AJC > Sports > Football Recruiting > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 23
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Drew Butler commits to UGA; Malachi Lewis talks Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia has landed commitment No. 23 … and it’s from a familiar name in Athens.
Peachtree Ridge punter Drew Butler, son of former UGA great Kevin Butler, told Bulldogs assistant Mike Bobo Tuesday afternoon that he’d sign with his dad’s alma mater two weeks from tomorrow.
For a full report on UGA commitment No. 23, see the “latest news” section to the right. That’s where you’ll also find news on …
— Georgia Tech target Malachi Lewis, who plans to take one final visit this weekend (to Arizona State), then choose between the Yellow Jackets, Sun Devils, Cal, Oregon and Ole .
— Georgia-bound running back Caleb King, who’s spending this week brushing up for the SAT.
— The latest recruiting class rankings, which Florida is dominating. The Gators moved into the top spot on Rivals.com’s list. They were already No. 1 with Scout.com.
— Southwest DeKalb defensive end Morris Council, who’s set to take an official visit this weekend to Ohio State.
— Stephens County running back Tauren Poole, who already has offers as a junior from Auburn, Clemson and Tennessee.
— AJC Super Southern 100 defensive end Sidell Corley, who is committed to Florida but is still talking to Alabama, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
— Landmark Christian star Matt Moody, who says he’s intent on become the third quarterback in Georgia Tech’s recruiting class — even if there’s no scholarship available.
That, plus a whole lot more, including a Q&A with Greene County quarterback Josh Nesbitt and commitment news from around the state and South.
As always, if you have someone whose recruitment you’d like us to update, drop me a line.
Getting to know … Ga. Tech recruit Josh Nesbitt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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We went one-on-one with Greene County quarterback Josh Nesbitt, who next month plans to sign with Georgia Tech:
Where he ranks: No. 9 “dual-threat” quarterback nationally, according to Rivals.com
Why Tech? High-quality education; the position I’ll be playing; the coaches I’ll be working with
What I hope to accomplish there: Graduate with a four-year degree and lead the team to a national championship
Three words to describe me: Trustworthy, dependable, cogent
My style on the field reminds some of … Vince Young
Proudest high school moment: Playing in the Georgia Dome
What I drive: 1981 Buick Regal
Favorite flick: “Scarface”
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Malachi Lewis: One more visit, then decision
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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As one of two players that Georgia Tech is still recruiting, Malachi Lewis is part of small group. But the “athlete” from California has a lot of skills, and he was “just amazed” to find out on his official visit to Tech last weekend how much the school has to offer.
Lewis, who is 6-feet-4, 220 pounds, is ranked the No. 11 athlete, or multi-position player, in the nation by Rivals.com, and the No. 6 strongside linebacker by Scout.com.
He wants to major in computer science, where he’s interested in video game technology. He liked what he and his mother, Sheila*, saw last weekend in Atlanta.
“The visit was great. I had a great time,” he said. “I liked the way they plan on using me. I was surprised by the facilities; they were just as good as anybody else’s. They have a lot of technology, everything is updated. I was just amazed.”
Lewis also has visited Cal, Oregon and Ole Miss. He recently suggested that his fifth and final visit would be to UCLA or Georgia, but said Tuesday he will visit Arizona State this weekend.
“[The other schools] have some parts of [his major], but Tech is the only one I have found so far that has the whole program,” Lewis said.
Tech, Oregon, Ole Miss and Arizona State are recruiting him as a running back, although he has played wide receiver, linebacker and safety for Rio Mesa High.
Cal is recruiting Lewis as a safety, which he said is fine. “The Tech coaches were talking about using me in motion out of the backfield, catching balls,” he added.
Lewis and Baton Rouge defensive end Jason Peters are the only players still being actively recruited by Tech.
Tech head coach Chan Gailey plans to make an in-home visit to Peters Wednesday, and he and tight ends coach Jeep Hunter, who has been recruiting Lewis, will visit Lewis at his home Sunday after he returns from Arizona State.
Lewis said, “After the Arizona State trip, I should have a decision.”
The Jackets, who have 19 players committed, are in a position to take both Lewis and Peters, in part because one of those commitments, Houston wide receiver Tyler Melton, will not count against this year’s scholarship numbers if he does not enroll full-time until next January as expected. Melton is rehabilitating from reconstructive knee surgery.
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Who’s No. 1? Web sites say Gators
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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With Monday’s commitment from Carlos Dunlap, Florida has the nation’s No. 1-rated class, according to both major recruiting Web sites:
RIVALS.COM
Florida
Tennessee
Texas
LSU
Notre Dame
SCOUT.COM
Florida
Texas
LSU
Tennessee
Southern Cal
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Caleb King set to take SAT Saturday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It’s crunch time academically for Georgia recruit Caleb King, who is scheduled to take the SAT Saturday, according to Greater Atlanta Christian coach Jimmy Chupp.
King, touted as one of the top running backs in the nation before suffering a broken leg in a GAC game in October, has been preparing for the SAT for months and needs an improved score to qualify academically.
King, who had arthroscopic surgery, is expected to be fully recovered for football next fall.
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Threet, Morgan getting an early jump at Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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For two guys trying to get ahead, Steven Threet and Derrick Morgan are spending quite a bit of time trying to keep from falling behind.
College is tough enough, and it’s certainly no easier at Georgia Tech for two young men who last month were in high school.
Threet and Morgan graduated early and enrolled at Tech two weeks ago to get a jump on their college football careers. Classes at Tech have the new roommates jumping. There’s less time in school, but a lot more homework.
“It’s a big adjustment because you’ve got to manage your time by yourself,” said Morgan, a defensive end from Coatesville, Pa., who is taking 14 hours of classes per week while majoring in communications.
Threet, a management major taking 13 hours, has managed not to get lost. Just don’t ask the quarterback from Adrian, Mich., how to find anything on campus other than the buildings he’s had to go to.
“It’s a little different not being in class all day, like in high school,” he said. “If somebody needs help finding their way around, I’m not the one to ask.”
Morgan and Threet are among 19 high school players committed to play for the Yellow Jackets. In the ACC, Boston College and Virginia typically do not allow early enrollees, but other schools do.
Two of Tech’s true freshmen who played the most last season, running back Jamaal Evans and linebacker Shane Bowen, were early enrollees.
“I’m just trying to get a head start on everything, get my body in good shape before summer with spring ball under my belt,” said Morgan, the No. 76-rated prospect in the nation by Rivals.com. “I’ll be in a better position to on the field earlier.”
Football can’t quite wait. Both players are in voluntary workouts, although Morgan is mending a surgically repaired right thumb that limits him. Threet, ranked the No. 9 pro-style quarterback in the nation by Scout.com, has tossed the ball around. “I’ve been trying to get together with some receivers, just run some routes, nothing major,” he said.
Both are glad the recruiting process is over, although technically it isn’t.
The NCAA does not allow early enrollees to sign their letters of intent any sooner than anyone else. So Threet and Morgan plan to join most of Tech’s recruits for a signing day party Feb. 7 at the ESPN Zone in Buckhead.
“Penn State was calling like a week before I came here saying there’s still time,” said Morgan, who also considered Ohio State, Boston College and N.C. State.
Although they’re not yet officially part of the team, Morgan and Threet are fitting right in. Morgan has the benefit of an older friend from home being in town to attend the Atlanta Art Institute.
Threet and sophomore tight end Colin Peek went to a movie at Atlantic Station recently. Plus, Morgan and Threet, who are rooming with walk-on kicker Josh Williams and walk-on running back Jason Davis, have already had company.
Last weekend, two more Tech recruits, Gainesville tackle Nick Claytor and Union Grove linebacker Kyle Jackson, came to Atlanta and spent the night.
Morgan said they spend free time like they did in high school, on video games, “just playing NCAA, or Madden, or something like that.”
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Kevin Butler’s son commits to UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Peachtree Ridge punter Drew Butler will follow in the footsteps of his famous father, former Georgia placekicker Kevin Butler.
Drew Butler was offered a scholarship by Georgia coach Mark Richt on Sunday during an official visit to Athens.
He formally accepted the offer today.
“I committed to Georgia,” Butler told the AJC. “[Georgia assistant] Coach [Mike] Bobo came to school today during fourth quarter and I told him the great news.”
Butler said his parents played a role in his decision to choose between his father’s alma mater and Duke, which had also offered.
“There was a lot of discussion,” he said. “Both schools had a lot of great things to offer.”
Butler plans to enroll in classes at Georgia this summer.
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Boling meets with new UGA line coach Searels
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Newly hired Georgia offensive line coach Stacy Searels met in person with Chattahoochee’s Clint Boling last Thursday. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Boling has been committed to Georgia since mid-July.
“I liked [Searels] a lot, he seemed like a real laid-back guy, although I’m sure that will change a little once practice starts,” Boling said.
Boling said Searels projects him to play one of the offensive tackle positions and wants him to gain weight: “He said he would like to see me around 315 pounds. Not by this summer, but after I’ve been in college for a year. I don’t have a problem with it. With my height, I shouldn’t be fat.”
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Obi: No regrets about switching from Dogs to Buffs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Four months after backing out of his commitment to Georgia, Grayson’s Conrad Obi says he has no regrets about his decision to play for Colorado.
Obi committed to Georgia coach Mark Richt in April, but a fall visit to Colorado led to his change of heart. He’ll head to Boulder, Colo., this May to begin summer school and preparing for what he expects to be an active freshman season.
“Chances are good that I’ll be in the rotation,” the 6-4, 255-pound defensive end said.
Currently, Obi is working out with the Grayson soccer team, trying to regain some of the conditioning he lose by missing the majority of his senior season with a torn tendon on his right middle finger. He had surgery on the finger on Oct. 12 and is still feeling the effects, especially in the weight room. He says he’s lost about 50 pounds off of his bench press mark.
“I’m want to get it back up to 400,” he said. “My finger’s good, but it’s still not 100 percent.”
Obi has been in regular contact with Colorado, including head coach Dan Hawkins, and isn’t giving any indication that he might waiver from his commitment.
“Coach Hawk wants me to work on some hip movements,” Obi said, “so that’s what I’m going to do.”
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Flashback: The AJC’s 1997 Super Southern 100
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Always fun to look back at the hits (Reggie Wayne) and misses (aplenty) from the past. Here’s our list of the top 100 seniors in the South at this time 10 years ago:
QUARTERBACKS (9)
Daniel Cobb…… 6-5….205…. Kennesaw (Harrison)……….Georgia
Meiko Collier…. 6-2….216…. Cordele (Crisp Co.)……….Auburn
Woodrow Dantzler..6-0….190…. Orangeburg, S.C. (Wilkinson)..Clemson
Rohan Davey…… 6-3….205…. Hialeah, Fla. (Miami Lakes).. LSU
Phillip Deas……6-0….185…. Shreveport, La. (Evangel)…. North Carolina
Kenny Kelly…… 6-3….185…. Tampa (Catholic)…………..Miami
Romaro Miller…. 6-3….195…. Shannon, Miss……………..Mississippi
Craig Nall……..6-3….200…. Alexandria, La…………… LSU
Jason Standridge..6-3….205….Trussville, Ala. (Hewitt)…. Auburn
RUNNING BACKS (14)
Javis Austin……6-1…. 205….Clemson, S.C. (Daniel)…… Clemson
Rufus Brown…… 6-1…. 200….Belzoni, Miss. (Humphries).. N. Carolina
Demontray Carter..5-10….178….Pensacola, Fla……………Auburn
Najea Davenport.. 6-2…. 219….Miami (Central)…………..Miami
Audrell Grace…. 5-11….170….Sylvania (Screven Co.)…… Georgia
Travis Henry……5-10….210….Frostproof, Fla…………. Tennessee
Jamal Lewis…… 6-2…. 225….Atlanta (Douglass)………. Tennessee
William McCray….6-0…. 212….Jacksonville (Bolles)……..Florida State
Travis Minor……6-1…. 185….Baton Rouge, La. (Catholic)..FSU
Jasper Sanks……6-2…. 215….Columbus(Carver)…………Georgia
Anthony Thomas….6-2…. 220….Winnfield, La…………… Michigan
Ed Wilder…….. 6-2…. 245….Washington, Ga. (Washington-Wilkes).. Georgia Tech
Antonio Williams..6-0…. 210….Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Central)….Alabama
Travis Zachery….6-2…. 185….Marietta……….Clemson
WIDE RECEIVERS (10)
Abram Booty…… 6-3.. 182.. Shreveport, La. (Evangel)…… LSU
Rasheed Golden….6-0.. 175.. Naples, Fla. (Baron Collier)….Wisconsin
Darrell Jackson.. 6-0.. 180.. Tampa (Catholic)…………….Florida
Rashard Jones…. 6-1.. 185.. Ocala, Fla. (Vanguard)……….Georgia Tech
Freddie Mitchell..6-1.. 165.. Lakeside, Fla. (Kathleen)…… UCLA
Robert Morgan…. 6-0.. 180.. East Point (Tri-Cities)…….. Florida St.
Brian Scott…… 6-3.. 195.. Darlington, S.C…………….. South Carolina
Carlos Spikes…. 6-1.. 180.. Tallahassee (N.Florida Christian).. South Carolina
Reggie Wayne…. 6-1….180….Marerro, La. (John Ehret)….Miami
Eddie Williams.. 6-6….215….Tallahassee (Lincoln)…….Coffeyville (Kan.) CC
TIGHT ENDS (5)
Marcus Bryson……6-4….235…. Laurens, S.C……………..East Carolina
Joe Domingeaux…. 6-5….245…. Crowley, La……………..LSU
Carver Donaldson.. 6-6….265…. Lakeland, Fla. (Kathleen)….Florida State
Jabari Holloway….6-3….235…. Tyrone (Sandy Creek)…….. Notre Dame
T.J. Watkins…… 6-4….235…. N. Augusta, S.C…………. Clemson
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (13)
Braxton Anderson.. 6-4….285….Franklin, Ky. (Simpson)……..Louisville
Michael Barfield.. 6-5….295….Dothan, Ala. (Northview)……..Alabama
Ben Brown……….6-5….285….Clearwater, Fla. (Countryside)..Florida
Reggie Coleman…. 6-6….305….Jonesboro, Ark…………….. Tennessee
Jason Cox……….6-6….310….Johnston, S.C. (Thurmond)…… South Carolina
Decroyre Hampton.. 6-7….320….Memphis (Westwood)…………..Memphis
Tommy Hilliard…. 6-5….255….Jacksonville (Bolles)…………Florida
Tam Hopkins……..6-5….315….Winter Springs, Fla. (Lake Howell).. Ohio State
Randall Kendrick.. 6-5….295….Ashburn (Turner Co.)…………..Georgia
Terrance Metcalf.. 6-4….290….Clarksdale, Miss…………….. Mississippi
Mike Pucillo…… 6-4….280….Brandon, Fla………………… Auburn
Nick Wilkerson…. 6-4….265….Franklin (Heard Co.)…………..Duke
Kyle Young…….. 6-4….255….Clemson, S.C. (Daniel)…………Clemson
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (16)
Muskingum Barnes..6-5….260….Moss Point, Miss…………… LSU
Jovon Bush……..6-5….260….Ridgeland, S.C. (Jasper Co.)….Clemson
Cosey Coleman…. 6-6….315….Decatur (SW DeKalb)………… Tennessee
Willie Comerford..6-5….285….St. Petersburg (Gibbs)……….Michigan State
Orlando Dantzler..6-5….250….Purvis, Miss……………….Southern Miss
Dorsett Davis…. 6-6….280….Cleveland, Miss. (Eastside)…. Did not sign
Char-Ron Dorsey.. 6-6….310….Jacksonville (Bolles)………. Florida State
Jarvis Green……6-3….235….Donaldsonville, La…………. LSU
Josh Mallard……6-4….260….Savannah (Benedictine)……….Georgia
Sam Matthews……6-6….270….Jacksonville (Bolles)………. Alabama
Thomas Pittman….6-4….255….St. John, La. (Reserve East)….Auburn
Jamal Reynolds….6-4….240….Aiken, S.C………………… Florida State
Kenny Smith…… 6-5….280….Meridian, Miss…………….. Did not sign
Gerard Warren…. 6-4….295….Lake Butler, Fla. (Union Co.).. Florida
Josh Weldon…… 6-4….260….Cordele (Crisp Co.)………… Auburn
Adrian Wilson…. 6-4….285….Jacksonville, Ark……………Miami
LINEBACKERS (11)
Alex Brown……….6-4.. 220….Jasper, Fla. (Hamilton Co.).. Florida
Courtland Bullard.. 6-4.. 215….Miami (Southridge)…………Ohio State
Travis Carroll……6-4.. 230….Jacksonville..(Bolles)……..Alabama
Kevin Dansby……..6-2.. 212….Birmingham (Ensley)………. Notre Dame
Kennard Ellis…… 6-4.. 220….Orlando (Dr. Phillips)……..Florida
Sedrick Hodge…… 6-4.. 215….Atlanta (Westminster)…….. North Carolina
Darion Hutcherson.. 6-1.. 210….Atlanta (Douglass)…………South Carolina
Austin Kemp…….. 6-4..215….Nashville (Brentwood)…….. Tennessee
Anthony Maddox……6-2..245….Albany (Monroe)………….. Did not sign
Matt Miller…….. 6-4.. 225….Atlanta (Marist)…………..Georgia Tech
Reggie Poole……..6-4.. 249….Cedartown……………….. Did not sign
DEFENSIVE BACKS (13)
Bennie Alexander….5-9….170….Lake Butler, Fla. (Union Co.).. Florida
Kecalf Bailey…… 5-10.. 170….Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Central)……Alabama
Fred Booker…….. 5-11.. 180….Hammond, La…………………LSU
Robert Carswell…. 6-2….218….Stone Mountain………………Clemson
Robert Davis……..5-10.. 175….Shreveport, La. (Evangel)…… LSU
Tony Dixon……….6-2….190….Reform, Ala. (Pickens Co.)……Alabama
Markese Fitzgerald..6-0….180….St. Petersburg (Dixie Hollins)..Miami
Derrick Gibson……6-3….190….Miami (Killian)……………. Florida State
Deon Grant……….6-4….195….Augusta (Josey)…………….Tennessee
Abdual Howard…… 6-1….195….Quincy, Fla. (Shanks)………. Florida St.
Andre Lott……….6-1….190….Memphis (Melrose)………….. Tennessee
Armark Tolbert……6-1….180….Augusta (Josey)……………. Georgia Tech
Brock Williams……5-11.. 180….Hammond, La…………………Notre Dame
ATHLETES (9)
Terrence Barlow….5-10..175….Atlanta (Douglass)…………….Louisville
Tony Driver……..6-2..210….Louisville (Male)……………. Notre Dame
Davey Ford…….. 5-11..180….W. Palm Beach (Cardinal Newman).. Florida State
LaBrone Mitchell.. 6-4.. 205….Marietta……………………..Georgia
Chris Reier……..5-9….175.. Jacksonville (Bolles)………… Alabama
Clifton Robinson.. 5-9….185.. Naples, Fla. (Baron Collier)……Auburn
Stanford Simmons.. 6-2.. 192….Ashland, Ala………………… Auburn
Dez White……….6-2….205.. Jacksonville (Bolles)………… Georgia Tech
Andrew Zow…….. 6-2….195.. Lake Butler, Fla. (Union Co.)…. Alabama
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Who’s coming to Athens this weekend
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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With Zeke Rozier pushing back his Georgia visit to Feb. 2, that leaves seven prospects set to make their official visits this weekend:
— Allen Bailey, DE, McIntosh County Academy
— Clint Boling, OL, Chattahoochee (Committed to UGA)
— Cameron Heyward, DT, Peachtree Ridge
— Walter Hill, WR, East Hall (Committed to UGA)
— Justin Houston, DE, Statesboro (Committed to UGA)
— Eugene Kinlaw, DT, Clinch County
— John Knox, DB, Statesboro (Committed to UGA)
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Rozier pushes back UGA visit to Feb. 2
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Bleckley County running back Zeke Rozier tells Rivals.com he has pushed back his official visit date to Georgia by one week. He’s now scheduled to be in Athens on Feb. 2.
“I was talking with Georgia and they said it would be better if I come in on that weekend instead of this one,” Rozier told Rivals.
Rozier is scheduled to take the SAT on Saturday. He told Rivals he needs to improve his test score by 10 points to become eligible to play as a college freshman.
This weekend Rozier has something much more important than an official visit planned.
“I think I am going to get it this time,” Rozier said.
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SW DeKalb star headed to ‘Harvard of the South’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Southwest DeKalb quarterback Brandon Jones took an official visit to Elon last weekend. He left with a scholarship offer in hand.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Jones heads to Mars Hill on Friday.
“The trip Brandon and his parents had to Elon, it was just the warmth and he felt and the academics,” Southwest DeKalb coach Buck Godfrey said.
The longtime coach at Southwest DeKalb said he believe his quarterback will play football for the school he labeled “the Harvard of the South.”
“The way he and his dad talked, I think it’ll be Elon,” Godfrey said.
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Tift County all-stater Gaskins awaits offers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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AJC all-state player Jay Gaskins, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound defensive back for Tift County, continues to hunt for a scholarship offer with the Feb. 7 national signing day looming.
“Jay was being recruited by Coastal Carolina, but they backed off,” Tift County coach Jay Walls said. “Austin-Peay seems interested. He’s also being recruited by Albany State and Fort Valley State.”
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Tide, Vols or Sooners for Texan Lennon Creer?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer will travel to Texas on Thursday to visit running back Lennon Creer.
Creer, a Tatum High star who rushed for 2,835 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, has offers from Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Tennessee and Texas. He was scheduled to travel to Austin last weekend to visit the Longhorns, but canceled the trip at the last moment.
Tatum coach Andy Evans predicts his prized running back will sign with Alabama, Oklahoma or Tennessee.
“I don’t have any time-frame right now,” Creer told Scout.com. “I am just seeing which places I could go, will work me hard and bring out the best of me. I want to play for a winning team.”
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Delk commits to Navy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Robert Toombs Christian Academy wide receiver Jordan Delk has decided he’ll play his college football at Navy.
Delk, a 6-foot-1, 160-pound wideout from Lyons, reeled in 32 passes for 570 yards last season. He rushed for nearly 700 yards on 92 carries.
“It’s a great school,” Delk told Scout.com of Navy. “They’ve got a lot of tradition there and that’s something I would love to be a part of. It’s a great chance and opportunity for me to play Division I football.”
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Texan Perry switches from Huskers to Hurricanes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Keller, Texas defensive tackle Chris Perry has switched his commitment from Nebraska to Miami, Scout.com reports today.
The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder is ranked No. 18 nationally at his position by Scout.com.
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UConn lands Washington-Wilkes teammates
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Connecticut dipped into east central Georgia’s talent pool over the weekend and walked away with a pair of commitments from Class AA Washington-Wilkes.
Defensive back Gary Wilburn and Tigers teammate Kelmetrus Wylie, a 6-foot, 205-pound running back, committed to the Huskies following official visits.
Wilburn, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound cornerback who made 58 tackles and intercepted three passes last season, said Connecticut met his athletic and academic needs.
“I really liked the facilities and have seen nothing like them before,” Wilburn told Scout.com. “The weight room was absolutely amazing and nothing like what we have down here [in Washington].
“I got along really well with all of the coaches and players and really felt wanted while I was there. The biggest thing was seeing that I could get a good education and also have the facilities available to me to become the best player I can be.”
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Camden County’s House picks Youngstown St.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Adam House, an AJC all-state linebacker for Camden County, has committed to Youngstown State.
“It’s a good football program,” House told Scout.com. “Good academics, good campus, good facilities and good coaching is what they had to offer me. I just couldn’t turn it down.”
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Where will Corley end up? Dad: ‘Who knows’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Florida, Alabama, Oklahoma and Tennessee remain in contention to sign Sidell Corley, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end from McGill-Toolen High in Mobile, Ala.
Corley, who has a “soft” commitment with Florida, was impressed with his visit to Alabama over the weekend.
“He had a pretty good visit,” said Sidell Corley Sr., Corley’s father and an assistant coach at McGill-Toolen. “He got a chance to finally get to know coach [Nick] Saban and his staff.”
Corley Sr. said LSU is lobbying for Corley to make an official visit to Baton Rouge on Friday. But Corley is expected to stay home this weekend before making a trip to Gainesville on Feb. 2 to visit coach Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators.
“He’s been on the go, he just needs to catch up, rest and relax this weekend so he can catch up on some of his studying,” Corley Sr. said.
Corley Sr. said his son plans to announce his college choice on Monday, Feb. 5, just 48 hours prior to national signing day.
“I’ll be honest with you, it’s a dead heat right now between Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma and Tennessee,” Corley Sr. said. “I think Florida has an edge because he has a soft verbal with them, and he’s taking his last visit there.
“But who knows?”
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Stephens County star ‘a steal for Wofford’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Keaton Thompson, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker for Stephens County, has committed to Wofford.
“He’s really a steal for Wofford,” Stephens County coach Travis Noland said. “He’s very physical and a smart kid. He’s got a 4.0 GPA.”
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St. Pius’ Fish awaiting offers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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St. Pius fullback/defensive end Tyler Fish is still awaiting a scholarship offer. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Fish was an AJC all-state honorable mention selection.
“Tyler still plans to visit Rhodes and Western Carolina,” St. Pius coach Paul Standard said.
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Ga. Southern shakeup leaves recruits in limbo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia Southern’s coaching change has a couple of AJC all-state players from Houston County in limbo.
Tight end Ben Collins and offensive lineman Dylan Thompson appeared to have an inside track on scholarship offers from the Statesboro school.
But Collins and Thompson will instead go on official visits this weekend to Western Carolina while new Georgia Southern coach Chris Hatcher assesses talent on the Eagles’ recruiting board.
“Georgia Southern was talking to them,” Houston County coach Doug Johnson said. “But now Coach Hatcher came in and they’re trying to evaluate where they’re at.
“They told me [on Monday] that by Wednesday they’ll be on the road and we’ll know more then.”
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Claxton’s Diggs says yes to Navy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Claxton High running back Delvin Diggs, an honorable mention all-state player in Class A, has committed to Navy.
Diggs, 5-feet-11 and 195 pounds, rushed for 1,582 yards on 273 carries last season.
He selected Navy over Furman.
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SW DeKalb’s Davis commits to Miami of Ohio
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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David Davis, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound defensive end for Southwest DeKalb has committed to Miami of Ohio.
Southwest DeKalb coach Buck Godfrey remembers trying to find a place for Davis in the Panthers lineup during his junior season.
“He started off as a receiver, but didn’t fit there,” Godfrey recalled. “So we put him at defensive end in 2005 and he kicked butt coming off that edge.”
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Auburn, Clemson, Vols chase Stephen County junior
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Stephens County junior running back Tauren Poole already has three major Division I offers.
The 5-foot-10, 200-pound Poole, who rushed for 1,809 yards and 24 touchdowns last season for the Indians, has been offered scholarships by Auburn, Clemson and Tennessee.
“Tauren is just a great running back who will make you miss,” Stephens County coach Travis Noland said. “He’s a kid with 4.5 speed [in the 40] who is a great student. And he’s already full-qualified.”
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Landmark Christian QB to walk on at Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Landmark Christian quarterback Matt Moody said Monday evening he still plans to attend Georgia Tech and attempt to walk-on under preferred status.
The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Moody was delighted to hear Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey will stay put at Tech. Unlike many of his critics, Moody is a Gailey supporter.
“I think he’s a great coach,” Moody said. “I’m glad he stayed.”
Moody, who has offers from Brevard and Lehigh, realizes ascending up the Georgia Tech quarterback depth chart will be difficult task with rising junior Taylor Bennett and heralded incoming freshmen Josh Nesbitt and Steven Threet expected to be on the roster.
“Taylor performed well in the bowl game,” Moody said. “But there’s going to be pressure anywhere you go. I’ll just go do my best and see what happens.”
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Ohio State to host SW DeKalb star
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Southwest DeKalb defensive end Morris Council is headed to Ohio State for an official visit this weekend.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Council is coming off a trip to Florida A&M. He is also being recruited by Miami (Ohio), Georgia Southern and Toledo.
“As his coach, I would say he’s headed to Miami, Ohio,” Southwest DeKalb coach Buck Godfrey said. “He and his family had a good visit there.”
Godfrey said he isn’t surprised three Ohio schools are interested in Council.
“Our players aren’t homebodies,” he said. “It’s just that feeling of being wanted.”
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