Free Preview: Camp Notes - DBs

Quarterbacks and wide receivers weren’t the only impressive athletes who showed up to the Bruin camp last Saturday (June 8th). There were plenty of impressive defensive backs on hand and why not?

When you consider the stellar job the Bruins have done over the years developing the position, it only makes sense some of the state’s most sought after defensive back prospects showed up and lived up to previous star billing.

One of the defensive backs that showed well was Freddie Parish (6-1, 195, 4.49) from Long Beach (Calif.) Poly. As promised, Parish received a scholarship offer from the Bruins during the lunch break. Though he didn’t accept on the spot, Parish did admit, “The offer made an impact. It gives me a lot to think about.”

Based on what BruinBlitz saw at the UCLA camp look for Fresno (Calif.) Edison to continue their tradition for developing great defensive backs. Not just the coming year, but for the 2003 season as well.

The seniors to be from Edison are Clifton Smith (5-9, 170, 4.6) and Lorenzo Sims (5-11, 180, 4.6). Both players are lockdown corners and impressed even the participants.

Wide receiver Jason Ferguson (5-6, 165, 4.5) from Los Angeles (Calif.) Fairfax told BruinBlitz that the two guys from Edison should be the camp’s MVP.

BruinBlitz came to the camp straight from the airport and didn’t get to see Ferguson in action at this camp. We have seen him at other camps and on tape. The only thing that keeps Ferguson from being one of the most sought after wide receivers is his size. Tape proves that Ferguson is unstoppable as a pass receiver, punt and kick returner. He’s definitely a player to go watch this fall. Ferguson is a highlight waiting to happen.

The junior to be from Edison is Bernard Hicks (5-11, 185, 4.5). Hicks definitely has the goods to carry the torch of great Edison defensive backs. He’s one to remember for the class of 2004.

It is worth mentioning that Edison is the same school that brought Ricky Manning, Jr. to the Bruins and the Bruins could always use another Ricky Manning or two.

Another player that impressed Ferguson as well as BruinBlitz was Rasheed Prescott (5-9, 170, 4.45) from Los Alamitos, Calif. This is the second time BruinBlitz has seen Prescott and he has been a standout both times.

Interesting enough, Prescott was a quarterback last season for Lakewood (Calif.) Artesia. He transferred to Los Al and was going to line up as a wide receiver, but with Prescott’s combine performances as a defensive back, he may end up doing double duty for Los Al this fall.

There were other players and more defensive backs that shined at the Bruin camp that BruinBlitz will report on in the very near future.