Hogansville (Ga.) Callaway's Terry Godwin figures to be a difference-maker at the next level. The only question, it seems, is where.
Although it is only March, Godwin is already considered a five-star talent on the 247Sports Composite, and the second-rated athlete in the 2015 class, behind only George Campbell out of Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake. Of course, there's also the fact that he's been slotted as the 17th player in the country and as the third-rated player in Georgia -- those don't exactly hurt either. It is worth noting that Scout has a slightly different projection of Godwin than the other three recruiting services -- it lists him not as an athlete, but as the fourth-rated cornerback among those in the 2015 class.
As of early March 2014, Godwin already boasts 14 offers, mostly from elite programs in the South: Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee among them. Notre Dame and USC have also offered Godwin.
Godwin has significant room to add good weight, and could eventually play closer to 200 pounds at 6'0.
There is a lot to like about Godwin, but I can't help but feel that he belongs more in the top-75 range than the top-25, as some recruiting rankings have him.
As a receiver, Godwin displays good hands and really adjusts well to poorly thrown footballs. He catches a number of jump balls by elevating for them and plucking over defenders. And I like what he does with receiver screens over the middle, adjusting to bad throws, keeping his eyes upfield, using his blockers well, weaving through traffic and often scoring. He has a smooth, gliding gait that somewhat disguises how fast he really is. I think Godwin is fast, but perhaps not track fast.
I don't see much route running refinement in his game, and that may take some time at the college level if he sticks on offense. He is, however, a willing and adept blocker and that will only get better as he gets stronger.
Defensively, he is not afraid to hit, and shows good closing speed. He does not seem to have the greatest of instincts.
It will be interesting to see what position Godwin ends up at in college. He could play receiver or defensive back, and while I am not sure he is an instant-impact player, he could turn into a multi-year starter for one of the better teams in college football.