GBK Signing Day Spotlight: Nate Guidry

As Army's 2012 recruiting class unfolds, GoBlackKnights.com will spotlight the commits who will soon be wearing the Black & Gold. With the uniqueness of Black Knights recruiting, this feature continues all the way past National Signing Day.

The spotlight now shifts to hard hitting linebacker/safety Nate Guidry.

High School: Forth Worth (Tx) Arlington Heights High School

Recruitment: Back in July, it appeared that safety/linebacker Guidry committed to Kansas State. However, after he took a step back to reevaluate his recruiting, he eventually decommitted and he opened up his recruiting again.

"Coach Mumford did an unbelievable job recruiting him throughout the entire process," says Arlington Heights High School head coach, Ged Kates.

In addition, Colorado State offered him before the change in their coaching staff and Louisiana-Monroe was highly interested.

Click Here to view this Link.Scouting report: Guidry has the ability to play in space, which is such an asset to have defensively. He's a legitimate 4.4 forty prospect and plays with that quickness. A lot of players time well on the track, but it often does not translate onto the football field ... Guidry plays fast.

But is he physical enough? Down in Texas, they are really proud of our high school football and Guidry was a three year starter at outside linebacker, three year All-District performer and you can't do that in that region without being a very physical player.

Coach's comments: "The first thing about Nate is that he's that edge defender that every single team is looking for. He has unbelievable speed for an outside linebacker. I think with one year in college he will be able to bulk up to about 215-220 pounds, but yet continue to have that great quickness. He's that edge defender that either rush the passer or cover in the slot. One of those guys that every program is looking for and we've been blessed to have him for three years starting for us."

"He's the kind of young man with his work ethic, along with his character that we all can rest easy knowing that he is one of those guys taking care of us. I'm looking forward to seeing what he does. He is one of those guys that would make something of himself no matter where he goes, but the opportunity to attend West Point ... I'm ecstatic for him."

"I honestly believe Army is going to be a better team because of him."

Arlington Heights High School - Ged Kates

Position need at Army: Can he project as a strong safety? As a matter of fact, with the uniquness and versatility of the Black Knights' defense - these days you can't distinguish an outside linebacker from a safety, and Guidry is that type of player. He's a legitimate 4.4 forty prospect and plays with that quickness. A lot of players time well on the track, but it often does not translate onto the football field ... Guidry plays fast and could play several position for Army.

Guidry's comment: "I'm very excited about my commitment to Army."

"I have a great work ethnic. I've been training with my buddy Omar since our football season was over. I go after school everyday just to do the basic stuff; bench, post grip, squats, power clean and we run miles all the time. So from now until then I will be doing the basic stuff until Army sends me my workout packet to tell me what to do."

And what will be the biggest transition for Guidry as he enters West Point as a direct admit? "Well the first thing I am going to have to do is cut my hair (dreadlocks) .... huge adjustment, I've never had short hair," says a laughing Guidry at the idea of seeing his signature hairstyle removed. "I've had long hair since the 3rd grade. I'm debating on weather I do it before my graduation or in the middle of June, because I leave July 1st for West Point. But it will probably be after graduation, which is June 3rd."

To the Army fans ... "You have another recruit coming in who ready to get started and of course, Go Army, Beat Navy."