5-8/180 pounds of Noel Devine has been an internet legend since his freshman
highlights started surfacing two years ago on the internet. There were reactions
of disbelief; there were reactions of awe.
His junior tape is nothing short of extraordinary. The Class of 2007 marks my
fifth class of scouting in the field, and this is the best high school player
I've seen.
There is speed, and then there is Noel Devine. Some players can accelerate out
of cuts to show their cat-like quickness; Devine actually accelerates through
his cuts. I've never seen a player continue to get faster while he is changing
directions. Devine makes would be tacklers look like their running up hill,
while he is slalom skiing down hill between them.
Speed is great, but it's only part of the equation. His ability to accelerate
from multiple body positions shows tremendous balance. That balance comes in
handy while shedding tackles as well. Devine isn't just about speed and change
of direction. He has uncanny balance and is nearly impossible to bring down even
if a defender, or two, or three, is lucky enough to make contact.
If this was Sony PlayStation, I'd institute a "Noel Devine" Rule....
No one can use Noel Devine, because the programmers exaggerated his talent, and
he's too good for the game.
Devine swept through the competition as a junior. He rushed for 1,933 yards and
24 touchdowns on 173 carries. Interestingly enough, Devine never carried the
ball more than 20 times as a junior, including a signature 398 yard performance
against Bishop Verot.
Devine may not end up being the best back in college, but if there's a better
high school player in the country than Noel Devine, I haven't seen him.
#7 RB Noel Devine - JR
Watch Video 1
Watch Video 2
Watch Video 3
Your Comments are
Welcome on the Scout.com Recruiting Message Board: