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DEL.ICIO.USRecruiting report: Little ready to pick FSU; Heyward to visit UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Got someone whose recruitment you’d like us to update? E-mail deputy sports editor Jeff D’Alessio at jdalessio@ajc.com, and we’ll do our best. Come back to ajc.com/sports every day between now and national signing day to get the latest online-only news on college football recruiting from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. AJC staff writers will update this blog as news develops throughout the day.
Little set to commit to Florida State
The winner of the Chris Little sweepstakes appears to be Florida State.
“I’m thinking FSU but I’m having trouble getting in touch with the coaches because they’re all out at the bowl game,” Little told the AJC’s Jeff Hood shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Little said he wouldn’t make an official announcement until he could reach Bobby Bowden, whose Seminoles play UCLA in today’s Emerald Bowl in San Francisco.
Little, a 6-foot-6, 340-pound offensive lineman from Twiggs County, had also considered Georgia and Notre Dame.
Why FSU?
“I know they need help on the offensive line and it’s close to home,” Little said.
Heyward visits: Georgia, LSU, Florida, Ohio State
Peachtree Ridge’s defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is enjoying the holiday season and not much has changed as far as the schools he’s considering.
He will make an official visit to Georgia, he told the AJC’s Bill Sanders on Wednesday afternoon. When, he’s not sure.
Heyward said he will visit LSU on Jan. 19 and also plans to visit Florida and Ohio State.
Heyward said he would likely announce a decision sometime before national signing day on Feb. 7, but he wasn’t sure exactly when.
Hargrave’s Chavis: Georgia in the lead
After visiting Georgia two weeks ago, Hargrave Military Academy defensive end Miguel Chavis has a new leader.
“I liked everything about it,” Chavis told the AJC’s Carter Strickland on Wednesday afternoon. “They are my new leader.”
Chavis had originally committed to North Carolina, but said he was naïve to the recruiting process at that point and really didn’t know what other schools had to offer. When he went to Hargrave, the doors to the recruiting world opened wider and Chavis decided he wanted explore a few other options.
Chavis is also interested in Tennessee, Clemson and Maryland. The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder said he would graduate from Hargrave in June, then have to wait for the NCAA Clearinghouse to OK him, hopefully in time fot the second semester of summer school.
Including Chavis, Georgia has five senior targets left on its recruiting board. The others: defensive end Allen Bailey of McIntosh Academy, defensive back Morgan Burnett of North Clayton, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward of Peachtree Ridge and offensive lineman Joe Blaes of Kansas’ Coffeyville Community College.
The Bulldogs also were in the running for Twiggs County offensive lineman **Chris Little”“, who is set to commit to Florida State.
Mobile’s McNeil to check out Auburn, FSU
AJC Super Southern 100 safety Michael McNeil of Mobile, Ala., lists Auburn and Florida State as his favorites right now, but a host of schools are right behind them.
McNeil said he will visit Auburn on Jan. 12, then check out FSU on the 18th. He has already been to Tennessee and will likely visit either Clemson or Alabama, too.
McNeil liked what he saw in Knoxville. “I liked the scheme and the format, with the position I’d be in, is real good. I could play early,” he told the AJC’s Bill Sanders on Wednesday. “I saw the talent they had at my position and not to take anything away from anyone, but I think I could compete.”
McNeil said Alabama could move near the top once a coach is chosen.
Gators recruit looking elsewhere
Sidell Corley, a Super Southern 100 defensive end from Mobile, Ala., wants to be called a Florida commitment — but he also wants to shop around.
Corley said he’ll take a good look “at both state schools” — Auburn and Alabama — before national signing day on Feb. 7. He also recently got back from an official visit to Oklahoma.
“Everything about Oklahoma seemed just about right,” Corley told the AJC’s Bill Sanders on Wednesday. “With Alabama not having a coach, let just say hopefully by then they’ll have one. If not, I won’t be visiting.
“With Florida, I guess I’d say I’m committed, but I’m just wanting to check other schools and will wait till signing day to make it official.”
Tech recruit on the mend
D.J. Donley had a big role in helping Charlton County tie Dublin for the state Class AA football title, and the basketball team needs him badly now.
Donley, a defensive back/wide receiver who committed to Georgia Tech, can’t help, though, because he broke a rib in the state semifinals.
“In the Georgia Dome [against Early County] on the first punt return, I broke my ninth rib on the right side, but I played the final three quarters with it,” he told the AJC’s Matt Winkeljohn on Wednesday. “It was bothering me, but I didn’t tell anybody because I was afraid they wouldn’t let me play.”
Donley donned extra armor, a flak jacket, to play at Dublin in the title game, where he scored the tying touchdown on a pass reception.
“We played [Early County] on a Saturday, and I was X-rayed on Monday,” he said. “They told me it was broken all the way through, but non-displaced. For the championship game I had some trouble getting to play. They had to call paramedics in Dublin and tell them to be on stand-by.”
Weight-lifting is out of the question now for Donley, who’ll drive 45 minutes to Jacksonville on Monday to watch Tech play in the Gator Bowl. He hopes to return to the basketball team, which has been hit with player suspensions and quitters, in five or six weeks. He’ll enroll at Tech next summer.
“It’s worst in the morning,” Donley said of his broken rib. “I’ll take some Ibuprofen in the morning, and that’s it. I hope to get back to basketball in February. We’ve been having some player issues.”
Dunlap decision on hold
North Charleston (S.C.) Fort Dorchester defensive end Carlos Dunlap, the nation’s top weakside defensive end prospect according to Rivals.com, will not make an announcement about his college choice this week, according to his father, Carlos Dunlap Sr.
“He’s just not ready to decide yet,” Dunlap Sr. told Rivals.com. “He wants to make sure to let all of the schools that have recruited him know and wants to thank them because they all have been excellent.”
Dunlap Jr., named last week to the AJC’s Super Southern 100, is considering South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. He has visited all three schools unofficially and took an official visit to Columbia in December. Dunlap Sr. said that his son may make scheduled official visits to Knoxville (Jan. 13) and Gainesville (Jan. 20).
Dunlap Jr. will particpate in the inagural Offense-Defense All-American Bowl on Jan. 4 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (7 p.m., ESPNU)
Kentucky recruit to visit Georgia, Auburn
LaGrange defensive lineman D.J. Stafford insists he’s committed to Kentucky. But the 6-foot-3, 251-pound Stafford still plans to move forward with official visits to Auburn and Georgia in January.
“I just want to see if they’ve got something better to offer,” Stafford told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
One of the primary reasons Stafford is leaning toward Kentucky: the fact that three of his former LaGrange teammates are on the Wildcats roster. “I’ve got some good friends up there who play for Kentucky,” he said.
Massaquoi may take junior college route
Coveted by many Division I-A programs, academics may force Central Gwinnett linebacker Sam Massaquoi to sign with Kansas’ Butler Community College instead.
“For right now, I would say his core GPA is what is hurting him,” Central Gwinnett coach Brad Warren told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “If he gets his core GPA up, then he’ll sign with a Division I-A school. If he doesn’t, he’ll go to Butler.”
Big offers coming for Rozier?
Bleckley County coach Sam Barrs thinks running back Zeke Rozier has the talent and ability to play on the Division I-A level. Currently, the 6-foot, 197-pound Rozier has offers from Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State, and Georgia Southern. But Barrs believes offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia and/or South Carolina will come in January for Rozier, a participant in Friday’s North-South all-star game in Columbus.
“This kid is legit,” Barrs told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He made an unofficial visit to Florida State a couple of weeks ago and got to meet coach [Bobby] Bowden following a practice. Some schools are recruiting him as an outside linebacker and some as a running back. He’s tall enough that he can add 10 to 15 pounds and carry it well.”
Star receiver sets four visits
Dwight Jones, an AJC Super Southern 100 wide receiver from Burlington, N.C., told Scout.com on Wednesday he has set up four official visits: to North Carolina (Jan. 6), Tennessee (Jan. 12), Clemson (Jan. 19) and Florida (Jan. 26).
Jones committed to North Carolina but has had second thoughts since John Bunting was let go as coach.
LSU, Oklahoma finalists for Super Southern lineman
AJC Super Southern 100 defensive end Luther Davis of West Monroe, La., told Scout.com on Wednesday he will choose between LSU and Oklahoma.
“When it comes to Oklahoma, they are losing four defensive ends, and during my freshman year they will have two other seniors so I will be right there playing,” Davis told Scout.com. “Then by my sophomore year there is a good chance I will be starting. That fact is a major positive to look at. LSU is the home team and I don’t live far from there here in Monroe. That in itself is a real terrific thing.”
Louisiana star eliminates Irish
Notre Dame is out of the running for Louisiana Mr. Football Joe McNight, the tailback told Scout.com.
McKnight told the Web site he’ll visit Ole Miss (Jan. 12), Southern Cal (Jan. 19), LSU (Jan. 26) and Arkansas (TBA), and also is “debating” between trips to Clemson and Miami.
“They all play hard and win games,” McKnight, named last week to the AJC’s Super Southern 100 team, told Scout.com. “They are all good programs and have good coaching staffs.”
Hester: Sticking with Tide
Mike Shula’s recent dismissal at Alabama has had no impact on Marist linebacker Jennings Hester’s decision to sign with the Crimson Tide in February.
“I committed to the school, not the coaches,” Hester told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. Hester, however, is a big fan of Tide interim coach Joe Kines. Hester remains hopeful that Kines and fellow Tide assistant Charlie Harbison will be retained on the staff of the next coach.
“I definitely want to see Coach Kines and Harbison return,” Hester said.
Illinois, Louisville court Baldwin star
After rushing for 2,153 yards and scoring 28 touchdowns during his senior season, 5-foot-10, 183-pound Baldwin running back Darius Marshall is on the radar of several Division I-A schools.
“Darius has a visit set up with Illinois in the next few weeks,” Baldwin coach Jesse Hicks told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “And Louisville has been courting him, too.”
Bonner to Hargrave?
Baldwin wide receiver Wayne Bonner is still awaiting college entrance test scores, which will determine whether he is academically eligible to play at the Division I-A level. Bonner had been considering Florida and South Carolina, but now appears likely headed to Virginia’s Hargave Military Academy.
“Wayne had been looking at some SEC schools,” Hicks told the AJC. “But right now, it looks like he’ll be headed to prep school. There are some Division I-AA teams that are showing interest. We’re just waiting on those test results.”
Another big honor for UGA recruit
Sommerville (S.C.) High wide receiver A.J. Green, who says he’ll sign with Georgia in 2008, was the only junior named Wednesday to USA Today’s All-USA first team.
UGA-bound offensive lineman Trinton Sturdivant of Wadesboro, N.C., was named to the All-USA second team, as was uncommitted Darien McIntosh Academy defensive end Allen Bailey.
Peachtree Ridge back to check out Carolina schools
Peachtree Ridge running back Chris Thomas plans to schedule visits to Coastal Carolina and East Carolina and also is getting attention from Ohio University
Gainesville lineman down to 3
Gainesville offensive lineman Charles Wood has narrowed his choices to East Carolina, Marshall and Memphis, according to Gainesville coach Bruce Miller.
“I would think that Marshall is his favorite, but East Carolina and Memphis are starting to push real hard,” Miller told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “I think it will be one of those three.”
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Wood will play alongside Gainesville teammate Nick Claytor, who has committed to Georgia Tech, in Friday’s North-South all-star game in Columbus.
Illini interested in Newnan QB
Newnan quarterback Thomas Darrah is drawing little interest from Division I-A programs. But I-AA Elon and Western Kentucky are both making a push for Darrah to commit, the player said.
The lone big-name school in the mix is from the Big Ten.
“Illinois is still looking at me,” Darrah told Rivals.com. “We’re still sending out stuff. I don’t know yet.”
Zook reels in another one
Scout.com is reporting another commitment for Illinois coach Ron Zook, this one coming from Bloomington (Ill.) Central Catholic’s Josh Brent, the Web site’s 12th-ranked defensive tackle nationally. He’s the fifth player ranked among the top 15 at his position to commit to Illinois. The headliners landed so far by Zook, the former Florida coach: Washington (D.C.) Dunbar wide receiver Arrelious Benn and Chicago Simeon defensive end Martez Wilson.
Three offers for Central Gwinnett linebacker
Central Gwinnett coach Brad Warren confirmed Wednesday that Black Knights inside linebacker Bryce Smith has been extended offers by three schools. “Coastal Carolina, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Samford have each made offers to Bryce,” Warren told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. The 6-foot, 230-pound Smith anchored the Central Gwinnett defense at middle linebacker.
Nissley stands by UCF commitment
South Forsyth tight end Adam Nissley said the commitment he made with Central Florida earlier this year remains solid, despite recent reports that he might be wavering and considering Louisville and Southern Miss.
The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Nissley credited UCF coach George O’Leary for luring him to the Orlando school. “Yeah, he had a pretty big role in recruiting me,” Nissley told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “I know his past and where he came from at Georgia Tech. And he’s had some professional experience too.”
Kenney eyes junior college
Dacula’s Cameron Kenney, a first-team all-state selection as a specialist, is expected to attend a junior college next fall. Kenney’s mother, Patti Roth, told the AJC’s David Purdum her 6-foot-2, 188-pound son has visited Dean College in Massachusetts and also is interested in Georgia Military College and Pearl River Community College.
Davis decision postponed
Memphis Wooddale wide receiver Roderick Davis was scheduled to announce his college decision before Christmas at a press conference at his school, but that was called off because of technical issues.
“They announced the press conference, but then had to have it rescheduled,” Wooddale assistant Brock Green told Rivals.com.
The 6-foot, 192-pounder holds scholarship offers from Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas Tech.
He has previously stated that the Rebels are his leader over the Red Raiders and that he plans to visit Oxford and Lubbock officially, along with Division I-AA Tennessee State.
Bolden favors Washington
Ontario (Calif.) Colony standout Omar Bolden, Scout.com’s 15th-ranked cornerback, tells Scout’s Allen Wallace he favors Washington over Oregon State, but is still also considering UTEP, Nebraska and Washington State.
Jayhawks enter race for Bradenton lineman
Kansas is making a strong push with little-known Bradenton (Fla.) Manatee offensive lineman Spencer Hodges, Rivals.com reports. Florida Atlantic, Ball State, Akron and Liberty also are involved.
In case you missed it …
— North Clayton safety Morgan Burnett told the AJC he is no closer to a decision and still has a list that includes Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. Surgery set for Lincoln County QB
— Lincoln County quarterback and Virginia Tech recruit Brandon Barden told the AJC he’ll have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Thursday.
— A.J. Green, the Summerville (S.C.) High junior wide receiver who says he’ll sign with Georgia in 2008, was named a first-team South Carolina all-stater by The Associated Press.
— Georgia Tech quarterback recruit Steven Threet told the AJC he’ll enroll early and begin classes at Tech on Jan. 8.
— Griffin running back Bobby Rainey has visited Eastern Michigan and told the AJC he hopes to visit Western Kentucky, East Carolina, Georgia Southern and Appalachian State prior to signing day.
— Greater Atlanta Christian quarterback Lee Chapple told the AJC he’s considering six schools: Central Florida, James Madison, Memphis, Miami (Ohio), Richmond and Southern Miss.
— Rolando Melancon, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive tackle from Louisiana’s Lutcher High, picked Tennessee over Arkansas, LSU, Michigan and Ole Miss, among others.
— Olive Branch (Miss.) linebacker K.J. Wright selected Mississippi State over Auburn and South Carolina, among others. “MSU is a place that I think I can go in and make an impact and play early,” Wright told Scout.com.
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Comments
By HS Follower
December 27, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this
This is awesome coverage. I don’t know how often you will do a recruiting report, but I’ll be checking back regularly for it. Keep up the good work.
By DAWG97
December 27, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
Great coverage… It’s nice to see new/updated information. Any word on where Allen Bailey is leaning?
By Jeff D'Alessio
December 27, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
Thanks guys. Coverage will be EVERY DAY between now and national signing day. Also, we will update this site with news all day. Keep coming back.
By Zdawg
December 27, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
Perfect…..thanks for including this…will definitely be watching this closely…
By Mike in Montgomery
December 27, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
Great job Jeff! I will definately have this blog bookmarked for the next month and a half.
HAve you heard any news on whether Joe Bleas is content to wait until Feb to get his scholarship from the Dawgs?
By Tom
December 27, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Allen Bailey was leaning towards Alabama this past September … believe he is awaiting to see who the new Bama coach is … also get a kick out of Bailey making All-USA Team. Thought one had to actually play not just potential.
Thomas Darrah is being overlooked … saw him several times … when he adds 25lbs, he will be something to deal with.
By Spike
December 27, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this
What happened to the QB recruit Alabama got out of Tampa-Plant HS? I heard he changed his mind and is not going to Alabama after Shula got fired.
By dawgnmontgomeryal
December 27, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
Jeff, thanks a ton, this is a great resource, I’ll be back. Anyone know anything about leanings of Suwanee’s Cameron Heyward?
By Nick
December 27, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
great stuff guys thanks alot but hey any word on my boy Mike Davis of Northgate? he has drawn alot of d-1 interest but only one offer so far. miss state is the front runner it seems but you never know
By in the know
December 27, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
Mike davis will decide between the following: East Carolina, UCF, Memphis…
By Sean
December 27, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
I keep hearing rumors Caleb King won’t be eligible. Is this true?
By John Brinkley
December 27, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
Thanks guys, this is much easier than reading all the tons of info on rivals.com.
By Dawg
December 27, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
IMO, Allen Bailey and Chris Little will choose Georgia. The Dawgs have a need to fill OL and DE and these guys will have an immediate impact. Georgia is also close to home and one of the top programs in the SEC. Allen Bailey is waiting to see Charles Johnson’s decision to go Pro. We know about Quentin Moses already. Chris Little is waiting to see who will be the OL coach for the dogs.
By Mike in Montgomery
December 27, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
Sean, it definately looks like King will end up at Hargrave next year. To be honest, it actually helps Georgia if that happens. The backfield will be loaded next year with Moreno joining Lumpkin and Ware, leaving little room for King. The main concern is with the possibility of Ware going pro — it looks like Thomas Brown will be out all year with that knee.
By Dawg
December 27, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
Caleb King is eligible according to people close to the source. He has met the GPA requirements but still needs to take the SAT or ACT. Every recruit has to take the SAT. Rumors swirling around about Caleb not being eligible more than likely comes from those who wish the worst for him.
By Sean
December 27, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
Thanks Mike. I know the backfield will be crowded but a year in the system redshirting wouldn’t hurt. Brown keeps saying he’ll be back and looks on track to be. The Dawgs should land Heyward and Bailey with Little a more than likely. CJ’s decision shouldn’t affect Bailey since he’ll be a senior next year if he does stay and the other spot will be up for grabs with a lot of young guys vying for it. I am kind of surprised at the decision to stop recruiting Geathers though.
By Dawg
December 27, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
Here’s a link to the latest on Clifton Geathers Click Here
By 2N4YEARS
December 27, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
I like reading about recruiting, but I’ll have to say that I think it’s over-rated. I’ve kept up with it more over the last several years, and it’s amazing to see some of these High School ‘STARS’ fall off the map once they get into college, and then read about guys in the Sunday paper that I’ve never heard of. (See: David Pollock) When teams like Rutgers & WV can win it shows me that most of these D-1 athletes are closer in talent levels than most would think. I mean, when’s the last time Rutgers has had a top-25 recruiting class?? But they’re in the top 25, which either means that the athletes are closer in talent than we are lead to believe, or they just have some really good coaches, or both. One fact is this: You have to be a pretty darn good athlete to get to play D-1 football.
By cdawg
December 27, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
Nice work Jeff.
By GAdawg79
December 27, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
Bailey should almost be a lock for UGA. He has been attending camp in Athens.
By GAdawg79
December 27, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
Bailey should almost be a lock for UGA. He has been attending camp in Athens.
By Dawg
December 27, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
2N4YEARS, It’s a combination of a lot of factors and there’s seems to be no rhyme or reason to it as you’ve pointed out. Some recruits make the big time and others are busts. Some teams you think will do really well during the season, and others just collapse. But one consistency that I do notice is that the top college programs send a lot more players, which include those you think will be bench warmers in college, to the NFL. Coaching, strength of schedule, and and being in a certain conference seem to bring the best out of “average” high school athletes. ..and like you said, it’s fun watching which prospect chose what school.
By RxDawg
December 27, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
DJ Stafford is pretty lazy and doesnt have the work ethic cut out for the Dawgs. We dont wont him, trust me.
By Tom
December 27, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
2N4YEARS has is right … 70 percent of the D1 schools recruit the same kids because it is “fashionable” even Coach Richt admitted that he has signed kids because they might sign with someone else. (most of those end up at Hargrave) … I went to six senior camps (4 SEC) this summer and scouted the talent … the kids with the most “heart” run a 4.9 40 … a 4.6 proshuttle … but they want to play … compete … they are “players” a good example was at a SEC western division camp, a top Nike Camp d-lineman slightly “pulled a hamstring” when there … before he pulled the “hammy” he was getting whipped by some no-name O-linemen … he committed to this school on that day but later decommitted and went to another SEC school.
By Always Next Year
December 27, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
Thanks Jeff!! Great coverage about recruiting for a washed up program in Athens.
UGA’s program is on the ropes and VT is coming to town to finish the job. Matter of fact, I overheard some VT players talking about doing some lightwork this week in preparation for the Chicken Bowl. I suggested they go lighter than normal.
By Dwight Bliss
December 27, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
Giff Smith has made a tremendous impact on GT football.Who would have thought he would go for all those tickle piles??