Blanche Ely's Michael German should get more recognition

BY LARRY BLUSTEIN
lblustein@MiamiHerald.com
He has been one of the most impressive quarterbacks in south Florida this year, guiding his Blanche Ely Tigers to a 7-0 start with more than 1,600 yards passing and 18 touchdown passes. He stands 6-2 and weighs more than 200 pounds and does well in school. Why are colleges not falling over themselves offering Michael German?
This year's version of Ryan Becker, who led St. Thomas Aquinas to the national title last year, German has the size that 5-10 Becker didn't have, so why are colleges looking at other less productive passers?
``It's frustrating, but nothing that I am going to consume myself with,'' said German, who is spending his first year as a starter for the Tigers. ``I have learned that there are things that you simply cannot control, so I will go out. Lead my team to wins and believe that everything will take care of itself.''
In a year that has watched Ely again become a threat at the 5A level, statewide under the direction of coach Rodney Gray and a staff that features veteran coaches Carl Wilburn, Mike Carter, Marion Roach and former Ole Miss running back Dou Innocent, nobody is dwelling on the fact that colleges seem to be overlooking German, who has been very impressive as this program looks to get into the playoffs again.
While schools such as Minnesota, Indiana, Central Michigan and others have watched him play during the spring, summer and into the fall, where he has been the catalyst for the Tigers, nobody has taken that step to make an offer.
WONDERING WHY
``I remember when Eugene Smith started out, people were flocking around him because of the numbers he was putting up,'' Gray said. ``Michael has also put up big numbers and his arm strength and size should be the reason that every college should be making an offer.''
While German continues to impress, he knows that his supporting cast will certainly continue to make him look good. Players like sophomore receiver Avery Johnson, a 6-1, 180-pounder, who is following in the footsteps of his older brother Patrick (Johnson) Peterson.
Johnson has been among the top receivers in Broward County. He knows that while colleges haven't appreciated what German can do, he is thrilled to have the strong-arm senior looking in his direction.
``Colleges need to pay a whole lot more attention to what Michael is doing for this team,'' Johnson said. ``What he has done for this team has been tremendous.''
In addition to German and Johnson, the Tigers have also looked to players such as receivers Rashad Smith (6-0, 165) and Clinton Jones (5-11, 160), running back Keltron Goodwin (5-9, 175), athlete Byron Thomas (5-11, 165), linebacker David Holley (6-1, 210) and defensive back Jabari Price, a 6-0, 190-pounder, who committed to Minnesota.
``We have some special kids on this team,'' Gray said. ``Quality athletes on both sides of the ball.''
Junior defensive back Courtney Hall (5-9, 165) is also a player that coaches are impressed with.
``This is a program that has a number of quality football players,'' said Charles Fishbein of Elite Scouting Services. ``I had the opportunity to watch them in the spring and then during the season, and the offensive line, the defensive and other areas have made improvement. Coach Gray continues to do a great job.''
MAKING SO JC NOISE
At the start of the 2009 Junior College football season, former Coconut Creek receiver Quintin Robinson was picked as a first team All-America selection. The 6-3, 197-pound sophomore hasn't let anyone down so far.
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