Too often in the world of
college football recruiting we get caught up in the numbers game. A
prospect’s 40-yard dash time may not be fast enough, he might not meet
the weight standards of the day or he didn’t score enough touchdowns for
the amount of carries he attempted.
But numbers don’t always
tell the complete story of a prospect’s ability to excel at the college
level.
Darryl Freeney is a case
in point, according to his head coach at Nansemond River High School in
Suffolk, VA. He’s not the fastest, biggest or strongest athlete in the
state, but the guy can play.
“Some people backed off of
him because of his size,’’ Brian Maus said of his star wide receiver.
“They all want 6-foot-4 receivers now. He’s not real tall, but he’s a
muscular kid. He has sure hands. When the ball hits his hands you don’t
even hear it.
“He’s got good speed. He’s
a real student of the game. For us, he’s a real playmaker. I think
you’ll see him do very well at the next level.’’
The East Carolina Pirates
are counting on it.
The Pirates received a
verbal commitment from the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder in August over an
offer from Akron.
Freeney enjoyed a solid
junior season at Nansemond River, making 27 catches for 540 yards and
seven touchdowns. He also produced three interceptions as a secondary
player.
But college recruiters
were slow to recognize his talents.
That all changed last
spring when Freeney began making the rounds at the various combines and
summer camps. His performance at a regional combine for players from the
Chesapeake and Suffolk areas in May was especially eye-catching.
Freeney was timed at 4.47
seconds in the 40-yard dash, posted a 4.41 clocking in the shuttle run
and logged a 35-inch vertical jump.
“After the combines a
couple of coaches came up and told us they’d probably offer the kid,’’
Maus said. “They said they’d check with their head coaches and would let
us know. So I followed up by sending out a highlight film to the schools
he was interested in, and it was an impressive highlight film to say the
least.
“Akron offered. Virginia
Tech showed interest. Tennessee was interested and told us to be patient
because they were going to offer. But the offer never came. Then Darryl
pulled a hamstring at a summer camp and some of the schools backed off a
little bit.
“East Carolina had
actually offered him back in May. He did go to a one-day camp down
there. He believes that will be a nice situation for him, academically
and athletically. It’s a little closer to home and the fact he’s a
receiver and they like to throw the ball certainly interested him as
well. He was just impressed with the school overall.’’
A three-year varsity
player, Freeney is a playmaker who has the ability to make a
contribution as a true freshman for the Pirates. ECU loses three wide
receivers from this year’s team to graduation, including All-American
candidate Aundrae Allison.
“He’s definitely our
playmaker and a big-play receiver,’’ Maus said. “Darryl will go up and
get it. He’s very smooth in everything he does. When the ball hits his
hands you don’t even hear it.
“He’s got the ability to
help them out next year. I don’t know what else they’re bringing in. But
he’s one of the best in our area without a doubt. And the Tidewater has
some great football.’’