for an acc title this year.
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