Twyman is Unsigned...What??

Ron Bailey, Publisher

April 13, 2007 - Deontay Twyman a senior, two sport standout at Sherwood High School, is known throughout Maryland for his exploits on the gridiron, but may be equally talented in round ball, where he averaged 16.3 points, 8.0 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.5 blocks this year. That output garnered him numerous hoops accolades, including first team All-Met and first team All-Gazette.

When it comes to comparing his interest in the two sports, Twyman was rather unequivocal. “I have a lot more passion for the game (football). I’ve got a lot of comfort on the basketball court, but on the football field I’m in a zone all the time”.

Twyman (in white) is a true two sport star. "I enjoy basketball, but football is where my passion is" he said. But make no bones about it, he's devestating on the hardwood.

Then why isn’t he being recruited as a football player, given his impressive passing and yardage numbers ranking him as one of the best quarterbacks to lace up the cleats in the Washington, D.C. area? Recruiters want him to change positions.

Standing 5’10” and weighing around 180lbs, Twyman is not the prototypical size for a quarterback, but neither were Warren Moon (who was pressed to change positions) or Doug Flutie (who wasn’t): There is precedent for smallish signal callers, particularly at the mid-Division I level or up and coming big time programs, but presently only Liberty University has given him an opportunity. Whether it’s a continuation of race related exclusion and/or double standard, or a recruiting gaffe of incredible proportions, the situation is crazy.

Twyman, who is like Moon and refusing to switch positions replied “If I’m not going to play quarterback, I’m not going to play football” when asked if he would be amenable to becoming a cornerback or receiver in college.

“I would have really loved to have played football at the next level, but nothing is really coming through right now” he continued. “With basketball I have the momentum right now so I’m looking at basketball”.

If his performance in the 34th Annual Capital Classic is a barometer, that choice may prove fruitful, as along the way to being named to the events all-star team, Twyman dropped 16 points, 2 rebounds and 8 assists, while sparking his Capital All-Star team to victory in the second half.

Repeatedly, Twyman found open teammates for good shoots, directed fast breaks, and played good defense. He even threw down an impressive windmill slam. In short Deontay’s an all-court performer and natural leader.

Mike Jones, the Capital Team’s coach, gushed about Twyman’s performance. “He did a great job” said the full-time coach of DeMatha Catholic High School. “He’s an unbelievable athlete, and was one of the crowd favorites, so I know that got him going a little bit”.

“I’m just glad to have been exposed to his ability for a couple of weeks” added Jones. “I would have loved to have coached him”.

Deontay (2nd from left), made the Cap Classic's all-star team.

Deontay was pleased to have participated, sharing afterward “I feel it was a great opportunity to come out here and show some colleges what kind of talent I have. I was just trying to have fun. That’s what the game is about”.

Does he see commonalities to playing point guard – his natural position – and quarterback? You betcha he does.

“It translates a lot” opined Twyman when asked if playing one helps him perform as the other. “There is really no difference, you are a coach on the floor and that’s what I try to do; keep the game exciting and try to win”.

Hello, colleges, do you hear that? Whether playing football or basketball, Deontay is the type of player it is foolish to ignore. Why is it happening? Who knows, but the coach who offers him a scholarship will look brilliant down the road.