Earl Williams
Los Angeles Southwest College quarterback has an impressive showing along with others.
The 6-foot-3 Seattle native passed for 2,212 yards and 20 touchdowns during his sophomore season at LA Southwest. In passing yards, he ranked first in the Pacific Coast Conference.
Franklin, who ran a 4.5 40-yard dash, had a 63.1 percent completion rate and averaged 201.1 yards per game. His possessed a passing efficiency of 134.2, which was 3rd Southern California Football Association,
Franklin finished his career with a career total of 3,139 yards, and 38 touchdowns.
“I am happy for him. He is a great kid. He take this seriously, mature kid, works hard, Great understanding of the game,’’ said Ron Jenkins, a LA Southwest College receiver coach. “More importantly, he is a leader. He is a leader in this environment. I don’t think he is going to have any problems (at the next level).”
Franklin wasn’t the only player who impressed coaches. IsaI Perez II, a 6-foot-3, 305 pounds defensive tackle from Los Angeles Valley College, turned in a magnificent performance and earned an athletic scholarship offer from Central State University at Wilberforce, Ohio. “I liked his size, his speed, his toughness,’’ said Michael Ervin, the associate head coach of Central State University. “I sent his film and information to our defensive line coach in Ohio to evaluate and he came back with “Hey, make it happen.’’
His handwork, footwork, agility and ability to maneuver around the offensive linemen were on full display during power-rush drills.
““I liked his size, his speed, his toughness,’’ said Michael Ervin, the associate head coach of Central State University. “I sent his film and information to our defensive line coach in Ohio to evaluate and he came back with “Hey, make it happen.’’
At LA Valley College, Perez II, finished the season with 28 solo tackles and 17 assisted tackles for a total of 45, 2.5 sacks for 16 yards loses. He also recorded two fumbles, one was returned for a touchdown. His herorics earned him first-team recognition on the All-Pacific League Conference Defensive team.
“Mazing. Really, really grateful,’’ Perez II said about being offered an athletic scholarship from Central State University. “Today, I did pretty well with my reps on defense. We had some dawgs out here. I was blessed with this opportunity this year. I made all conference.’’
Besides a physical presence, what does Perez II bring to Marauder program?
“I am an intelligent player,’’ Perez said. “I like to make good moves. I like to lead the defense. I bring leadership above all. I like to uplift my guys.’’
Two years ago, coming out of Bishop Alemany High, Perez II was undersized, moved from the offensive line to defense halfway through his senior year and had committed to the University of Arizona.
If Deshaun Jefferson, a 6-foot-2 sophomore center from JW North, decides to accept his athletic scholarship offer from Central State University, he will be set. Against older, more experienced mostly JUCO defensive tackles, he held his own. She showed the physicality, agility, techniques to compete at the next level.
“I am very thankful everyone out her for putting everything they’ve got into us,’’ said Jefferson, who was pleased to see how he measured up to talented field athletes who challenged him.
On the other side of the ball, Thomas Thompson Jr., a 6-foot, 175 pound sophomore defensive back from San Bernardino Valley College, caught the eye of Shaw University coach Adrian Jones. Jones offered.
“He is a very good player,’’ said Jones, the head coach of Shaw University. “I like to look for guys who take coaching from a different coach that teaches different techniques . He took everything I told him today and did very well. That’s the reason why we are going to offer him.’’
Thompson, who ran a 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash, ran a shuttle time of 4.9 and 8 in the L-drill.
“I had a great day today,’’ I showed off, I showed man. I showed press. I had great footwork out here today and the coaches said I am very coachable. ‘I know how to take information, and I know how to show it on the field.
Thompson, who played for Carson High, said he wants to talk to coach Jones to learn more about the university and football program.
He ended his JUCO season with 24 solo tackles, five assisted tackles, 1 interception.
“I had no offers. I came out to show my worth,’’ Jones said, who wants to major in business. “He need to prove to everyone I am good enough to be out here. I am going to talk to the coach. I am going to accept the offer for sure. I want to see what the school has for me.’’
