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December 2006
Recruiting report: Westlake QB sticks with Gators; Booker can join Jackets in spring
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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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.
Newton: ‘Gator all the way’
Atlanta Westlake quarterback Cameron Newton reiterated in a weekend interview with Rivals.com what he told the AJC a week earlier: He will sign with Florida, no matter how many players Urban Meyer recruits at his position.
“I am a Gator all the way,” Newton told Rivals. “I committed early in the season and ever since then, the Gators have been progressing and ever since then, people have been jumping on board. I mean, who wouldn’t want to jump on the bandwagon? You’ll get commits from here, there and everywhere.
“It’s a great deal just being a Florida Gator.”
Some speculated Newton would look elsewhere after Ocala (Fla.) Trinity Catholic star John Brantley switched his commitment from Texas to Florida, becoming the third quarterback recruit in Florida’s class of 2007.
“Certainly, John Brantley coming in will be an excellent challenge for me,” Newton told Rivals’ JC Shurburtt. “It’s going to make me a better athlete, better person and a better quarterback. I’m ecstatic about that.”
QB bonus for Tech: Auburn transfer Booker eligible
One academic success at Georgia Tech got overshadowed by the academic ineligibility of three players for the Gator Bowl: Calvin Booker, the quarterback who transferred from Auburn, successfully completed his first semester at Tech and will be joining the team for the spring semester, coach Chan Gailey told the AJC’s Mike Knobler.
Booker will be a junior in the fall. He appeared in one game for Auburn in 2005 and did not throw a pass.
He threw for 1,417 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior at Mays High School in Atlanta.
Jacksonville linebacker: ‘Florida is over Miami’
Jacksonville Forrest star Brandon Hicks, Rivals.com’s fifth-ranked outside linebacker, told the Web site he’s leaning toward signing with Florida.
“Right now, Florida is pretty high on my list,” Hicks said in a one-on-one chat with Rivals’ JC Shurburtt. “Florida is over Miami right now. I am supposed to take an official visit to Miami on Jan. 26, but we’ll see what happens.”
Hicks is also scheduled to visit Clemson on Jan. 12.
Service academies in hunt for Simien
Navy and Air Force have made offers to 6-foot-1, 215-pound Norcross linebacker James Simien. UAB and Western Kentucky are also showing heavy interest.
“James can play inside or outside at linebacker,” Norcross coach Keith Maloof told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’ll be a force for somebody.”
Five finalists for Nashville receiver
Nashville Pearl-Cohn wide receiver Rashad Mason told Scout.com he has lined up visits to North Carolina (Jan. 5), Michigan (Jan. 12), UCLA (Jan. 19), LSU (Jan. 26) and Ole Miss (Feb. 2). Scout.com ranks Mason as a four-star prospect.
Vols, Tigers, Seminoles in McNeil mix
Tennessee has climbed into the top three for AJC Super Southern 100 safety Michael McNeil of Mobile, Ala.
“Right now, my top three schools would be Florida State, Auburn and Tennessee,” McNeil told Rivals.com. “I had a real good visit when I went down to Tennessee and got to see where I would fit into their scheme.”
McNeil visited Knoxville on Dec. 15. He also has trips lined up to Auburn (Jan. 12) and FSU (Jan. 19).
Another wanted man at Atlanta Douglass
Douglass running back Harvey English is considering Georgia, Clemson, Kentucky, N.C. State and East Carolina.
The 5-foot-9, 187-pound English has offers from Clemson, Kentucky and East Carolina. English insists he will wait until signing day to announce his decision, but indicated on Sunday afternoon that he is leaning toward the East Carolina Pirates.
“[East Carolina assistant] coach [Rock] Roggeman calls me every day, and that interests me,” English told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He tells me how I can make their program better.”
Kentucky lands Florida corner
Dunnellton, Fla., cornerback Taiedo Smith has committed to Kentucky, Scout.com reports.
“It was such a nice campus,” Smith told Scout. “I really like the direction of the program as well. I saw their bowl game and how many people followed to the team. Their fans there are unbelievable.”
Smith considered several schools, including Maryland and Stanford.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the SEC,” he told Scout. “The fact that they won seven games this year with a tough schedule, was probably the biggest reason why I chose Kentucky. They not only play in the SEC, but they are on the way up.”
McEachern safety plays waiting game
McEachern free safety Martin Rolland has received an offer from Chattanooga, but remains in the waiting mode as he gauges interest from other schools. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Rolland was a three-year starter at McEachern.
“Martin is a very physical free safety who is really a linebacker,” McEachern coach Jim Dorsey told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “His forte is tackling.”
Creekside linebacker leaning toward juco route
Kayman Sutton, a 6-foot, 205-pound linebacker for Creekside, is still awaiting his board scores but appears headed to a to-be-determined junior college. Sutton was an AJC Class AAAA defensive choice.
“Kayman was the heart and sole of our defense,” Creekside coach Kevin Whitley told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He led us in tackles the past two years. We’re really going to miss him.”
Rainey plays recruiting waiting game
Griffin’s Bobby Rainey is waiting for a Division I offer — any offer.
The 5-foot-8, 180-pound running back is not getting a lot of love from the major Division I-A programs. He said he’d like to go to either Auburn or Georgia Tech but that both teams told him “they already have their running backs.”
As a result, Division I-AA is appearing the most like route to college for Rainey. He’s visiting Tennessee-Chattanooga on Jan. 8 and Western Kentucky on the 19th. He’s also talked to coach Brian VanGorder at Georgia Southern but has not set up a visit.
Rainey’s most likely shot at D-I appears to be East Carolina, which he hopes to also visit next month.
“I’m ready to get it over with,” Rainey told the AJC’s Chip Towers, referring to the recruiting process. “I just want to get my college paid for somewhere.”
LSU, Florida in mix for Texas receiver
Lufkin, Texas standout Dez Bryant, Rivals.com’s ninth-ranked wide receiver, told the Web site he plans to visit four schools before signing day: Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, LSU and Florida.
He said he’d like Baton Rouge to be his first visit, but hasn’t scheduled it yet. Louisville and Texas A&M also might sneak into the picture, he told Rivals.
Valdosta State poised to get Creekside star
Creekside’s 6-foot, 250-pound Jason Stanley, an AJC Class AAAA all-state defensive lineman, is leaning toward Valdosta State.
“If Jason was three inches taller, he’d be recruited by every team in the country,” Creekside coach Kevin Whitley told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “But he’s still one of the best players in the state.”
Southwest DeKalb standout picks Miami (Ohio)
When the Southwest DeKalb defense was plagued by injuries this season, 6-foot-3, 213-pound linebacker David Davis came to the rescue for legendary coach Buck Godfrey. Davis, who led the Panthers in tackles with 178, gets his turn to play on the collegiate level after committing to Miami of Ohio.
“David finished with the most tackles for us and stepped in when nobody else wanted to,” Godfrey told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
In case you missed it Saturday …
Georgia coach Mark Richt is taking a closer and more critical look at the medical histories of the offensive linemen he has recruited this year and will recruit in the future. “I think what we need to make sure is these guys have the types of bodies to withstand what they have got to go through,” Richt told the AJC’s Carter Strickland. “We have got to sign some bigger bodies. We have had trouble with some of the kids’ bodies holding up. If we didn’t lose any for medical reasons, we would be in good shape right now.”
In February’s class, Trinton Sturdivant had back issues that kept him out the early part of the season. He is scheduled to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 6. Richt said he would delve more deeply into the medical histories of prospects in the future.
“[The prospects] will pretty much tell you what they have been through surgery-wise,” Richt said. “We brought in a good many guys that had shoulder surgeries in their high school careers and we have got to be a lot more careful about it. You have got to look at the big picture and take the guys you think would hold up the best.’’
Richt did make it clear that he would not rule out a player just because he had a history of medical problems.
— Darien McIntosh defensive end Allen Bailey, widely regarded as the top uncommitted senior in Georgia, told the AJC’s Rob Morton he plans to take his first official visit on Jan. 12 — to Alabama. The rest of the schools in the Bailey running? “The same four,” Bailey said, referring to Florida, Georgia and Miami, which have been the top schools on his list, along with Alabama, for several weeks. Morton reports that Georgia Tech-bound offensive lineman Nick Claytor of Gainesville had his way with Bailey in Friday’s North-South All-Star Game in Columbus.
— Norcross junior receiver Brice Butler figures to be one of the top 2007 prospects at his position and he’s already landed one SEC scholarship offer — from Mississippi State. Auburn, Georgia, Virginia Tech and Clemson have also shown interest. The leaders for Butler — if they should offer — would be Louisville and Hawaii, he told the AJC’s Bill Sanders. “My dad has talked to [Hawaii coach] June Jones and sent him a tape and he liked what he saw,” Butler said. “And they throw it like every time. Louisville throws it a lot too out of the spread.” Butler hopes to make a couple of official visits as early as this spring, he said.
— Clinch County defensive tackle Eugene Kinlaw told Scout.com he has scholarship offers so far from Arkansas, Mississippi State and Georgia Military. “I am probably going to have to go to junior college, but I am not sure where,” the 6-foot-2, 280-pounder told Scout. “My coach was telling me that someone may sign me and get me set up with a junior college.”
— AJC Super Southern 100 running back Robert Elliott remains committed to Ole Miss, but told Scout.com on Saturday he plans to check out the competition. Elliott told Scout he’ll visit Florida State on Jan. 19 and Mississippi State on Jan. 26. Of the Seminoles, he told the Web site, “Florida State has great tradition in football and they are winning games. They just came off a big bowl game win. I like that about them.”
— NCAA rules prevent Georgia Tech coaches to make in-person contacts with recruits during the team’s visit to Jacksonville for the Gator Bowl. It’s a dead period on the recruiting calendar. So, asked whether any prospects had seen the Yellow Jackets practice at Jacksonville University, Tech recruiting coordinator Giff Smith laughed.
“There might have been some there, but we wouldn’t know,” Smith told the AJC’s Mike Knobler.
But Smith wasn’t joking when he said playing in the Gator should be a recruiting plus for Tech. “Jacksonville’s been a good area for us in recruiting. We’ve got a lot of alumni down in this area, a lot of Tech following,” Smith said. “Being in 10 straight bowl games, there’s very, very few teams that can say that [Tech is one of six]. They know they’re going to be playing in January or late December. It’s a big plus for us. Our kids know you get the bowl package, you get to have the fun, you get the reward for the hard work. Our kids that we go after and recruit want to be a part of it.”
Smith recruited Laurence Marius from Key West last season; that was a coup for the Jackets. Smith no longer recruits Florida, but five Tech assistants do. Buddy Geis recruits the Jacksonville area, Charles Kelly recruits the Panhandle, Jeep Hunter recruits south Florida, Brian Jean-Mary does the east coast, from Tampa to Sarasota, and Curtis Modkins recruits the Orlando area.
That’s one more coach recruiting Florida than Tech had in the past.
— One year after being forced to miss his junior season due to academics, Creekside lineman Kevious Watkins rebounded in grand style to help anchor an offensive line that protected Georgia player of the year quarterback Eric Berry. Bethune-Cookman, Hampton, Troy and UAB have each expresed interest in the 6-foot-4, 330-pound Watkins.
— McEachern outside linebacker Lonnie Burton, a participant in Friday’s North-South All-Star Game in Columbus, plans to visit Murray State, Villanova and Furman. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Burton sat out his junior season to focus on track. But a productive senior season for the football Indians has placed him on the radar of several colleges. “Lonnie’s a track guy that’s extremely fast,” McEachern coach Jim Dorsey told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’s kind of an unknown [to college recruiters].”
— Albany State, Coastal Carolina and Fort Valley State are courting AJC Class AAAAA all-state defensive back Jay Gaskins of Tift County. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Gaskins was a mainstay on Tift County coach Jay Walls’ defensive unit. “He’s a physical player, who is a very good hitter,” Walls told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “On the college level, he’s suited better for free safety or outside linebacker.”
— Brookstone tailback Nate Copeland rushed for over 1,300 yards during his senior season for the Cougars and, in the process, captured the attention of Troy, Georgia Southern and Missouri-based William Jewel College. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Copeland was clocked at 4.6 seconds in the 40. “He’s a power runner who runs behind his pads real well,” Brookstone coach Blair Harrison told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
— Tift County kicker Charlie Edwards has an offer from Valdosta State and is being heavily recruited by Georgia Southern. Edwards, the AJC’s Class AAAAA all-state first-team kicker, handled the kicking and punting chores for the Blue Devils this season. “Charlie is a also a very good baseball player, so he may try to go to a school where he can play both sports,” Tift County coach Jay Walls told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He has a very strong leg and, from the 35-yard line in, is very consistent. He can do both [punt and kick], and I think that’s what makes him special.”
— Brookstone coach Blair Harrison blames a shoulder injury sustained by 6-foot-1, 250-pound Andrew Marvets as the reason his prized offensive lineman for the Columbus-based school isn’t being actively recruited. Marvets, who has fully recovered from the injury sustained during his junior season, was an AJC Class A all-state pick. “It’s puzzling, but right now there is just no interest,” Harrison told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He can play center at the next level. He’s got the size and strength. And he’s a very good student.”
— Georgia Southern, Bowling Green, Hampton and Northeastern are showing strong interest in Creekside defensive back Kemaray Funderburk. “Kemaray was our most valuable defensive player last year [as a junior], but he actually took his game to another level this year,” Creekside coach Kevin Whitley told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
Recruiting report: Bailey to check out Alabama; Norcross junior lands offer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
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.
Richt to better evaluate line recruits
Georgia coach Mark Richt is taking a closer and more critical look at the medical histories of the offensive linemen he has recruited this year and will recruit in the future.
“I think what we need to make sure is these guys have the types of bodies to withstand what they have got to go through,” Richt told the AJC’s Carter Strickland. “We have got to sign some bigger bodies. We have had trouble with some of the kids’ bodies holding up.
“If we didn’t lose any for medical reasons, we would be in good shape right now.”
In February’s class, Trinton Sturdivant had back issues that kept him out the early part of the season. He is scheduled to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 6.
Richt said he would delve more deeply into the medical histories of prospects in the future.
“[The prospects] will pretty much tell you what they have been through surgery-wise,” Richt said. “We brought in a good many guys that had shoulder surgeries in their high school careers and we have got to be a lot more careful about it.
“You have got to look at the big picture and take the guys you think would hold up the best.’’
Richt did make it clear that he would not rule out a player just because he had a history of medical problems.
All-American Bailey to check out ‘Bama
Darien McIntosh defensive end Allen Bailey, widely regarded as the top uncommitted senior in Georgia, told the AJC’s Rob Morton he plans to take his first official visit on Jan. 12 — to Alabama.
The rest of the schools in the Bailey running?
“The same four,” Bailey said, referring to Florida, Georgia and Miami, which have been the top schools on his list, along with Alabama, for several weeks.
Morton reports that Georgia Tech-bound offensive lineman Nick Claytor of Gainesville had his way with Bailey in Friday’s North-South All-Star Game in Columbus.
GETTING TO KNOW: Georgia recruit Bruce Figgins
The AJC went one-on-one with Columbus Shaw tight end Bruce Figgins, who in February will sign with Mark Richt’s Bulldogs:
— Three words to describe me: Determined, silly, focused.
— Three reasons I chose UGA: Coach Mark Richt; the academic support; the atmosphere.
— My style on the field reminds some of … A mix between Ray Lewis and Jeremy Shockey because of my leadership, my aggression and my energy on the field.
— If I didn’t go to Georgia, I’d have gone to … Florida State.
— Did you know? I have a twin sister — Patience. I am older by 1 minute.
— Ten years from now, I will be … Playing in the NFL — hopefully.
GETTING TO KNOW: Georgia Tech recruit Joseph Gilbert
The AJC went one-on-one with Cartersville offensive guard Joseph Gilbert, who in February will sign with Chan Gailey’s Yellow Jackets:
— What I hope to accomplish at Tech: Graduate with distinction, win an ACC championship and have a good time.
— Three words to describe me: Dedicated, determined, dependable.
— My style on the field reminds some of … A bulldozer plowing over trees. The trees put up a fight, but the final result is always the same.
— Something people don’t know about me … I hate scary movies.
— Favorite flicks: “Thank You For Smoking,” “We Are Marshall.”
— Funniest recruiting experience: When Vandy sent me and my mom to the wrong parking deck — twice.
— If I wasn’t going to Tech, I would have picked: Harvard, Auburn or Amherst.
Norcross junior receiver gets early offer
Norcross junior receiver Brice Butler figures to be one of the top 2007 prospects at his position and he’s already landed one SEC scholarship offer — from Mississippi State.
Auburn, Georgia, Virginia Tech and Clemson have also shown interest.
The leaders for Butler — if they should offer — would be Louisville and Hawaii, he told the AJC’s Bill Sanders.
“My dad has talked to [Hawaii coach] June Jones and sent him a tape and he liked what he saw,” Butler said. “And they throw it like every time. Louisville throws it a lot too out of the spread.”
Butler hopes to make a couple of official visits as early as this spring, he said.
Kinlaw likely bound for JUCO, has SEC offers
Clinch County defensive tackle Eugene Kinlaw told Scout.com he has scholarship offers so far from Arkansas, Mississippi State and Georgia Military.
“I am probably going to have to go to junior college, but I am not sure where,” the 6-foot-2, 280-pounder told Scout. “My coach was telling me that someone may sign me and get me set up with a junior college.”
Ole Miss star recruit to visit FSU, MSU
AJC Super Southern 100 running back Robert Elliott remains committed to Ole Miss, but told Scout.com on Saturday he plans to check out the competition.
Elliott told Scout he’ll visit Florida State on Jan. 19 and Mississippi State on Jan. 26.
Of the Seminoles, he told the Web site, “Florida State has great tradition in football and they are winning games. They just came off a big bowl game win. I like that about them.”
Bowling in Jacksoville a boon for Jackets
NCAA rules prevent Georgia Tech coaches to make in-person contacts with recruits during the team’s visit to Jacksonville for the Gator Bowl. It’s a dead period on the recruiting calendar.
So, asked whether any prospects had seen the Yellow Jackets practice at Jacksonville University, Tech recruiting coordinator Giff Smith laughed.
“There might have been some there, but we wouldn’t know,” Smith told the AJC’s Mike Knobler.
But Smith wasn’t joking when he said playing in the Gator should be a recruiting plus for Tech.
“Jacksonville’s been a good area for us in recruiting. We’ve got a lot of alumni down in this area, a lot of Tech following,” Smith said. “Being in 10 straight bowl games, there’s very, very few teams that can say that [Tech is one of six]. They know they’re going to be playing in January or late December.
“It’s a big plus for us. Our kids know you get the bowl package, you get to have the fun, you get the reward for the hard work. Our kids that we go after and recruit want to be a part of it.”
Smith recruited Laurence Marius from Key West last season; that was a coup for the Jackets. Smith no longer recruits Florida, but five Tech assistants do.
Buddy Geis recruits the Jacksonville area, Charles Kelly recruits the Panhandle, Jeep Hunter recruits south Florida, Brian Jean-Mary does the east coast, from Tampa to Sarasota, and Curtis Modkins recruits the Orlando area.
That’s one more coach recruiting Florida than Tech had in the past.
Interest peaks in Berry’s right-hand man
One year after being forced to miss his junior season due to academics, Creekside lineman Kevious Watkins rebounded in grand style to help anchor an offensive line that protected Georgia player of the year quarterback Eric Berry.
Bethune-Cookman, Hampton, Troy and UAB have each expresed interest in the 6-foot-4, 330-pound Watkins.
“I was proud of him because last year he was ineligible but he made it back this year,” Creekside coach Kevin Whitley told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “I think if he had played [during his junior year] he’d be a Division I [prospect].”
McEachern’s Burton set to go school shopping
McEachern outside linebacker Lonnie Burton, a participant in Friday’s North-South All-Star Game in Columbus, plans to visit Murray State, Villanova and Furman.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Burton sat out his junior season to focus on track. But a productive senior season for the football Indians has placed him on the radar of several colleges.
“Lonnie’s a track guy that’s extremely fast,” McEachern coach Jim Dorsey told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’s kind of an unknown [to college recruiters].”
Tift County DB a wanted man
Albany State, Coastal Carolina and Fort Valley State are courting AJC Class AAAAA all-state defensive back Jay Gaskins of Tift County. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Gaskins was a mainstay on Tift County coach Jay Walls’ defensive unit.
“He’s a physical player, who is a very good hitter,” Walls told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “On the college level, he’s suited better for free safety or outside linebacker.”
Brookstone back catches Eagles’ eye
Brookstone tailback Nate Copeland rushed for over 1,300 yards during his senior season for the Cougars and, in the process, captured the attention of Troy, Georgia Southern and Missouri-based William Jewel College.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Copeland was clocked at 4.6 seconds in the 40.
“He’s a power runner who runs behind his pads real well,” Brookstone coach Blair Harrison told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
Tift County kicker may try baseball, too
Tift County kicker Charlie Edwards has an offer from Valdosta State and is being heavily recruited by Georgia Southern.
Edwards, the AJC’s Class AAAAA all-state first-team kicker, handled the kicking and punting chores for the Blue Devils this season.
“Charlie is a also a very good baseball player, so he may try to go to a school where he can play both sports,” Tift County coach Jay Walls told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He has a very strong leg and, from the 35-yard line in, is very consistent. He can do both [punt and kick], and I think that’s what makes him special.”
Marvets awaits offers
Brookstone coach Blair Harrison blames a shoulder injury sustained by 6-foot-1, 250-pound Andrew Marvets as the reason his prized offensive lineman for the Columbus-based school isn’t being actively recruited.
Marvets, who has fully recovered from the injury sustained during his junior season, was an AJC Class A all-state pick.
“It’s puzzling, but right now there is just no interest,” Harrison told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He can play center at the next level. He’s got the size and strength. And he’s a very good student.”
Creekside star attracts Georgia Southern interest
Georgia Southern, Bowling Green, Hampton and Northeastern are showing strong interest in Creekside defensive back Kemaray Funderburk.
“Kemaray was our most valuable defensive player last year [as a junior], but he actually took his game to another level this year,” Creekside coach Kevin Whitley told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
Recruiting report: Tech-bound Jones named MVP; Burnett eliminates Bulldogs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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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.
Tech recruit takes MVP honors at North-South game
Georgia Tech-bound running back Roddy Jones of Chamblee ran off with MVP honors after helping lead the North to a 17-7 win in Friday afternoon’s North-South All-Star Game in Columbus.
Jones finished with 88 yards on 14 carries.
Cartersville quarterback Lyle Allen led the North’s aerial attack, completing 11 of 20 passes for 138 yards with one touchdown throw and one touchdown run. His run came from 10 yards out in the third quarter, giving the North a 17-7 lead.
That followed the South’s first score of the day – an 11-yard touchdown strike from Peach County’s Bryan Ellis, the South team MVP, to Northside-Warner Robins’ Jacoby Rodriguez.
Florida-bound Chas Henry of East Paulding hit a 41-yard field goal on the last play of the half, giving the North a 10-0 halftime lead.
Earlier in the game, Henry missed a 35-yard attempt wide left. The South had a field goal attempt blocked by Kentucky recruit Shane McCord of Hart County.
In the first quarter, the North scored on a 9-yard pass from Allen to Harvard-bound Nicolai Schwarzkopf of Chamblee.
Bulldogs out of Burnett running
Georgia is no longer among the schools under consideration by North Clayton star safety Morgan Burnett.
“I just feel like I need to explore other schools and get out of the shadow of my brother,” Burnett told the AJC’s Jeff Hood on Friday afternoon. His older brother, Cap Burnett, played for UGA.
The 6-foot-2, 190-Burnett said he’s still looking at Auburn, Florida, Georgia Tech, South Carolina and Tennessee. He hasn’t set a deadline for making a decision.
“I don’t have a set time yet on when I’ll decide,” Burnett said.
Still no official word from Little
Chris Little left for Texas on Thursday with Florida State on his mind. The mammoth, 6-foot-6, 340-pound offensive lineman is in San Antonio, preparing for the Jan. 6 U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome.
One of the most coveted prospects in the South, Little hinted for weeks that he was headed to Florida or Notre Dame. He pulled off a stunning annoucement on Wednesday when he changed course and told the AJC’s Jeff Hood, “Now, I’m thinking Florida State.”
Twiggs County coach Dexter Copeland will join his prized player in Texas on Saturday. Copeland said an official annoucement should will come any day.
“Chris told me he wanted to go ahead and make it official before the game next weekend,” Copeland said Friday afternoon.
Moody considers walking on at Tech
If Landmark Christian quarterback Matt Moody winds up at Georgia Tech, it will be as a preferred walk-on.
According to his mother Beth Moody, Matt has received strong interest from Dartmouth, Lehigh and Liberty. She added that the one pull to Georgia Tech is former Landmark Christian teammate Miles King, who is a wide receiver for the Yellow Jackets.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Moody plans to visit Georgia Tech, Dartmouth and, possibly, Liberty in January.
“Matt is exactly what you’d want in a quarterback in terms of confidence, and the confidence that he gives his backs, receivers and linemen,” Landmark Christian coach Kenny Dallas told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He gives you a real pocket presence at quarterback.”
Gator appearance could boost Tech recruiting
Playing in a Florida bowl game could be a boost to Georgia Tech’s recruiting in the state, and it’s fertile ground. Tech had 16 Floridians on this season’s roster; West Virginia had 17. The Yellow Jackets were in the Champs Sports Bowl two seasons ago; the Mountaineers were in the Gator two of the last three seasons.
Tech receivers coach Buddy Geis’ son coaches high school football in Jacksonville, and Geis recruits the area, where the Yellow Jackets got tight end Colin Peek and cornerback Pat Carter. Receiver James Johnson is from one hour away. But there’s a lot of competition here, not just from the local schools and other neighboring states’ teams, either.
“We’re in here pretty heavy,” West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez told the AJC’s Mike Knobler in Jacksonville, site of Monday’s Gator Bowl. “I’ve got five coaches in here, and we cover just about every area of the state, which is pretty difficult because it’s not right next door. … We’ve always had success at West Virginia [recruiting Florida], but we’re certainly having an emphasis on the entire state of Florida right now.”
Caleb King on road to recovery
Good news for the Bulldog Nation: Georgia’s top recruit is on the verge of running again.
Greater Atlanta Christian coach Jimmy Chupp told the AJC’s Bill Sanders on Friday morning that star running back Caleb King will be medically cleared to start running in the next couple of weeks and that his broken leg is recovering beautifully.
“I can’t tell he’s hurt anymore,” Chupp said. “Sometime in early January, he’s going to be released to start running and training, but he’s walking around with no crutches or braces and seems fine. He’s getting excited.”
King was considered one of the top three running backs in the nation before breaking his leg at midseason.
There had been some talk that he might play in the playoffs or in next week’s U.S. Army All-American Game. No way, said Chupp.
“Playing him never crossed my mind,” Chupp said. “It was not worth the risk. A high school football game is not the most important thing in the world.”
Chupp said King expects to play in the fall at UGA and hopes not to redshirt.
Will Dalton kicker walk on at Auburn?
(Reader Jerome Pritchard wanted an update on Dalton’s Adrian Mora. Here you go, Jerome).
Dalton kicker Adrian Mora plans to visit Ohio on Jan. 5. He already has made trips to Auburn and Chattanooga.
If Mora goes to Auburn, the only school of the three that hasn’t offered a scholarship, it would be as a walk-on. According to Dalton coach Ronnie McClurg, Mora carries a 3.9 GPA and is among the elite kickers in the state.
“He’s got great confidence in what he’s doing and has great timing,” McClurg told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
Mora was 14 of 18 on field goal attempts this season for the Catamounts, including a pair of 54-yarders. He was 31 of 32 on PATs (the sole miss was blocked) and 92 percent of his kickoffs sailed into the end zone.
Wake lands big commitment
Uriah Grant, Scout.com’s 90th-ranked defensive end, committed to Wake Forest on Friday, the Web site reported.
The 6-foot-2, 248-pounder from Miramar, Fla., turned down scholarship offers from South Carolina, Wisconsin and Rutgers, among others.
North Carolina all-state team unveiled
AJC Super Southern 100 stars Greg Little (Notre Dame-bound linebacker) and Dwight Jones (uncommitted wide receiver) were among those named to North Carolina’s all-state team by The Associated Press.
The first-team offense: QUARTERBACK — Lance Camp (Lawndale Burns); RUNNING BACKS — Quan Warley (Thomasville), Nick Cooper (Clinton); WIDE RECEIVERS — Jason Barnes (Charlotte Independence), Dwight Jones (Burlington Cumming); TIGHT END — Weslye Saunders (Durham Riverside); LINEMEN — Henry Lawson (Charlotte Catholic), Quinn Barham (Durham Hillside), Willie Simmons (Charlotte Independence), Landon Walker (East Wilkes), David Melton (West Rowan).
The first-team defense: LINEMEN — Tristan Dorty (West Rowan), Linwan Euwell (SW Edgecombe), Brandon Sutton (Greene Central), Kwamaine Battle (Southern Nash), DeWitt Dixon (Independence); LINEBACKERS — Austin Johnson (Hickory), Melvin Ingram (Richmond Senior), Matt Warren (East Lincoln); DEFENSIVE BACKS — Robert Blanton (Butler), Ed Gainey (Winston-Salem Mt. Tabor), Eric Breitenstein (Watauga), Julian Carter (New Bern), Dominique Ellis (East Wake).
The special teamers: KICKERS — Casey Barth (Wilmington Hoggard) and Andrew Crutchfield (Northwest Cabarrus); PUNTER — Jay Wooten (Scotland); KICK RETURNER — Tyree Bullock (Durham Hillside); ATHLETE — Greg Little (Durham Hillside).
Speaking of honors …
Two Georgia-bound recruits were named to Missouri’s Class 6A all-state first team.
Rock Bridge quarterback Logan Gray earned a spot after throwing for 1,536 yards as a senior, his lowest total in three years as the team’s starter. Gray threw 18 touchdown passes this past season as Rock Bridge went to a more run-happy offense. Gray finished as the school’s all-time leader in touchdowns (59) to go with his 5,734 career passing yards.
Tight end Aron White was also honored after leading Rock Bridge with 23 catches for 430 yards. He also had six touchdowns this season, giving him a school-record 17 for his career. That, despite only spending two season playing at the varsity level.
Butler: Georgia walk-on or full ride elsewhere?
Peachtree Ridge kicker Drew Butler is facing a dilemma.
Should he accept a preferred walk-on opportunity at Georgia and follow in the footsteps of his famous father, Kevin Butler? Or should the 6-foot-2, 195-pound kicker for the Class AAAAA co-champions opt for a full scholarship from another school?
Duke and Memphis have extended scholarship offers. And Wake Forest recently began showing lots of interest.
“Drew has been a Georgia fan all of his life,” Peachtree Ridge coach Blair Armstrong told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “But getting a full scholarship is interesting to him.”
Tri-Cities’ Edge makes grade
Despite not playing football until his sophomore year, 6-foot-3, 250-pound Tri-Cities offensive lineman Terence Edge made great strides in a short amount of time. Edge’s college wish list includes Auburn, Boston College and Georgia.
But a delay in becoming academically qualified has him playing catch-up on scholarship offers.
“Terence has now made his test scores and is qualified,” Tri-Cities coach Morris Starr told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “For a guy who didn’t play football as a freshman, his physical prowess is incredible. I think he’ll have an upside for anyone that takes him.”
Florida, FSU still phoning UGA recruit
Columbus Hardaway offensive tackle Antwane Greenlee says his commitment to Georgia hasn’t stopped other schools from calling.
The 300-pound all-stater told his hometown newspaper, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, that he still fields calls and text messages from Florida, Florida State and Tennessee. He added that he may visit Gainesville and Tallahassee next month, just to see what each campus has to offer.
“I want to make sure that I make the right decision,” Greenlee told the Ledger-Enquirer. “I feel like I am going to Georgia, but I just want to give some other places a look. I don’t want to go somewhere, and then realize it’s not the right place for me.”
Miami to host Super Southern star
AJC Super Southern 100 safety Chad Jones will make an official visit to Miami, the Baton Rouge (La.) Southern Lab star told Rivals.com.
Jones has already checked out Southern Cal and also plans to visit Florida and LSU. Jones told Rivals that Southern Cal and LSU are his leaders, followed by Miami.
When asked by the Web site what new coach Randy Shannon and the Hurricanes need to do to move up his list, Jones said, “Contact me. I just haven’t heard from them. I’m not sure how interested they are in me.”
Vols off to super start
(Reader Jackie Franklin wanted to know how Tennessee’s class of 2007 is shaping up. Here you go, Jackie).
“Winning is still the best recruiter, and Tennessee’s turnaround on the field this year is mirrored by its recruiting off the field this year as well,” Scout.com analyst Scott Kennedy says. “One of the things that was different this year was Tennessee went out and committed several players from in-state early. They may lose one or two still, but for the most part there has been a much greater effort to recruit right in their own backyard this year.
“The Vols are always able to recruit nationally, and two jewels in this class are Army All-Americans Eric Berry, the No. 1 player in Georgia, and Gerald Jones, the No. 1 player in Oklahoma. This class is heavy on skill position players so far, and a little light on the offensive line.”
Two-sport Cartersville star awaits football offers
(Reader Mike Hall wanted to know the status of Cartersville quarterback Lyle Allen. Here you go, Mike).
Allen had originally leaned toward signing a scholarship to play baseball for Georgia. But he has put that commitment on hold while he determines if schools have interest in his services on the gridiron.
Cartersville football coach Frank Barden is confident the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Allen has the ability to play football on the Division I level.
“It’s all still up in the air,” Barden told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “Baseball is still there, but he had a really good year in football. He sort of flew under everyone’s radar. I think he’s good enough; I don’t know if anyone’s numbers will allow them to sign him [to play football].”
The left-handed Allen has baseball offers from Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and Georgia Tech.
North Gwinnett’s McDaniel, Gross plot future
(Reader Chris Warren wanted to know the status of two of his North Gwinnett teammates. Here you go, Chris).
A couple of North Gwinnett players are in the midst of the waiting game right now.
Receiver Ryan McDaniel has official visits set up to Western Kentucky and Kent State and will visit at least one other school, North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire told the AJC’s Bill Sanders on Friday morning.
As for kicker Chad Gross, well, kickers and punters often have to wait till later in the year to find a home.
“Chad has no official visits set up,” Sphire said. “But kickers and punters often have to wait till near the end to see what scholarships are left. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s kicking next year someone, but he might have to walk on and earn it. That’s the typical route. Some teams are showing interest. Samford is the most serious, it seems.”
Tri-Cities QB to take three visits
Tri-Cities quarterback Giorgio Morgan remains uncommitted and plans to take official visits to Tennessee State, Kent State and Southern.
The 6-foot-3, 189-pound Morgan, considered one of the top five senior signal callers in the state, a favorable impression during his playing career on Tri-Cities coach Morris Starr. “Giorgio is one of the most-coachable kids I’ve been around,” Starr told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’s a quick learner.”
Hurricanes in hunt for Mississippi receiver
Yazoo City, Miss. wide receiver Ronnie Tubbs tells Rivals.com that the only thing standing between him and a scholarship to Miami is his ACT score.
If Tubbs makes an 18, he told the Web site he’s been assured of an offer from the Hurricanes. And he’s gladly accept.
“I always wanted to go to Miami since I was little,” Tubbs told Rivals.
Razorbacks, Rebels in mix for Indy star
Scout.com’s Allen Wallace is reporting Friday morning that Adrien Robinson, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound wide receiver from Indianapolis Warren Central has picked three finalists: Arkansas, Louisville and Ole Miss.
Robinson will visit Louisville on Jan. 19 and Arkansas on Jan. 26. He has already been to Ole Miss.
“I liked my visit to Ole Miss a lot,” Robinson told Scout.com. “The campus is nice. It’s a small college town and had a nice feel to it. I loved just being able to hang out with the players and I really felt like I was one of the guys. We just hung out around the campus, went to a party, played video games …t he usual stuff.”
Dothard ready for college visits
Carrollton defensive back Jason Dothard plans to make official visits next month to Georgia Southern, Chattanooga and Coastal Carolina.
The 6-foot-1, 178-pound Dothard was a mainstay in Rayvan Teague’s program. According to Teague, Dothard had his mother carry him to several college football stadiums so he could walk on the field and soak up the atmosphere.
“Jason is a very hungry young man who wants to be a college football player,” Teague told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’s a very aggressive, hard-hitting defensive back.”
Four finalists for Tulsa standout
Matt Romine, Scout.com’s 12th-ranked offensive guard, tells the Web site he’ll make his college announcement on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. (The AJC will dispatch staff writer Carter Strickland to San Antonio next week to update all the top stories right here at ajc.com).
The Tulsa, Okla., product tells Scout he favors Oklahoma and Notre Dame, but is also considering Miami and Michigan.
Of the Wolverines, Romine said, “They definitely had the best season. They improved a lot from last year and I think they should have gotten a rematch with Ohio State for the national championship. I’m looking forward to the Rose Bowl. I think it’ll be a good game against USC.”
UConn enters picture for Wilburn
Washington-Wilkes defensive back Gary Wilburn just four pass completions to his assigned receivers over the past two seasons, a stat that caught the eye of coaches at UConn, which has offered o the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder a scholarship.
Wilburn, who intercepted three passes this past season, is also being recruited by Valdosta State.
“Gary’s a great man-to-man coverage guy,” Washington-Wilkes coach Russell Morgan told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’s academically qualified and a good one.”
Ellis’ stock on rise with recruiters
After transferring to Peach County at the start of his senior season, quarterback Bryan Ellis wasn’t on the radar of college football recruiters. But after directing the Trojans to the Class AAA championship, Ellis is suddenly drawing plenty of attention.
“We’re still waiting it out to see where he goes,” Peach County coach Rance Gillespie told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “The kid is good enough to play somewhere.”
Carrollton’s Lee commits to Furman
Furman has landed a commitment from 6-foot-3, 265-pound Carrollton offensive lineman Ryan Lee, who will play in Friday’s North/South all-star game in Columbus.
“Ryan is probably the most powerful player I’ve coached in 22 years,” Carrollton coach Rayvan Teague told the AJC’s Jeff Hood
Madison County QB awaits first offer
Madison County quarterback Jarrod Owens has yet to receive a college scholarship offer. But the 6-foot, 185-pounder is hopeful his 2,052 passing yards and 12 touchdowns through the air during his senior season for the Red Raiders will attract the attention of college coaches.
“He’s predominantly talking to Division II schools,” Owens father’ and Madison County coach Randell Owens told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
Valdosta State, West Georgia, West Alabama and the Coast Guard have expressed interest in Owens, an AJC Class AAAA All-State honorable mention selection.
In case you missed it …
— Malachi Lewis, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound uber-athlete from Oxnard, Calif., has scheduled an official visit to Georgia Tech for the weekend of Jan. 19-21, the AJC’s Matt Winkeljohn reports. Lewis, who already has visited Cal, Oregon and Ole Miss, also is considering Southern Cal and Georgia.
He rushed for 1,406 yards last season at Rio Mesa High, where he also worked at wide receiver. Some recruiting analysts, however, believe he might be one of the top linebackers in the 2007 recruiting class while others feel he might play safety in college.
Tech is likely to sign 19 or 20 players in Feb., and has 18 commitments, 17 if Houston wide receiver Tyler Melton — who recently had reconstructive knee surgery — waits until January 2008 to enroll.
Lewis is one of four athletes the Yellow Jackets are still ardently recruiting. The others are North Clayton safety Morgan Burnett (who has made an official visit to Tech but no other school), Orlando linebacker Lorenzo Edwards and Baton Rouge defensive end Jason Peters.
— Just more than a week after Ocala, Fla., quarterback John Brantley switched his commitment from Texas to Florida, the Longhorns raided Baylor for a recruit to replace him.
Gilmer, Texas quarterback G.J. Kinne has switched his commitment from Baylor to Texas, Rivals.com reported Thursday night. It’s considered a big blow for Baylor, which hired Kinne’s father as linebackers coach last summer, helping convince his son to pick the Bears over Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas A&M.
Kinne was recently named Texas’ Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year by The Associated Press after completing 149 of 218 passes for 2,962 yards and 43 touchdowns. The Longhorns are need of a young quarterback with the recent news that Jevan Snead was transferring to Ole Miss.
— Scout.com’s Jeremy Patterson informed us Thursday night that Super Southern 100 tailback Joe McKnight has tweaked his top three. Originally, the River Ridge, La., star had planned to visit Notre Dame, LSU and Southern Cal, the top three schools he was considering. But McKnight has eliminated Notre Dame from consideration and added Ole Miss to his list of finalists.
Patterson says McKnight, Louisiana’s newly crowed Mr. Football, will visit Ole Miss on Jan. 12, Southern Cal on Jan. 19 and LSU on Jan. 26.
— Another scholarship became available at Florida late Thursday night when the school announced that little-used sophomore wide receiver Nyan Boateng has decided to transfer. Boateng caught four passes for 77 yards and ran twice for 16 yards as a freshman in 2005. He had ankle surgery in September and didn’t have a catch in two games this season.
— Duke’s class grew to 19 Thursday night when cornerback Randez James of Judson, Texas, announced he’d sign with the Blue Devils. James also had offers from Arizona, Purdue and Tulsa.
— Jefferson County junior A.J. Harmon, expected to be one of the top offensive line prospects in the Class of 2008, told Scout.com Clemson tops his early list. “Clemson, Auburn, Florida and Georgia are my main four,” the 6-foot-4, 300-pounder told the Web site. Harmon said his mother has given the OK for him to commit to Clemson. If his father does likewise, Harmon told Scout.com, “I will go ahead and pull the trigger on a commitment.”
— Hargrave Military Academy offensive linemen Ben Harden remains committed to Georgia but still has academic hurdles to clear before making it to Athens. Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College lineman Joe Blaes is also committed to Georgia but is exploring his options.
Without those two, the Bulldogs have 21 commitments for the class that will sign in February. As for how high Georgia might go, recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner isn’t sure just yet.
“You [have to] factor in attrition just knowing that you have got a certain number of guys who could be leaving early for the draft, academic [reasons] or transferring,” Garner told the AJC’s Carter Strickland. “We are probably actively recruiting five or six guys.”
One of those was Twiggs County offensive lineman Chris Little, who told the AJC this week he was set to commit to Florida State. As for whether or not Georgia has room for the other five …
“We will find out something here with the declaration date [for the NFL draft],” Garner said. “We should know which underclassmen may leave and may not. That is the biggest thing we have got going on: to see if we are going to lose one or two guys that decide maybe to come out early.
“I guess they could also decide to return and then they could go into the supplemental draft. You just don’t know. You have got to build in a little cushion.”
— AJC Super Southern 100 wide receiver Ahmad Paige of Sterlington, La., told Scout.com he’s backing off his commitment to Florida State. “I think I’m pretty wide open,” Paige told the Web site. “I don’t really want to say decommitted, but I would say a soft commit. I’m really interested in four schools — Florida, Florida State, USC and Tennessee. … They’re all in the mix right now.”
— Norcross defensive end Brooks Cunningham, who piled up a school-record 18 sacks this past season, has offers on the table from Tulane, UAB, Colgate, Murray State, Gardner-Webb, Army, Navy, VMI and Tennessee Tech. Cunningham is scheduled to take official visits to Tulane (Jan. 13) and UAB (Jan. 20).
— AJC Super Southern 100 offensive lineman Lee Ziemba of Rogers, Ark., will announce his decision between Arkansas and Auburn in about three weeks.
— Ron Zook’s Illini are third in Scout.com’s latest class rankings, trailing only Texas and Florida, Zook’s old team. Scout.com’s entire top 25: 1. Texas 2. Florida 3. Illinois 4. Southern Cal 5. Notre Dame 6. Nebraska 7. Tennessee 8. Georgia 9. Michigan 10. Georgia Tech 11. Virginia Tech 12. Auburn 13. South Carolina 14. West Virginia 15. Ohio State 16. LSU 17. Ole Miss 18. Pitt 19. Texas A&M 20. Washington 21. Oregon 22. Colorado 23. Penn State 24. Cal 25. Virginia
— Scout.com’s Brandon Huffman reports Brandon Clear, a wide receiver from Hoover, Ala., and his twin brother Byron, a defensive end, have both been offered scholarships from UCLA and the two have scheduled an official visit out to Los Angeles for Jan. 12.
— After losing two signees to Hargrave Military Academy last season, Georgia appears in better shape when it comes to the academics of its 2007 recruiting class. Three UGA recruits — linemen Justin Anderson, Tanner Strickland and Trinton Sturdivant — are scheduled to enroll in January. Of the others, Georgia is only biting its nails on a couple of players.
— More good recruiting news for Georgia Tech: Landmark Christian quarterback Matt Moody tells Scout.com he’s considering playing for the Yellow Jackets — as a walk-on. “As of right now, that’s the way I’m leaning,” he told the Web site. Stay tuned.
— Philadelphia Roman Catholic junior Nick Moody, expected to be one of the top safety prospects in the Class of 2008, told Rivals.com on Thursday that Florida State is his early leader. Moody was in Tallahassee last summer for the Seminoles’ camp and hit it off with defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews.
— McNair’s Fonterrian Ingram is still leaning toward North Carolina, but Maryland, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and West Virginia are still hot on the trail of the 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety. “I think he’ll make a decision in mid-January,” McNair coach Roderick Moore told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “North Carolina is still No. 1 with him right now. Fonterrian is one of the most talented players I’ve ever coached. He’ll make plays for you.”
— Dunwoody running back/defensive back Justin Jenkins has narrowed his list of college choices to Appalachian State, Hofstra, Tennessee State, Florida and Tulane. Both Hofstra and Tennessee State have offered scholarships at this point, and he has visits scheduled for both (TSU on Jan. 12, Hofstra on Jan. 26).
— Interesting piece today on ESPN.com, which ranks all 50 states for football “across all levels.” Georgia checked in at No. 6 overall — ninth for pro, 11th for college, fourth for high school. The top five in order: Texas, California, Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
— St. Augustine (Fla.) star Rai-Shawn Wilson, Scout.com’s 42nd-ranked senior tailback, told the Web site he’ll visit Clemson and Florida State, and may also check out Georgia and Tennessee. “I really like Louisville, though,” Wilson told Scout.com.
— Peach County defensive tackle Dion Armstrong has received offers from Maryland, Troy and Western Kentucky. Peach County coach Rance Gillespie said Armstrong has the tools to be a premier nose guard at the next level. “Dion is 315 pounds, but he’s athletic and can run,” Gillespie said.
— Peach County offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright has received offers from Troy, Central Florida and South Florida, but is still attempting to clear academic hurdles. The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Wright is also being actively recruited by Western Kentucky, his coach told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
— Dacula running back Cole Brodie recently received a visit from Southern Miss offensive coordinator Jay Johnson, but is still awaiting his first offer. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder told the AJC’s David Purdum he has been invited to visit Charleston Southern in January.
— Camden County’s Adam House, who will participate in Friday’s North/South all-star game in Columbus, plans to visit Youngstown State, Coastal Carolina and Georgia Southern in January.
— Marist kicker Collin Gallagher has been offered by Navy and Army, is still a scholarship candidate at Central Florida, and has the opportunity to walk on at Alabama. Gallagher tied the Marist record with a 49-yard field goal as a junior last year, and had two from 47 this past season.
— Ball State and Connecticut have each made offers to Washington-Wilkes running back Kelmetrus Wylie, who ran for 2,024 yards and 21 touchdowns on 206 carries for the Tigers this past season.
— Hawkinsville defensive back Dequan Bembry has offers from Georgia Southern, Indiana and Kentucky on the table, and is now drawing moderate interest from South Carolina and Marshall. “Dequan can play a lot of positions,” his coach, Lee Campbell, told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’s got good speed, is explosive and can play both offense and defense.”
— Dunwoody offensive lineman/linebacker Brandon Olsen added Appalachian State last week to his list of offers that includes Elon and Hofstra. He’ll start a busy month Jan. 5 when he visits Elon before heading to Louisville (Jan. 12), Coastal Carolina (Jan. 19) and Hofstra (Jan. 26).
— Hawkinsville linebacker Sacoby Carter is considering offers from Georgia Southern, Middle Tennessee and Indiana. South Carolina had offered a scholarship earlier this year, but withdrew after filling defensive needs from other commitments. But Campbell says Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks may take another look at the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder.
— Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard defensive end Antoine Carter told Scout.com he has scheduled visits to Florida State (Jan. 12) and West Virginia (Jan. 19). Auburn is also in the running for Scout’s 21st-ranked end.
— Dacula offensive lineman/tight end Michael Butler told the AJC’s David Purdum on Thursday that he will visit Liberty on Jan. 19. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder also has talked with the staffs at Navy, Virginia Tech, Georgetown and Colgate.
— Running back Chris Douglas of Class AAAAA co-champion Peachtree Ridge is busy arranging official visits to schools interested in extending a scholarship offer to the Suwanee resident.
— Central Gwinnett wide receiver Rolando Dyer tells the AJC’s David Purdum he is considering attending Kansas’ Butler Community College or Valdosta State.
Recruiting report: Georgia Tech to host California star; Florida WR leaving
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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.
AJC exclusive: California star to visit Tech
Malachi Lewis, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound uber-athlete from Oxnard, Calif., has scheduled an official visit to Georgia Tech for the weekend of Jan. 19-21, the AJC’s Matt Winkeljohn reports. Lewis, who already has visited Cal, Oregon and Ole Miss, also is considering Southern Cal and Georgia.
He rushed for 1,406 yards last season at Rio Mesa High, where he also worked at wide receiver. Some recruiting analysts, however, believe he might be one of the top linebackers in the 2007 recruiting class while others feel he might play safety in college.
Tech is likely to sign 19 or 20 players in Feb., and has 18 commitments, 17 if Houston wide receiver Tyler Melton — who recently had reconstructive knee surgery — waits until January 2008 to enroll.
Lewis is one of four athletes the Yellow Jackets are still ardently recruiting. The others are North Clayton safety Morgan Burnett (who has made an official visit to Tech but no other school), Orlando linebacker Lorenzo Edwards and Baton Rouge defensive end Jason Peters.
Report: Quarterback switcheroos continue
Just more than a week after Ocala, Fla., quarterback John Brantley switched his commitment from Texas to Florida, the Longhorns raided Baylor for a recruit to replace him.
Gilmer, Texas quarterback G.J. Kinne has switched his commitment from Baylor to Texas, Rivals.com reported Thursday night. It’s considered a big blow for Baylor, which hired Kinne’s father as linebackers coach last summer, helping convince his son to pick the Bears over Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas A&M.
Kinne was recently named Texas’ Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year by The Associated Press after completing 149 of 218 passes for 2,962 yards and 43 touchdowns.
The Longhorns are need of a young quarterback with the recent news that Jevan Snead was transferring to Ole Miss.
Stay tuned for updates Friday.
Super Southern 100 star eliminates Notre Dame
Scout.com’s Jeremy Patterson informs us at 7:30 p.m. Thursday that Super Southern 100 tailback Joe McKnight has tweaked his top three.
Originally, the River Ridge, La., star had planned to visit Notre Dame, LSU and Southern Cal, the top three schools he was considering. But McKnight has eliminated Notre Dame from consideration and added Ole Miss to his list of finalists.
Patterson says McKnight, Louisiana’s newly crowed Mr. Football, will visit Ole Miss on Jan. 12, Southern Cal on Jan. 19 and LSU on Jan. 26.
Boateng leaving Florida
Another scholarship just became available at Florida.
The school announced Thursday that little-used sophomore wide receiver Nyan Boateng has decided to transfer.
Boateng caught four passes for 77 yards and ran twice for 16 yards as a freshman in 2005. He had ankle surgery in September and didn’t have a catch in two games this season.
No word yet on where he might transfer.
Texan becomes Duke’s 19th commitment
Duke’s class grew to 19 Thursday night when cornerback Randez James of Judson, Texas, announced he’d sign with the Blue Devils. James also had offers from Arizona, Purdue and Tulsa.
The Blue Devils’ class includes one Georgian: South Cobb wide receiver Austin Kelly.
Top Georgia junior likes Clemson
Jefferson County junior A.J. Harmon, expected to be one of the top offensive line prospects in the Class of 2008, told Scout.com Clemson tops his early list.
“Clemson, Auburn, Florida and Georgia are my main four,” the 6-foot-4, 300-pounder told the Web site.
Harmon said his mother has given the OK for him to commit to Clemson. If his father does likewise, Harmon told Scout.com, “I will go ahead and pull the trigger on a commitment.”
Georgia still recruiting ‘five or six guys’
Hargrave Military Academy offensive linemen Ben Harden remains committed to Georgia but still has academic hurdles to clear before making it to Athens. Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College lineman Joe Blaes is also committed to Georgia but is exploring his options.
Without those two, the Bulldogs have 21 commitments for the class that will sign in February. As for how high Georgia might go, recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner isn’t sure just yet.
“You [have to] factor in attrition just knowing that you have got a certain number of guys who could be leaving early for the draft, academic [reasons] or transferring,” Garner told the AJC’s Carter Strickland. “We are probably actively recruiting five or six guys.”
One of those was Twiggs County offensive lineman Chris Little, who told the AJC on Wednesday he was set to commit to Florida State. As for whether or not Georgia has room for the other five …
“We will find out something here with the declaration date [for the NFL draft],” Garner said. “We should know which underclassmen may leave and may not. That is the biggest thing we have got going on: to see if we are going to lose one or two guys that decide maybe to come out early.
“I guess they could also decide to return and then they could go into the supplemental draft. You just don’t know. You have got to build in a little cushion.”
Tech-bound Morgan: ‘Comical, hard-working, humble’
The AJC went one-on-one with the headliner of Georgia Tech’s recruiting class: Coatesville, Pa. defensive end Derrick Morgan. What he had to say:
— Three reasons I chose Tech: Education; great opportunity with football, as well as school; close-knit recruiting class and the people associated with Georgia Tech
— Three words to describe me: Comical, hard-working, humble
— My style on the football field reminds some people of … Julius Peppers
— My sports hero: Jerry Rice
— If I wasn’t going to Tech, I’d go … Wherever God led me
— Ten years from now, I will be … Successful
Florida State recruit back on the market
AJC Super Southern 100 wide receiver Ahmad Paige of Sterlington, La., told Scout.com he’s backing off his commitment to Florida State.
“I think I’m pretty wide open,” Paige told the Web site. “I don’t really want to say decommitted, but I would say a soft commit. I’m really interested in four schools — Florida, Florida State, USC and Tennessee. … They’re all in the mix right now.”
Paige told Scout.com that Florida and Tennessee have been recruiting him the most aggressively. He is Scout.com’s 14th-ranked wide receiver nationally.
Nine offers for Norcross sack master
Norcross defensive end Brooks Cunningham, who piled up a school-record 18 sacks this past season, has offers on the table from Tulane, UAB, Colgate, Murray State, Gardner-Webb, Army, Navy, VMI and Tennessee Tech.
Cunningham is scheduled to take official visits to Tulane (Jan. 13) and UAB (Jan. 20).
Auburn, Arkansas await word from Ziemba
AJC Super Southern 100 offensive lineman Lee Ziemba of Rogers, Ark., will announce his decision between Arkansas and Auburn in about three weeks.
Ziemba took his official visit to Arkansas a couple of weeks ago and loved it. But he grew up only 15 minutes away from Fayetteville, Ark., so he’d been to games and campus so many times, there wasn’t much more to learn on his official visit.
“It was great, but pretty much what I already knew,” Ziemba told the AJC’s Bill Sanders on Thursday. “I’m looking forward to see what there is at Auburn.”
Ziemba, a 6-foot-7, 295-pound tackle, will visit Auburn on Jan. 12 and said he’d announce his decision shortly after that. “I’m 50-50 right now,” said Scout.com’s fourth-ranked tackle prospect.
Scout.com releases new rankings
And here comes Illinois. Ron Zook’s Illini are third in Scout.com’s latest class rankings, trailing only Texas and Florida, Zook’s old team. Scout.com’s entire top 25: 1. Texas 2. Florida 3. Illinois 4. Southern Cal 5. Notre Dame 6. Nebraska 7. Tennessee 8. Georgia 9. Michigan 10. Georgia Tech 11. Virginia Tech 12. Auburn 13. South Carolina 14. West Virginia 15. Ohio State 16. LSU 17. Ole Miss 18. Pitt 19. Texas A&M 20. Washington 21. Oregon 22. Colorado 23. Penn State 24. Cal 25. Virginia
UCLA enters picture for Hoover twins
This just in at 5 p.m. Thursday, care of Scout.com’s Brandon Huffman: Brandon Clear, a wide receiver from Hoover, Ala., and his twin brother Byron, a defensive end, have both been offered scholarships from UCLA and the two have scheduled an official visit out to Los Angeles for Jan. 12.
The pair will both visit Syracuse on Jan. 19, Illinois on Jan. 23 and Northwestern on Jan. 26. Byron is scheduled to visit in late January while Brandon is leaving his fifth visit open and will decide on that trip following the U.S. Army All-American Game in San Antonio, Texas next weekend.
UGA class: ‘About 80 percent’ qualified
After losing two signees to Hargrave Military Academy last season, Georgia appears in better shape when it comes to the academics of its 2007 recruiting class. Three UGA recruits — linemen Justin Anderson, Tanner Strickland and Trinton Sturdivant — are scheduled to enroll in January. Of the others, Georgia is only biting its nails on a couple of players.
“This class that is committed so far, the good thing about it [is] probably about 80 percent of them are already qualified,” Bulldogs recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner told the AJC’s Carter Strickland. “That is a good thing so you don’t have that buffer in there where you have a large number that is not [qualified]. You just have a couple guys that haven’t qualified yet.”
Landmark Christian star to walk on at Tech?
More good recruiting news for Georgia Tech: Landmark Christian quarterback Matt Moody tells Scout.com he’s considering playing for the Yellow Jackets — as a walk-on. “As of right now, that’s the way I’m leaning,” he told the Web site. Stay tuned.
Seminoles out front for Philly’s finest
Philadelphia Roman Catholic junior Nick Moody, expected to be one of the top safety prospects in the Class of 2008, told Rivals.com on Thursday that Florida State is his early leader. Moody was in Tallahassee last summer for the Seminoles’ camp and hit it off with defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews.
“I’m too busy during the school year, but in the summer I’m planning on going to Florida, Virginia Tech and Penn State,” Moody told Rivals.com. “I may take a bunch of other visits too.
“IIn general, I’m looking for somewhere that isn’t very cold. I want to head south. I also want the school to have my degree kinesiology or athletic training. That will be a big factor in where I go.”
Tar Heels still top Ingram’s list
McNair’s Fonterrian Ingram is still leaning toward North Carolina, but Maryland, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and West Virginia are still hot on the trail of the 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety.
“I think he’ll make a decision in mid-January,” McNair coach Roderick Moore told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “North Carolina is still No. 1 with him right now. Fonterrian is one of the most talented players I’ve ever coached. He’ll make plays for you.”
Dunwoody star down to five
Dunwoody running back/defensive back Justin Jenkins has narrowed his list of college choices to Appalachian State, Hofstra, Tennessee State, Florida and Tulane. Both Hofstra and Tennessee State have offered scholarships at this point, and he has visits scheduled for both (TSU on Jan. 12, Hofstra on Jan. 26).
Jenkins, a 6-foot, 185-pound senior, told the AJC’s Jeff Haws his final five are all recruiting him to play free safety or cornerback at the next level. He led the Dunwoody team in both overall tackles (73) and solo tackles (50) in 2006.
ESPN: Georgia No. 6 state for football
Interesting piece today on ESPN.com, which ranks all 50 states for football “across all levels.” Georgia checked in at No. 6 overall — ninth for pro, 11th for college, fourth for high school. The top five in order: Texas, California, Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Florida back likes Louisville; may visit Georgia
St. Augustine (Fla.) star Rai-Shawn Wilson, Scout.com’s 42nd-ranked senior tailback, told the Web site he’ll visit Clemson and Florida State, and may also check out Georgia and Tennessee.
“I really like Louisville, though,” Wilson told Scout.com.
Maryland, Troy, WKU chase Armstrong
Peach County defensive tackle Dion Armstrong has received offers from Maryland, Troy and Western Kentucky. Peach County coach Rance Gillespie said Armstrong has the tools to be a premier nose guard at the next level.
“Dion is 315 pounds, but he’s athletic and can run,” Gillespie said.
Rivals: King, Wynn UGA’s top recruits
Mark Richt’s biggest commitment to date? Rivals.com Southeast analyst JC Shurburtt says it’s Greater Atlanta Christian tailback Caleb King, followed closely by Georgia Military Academy defensive lineman Jarius Wynn, pointing out that the latter will give the Bulldogs “instant help.”
Peach County’s Wright mulls offers
Peach County offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright has received offers from Troy, Central Florida and South Florida, but is still attempting to clear academic hurdles. The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Wright is also being actively recruited by Western Kentucky, his coach told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
Brodie, Southern Miss talk
Dacula running back Cole Brodie recently received a visit from Southern Miss offensive coordinator Jay Johnson, but is still awaiting his first offer. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder told the AJC’s David Purdum he has been invited to visit Charleston Southern in January.
Brodie’s teammate, linebacker Dexter Daffin, said he’ll visit Coastal Carolina on Jan. 12. He also has spoken with Belhaven College in Mississippi and Southern Nazarene in Oklahoma.
Camden County star sets up three I-AA visits
Camden County’s Adam House, who will participate in Friday’s North/South all-star game in Columbus, plans to visit Youngstown State, Coastal Carolina and Georgia Southern in January.
“Adam’s a tremendous athlete,” Camden County coach Jeff Herron told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “Statistically, he had the best year of any defensive lineman we’ve ever had. He’s a kid with 4.5 speed in the 40. Had we played him at linebacker, everybody in the country would have been recruiting him.”
Meanwhile, House’s Camden County teammate, linebacker Josh Dickerson, plans to make an official visit to Middle Tennessee State prior to signing day. “Josh is a great athlete with 4.5 to 4.6 speed,” Herron said.
Marist kicker waiting, weighing
Marist kicker Collin Gallagher has been offered by Navy and Army, is still a scholarship candidate at Central Florida, and has the opportunity to walk on at Alabama. Gallagher tied the Marist record with a 49-yard field goal as a junior last year, and had two from 47 this past season.
“It’s disappointing that a lot of colleges don’t take kickers more seriously out of high school, but it is understandable at the same time, after seeing some All-America high school kickers not do anything in college,” Gallagher told the AJC’s Michael Carvell.
Wylie: ‘An ACC and SEC kid’
Ball State and Connecticut have each made offers to Washington-Wilkes running back Kelmetrus Wylie, who ran for 2,024 yards and 21 touchdowns on 206 carries for the Tigers this past season.
Washington-Wilkes coach Russell Morgan said Kentucky and Maryland are actively recruiting his star back, but have yet to tender offers. “I feel like he’s an ACC and SEC kid,” Morgan told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “We’ve had some good backs come out of this program, but he may be the best ever.”
Three offers for Hawkinsville’s Bembry
Hawkinsville defensive back Dequan Bembry has offers from Georgia Southern, Indiana and Kentucky on the table, and is now drawing moderate interest from South Carolina and Marshall. “Dequan can play a lot of positions,” his coach, Lee Campbell, told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’s got good speed, is explosive and can play both offense and defense.”
Books come first for Dunwoody’s Olsen
Dunwoody offensive lineman/linebacker Brandon Olsen added Appalachian State last week to his list of offers that includes Elon and Hofstra. He’ll start a busy month Jan. 5 when he visits Elon before heading to Louisville (Jan. 12), Coastal Carolina (Jan. 19) and Hofstra (Jan. 26).
He’s also leaving open the possibility to visit Appalachian State late in the month. He told the AJC’s Jeff Haws that his main consideration in choosing a college is education: “I don’t really have aspirations to get to the NFL. What I want to get in college is an occupations degree or an engineering degree. Football comes next.”
Gamecocks back in Carter running?
Hawkinsville linebacker Sacoby Carter is considering offers from Georgia Southern, Middle Tennessee and Indiana. South Carolina had offered a scholarship earlier this year, but withdrew after filling defensive needs from other commitments. But Campbell says Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks may take another look at the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder.
“He had been offered earlier [by South Carolina], but he waited and they got guys committed at his position,” Campbell told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “It’s just one of those things. But Sacoby is extremely quick off the ball. He’s a good size, but he can fly. He’s as quick as [Georgia junior end and former Hawkinsville star] Charles Johnson was when he was in high school.”
Fort Lauderdale star likes Auburn, FSU, WVU
Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard defensive end Antoine Carter told Scout.com he has scheduled visits to Florida State (Jan. 12) and West Virginia (Jan. 19). Auburn is also in the running for Scout’s 21st-ranked end.
Dacula’s Butler sets Liberty visit
Dacula offensive lineman/tight end Michael Butler told the AJC’s David Purdum on Thursday that he will visit Liberty on Jan. 19. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder also has talked with the staffs at Navy, Virginia Tech, Georgetown and Colgate.
Peachtree Ridge back lines up visits
Running back Chris Douglas of Class AAAAA co-champion Peachtree Ridge is busy arranging official visits to schools interested in extending a scholarship offer to the Suwanee resident.
“In January, I will go to Coastal Carolina and I am talking to Memphis about setting one up and I will visit East Carolina,” Douglas told Rivals.com. Ohio has also expressed interest in the 5-foot-9, 183-pound back.
Dyer considers Butler CC, Valdosta State
Central Gwinnett wide receiver Rolando Dyer tells the AJC’s David Purdum he is considering attending Kansas’ Butler Community College or Valdosta State.
In case you missed it …
— 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 shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday. Little said he wouldn’t make an official announcement until he could reach Bobby Bowden, whose Seminoles beat UCLA in Wednesday night’s Emerald Bowl in San Francisco.
— Peachtree Ridge 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 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.
— 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 on Wednesday. “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.
— 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 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.”
— 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 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.”
— 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 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.
— 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. is considering South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida.
— 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.
— 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. “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.”
— 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. “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.”
— 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.
— 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.”
— 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.”
— 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. 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. The Tide play Oklahoma State in Thursday’s Independence Bowl.
— 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. “And Louisville has been courting him, too.”
— 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.”
— 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 running back Chris Thomas plans to schedule visits to Coastal Carolina and East Carolina and also is getting attention from Ohio University
— Gainesville offensive lineman Charles Wood has narrowed his choices to East Carolina, Marshall and Memphis, according to Gainesville coach Bruce Miller.
— 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.”
— Scout.com reported 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.
— 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. The 6-foot, 230-pound Smith anchored the Central Gwinnett defense at middle linebacker.
— 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.
— 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 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.
— 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.
Recruiting report: Little ready to pick FSU; Heyward to visit UGA
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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.
South Carolina’s McKinley inspires Duke-bound Kelly
The success of South Carolina sophomore wide receiver Kenny McKinley gives confidence to his former South Cobb teammate, Austin Kelly, who hascommitted to Duke.
McKinley, South Carolina’s second-leading receiver with 48 catches this year as a sophomore, was a four-year starting quarterback at South Cobb. Kelly has been South Cobb’s starting quarterback for most of the past two seasons.
Kelly says he and McKinley get together whenever McKinley is back in town. “He sort of like a mentor,” Kelly, who started at receiver McKinley’s senior season, told the AJC’s Todd Holcomb. “He says you’ve got to out-work the guy in front of you. I watch him all the time. I feel I can do that too. I know I can be as successful as him if not more.”
McKinley is faster and quicker than Kelly, but Kelly is much bigger (6 feet 3, 200 pounds compared to McKinley’s 5-11, 181). Kelly says he has a 38-inch vertical leap run the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds.
Kelly declined an invitation to play in the Georgia North-South all-star game in order to focus on basketball and not risk aggravating an ankle injury first sustained in a football playoff game Nov. 10.
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.
Little close to decision; UGA recruit honored
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Come back to ajc.com 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: Decision this week?
Twiggs County offensive lineman Chris Little is no longer leaning toward signing with Florida.
“I see they already have a lot of linemen on scholarship,” the 6-foot-6, 340-pound Little told the AJC. “And I plan on playing early.”
Little now anticipates choosing between Florida State, Georgia and Notre Dame by the end of the week.
Burnett: Still no leader
North Clayton safety Morgan Burnett is still weighing offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. Though the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Burnett was impressed with a recent on-campus visit to Georgia Tech, he refused to make the Yellow Jackets his front-runner.
“I really enjoyed spending time with the players and coaches,” Burnett told the AJC. “And I really like the environment.”
Surgery set for Lincoln County QB
Lincoln County quarterback Brandon Barden, who steered the Red Devils to two consecutive Class A titles, hopes to be in attendance for Saturday night’s Chick-fil-A Bowl between Virginia Tech and Georgia. But the Hokies recruit is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Thursday and might not be able to make it.
Barden, who told the AJC he hurt his knee in the second game of the season, added that he’ll hobble to the Georgia Dome if he can.
The 6-foot-5 Barden, who is projected to play tight end for the Hokies, anticipates a full recovery by the end of January.
Green named first-team all-stater
A.J. Green, the Summerville (S.C.) High junior wide receiver who says he’ll sign with Georgia in 2008, on Tuesday was named a first-team South Carolina all-stater by The Associated Press. Green finished his junior season with 60 catches for 1,203 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Gamecocks climbing rankings
South Carolina’s recruiting class is currently ranked in the top 10 by Rivals.com. That caught the attention of Westlake’s Addison Williams, a defensive back who will enroll at South Carolina next month.
“Everybody is just now starting to buy into what Coach [Steve] Spurrier is doing over there,” said Williams, who is projected to return punts and kicks for the Gamecocks. “If you look back at their season, the games they lost were by just a few points to nationally ranked teams.”
Threet set to enroll at Tech
Steven Threet went south for the holidays, but the soon-to-be Georgia Tech freshman quarterback will not be in Jacksonville for the Gator Bowl. He’ll be with the Yellow Jackets next week, though.
Threet and his family returned to Adrian, Mich., Tuesday from Key West, Fla., where he, father Jewel, mother Pam and older brother Jay “played a lot of tennis.” Now, they’re preparing to drive to Atlanta on Jan. 4. The recent Adrian High graduate will begin classes at Tech on Jan. 8.
“Right now, I’m listed as a management major, but I’m not sure if that will be changing,” Threet told the AJC’s Matt Winkeljohn on Tuesday.
Three knows one of his two roommates, fellow early enrollee Derrick Morgan, the defensive end from Coatesville, Pa., and has stayed in touch with several future teammates. He spoke with Kell running back Jonathan Dwyer and Union Grove linebacker Kyle Jackson — who also have committed to Tech — on Christmas day. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Threet, who passed for more than 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns this past fall, stays in touch with Tech offensive coordinator Patrick Nix.
“[Coaches] can only call me once a week [as per NCAA rules],” Threet said. “I talk to Coach Nix twice a week, once when he calls and once when I call him.”
Rainey lines up visits
Griffin running back Bobby Rainey has visited Eastern Michigan and hopes to visit Western Kentucky, East Carolina, Georgia Southern and Appalachian State prior to signing day.
In the interim, he’s spending a portion of his winter break preparing for Friday’s North/South all-star game in Columbus.
“Everybody here is good,” Rainey told the AJC’s Jeff Hood by phone from the team hotel. “If you play well here, you should really get looked at [by recruiters].”
GAC quarterback down to six
Six colleges remaining in the running for the services of Greater Atlanta Christian quarterback Lee Chapple.
The 6-foot-1, 198-pound Chapple is considering Central Florida, James Madison, Memphis, Miami (Ohio), Richmond and Southern Miss. He was equally impressed with recent on-campus visits to two of the schools hoping to sign him on Feb. 7.
“Richmond is very appealing academically,” said Chapple, who plans to major in sports management or sports medicine. “And I really liked the players and facilities at Southern Miss.”
Big catch for Vols
This just in Tuesday afternoon: Rolando Melancon, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive tackle from Louisiana’s Lutcher High, has picked Tennessee over Arkansas, LSU, Michigan and Ole Miss, among others. Rivals.com ranks Melancon No. 20 at his position nationally and No. 4 overall in the state of Louisiana.
Who’s No. 1? Southlake Carroll
Southlake Carroll, which won Texas’ Class 5A, Division I title, finished No. 1 in USA Today’s final Super 25 high school football rankings Tuesday. Rounding out the top five: River Ridge (La.) John Curtis; Lakeland (Fla.) High; Indianapolis Warren Central and Miami Northwestern. No Georgia team made the newspaper’s top 25, nor did any make USA Today’s final Southern top 10.
Line of the day
When asked by the AJC to finish the sentence “My style on the football field reminds some people of …” Tech offensive line recruit Joseph Gilbert of Cartersville said, “A bulldozer plowing over trees. The trees put up a fight but the final result is always the same.”
Mississippi State lands Wright
Sylvester Croom had a happy holiday after getting word that 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. “My family was real high on Mississippi State, so that helped. It was just the best thing for me and family.” Mississippi State has a whopping 33 commitments, including one from a Georgian — East Hall defensive tackle Korentheus Bailey.
