TOP 50 HIDDEN GEM **SPECIAL FREE STORY**

We got the tape that we spoke about last week that Coach Gamble of Cincinnati Withrow promised. Today was like Christmas when the tape was placed into the VCR. SEE WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN MISSING WITHOUT AN OhioPrepScene.com TOATL ACCESS PASS. THIS IS A FREE PREVIEW FROM THE OPS STAFF.

Last week in a story named "Flood of Talent in the Queen City" we talked about the amount of talent Coach Doc Gamble at Cincinnati Withrow will have for the 2004 season. Today we start breaking down film of the players this former college coach holds in high regards.

We start with a special athlete that's been missed from the recruiting guru's eyes. Dante Love is the Real Deal when it comes to a future college athlete. In breaking down Dante's tape I could see why many schools are calling about his services.

While Dante plays quarterback for the Tigers, I see many college coaches looking at him as a receiver or maybe even a defensive back.

Note! To All College Coaches! Keep this kid on offense and put the ball in his hands.........

For all of you recruiting fans take note. Duane Long better put this kid in his Top 50 or he doesn't have a clue. That is how special Dante Love the football player is. In watching his film the first name of a current college player that came into my mind was West Virginia Quarterback Rasheed Marshall. Dante is a better passer at this stage than Marshall was coming out of high school. But Dante has the speed and moves I have watched for the past three WVU seasons. The Tigers run the spread like WVU does and Dante does a lot of things Rasheed does.

If you have the chance to watch film or go see Dante in person, Do It! Here are the reasons why and don't forget he didn't play football as a sophomore.

DANTE LOVE # 5

5'10" 170 LBS.

2003 STATS

PASSING: 1523 YARDS

PASSING TD: 12

RUSHING: 791 YARDS

RUSHING TD: 9

HIGH SCHOOL POSITION: QB

COLLEGE POSITION: RECEIVER: QUARTERBACK

COLLEGE PROSPECT LEVEL: DIVISION I

GAME BREAKDOWN

RUNNING: Dante is a great runner. He not only is fast, he's got explosive speed. He hits corners hard and fast and will leave a number of defenders lying behind after they have whiffed on the tackle. Wiggle, Juke, Stutter and Spin are all in his realm of play. Each time he touches the ball he can make a big play happen. If looking for another high school player with the same running skills think of Javon Ringer. Dante doesn't have the bulk that Ringer carries but he's got all the moves and he can throw the ball. Grade: A+

PASSING: In the spread offense that Withrow runs Dante is in full control of what happens. He can throw going to his left or right and is dangerous when doing so because of his running skills. His steps are quick three step drops with the ball ready to deliver or bring down and take off. Passes on film ranged from quick outs, lobs on the run; sprint out with a rocket and even the deep ball. On tape I saw several passes that were in the 40 -50+ yard range. Keep in mind that Dante didn't have a great offensive line last season and many times saw no pocket protection at all. This forced him to leave the pocket more that I would have liked to see, but it's the only option he had. Grade: B

OVERALL: Dante is a special athlete and that hits you in the face from the first play of the tape. With his type of athletic talent the sky is the limit as to what he can do playing at the next level. While I feel colleges will want Dante as a slot receiver and even some as a defensive back I hope that they keep him on the offensive side of the ball. Because of his height & weight I don't think any programs would look at him to play quarterback. That's a shame because I have seen what Rasheed Marshall has done at WVU and its special. Dante will need some work in the weight room, but has the type of body that can be built by a good strength program. Grade: A

In my e-mails with Coach Gamble he stated the following. "If Dante Love is not a Top 100 player, I would like to see the others ranked before him." Coach I disagree with you. Dante Love is a Top 50 player in Ohio.

Stay with OPS as we look at the other talent from Cincinnati Withrow that Coach Gamble is very high on. I want to thank Coach Gamble for getting OPS film on his players and I look forward to watching more.