Six Star Football takes a look at prospects who caught scouts eye in the playoffs.
Cooper Lucas, DE/LB/RB, 2018, Lamar
Lucas has put up big numbers as a running back in Lamar’s run-first attack, but it is his play as a defensive end that is turning heads in the postseason. He was an unblockable force in the Tigers semifinal win over Lutheran North on Saturday and combines a relentless passion with speed, quickness and a powerful first step off the edge. We’re not really sure what position he projects to at the next level as he is a little undersized for a pass-rushing end, perhaps a linebacker. Regardless, he’ll be a late find for someone.
Kinser Madison, 6’2, 202, QB/S, 2018, Lafayette County
Madison has helped lead Lafayette County to the Class 2 state championship game where they will face heavily favored Lamar. He has good size and speed and shows a good arm as a quarterback. He is especially good as a defensive player at safety where he is a good ball hawk and also comes up and plays strong against the run. Shows the ability to get off blocks and is a good tackler in space.
Cameron Meeks, 6’3, 225, DE/RB, 2018, Ladue
A strong, physical player, Meeks has been a tough pass rushing defensive end, garnering five sacks, two fumble recoveries and has shown his athleticism as a power running back, scoring 11 times on 32 carries.
Kader Ndiaye, 6’1, 285, DT, 2018, FZN
Ndiaye has largely flown under the radar this season as a college prospect, but he showed in the playoffs he is one of the St. Louis area’s top defensive tackles. He not only takes up a lot of space in the middle of the FZN line, but is terrific at stuffing the run and forcing things outside. He finished with 66 tackles for FZN and added a sack and a fumble recovery.
Theo Price, 5’11, 165, LB, 2018, Lindbergh
Price put together a big season and is among the more underrated linebacker prospects in St. Louis. He picked up offers from Missouri Western and SEMO and his play helped Lindbergh capture a Class 6 district title. He had 14 tackles against the defending state champion Kirkwood. At 5’11, 165, Price is a little undersized for a linebacker at the next level, but we could easily see him move to a safety position.
Vernell “King” Rue, 6’0, 185, WR/DB, 2018, FZN
For whatever reason, Rue doesn’t get a lot of hype when discussing the state’s top players, but he showed in the Claas 5 playoffs he is among the St. Louis area’s top all-around players. He catches passes, makes plays on defense and is seemingly all over the field. He was the Panthers leading receiver, hauling in 45 passes for 566 yards,
Arkell Smith, 6’1, 170, WR, 2018, Carthage
Smith has been a. big-play receiver for the Tigers all season, but took his game to new levels in the playoffs as he made several big plays. He brings good hands, good size and terrific playmaking abilities, as well as a second gear that allows him to run away from defenses.
Dakari Streeter, 6’1, 215, OLB/TE, 2018, Pattonville
Kid is a heck of a high school football player. Streeter is tough, physical, a big hitter who comes up and puts a licking on opponents. He is quick, can set the edge as an outside linebacker or play with his hand down on the line. As an offensive player, he is a hybrid H back, tight end type who is a good blocker at the point of attack and a big weapon in the pass game. He has terrific speed for his position and is tough to cover, creating mismatches.
Jaylin Vaughn
, 6’1, 250, LB, RB, 2019, FZN
Kid is a truck, a big, physical power player who brings tremendous size and good athleticism to the field. As an offensive player, Vaughn averaged more than eight yards per carry and scored eight TDs, As a defensive player, he finished with 83 tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery.
