DeVonta Staples is from Valley, Alabama. The 6’-2”, 190-pound safety, who is currently attending Valley High School, commented on his junior season.
“It was alright. We went 6-5, but we could’ve done better. Overall, for me, it went pretty well. I was the leading tackler on the team.”
After the season, Staples started gaining interest from several top-notch programs, especially in the SEC. He has evaluated many of the schools and put together a list of his favorites at this point.
“I have a top-six right now: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Kentucky, and Illinois. That’s in a random order.”
However, Staples did mention two schools in specific that he likes more than the others.
“I do have two favorites right now, since they have offered me: Kentucky and Illinois.”
Kentucky and Illinois are the only two D-1 colleges to offer Staples so far. They both offered around the same time. Staples shared his thoughts about receiving the Kentucky offer.
“It was about three weeks ago. I was happy, because it was my first SEC offer—I was very happy!”
Staples, who was planning to visit Kentucky recently, had to cancel the trip due to family complications. But, he still thinks highly of UK due to friends and family.
“I was planning on coming up this past Monday or Friday, but my sister had to have surgery, so I wasn’t able to make it. But, I am going to try and get up there before the summer ends.
“I have a cousin who used to play for Kentucky, and he was telling me a lot of good things about the school. Also, I had teammates who went up there last week, and they also said they liked it up there.”
Running Backs Coach Steve Pardue has been recruiting Staples hard. Staples talks to Coach Pardue frequently and thinks very highly of him.
“I like him a lot. He used to coach at LaGrange, Georgia, and I’m not too far from there. I used to go watch him play when I was young. I like him a lot. I talk to him about three times during the week. Sometimes we talk about football and sometimes about personal stuff.”
Coach Pardue hasn’t been recruiting Staples without reason. Staples is a fast, physical player, but also knows he will need some work on his game.
“I am a very physical player—I like contact a lot. I am a fast player. My fastest 40 is a 4.49. But, I know I have to get better with my footwork.”
Here is some footage of his junior season. Enjoy!…
[youtube_sc width=430 url=cx0DHZOwV7I]
