"Those two guys (Deuce McAllister and Kris Mangum) are both special and
had a special quality that you can not just put your finger on," added
Ralaigh defensive coordinator, Randy McIntyre. "They were special for some
reasons you can not just put your finger on. Donte Moncrief has a chance to
be that type of athlete. You can not always put your finger on it, but I remember
about a year ago, I said to myself that he has a chance to be up there with
Deuce and Kris. In 26 years you coach a lot of great players, but not many come
along that you say to yourself can be another Deuce (McAllister) or Kris (Mangum),
but he (Donte) has that "it" factor. He just makes you think he has
that type of ability because of his athleticism and that "it" factor."
Donte Moncrief has been starting for Ralaigh since his 9th grade season. He
has made an impact at several different positions.
"He is a young guy that has played a lot of cornerback for us," added
Coach McIntyre. "He started his 9th and 10th grade years at CB. In fact,
he started at CB for us up until the middle of the season, and then we moved
him over to free safety because they would not throw it his way. But Donte can
play anywhere. He went both ways for us this year and started at receiver too.
He was also our second string quarterback and got several snaps in at QB. He
can make some throws that would surprise you. Donte throws a really good ball.
He would be an ideal candidate to play a role in the Wild Cat formation. We
used him like that, and he was very effective for us. A lot of college recruiters
are liking him at receiver now. He caught somewhere around 35 balls this year,
and we had a young QB that took some time to get his feet wet. The kid is just
so versatile. There is no telling where he will end up in college."
Moncrief did not turn 16 until the week before the 2009 campaign kicked off.
Donte's frame continues to grow and so do his skills.
"He has such a big frame. Donte measured in at 6' 2", 195 at the Ole Miss camp last summer when he was just 15 years old. He is tall and rangy. We
are going to work on getting the ball in his hands more this year. We have to
figure out ways to get the ball more in his hands next season. He started retuning
kicks and punts for us and had a lot of nice returns. He even actually started
punting for us and had a nice punting average. Donte converted a couple fakes
for us with some nice passes and runs. He does not have any idea how good he
could be. Like I said, he is the first one that I would put up there with Deuce
and Kris, in terms of having that kind of ability. He will have to keep working
hard to get up to their level, but he certainly has the capability to get there."
What does Donte feel like is his most natural position?
"Wide receiver. I am just more comfortable at receiver," added Moncrief.
"I like it more than all of the other positions. I like to catch the ball."
Donte averaged over 20 yards a reception this year but also picked off 10 passes
(5 int's in '08 and '09 seasons) the last two years.
"My longest return from a pick was 99 yards this year. I use my speed and
height to my advantage at DB, and I use my strength at receiver. I am a very
physical and fast receiver. It is hard to cover me one on one. Corners can not
stop me, and I pick holes in the zones. The thing I need to work on the most
next year is finishing off my routes and running until the end. I am still fairly
new at receiver, so I have a lot of technique to learn."
Moncrief is headed to the Cotton Bowl with a teammate of his next week, but
that should not come as a huge surprise as he was a regular at the Ole Miss
games this fall.
"I saw them play a few times (laugh). I went up to see them play Memphis
at Memphis, and I went to a few home games like Tennessee, LSU, and Northern
Arizona."
Why the interest in Ole Miss?
"I just love their staff. They seem very cool, and I love how their guys
play up until the end. They never give up and play through the 4th quarter.
Coach Nutt does a good job of getting you recognized. He always has his team
in the Top 25 and playing in big bowls. Their crowd also stands out to me. I
love the atmosphere up there. The crowd is always alive. I would love to play
in an atmosphere like that. I also love how Shay Hodge plays. He is a great
receiver and is just from down the road (in Morton, MS) from me. He is always
giving me pointers (on how to play the WR position)."
The Rebels were the first school to offer the Ralaigh standout an athletic scholarship
offer.
"They sent me a fax in three or four Fridays ago to let me know that I
had a scholarship. I talked to Coach Dickerson. He asked me how I liked the
last game I was up there, and I told him I liked the way they can run the ball
and suck in the defense and then throw it over you up top. I also liked how
fast and tough their defense is. They play real aggressive.He told me that he
was looking forward to me coming back to Ole Miss."
Who else is staying in contact?
"Alabama, LSU, MSU, and Florida."
What stands out about Alabama?
"That is where my favorite football player is from, Julio Jones. I grew
up an Alabama fan."
LSU?
I watched them play Ole Miss and they are strong, physical and fast. They have
a nice running game and a young and talented QB. I know I was ready to play
some SEC football after watching that game (laugh)."
What about MSU?
"They are starting a new program up, and Dan Mullen is doing a good job
of getting them going."
And Florida?
"They are talented all over (laugh). They have speed, quickness, and a
lot of leadership."
Yancy Porter is the Recruiting Manager for the State of Mississippi and he
can be reached at yporter@scout.com
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