AJC > Sports > Football Recruiting > Blog > Archives > 2007 > February
February 2007
Thursday: Ten questions with Jennings Hester
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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We played 10 questions with Marist linebacker Jennings Hester, who last month signed with Alabama:
1. As a college freshman, I plan to … Get better, adjust to college life and compete for playing time.
2. The craziest thing about the recruiting process was … The amount of calls from schools and Web sites.
3. Since the recruiting madness ended, I’ve been … Working out like crazy — lifting, running, boxing.
4. My goals for the rest of my time in high school are … To prepare myself the best that I can for Alabama in all aspects of life.
5. The one thing I’m most looking forward to when I arrive on campus is … Getting to know the team and the other incoming freshmen.
6. The schools that made the hardest push to try to get me to change my mind once I’d already committed were … Ole Miss and Army.
7. The quality I admire the most about my new coach, Nick Saban, is … His attitude. He’s not going to make you fell all good about yourself. He lets you know that you have to earn everything, no matter who you are. He’s not about politics.
8. When it comes to academics in college, I’d hope to … Major in sports medicine, and go onto medical school to hopefully be an orthopedic surgeon someday.
9. At Alabama, I want to wear … 42. Well, it’s available and my junior year one of my best friends, a senior, wore that number and tore his ACL about six games into the season. He was a hard worker like me and he had raised me in the program in a way. He was always there for me, so I’ve always admired that number because of him.
10. If you come to my dorm room a year from now, you’ll see … The dorms are awesome, apartment style. I’ll hopefully be able to buy a laptop, TV and X-Box. It’s going to be where I chill most of the time. I’ll have a couple of posters on the wall; my favorite is of Muhammed Ali after he knocked out Sonny Liston. I’m a neat freak. I’ve talked to Patrick Crump from Hoover in Alabama about rooming together, but I’ll know more after the spring game.
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Wednesday: Ten questions with Roddy Jones
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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We played 10 questions with Chamblee running back Roddy Jones, who earlier this month signed with Georgia Tech:
1. As a college freshman, I plan to … Make good grades, work hard and hopefully get some playing time.
2. The craziest thing about the recruiting process was … Fans from different schools recognizing you in the mall, at the movies and all over.
3. Since the recruiting madness ended, I’ve been … Relaxing and getting ready for baseball season.
4. My goals for the rest of my time in high school are … Graduate and have fun!
5. The one thing I’m most looking forward to when I arrive on campus is … Just life in college.
6. The schools that made the hardest push to try to get me to change my mind once I’d already committed were … Nobody really. I think they knew i was pretty set in my decision.
7. My plan for all the recruiting letters I received from college coaches is … Um, I think I threw most of them away but if I still have any I guess I’ll show them to people when I get old.
8. When it comes to academics in college, I’d hope to … Major in management and graduate with over a 3.0 GPA.
*9. At Tech, I want to wear … * My high school number, 20, but I don’t know if that is going to happen.
10. If you come to my dorm room a year from now, you’ll see … I will probably have some posters on the wall of different things. I want to keep it clean but its going to end up messy, no matter how hard I try.
Tuesday: Ten questions with Rennie Curran
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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We played 10 questions with Brookwood linebacker Rennie Curran, who earlier this month signed with Georgia:
1. As a college freshman, I plan to … Quickly get adjusted to the system at Georgia academically and play early as a freshmen making an immediate impact.
2. The craziest thing about the recruiting process was … Getting to see the whole college experience. The facilities are all beautiful, the players are all huge and all the food is good. It’s just a different level.
3. Since the recruiting madness ended, I’ve been … Working hard to be prepared when i get to Athens in June. I’ve been staying in the weight room, conditioning and maintaining the things I did to get me to this point like keeping my head on straight, staying humble.
4. My goals for the rest of my time in high school are … To break as many weight lifting records as I can, become more disciplined when it comes to studying and working, making straight As my last semester and getting in the best shape possible before I hit campus.
5. The one thing I’m most looking forward to when I arrive on campus is … Being coached by Mark Richt. I’m also looking forward to proving myself as well as my first Dawg Walk in the red and black.
6. The schools that made the hardest push to try to get me to change my mind once I’d already committed were … None. I had my mind set on the Dawgs from day 1.
7. My plan for all the recruiting letters I received from college coaches is … To save some of them to show to my grandchildren.
8. When it comes to academics in college, I’d hope to … Major in either pharmacy, business management or maybe even music composition.
9. At UGA, I will wear the number … I want to wear 39 because that’s always been my number. But if not, I will get 31, or maybe Tony Taylor’s 43.
10. If you come to my dorm room a year from now, you’ll see … My dorm room will be very neat, with lots of motivational pictures, my Herschel Walker jersey and all the other necessities. Charles White, Trinton Sturdivant and Caleb King will most likely be my roommates.
Monday: Getting to know … Toby Jackson, Debrale Smiley
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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We went one-one-one with two of Georgia’s top prospects in the Class of 2008 — Griffin defensive end Toby Jackson and Thomas County Central running back Debrale Smiley:
TOBY JACKSON
Nickname: “That Dude”
Where he ranks: Made Scout.com’s early list of the nation’s top 100 juniors to watch
Three words to describe me: Blessed, humorous, dedicated
What I hope to accomplish at the next level: Make a name for myself and be known as one of the best.
My style on the field reminds some of … Julius Peppers
The campus I’ve liked the most so far: Florida State
In my iPod: Jay-Z
Favorite flick: “The Wood”
What I drive: 2003 Chevy Malibu
Sports hero: Reggie White
Future major: Automotive engineering
Did you know? I’m a big jazz fan.
Ten years from now, I will be … Playing in the NFL or owning my own custom auto shop.
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DEBRALE SMILEY
Nickname: “Smiley”
Three words to describe me: Hard-working, dependable, fun
Proudest high school accomplishment: Starting as a sophomore
What I’m looking for in a college: Great school, education, environment
My style on the field reminds some of … Jim Brown
The campus I’ve liked the most so far: Auburn
In my iPod: Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne
Favorite flick: “Any Given Sunday”
What I drive: 2006 Dodge
Future major: Video broadcasting
What I hope to accomplish at the next level: Go for the Heisman; become one of the best running backs to come out of high school; win a national championship.
Meet A.J. Harmon, Tavarres King; Auburn lands first junior
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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We went one-one-one with two of the top prospects in the Class of 2008: Jefferson County offensive tackle A.J. Harmon and Habersham Central wide receiver Tavarres King:
A.J. HARMON
Nickname: Flight 75
Where he ranks: Early Georgia player of the year candidate made Rivals.com’s and Scout.com’s lists of the top 100 juniors nationally
Three words to describe me: Leader, reliable, determined
What I hope to accomplish in college: Get stronger and faster and learn something new every day. Hopefully win an award, win a national title and be in a position to get drafted.
My style on the field reminds some of … Ray Lewis. I talk a lot and I back it up on the field.
The campus I’ve liked the most so far: I like certain things about different campuses: Clemson’s weight room, Georgia’s overall facilities, Auburn’s stadium.
Proudest high school accomplishment: Being named to USA Today’s national top 10 list for the class of 2008.
In my iPod: Rick Ross
Favorite flick: “The Program”
What I drive: 1988 Monte Carlo SS on 20s
Future major: Education or sociology
Did you know? In the weight room, I compete against myself. It pushes me to the limit.
Funniest recruiting experience: Fans coming up to me after a game when they’ve had too much to drink.
Ten years from now, I will be … Hopefully playing in the NFL. If not, probably coaching football.
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TAVARRES KING
Nickname: TK
Where he ranks: Made Rivals.com’s early list of the nation’s top 100 juniors to watch
Three words to describe me: Tall, dark, handsome
Proudest high school accomplishment: Being on the honor roll every semester of every year.
What I’m looking for in a college: A place I can go and complete my education, contribute to our team and win championships.
What I hope to accomplish in college: Compete and be the man my coaches and teammates need me to be.
My style on the field reminds some of … [Former Ohio State star] Ted Ginn Jr.
The campus I’ve liked the most so far: UGA, because the atmosphere around me was just rocking.
My funniest recruiting experience so far: I’m sitting down talking with [Georgia] Coach [Mark] Richt, just me, him, my dad and a friend, and my phone goes off! A little embarrassing but I made it out alive.
In my iPod: Everything. I love music from country to rap. It’s all great.
Favorite flick: “Gladiator”
What I drive: 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
Future major: Architecture
Did you know? I play the drums.
Sports hero: Michael Jordan, because he is an amazing role model for all who watched him — and that’s what I want to be.
Ten years from now, I will be … Hopefully in the league, working toward another championship.
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AUBURN LANDS FIRST JUNIOR
Damion Allen, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound wide receiver from Orlando, is the first junior to commit to Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville for the class of 2008, Scout.com reports.
The Dr. Phillips High star caught 28 passes for 591 yards and five touchdowns as a junior.
Ten questions with … Jonathan Dwyer, Sidell Corley
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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We played 10 questions with Georgia Tech recruit Jonathan Dwyer (Marietta) and LSU-bound Sidell Corley (Mobile):
JONATHAN DWYER
1. As a college freshman, I plan to … Major in business marketing in real estate or business management — and hopefully earn playing time.
2. The craziest thing about the recruiting process was … Schools coming to my high school to talk to me. It was surprising to me and like a dream come true.
3. Since the recruiting madness ended, I’ve been … Concentrating on school and track and just enjoying my senior by spending time with my family, friends and my girlfriend Rian Ervin
4. My goals for the rest of my time in high school are … To just have fun and graduate with honors.
5. The one thing I’m most looking forward to when I arrive on campus is … The college environment, college football and fulfilling my dreams.
6. The schools that made the hardest push to try to get me to change my mind once I’d already committed were … Florida and UGA.
7. My plan for all the recruiting letters I received from college coaches is … To save them and show them to my kids in the future.
8. When it comes to academics in college, I’d hope to … Graduate with a Georgia Tech degree and major in busness marketing or management.
9. At Tech, I will wear the number … 12. I got this number my freshman year in high school and I’ve just felt in love with the number ever since. And it will be easier for my mom and family to find me on the field.
10. If you come to my dorm room a year from now, you’ll see … I want to keep my room neat and organized because when I am not organized everything is confusing. I want to room with Nick Claytor, Morgan Burnett, Roddy Jones and Steve Threet. In my room I’ll have pictures of my family and friends and my high school jersey, which is retired at Kell.
SIDELL CORLEY
1. As a college freshman, I plan to … Concentrate on my studies on the field as well in the classroom, making me No. 1 in the classroom and hopefully on the field.
2. The craziest thing about the recruiting process was … All the head coaches I see on TV coming to my school and home.
3. Since the recruiting madness ended, I’ve been … Happy, realistic and thankful for the chance to meet players and coaches all over the country.
4. My goals for the rest of my time in high school are … To practice more on my note-taking skills because in college it will help me be successful on the field and off the field
5. The one thing I’m most looking forward to when I arrive on campus is … The first date of class, then the first practice.
6. The school that made the hardest push to try to get me to change my mind once I’d already committed was … Alabama … Alabama … Alabama.
7. My plan for all the recruiting letters I received from college coaches is … Don’t know right now.
8. When I switched my commitment from Florida to LSU, it was … Hard to tell Coach [Charlie] Strong, who I really respect and was looking for him to coach me. I called Coach [Urban] Meyer after my offseason workout and told him that I feel that they were going in a different direction than me and wasn’t honest about something and thank you very much.
9. The quality I admire most about my next coach, Les Miles, is … Integrity — and way they recruited me from the start.
10. If you come to my dorm room a year from now, you’ll see … I’m a neat freak. I’ll have pictures of the most important people in my life — family, sports, God, etc.
GAMECOCKS LIFT GARCIA SUSPENSION
South Carolina quarterback recruit and AJC Super Southern 100 star Stephen Garcia was taken off suspension Thursday, just days after being barred from participating in team activities because he was arrested outside a bar near campus.
“After reviewing Stephen’s situation, it has been decided that he will be able to participate in all team activities, including running and weightlifting, beginning immediately,” Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said in a statement released by the university.
Spurrier had suspended Garcia on Monday.
Garcia, 19, was arrested early Saturday morning in a restaurant and nightclub district near the university and charged with drunkenness and failure to stop for a police officer.
A telephone message left Thursday evening for Garcia’s attorney was not immediately returned.
An officer responding to an altercation said Garcia ran away from him and tried to hide in an alley, then turned toward the officer “in a threatening manner,” according to an incident report.
Unless Garcia requests a jury trial, the arresting officer will act as the prosecutor and a police spokeswoman said the officer would not be available for comment. Garcia’s next court date is scheduled for March 7, said Lauren Leach, spokeswoman for the Columbia Police Department.
Garcia had been at a private party at a club when the incident occurred, according to the police report. He was released from jail on a personal recognizance bond Saturday evening.
The highly touted recruit out of Jefferson High in Tampa enrolled at South Carolina last month.
Last year, South Carolina’s starting quarterback Blake Mitchell (LaGrange) also was charged in an incident in the same area near the campus. He was accused of punching a bouncer — an assault charge that was later dropped — and spent a few hours in jail.
— The Associated Press
WHEELER’S BRITZUS CHECKS OUT COLUMBIA
It looks like Wheeler of Marietta will have with two players in the Ivy League next season.
Charles Bay, the all-Cobb defensive end, signed with Dartmouth the week after signing day, and now Ben Britzus, a center, is looking hard at Columbia, according to Wheeler coach Paul Lombardo.
The coach says Britzus is planning to visit the New York campus this weekend and could reach a deal after next week.
Bay had scholarship offers from William & Mary and Elon, ”but Dartmouth got him all the money, about $48,000 a year; they got him every penny [in academic and needs-based scholarship money],” Lombardo said. “He wanted to go there real bad.”
Two other unsigned Wheeler seniors could wind up in junior college. Defensive tackle Harris Everson and defensive back Trey Wolfe have offers from the College of Sequoias in Visalia and could sign next week, Lombardo said.
— Todd Holcomb
Wednesday: Tech, UGA chase juniors; Spurrier suspends QB
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Rivals.com analyst and blog favorite JC Shurburtt sent in this news of regional note this morning:
— Georgia Tech is the early leader for Delray Beach (Fla.) Atlantic Community safety Karnell Hatcher. Hatcher, a two-time All-Area selection by the Palm Beach Post, is one of the top prospects in the class of 2008 from Palm Beach County, Fla. He holds early offers from Ole Miss and Arizona State and has early interest from the Jackets, Michigan, Miami, Florida State, Florida and others.
— Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna linebacker Jordan Futch has Georgia in his early top five, along with Auburn, Florida State, Miami and West Virginia. The 6-foot-3, 202-pound Futch runs the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds.
— Ole Miss and Auburn have offered Miami Pace offensive tackle Gregory Shaw. Shaw, a Rivals.com junior All-American, is the brother of Louisville linebacker recruit Willie Williams, who originally signed with Miami out of high school. Florida and others have previously offered the 6-foot-6, 280-pounder.
— North Carolina and South Carolina have begun to show interest in Miami Northwestern quarterback Jacory Harris. Harris recently picked up offers from Duke and Florida International.
— Bushnell (Fla.) South Sumter defensive tackle Marty Everett, the cousin of Florida linebacker Earl Everett, announced that Tennessee is his early leader over the Gators.
— Orlando Cypress Creek cornerback/wide receiver Marcel Rose likes Notre Dame, Florida and South Carolina early. The Irish are believed to be the team to beat because Rose’s cousin, Maurice Crum, plays for Notre Dame. Rose will be in Columbia on March 3 for the Gamecocks’ Junior Day.
SPURRIER SITS STEPHEN GARCIA
This in tonight from The Associated Press:
South Carolina quarterback recruit and AJC Super Southern 100 selection Stephen Garcia was suspended indefinitely Wednesday from participating in team activities less than a week after he was arrested and charged with drunkenness.
The decision by coach Steve Spurrier means Garcia will not be allowed participate in team weightlifting and running sessions until further notice, athletic department spokesman Steve Fink said.
Spurrier would not talk about the arrest or the suspension, Fink said Wednesday.
Garcia, 19, was arrested early Saturday morning in a restaurant and nightclub district near the university and charged with drunkenness and failure to stop for a police officer.
An officer responding to an altercation said Garcia ran away from him and tried to hide in an alley, then turned toward the officer “in a threatening manner,” according to an incident report.
Police say Garcia had been at a private party at a club when the incident occurred. Garcia was released from jail on a personal recognizance bond Saturday evening. A hearing on the charges scheduled for Wednesday was postponed until March 7.
The highly touted recruit out of Jefferson High in Tampa, Fla., enrolled at South Carolina last month.
Last year, South Carolina’s starting quarterback Blake Mitchell (LaGrange) also was charged in an incident in the same area near the campus. He was accused of punching a bouncer — an assault charge that was later dropped — and spent a few hours in jail.
TEN QUESTIONS WITH CONRAD OBI
We played 10 questions with Grayson star Conrad Obi, who originally committed to Georgia, then switched to Colorado, where he signed a letter of intent earlier this month:
1. As a college freshman, I plan to … Work hard and start off on the right foot.
2. Looking back, the craziest thing about the recruiting process was … When people would call me out of nowhere for interviews.
3. Since the recruiting madness ended, I’ve been … Working hard making sure I’m making those A-pluses.
4. The rest of time at Grayson, my goals are … To make As and Bs.
5. The thing I’m most looking forward to about getting to campus is … Meeting my guys I met on the official [visit] and working out with the mountains in the backdrop.
6. Telling Georgia no thanks was … Hard since I was the second commitment. It took me a day or two to get over it .I told Coach [Mark] Richt and he was understanding about the whole thing. He was also shocked — like everyone else.
7. I switched from Georgia to Colorado because … I wanted to see the U.S. and I didn’t want to go to school 45 minutes away from home. The Georgia vs. Colorado game also helped, even though I think both sides played good.
8. My recruiting letters are … In my shoebox or thrown away. Anybody who wants them can have them. (LOL) I keep the important ones on my wall for motivation.
9. At Colorado, I hope to … Just want that degree, I just want to make As and Bs. I’m majoring in environmental studies.
10. If you come to my dorm room next year, you’ll see … A TV, video games, a punching bag and posters on the walls of De la Soul, Malcolm X, Pharrell, Bloc Party and MF DOOM.
ANOTHER OFFER FOR MOORE
Georgia target Brandon Moore, one of the nation’s top junior tight ends, picked up another major scholarship offer, Scout.com reported today.
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) High star told the Web site Florida State became the latest school to offer a scholarship opportunity.
Earlier, Moore landed offers from Cincinnati, Clemson, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, LSU, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska and Oklahoma, according to Scout.com.
Tuesday: Rambo likes UGA; 10 questions with Kyle Jackson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia has landed its seventh commitment for the Class of 2008 … sort of.
Seminole County junior Bacarri Rambo told Bulldogs coaches over the weekend he was ready to commit to UGA. But the 6-foot-1, 190-pound option quarterback still wants to check out his other options, his coach told the AJC’s Carter Strickland.
Seminole County coach Alan Ingram said Rambo told him, “I want to be a Georgia Bulldog, but I also want to look around.”
Ingram said UGA assistant Mike Bobo was OK with that arrangement. So for now, plan on seeing Rambo described as a “soft commitment.”
“This was the first time the kid has been out of southwest Georgia and he was awed with everything,” Ingram said. “At the time when he got the offer he didn’t know how to articulate that there might be other places he would like to see.”
Rambo, who projects as a safety in college, attended Georgia’s junior day last weekend. That’s where he picked up his first major scholarship offer.
“He’s worried [about being a soft commitment] because he wants to be a man of his word and that is very important to him,” Ingram said. “Georgia is at the top of his list and if nothing else happens that is where he will go. But if somebody like Miami wants him to come down, he wants to see what they have to offer, too.”
At Seminole County, Rambo runs an option attack, but can throw when it is needed. He rushed for 1,186 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. On defense, he had 58 tackles and four interceptions from the linebacker position.
“He can play at a Division I level as a quarterback,” Ingram said. “But safety or defensive back is probably where he will play.”
If Rambo decides to sign with UGA, he’d join a class that already includes:
— Fayetteville (N.C.) Sanford tight end Dwayne Allen
— Coffee County offensive lineman B.J. Brand
— Summerville (S.C.) wide receiver A.J. Green
— Cartersville Cass running back/linebacker Richard Samuel
— Mount Zion running back Martin Ward
— Burke County defensive end Cornelius Washington
TEN QUESTIONS WITH KYLE JACKSON
For the next few days, we’ll play 10 questions with a few members of the recruiting class that signed on the dotted line earlier this month.
Today’s guest: Union Grove linebacker and Georgia Tech recruit Kyle Jackson.
1. As a college freshman, I plan to … “Do everything I can to get on the field.”
2. The craziest thing about the recruiting process was … “Finding a way to blank it all [out]. Trying not to get wrapped up in the hype, and instead just playing football how you know best.”
3. Since the recruiting madness ended, I’ve been … “Working out. Trying to get my strength and condition as ready as possible so I can hopefully contribute early.”
4. My goals for the rest of my high school career are … “To try and slow down. I’ve been to eager to leave, but I really just need to sit back and enjoy the months I have left with my family. And of course, to graduate with distinction.”
5. The thing I’m most looking forward to right now is … “Summer workouts, ironically. It’s just an exciting time of the year because its the last phase before strapping it up in September. I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m ready for challenge.”
6. The one school that made the hardest sell to try to get me to change my mind was … “Florida.”
7. All of my recruiting letters … “Have probably already been recycled by now.”
8. As far as academics … “I’m still undecided on a major. Some of me says go engineering, and some says go business, but whichever I choose, I definitely want to be successful in it. I’d like to end up a Darryl Richard type, and be able to graduate early and hopefully get started on a master’s program before I leave GT.”
9. My college uniform number will be … “59. It’s the number I was assigned and to be completely honest, I’m glad. Not many names have worn No. 59. The only one I can remember is Jack Ham, so it will give me a good opportunity for me to make a name for myself rather than follow the footsteps of someone whose already worn the number.”
10. When you walk into my dorm room, you’ll see … “We’ll be in Olympic village, pretty nice appartments. Of course I plan on getting my high school jersey framed, and put up on my wall. I have this little senior highlights collage with pictures from my senior season and it has the accolades I made pasted over it, and then maybe my high school letter awards. At this point I’m pretty sure I’ll be rooming with Nick Claytor, Roddy Jones and Derrick Morgan. I wouldn’t say any of us are neat freaks, but we definitely do not like a messy room.”
GOLIC JR. FOLLOW’S FATHER’S FIGHTING IRISH FOOTSTEPS
West Hartford, Conn., offensive tackle Mike Golic Jr. committed to play for his father’s alma mater, Notre Dame, Mike Sr. announced on his ESPN radio show this morning.
The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder had also considered Florida, Michigan and Penn State. He’s the first member of Charlie Weis’ recruiting class of 2008.
Monday: Class of 2008 stars to watch
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The AJC asked a few recruiting experts to weigh in on the top prospects in the junior class. Below you’ll find Scout.com analyst Scott Kennedy’s list of the most physically impressive players at Sunday’s combine in Duluth and Rivals.com analyst JC Shurburtt’s early top five list of the top juniors in the Southeast:
Scott Kennedy’s top combine performers
A.J. Harmon of Jefferson County continues to show that he’s one of the best prospects in the country. He was at the facility when I got there, and I thought it was one of CES’ college trainees getting ready for the NFL combine. That’s not hard to believe when he measured in at 6-5.5 and 328 pounds yet is still agile enough to turn in a 4.75 short shuttle time.
Dontavious Jackson of Heard County has really grown since he was a the other guy in the backfield behind Carlos Brown. He was the feature back last year, and he’s just getting bigger and faster. Jackson checked in at 5-10.5 and was actually a little light at 196 because he had been sick. He ripped off back to back 4.44 fortys and pegged a 39.5 inch vertical.
Malcolm Beyah of Chamblee was one of our fastest participants as a sophomore, and he’s been training for this event. Beyah was 5-11 and 187 pounds and had the fastest time on the day with a 4.32 40.
This was our best event in the three year history, and it’s harder than ever to pick out just five but James Searcy turning in a 4.66 40 at 6-3.5 and 244 pounds deserves special mention. He is more than just a straight line guy though. His linebacker speed in a defensive end body extended to his shuttle time with a 4.50.
Fullback Tim McGill of East Coweta is a big athlete that is tests as well as he plays. McGill measured 6-0.5 and 228 pounds and had a 4.66 40 and a 33 inch vertical jump.
JC Shurburtt’s top juniors in the Southeast
1. A.J. Green, WR, Summerville (S.C.) (6-4, 190). Already committed to Georgia, but should draw offers from every major program in the Southeast and most in the country. Has been the top receiver in the state of South Carolina since his freshman year.
2. Julio Jones, WR, Foley (Ala.). Big reciever (6-3, 220) who can fly and has nearly a 40-inch vertical leap. Is the complete package when you throw in his explosiveness and hands. Should have every major program in the country after him before all is said and done.
3. DeAndre Brown, WR, Ocean Springs (Miss.). Another plus-sized receiver at 6-6, Brown can run, jump and catch. He’s a vertical threat as well as a guy that go up in traffic and get it.
4. T.J. Bryant, CB, Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln. Hard-nosed athlete can fly and is a threat in the kick return game as well as on defense. Should be the next headliner out of Lincoln High.
5. Patrick Johnson, CB, Pompano Beach (Fla.) Ely. Lock-down cornerback had seven interceptions during his junior year. He’s also a threat in the return game.
Gamecocks recruit arrested; Clemson lands late one
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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South Carolina recruit and AJC Super Southern 100 selection Stephen Garcia was arrested early Saturday morning in a restaurant and nightclub district near the university and charged with drunkenness and failure to stop for a police officer.
According to an incident report from the Columbia Police Department, the 19-year-old quarterback from Tampa was approached by an officer responding to a report of an altercation outside a building. Garcia ran away from the officer and tried to hide in an alley, according to the incident report. When the officer caught up with him, he turned toward the officer “in a threatening manner.”
The report says the officer “immediately engaged his baton” but did not use it. The report also says Garcia was trying to zip up his pants and fix his belt. The officer smelled alcohol and said the subject was unsteady on his feet.
The report notes that Garcia is younger than the legal age for drinking alcohol and was arrested.
According to the report, Garcia had been at a private party at a club in the city’s Five Points area. He was in jail awaiting a bond hearing Saturday afternoon.
Garcia, a highly touted recruit out of Tampa Jefferson, enrolled at South Carolina last month.
Last year, South Carolina’s starting quarterback Blake Mitchell also was charged in an incident in the same area near the campus. He was accused of punching a bouncer — an assault charge that was later dropped — and spent a few hours in jail.
Head coach Steve Spurrier was out of town Saturday and not immediately available for comment.
Tommy Bowden beats dad … again
Clemson coach Tommy Bowden has grabbed a highly touted recruit from his father’s grasp even though it looked like Bobby Bowden had pulled one over on his son on signing day last week.
Receiver Markish Jones will be playing for the Tigers, according to a determination by the National Letter of Intent center in Birmingham. Jones apparently signed two letters of intent on national signing day, one for Clemson, one for Florida State.
Florida State received its letter first by fax and congratulated itself on winning Jones, the offensive MVP for South Carolina in the annual Shrine Bowl game for seniors.
But Clemson later received a letter and asked that the case be investigated, said Shane Lyons, associate commissioner of the ACC.
A videotape of a news conference Jones held and an investigation by the ACC and the National Letter of Intent center showed that Jones and his mother signed the Clemson letter first on Feb. 7, Lyons said.
“The policy is once all parties sign that agreement, that’s it, regardless of whether it was sent,” said Lyons, who has never seen a similar case.
As far as the Seminoles are concerned, Jones is playing for Clemson, Florida State football spokesman Elliot Finebloom said.
“We are disappointed with the decision of course, but Markish was having a very difficult time deciding between the two schools,” Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden said in a statement. “We wish him well at Clemson in all but one game.”
That game will be the season opener on Labor Day when the Seminoles travel to Clemson for the annual Bowden Bowl.
Tommy Bowden called Jones one of the top prep players in the East. “This is icing on the cake for an already strong 2007 recruiting class,” Bowden said.
Jones, listed as a four-star prospect by major recruiting services, had 40 receptions for 1,030 yards and 13 touchdowns this season on offense and had five interceptions on defense for Broome. Jones is also a track star like several other Clemson football players.
“He is an outstanding all-around athlete,” Tommy Bowden said. “I know our track coaches are excited by what Jacoby Ford and C.J. Spiller are doing this semester and I know Markish can have a similar impact.”
Mitch Mustain on the market
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
College football’s most wanted recruit these days isn’t a hot shot high school junior or an unsigned junior college star.
It’s Mitch Mustain.
The nation’s most highly touted quarterback in the class of 2006, Mustain is considering leaving Arkansas after a tumultuous freshman season in Fayetteville. Thursday, he visited Southern Cal, where he was hosted by fellow former Springdale (Ark.) High teammate Damian Williams, who transferred from Arkansas to USC last month.
Mustain also met with Trojans coach Pete Carroll and assistant Steve Sarkisian, The Los Angeles Times reported.
“Just from an aesthetic standpoint, I love being here,” Mustain told the Times’ Gary Klein. “The business part of it is football and they’ve got a proven history with Coach Sarkisian developing quarterbacks — even their backups are successful.”
It’s unknown whether any other schools will get in the mix for Mustain, who started eight games for the Razorbacks as a freshman. If he does transfer to USC, he’d face stiff competition. Starter John David Booty would be gone by the time Mustain is eligible, but the Trojans also have former Parade All-American Mark Sanchez waiting for a shot at quarterback.
“I would think based on what we have all seen and heard he will pick a situation where he goes to a team that throws the ball and he will have a chance to play early,” Scout.com recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg told the AJC recruiting blog today. “Having seen him, I still think this kid has great upside and a chance to be a very good QB.”
Newberg & Co. ranked Mustain as the nation’s top quarterback, and 10th-best overall prospect, coming out of high school in 2006. Mustain was listed ahead of others who enjoyed more success as freshmen, including Georgia’s Matthew Stafford (No. 11 in Scout.com’s overall final rankings) and Florida’s Tim Tebow (No. 29).
Now, analysts seem to be second-guessing whether that ranking was justified.
“He has pro-caliber arm strength, but it was apparent that he lacked a little moxie when the heat was on,” Rivals.com editor Bobby Burton told the blog today. “Nothing you do in high school can really prepare you for the pass rush in college football. Sometimes he looked like a deer in headlights, and other times you could see glimpses of an outstanding young quarterback.
“Even if he is a backup in college, I still think he gets a chance in the pros because of the arm strength, size and athleticism combo he has.”
Thursday: Top juniors ready to run
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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On your mark … Get set …
Most of the state’s top juniors will be on display Sunday when they run 40-yard dashes and try to impress recruiting analysts at a high school combine co-sponsored by Scout.com at Duluth’s Competitive Edge Sports facility.
The event isn’t open to the public, but check back here afterward for reports on who turned in the fastest time, who shot up in the rankings and who may have gotten a better scholarship offer out of the experience.
Among those expected to work out:
— A.J. Harmon, a 315-pound offensive lineman from Jefferson County who already has offers from Florida and Georgia, among others. “Right now, I am trying to talk to some people who have been through this,” Harmon told the AJC recently. “I want to talk to people like Chris Little and why he picked [Georgia] and see what they were looking for and what I should be looking for.”
— Josh Jarboe, a Cedar Grove wide receiver who has offers from Georgia Tech, Kentucky and Virginia Tech. “He’s what everybody is looking for in a receiver,” Cedar Grove coach Ray Bonner said. “He can do it all.”
— Richard Samuel, a running back/linebacker from Cartersville’s Cass High who recently became the sixth junior to say yes to Bulldogs coach Mark Richt.
— Toby Jackson, a defensive tackle from Griffin who has offers from Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Ole Miss and Tennessee. “Florida State and Tennessee are in the lead right now, but something might change in the future,” Jackson said. “I want get in there and concentrate on my education and have a successful season. I expect myself to go in there and get some action early.”
— Martin Ward, a running back from Mount Zion who already has committed to Georgia.
— Dontavius Jackson, a Heard County running back with early offers from Florida, Georgia Tech and Kentucky. “They’re all about the same right now,” says Jackson, who expects more offers to roll in soon.
Scout.com analyst Scott Kennedy said he’s most interested in comparing the three junior tailbacks expected in Duluth: Samuel, Ward and Dontavius Jackson.
“They’re three different kinds of backs in size and speed,” Kennedy said. “Also, Toby Jackson and A.J. Harmon are two of the best big athletes in the state, and they’ll get to show off their agility in front of one of the top training staffs in the world.”
Recruiting tid-bits from Gwinnett County
— Peachtree Ridge defensive lineman Trey Trip will be a preferred walk-on at Ole Miss, according to his father, Harold. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder passed on offers at smaller schools for a chance to play in the SEC, Harold Trip said.
— Greater Atlanta Christian offensive lineman Devin Swirk has committed to play football at Faulkner University in Montgomery, GAC coach Jimmy Chupp said. Swirk is the sixth Spartans football player to commit this month.
Wednesday: Bulldogs looking great for 2008
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After checking in a little lower than usual in the 2007 recruiting rankings, Georgia is well on its way to a fantastic finish 51 weeks from now.
The Bulldogs have commitments from three players named to Rivals.com’s latest list of the top 100 juniors in America, tied for tops nationally.
The breakdown:
THREE COMMITMENTS
Georgia: Summerville (S.C.) WR A.J. Green, Cass RB Richard Samuel, Burke County DE Cornelius Washington.
Oklahoma: Paris (Texas) OL Stephen Good, Gilmer (Texas) RB Justin Johnson; Keller (Texas) OL R.J. Washington.
TWO COMMITMENTS
Nebraska: Harlan (Iowa) OL Dan Hoch; Lincoln (Neb.) OL Baker Steinkuhler.
Southern Cal: Anaheim (Calif.) OL Matt Kalil; Anaheim (Calif.) WR D.J. Shoemate.
Texas: Allen (Texas) WR Dan Buckner; Angleton (Texas) DB D.J. Monroe
ONE COMMITMENT
Arizona: Chandler *(Ariz.) ATH Gerell Robinson.
Michigan: Detroit DB Boubacar Cissoko.
Arkansas: Dardanelle (Ark.) OL Matt Hall.
Clemson: Bamberg (S.C.) DT DaQuan Bowers.
Tennessee: Maryville (Tenn.) TE Aaron Douglas.
Tuesday: Honor for UGA recruit; 5 to watch this fall
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Just 51 more weeks until national signing day, and the recruiting blog is back open for business.
Drop me a note sometime this week and let me know what kind of content you’d like to see here. We’re in the experimental stages but heard from so many of you about the idea of a year-round blog that we decided to give it a whirl.
There obviously isn’t as much news to report as, say, this time last week, so we’ll make it one-stop shopping. All of the recruiting news each day will be posted to one page. So away we go …
Five signees who’ll make a difference
We asked Rivals.com editor Bobby Burton for his list of the five recruits who signed last week who’ll make the biggest difference as college freshmen. Burton’s list:
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame. I don’t think there’s any way that the other two QBs Notre Dame has on campus can keep Clausen off of the field.
Joe McKnight, RB, Southern Cal. I don’t think USC has anybody at tailback that can keep McKnight from being the eventual go-to guy, a lot like Adrian Peterson as a freshman at Oklahoma.
James Wilson, OL, Florida. Florida loses some depth on the offensive line, has a spot for him at guard available, and I think he’s ready and he’s big-time.
Eric Berry, CB, Tennessee. The Vols lose some folks in the secondary and Berry has a chance to be special.
Jordan Bernstine, S, Iowa. This is an odd choice because he’s generally not considered a top 10 or top 20 recruit or the top safety in the class, but I think he fits what Iowa likes to do. He’s a safety who likes to put the hammer down.
Norcross punter to walk on at Alabama
Norcross punter Sam Snider has accepted an offer to be a “preferred walk-on” at Alabama. The 5-foot-11, 160-pounder, who also played wide receiver at Norcross, has similar offers from Georgia Tech and Ole Miss.
LSU’s Porter named recruiter of the year
Rivals.com’s pick for the national recruiter of the year? LSU assistant Larry Porter, who helped the Tigers land star signees Terrance Toliver, Chad Jones and Stefoin Francois, among others.
Georgia’s Mike Bobo and Georgia Tech’s Giff Smith also made Rivals’ list. Others in the top 25:
— Bill Busch, Nebraska
— Mike Cassity, Louisville
— Stan Drayton, Florida
— Ron English, Michigan
— Steve Greatwood, Oregon
— Josh Henson, LSU
— Rob Ianello, Notre Dame
— John Lilly, Florida State
— Mike Locksley, Illinois
— Mike London, Virginia
— Todd McNair, Southern Cal
— Mac McWhorter, Texas
— Hugh Nall, Auburn
— Billy Napier, Clemson
— David Reaves, South Carolina
— Jeff Reinebold, Hawaii
— Kevin Steele, Alabama
— Charlie Strong, Florida
— Trooper Taylor, Tennessee
— Tommy Thigpen, North Carolina
— DeWayne Walker, UCLA
— Tim Walton, Miami
Randall Bell headed to New Mexico State
Our Michael Alpert reports that Randell Bell, an all-state running back who rushed for 1,948 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior at Roswell, recently accepted a scholarship from New Mexico State.
Bell, a former Northside player of the year, played last season at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia because his SAT scores had been too low to qualify for a Division I school.
Landing the scholarship at New Mexico State was particularly triumphant, in keeping with the player’s sentiments upon graduation from Roswell.
“Whatever it takes to play football I’m going to do,” he said then. “If that means junior college or a prep school, that’s fine.”
Hornets coach Tim McFarlin considered Bell the best player he’s coached in 26 seasons at Roswell.
“He’s the best one I’ve ever seen — period,” McFarlin said. “We’ve had some really, really good running backs come through there, but I’ve never seen anybody who had the combination of speed and power and finesse he has.”
Longhorns land three more juniors
Texas’ class of 2008 haul is already up to 10 after Mack Brown & Co. added three more junior commitments over the weekend.
Scout.com reports that Texas got commitments from in-state stars Dan Buckner, a wide receiver from Allen; Jeremy Hills, a running back from Houston; and Ryan Roberson, a linebacker from Brenham.
Clemson adds another quarterback
Jon Richt won’t be the only quarterba