re: Nate Sheppard vs. Harlem Berry

Perhaps this is where I am going wrong. I do put a lot of stock into where a kid goes to HS, and the competition he plays against. Especially when I personally know the level of football he's currently partaking in.

I know Berry's athleticism will allow him to break through at the next level. There is no denying that! He could be a generational talent, and I truly hope he is for LSU's sake.

I apologize if I came across as someone who thinks Nate Sheppard is better than Harlem Berry. I DO NOT think this. But the way BK cycles through RBs, Sheppard could be a nice addition.

My only concern is that LSU is going to miss on another RB in their back yard. The kid's a stud on and off the field, and in and out the classroom, apparently.

Ha! I understand that completely

However kids who live in the NOLA area have options, especially those that go to Private school.

Kids in the NOLA area that want to play big time football dont go to 1A schools. They go to Curtis, Rummel, Brother Martin, St Aug, etc. But kids that live in Oak Grove (for example) don't really have much of a choice but to play 1A ball because that's all they got.

So, kids in Oak Grove might be bred to play football there. But kids in Metairie are bred to play football at Curtis, Rummel, Brother Martin, St. Aug, etc. Kids in the NOLA area that are not so good, aspire to play football, and are seeking playing time go those 1A schools. So, when these 1A teams meet in the playoffs its a blood bath.

The level of 1A football in Oak Grove is way beyond what's in the NOLA area bc all the talent in NOLA gets sucked up by the bigger powerhouse programs.

You are.

Now compare Stamps to Stingley based solely on classification and level of competition

Some people said the same about Arch.

Dont throw Arch into this. Arch could have been home schooled, not play ball, and still receive D1 offers.

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I'm not comparing nobody.

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Bro, your thread title is "Nate Sheppard vs. Harlem Berry."

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However kids who live in the NOLA area have options, especially those that go to Private school.

Kids in the NOLA area that want to play big time football dont go to 1A schools. They go to Curtis, Rummel, Brother Martin, St Aug, etc.

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Quite obvious you don't know anything about Harlem's upbringing and how he ended up at St. Martin's.

As a graduate of St. Martin's and someone who has met with and spoken to Harlem and his parents on several occasions, let me help educate you - Harlem's parents moved their family from The East so they would have a safer and better opportunity in life. Hearing gunshots every day and night is not a great place to raise young kids.

Before entering high school, Harlem's parents attended several open houses and visited both John Curtis and St. Aug (his dad graduated from St. Aug. so Harlem is a legacy). When the Berry's inquired about Harlem's desire to play HS football, academics, and tuition assistance, both schools turned him down citing Harlem had only played 1 year of organized tackle football (8th grade). As a kid, Harlem grew up playing soccer.

The Berry's decided to visit St. Martin's and the rest is history. The school's academics, close-knit family atmosphere, and Harlem's ability to participate in all sports confirmed to be the perfect fit for the Berry's. St. Martin's worked with the family so Harlem could achieve his dream. More importantly, the school didn't prioritize Harlem's previous football experience. They chose to invest in a kid to make him a better person and to be successful in life. In retrospect and looking back at the last 4 years, it all worked out perfectly.

Several posters shared their opinions that Harlem should have transferred to Curtis, St. Aug, or other 4A-5A schools to showcase his talent against better competition. When you're the #1 RB in America and a solid 5-star recruit, is going Curtis, St. Aug, IMG, or another school gonna improve your high-school rankings ? He's already proven himself based on film, camps, and Elite 7x7 competition, as the professional scouts and college coaches agree. Harlem has a premier talent that is not coachable, SPEED. He ran a laser-timed 4.38 during LSU camp which would have been the 2nd fastest time at the 2024 NFL combine. LSU will put him on a weight and nutrition program to prepare him for CFB at the next level.

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is going Curtis, St. Aug, IMG, or another school gonna improve your high-school rankings ?

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Nope. But that doesn’t take you anywhere past high school.

The exposure of playing against better competition would have made him a better player. Whether that exposed him or he flourished, or both. It would have made him better.

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Bro, your thread title is "Nate Sheppard vs. Harlem Berry."

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I know what gets clicks