With the 2012 MLS SuperDraft around the corner, the final additions to the draft class are being made through the Generation adidas process. Over the next week, MLSsoccer.com's college and youth expert Travis Clark will reveal and analyze the 2012 members of the GA class.
We begin with University of Akron striker Darren Mattocks.
1. He’s outscored some MLS names.
During his two years at Akron, Mattocks scored an impressive 39 goals in 47 games. Starting all but one game his college career, his two-year total eclipses the production of current MLS players Steve Zakuani (26),Teal Bunbury (23) and Darlington Nagbe (19) when they were at Akron.
2. He's an electric talent.
Like the Zips forwards before him, Mattocks is an exciting attacking talent who can make things happen in the final third. Speed is one of his biggest assets, and his ability to stretch defenses in college is going to make him an entertaining player at the next level.
3. He can do it alone.
Last year, Mattocks scored 18 goals as a freshman, benefiting from the attacking talents of Nagbe, Anthony Ampaipitakwong and Michael Nanchoff, to name a few. This year, after seven starters departed from the title-winning side of 2010, Mattocks proved he could still produce without the same talent around him, scoring 21 goals this last season.
4. He's a Reggae Boy with a future.
The native of Portmore, Jamaica, Mattocks is a member of the Under-23 player pool and hopes to represent the full national team one day. Akron head coach Caleb Porter made a recruiting visit to watch Mattocks play in early 2010 that encouraged the striker to choose Akron as his destination that fall.
5. He’s the next…
Omar Cummings. Speed, creativity, finishing — a deadly trio.
