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Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Recruiting report: Tech, UGA targets talk about finalists
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It’s Wednesday, one day before we dispatch Carter Strickland to San Antonio to provide all the latest news on top prospects involved in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Got someone whose recruitment you’d like us to update — there or here? E-mail us at jdalessio@ajc.com, and we’ll do our best to find an answer. 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.
Alabama-bound Hester: ‘Real relief’ to have coach
Marist linebacker and Alabama commitment Jennings Hester says the Tide’s Wednesday hiring of former Miami Dolphins and LSU coach Nick Saban is a great move — and it couldn’t have come too soon.
“It’s a real relief to finally figure out who it is,” Hester told the AJC’s Jeff Haws. “As much as I have respect for the whole staff there, it’s nice to move on to a very successful coach. The fans and the whole country is going to expect a lot out of us. It’s exciting to have that spotlight.”
Hester said he expects to talk to Saban at least once before his official visit on Jan. 12.
Tech target Peters has three trips lined up
As one of four players Georgia Tech is still recruiting for next month’s signing class, Jason Peters is in some ways unlike the others.
Like North Clayton High safety Morgan Burnett and Orlando Edgewater linebacker/safety Lorenzo Edwards, he has already made his official visit to Tech.
Unlike Edwards, who has made all of his official visits and will announce his college choice Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio, Peters, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end from Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic, still has four visits to make. He has planned three, telling the AJC’s Matt Winkeljohn Wednesday afternoon that’s he’s going to Nebraska Jan. 12, Florida on Jan. 20 and LSU on Jan. 27.
Although his name has been linked to Notre Dame, Peters said he doesn’t have an official visit planned to South Bend, and he expects to make his decision soon after visiting LSU. “I’m not sure about Notre Dame,” he said.
He’ll watch the Irish tonight. Peters, who watched on television as Tech lost in the Gator Bowl and Nebraska lost in the Cotton Bowl, said he planned to watch LSU play Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.
Peters wants to major in biology, and has checked to make sure all of his schools have that program. Beyond that, and a quality football program, he said he’ll consider “the people I’ll be around daily, the coaches, students and the city in general.”
Peters, who has given up basketball at Catholic, has an uncle in Gainesville, Fla., where Florida is located.
Edwards is widely believed to have narrowed his choices to Florida, Notre Dame and perhaps Michigan, but has not called Tech coaches to eliminate the Yellow Jackets.
The fourth recruit on Tech’s radar, Oxnard, Calif., running back/linebacker/wide receiver/safety Malachi Lewis, is scheduled to make an official visit to Tech with his mother on Jan. 19.
Burnett is in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he’ll play Thursday in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl sponsored by Rivals.com. He made his official visit to Tech last month, and as of right now does not plan any other official trips.
Buckeyes, Gators try to win title, Heyward’s services
How must it feel to have both teams in the BCS national championship game — Ohio State and Florida — vying for your services? Weird, perhaps?
“A little bit,” said Peachtree Ridge defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who has narrowed his college choices to the two national championship contenders, as well as Georgia and LSU.
NCAA rules prohibit recruits from being on the sidelines at bowl games, so Heyward will be watching the game on TV — closely. “I have mixed feelings,” he said. “I can’t support just one team. … I’ll look at both teams, see how they get ready, and how the coaches handle adversity.”
Most people in that situation might like to see a close but high-scoring game. For a defender like Heyward, it’s probably more like a close, low-scoring game.
“I just want to see a lot of hard hitting,” Heyward told the AJC’s Carroll Rogers. “It all depends on who wants it more.”
When asked for a prediction on the game, Heyward delivered the line of the day, saying: “I don’t know. It’d be funny to see it end in a tie.”
Peachtree Ridge and Roswell just had to settle for a tie, and a co-championship, in the AAAAA state title game Dec. 16, thanks to GHSA rules. For the record, Monday night, Florida and Ohio State would play overtime.
Heyward has gotten a little pre-game insight from a friend of his on the Ohio State team — linebacker James Laurinaitis. The two got to know each other on Heyward’s visit to Ohio State earlier this fall. This is Laurinaitis who recently became the first sophomore to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the top defensive player in the nation.
“He said it’s fun up there right now,” Heyward said. “[But they know] they have to handle their business.”
Heyward, the son of the late former Falcon all-pro Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, has taken visits to both Ohio State and Georgia. He said he doesn’t plan to make his decision until he visits Florida and LSU. He has a visit scheduled for LSU on Jan. 19 and said he plans to visit Florida either the week before or week after.
“They’re all great schools,” Heyward said. “I’m looking at coaches and how the environment is.”
Northgate’s Davis set to visit Memphis
Mike Davis, a 6-foot, 230-pound tailback from Northgate, plans to visit Memphis later this month. He is already considering offers from Central Florida and Southern Miss.
“I think he likes Memphis, but then again I think he really likes Central Florida too,” Northgate coach Bill Luckie told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “I’d say those are his top two.”
Luckie envisions Davis as a successful running back on the collegiate level.
“The schools recruiting him are a one-back offense. And with his strength and size, he’s capable of running the ball 30 to 35 times per game.”
Stanford covets Tift County DB
Tift County defensive back Randy Parker is drawing interest from Stanford and Middle Tennessee State. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Parker, a three-year starter for the Blue Devils, made his mark on both the field and classroom at Tift County.
“He’s an excellent student who scored very well on his SAT,” Tift County coach Jay Walls told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “Randy has great speed and is a very smart player.”
Lakeside star puts faith over football
Lakeside wide receiver/free safety Marwin Hooker has decided not to play football at the college level, despite interest from Georgia and others, because playing football on Saturday would conflict with his religious beliefs as a Seventh-Day Adventist.
He said he mulled over the decision through the holidays and made up his mind earlier this week to continue his traditional observance of Saturdays for rest, worship and ministry. He said he’ll probably focus on education in college and most likely pursue coaching athletics, possibly at Kennesaw State or West Georgia.
Analyst: ‘Alabama back on the national map’
What kind of impact will Nick Saban taking the Alabama job have on Crimson Tide recruiting?
We threw that one out to Scout.com analyst Scott Kennedy.
“It wont make a big difference in this class,” Kennedy told the AJC recruiting blog late Wednesday morning, as word of Saban’s decision spread. “By now, most of the kids already know where they are going to go. I would expect a surprise or two, but don’t look for a flood of new names.
“The real benefit will be with the class of 2008. All bets are off for next year. This immediately puts Alabama back on the national map.”
Chattahoochee junior lands LSU offer
Chattahoochee junior lineman Justin Smith has been offered a scholarship by LSU, coach Terry Crowder told the AJC’s Michael Carvell. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Smith played both ways for the Cougars this past season. He had 65 tackles, including 11 for losses, and eight sacks at defensive end, while grading out 75 percent with his blocking for the season at offensive tackle.
Coach: Grady tailback set to commit to Miami (Ohio)
Grady tailback Dexter Barnett made a commitment to Miami (Ohio) in August before wavering several weeks later. Now, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Barnett, who has offers from Ball State and Memphis, appears to be on the brink of sticking with his original choice.
“I think he’s about to re-commit to Miami of Ohio,” Grady coach Ronnie Millen told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “It was just early and he wanted to explore his options.”
The latest on the Super Southern 100
Several members of the AJC’s Super Southern 100 team remain uncommitted. Throughout the day today, we’ll update the latest on the defensive stars. Check out yesterday’s report for a look at the offense.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
— Allen Bailey, Darien. Eager to hear the latest on Alabama — nothing new to report as of 1 p.m. Tuesday; Florida, Georgia and Miami also in the running.
— Sidell Corley, Mobile, Ala. Committed to Florida but told the AJC he’s still looking around. Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee all may host him this month.
— Luther Davis, West Monroe, La. Has checked out Louisville, LSU and Oklahoma already; next stops: Auburn and Florida State.
— Carlos Dunlap, North Charleston, S.C. Has committed somewhere but won’t say where. “I have made a commitment to the school I am going to, but I am not wanting to announce where I committed to yet,” Dunlap told Rivals.com over the weekend. “So I guess I am still kind of open. I am committed, but still taking visits.” Dunlap has narrowed his choices to South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee. He has already made an official visit to South Carolina, and will visit Tennessee on Jan. 12 and Florida the following weekend.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
— Will Blackwell, West Monroe, La. Down to Florida, LSU and Notre Dame. Ruled out Alabama last month; will Nick Saban’s arrival help the Tide get back into the mix?
— John Brown, Lakeland, Fla. Leaning toward joining six of his high school teammates at Florida, but still has Alabama and Florida State on his list. Sure to be one of Saban’s first calls today.
— Cameron Heyward, Suwanee. “Right now, it’s still Georgia, LSU, Florida and Ohio State,” Heyward told the AJC’s Jeff Hood late Tuesday.
— Jacoby Monroe, Jacksonville. Academics may keep one-time Georgia Tech recruitment from playing Division I football in the fall, his coach told the AJC.
— Kerry Murphy, Hoover, Ala. Has visits lined up to Alabama (Jan. 13) and Auburn (Jan. 20). May also check out Miami.
— Tydreke Powell, Ahoskie, N.C. Will visit Penn State (Jan. 12), Virginia Tech (Jan. 19) and North Carolina (Jan. 26).
LINEBACKERS
— Josh Bynes, Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. Has a visit lined up to South Carolina for Jan. 19. Has already been to Auburn, Iowa and Louisville. “Auburn was real nice,” Bynes told Scout.com. “I’ve always liked them. Iowa was better than I thought. We had a lot of fun there. Louisville, it was the opposite of what I thought it was gonna be. The atmosphere with the players was great. A lot of them are from Florida and we bonded. Whenever we went out to dinner or whatever, it’s like I already knew all those guys. I really enjoyed it there.”
— Chris Donald, Huntingdon, Tenn. Has decided between Tennessee and Notre Dame but won’t announce his winner until Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Scout.com is projecting the Vols as the winner.
Southern Cal lands Arkansas transfer
Former AJC Super Southern 100 wide receiver Damian Williams, who asked for a release from his scholarship after playing a season at Arkansas, has decided to transfer to Southern Cal, the player’s father told the Los Angeles Times.
“We let Damian make his own decision,” David Williams told the Times. “We’re concerned about his education, and we also want him to go where he develops to become the best player he can become.”
Williams was named to the SEC all-freshman team after catching 19 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns this past season.
Air Force attracts East Paulding all-stater
AJC all-state offensive lineman Colton Reid of East Paulding is leaning toward signing with Air Force.
The 6-foot, 260-pound Reid, who is being recruited as a center, is also looking at Valdosta State, Chattanooga and Furman, according to his father John Reid, who happens to be the coach at East Paulding. “He’s just waiting to see what happens,” John Reid told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
Colton Reid was a two-way starter for East Paulding. “When the guy from Air Force came to watch him play against Marist, he said, ‘This kid is a warrior,’” John Reid said.
Colleges start calling East Paulding tailback
East Paulding tailback Steve Delzince is a sleeper who is generating lots of interest at the Division II and junior college levels**. Delzince rushed for 1,350 yards and 17 touchdowns this season despite having no previous experience as a running back.
“This is a kid nobody has heard of because he didn’t carry the ball until his senior year,” East Paulding coach John Reid told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’s a late-bloomer. He’s a hard runner with good speed.”
Southwest DeKalb’s Council: Offers wanted
Morris Council Jr. e-mailed in this update on his son, Southwest DeKalb defensive end/tight end Morris Council:
“DeKalb County is known for having one of the best recruiting spots in the state of Georgia. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder has received over 20 offers from MAC, Big-12, MWC, SBC, CUSA & several Division 1-AA schools. He had an official visit to Toledo on 12/15/06 and will visit Miami (OH) on 1/12/07. Some of his other achievements include All AJC Class AAAA All-State Honorable mention, All Dekalb/Rockdale County 1st Team Defense & Offense, 3.50 G.P.A … yet, he is still open for offers from the SEC and/or ACC.”
What now for UGA at tailback?
With Danny Ware bypassing his senior season for the NFL, will Georgia turn its attention to another tailback recruit to pair with Greater Atlanta Christian’s Caleb King?
Maybe, says Rivals.com recruiting analyst JC Shurburtt.
“I think they may look around and see if they can steal anyone,” Shurburtt told the AJC recruiting blog. “Demetrius Goode out of LaGrange signed with Kentucky out of high school and got placed in a prep school, so both parties could be interested there, though I don’t know that for a fact.
“I do know that some at UGA were high on him out of high school. If they don’t, I expect them to make running back a top priority in next year’s class and there are a lot of good ones in state.”
Northside-Warner Robins teammates draw interest
(A few readers wrote in to the blog, wanting to know the latest on a pair of Northside-Warner Robbins teammates. You ask, we answer).
Northside-Warner Robins’ Jacobi Rodriguez, an AJC all-state choice, spent his sophomore and junior seasons at quarterback before shifting to wide receiver in time for his senior year under legendary coach Conrad Nix. Rodriguez is receiving interest from a few Division I programs, including Georgia. “[Georgia] is sort of recruiting him with the possibility that somebody who might be in front of him might turn them down,” Nix told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “Then they’d come back to Jacobi.”
Mitchell Bell, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound free safety from Class AAAA state champion Northside-Warner Robins, is receiving moderate Division I interest. Several Division I-AA programs, including Georgia Southern and Western Michigan, have made strong inquiries. “Mitchell is a real good player with a lot of athletic skills,” Nix said.
Luella’s Hardie high on Memphis
Luella four-year starter Robbie Hardie plans to accept an offer to play college football at Memphis. “I just really like the coaching staff, fan base and the town,” Hardie told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “And I really like the school.”
Hardie, a 6-foot-4, 284-pound offensive lineman who plans to major in special education, chose the Tigers over Tulane, Southern Miss, UAB, Middle Tennessee and East Carolina.
Grady QB lands offer from Ball State
Grady quarterback Simeon Kelley has been offered a scholarship by Ball State at the position of “athlete.” The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Simeon, a three-year starter at Grady, has also received some interest from Air Force.
“He’s leaning toward Ball State, but the phone is ringing,” Grady coach Ronnie Millen told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “And he got a call just today from Youngstown [State].”
Bowles gets look from West Georgia
West Georgia and Wofford have expressed interest in East Paulding’s Shawn Bowles, a 6-foot, 235-pound defensive end. “Shawn is a good leader and aggressive player who had some sacks and a couple of interceptions for us this year,” East Paulding coach John Reid told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
Randolph-Clay all-star turns heads
Michael Adams, the first player in the history of basketball-rich Randolph-Clay to be invited to play in the Georgia North-South All-Star football game, made quite an impression on coaches and fellow competitors during Friday’s contest in Columbus. Adams, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker, is being actively recruited by Georgia Southern, Valdosta State and Albany State.
South Carolina, Louisville, and Arkansas State have shown moderate interest.
“Michael set school records in a season for tackles and sacks,” Randolph-Clay coach Josh Lowe told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’s a special player.”
Florida star to check out Alabama, Nebraska, Kentucky
Deland, Fla., linebacker Calvin Sutton has official visits lined up later this month with South Florida, Ole Miss and Auburn. Those three programs, along with Alabama, Nebraska and Kentucky, have offered Sutton, who made 161 tackles for Deland this season.
Sutton said his remaining on-campus visits will have an impact on where he signs. “I want to see how the team reacts to me,” Sutton told Scout.com. “Do they make me feel at home and make me feel like I am needed? Or am I out of place? I want to feel wanted wherever I go.”
UGA recruit Sturdivant to undergo knee surgery
Georgia offensive line recruit Trinton Sturdivant will have surgery after tearing cartilage in his knee during U.S. Army All-American Bowl practice in San Antonio, Texas.
“I’ll miss about five weeks,” Sturdivant told Scout.com late Tuesday after receiving the results of his MRI.
Sturdivant, who enrolled early at UGA, said he plans to be healthy enough to take part in spring practice in Athens.
Heyward: ‘Still Georgia, LSU, Florida and Ohio State’
AJC Super Southern 100 defensive tackle Cameron Heyward of Peachtree Ridge said late Tuesday he’s still mulling over offers from four Division I powers.
“Right now, it’s still Georgia, LSU, Florida and Ohio State,” Heyward told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
When asked if the outcome of bowl games and announcement of underclassmen from those schools jumping to the NFL will impact his decision, he replied by saying “No, sir.”
The 6-foot-6, 280-pound Heyward said he still plans to visit LSU and Florida later this month. He refused to predict if he might make a commitment prior to signing day.
“I can’t put an exact date on it,” Heyward said. “When I feel comfortable, that’s when I’ll make the decision.”
In case you missed it Tuesday …
— Georgia offensive line recruit Antwane Greenlee of Columbus told Rivals.com’s Chad Simmons on Tuesday night that he intends to visit Florida State and perhaps Florida officially. Greenlee did not specify which dates and said he is firm in his commitment to UGA.
— New Berlin (N.Y.) Milford Academy tailback Graig Cooper, Scout.com’s top-ranked prep school prospect at any position, has committed to Miami, his coach told the Web site Tuesday afternoon. Cooper reportedly picked the Hurricanes over Florida, North Carolina and Oklahoma State.
— AJC Class AAAA defensive player of the year linebacker Deonta Jordan of Northside-Warner Robins appears headed to a junior college program. “It’s looking like [that],” Northside-Warner Robins coach Conrad Nix told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “There’s not a lot of options here in this state, but [Georgia Military] is a possibility.” Nix had plenty of praise for the 5-foot-10, 225-pound Jordan, a four-year starter. “Deonta is very intense and just a great competitor who wants to be successful,” Nix said.
— Score one for new North Carolina coach Butch Davis: The Tar Heels have reportedly received word that 6-foot-5, 200-pound Springdale, Ark. tight end Zack Pianalto had switched his commitment from Texas to UNC.
— As one of the most highly regarded members of Georgia Tech’s recruiting class, Greene County quarterback Josh Nesbitt tends to find his way into the rumor mill. Some recruiting message boards have suggested that he may be re-considering his commitment to the Yellow Jackets, but when asked Tuesday if he’s still strong in his pledge to Tech, Nesbitt told the AJC’s Matt Winkeljohn, “Oh yeah.”
Nesbitt took timeout from playing point guard on the Greene County basketball team to watch the Gator Bowl on television. “It was a good game,” he said. “Tech surprised me a little bit by throwing it more. I thought they’d run more with [Tashard] Choice.” Nesbitt, who plans to enroll in June, said he stays in touch with fellow Tech commitments Nick Claytor, the tackle from Gainesville; Kell running back Jonathan Dwyer, and Union Grove linebacker Kyle Jackson.
Nesbitt is ranked as the No. 9 quarterback in the nation by Scout.com, and the No. 9 dual-threat QB by Rivals.com. Steven Threet of Adrian, Mich., who is set to arrive at Tech on Thursday and begin classes Monday, is ranked the No. 12 quarterback nationally by Scout.com, and No. 9 pro-style QB by Rivals.com.
— He’s only a junior but Northside-Warner Robins quarterback Marques Ivory, the AJC’s Class AAAA offensive player of the year, is already generating plenty of interest throughout the nation. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Ivory engineered Northside-Warner Robins to the state title last month. “Marques is already had quite a bit of preliminary type [recruiting] stuff,” Northside-Warner Robins coach Conrad Nix told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “I definitely think he’s Division I material. Marques is pretty much a student of the game. He’s sharp as far as decision-making and is a good student.”
— Former Florida quarterback Kerwin Bell, who has coached future Gator John Brantley at Ocala’s Trinity Catholic High, will be introduced as the new head coach at Division I-AA Jacksonville later today. Bell has led Trinity Catholic to Florida’s Class 2B title game the past two years.
— Princeton Dean, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound AJC all-state defensive lineman from Houston County, is being recruited by Fort Valley State, Tuskegee and Coastal Carolina as a linebacker. “I think people will get more on him in January and his stock will go way up,” Houston County coach Doug Johnson told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He is a tremendous athlete.”
— Houston County running back Eric O’Neal is considering Middle Tennessee State, Western Kentucky, UT Chattanooga, Citadel, Coastal Carolina and Western Carolina. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound AJC all-stater will take two or three official visits this month, according to Houston County coach Doug Johnson. “Eric was a very complete back for us,” Johnson told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He caught the ball well and ran well.”
— Georgia defensive end recruit Jarius Wynn of Georgia Military said he sees Charles Johnson’s decision to jump the NFL an opportunity for all parties involved. “It’s a good thing for him, and it’s a good thing for me,” the 6-foot-4, 270-pound Wynn told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. Wynn, who will have two years of eligibility remaining at UGA, said Johnson’s departure won’t affect his already-planned strategy when he arrives in Athens. “I had my mind set anyway to go hard when I get on the field,” he said.
— Lake City, S.C. coach Justin Gentry termed his star linebacker Scotty Cooper’s commitment to Clemson as “soft” and said the 6-foot-1, 200 pound Cooper is still shopping. “Scotty made a commitment to Clemson last summer, and I think he realizes he may have committed too early,” Gentry told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
Cooper, who made recent visits to LSU and West Virginia, will take his first official visit to Clemson this month. He is contemplating making an official visit to Miami in late January. “Scotty is just looking at what else is out there,” Gentry said. “If nothing else, he knows he’s got a home at Clemson.”
— Houston County offensive lineman Dylan Thompson has offers from UT Chattanooga, Western Carolina and UAB. The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Thompson, an AJC all-state pick, is scheduled to visit Middle Tennessee and Western Michigan prior to signing day. “Dylan is a big kid who, I think, will grow another inch or two,” Houston County coach Doug Johnson told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “I think he’s got potential to be even better on the next level.”
— South Forsyth tight end Adam Nissley said published reports that he is looking at other schools are false. He said he remains true to his commitment to Central Florida last summer. “Even though [Central Florida was] the first school to offer me, I knew that’s where I wanted to go,” Nissley told the AJC’s Michael Carvell. “… I just like what they have going on at Central Florida: They are building a new stadium and they have Coach [George] O’Leary, who I am a big fan of. That’s where I want to be.” Nissley admits that other schools, such as Murray State, have inquired about him while checking on other South Forsyth prospects. But he’s not interested.
— Marist fullback Preston Lyons, an AJC all-state selection, is considering Georgia Tech, Colgate, Furman, Penn and Wofford. Though he has yet to receive a scholarship offer, the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Lyons, who will likely major in business, is confident opportunities will roll in once he begins making official visits later this month. “I’d like to go to a successful team where I can fit in offensively,” Lyons told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “Location, school population, none of that will really affect my decision.”
— Connecticut and Ball State have made offers to Houston County tight end Ben Collins, an AJC all-state selection. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Collins is also drawing interest from Georgia Southern and UAB. “Ben is a real complete player with good leadership skills,” Houston County coach Doug Johnson told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He blocked and caught the ball well.”
— Collins Hills offensive tackle T.J. Hurless reports he has narrowed his college choices to Samford, Tennessee-Martin and William & Mary, with UT Chattanooga remaining a long shot. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Hurless plans to visit William & Mary in mid-January. “It all comes down to the education and what each one has to offer in engineering or physics,” Hurless told the AJC’s Jeff Hood.
— Hollywood, Fla. defensive end Jabaal Sheard told Rivals.com he’s hoping for a scholarship offer from Miami, but in the meantime has visits lined up to Auburn (Jan. 12) and South Carolina (Jan. 19). Sheard, Rivals’ 22nd-ranked weakside defensive end, said he also hears a lot from Pitt.
— Once fleet-footed Rockdale County cornerback/wide receiver Branden Shepperd clears a few remaining academic hurdles, schools such as UAB, Jacksonville State, Tennessee State and South Carolina State will be vying for his services. “We’re just waiting on a few test scores,” Rockdale County coach Lee Carter told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “Branden is a very hungry player. He likes to make things happen.”
— North Oconee defensive back Eli Crawford is receiving interest from Coastal Carolina, Duke, Gardner-Webb and Jacksonville State. Crawford, an AJC all-state honorable mention, had 47 tackles and nine interceptions during his senior season for the Titans. “My favorite is Jacksonville State because of their coaching staff,” Crawford said in an e-mail to the AJC’s recruiting blog. “Coastal is a real close second.”
— St. Pius running back/defensive back Will Asip is being courted by West Georgia, Valdosta State and VMI. The 5-foot-7, 180-pound Asip, a three-year starter for the Golden Lions, benches 350 pounds and can squat 500 pounds. “Will’s got great quickness and speed,” St. Pius coach Paul Standard told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “And he’s extremely strong and a powerful runner.”
— An outstanding football player who is also a standout wrestler, McEachern’s Prince Nwagbara is drawing interest from Murray State, Chattanooga and Jacksonville State following a season during which he rushed for nearly 1,200 yards from the fullback slot. The 5-foot-10, 218-pound Nwagbara, a three-year football starter for the Indians, averaged 9 yards per carry during his senior season. “He’s a very-well rounded back with quick feet,” McEachern coach Jim Dorsey told the AJC’s Jeff Hood. “He’s very difficult to bring down.”
— McEachern free safety Martin Rolland has received a scholarship offer from UT Chattanooga, but he remains in 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.”
