Each week in the American, we are keeping track of former Kirkwood High star Jermey Maclin’s progress at the University of Missouri, as we would like to see him get a seat amongst the finalists who will vie for the coveted Heisman Trophy award.
However, there are some other former area standouts who are also getting it done this year in college football.
Former Clayton High star Jarius Byrd was huge in No. 16 Oregon’s 32-26 victory at Purdue in an overtime thriller. Byrd had five solo tackles, two assists and an interception on defense. He also scored on an 87-yard punt return to spark the Ducks’ rally from a 20-3 deficit on the road. The multi-talented Byrd has been a fixture in the Ducks’ defensive secondary since his freshman year three years ago.
Former Beaumont standout Niles Brinkley had two interceptions in Wisconsin’s big victory over Marshall in Week 2 of the season. Brinkley is starting in the Badgers’ defensive backfield.
Herb Donaldson (CBC) is on his way to another big season at Western Illinois University. In three games, Donaldson has rushed for 328 yards, including 157 yards against SEC power Arkansas in the opening game. A preseason Division I-AA All-American, Donaldson has rushed for more than 1,400 yards in each of the past two seasons in Macomb.
Adrian Clayborn (Webster Groves) is a starting defensive end at Iowa. The 6’3” 282-pound Clayborn is the leading tackler for the Hawkeyes with 21, including 2.5 tackles for a loss and one sack. Duane Bennett (O’Fallon) is the leading rusher for the University of Minnesota while teammate Steve Davis (McCluer North) is a starting linebacker for the Golden Gophers.
On the recruiting trail
Oakville High basketball standout Keith Pickens gave a verbal commitment to Missouri State University over the weekend. The 6’4” guard is one of the top athletes in the St. Louis metro area. As a junior, Pickens averaged 13 points and five rebounds in leading Oakville to a district title. Pickens enjoyed a big summer season while playing for Team Rameybasketball.com. Pickens is the third St. Louis area player to commit to Missouri State under new coach Cuonzo Martin, the former East St. Louis Lincoln star. Miller Career Academy standout Jerome Jones committed to the Bears earlier this summer while former Gateway Tech guard Derron Hobbs is currently a freshman at Missouri State.
Saint Louis University coach Rick Majerus picked up a verbal commitment from 6’7” forward Jonathan Smith from Grove City, Ohio, which is just outside of Columbus. Smith becomes the Billikens first recruit in the Class of 2009.
Former Belleville West basketball standout Jeremy Felton gave a verbal commitment to Southern Illinois University. The 6’7” Felton is currently a sophomore at Mineral Area College. Felton was one of the area’s top inside players during his prep career in Belleville.
Sophomore guard Bradley Beal of Chaminade has already attracting an impressive group of college suitors before playing a game this season. A recent workout at the school brought in head coaches Billy Donovan of Florida, Matt Painter of Purdue and Illinois assistant coach Jay Price. Expected to come in this week is Kansas head man Bill Self. The 6’2” Beal enjoyed a huge summer with the St. Louis Eagles.
MICDS at UCLA
Congratulations to former MICDS basketball standout Mustafa Abdul-Hamid, who has been awarded a scholarship for his senior season at UCLA. Abdul-Hamid attended UCLA as a walk-on and has been part of three consecutive NCAA Final Four teams. After three years of hard work, he was rewarded with a scholarship from coach Ben Howland.