Koa Farmer, who you can find on Twitter at @KoaFarmer, checks in at 6’2, 207 pounds and hails from Sherman Oak’s (Calif.) Notre Dame High School. He holds eight scholarship offers, including ones from California, Colorado, Utah, Vanderbilt, and Washington.
Koa Farmer recruit scouting report: Versatile athlete
There is still some flexibility as to which position he will play in college, as he is considered an all-around athlete by some services, having lined up at quarterback, wide receiver, kick returner and safety for Notre Dame this last season.
According to the 247sports composite, the southern California product grades out on average as a 3-star player, although Rivals and 247sports have both awarded him a 4th star. Where he ranks among other members of this 2014 class varies depending on where you look -- ESPN has him as the No. 56 recruit in California, for example, while 247sports sees Farmer as high as 23rd among California players, and 12th among safeties nationwide.
Derrell Warren, West Coast Recruiting Analyst: Farmer is a tall, angular athlete with room to fill out his frame. He has great length and quick twitch explosiveness to his game, especially for a taller, high-cut athlete.
Classified as an athlete or free safety by a number of services, Farmer plays all over the field for his high school team. This is appropriate as his baseline skill set translates well to a number of different positions.
Farmer has good first step quickness. As a wide receiver this allows him to build momentum into his routes and break down a defender’s cushion. He can threaten a defense vertically due to a blend of height, long speed, and body control. Has an uncanny ability to make mid-air adjustments to the ball.
At this stage, Farmer is a raw as a route runner. On tape, he is primarily asked to run takeoffs and is used on bubble screens. However, the hips and elusiveness he shows in the open field as a returner indicate that he can eventually become a solid route runner.
On defense, he isn’t a heavy striker. He’ll likely generate more pop with additional weight, but I would like to see him drive his frame through ball carriers a bit more. That said, he makes sure tackles and shows the ability to break his frame down and tackle in space. Farmer can locate the ball in flight and make plays in the air. However, I would like to see him a be a little more aggressive at the catch point. Versus the pass he shows pretty good range. He takes efficient routes to the ball but would like to see him trust his speed a bit more.
