Football recruiting

By Vince

January 12, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

On Kickers.

Why is it that kickers are not recruited with the same zeal and publicity as say, WR? As we know, a guy like Brandon Coutu is just as valuable as a great WR, or so it seems to me. But we never hear about recruiting great kickers.

Vince

By Clint

January 12, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Because kickers are so hit or miss, most teams prefer not to recruit them when you can get one as a walk on. UGA recruited Andy Bailey while Coutu walked on. We all see how that turned out.

By GT fan

January 12, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Coutu was not valuable as an individual, UGA just didnt really have any other options behind him. The kicker position is valuable as most teams dont have a real back up.

By Kenny

January 12, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Good kickers will follow good programs without being recruited. they are only as good as their last kick. Most schools will give a scholarship only after they prove themselves valuable. Sad but true.

By Clemson Dude

January 12, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Take it from a Tiger fan, Kickers are very valuable and Clemson did give a scholarship to a 3 or 4 star recruit out of Greenville SC. If it was’nt for the poor kicking game Clemson had this season the Tigers would had atleast a 10-3 record instead of a 8-5.

By Jordan

January 12, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Sometimes you luck up and dont really have to have a kicker, look at Florida, their kicker went fromm All SEC to terrible……………

By sylvester fuller

January 12, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

wake forest need some big fullback and off. guard.

By jordan

January 12, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

does anyone know whatever happended to cameron smith from brookwood last year ?

By Guessing Game

January 12, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, I need some help here. Maybe one or several of y’all can help me. How can anyone asses a high school kids abilities when they haven’t even been on the field during one play of a college level game? Does anyone really know how good these kids are going to be? If so, how do they know? It is almost identical to the NFL draft where teams are attempting to asses the potential of college level players at the pro level. It just can’t be done. Can it? And if so, why do sooooo many kids not pan out and soooooo many other kids excel. For example, for every so called 5 star kid that actually lives up to the hype there are at least twice as many 5 star kids that don’t. Not to mention all the so called 2 and 3 star kids that end up being All Americans and 1st round draft choices and eventually NFL pro bowlers. Please, can anyone explain to me how anyone else can accurately determine who has the better recruiting class before the kids have even played one snap? Isn’t this, in all reality, just a guess? And, if it is, then why does anyone make so much out of the rankings and these teenage boys abilities?

By Dawg Fan

January 12, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

GT Fan how can you say that a kicker who was a legitimate candidate for the Lou Groza Award, before his injury, was not valuable as an individual?

By What did ever........

January 12, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

…… happen to Cameron Smith? And, Tavares Kearney (a.k.a. TKO)

One day they are the 2nd comming of NCAA football and the next day they fall off the face of the Earth…. wierd

By JAT

January 12, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

It may be somewhat of a guessing game but because of the publicity many of these high school programs get, some of these kids are watched from the moment they step on the field. Recruiting is big time, especially if a coach wants job security. Position coaches have defined territories they recruit in, so they get to see and hear about kids over and over again, plus develop relationships with HS coaches who act as scouts as well. Those 4 and 5 star players tend to be the players who have skill but who have also matured physically faster than others. The 2-3 star players who become those 1st round draft choices can be slower to mature physically or get into a college system where a position coach can bring out the abilities in that player. In the end it is a gamble but more and more it is becoming more of an exact science. Hope this helps??!!

By Mark

January 12, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

With a healthy Brandon Coutu, UGA is 11-2 this year. It cannot be understated how valuable he was, as evidenced by his 51 yarder against VT after 2/3 of the season off. First kick right down the middle. Kickers like him are worth their weight in gold.

By DAWG97

January 12, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Guessing Game- In some ways you are right, it is sort of a guessing game. But just like anything else, there is a method to all of this. With most things in life, you can look at the past in order to get a good vision of the future. Just like with any type of employment. If someone was a great Software Engineer at Home Depot and they are looking for a new job, in a new enviroment, and with a new manager… There is still a good chance he/she will be a good Software Engineer when they move to a new company. But not always…

If an 18 yeal old football player is an incredible QB in 5A football in the state of Georgia, there is a good chance he will be a good QB at the next level. As far as 5 stars vs. 4 stars, I think that is splitting hairs. It’s really more about being good or great at one level and hoping that translates to next level. Is it a science? Not really. Is it 100% a guessing game? No. That is why I like recruiting so much. I like to see who pans out and who doesn’t. What publications get it right more often than not. Which college coaches are great at seeing talent in that 1 player that no one else is after…

By I agree

January 12, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Guessing Game

It is all one HUGE guess on who has the better recruiting class. I mean, what is better, having 25 players grade ourt with a 3.8 star avg or having 20 players grade out at 4.2 star average. Who knows? And, that is assumong that all these players are accuratly assesed. I think if you are in the top 20 or so you are really just splitting hairs on who has the better recruiting class. No one will know until all thos players have graduated or moved on. Case in point, if a team signs a 5 star athelete and that athelete was used to determine the ranking of your recruiting class but that 5 star player never even makes it to your school (due to acedemics or porole violations) then was that atelete ever a 5 star athelete?

Also, why, if a schoold signs an abundent amount of players at one posistion, they all count the same toward your recruiting ranking? I mean if any team were to sign say, three 5 star QB’s in the same year, couldn’t a case be made that really only one of them (regardless of which one it is) is truly going to start and the 2nd is line is less valuable to the team and the 3rd “5 star” QB is even less valuable to the team but yet all three will count as 5 stars toward their “recruiting ranking.”

By Lynn

January 12, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

I would like to know kids are even recognized to be recruited? I have seen many of the kickers that are being mentioned in Georgia and feel my son is just as good or better. He has a level head and very consistent but I know the AJC. sports.com or rivals.com hasn’t really mentioned him. I have had to campaign for my son just to get close to the same recognition from college coaches. Being a tired parent, I am wondering what is the key to get your kid seen?

By I agree

January 12, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Lynn - From what i heard, not that i am an expert by any stretch, but from what i have heard, the best way to get attention from colleges is to have your son’s coach help you get him sceen by scouts and recruiters. Have him help you contact the right pepole. Heck, He can send film to them. This way they don’t even have to come out and see your son play. If your son’s coach believes in him then he should get some attention. I may be wrong….

By i agree

January 12, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Lynn - if that doesn’t help you can always have your son just ry out. Find out when the team that your son wants to play for is holding an open field practice and if he is truly as good as you think he is, he will get a spot on the team. In fact, most college coachs hold back a few scholorships just in case a walk on proves to be that “where do you come from and how did you get here .player.” GOOD LUCK

By DAWG97

January 12, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Lynn- I am no expert in regard to your question but I think I have a good idea of a few possible answers. There are a number of ways to get “noticed”… One is attending a number of camps beginning as early as possible in high school. Also, the coach plays a major role in getting their athletes noticed. A good coach from a good program will certainly have many contacts and have the ability to mention your son. You may need to grease the wheel, so to speak, by talking to the coach yourself about who he knows and what your son is looking for. You can also market your son. Many players get noticed by sending a “highlight” tape. Take highlights and stats from your son’s career and target as many places as you can. Make phones calls, look for programs in need, send out tapes, etc… I know a number of people who were offered scholarships because they sent a tape directly to a school. Granted, these were not offers from D1 schools… It’s best to start this process as a sophmore or junior and it also helps to play for a winning top-notch school.

By Dawg

January 12, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

So what’s the deal with AJC saying Allen Bailey has committed to USC yesterday? What’s really going on?

By BigRob

January 12, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I heard Tavares Kearney is now at Ga. Southern and Cameron Smith is at a JUCO in Texas.

By Cockfather

January 12, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

4 star cornerback Akeem Auguste of Hollywood, Fla just committed to South Carolina over offers from West Virginia, Wake Forest, Pitt, FSU, and others. he had over 20 scholarship offers.

Those who said Spurrier can’t recruit at South Carolina are sadly mistaken. He is headed for possibly a top 5 class.

By What did ever........

January 12, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

BigRob - I just looked on GSU’s website and TKO isn’t on their roster…. bummer. thanks for the heads up though. I am going to try and track him and Cameron down. thanks again

By Lynn

January 12, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

I have sent about 4 to 5 tapes a week out, emailed college coaches and called college coaches. I do not nor will not get any help from our high school coaches. We have done the camps and he is in a kicking contest this weekend but it has been frustrating. He had 92% of his kickoffs in the endzone and he has a hang time of 4 1/2 seconds which I am told this is good. He only missed one PAT this year and made all region and all County. I just wondered what we had not done in getting him noticed.

By Guessing Game

January 12, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

cockfather - how do you know Steve Sperrier is headed for a “top 5 recruiting class?” It is vertually impossible to know what school ranks where with their recruiting classes until these players actually play. Only time will tell if he has had a “top 5 recruiting class” this year. Don’t get me wrong, you can say with all certainty that So. Carolina is going to have a better recruiting class then say… appalachin St. but to determine that only 4 other colleges in the country had a better recruiting class this year,…. well, come back 5 years from now …. then we can tell. ubtil, So. Carolina has had a good year of recuirting when compaired to 50% of the other NCAA schools and even then that is debateable. GOOD LUCK NEXT YEAR YOU C**!

By Dawg

January 12, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

It’s possible. USC is #9 in Rivals.com and #8 in Scout.com. With Carlos Dunlap having USC high on his list, it could happen.

By i agree

January 12, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Lynn, it sounds as though your son has one heckuva a leg attached to his torso. Atleast it is sounds as though it is strong. 92% kickoff to endzone ratio… WOW! Have him walk on and try out (if it is his Sr. yr. now) and he is sure to be the “kickoff specialist” at the very least. Weather or not he would recieve a scholorship or not, more then likly, depends entirly upon the needs of the team. However, if he is accurate as he is strong then he should be able to hit 35 - 45 yarders with 3 outta 4 consistancy. If he can, he should recieve a scholorship. But, that’s me and i am not in chage of determining who recieves a scholorship or not at any college muchless the specific college your son wants to attend… again, good luck

By Old Dawg 55

January 12, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

To Guessing Game…re asessing high school recruits…outside of physical size and speed..neither of which is coachable..one of the things you look for is coachability..that is, can the kid respond to instruction..does he understand what you’re trying to get through to him…next, or maybe even first, is work ethic..does he give you 100% effort for as long as physically possible…next, is he team-oriented rather than a “me” type individual. Is he educable…is he interested in and capable of succeeding as a student. If he can score high is my assessment on these counts then he is a worthy recruit, worth a scholarship to my school because with these minimum characteristics he has the basis for success on and off the field.

By doggonegadawg

January 12, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Hey Cockfather, it takes four or five top five recruiting classes in a row to be in a position to win the SEC. When you do that you can start talking. When USC flies an SEC championship flag over Williams-Brice, then you can talk. Oh, but hope always springs eternal in Columbia! Then reality sets in.

By Dawg

January 12, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Rankings of a recruiting class for a certain year is based on the number of highly talented, highly ranked players a program has recruited and not how well they will do next year. For instance, Florida may be ranked #1 this week but LSU may sign two five-star players and take the #1 spot. Sure it may not matter two to three years from now but it does factor into the success ratio (winning percentage) of a football program.

By doggonegadawg

January 12, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

As far as rating recruits concerned the proof is in the pudding. Over the last five years UGA is only surpassed by Ohio State in putting players in the NFL. Top-ten finishes 4 of the last 5 years. Top twenty-five finishes for ten straight years (tops in college football). 2 of the last 5 conference champions and runner-up once. I would say that Richt is a pretty good judge of what a top recruit is regardless of what the recruiting analysts say.

By Guessing Game

January 12, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Old Dawg - i understand what you are saying and even agree with you to a certain degree. The point i am attempting to make is that this whole entire “ranking system” for recruits and recruiting classes is 100% debatable and and at best 50% accurate. That is to say, it is vertually impossible to ezuate high school caliber talent to the next level of college ball just as it is to equate college success to pro bowl. NO ONE CAN DO IT 100% ACCURATLY. If anyone could then they would be Billionaires. Therefore, it is impossable to determine what college has a top 5 …. a top 10 …. or even a top 20 class because you are basiccally splitting hairs attempting to determine who is better. Any college that ends up in the top 20 can easily debate and win that debate as to why they had the #1 recruiting class because of the inconsistancy and inability to accuratly asses these teenage boys. And, don’t even get me started on how they grade them out. I mean where and why do you draw the line between a 4 star athelet and a 5 star athelete? The differences between the worst 5 star and the best 4 star are soooooo non existant and that will have a HUGE impact on the scoring and ranking of these teams. Not to mention, some commitments will be included in the “rankings system” for TWO years. The first year they signed a letter of intent and then the next year when they become accdemiccaly eladgable. Basiccally, counting in the system TWICE. The entire “ranking system” is bogus but, it makes for some high energy fun for fans that can’t comprehend that it is all a big Guessing Game.

By Dawg

January 12, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

…and it does help if your football program have some talent to go to the next level. Below is Georgia’s rankings since 2002. If have to say that there is a positive correlation between a college program’s talent level and the number of players in the NFL from that program…don’t you think? Later

Scout.com 2002 #9 2003 #11 2004 #6 2005 #4 2006 #4

Rivals.com 2002 #3 2003 #6 2004 #6 2005 #10 2006 #4

By Dawg

January 12, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

I agree with your last sentence which I failed to add to my previous remark. These posted rankings are a way to keep college fans entertained past football season. It’s a money maker from top to bottom.

By Clemson Dude

January 12, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Cockfather….A top 5 recruiting class? HA! HA! HA! You people in Coulumbia are funny. True, USC will have a top 20 class NOT top 5 dude! Rememember when Lou Holtz has those top 10 classes and they STILL lose!

By Guessing Game

January 12, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Dawg- i agree with you as well, the more highly recruited players that any college is able to commit the higher the chances of success. I just don’t understand how anyone can say with 100% accurace what college had the number one class muchless 1-119 because the differences are sooooo friggin’ slight that it is nearly impossible to determine. And, that is assuming that every single high school athlete was accuratly assesed. Which we all know is NEVER done. But, even if ever high school athelete was accuratly accessed how can you say that haveing 20 commitments with a 4.2 star average is better or worse then having 25 3.8 star commitments? It’s like compairing apples to watermelons and saying that one of them is better. YOU CAN’T DO IT! No one can. Using your rankings that you provided for UGA even the experts don’t agree. Therefore, i still say, that this “ranking system” is all a Guessing Game and that to use it for more then fuel for banter and debate would be idiotic.

By Guessing Game

January 12, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

One last thing guys, why arn’t these “ranking systems” weighted. What i mean, if a school signs a 5 star QB this yr but they signed two 5 star QB’s last yr then the QB that they signed this yr wouldn’t be as “vauluable” to them as say, a school that signs that same 5 star QB and only has non-scholorship QB’s sitting on their bench and loses their starter this year. In addtion, their should be a decrese in rankings based on a “dilution effect.” Meaning, how many 5 star DE’s can one team possibly need? If a school signs 12 DE’s then they all shouldn’t count the same because with every additional player that a school signs a a specfic posistion they all becom less important or have less “potential” to be the best that they can be. Let’s face it, if any team were to sign twelve 5 star RB’s SEVERIAL of those 5 star RB’s wouldn’t even get the opportunity to play in one single game for their entire 4 yrs of eledagbility. Therfore, that 5 star RB would essentially be worthless and not grade out to be a 5 star RB for that team.

By Dawg

January 12, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

It’s because of one word, statistics. It’s a game of probability, not accuracy. It’s probable, not accurate, that a program will have a higher success ratio based on statistical figures and the type of calculations they used to rank these athletes. We can say the same thing about the BCS system, the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll. None of these polls agree. The real intent of these rankings is to get people talking, watching, and debating over who’s the best. These three intents make money, again, from top to bottom. Good points and at least there are some than can converse over these topics in a mature way.

By Guessing Game

January 12, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

No doubt about it Dawg, MONEY is the answer to almost everything and this is absolutly no different. not to mention, like you said earlier, it is entertaining to see which one of these young boys actually lives up to there hype and which ones don’t. It just irritates me to hear someone that has no Eartly idea how their team is ranked where they are glout about how they got there. Until every commitment is no longer playing we cannot accurate asses these recruting classes….. NO ONE KNOWS FOR SURE WHAT TEAM RANKS WHERE. Muchless, which high school players will be able to transistion to the college ranks and to what level or degree.

By ClemsonsDaddy

January 12, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Clemson Dude, Who won the SC/Clemson game this year? I didn’t hear that, can you say it louder? Did you say SOUTH CAROLINA? And who had more talent? I think we know that Clemsucks had much more talent on the field.

The difference is and always will be coaching as long as Spurrier is in Columbia. And now he is stockpiling some talent. He has a better eye for talent than Holtz. Take a look at the NFL players he put out, Jevan Kearse, Fred Taylor, Kevin Carter, Darrell Jackson, Ike Hilliard, Kenyatta Walker, Channing Crowder, Ian Scott, Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, Alex Brown, Mike Peterson, and yes, Rex Grossman.

Pretty soon Scar will start pumping out this kind of talent as well.

By ClemsonsDaddy

January 12, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Clemson Dude, Who won the SC/Clemson game this year? I didn’t hear that, can you say it louder? Did you say SOUTH CAROLINA? And who had more talent? I think we know that Clemsucks had much more talent on the field.

The difference is and always will be coaching as long as Spurrier is in Columbia. And now he is stockpiling some talent. He has a better eye for talent than Holtz. Take a look at the NFL players he put out, Jevan Kearse, Fred Taylor, Kevin Carter, Darrell Jackson, Lito Sheppard, Ike Hilliard, Kenyatta Walker, Channing Crowder, Ian Scott, Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, Alex Brown, Mike Peterson, and yes, Rex Grossman.

Pretty soon Scar will start pumping out this kind of talent as well.

By Mark

January 12, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

What do colleges look for in an offensive tackle? I’ma 9th grader that would really like to get noticed. I go to a 4A school in Fayette. Any advice?

By uga dawg

January 12, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

nice name cockfather maybe u should say somthin about sc

By Cockfather

January 12, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

I said “potentially” a top 5 class. Right now Carolina is 8th by Scout, 9th by Rivals and 4th by ESPN. Those rankings do not reflect the latest 4 star commitment from today. When South Carolina adds 4 star receiver Dion Lecorn, 5 star DE Carlos Dunlap and 5 star ATH Chris Culliver, it is very possible they could be ranked in the top 5.

South Carolina doesn’t have DUnlap and Culliver yet and may not sign them, but if they do, Spurrier will have a top 5 class. All the man needs is players that are close in talent and he will outcoach opponenets. Just ask Tammy Bowden and Vic Koenning about that.

By Tom E Lasorda

January 12, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Cameron chose college baseball

By tim

January 12, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Lynn,

Does your son kick for Campbell (Smyrna)? He had a great leg but was short in stature. He needs to decide where he wants to go to school, walk-on, and do well.

If he can kick like he has thus far without a tee, he’ll get to kick in college and hopefully earn a scholly.

By TEDDY JACK EDDY

January 13, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

I agree ranking recruiting classes isn’t science,Petrino never had a top 25 rated class at Louisville.Still I’m a bit concerned that UGA is losing out on so many players instate, Richt has cleaned up instate in past years. This may well be a one year aberration lets’ hope so.Now I’ll try an early appaisal of a few recruits based on stats interviews and video.First Neland Ball really impressed me,he has a frame that could support 270,but what grabed me is how adroit he is at disingaging at the line and his instinct at taking the best path to the ball.It appears he lopes on some plays but he seems to have zest for the game and should be coached out of that tendency,all said I think he can be a star in two or three years.At wide receiver Walter Hill is 6’5” with a sturdy long frame and large sure hands.Although he played qb this past season he had a super junior year at wideout,33 catches 11 tds as a receiver 15 total and 27 yards per catch,he separates well and learned to use his big frame to shield off defenders as a star basketball player.I mention these two because they are both rated three stars by scout but I would take them over many five star players I’ve looked at.So judging these kids is just that and judgment is fallible, mine and everybody elses’.

By TEDDY JACK EDDY

January 13, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this

Guessing game —-Interesting point on redundancy at position and the diminishing return of signing three five star qbs.But another take on that is a team like USC,well by that I mean USC sense there really is no comparative team at recruiting today.You can look at teams like Texas,Florida and LSU and debate between these three.But with USC the redundancy of five stars at most positions allows for more error,say one five star doesn’t pan out but two do they still have a top starter and backup.So in final analyses F#@K USC!!!

By TEDDY JACK EDDY

January 13, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

I will add look at the top 25 recruiting teams over the past five years and the actual final rankings.There are exceptions but most teams will be on both list most years.

By Kendall

January 13, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

David Pollack and David Greene….three stars. Marquis Elmore, Sterling Boyd, Mike Freidenburg…..5 stars. Thats my say on recruiting. Have a nice day.

By MJM

January 13, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Tavares Kearney transferred to Georgia Southern to play for Brian Van Gorder who I believe recruited him for Georgia. He quit the team mid way into the season because he was getting little or no playing time. IMO he will be a problem where ever he end up if anywhere.

By bulldog_greg24

January 13, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Jeff - yes fans enjoy reading recruiting and the best part is you guys are not charging like Scout and Rivals. I have enjoyed the scoops from the high school coaches. Its good to hear about some of the players who are not labeled 4 or 5 stars, but who produced on Friday nights and where they might be headed. Keep up the great recruiting AJC.

By War Eagle

January 13, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

I hope Auburn has the edge on Lee Ziemba over Arky, his Dad is a Auburn grad and his grandmother lives in Enterprise, Al.He could be a great one..

By haha

January 13, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

To Lynn, the mother of a kicker who wants to play in college. It is possible to put 92 percent of kickoffs in the endzone, although highly unlikely, but to say that he has a 4.5 second hangtime to boot? That is absurd. Mark my words, there has never been a highschool kicker in this counrty that has ever kicked a 4.5 second hangtime on a kickoff.

By alabamadawg

January 13, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Does anybody know how Alabama is doing this year??

By Buck Cochran in the NW

January 13, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Jeff, If you did it right, I would love to see the ajc.com cover recruiting year round but is the company ready to spend the money? Can the sales staff sell it?. I really can’t afford rivals and scout but I think it would be a great public service but the company must make some cash. I’m probably a loner on this one, but it wouldn’t bother me one bit to have coke or chevy be a sponsor of your recruting service year. What would bother me is the ajc.com allowing a writer like Josh Kendall of the Macon Telegraph be the mainstay on another service and repeat his column in your recruting reports. He and carter are twin brothers in a pod and the way BOTH slanted their coverage of Stafford was unbelieveable. BRING IT ON AND DO IT RIGHT.

By Big Dawg

January 13, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

alabamadawg the information you requested.

Does anybody know how Alabama is doing this year??

By Big Dawg

January 13, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Greg and Buck,

It looks like we still have a shot at Lennon Creer, RB out of Tatum, TX as we made his final three. I didn’t think we were still pursuing him as I thought we were only actively recruiting Bailey, Chavis, Heyward and Kinlaw. It seems we have 3 recruits i.e. OT Kevin Bryant, RB Lennon Creer, and LB Malachi Lewis who are actively pursuing GA. I think that speaks volumes about our school and how attractive it is to these kids.

By DON VITO VERDUCHI CORLEONE

January 13, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

Alan Baily seems to be the only top guy still having UGA high on his list.Can anybody say wath the latest on him is?

By Football Dad

January 13, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Lynn, My son plays for A D1 MAC conference team. He redshirted this year and will be competeting for a starting spot or at least a good spot on the depth chart this spring and and during summer camp. Recruiting is a roller coaster ride for these kids and parents alike. It’s a very tough business filled with great, honorable recruiters along with not so credible ones. The best way for your son to get noticed is when his coach sends film and makes lot’s of calls to the colleges. You too, can contribute by sending films yourself to as many schools as possible. Make sure the films are of good quality. (meaning highlighting your kid’s abilities) Be realistic on the schools you target as they display need and match up with your son’s abilities. There are many great programs outside of the BCS teams that will provide great opportunities as well as terrific educations which is what they are going to school for first and foremost. Try to remain objective and don’t let your emotions get in the way of sensibility when selecting schools. There’s terrific D1AA and D2 programs out there so check them all out. Also, not all kids have to sign on National Signing Day. If that day comes and goes, don’t worry about it. There are still lot’s of opportunites out there. The cream of the crop usually signs then, but most schools hold open scholarships that they can use later after they see who they get in the first round. Some scholarships are still being handed out in July or even later.

Another option is to be a walkon, hopefully the “invited” or “preferred” variety. This will ensure he gets a spot on the team before you spend the money to enroll him at the school. Most schools make no distinction when it comes to the team whether you son is a walkon or scholarshipped, they are treated the same, and the opportunity is the same for a chance to play.
Until the that time comes, make sure he works out very hard and stays in top physical shape. College ball can be brutal when it comes to wieght and speed training as compared to HS. Having a big body is great and important for most positions but speed is the primary determing factor in college ball. A walk through in college is like game speed in High School so they must prepare for a totally different game. Enrolling him into a commercial training program is worth the expense.

Good luck and God bless.

By Larry

January 13, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Yes - please make this a year round feature and maybe intersperse the column with basketball / baseball recruiting news. I am an out of town GT transplant and enjoy the column greatly.

Thanks again for all the fantastic information.

By Sautee Dawg

January 13, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Jeff, Thanks for all the information on recruiting, i think getting info year round would be great. Matter of fact it wouldn’t bother me if you used the space in the AJC that’s allotted for the Braves, Falcons, and Hawks. College sports are a lot more interesting to me, so keep up the good work.

By BurtDawg

January 14, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Jeff:

Please count my vote for year round info on recruiting for football. This is the lifeblood for any program. I will for one, read all the time.

By jerry

January 14, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Stick with football. Forget the roundball.

By StAugDawg

January 14, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

I love the idea for football only. Baseball and basketball would cause me turn my computer off.

By alabamadawg

January 14, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Big Dawg, Thanks !!

By jacketnation

January 14, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

A year round update would be excellent. College sports mean a lot more to many of this than news about such things as the HAWKS. We don’t need to hear about those guys at all.

By Big Dawg

January 14, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

TEDDY JACK EDDY you said the following: “Still I’m a bit concerned that UGA is losing out on so many players instate, Richt has cleaned up instate in past years.”

Not to worry TJE because we addressed a critical need on the offensive and defensive lines this year. This class of OL and DL we got is the # 1 RECRUITING CLASS of Linemen as we got some real impact recruits i.e. Justin Anderson, Antwane Greenlee, Trinton Sturdivant, Jarius Wynn, Neland Ball and Justin Houston. Plus we may not be finished as we are actively recruiting Allen Bailey, Miquel Chavis and Cameron Heyward and latest word on Bailey is he is leaning towards us.

By Big Dawg

January 14, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

alabamadawg you’re welcome.

Jeff I think it would be great to have a year round blog dedicated to recruiting. Especially football.

By alabamadawg

January 14, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Big Dawg, all I keep hearing from my Bama friends, is how great their doing in recruiting, and I just don’t see it anywhere. It seems like almost every team except Bama is doing well in the SEC ( no I didn’t count Kentucky or Vandy )

By The Coach

January 14, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know if that Running Back Brian Lee from Landmark Christian is getting looked at

By bulldog_greg24

January 14, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Big Dawg - I wouldn’t count some of these guys until they sign with us. I saw a quote from Greenlee that he was impressed again with Fla State since they have named Fisher their offensive coordinator and he likes him. I believe he took an official there or is going to take one soon. I seem to recall he originally said Fla State and then switched to Ga. He and Sturdivant have waffled on us since they verbaled.

By Big Dawg

January 14, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

bulldog_greg24

I hadn’t heard anything about Sturdivant wavering, Greenlee though is old news and a little inside on him is he really liked Calloway as well and he also likes Coach Searels who has been in contact with him. Greenlee assured him that he will be signing with the Dawgs. By the way all these OL will get a chance to compete for playing time especially for the two starting tackles and center positions and that is what they are after a chance to play early. Also all these schools contact each others verbal commits trying to get them to switch before National Signing day. Its just the nature of the business of College Football, nothing you can really do about it especially since you do have some unscrupalous recruiters who promise these kids all kinds of inducements. I don’t count on anything even if they sign some of them will be flops only God knows the future. Go Dawgs

By Bdawg

January 15, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Sturdivant has already enrolled at uga and is going to classes here!!! Greenlee is a dawg count on it!!

By richard

January 15, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

I know our recruiting changed right after the booing of Momass. Recruits were there. Noboby wants to go a team that boos their players. If you want to help Georgia, be a team supporter. The men are 18 yrs old and are not pros.

By Big Dawg

January 15, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

richard

I know our recruiting changed right after the booing of Momass. Recruits were there. Noboby wants to go a team that boos their players. If you want to help Georgia, be a team supporter. The men are 18 yrs old and are not pros

You are right about that these are teenagers/young men and there shouldn’t be any booing of individual players. Having said this IMO it didn’t hurt recruiting, nor did it help either, as our recruiting was focused on addressing critical needs on the offensive and defensive lines this year and we haven’t really pursued a lot of the really high profile prospects except at a few positions. By the way have you watched any Florida, Tennessee or Alabama games the last couple of years you would have seen some booing of players as well and it hasn’t hurt their (FL’s or TN’s) recruiting. As a matter of fact Gator fans were calling for Chris Leaks head and for him to be run out of town on a rail much of the last 3 years. Even this year the Gator fans were calling for Leak to be replaced by Tebow because they weren’t blowing people out. But like I said in agreeing with you, the players should not be booed as it doesn’t show class and isn’t a sign of support for the team.

By All-Sowega

January 15, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Could you give us a recruiting update on QB Emmanuel Taylor of Early County High School? I saw that he was named AA Offensive Player of the Year, but I never hear his name mentioned by recruiting services. He looked like an absolute player in the Dome. I know he can play at some level. Are grades the issue?

By Big Dawg

January 15, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

alabamadawg

Now you have some concrete information to dispute what your Tide friends are saying. Also if you want additional/updated information you can go to www.scout.com or www.rivals.com and get limited information for free. If you want detailed information then you have to buy a subscription to their service which can be expensive. As a fellow Dawg fan living in another state (Connecticut) myself I do understand how you feel being surrounded. I have met a few Dawg fans up here though and we have some lively discussions about our school and teams. Go Dawgs

By Big Dawg

January 15, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Thank you Bdawg for the timely update.

Sturdivant has already enrolled at uga and is going to classes here!!! Greenlee is a dawg count on it!!

By burkedawg

January 15, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

I’m sick of the booing at the Georgia games. I remember the calls edwards got the after florida game. Go fine another school,there a dime a dozen.

By jeffersondawg

January 15, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

I’m sick of the booing too.

By justadog fan

January 15, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

I’m a female and I’m going to slap the next person that boos my dogs.

By abnrangerwcib

January 15, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

can we get a good run down on who UGA is still competing for?

By 52graddog

January 15, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

I am glad someone has addressed the booing issue. I’m 76 years old. I’ve been a Georgia fan since I was 12. I going to knock somebody down the next time they boo the dogs.

By PEE ON them DAWGS

January 15, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Is it possible to start a BLOG on all of the Dawg players and recruits that have been arrested, suspended, or kicked out of school? Who is the current UGA parole director? Jan Kemp?

By abnrangerwcib

January 15, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

How about we blog about what prospects UGA is still in contention for? Or is that not the purpose of a recruiting blog?

By Jeff D'Alessio

January 15, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

All-Sowega, Per your request, I just posted an update on Emmanuel Taylor. — Jeff D’Alessio

By abnrangerwcib

January 15, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Jeff, Can you tell us if the possibility of Chan Gailey going to Miami has any effect on their recruiting class? I’m sure that it has some, but I was wondering if anything has been said.

By GREG

January 15, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

HUGE RECRUITING GUY HERE LOOKING FOR INFO…..DOES ANYBODY OUT THERE KNOW IF GEORGIA SIGHNED ANY OF THOSE JUCO O - LINEMEN?I CANT WAIT FOR SIGHNING DAY IN ATHENS.I GO EVERY YEAR.I NORMALLY KNOW EVRYTHING ABOUT RECRUITING,I JUST CANT FIND THESE GUYS!THANKS AND GO DAWGS!

By ZGOLDATOWN

January 15, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Jeff- Wanted to see if you could check on the status of who all is gonna get signed from two Atlanta area high schools, Grady, and St.Pius X? Specificly that fullback from St. Pius, I think he was # 39 he was a beast.

By Jeff D'Alessio

January 15, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

abnrangerwcib, In recent days, we’ve asked that very question to top recruits Jonathan Dwyer, Willie White and Nick Claytor. All said the same thing: They picked the school, not the coach, and plan to sign with Tech, no matter who the coach is. ZGOLDATOWN, We’ll make some calls. Thanks for reading, gang. — Jeff D’Alessio

By jacketnation

January 15, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Who is the kid from LA. Tech is recruiting?

By Charlottedawg

January 15, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

The other athletes at Independence High School are talking about the way SEC boos their players. These players are good, we either quit booing or play against these guys.

By Booooooo Hoo

January 15, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

If the other independance kids that are “talking about the SEC boooing the players” are the same independance players that can’t perform, then how cares if they come or not? I mean when a reciever can’t even catch a cold muchless a football why shouldn’t we express our dissatisfaction?

By abnrangerwcib

January 15, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Jeff, Thanks for the quick reply. If you get a chance, can you give some more info on the targets UGA hopes to round out their class with and where they stand?

By Ba Ba Ba Booooooo

January 15, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

If you make the same mistake over-n-over-n-over-n-over etc. etc. again-n-again-n-again-n-again etc. etc. you should be boooo’d ….. Dropping one pass here and there is hard too over look but you should’nt be boo’d but once you drop like, every pass that hits your hands, for the majority of the year, you should be Booo’d and should expect it. What else should we do? Applaud when our guys stink it up. Just so we can get more overhyped, overexposed, over rated, players that don’t execute….. NO WAY! If you stink you should be booo’d

By Ba Ba Ba Booooooo

January 15, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

I can’t WAIT for the first woman or 76 yr old dude to come up to me and either “knock me down” or “slap me” when I express my displeasure at a player that is flat out not executing or loafing for the ENTIRE season. Not just a couple of plays a year but like, 7 - 8 entire games. I will be waiting for you…. and more then likly, so will the rest of us 6’4” 255lbs “Boooo’ers”

By abnrangerwcib

January 15, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Ba Ba Ba Boooooo, 6’4” 255lbs, threatening 76 yr olds and booing your own players huh? Sounds like someone didn’t get hugged enough as a child and went to McDonald’s a lot to find some comfort. Why don’t you go get a super sized value meal and find another team to cheer for…the Dawg Nation doesn’t want you.

By Ba Ba Ba Booooooo

January 15, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

tisk… tisk…. and here i thought every RANGER had each other’s back. Guess not. RANGER class 88-02 here. Hooo-Ahhh…. simmer down RANGER. I didn’t challenge and old dude or woman… i just merely accepted the “threat” that was to me. Likewise, if you would like to take their place, I’ll be waitin’ for you too Jr.

By abnrangerwcib

January 15, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Tell me class 88-02…How did a Ranger get so fat? Most of us take pride in our appearance and run a little bit. Oh, because your a tab wearer and not a Ranger. Gotta love those 68 day Rangers. Boo on fat boy, I will continue to focus my efforts on the enemies of my country.

By Ba Ba Ba Booooooo

January 15, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

6’4” 255lbs…. fat? Now that’s funny. Get this, depending on how large of a dinner i eat, i may even tip the scales at 260lbs. Sorry to disapoint you princess but I am 8% body fat, my max bench is 430 my squat max aint mush to speak about but i ain’t too worried. I just hope you slap harder then the average girl. BTW, i was in the 82d for 2yrs until i jumped into Panama with 1st Bat. I stayed in 1st Bat for over 6yrs. Again, sorry to disapoint you. I had my Jumpmaster wings (with a star in the risers) along with 82 other airborne jumps…. what am i doing? Whatever, see you at the game Jr. I’ll be waitin’ for ya…. I’ll be the one Boooo’ing any of the player that drops 30 of the 40 passes thrown to him.

By 52graddog

January 15, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

ba ba ba hoooo please change schools now. We don’t need scum like you.

By abnrangerwcib

January 15, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Thank you for your service to our country Ba Booooo but please don’t call yourself a Dawg fan. Go pick on women and old men at the Swamp…you would be a great gator fan.

By Ba Ba Ba Booooooo

January 15, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Not a bad idea guys. You’ll NEVER see tha Gaytors lose to Vady OR Kentucky muchless BOTH …. IN THE SAME Fribbin’ year!Unfortunatly for me, I’ve got good seats at Sanford…. Who knows, maybe are QB will figgure out how to throw a screen pass at less then warp speed and maybe our recievers will actually attempt to catch the friggin’ ball and then maybe….. MAYBE we can beat Vandy AND Kentucky….. only time will tell. Until then, get used to us Boo Birds. Thanks for your hard efforts to RANGER! Hoooo Ahhhh. I’ll look for you at the games next year…. I’ll be able to pick you out… you will be the one wearing pink and appluding when our recievers drop the ball so we can get more unproductive recievers to come to our school. Thanks again for all your support.

By abnrangerwcib

January 15, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

You wont see me at any of the games next year Mr 8% body fat (doubtful), illiterate (you’ve demonstrated), fair weather fan (obviously), Boo Bird. I’ll be in the service of my country and cheering my Dawgs through thick and thin from the sands of Iraq or the Mountains of Tora Bora.

By Tift Dawg

January 15, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Hey Lynn, these days it’s almost impossible to hide a kid that can play. Recruiters are really good at what they do. Just hoping maybe that jackitnation wasn’t his PEEWEE coach.LOL

By Ba Ba Ba Booooooo

January 15, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

blah blah blah…. Been there, done that, got the confirmed KIA’s to prove it….kill a few ragheads for me RANGER! I’ll wait for your return. If the recievers are still droppin’ passes when you get back (if you get back) then I’ll still be booo’n. I’ll see you then Jr. You may want to bring a few friends with you.

Gotta go princess… it’s been fun lsiting to you whine about all the mean ‘ol people Boooing. Them ragheads should be scared…

By James

January 15, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Wow Rutgers has 2 top 100 players too. They may continue to cause havoc in the “big East”

Will Caleb King get his score up to qualify or is he headed to Hargrave?

By Knight t Knowledge

January 15, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Info that I have on the Grady Recruits: Simeon Kelley-Ball State,Youngstown State Rico Robinson- Alabama State,UAB Anthony Johnson-Richmond,Villanova,Wofford,Citadel,Fordham,Holy Cross,Bucknell Dexter Barnett-Miami(Ohio),UAB,Memphis,Ball State,East Carolina,Bowling Green Xavier Shorthouse- Hofstra,UAB Devongalo Crawford-Morehead St.,CAU Jabari Fletcher-UTC,Tenn. State,Elon,Appalachian State,Coastal Carolina,Gardner Webb,Bethune Cookman everal others are pending.

By asswipe

January 15, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

By BadgerDawg

January 15, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Regarding the booing of players, I agree with Richard, not that I know that it impacted anyone this year, but I believe it has in the past. I heard that Jason Taylor didn’t come to UGA because he was in Athens the night we got destroyed AUbarn. I don’t know for a fact that it is true, but if I’m an athlete and the fans are booing their own team I wouldn’t want go play for a bunch of jerks and would look elsewhere. Pros are different, but college players not at Alabama are not getting paid.

By GENERAL SPARTACUS TURDGESON

January 15, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

To all you who are looking for list on player commitments,if you’re reading this you must have internet.Go to msn.com click sports then college football and the team you want info on. scroll down left side of the team home page,you will see story headings click,you will be routed to a scout.com story head.On overhead bar find recruiting click,you will be instructed how to sign up for free access to basic info such as prospects and commits,you can then use that computer to access all teams.Now on UGAs class I can’t say I’m not concerned with missing out on so many targeted players.But as the rolling stones wrote you can’t always get what you want,but if you try sometimes you get the foundation for an offensive line that might be the best at UGA in many years.(or words to that effect)Some names that could form the wall that springs the best group of backfield players in Richts tenure,Strudivant,Anderson,Davis,Greenlee etc.So lets’ withhold judgement on this group till we see how it plays out the next five years or so.ps Vance Cuff could be a bigger Mikey Henderson,he looks extremely quick, fast and charged on video.

By All-Sowega

January 15, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Jeff - Thanks for the quick response regarding Emmanuel Taylor. This recruiting coverage is terrific. Keep up the good work.

By WFC

January 16, 2007 6:21 AM | Link to this

Recruiting is and always will be an inexact science for a number of reasons: 1. injuries 2. academics 3. some players are as good as they will ever be as H.S. seniors while others have untapped potential 4. FB is hard, uncomfortable work… some guys burn out 5. college football requires brains… some guys don’t have any 6. Some coaches develop talent much better than others

These “recruit rating” systems maintain fan interest which is a good thing.

How else do you explain why UGA (with top ten recruiting classes) has barely beaten GT the last three years when GT’s classes were 30+? One would expect 3 TD blowouts.

By Recruiting Expert

January 16, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

For those that are questioning or downplaying the importance of recruiting and its rankings. Look at the programs who consistently rank in the Top 5, 10, 25 in recent years (S. Cal, Texas, Florida, LSU, Auburn, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Miami). Hmmm, what’s the correlation between all of those programs (recent [near] nat’l champ. winners/participants). Georgia, Georgia Tech, Clemson, & South Carolina’s recruiting classes look good for future success. For the Clemson guy that questioned Lou Holtz’s Top 10-20 USC classes in 1999 - early 2000’s, they prematurely lost many of those top-rated athletes (Demetrius Summers, Derek Watson, etc) that made those classes so highly rated. It actually helps prove the importance of recruiting. They actually seems to struggle with players who get themselves suspended or kicked off the team/school. Spurrier has also recently lost a highly rated receiver from last year, O.J. Murdock, but seems to have rebounding with a great receiver class this year.

By Georgia Rivalry

January 16, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

WFC, I’ll give you a one word answer to why the UGA vs. GT games have been close in recent years, even w/ the significant difference in the level of their recruiting classes in past years… RIVALRY GAME. The superior talent still prevailed, and that doesn’t always happen all the time w/ one game, but more than not. UGA fans should be a little wary if Tech continues it’s recruiting success (1 yr doesn’t make a program), because I guarantee they won’t continue having the level of success againt Tech they’ve been having recently.

By Football Mom

January 16, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

When it comes to assessing talent of these players in high school, it is a business. My son led his team to the second round of the playoffs. His stats for 2006 are off the charts, but scout.com and rivals.com will not change his ratings. He attended numeous camps and was always finished in the top 5 - his 40 is 4.4.

In the NFL, scouts DON’T recruit schools, they recruit players. If a player can play, they will find them.

By buzzy bee

January 16, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

I think we will have a great recruiting class. Several of the new guys were in town the other day and they participated fully in one of our tickle piles. I couldn’t help but notice that they really liked being tickled. However they weren’t quite as enthusiastic about tickling others but I’m sure they will develope as time goes by.

By TD Carey

January 16, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

How about those LSU Tigers and Tennessee Volunteers in this year’s recruiting?