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Yeargin could blossom into one of the stars of the 2014 class.
Richard Yeargin is one of the fastest rising recruits in the class of 2014. Yeargin, who recently transferred to Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) University School from nearby Chaminade Madonna, has an impressive build at 6'4 and 215 pounds. As of Feb. 22, his offer list includes Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, UCLA, Vanderbilt, N.C. State, Rutgers, West Virginia and Wake Forest. Yeargin is a consensus four-star recruit, and is considered one of the 30 best outside linebackers in the country, though that rating should improve, as it is highly unlikely that there are 25 better outside linebackers nationally than Yeargin.
Bud Elliott, National Recruiting Analyst: Yeargin is an extremely intriguing recruit. While he is a good high school player, he is more of a prospect than a star, and his best football is still ahead of him. Yeargin has a long 6'4 frame and could eventually play, conservatively, at 250-plus pounds. And that brings his eventual position into question. Is he a defensive end or a linebacker? That ultimately will be determined by the scheme of the school to which he commits.
Yeargin showcases impressive athleticism and quickness. He opened my eyes during the February South Florida Express tryout, at which he was asked to cover some of the quickest athletes in the country, and fared better than I expected. And on tape, Yeargin does an excellent job of showcasing his speed and quickly closing distance between himself and the ball carrier.
If Yeargin can retain that quickness and athleticism as he adds 30 or 40 pounds, he could be extremely valuable at the linebacker position.
Yeargin is not all that strong, yet, but he does have a few big hits on his highlight tape. And he'll only get stronger as he adds muscle. While he's not polished, I was impressed by the few clips that showed him making a tackle after playing his contain assignment (as opposed to just flying up field, as is often the case in South Florida).
University School will provide a more competitive environment for Yeargin, and his recruitment should continue to explode.
