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 quarterback who’ll sign with Clemson at this time next year.
The Tigers also landed a commitment from Kyle Parker, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior from Jacksonville’s Bartram Trail High.
Parker’s commitment is Clemson’s fifth for the class of 2008.
Shannon set to visit metro Atlanta
The man responsible for the ACC’s top-ranked recruiting class will be in the area next month as part of a whirlwind tour.
Miami’s Randy Shannon will visit seven cities in March for Hurricane Club functions. He’ll be at Smokey Bones in Dunwoody on March 15. The social hour gets under way at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7.
Shannon’s other scheduled stops: Tampa on March 10; Orlando on March 12; Jacksonville on March 13; Hobe Sound, Fla., on March 14; Fort Myers, Fla., on March 17; and Fort Lauderdale on March 18.
Former AJC player of the year drops out of Auburn
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Auburn linebacker Tray Blackmon is not enrolled in school this semester and will miss spring practice, coach Tommy Tuberville said.
Tuberville said he expects Blackmon, who was twice suspended last season, to rejoin the team in June. The former Parade All-American is “taking care of personal problems,” the coach said.
“We are expecting Tray to be back with his teammates the first of June,” he said Wednesday. “It’s not up to me. It’s up to him.”
Tuberville said Blackmon could remain academically eligible through summer school. He missed the first six games of last season under suspension and was also held out of the Cotton Bowl for another unspecified violation of team rules.
Blackmon, a LaGrange native, finished with 15 tackles as a redshirt freshman, recovering three fumbles and forcing another.
Tuberville said Blackmon’s absence doesn’t mean his future with the team is in doubt.
“He’s just got to make up a lot of ground,” Tuberville said. “That’s all in (his) court. We’ve had a couple (players) do that before. They’ve just got to take care of business.”
Tuberville said tailback Brad Lester, also suspended for the Cotton Bowl, will participate in spring practice.
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A look at West Georgia’s signees
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Players who signed letters of intent Wednesday with West Georgia:
Joey Bachrodt, ol, 6-2, 285, Milton HS, Alpharetta, Ga.
Antonio Bailey, wr, 6-0, 185, Shaw HS, Columbus, Ga.
Duke Banks, de, 6-3, 230, Colquitt HS, Moultrie, Ga.
C.J. Barrows, rb, 6-1, 220, Southern Mississippi (Miss.), Powder Springs, Ga.
Donte Brown, dt, 6-2, 295, Southside HS, Atlanta
Pat Brown, dt, 6-3, 315, San Jacinto (Calif.) CC, Thomasville, Ga.
James Crowley, wr, 6-2, 190, Golden West (Calif.) CC, Ocean City, NJ
John Compton, db, 6-2, 215, Charleston Southern, Duluth, Ga.
Mitchell Dean, lb, 6-2, 235, Mississippi Delta (Miss.) CC, Opelika, Ala.
Antoine Footman, wr, 6-0, 170, East Hall HS, Gainesville, Ga.
Marcellus Hunter, lb, 5-11, 192, Northgate HS, Newnan, Ga.
Derek Illian, te, 6-3, 225, Colquitt County HS, Moultrie, Ga.
Waymon Kelley, s, 5-11, 185, Lovejoy HS, Lovejoy, Ga.
Artie Mincey, dt, 6-0, 270, McIntosh Academy HS, Darien, Ga.
Tiquintin Morrell, lb, 6-2, 225, Memphis, Atlanta
Kyle Padgett, qb, 6-3, 195, Central HS, Carrollton, Ga.
Spencer Romero, ol, 6-2, 285, Habersham Central HS, Mount Airy, Ga.
Seth Satterfield, db, 6-1, 190, North Hall HS, Gainesville, Ga.
Dontavious Smith, db, 6-0, 180, Seminole County HS, Donalsonville, Ga.
Dwate Strickland, db, 5-11, 170, Temple HS, Temple, Ga.
Robby Taylor, lb, 5-11, 215, Perry HS, Perry, Ga.
Michael Warr, lb, 6-2, 210, Griffin HS, Griffin, Ga.
Chad Weathers, lb, 5-10, 190, Temple HS, Dallas, Ga.
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A look at Valdosta State’s signees
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Players who signed letters of intent Wednesday with Valdosta State:
Bryant Benkoski, ol, 6-3, 325, Morgan Co. HS., Madison, Ga.
Mike Brown, rb, 5-9, 180, Bainbridge HS, Bainbridge, Ga.
Brian Buford, db, 5-11, 190, Warner Robins HS., Warner Robins, Ga.
Curtis Caldwell, qb, 6-2, 210, McEachern HS, Powder Springs, Ga.
Tony Collins, rb, Lincoln HS, Tallahassee, Fla.
Adam Davis, de, 6-1, 235, Charlton County, HS, Folkston, Ga.
Chris Davis, ol, 6-3, 265, Clinch County HS, Homerville, Ga.
Trey DuCouer, ol, 6-4, 280, Columbia HS, Lake City, Fla.
Leonard Foster, db, 5-10, 165, Norcross High School, Norcross, Ga.
Chris Grant, db, 6-1, 185, South Gwinnett HS, Snellville, Ga.
Chris Hart, qb, 6-4, 195, Southeast Bradenton HS, Bradenton, Fla.
Ricky Hope, de, Reedley (Calif.) JC.
Tyler Josey, de, 6-2, 250, Dublin HS, Dublin, Ga.
Chris Lamar, dl, 6-3, 275, South Gwinnett HS, Snellville, Ga.
Japree Miles, de, 6-0, 185, Brooks County HS, Quitman, Ga.
Darrius Phillips, ol-dl, 6-3, 300, Hardaway HS, Columbus, Ga.
Jeremy Reynolds, db, 6-0, 175, Randolph-Clay HS, Cuthbert, Ga.
Austen Roberts, qb, 6-0, 175, Union County HS., Lake Butler, Fla.
Devin Sabina, k, Central Gwinnett HS, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Emmanuel Taylor, qb, 5-10, 170, Early County HS, Blakely, Ga.
Dante Wells, ol, 6-3, 270, Rome High School, Rome, Ga.
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A look at Shorter’s signees
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Players who signed letters of intent Wednesday with Shorter:
Seth Baker, ol, 6-0, 265, Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga.
Darius Benham, dl, 6-2, 260, Ball State, Cartersville, Ga. HS
Nathan Boggs, ol, 6-3, 290, Ridgeview (Fla.) HS
Matt Broome, ol, 5-10, 260, Pepperell HS, Lindale, Ga.
Joe Chism, dl, 6-0, 296, McEachern HS, Norcross, Ga.
Chase Cox, db, 6-0, 180, Blountstown (Fla.) HS
Jonathan Davis, dl, 5-9, 260, Osborne HS, Marietta, Ga.
Nick Dodson, rb, 5-8, 160, Thomas County Central HS
Nick Donegan, ol, 6-4, 310, Covenant Christian Academy, Loganville, Ga.
Josh Dorminy, ol, 6-2, 240, McIntosh County Academy, Darien, Ga.
Will Frasier, dl, 6-1, 230, Pepperell HS, Lindale, Ga.
Jamall Hall, wr, 6-4, 175, Thomas County Central HS, Thomasville, Ga.
David Hall, dl, 6-0, 245, Dalton High School, Dalton, Ga.
Josh Ward, lb, 6-0, 202, Southeast Bulloch HS
Jarrod Kinsey, ol, 6-0, 245, Ringgold, Ringgold, Ga. HS
Kevin Roach, db, 6-1, 180, Cherokee HS, Canton, Ga.
Octavious Taylor, db, 6-0, 178, Savannah State, Stephens County HS, Toccoa, Ga.
Grant Walker, ol, 6-0, 300, Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga.
Jared Williams, qb, 5-11, 170, Johnson HS, Gainesville, Ga.
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A look at Savannah State’s signees
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Players who signed letters of intent Wednesday with Savannah State:
Juan Armstead, lb, 5-10, 220, Westlake, Atlanta
A.J. Denson, ath, 6-2, 185, Westside, Macon, Ga.
Cheick Diop, p, 6-1, 190, Stone Mountain, Ga. HS
Karnell Feagins, db, 5-9, 180, Jonesboro, Ga. HS
Jamar Graham, db, 5-10, 170, Stone Mountain, Ga. HS
Dan Johnson, ol, 6-2, 275, Glenn Hills, Augusta, Ga.
Byron Leggett, wr, 6-2, 175, Savannah, Ga. HS
Greg McCrary, qb, 6-2, 180, Mt. Zion, Jonesboro, Ga.
Chad Morgan, rb, 5-10, 226, Riverdale, Ga. HS
Albert Newsome, ol, 6-4, 285, Stone Mountain, Ga. HS
Dexter Scott Reed, lb, 6-2, 215, Groves, Savannah, Ga.
Ivan Sharpe, de, 6-2, 240, Chamblee, Ga. HS
Marvin Smith, dt, 6-2, 255, Westlake, Atlanta
Jared Turner, db, 5-11, 180, Jonesboro, Ga. HS
SHORTER
Seth Baker, ol, 6-0, 265, Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga.
Darius Benham, dl, 6-2, 260, Ball State, Cartersville, Ga. HS
Nathan Boggs, ol, 6-3, 290, Ridgeview (Fla.) HS
Matt Broome, ol, 5-10, 260, Pepperell HS, Lindale, Ga.
Joe Chism, dl, 6-0, 296, McEachern HS, Norcross, Ga.
Chase Cox, db, 6-0, 180, Blountstown (Fla.) HS
Jonathan Davis, dl, 5-9, 260, Osborne HS, Marietta, Ga.
Nick Dodson, rb, 5-8, 160, Thomas County Central HS
Nick Donegan, ol, 6-4, 310, Covenant Christian Academy, Loganville, Ga.
Josh Dorminy, ol, 6-2, 240, McIntosh County Academy, Darien, Ga.
Will Frasier, dl, 6-1, 230, Pepperell HS, Lindale, Ga.
Jamall Hall, wr, 6-4, 175, Thomas County Central HS, Thomasville, Ga.
David Hall, dl, 6-0, 245, Dalton High School, Dalton, Ga.
Josh Ward, lb, 6-0, 202, Southeast Bulloch HS
Jarrod Kinsey, ol, 6-0, 245, Ringgold, Ringgold, Ga. HS
Kevin Roach, db, 6-1, 180, Cherokee HS, Canton, Ga.
Octavious Taylor, db, 6-0, 178, Savannah State, Stephens County HS, Toccoa, Ga.
Grant Walker, ol, 6-0, 300, Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga.
Jared Williams, qb, 5-11, 170, Johnson HS, Gainesville, Ga.
VALDOSTA STATE
Bryant Benkoski, ol, 6-3, 325, Morgan Co. HS., Madison, Ga.
Mike Brown, rb, 5-9, 180, Bainbridge HS, Bainbridge, Ga.
Brian Buford, db, 5-11, 190, Warner Robins HS., Warner Robins, Ga.
Curtis Caldwell, qb, 6-2, 210, McEachern HS, Powder Springs, Ga.
Tony Collins, rb, Lincoln HS, Tallahassee, Fla.
Adam Davis, de, 6-1, 235, Charlton County, HS, Folkston, Ga.
Chris Davis, ol, 6-3, 265, Clinch County HS, Homerville, Ga.
Trey DuCouer, ol, 6-4, 280, Columbia HS, Lake City, Fla.
Leonard Foster, db, 5-10, 165, Norcross High School, Norcross, Ga.
Chris Grant, db, 6-1, 185, South Gwinnett HS, Snellville, Ga.
Chris Hart, qb, 6-4, 195, Southeast Bradenton HS, Bradenton, Fla.
Ricky Hope, de, Reedley (Calif.) JC.
Tyler Josey, de, 6-2, 250, Dublin HS, Dublin, Ga.
Chris Lamar, dl, 6-3, 275, South Gwinnett HS, Snellville, Ga.
Japree Miles, de, 6-0, 185, Brooks County HS, Quitman, Ga.
Darrius Phillips, ol-dl, 6-3, 300, Hardaway HS, Columbus, Ga.
Jeremy Reynolds, db, 6-0, 175, Randolph-Clay HS, Cuthbert, Ga.
Austen Roberts, qb, 6-0, 175, Union County HS., Lake Butler, Fla.
Devin Sabina, k, Central Gwinnett HS, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Emmanuel Taylor, qb, 5-10, 170, Early County HS, Blakely, Ga.
Dante Wells, ol, 6-3, 270, Rome High School, Rome, Ga.
WEST GEORGIA
Joey Bachrodt, ol, 6-2, 285, Milton HS, Alpharetta, Ga.
Antonio Bailey, wr, 6-0, 185, Shaw HS, Columbus, Ga.
Duke Banks, de, 6-3, 230, Colquitt HS, Moultrie, Ga.
C.J. Barrows, rb, 6-1, 220, Southern Mississippi (Miss.), Powder Springs, Ga.
Donte Brown, dt, 6-2, 295, Southside HS, Atlanta
Pat Brown, dt, 6-3, 315, San Jacinto (Calif.) CC, Thomasville, Ga.
James Crowley, wr, 6-2, 190, Golden West (Calif.) CC, Ocean City, NJ
John Compton, db, 6-2, 215, Charleston Southern, Duluth, Ga.
Mitchell Dean, lb, 6-2, 235, Mississippi Delta (Miss.) CC, Opelika, Ala.
Antoine Footman, wr, 6-0, 170, East Hall HS, Gainesville, Ga.
Marcellus Hunter, lb, 5-11, 192, Northgate HS, Newnan, Ga.
Derek Illian, te, 6-3, 225, Colquitt County HS, Moultrie, Ga.
Waymon Kelley, s, 5-11, 185, Lovejoy HS, Lovejoy, Ga.
Artie Mincey, dt, 6-0, 270, McIntosh Academy HS, Darien, Ga.
Tiquintin Morrell, lb, 6-2, 225, Memphis, Atlanta
Kyle Padgett, qb, 6-3, 195, Central HS, Carrollton, Ga.
Spencer Romero, ol, 6-2, 285, Habersham Central HS, Mount Airy, Ga.
Seth Satterfield, db, 6-1, 190, North Hall HS, Gainesville, Ga.
Dontavious Smith, db, 6-0, 180, Seminole County HS, Donalsonville, Ga.
Dwate Strickland, db, 5-11, 170, Temple HS, Temple, Ga.
Robby Taylor, lb, 5-11, 215, Perry HS, Perry, Ga.
Michael Warr, lb, 6-2, 210, Griffin HS, Griffin, Ga.
Chad Weathers, lb, 5-10, 190, Temple HS, Dallas, Ga.
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A look at Fort Valley State’s signees
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Players who signed letters of intent Wednesday with Fort Valley State:
Lemario Bland, cb, 5-10, 180, Macon Central HS, Macon, Ga.
Larry Blue, fb-lb, 6-0, 210, Glenn Hill HS, Augusta, Ga.
Duranzo Brown, rb, 5-9, 165, Peach County HS, Macon, Ga.
Darnell Burk, wr-db, 6-0, 170, Randolph-Clay HS, Cuthbert, Ga.
Joseph Calloway, ol, 6-3, 305, Macon Central HS, Macon, Ga.
Charloski Carr, ol, 6-2, 300, Macon County HS, Montezuma, Ga.
Rodney Culler, ol, 6-3, 306, Macon Central HS, Macon, Ga.
Antwontis Cutts, wr, 6-1, 170, Americus HS, Americus, Ga.
Corneilous David, db, 5-11, 175, Swainsboro HS, Swainsboro, Ga.
Tony Davis, te, 6-2, 220, Peach County HS, Fort Valley, Ga.
Princeton Dean, de, 6-0, 225, Houston County HS, Warner Robins, Ga.
Derrick Fullwood, dt, 5-11, 280, Land O Lakes HS, (Fla.)
Tim Green, db, 5-11, 175, Warner Robins HS, Warner Robins, Ga.
Brandon Henry, de, 6-0, 180, Lanier HS, Lakeland, Ga.
Ryan Hill, ol, 6-4, 310, Randolph-Clay HS, Cuthbert, Ga.
Michael Hill, lb-fb, 6-0, 215, Glenn Hills HS, Augusta, Ga.
Prentice Hollins, dt, 6-2, 275, Newnan HS, Newnan, Ga.
Chavius Jackson, fs, 6-0, 170, Monroe HS, Monroe, Ga.
Brandon Kennedy, ol, 6-5, 325, Randolph-Clay HS, Cuthbert, Ga.
Anthony Kitson, ss, 6-1, 185, Meadow Creek HS, Norcross, Ga.
Greg Lewis, ol, 6-2, 260, LaGrange HS, LaGrange, Ga.
Brandon Lewis, db, 5-8, 160, Starr’s Mill HS
Brandon Lockette, de, 6-4, 240, Homewood HS (Ala.)
Jerrell McCrae, qb-te, 6-5, 210, Randolph Clay HS, Cuthbert, Ga.
Roddy Nixon, dl, 6-2, 195, Houston County, Warner Robins, Ga.
Michael Parks, de, 6-3, 230, Glenn Hills HS, Augusta, Ga.
Kip Person, lb, 5-11, 190, Peach County HS, Fort Valley, Ga.
Lamarr Person, db, 5-11, 175, Meadow Creek HS, Norcross, Ga.
Quinton Pierre, db, 6-1, 210, Westgate HS, Westgate, La.
Mario Poythress, wr, 6-1, 163, LaGrange HS, LaGrange, Ga.
Dexter Reaves, lb, 5-11, 220, Baldwin HS, Milledgeville, Ga.
Justin Respress, fb, 5-11, 225, Crawford County HS, Roberta, Ga.
Christopher Riddles, lb, 5-11, 203, Swainsboro HS, Swainsboro, Ga.
Quint Robinson, de, 6-0, 220, Hawkinsville HS, Hawkinsville, Ga.
Darryl Rowe, wr, 5-11, 175, Monroe Area HS, Monroe, Ga.
Rickey Walker, dl, 6-1, 265, Westlake HS, Atlanta
Sean Wallace, db, 5-8, 165, Glenn Hills HS, Augusta, Ga.
Cherronte Watts, wr, 6-1, 165, Jackson County HS, Jefferson, Ga.
Demetrius Wilson, wr, 6-1, 185, Troup County HS, LaGrange, Ga.
Lindsey Wolfe, k-p, 6-0, 175, Irwin County HS, Ocilla, Ga.
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A look at Albany State’s signees
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Players who signed letters of intent Wednesday with Albany State:
Ernesto Herring, ol, 6-5, 330, Camden County HS, Kingsland, Ga.
Brandon Bryant, ol, 6-5, 272, First Coast HS, Jacksonville, Fla.
James Dawkins, ol, 6-5, 268, First Coast HS, Jacksonville, Fla.
O’Brian Russell, db, 6-0, 190, Georgia Military (Ga.) CC, Dublin, Ga.
Clarence Brown, db, 6-1, 175, Kendrick HS, Columbus, Ga.
Jamarcus Gaskins, db, 6-2, 200, Tift County HS, Tifton, Ga.
Quintwaun Wells, db, 6-1, 175, Kendrick HS, Columbus, Ga.
Joshua McMullen, dl, 6-6, 260, Riverdale HS, Riverdale, Ga.
Connell Ector, lb, 6-2, 210, Central Carrollton HS, Carrollton, Ga.
Cordero Ivory, lb, 6-2, 215, Banneker HS, College Park, Ga.
Ernest Seay, lb, 6-1, 230, Brooks County HS, Quitman, Ga.
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A signing day to remember in the Carolinas
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Until five minutes before his news conference Wednesday, Burlington, N.C., Cummings High receiver Dwight Jones was saying he would sign with Tennessee.
Then he placed a last-minute call to Durell Mapp, a North Carolina linebacker and Cummings High graduate. Before their conversation ended, Jones told Mapp he was going to be a Tar Heel. “He put a Carolina hat in his pocket and walked out to talk with the media,” said Cummings coach Steve Johnson.
Jones’ change of heart kicked off a huge national signing day for first-year North Carolina coach Butch Davis. Jones, rated the No. 2 prospect in North Carolina by the Charlotte Observer, firmed up a commitment after wavering following the dismissal of former UNC coach John Bunting.
Durham Hillside receiver Greg Little, the No.1 prospect in North Carolina, made a reversal and signed with the Tar Heels. He had committed to Notre Dame.
“We are going to go after the absolute very best football players, not only in North Carolina but in the whole United States, every single year,” Davis said.
The Tar Heels’ big national splash was completed when defensive tackle Marvin Austin of Ballou High in Washington, D.C., chose North Carolina over Florida State and Southern California. Austin is ranked the No.3 prospect in the nation by Scout.com, and Davis said his interest might have swayed others toward North Carolina.
“He’s passionate, he’s charismatic,” Davis said. “He’s got an unbelievable personality. He’s like a magnet. People want to be around him.”
And at 6-foot-7, 375 pounds, offensive lineman Kevin Bryant of Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., was literally North Carolina’s biggest commitment.
Before signing day, the Tar Heels appeared destined for an unspectacular class, with four of the state’s top five prospects committed out of state and Jones apparently leaning toward leaving as well. North Carolina’s class was ranked outside Scout.com’s top 25 before Wednesday. Then Davis and recruiting coordinator John Blake—reputed to be one of the nation’s top recruiters—closed strong.
“It really is kind of what you expect from someone coming from the state of Florida like Butch Davis did,” said Scout.com regional recruiting analyst Miller Safrit. “You’re used to these signing day pushes.” Safrit said North Carolina’s is a top-20 class, but it isn’t the best in the Carolinas.
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier signed a class ranked No. 6 in the nation by analysts Bobby Burton, Tom Lemming and Allen Wallace. The class included receiver Chris Culliver of Garner and quarterback Stephen Garcia of Tampa, Fla.
“It’s sort of neat to see our name in there with Texas and Southern Cal and Florida and Notre Dame,” Spurrier said. “A friend of mine said, ‘I didn’t think I’d ever see South Carolina’s name with that group when it came to recruiting.’ But that’s where we are.”
First-year N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien was happy with the skill players he kept who had committed to former coach Chuck Amato, led by receiver Jay Smith of Norfolk, Va. O’Brien added linemen on both sides of the ball because he thought the team needed greater numbers up front.
N.C. State’s class wasn’t highly ranked. O’Brien said 2006 ACC champion Wake Forest demonstrated his philosophy that signing players who fit his system is more important than signing highly-ranked players.
“We’ve been ranked four of the last six years in the top 25 (at the end of the season at Boston College),” O’Brien said. “One year I think we were 26. And I wouldn’t say we ever had a ranked recruiting class.”
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Shannon returns Hurricanes to prominence
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New coach Randy Shannon wants the University of Miami football team to return to national prominence, and on Wednesday, he might have gotten the program one step closer with a recruiting class that he said “filled our needs.”
And he did it by signing “athletes” who can swing playing offense, defense and special teams.
Shannon announced the signing of 17 players, including Homestead defensive back Joseph Nicolas and Miami Monsignor Pace cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, versatile players who switched their commitments late in the recruiting game. Nicolas passed on Rutgers, while Van Dyke decided against signing with the University of Florida.
Two recruits expected to sign with UM were not listed among the 2007 list UM released to the media Wednesday — Kayne Farquharson and Chris Perry.
Farquharson, rated a four-star wide receiver by Rivals.com, signed a letter-of-intent Dec. 21, the first day junior college players and early high school graduates could sign. Farquarson, a former El Camino (Calif.) Community College standout, is taking two classes at Miami Dade College.
“It sounds strange to me why I’m not on the list,” Farquharson told The Miami Herald on Wednesday afternoon. “I called UM receivers coach Marquis Mosely and he said everything was fine.”
Perry, a defensive tackle, signed and faxed his letter-of-intent Wednesday morning, according to Fossil Ridge (Texas) High interim coach Tony Baccarini, who said there was a problem with the paperwork.
“On our end, he signed everything and it was all faxed,” Baccarini said in a phone interview. “Something about the fax wasn’t clear enough to read. I haven’t gotten official word that everything came through on their end.”
NCAA rules prohibit Shannon and his assistant coaches from commenting on recruits whose letters-of-intent have not been processed.
Shannon expressed confidence about the depth of his incoming class.
Shannon credited his assistant coaches for luring the best players available instead of targeting position players.
“We tried to find athletes, big-time athletes,” Shannon said. “We wanted a defensive back that can play running back, that can play receiver, that can line up at quarterback and kickoff returns. That’s how you win games, you get guys like that athletically.”
Shannon’s staff appears to have made strides to bolster UM’s listless offense, which ranked 87th in the nation last season, by signing four-star recruit quarterback Robert Marve of Tampa Plant High and receiver Jermaine McKenzie of Bradenton Academy.
Shannon also signed five-star running back Graig Cooper, a former Milford (N.Y.) Prep star, and 6-7, 320-pound Delray Beach offensive lineman Orlando Franklin.
Defensively, UM’s most highly touted signees, according to Rivals.com and Scout.com, are Van Dyke, North Miami Beach defensive back Doug Wiggins, linebacker Allen Bailey and Belle Glades’ safety Damien Berry.
Shannon’s only disappointment was not signing a kicker because he wanted more depth at the position.
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Urban Meyer & Co. champs off the field, too
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On a day when many blue chip recruits changed commitments, one fact remained unchanged.
The University of Florida’s football recruiting class is the cream of the crop.
The Gators built on their national championship victory in January by nabbing the nation’s top recruiting class Wednesday, the first day high school seniors could sign binding national letters of intent with colleges.
Florida received commitments from nine of the top 45 players in the nation, according to Scout.com, and 11 of the top 71. By midday, recruiting analyst Larry Blustein quipped, the “only team that could top them is the Colts.”
Tennessee, Texas, Southern Cal and LSU fill out the top five , according to CSTV recruiting analyst Tom Lemming. In a surprising twist, Miami cranked out a top-15 class, while Florida State’s group was its “worst in 15 years,” Lemming said.
“Florida has taken Florida State behind the woodshed,” Lemming said. “It used to be FSU (in control), but now the Gators are having their way with everyone north of Broward.”
Well, not exactly everyone.
Miami, under new coach Randy Shannon, saved its best for last, picking up two four-star recruits the past couple of days, defensive end Allen Bailey (Darien, Ga.) and defensive back Demarcus Van Dyke (Miami Pace ).
Bailey and Van Dyke, previously Florida oral commitments, combined with tailback Graig Cooper (Milford Prep) and Plant quarterback Robert Marve in helping the Hurricanes’ class jump from the low 40s to the top 15 in a week’s time, Blustein said.
“Cooper is a McGahee-type back,” said Blustein , referring to Buffalo Bills and former UM running back Willis McGahee. “He may be the best back Miami has had in a long time. And Bailey’s a freak; he’ll be an impact player on the defensive line right away.”
Florida State, feeling the effects of a 7-6 season and offseason coaching uncertainty (offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden resigned), had zero Rivals.com five-star recruits.
Besides their top recruit, four-star defensive back Dionte Allen (Orchard Lake, Mich.), the Seminoles did steal four-star wide receiver Bert Reed (Panama City), who switched from the Gators on Sunday.
FSU, which historically closes signing day with a bang, whiffed Wednesday on two players atop its wish list, five-star defensive tackle Marvin Austin (Washington, D.C.) and five-star running back Noel Devine (North Fort Myers), who didn’t sign anywhere and likely will attend a prep school.
USF picked up one of their biggest recruits ever in former Sarasota running back Michael Ford, one of the nation’s top high school backs two years ago. Ford, who spent a year at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia after failing to qualify academically out of high school, was cleared by the NCAA and accepted into USF for spring classes.
Said Lemming: “Ford can be the one to lead USF to the big time.”
UCF picked up Land O’Lakes quarterback Joe Weatherford as part of a “solid class,” Blustein said.
UCF coach George “O’Leary has that magical touch,” Blustein said. “He’s very gruff but effective. He knows what he’s doing.”
So does Meyer, who said his class “was knocked out of the park” by the Wednesday afternoon pickup of receiver Deonte Thompson (Glades Central), Scout.com’s No. 3 wideout.
And in a move that symbolized the topsy-turvy signing day, Florida signed one of the nation’s top safeties, Jerimy Finch (Indianapolis Warren Central).
Finch orally committed to Michigan then switched to Indiana before Meyer gave him a call.
“It’s unbelievable,” Meyer said, “because I didn’t go to Indiana once the whole time.”
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Smaller class suits Seminoles’ needs
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Florida State coach Bobby Bowden isn’t one to fret about the rankings of his recruiting class.
He knew it was going to be on the small side 19 signed national letters of intent Wednesday and the fact that his staff overhaul took precedence with him meant the Seminoles would fall behind on some of the biggest names. FSU, in fact, didn’t land a single five-star prospect, according to Rivals.com, for the first time in years.
Still, Bowden knew this class was all about filling holes, especially with game-breaking receivers, speedy linebackers and offensive linemen who fit new assistant coach Rick Trickett’s mold (quick and tough-minded), and he said that mission was accomplished no matter what the national pundits say.
The Seminoles didn’t land a tailback such as North Fort Myers star Noel Devine or the safety they wanted. They missed out on all-everything defensive tackle Marvin Austin. But …
“It ended up a real good year,” Bowden said. “With what we’ve got coming back, except at several positions, the kids are going to have a battle on their hands. I think it’s a very good class.”
Cameron Wade, Bert Reed and Markish Jones all could be wideouts who can run away from defenders, either for a long pass or after catching a short one a la Florida’s Percy Harvin. The Seminoles didn’t have that last season.
One recruiting service said Reed, a one-time Florida commitment, is an “electrifying speedster in space and a nightmare to handle one-on-one in the open field.” Jones, a South Carolina native who actually signed a letter from Clemson only to change his mind before it could be faxed Wednesday, is the state champ in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter races and the long jump.
“He’s big and he can run,” his prep coach, Quay Farr, said.
A lack of speed also showed up in the kicking game. FSU averaged just 18.7 yards on kickoff returns and 9.1 yards on punt returns. It had no touchdowns on either. A year earlier, Willie Reid averaged 17.5 yards on punt returns with three touchdowns, including one in the ACC title game and one in the Orange Bowl. He was the MVP of both games.
“You take a look a look at what Willie Reid did in 2005,” recruiting coordinator John Lilly said. “No knock on the individuals who were there, but we probably didn’t get quite as much production out of those areas this year. So that was something that we looked at and we really felt we needed to add to our team.”
Enter those aforementioned receivers as well as Tallahassee Lincoln defensive back/athlete Brandon Paul. The kick coverage wasn’t too good, either, in large part due to injuries to speedy linebackers. Prospects Kendall Smith and Jamar Jackson should help.
“They may not start a game this year, but I think they’ll be tired at the end of all of the games,” Lilly said.
The Seminoles also needed offensive linemen and added seven. Lilly said it’s difficult to get so many players at any one position, but they “probably exceeded our goals.”
Although none is a big name, Trickett has a reputation for making players whom the analysts ranked with few stars into on-the-field stars.
“He’s got a type of guy who he wants to coach, and he’s tried to select that,” Bowden said. “And sometimes folks, it ain’t the prettiest one.”
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Two defections take shine off Notre Dame class
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Although Notre Dame signed a solid top 10 recruiting class Wednesday, two major last-minute defections took the shine off what otherwise might have been considered a red-letter day.
Receiver Greg Little, who as late as Tuesday night was insisting he was going to attend Notre Dame, instead signed with North Carolina. And offensive lineman Chris Little opted to stay home to play for Georgia.
Still, the Irish finished the day with 18 commitments, a class rivals.com ranked eighth in the country and CSTV analyst Tom Lemming ranked seventh.
Notre Dame’s biggest “gets,” quarterback Jimmy Clausen and running back Armando Allen, committed early and already are enrolled.
“They would have been upgraded from coast to coast if they got Clausen and Allen (Wednesday),” Lemming said.
Irish coach Charlie Weis isn’t complaining.
“These kids … we are very happy with them,” Weis said. “I’m not saying it just to make it sound good. I love the guys we’re bringing in here.”
Weis cleared up recent rumors that Clausen had an arm injury that might require surgery, saying he simply had asked the quarterback to rest his arm.
At running back, the Irish scored with Florida speedster Allen and Chicago bruiser Robert Hughes.
Of the players the Irish lost down the stretch, most were from the South and decided to stay home.
Louisiana defensive tackle Will Blackwell chose LSU while Floridians Lorenzo Edwards (linebacker) and Major Wright (safety) chose Florida.
That Florida won the Bowl Championship Series title and LSU beat the Irish in the Sugar Bowl didn’t hurt their efforts.
“Kids definitely get enamored with success,” Weis said. “Especially when you have success and we’re going through a bit of transition. (But) you have to be willing to go after the best players wherever they are. You have to be willing to take the punches.”
The Irish did pry some blue-chip recruits from their home-state schools: defensive back Harrison Smith from Tennessee, Allen from Florida and offensive lineman Matt Romine from Oklahoma.
With the string of last-minute defections, Weis said he would be in favor of an early signing period because so many players aren’t honoring their oral commitments.
In any case, Notre Dame did well, though no one knows how well these players actually will produce.
“A lot of people take what happens on the last day as the most important,” Lemming said. “But overall they had a really good year.”
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Mitch Mustain set to visit Southern Cal
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USC made a splash on signing day, but even bigger news could be looming for the Trojans as Arkansas quarterback Mitch Mustain will visit in the next two weeks with the idea of transferring in the fall.
Mustain, who started eight games for the Razorbacks, would be more than just a finishing touch on a recruiting class that was ranked No. 1 by ESPN and No. 2 by Rivals.com on Wednesday.
He would probably end doubts about whether it really was the nation’s top recruiting class.
“It looks as power-packed as any group we’ve had,” USC coach Pete Carroll said. “We’ve got all kinds of big guys, tough guys, power guys. We held our own. It’s a highly regarded class.
“Of the 17 we signed, 14 can make an immediate impact.”
If the Trojans lost some commitments in the past few weeks, they made up for it Wednesday morning, when Joe McKnight of River Ridge, La., the nation’s top-rated tailback, selected USC over Louisiana State.
McKnight touched the ball 82 times last season and scored 30 touchdowns. He averaged 15.5 yards per carry. Carroll compared him to Reggie Bush in his ability to catch passes out of the backfield or line up at wide receiver.
“He’s a tremendous athlete,” Carroll said. “He can do everything, he’s incredibly versatile.”
What’s more surprising is that McKnight chose USC even though running backs Marc Tyler of Oaks Christian and Broderick Green of Little Rock, Ark., also signed with the Trojans. Not to mention the fact Chauncey Washington, C.J. Gable, Emmanuel Moody, Allen Bradford, Stafon Johnson and Hershel Dennis are also currently on the roster.
The 10th tailback on the team, Michael Coleman, will move to fullback. And USC’s first commitment for 2008, D.J. Shoemate from Servite High, is also a tailback.
“Each guy sees his uniqueness,” Carroll said of the new recruits. “Broderick saw we did not have a big, physical back. Marc thinks he can do a little bit of everything. Who plays is going to be determined by the competition.”
Or maybe who transfers. Johnson is expected to make a decision at the end of the semester.
As highly regarded as the class was by analysts, the Trojans actually lost out on two of their top targets, with wide receivers Ahmad Paige (Tennessee) and Deonte Thompson (Florida) going elsewhere.
“You don’t ever get everyone you want,” Carroll said.
Florida suddenly became a nuisance to USC, taking Thompson and getting offensive guard James Wilson to decommit, not to mention signing quarterback Tim Tebow last year.
“We were butting heads with them a lot,” Carroll said of the Gators.
USC also made one last run at cornerback Donovan Warren of Long Beach Poly on Wednesday, but Warren stuck with his original choice of Michigan. But the Trojans hurt the Wolverines by signing wide receiver Ronald Johnson, the No. 8-ranked player in the nation by Rivals. Johnson will play the same spot as wide receiver Steve Smith, Carroll said.
“He can make touchdowns from anywhere on the field,” Carroll said of Johnson.
Another impact player is defensive end Everson Griffen, who runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and is talented enough to play tailback, according to Carroll, who said Griffen is the top prospect he recruited since arriving at USC.
“Some people think he could play in the NFL now,” Carroll said.
In a mild surprise, linebacker Jordan Campbell of Norco will be switched to fullback because of the Trojans’ lack of depth at that position.
Linebacker Chris Galippo from Servite High of Anaheim is also considered a top-10 player, and Carroll credited him with being an unofficial recruiter.
“He set the tempo and did a great job at the All-American Bowl keeping things together,” Carroll said. Carroll said nearly all the freshmen will play next season, a tradition he likes to enhance at USC. “We had 16 freshman play last season and three scored in the first game,” he said.
That first game was against Arkansas, where Mustain entered in the second half and played well against the Trojans. Adding to the intrigue is that Mustain’s teammate, Arkansas freshman wide receiver Damian Williams, already enrolled at USC this semester.
Williams will redshirt next season.
“I know he’s going to be a factor to help other people play well (in practice),” Carroll said.
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Lemming: ‘No one is even that close’ to Florida
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Judging the results of national signing day used to take a few years as even top players struggled to get playing time as freshmen.
A look at the last few national champions shows times have changed. Whether it was Reggie Bush or Dwayne Jarrett at Southern California, or Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin at Florida last season, more and more freshmen are making an immediate impact on the field.
The Gators and Trojans both signed plenty more blue-chippers Wednesday who figure to play a big role next season.
“We have taken a new attitude toward recruiting this year that every freshman in my opinion will play next year,” Florida coach Urban Meyer said. “Obviously, that won’t happen but we are taking that approach. It used to be, ‘Boy, I will be able to save this guy.’ But that’s over.”
Meyer will have lots of options to choose from as Florida brought in the top recruiting class in the country, according to recruiting analysts.
The Gators signed nine of the top 16 players in talent-rich Florida and the No. 1 players from South Carolina, Indiana, Maryland and New England, according to Rivals.com. SuperPrep, National Blue Chips and CSTV also picked Florida as Wednesday’s big winner.
“No one is even that close to them,” CSTV recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said. “They got help everywhere. In the past 10 years, this has to rank right at the top in recruiting classes. Every position is absolutely loaded.”
Florida’s class includes Rivals’ third-best pro-style quarterback in John Brantley, the nation’s top guard in James Wilson, top weakside defensive end in Carlos Dunlap, second-best defensive tackle in Torrey Davis, and top two safeties in Jerimy Finch and Major Wright.
A coaching change at Miami and another down year for Florida State played a key part in the Gators’ success.
“They play an exciting brand of ball on offense and defense and a lot of kids want be in that situation,” said Allen Wallace, the national recruiting editor for Scout.com and publisher of SuperPrep magazine. “There’s no question they’ve moved into the catbird seat in Florida. They have taken advantage of tough times for both the Hurricanes and Seminoles.”
The Trojans closed strong, adding top running backs Joe McKnight from Louisiana and Broderick Green from Arkansas on Wednesday to a class that already included another top back in Marc Tyler; defensive end Everson Griffen, SuperPrep’s No. 1 overall player; the nation’s No. 1 receiver, Ronald Johnson from Michigan; and blue chip linebacker Chris Galippo from Anaheim, Calif.
Coach Pete Carroll’s willingness to play freshmen makes the Trojans an attractive destination for many of the nation’s top players.
“Our guys know they’re going to get a great chance when they come here. We’ve proven that,” Carroll said. “I think we had 16 freshmen who played last year. We’ve found that our guys grow up very fast when we put them in positions they excel at.
“The competition is on. The guys who are in our program know they got the same chance when they got here. There’s no telling who’s going to surface out of this group. We’re excited to find out.”
The Southeastern Conference was the big winner on signing day as Tennessee, LSU, South Carolina, Auburn, Georgia and Alabama all received at least one top-10 ranking. Other top schools include Texas, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon and Nebraska.
Jimmy Clausen, the top-ranked player by Rivals and CSTV, headlines Notre Dame’s class and could be ready to step in next season as Brady Quinn’s replacement at quarterback. Clausen is one of many players who already have started college, giving him a leg up because he can take part in spring practice.
Clausen made a high-profile commitment to the Irish last April, arriving at his news conference in a limo and predicting four national titles for Notre Dame.
“He’s a fierce competitor that wants to come in and compete for playing time,” coach Charlie Weis said.
Notre Dame’s overall ranking was hurt by some late defections. Athlete Greg Little switched at the last minute to North Carolina and offensive lineman Chris Little decommitted and signed with Georgia. The Irish earlier lost a commitment from defensive end Justin Trattou from New Jersey, who signed with Florida.
The biggest surprise was at South Carolina, where Steve Spurrier brought in a top-10 class to a school that normally struggles to attract blue chip players. Receiver Chris Culliver of North Carolina headlines a class that also includes quarterback Stephen Garcia of Tampa, Fla.
“It is sort of neat to see our name in there with Texas, Southern Cal, Florida and Notre Dame,” Spurrier said.
North Carolina, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Oregon and Illinois also did surprisingly well. New Tar Heels coach Butch Davis got a commitment Wednesday from CSTV defensive player of the year Marvin Austin, a defensive lineman from Washington, D.C.
Illinois coach Ron Zook, who recruited many of the players that led Florida to the national title, signed one of the nation’s best receivers, Arrelious Benn out of Washington, D.C., and beat out Notre Dame for one of the top defensive linemen, Martez Wilson of Chicago.
He put together a class that rivals Ohio State and Michigan for the best in the Big Ten, despite winning only two conference games the past two seasons.
“It’s stunning that they won those kinds of recruiting battles,” Wallace said.
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Some hits, some misses for Longhorns
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Texas didn’t end up with the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class.
But in their home state, the Longhorns definitely finished on top.
Mack Brown and his staff finished off a strong showing in their backyard, signing 12 of the top 20 players on Rivals.com’s Texas 100 state list.
Brown didn’t get the state’s top two players — Texarkana Texas High quarterback Ryan Mallett signed with Michigan, and Hempstead receiver Terrance Toliver signed with LSU.
But the Longhorns did get the next four players on the state list, topped by No. 3-ranked South Grand Prairie offensive lineman Tray Allen.
UT’s class, ranked No. 5 in the country by Rivals.com, also includes the state’s fourth-ranked player, Gilmer cornerback Curtis Brown, plus No. 5 John Chiles of Mansfield Summit and No. 6 Michael Huey of Kilgore.
“Twelve of the top 20 in the state. No other team had more than three,” said Bobby Burton, Rivals recruiting editor. “That’s domination.”
The Longhorns and several out-of-state schools almost shut Texas A&M out of the state top 20. The Aggies did sign Cy Falls linebacker Derrick Stephens, No. 17 on the state list.
Even Oklahoma had to defer to rival Oklahoma State in Texas recruiting. The Cowboys signed two top-ranked players from the Dallas area, Cedar Hill athlete William Cole and Lincoln defensive end Richetti Jones.
The Longhorns so dominated at home that they signed only one out-of-state recruit — Ventura (Calif). St. Bonaventure tight end Blaine Irby. Outside of recruiting a few positions such as linebacker and defensive line, that’s how Brown likes to operate.
“We can win all the games with guys from in-state,” Brown said. “We’ve proven that.”
The Longhorns secured most of their commitments last March, two months after they won the national championship. Brown didn’t deny that helped his staff get a slew of early commitments.
“The attention you get that month is priceless,” Brown said. “You’re on TV, in newspapers and on the Internet at a time when you can’t go into guys’ homes.”
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Mixed reviews for Ole Miss, Mississippi State
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Score one for Sylvester Croom and Mississippi State.
The Bulldogs signed Robert Elliott of Okolona to a national letter of intent Wednesday, spiriting away one of the nation’s top running backs from a commitment to rival Mississippi.
The school also bulked up on the defensive line with LaMarcus Williams, another signing-day steal from the Rebels, and held on to top junior college receiver Co-Eric Riley, who was being wooed by Oklahoma State.
“Without question, since we have been here, this will be the best class that we have signed,” Croom said.
“We expect a lot of guys in this class to make an immediate contribution.”
The Rebels also lost out on running back Joe McKnight of River Ridge, La., who announced on national television that he would play for Southern Cal.
A miffed Elliott turned his back on Ole Miss after coach Ed Orgeron, considered one of college football’s best recruiters, continued to pursue McKnight. But Orgeron had no regrets after losing both.
“Every day I’m taking that risk,” Orgeron said. “I’m going for the best player. And we felt that Joe was an impact player, a Reggie Bush-type player, and that we had a shot to go get him.”
McKnight is considered the No. 1 or 2 prospect in the country by most scouting services and kept his choice secret until Wednesday, the first day high school players can sign with colleges.
Elliott is ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the nation by Scout.com, but didn’t register in the Rivals.com Top 100.
Both of the state’s Southeastern Conference schools scored several three- and four-star recruits and hovered in the top third of recruiting rankings.
Scout.com ranked Ole Miss’ class as the 30th best in the nation a year after Orgeron finished in the mid-teens. Rivals ranked the class No. 22. Mississippi State received a ranking of 27th from Scout.com and 41st from Rivals.com.
Orgeron said he hit the targets the team needed to improve quickly, especially at linebacker and wide receiver.
The Rebels signed linebacker Chris Strong, the state’s Mr. Football from South Panola High School, among six linebackers out of a class of 24. The group also included Tony Fein, a 24-year-old Iraq veteran who was among the top junior college linebacker prospects.
The Ole Miss linebacking corps needs restocking after the loss of three starters — Butkus Award winner Patrick Willis to graduation, early NFL Draft enrollee Rory Johnson and Garry Pack, who was kicked off the team.
Orgeron believes Fein will make the loss of Willis less painful.
“I told him that the offense is enemy territory, and to get into enemy territory and do what he knows to do best,” Orgeron said.
The Rebels also added four offensive linemen who weigh 1,318 pounds combined.
Mississippi State signed 11 offensive and defensive linemen in its class of 33, including Derek Sherrod of Columbus, ranked 11th overall nationally by Scout.com. The signing of Williams, ranked No. 48 overall in the nation by Scout.com, junior college transfer Jessie Bowman and Jazzmen Guy, of Hazlehurst, who was 19th on Scout.com’s list should help the Bulldogs on their depleted defenisve line.
Mississippi State also signed linebackers Jamie Jones, of Springdale, Ark., Terrell Johnson, of Silas, Ala., and K.J. Wright of Olive Branch, ranked Nos. 42, 43 and 45 in the nation by Scout.com.
Among the 30 players Southern Miss signed was running back Antwain Easterling, a Scout.com four-star running back from Miami who rushed for 33 touchdowns and 2,831 yards last year. The Golden Eagles also signed running back V.J. Floyd of Orlando, Fla., who rushed for 3,078 yards in his final two high school seasons.
They will join Damion Fletcher, the nation’s No. 11 running back last season as a freshman, and Tory Harrison in the suddenly crowded Golden Eagles backfield.
“We’ll play the best ones,” Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower said. “It’s wide open. I know a lot of people will say (Easterling is) ‘going to redshirt.’ I don’t care, and I think we proved that last year. We’re going to play the best players, and there’s nothing better than healthy competition.”
Bower also signed two quarterbacks — Randy Hardin, of Jacksonville, Fla., who was Scout.com’s No. 61 prospect in the nation, and Darin Farris of Petal. Hardin passed for 3,257 yards last season and threw 32 touchdowns against three interceptions.
“We felt like we really had to bring in two quality players there, and I think we did. Randy Hardin can throw the ball really well. He had a big year down in Florida, and we think he’s an outstanding prospect for us.”
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Thursday: The top 20 classes; Talking juniors
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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And you thought we were done with college football recruiting.
We’re never done here.
In the “latest news” section to the right, you’ll find a hundred or so headlines from yesterday’s big day, when 97 members of the Super Southern 100 signed, Georgia and Georgia Tech filled needs and our top 20 classes looked like this:
Florida
Southern Cal
LSU
Texas
Tennessee
Auburn
Michigan
South Carolina
Pittsburgh
Miami
Notre Dame
Oregon
Georgia Tech
Cal
North Carolina
Penn State
Georgia
Ohio State
Alabama
Clemson
We’ll have more day-after signing day coverage later this morning before we turn our attention to the players to watch at this time next year. Will A.J. Harmon stay in state? Will Georgia add to its six-man 2008 class soon? And how many of those 44 underclassmen who visited Tech last weekend will make a return visit?
Thanks, as always, for reading. Hope our signing day coverage satisfied everyone’s recruiting fix. And if you haven’t seen it yet, check out our nine-page post-signing day section in today’s AJC.
Drop me a line with suggestions on what you’d like to see on the blog from this point forward.
Southwest DeKalb coach to recruits: ‘Get a degree’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Before they could even sat down to sign the papers, Southwest DeKalb coach Buck Godfrey had to keep his troops in line one more time.
“Take your hands out of your pockets,” he said, as his players stood for pictures in the school’s library Wednesday morning.
Morris Council and David Davis, who played under Godfrey all four years and have been friends since middle school, will stay on the field together as linebackers at Miami of Ohio.
Adding a third “M” cap to the Signing Day photo was 2006 transfer Marshall “Scottie” Williams, who signed with Mississippi, while quarterback Brandon Jones — the only one missing his “M” headwear — inked with Mars Hill College.
And before they could leave the table, Godfrey imparted a few more words of wisdom from his 24 years of coaching the Panthers.
“Parents, you still allow some of these kids to wear those baggy pants … keep doing that, and we’ll lose a generation,” he said. “As your coach, I’m sending you off to get a degree.”
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Memphis-bound Davis leads Northgate’s haul
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Northgate running back Mike Davis always thought he’d have to pay for college. After Wednesday, Davis no longer has to worry about that.
The 6-foot 227-pound back signed with Memphis, leading a group of four Vikings to ink deals.
“It feels great to be wanted,” Davis said. “When you grow up people tell you one out of 1,000 kids get scholarships; even back to my freshman year I didn’t think I’d be able to get one.”
Quarterback/linebacker Andre Morris signed with the Air Force Academy. He’ll play defense for the Falcons. T.J. Jackson (Northeastern) and Marcellus Hunter (West Georgia) also signed.
“The goal is to get on the field right away,” Jackson said of his plans at Northeastern.
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An up-close look at Georgia Southern’s new class
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Georgia Southern released a partial list of its signees Wednesday, along with biographical information on the players:
James Boger * OL * 6-4 * 310 * Pinellas Park, FL (Dixie Hollins)
Third Team All-State… First Team All-County in St. Petersburg Times… named All-Suncoast… team offensive line MVP… latest in a long line of prominent players in Dixie Hollins HS that went on to play Division I football… played in Pinellas County all-star game… coached by Mike Morey… born February 14, 1988 in Tampa… enrolled in January and will have four years of eligibility remaining.
Charwell Brown * DE * 6-2 * 220 * Brunswick (Brunswick/Coffeeville CC)
Earned First Team All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference honors last season… recorded 46 tackles (12 solo/34 assisted)… 9.5 tackles for a loss totaling 53 yards… four sacks for 35 yards… nine quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery… team played in the Top of the Mountain Bowl, losing to Snow College 26-21… team finished second in the KJCCC at 6-1 (7-4 overall)… redshirted during the 2005 season… played for coach Jeff Leiker at CCC… will graduate in May from CCC and have three years of eligibility remaining at Georgia Southern.
Lee Chapple * QB * 6-2 * 190 * Norcross (Greater Atlanta Christian)
Led the Spartans with a school record 1,904 passing yards and 17 touchdowns to just four interceptions… ranked 73rd nationally on the ESPN scouting report and 93rd nationally at his position by scouts.com… team advanced to the Class AA quarterfinals in 2006… completed 61 percent of his passes during his junior year, accumulating 1,672 yards… 16 touchdowns to four interceptions that season… didn’t miss a start in three years as starting quarterback… 4,901 career passing yards and 49 TDs… played for coach Jimmy Chupp.
Chase DeCarlo * TE * Beaufort, SC (Beaufort/Fork Union Military Academy)
Played football last year for coach John Shuman at Fork Union Military Academy as squad turned in 4-7 record… FUMA teammate Aaron Webb also signed with Eagle Football… earned All-America honors in wrestling at Beaufort (SC) high… two-time all-conference football selection and also earned all-state honors… lettered in football and wrestling… set school record for most touchdown catches by a tight end… will have four years of eligibility remaining… born March 24, 1988.
Jordan Delk * ATH * 6-1 * 155 * Lyons (Toombs Academy)
Delk helped Toombs Academy to three state title game appearances, winning a state title in 2004 and 2005… twice All-Region… two-time All-State… WTOC-TV Super 11 pick… a GISA All-Star selection following his senior year… member of the preseason ‘Top 100’ Football prospects in Georgia… preseason ranked among the Top 10 wide receivers in state… senior year recorded 32 receptions for 532 yards and nine touchdowns… also rushed for 750 yards and scored 10 times… eight interceptions from cornerback position… junior year rushed for 1,081 yards and 14 touchdowns… led the Savannah Area with seven interceptions as a cornerback… two-time defending GISA state champion in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays in addition to his 200 meters title… won four state titles, two in football, one in baseball and once in basketball… played for coach Ricky Worsham.
Jared Flowers * OL * 6-5 * 305 * Swainsboro (David Emanuel Academy)
All-Region pick by the GISA… Honorable Mention All-State in 2006… preseason All-Academic team by the GISA… selected to and started in 2006 GISA All-Star football game… only gave up three sacks on the season… graded at 93 percent … played every position on offensive line, primarily offensive tackle… also started at defensive tackle and defensive end… played more than 100 snaps per game… averaged 36.7 yards per punt… only third DEA football player to sign with a Division I program and first since 1989… averaging 18 points per game for top-ranked basketball team… played his first three years and started at Metter HS… played senior year at DEA… brother is defensive coordinator at DEA… played for coach Jim Stomps.
Mike Hamilton * RB * 6-1 * 215 * Melbourne, FL (Melbourne/Oklahoma State)
Played in 12 games and started seven times last season… gained 546 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, and scored four touchdowns before a knee injury sidelined him… caught seven passes for 48 yards… named Big 12 Conference ‘Offensive Newcomer of the Year’ as a freshman… Second Team All-Big 12 Conference… rushed for 961 yards on 193 carries, setting a OSU freshman rushing record… those yards ranked 18th on season rushing list… averaged 5.0 yards per carry… third-leading receiver with 20 catches for 161 yards… finished year with 1,122 all-purpose yards and a touchdown… redshirted in 2004… a Florida ‘Top 100’ prospect that recorded school records of 4,267 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns… registered 1,591 rushing yards and 19 TDs his senior year… named Space Coast Offensive Player of the Year by Florida Today… son of Jean Thorpe and Michael Hamilton… enrolled in January and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Neal Jones * DL * 6-4 * 253 * Orlando, FL (Dr. Phillips/Indiana)
Two-year member of the Indiana football program… redshirted in 2005… did not play in 2006… played for coach David Langdon at Dr. Phillips… closed his senior year with 91 tackles… 10 sacks… six forced fumbles and five pass breakups… born October 18, 1987… enrolled in January and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Brett Layson * ATH * 6-1 * 180 * Macon (Tattnall Square Academy)
Layson played quarterback at Tattnall Square Academy… named Macon Telegraph City Co-Player of the Year in 2005… tabbed by the Telegraph to its Class AAA North All-Region team as a QB… First Team All-Middle Georgia (Athlete)… accounted for 1,826 yards on offense and 46 total touchdowns… GISA Class AAA All-State team… rushed for three touchdowns and threw a 49-yard touchdown, leading Tattnall to the 2006 GISA Class AAA state championship… led team to 12-1 record last fall… lettered in football, basketball, golf and track… did not lose in 16 hurdles races during the 2006 season… named the Telegraph’s All-Middle Georgia Track and Field Athlete of the Year… won the Class AAA state titles in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles… also finished third in the discus… broke the school record in the 110-hurdles… nominated for Wendy’s High School Heisman Award… played for coach Barney Hester.
James Lewis * RB * 5-11 * 195 * Lawrenceville (Collins Hill)
Earned First Team All-Region 7-AAAAA as a kickoff returner… Second Team All-Gwinnett County… rushed 52 times his senior year for 299 yards and three touchdowns… caught eight passes totaling 132 yards and two scores… also a standout linebacker, recording 62 tackles, four TFL, two sacks and 13 quarterback pressures… career-best 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown during his senior season… named preseason all-state heading into the 2006 campaign… projected among the state’s top safeties, according to Scouts, Inc. on ESPN… played for coach Larry Sherrill.
Brandavious Mann * OL * 6-3 * 245 * Forsyth (Mary Persons)
Second Team All-Middle Georgia his senior year… All-Region… Most Valuable Player on offense his senior year… two year starter on the offensive line… played for coach Rodney Walker.
Adrian Mora * PK * 5-11 * 195 * Dalton (Dalton)
Nominated for the prestigious Wendy’s High School Heisman Award… named to the Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS) All-Chevy Team, honoring the top performers from last season’s Chevrolet HS Football Game of the Week… set several punting and kicking records at Dalton HS… connected on a pair of 54-yard field goals… averaged 42.3 yards on 33 punts his senior year… received the Jim Arnold Award as the Catamounts’ Special Teams Player of the Year… helped Dalton record its 47th consecutive winning season… team qualified for the Class 4A playoffs last season… during his junior year went 10-3 and won the Region 7-AAAA title, losing in the third round of the playoffs… recorded 14 field goals (82 percent success rate) and 76 points his junior year… earned Second Team All-Region 7-AAAA honors as a punter his freshman year… 3.9 cumulative GPA… played for coach Ronnie McClurg.
Zeke Rozier * RB * 6-0 * 205 * Cochran (Bleckley County)
Rushed for 2,094 yards on 273 carries and 19 touchdowns his senior year… earned a spot in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association All-Star game… Second Team All-Middle Georgia… ranked 95th by Scouts.com… played fullback in Bleckley County’s Wing-T offense… turned in a 297-yard and four touchdown performance against Savannah Christian, leading squad to the state quarterfinals… team posted the school’s first playoff win in 25 years… turned in a 255-yard outing against East Laurens his senior year… rushed for 1,094 yards his junior year… played for coach Sam Barrs.
Kenny Stanley * DL * 6-2 * 275 * Jeffersonville (Twiggs County)
Quentin Taylor * LB * 6-0 * 240 * Apopka, FL (Apopka/Mississippi)
Former member of the Ole Miss football program where he played for two years… played in seven games last year and eight his freshman season… made four career starts at linebacker and once last year at fullback… made 18 solo tackles and nine assisted… shared in a tackle for a loss… one quarterback hurry… career-high eight tackles against Memphis… helped the Rebel defense finish 14th in the nation in pass defense, 27th in total defense and 31st in scoring defense in 2005… previous was five in his rookie year against Tennessee… came out of high school as the 18th-ranked linebacker nationally… tallied 80 tackles in his senior year… enrolled in January and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Chris Teal * ATH * 5-7 * 180 * Cairo (Cairo)
Teal earned First Team All-Region and First Team All-Area honors last year… accounted for the third-most rushing yards in Region 1-AAA, 553 yards on 82 carries… eight touchdowns… accumulated 890 yards of total offense… returned a punt for a touchdown… nominated for Wendy’s High School Heisman Award… played quarterback, wide receiver, punt returner and defensive back… junior year recorded 18 catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns… returned a kickoff and punt for a touchdown that year… placed third in the state AAA long jump, clearing 22-3 feet… ran on the sixth place 1,600-meter relay… team finished third in state… played for coach Tom Fallaw.
Aaron Webb * LB * 6-1 * 205 * Roanoke, VA (William Fleming/Fork Union Military Academy)
Webb enrolled in January and will have four years of eligibility remaining… played football last year at Fork Union Military Academy as squad turned in 4-7 record under coach John Shuman… FUMA teammate Chase DeCarlo also signed with Eagle Football… Group AA Second Team All-State honors by the Virginia High School Coaches Association… selected on the West team in the VHSCA All-Star game.
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East Coweta’s Stricklin headed to Georgia Military
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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East Coweta defensive lineman, Jamel Stricklin signed with Georgia Military College. The 6-foot-1, 280-pound lineman was tied for sixth on the Indians with 29 solo tackles and had three tackles for loss.
Three Indians are still fielding offers: tight end Rod Marrs also has Georgia Military in his sights; Joseph Babb and Johnnie Blankinship, both offensive lineman, are looking at Shorter College.
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Towers teammates to UNC, Western Michigan
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Towers won five of its last six games to nearly make the playoffs in 2006, and the Titans continued their success with two Division I signees Wednesday.
Running back/linebacker DaNorris Searcy was a prized recruit for coach Butch Davis at North Carolina after rushing for close to 2,000 yards, and wide receiver/linebacker Dervon Wallace signed on with Western Michigan.
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Oops: Hebert tells LSU coach, ‘Sweet dreams, baby’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Greater Atlanta Christian center T-Bob Hebert, who made his commitment to LSU official on Wednesday, said he would receive as many as 20 text messages per day, before he committed to the Bayou Bengals in late October.
At times, it was a little overbearing for Hebert.
“Coaches love text messages,” Hebert said. “It was crazy. Actually, one time I texted my line coach, ‘Sweet dreams, baby,’ because I thought I was texting my girlfriend. I accidentally sent it to him.”
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Four Gainesville recruits sign letters
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Nick Claytor wasn’t the only Red Elephant to sign on the dotted line. While the 6-foot-7, 320-pound offensive tackle became a part of Georgia Tech’s 2007 class, three other Gainesville players signed with schools.
Brandon Cobb and Gavin Young, who both play running back and defensive back, signed with Johnson C. Smith. Also signing was 6-5, 290-pound offensive tackle C.J. Wood, who inked a deal with Marshall.
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Central Gwinnett star, Air Force a perfect fit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Central Gwinnett High quarterback Logan Hunt was looking for a future in the military — whether or not that future included football. So signing a national letter of intent with the U.S. Air Force Academy on Wednesday “fit like a glove,” his father Tim said.
Hunt’s teammate, lineman Kris Lawson, needed a little more coaxing. The reassurance he sought came from Charleton Warren, an Atlanta-born 1999 Air Force graduate who remains an active-duty captain while in his first year as secondary coach with the Falcons.
“He’s a really nice guy,” Lawson said of Warren. “He pretty much convinced me to go there. He talked to me and reassured me.”
Warren recruits Georgia for the academy and on Wednesday he mined a vein of talent from the area. Three other Gwinnett football players — South Gwinnett defensive end Sean Christy and the North Gwinnett duo of kicker Chad Gross and defensive end Jasper Williams — signed with Air Force, as did Henry County High’s Ron Windham and Andre Morris of Northgate High in Coweta County.
The pluses of a service academy are obvious: a top-notch education and the chance to play football in college for free. For recruiters, the difficult part of the selling job is the service commitment.
At Air Force, the minimum commitment is five years. Hunt might choose to become a pilot, which calls for an eight-year term after receiving flight training, which takes about a year and a half. That’s the path followed by 40-50 percent of graduates, an academy spokesman said.
“Maybe I might fly planes and that would be a 10-year commitment, but that just seems really exciting to me,” said Hunt.
The academy wants to make an outside linebacker out of him, so he’ll attend a year of prep school on the Colorado Springs campus and try to beef up from 185 pounds to 200.
Lawson said what attracted him was the chance for graduates to request the bases where they prefer to be stationed. He said Warren told him graduates almost always receive one of their three requested bases. An Air Force spokesman said graduates receive “a high percentage” of their requested bases.
So instead of considering Division III and I-AA schools, Lawson went for the big time.
“At first I was worried about it because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be in the military, but I prayed about it, I talked to a few people for guidance about it and I think I made the right decision,” Lawson said.
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Coach expects big things from Pope star at Navy
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As a former head coach at Buffalo State, Pope’s Bob Swank has an idea of what makes a good college football player, and he says he’ll be surprised if his top player at Pope, running back Andrew Joseph, doesn’t make an impact at Navy.
Joseph was healthy for only seven full games but rushed for almost 800 yards on a 3-7 team.
“He’s such a freak in the weight room, benches mid-300s, squats mid 500s, ran a 4.51 on an electronic clock at UGA, I thought with that profile, [more Division I schools] would give him a shot,” Swank said. “The Navy guys were all over him. Paul Johnson came to his house.”
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Fulmer ‘extremely excited’ about Vols class
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Tennessee signed some of the nation’s top football prospects on Wednesday, returning the Volunteers to a familiar position among the elite recruiters in the country.
Tennessee struggled some last year on signing day following a 5-6 season, the first losing record under coach Phillip Fulmer. But the Vols finished 9-4 in 2006 and were able to draw in some of the best talent from Tennessee and other states.
The Vols announced 32 newcomers — five freshmen who have already enrolled and 27 signees, making it the largest class of Fulmer’s tenure.
“We are extremely excited about this group of young men,” Fulmer said. “It took a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm by a lot of people. Our coaches, especially; lots of long days and nights and airplane rides and driving backroads and interstates and doing a great job of selling Tennessee football.”
Rivals.com ranked Tennessee’s class at No. 2 behind Florida and ahead of Southern California, and analyst JC Shurburtt hailed the group as a “resurgent class for Phil Fulmer and Co.”
“Tennessee is not a school that’s going to get all their signees from their state just because of the level of high school football talent, but going out there and beating the bush to find in-state talent and building that base and then going into other states like Maryland, like Louisiana, like Ohio and cherry-picking kids speaks volumes for the recruiting ability of the university and football program,” said Shurburtt, who is Rivals’ Southeast recruiting expert.
Max Emfinger, editor of National Blue Chips, ranked Tennessee fourth in his top five with Florida, Southern Cal, LSU and Texas.
“It’s the best class Tennessee has had in a while,” Emfinger said. “They used to always be in the top five but in the last few years they weren’t in the top five. This is a phenomenal group.”
Scout.com and SuperPrep ranked Tennessee’s class fourth, and CSTV had the Vols at second.
“It’s one of the best classes I’ve seen in 10 years,” said Tom Lemming, host of Generation Next on CSTV.
One of the highlights of the class is Eric Berry of Fairburn, Ga., who is listed as the nation’s top cornerback prospect and best recruit in Georgia by several recruiting services.
Berry is a Parade All-American with fellow signees defensive lineman Ben Martin of Cincinnati and linebacker Chris Donald of Huntingdon, the top prospect in Tennessee.
“It’s been a little while since Tennessee has signed the top kid from the state of Georgia. Because of (Georgia coach) Mark Richt’s success in that state, it’s certainly important to get a foothold back there,” Shurburtt said, adding offensive guard Jason Respert in the 2000 class was the last top prospect from Georgia to sign with Tennessee.
Berry’s father, James, was a running back for the Vols and a captain in 1981. The younger Berry is listed on the signing list only as an athlete after he played safety and quarterback in high school. Other highly touted recruits include running back Lennon Creer, one of the top prospects from Texas. His high school teammate, Darnius Moore, also signed with Tennessee.
Receiver Ahmad Paige of Louisiana announced Wednesday morning he chose Tennessee after visiting Southern Cal recently.
The Vols also got Gerald Jones, the Gatorade player of the year in Oklahoma who played quarterback and on defense. He is listed as an athlete by Tennessee but as a receiver or cornerback by recruiting services.
“Is it the best year ever? It’s one of them. I can say that,” Fulmer said. “But we need to get them to campus and let’s see what they really do.”
Five signees enrolled in January — receiver Todd Campbell, athlete Art Evans, defensive tackle Donald Langley and offensive linemen Darris Sawtelle and Cody Pope. Pope was among several 2006 signees who did not qualify academically last season.
Receiver Brent Vinson also didn’t qualify last year and re-signed with the Vols on Wednesday after attending Hargrave Military Academy.
Sawtelle is another player from a Tennessee family. His grandfather Darris McCord was a Vols tailback in the 1950s and played for the Detroit Lions. Receiver Kenny O’Neal, a junior college transfer of California, is the son of former New Orleans Saints tight end Kenny O’Neal Sr.
Tennessee, in need of defensive linemen after the loss of two senior starters, signed six on Wednesday.
With the loss of seniors Jayson Swain and Bret Smith and the early exit of junior Robert Meachem for the NFL, receivers were also a priority. Fulmer believes several of the players listed as athletes could help there and in the secondary.
Tennessee signed a much larger class this year. Of the 22 players signed last February, only 14 made it on the team.
Fulmer said as a whole the class is a “good academic group,” but “there are a couple which would show up in our numbers which we know have work to do to get themselves in good shape to be admitted.” The drop-off in last year’s class was big. Rivals.com rated Tennessee 23rd after being No. 3 in 2005.
“Now you put those two classes together (2005 and 2007) along with some guys from last year that are going to be OK, and I think the future is bright,” Fulmer said.
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VMI hits jackpot in Georgia, signing five
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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One of the biggest winners in the metro area for the recruiting sweepstakes has been Virginia Military Institute.
The Keydets will welcome five Georgia signees to what is the oldest state-supported military school in the nation. Sequoyah’s Tyler Reedy, Campbell’s Sam Palmer and Steven Hite, Peachtree Ridge’s Aaron Blue and Grayson’s James Boatright will play for the Southern Conference team in I-AA.
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Marietta’s Biggs, Osibodu put it in writing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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For the first time in coach Friday Richards’ 12 seasons as head coach at Marietta, the Blue Devils don’t have a Division I-A signee.
Demetrious Biggs, an all-Cobb pick as a defensive back, signed with I-AA Northeastern in Boston, and offensive lineman Michael Osibodu signed with Division II Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Richards says running back Nate Walker and linebacker Eric Shelton will attend North Atlanta Prep Academy in hopes of playing college ball by the 2008 season.
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Nesbitt: ‘I was a Tech guy all the way’
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Josh Nesbitt was there Wednesday, smiling, in a dark blue blazer with a gold shirt and a Georgia Tech tie — just as he said he’d be.
The Greene County High quarterback, one of the most highly regarded members of Tech’s 20-man recruiting class, was rumored by some in recent days to be “wavering” on his commitment to the Yellow Jackets.
Forget that. Nesbitt’s was one of the first letters of intent received this morning by Tech officials, and he showed up for the unofficial party at Buckhead’s ESPN Zone that afternoon saying, “I was a Tech guy all the way.”
That said, Nesbitt is one of the more private players in this recruiting class, and he won’t miss all the phone calls and fuss that come with recruiting these days. “I’m just happy for the day to be over with,” he said. “I’m happy to be a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket.”
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Claytor’s mom upset after getting stuck with big ESPN bill
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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When Nick Claytor’s mother began organizing a signing day party for her son and his future Georgia Tech teammates, Lisa Claytor took on a lot and knew it.
Hundreds and hundreds of phone calls and e-mails later, Wednesday’s party at Buckhead’s ESPN Zone was a smashing success. But it came with a hitch, possibly a big hitch. She may get stuck with a bigger bill than they anticipated.
Lisa Claytor and her fellow planner, Torina Walls — mother of Tech recruit Logan Walls — knew how many players and family members to expect ahead of time, and “I collected money at the door,” Mrs. Claytor said.
But several people who were not counted upon in advance wandered into the area where the Tech party was based and ate and drank as if they belonged.
“Now, [ESPN Zone officials] ultimately have my credit card,” Lisa Claytor said Wednesday afternoon after a sometimes heated discussion with restaurant officials. “These extra people that came in, they were alumni and we don’t know who they were.”
It was unclear what resolution would come about, but Mrs. Claytor and ESPN Zone management disagreed about whose responsibility it was to police the area and bar uninvited guests.
The party itself was a lot more fun that trying to tie up its loose ends.
“Before our official visit, a lot of the mothers already bonded, and we said what are we going to do for signing day?” Lisa Claytor said. “Then, after the official visit, we said, ‘Let’s actually do something.’ It just took off from there. I began calling and e-mailing and we came up with the [matching] ties and the hats [for the student-athletes].”
Anyone with information about uninvited patrons can send an e-mail to handsonmom7570@aol.com to contact Lisa Claytor.
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Tech’s plan for justifying ranking: Just win, baby
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The early results are in, and Georgia Tech is universally considered to have its best recruiting class in years, and many believe it to be the most talented in the ACC.
Now it’s time to address the results that matter most. What must this 20-man group do in the next few years to validate all the praise they’re receiving now?
“Win. There are a lot of standards, but our goal is to win an ACC championship, and a national championship,” said Gainesville tackle Nick Claytor. “If we do that, then people can’t deny the kind of class we have.”
Huntsville, Ala., linebacker Albert Rocker agreed when he said, “We definitely have to win games, and we’ll have an opportunity to show we’re better than the team that got to the ACC championship game and didn’t win.”
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Melton makes long-distance trip for Tech bash
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Tyler Melton wasn’t the only out-of-state player to show up for Georgia Tech’s unofficial signing day party, but he traveled the furthest.
The wide receiver arrived Tuesday night with his mother and father from Houston, where he’s been rehabilitating a surgically-repaired torn anterior cruciate ligament. Linebacker Albert Rocker made the trip from Alabama.
“I built it into my schedule, and it was not an issue at all,” Melton said. “It’s signing day, and you’ve got to come down and do it proper.”
All the fuss at Buckhead’s ESPN Zone did not faze Melton; he expected it. “Of course; nothing less,” he said. “This is pretty much my dream come true.”
Melton has graduated from high school and is taking classes as Cy-Fair Community College in Houston. He is strongly considering not enrolling full-time at Tech until next January, in which case he would be a “grayshirt,” and not count against Tech’s scholarship numbers until 2008.
“That decision is still out,” he said. “We’re taking it day by day.”
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Three QBs highlight O’Leary’s UCF class
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Three decades after coaching Mike Tice in high school, George O’Leary is going to get an opportunity to mentor the former Minnesota Vikings coach’s son at Central Florida.
Nate Tice was one of three quarterbacks who signed national letters of intent to play with the Knights on Wednesday. O’Leary coached his father when he was at Central Islip (N.Y.) High School in the mid-1970’s.
“The ideal number for quarterbacks is five and that is what we will have on scholarship next fall,” O’Leary said after announcing a class of 29 recruits that also included quarterbacks Joe Weatherford and junior college transfer Michael Greco.
Weatherford, whose brother Drew is the quarterback at Florida State, threw for 2,141 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior at Land O’ Lakes High School. Louisville, Duke, Colorado State, Bowling Green, Toledo and Western Michigan were among the other schools expressing interest.
“Joe Weatherford was a guy we had our eye on from the get-go. … And Nate (Tice) is a quarterback that I think if he ends up like his old man will end up at tight end,” O’Leary said. “I do think he is a big kid that we will get a lot of use out of. We are happy with our quarterback situation.”
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Tice, whose father is now an assistant coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars, completed 64 percent of his passes for over 1,300 yards and 10 TDs as a senior at Edina (Minn.) High School. Minnesota, Maryland and Oklahoma State also expressed an interest in him.
O’Leary also signed running back Muhammed De’Reese, two tight ends, four receivers, two offensive linemen, three linebackers, four defensive linemen and six defensive backs and a kicker. The Knights listed three recruits as “athletes,” including Darnell Williams, of Winter Park.
“I list him as an athlete, but if you ask Darnell what he wants to play, he will say wide receiver. He is talented enough to play a lot of positions,” O’Leary said. “Again, he will probably start off at that position, but I will leave judgment for the spring and see where our needs are.”
The coach’s top priority was to increase the team’s athleticism. With help from the new stadium the Knights are building, he felt that was accomplished.
“It was obvious that when the athletes came on campus and saw the facilities as far as what is happening at UCF, it was a great attraction. … I think the key with all of this is getting athletes on campus,” O’Leary said. “I think that was something lacking in the past. I think with the addition of the stadium being completed this fall, things are on their way to being very positive in this program.”
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South Cobb’s Wood ‘a steal’ for Kent State
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South Cobb linebacker Dorian Wood, the Cobb defensive player of the year, signed today with Kent State after visiting the Ohio school last weekend. He waited to make his decision until late Sunday, when Michigan State confirmed it would not offer a scholarship, said Wood’s coach, Derek Cook.
“That’s a steal for Kent,” Cook added.
Wood, who is 6-2, 220 pounds, also was a first-team Class AAAAA all-state player with a 4.0 GPA. Teammate Charles Laster, a lineman, also signed with Kent State on Wednesday.
South Cobb’s other Division 1 signee was quarterback Austin Kelly, who will play wide receiver at Duke. Drew Sheldon, a 6-6, 270-pound guard, signed with Stillman College.
Cook says that Murray State is holding a scholarship for defensive back Cedric Wilson pending a qualiying test score.
A.J. Rosa, a wide receiver, should sign later this month. His choices are Carnegie Mellon and Colgate.
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Zook’s Illinois class earns high marks
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After doing the catering for Florida’s national championship season, Ron Zook brought out some tantalizing appetizers for Illinois’ famished football fans Wednesday when he announced his recruiting class.
“This freshman class may be the best around,” Zook said. “In three years we’ll know.”
That’s high praise. When Zook was Florida’s coach he recruited 20 of the 22 starters on the team that knocked off Ohio State in last month’s BCS championship game.
None of the recruiting gurus are suggesting the 21 recruits who have signed letters of intent to play for Zook at Illinois are going to be the second coming of that group of Gators. But their evaluations suggest significant improvement on the Illini’s 2-9 and 2-10 records in Zook’s first two seasons as their coach.
“It’ll take a little bit longer,” recruiting analyst Tom Lemming replied when asked if these recruits are up to Zook’s Florida standards. “They’re not quite up there yet.
“It’s an excellent start. It’s a deep, solid class. It probably rates about 13th in the country and second in the Big Ten, behind Michigan but ahead of Ohio State, Penn State and Iowa, which also are high nationally.”
“I don’t get into how people rank them,” Zook said. “It’s how they perform three, four years down the road.”
Zook was asked about suspicions that were raised by some about his success in recruiting such a highly-regarded class.
“I’ve been doing this since 1978 and … never has there been any accusations (by the NCAA) that there were any improprieties,” Zook said.
Two of the recruits — Arrelious Benn, a wide receiver from Dunbar High in Washington, D.C., and Montez Wilson, a defensive end from Simeon — received 5-star ratings from Rivals.com.
Wilson is ranked No. 2 nationally at his position and Benn, who caught 56 passes from 1,130 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, is ranked No. 11.
Miami, Florida State and Maryland also recruited Benn. Notre Dame, Ohio State, Southern California, Florida and Miami also wooed Wilson.
Five others Illini recruits got 4 stars: Josh Brent, a defensive tackle from Bloomington (Ill.) Central Catholic; Mark Jackson, a 6-foot-6-inch, 312-pound offensive lineman from Cincinnati’s Harmony Prep; D’Angelo McCray, a defensive tackle from Jacksonville; Anthony Morris, a defensive back from Thornton; and Craig Wilson, an offensive lineman from Hargrove Military Academy in Virginia.
“It’s a balanced class,” Zook said. “We had 34 official visits and within the next year we’ll wind up with 22 or 23 of them.”
The Illini took a hit during the weekend when Clint Brewster, a highly rated quarterback from Denver, decided to break his oral commitment and join his father, Tim Brewster, the new coach at Minnesota.
“It’s a tough loss because they lack depth at quarterback,” Lemming said. “Now, they’ve had to scramble for a potential guy.”
Zook said another player could be added to the recruiting class. When asked if it might be a quarterback, he answered: “There’s a very, very strong possibility.”
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Bobby Bowden: ‘We gained a lot more than we lost’
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With a new offensive coaching staff aboard, Florida State went for a new offensive line, too.
The Seminoles signed seven offensive line prospects Wednesday in hopes of shoring up their protection and resurrecting a running attack that has been almost dormant over the past several seasons.
Florida State, which finished 7-6 last year in coach Bobby Bowden’s worst season in 30 years, landed 19 prospects but did not sign a running back or quarterback.
“It would have been very, very nice to have gotten a tailback,” recruiting coordinator John Lilly said. “Obviously, up front we did a great job.”
The new offensive linemen included tackles Will Furlong of Deland, Antwane Greenlee of Columbus, Anthony Grosso from Matawan, N.J. and Jatavious Jackson from Belle Glade; guard Zach Hillery from Hargrave Military Academy (Va.), guard-center Rodney Hudson from Mobile, Ala., and center A.J. Ganguzza of Boca Raton.
They’ll be counted on to help open holes for junior tailback Antone Smith, the lone experienced runner who comes back, and also protect quarterbacks Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee.
Florida State also signed a pair of wide receivers and two specialists, Brandon Paul from Lincoln High School in Tallahassee and Bert Reed from Panama City Bay, who may be receivers and return specialists. Reed, a quarterback in high school, had verbally committed to Florida before signing with the Seminoles.
The receivers, Cameron Wade of nearby Cairo, and Markish Jones of Spartanburg, S.C., could see early action in a group where Greg Carr and De’Cody Fagg are the only two returning wideouts with double-digit catch totals last season.
Bobby Bowden edged his son, Clemson coach Tommy Bowden, for Jones.
“We finally got him to commit to us,” Bobby Bowden said.
On defense, the Seminoles signed four linebackers, a pair of cornerbacks and one defensive end. Plus, Paul could be a cornerback prospect, defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews said.
Bowden said rebuilding his coaching staff was his priority and conceded that they were unable to spend as much time on recruiting with his staff in transition.
“This was the first time that we’ve really had to restructure our whole staff,” Bowden said. “You would have to say we went all out.”
Bowden’s son Jeff Bowden resigned as offensive coordinator under pressure in mid-November after the Seminoles were humiliated 30-0 at home by eventual Atlantic Coast Conference champion Wake Forest. Four other coaches were replaced later.
Bowden, however, was pleased with a recruiting class that wasn’t highly regarded nationally after years of top-ranked recruiting classes.
“We gained a lot more than we lost,” Bowden said.
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Caleb King relieved recruiting’s finally over
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It was 8 a.m. on Wednesday, and Caleb King, one of the most heavily recruited and scrutinized players in the nation, looked relieved. The Greater Atlanta Christian star had just signed his letter of intent to play for Georgia during a ceremony at the school. All the phone calls from coaches, reporters and recruiting analysts — as many as 20 a day — it was all over.
Well, almost.
In order for Georgia fans and coaches to receive the same sense of satisfaction, King will need to qualify academically. That’s something his brother is confident is a mere formality.
“Caleb is working hard. He’s going to be at Georgia next year,” said Andre King. “He’s good, real good. He will be at Georgia on June 2nd or 3rd.”
Caleb King retook the SAT on Jan. 27. According to the SAT’s Web site, CollegeBoard.com, results won’t be posted until Feb. 15 at the earliest. King declined comment on his academic situation.
Said GAC coach Jimmy Chupp: “It comes down to the SAT and grade-point average, and we’re still waiting on scores from the SAT.”
If Caleb doesn’t qualify, he likely would be forced to go the junior college route. That was something the King family was trying to avoid when they decided Caleb would transfer from Parkview to GAC in August.
“I know for a fact that the private school setting has really helped him out,” said Andre King. “He took three core classes his first semester and ended up with two As and a B. He did a great job. With all the criticism he took for transferring, as a family it was worth it. A lot people don’ t understand that kids go to high school to be a student first and an athlete second.
“It was the best move for Caleb in his situation. It might not be the best move for everyone else. We saw going into his senior year that the private school setting and the things that GAC was bringing to the table was great for him as a person and as a Christian. It wasn’t just about football for us; it was about where he’s at right now. He’s socializing and a part of the community.”
While Georgia fans anxiously await the SAT results, Caleb King said his surgically repaired leg has healed. He suffered a depressed fracture of his right tibia in an Oct. 13 game and missed the remainder of his senior season at GAC.
“It’s 100 percent,” said King, wearing a red-hooded Georgia sweatshirt. “I’m running and doing squats, and everything.”
He said he might run track this spring.
But on Wednesday, it was all smiles and plenty of autographs. Soon after signing his letter of intent, King was mobbed by young GAC students and Georgia fans. Some wanting pictures, others autographs.
Twelve-year-old Jake Neubert was among the enamored fans. “[Caleb’s] the most-cool person and a great role model,” said Neubert. “He’s going to be the best running back [at Georgia].”
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What they’re saying at Georgia Tech
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Overheard Wednesday from Georgia Tech’s coach and recruits:
Chan Gailey, on the closeness of this recruiting class: “That has been a unique situation. By far this is the tightest I’ve ever seen. I don’t know if other places have this happen or not, but it certainly seems like something that would be unique.”
Tyler Melton traveled all the way from Houston with his mother and father to be at ESPN Zone with future teammates: “Really, it’s family, family, family. Everyone around here is so close. We all talk outside of Georgia Tech in general. We can all relate to each other. The Georgia Tech coaches did a good job connecting us to each other.”
Josh Nesbitt: “I said that from day one. One of the reasons why I chose GT is the family vibe that everybody’s got going around. I felt like I was at home.”
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Clemson’s class: De-fense, de-fense …
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Was Clemson looking for defensive help? Indication No. 1: the Tigers signed six defensive ends, over a quarter of their entire class of 22.
Clemson did not ignore offensive needs. Quarterback Willy Korn (Lyman, S.C.) was a Parade All-American and offensive tackle Landon Walker (6-foot-6, 275) from Ronda, N.C., ranks in the top 15 nationally at his position.
If there was a disappointment, the Tigers whiffed on wide receiver Dwight Jones of Burlington, N.C., who passed on both Clemson and Tennessee to sign with North Carolina.
But on the defensive side, the Tigers signed talent up front, in the middle and the secondary. Defensive end Kourtnei Brown (6-5, 230), who had 33 sacks last season at Charlotte’s Christian High, had been undecided right up until his signing ceremony. He joins defensive tackle Jarvis Jennings (6-4, 308) from Central, S.C., as immediate help in the line.
Weakside linebacker Scotty Cooper (6-0, 206) from Lake City, S.C. was graded the top linebacker prospect in the state by Scout.com. The secondary was fortified by the signing of cornerback Marcus Gilchrist (High Point, N.C.), the No. 6 corner in the country, according to Rivals.com., and safety DeAndre McDaniel.
McDaniel (6-1, 190), who finished a postgraduate season at Hargrave Military, ranked called the top defensive back prospect in the country by Rivals.com.
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Overton becomes Walker’s first scholarship recruit
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Daryll Overton, a 6-foot-4, 250 lineman, became the first player in Walker’s six-year football history to sign a full football scholarship today. He signed with Alabama State.
Nick Schulz, a wide receiver, is taking an offer to become a preferred walk-on at Wake Forest, and running back Charlie Houston is considering opportunities at Furman and Harvard, according to coach Frank Cuda.
Walker has two alumni playing college football in Bynum Yeager at Furman and Joel Byars at Maryville College, but both came as walk-ons or academic scholars.
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Nine McNair recruits sign letters of intent
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McNair had a huge signing day as nine Mustangs signed football scholarship papers.
The biggest name of the bunch was Fonterrian Ingram, who signed on with Mississippi after earlier committing to North Carolina. Larry Harris, Deangelo Paschal, Taylor Martin and Justin King all signed with Tusculum; Isaiah Harden, Emmitt Wofford and Johnnie Russell signed with Concordia College; and Antione Andrews signed to play for West Virginia Tech.
Five more players are expected to sign from McNair in the coming weeks.
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Five questions with Cameron Heyward
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In signing with Ohio State on Wednesday, Peachtree Ridge’s Cameron Heyward capped an intense recruiting battle among some of the nation’s top programs. He spoke with staff writer John Hollis at the ESPN Zone in Buckhead about the experience:
Q: What were your first recollections of being recruited?
A: I’ve been getting letters since the ninth grade. The first one I got was from Auburn for basketball. I was still at [Class A] Whitefield Academy then, and I didn’t play football my freshman year. The next year, my head coach started telling me I had couple of schools looking at me for football. I was definitely like, ‘Yes, [the recruiting process] is going to be fun.’ I didn’t know I was going to be going through all this.
Q: You took an unofficial visit to Ohio State in November, taking in the Buckeyes’ showdown with rival Michigan. What was the moment you knew that would be the place for you?
A: Me and my mom had just had a great trip and [OSU co-defensive coordinator] Luke Fickell, he showed us a great time and I bonded with the other players real well. When we were coming back, my mom and I were at the airport and just talking. We were buying stuff from a souvenir store and we were just like, ‘You might want to go here.’ ”
Q: It seemed like great food was a common denominator in each of your official visits to college campuses. Who had the best spread?
A: LSU had it best. They gave us steaks, wings, ribs. We also had jambalaya, fish and shrimp. I was just so fat after that.
Q: What did you enjoy most about recruiting?
A: Meeting all the different kinds of coaches and seeing how they are. There are definitely some great guys out there and it was an honor to meet them.
Q: What was your least favorite aspect of it all?
A: All the calls that are allowed. It ran up our phone bill. I finally couldn’t handle it anymore [and turned off his cell phone in January]. I was sick and just wanted to be a kid.
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Wheeler DE likes William & Mary
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Defensive end Charles Bay, the top recruit from Region 6-AAAAA champion Wheeler, will visit William & Mary on Friday and sign next week, says his coach, Paul Lombardo. Bay also has offers from Elon and Dartmouth. Bay was a first-team all-Cobb player in 2006.
His teammates Chris Nesbitt and Sammy Siasia, both linebackers, signed Wednesday with Dean Junior College.
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Two Newnan stars sign; Darrah still undecided
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Newnan running back Quarmorris Dixon, who ran for nearly 1,200 yards as a senior, signed with Tuskegee University.
Defensive lineman Prentice Hollins inked a deal with Fort Valley State.
Meanwhile, quarterback Thomas Darrah’s search continues. Georgia Southern is still the leader, but Central Michigan and Valdosta State are still in the running.
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Mobile’s Brandon Gibson puts a smile on Saban’s face
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Four-star receiver Brandon Gibson of Mobile made Nick Saban’s day a little better when chose the Crimson Tide over Auburn and South Carolina.
Gibson, a 6-foot-2, 195-pounder, had officially visited only those three schools. He caught 50 passes for 785 yards and eight touchdowns last year. He also returned a punt for a touchdown.
With Auburn and South Carolina more established right now, Saban has his work cut out for him. But when Gibson came back from his Jan. 19 visit, he told Scout.com that Saban had all the right answers and was a coach that was both humble and worthy of immediate respect.
Gibson was ranked as the 35th best receiver in the nation by Scout.com.
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Westlake’s Williams: ‘It’s a new day’ at South Carolina
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Westlake defensive end Charles Mustafaa, who signed with Kentucky, had the school’s “UK” logo cut in the back of his head. He said it took about 20 minutes for his barber in College Park to make the design.
The biggest fashion statement among the 10 senior signees at Westlake was made by Marvin Smith, who celebrated his 18th birthday today. The defensive end duplicated Savannah State colors with a royal blue suit and an orange shirt. He caught a lot of flak from his teammates about the suit.
Westlake cornerback Addison Williams, who signed with South Carolina, challenged his former teammates Cameron Newton (Florida) and Mustafaa (Kentucky) who signed with other SEC schools.
“All these Gators and Wildcats in here, it is a new day,” said Williams, who has already finished up his school work at Westlake.
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Tech recruits on Gailey: ‘That’s our dad now’
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Georgia Tech’s best recruiting class in years is a big hit with fans, judging by the enthusiastic turnout this afternoon at Buckhead’s ESPN Zone.
And the when two of the newest Yellow Jackets hit the ESPNU airways, they hit a home run. A group of 11 or so future players taped a big clowning around session, and that went on national TV to whoever receives EPSNU at about 2:17 p.m.
Minutes later, Gainesville offensive tackle Nick Claytor and Kell running back Jonathan Dwyer donned ear pieces and clip-on microphones and were interviewed by remote with a several-second time delay. With other members of the signing class, family members and fans standing behind the cameras, Claytor and Dwyer fielded questions through their ear pieces from a studio host.
Dwyer said departing wide receiver Calvin Johnson and safety Djay Jones were his hosts when he made his official visit to Tech, and that Johnson — who is expected to be one of the top players selected in the NFL’s April draft — “was very humble. He just does what he does.”
Both players spoke of a family feel as a big reason they chose Tech, and Claytor said players were very happy when coach Chan Gailey stayed at the school after interviewing with the NFL’s Steelers and Dolphins, because, “that’s our dad now.”
At the end of the interview, Claytor — who is easily the biggest ham in the Jackets’ 20-man recruiting class — gave a “shout-out” to a couple members of the group who are in town: defensive end Derrick Morgan and quarterback Steven Threet.
Because Morgan and Threet have already enrolled at Tech, NCAA rules prohibited them from attending Wednesday’s party just as coaches and current players were not allowed. Just before 2:30, Claytor said on the air, “Morgan, I’m going to eat a steak for you, buddy.”
The interview was on monitors in the ESPN Zone while on delay, and when it ended, a huge round of applause broke out.
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VMI lands five Peach State prospects
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One of the biggest winners in the metro area for the recruiting sweepstakes has been Virginia Military Institute.
The Keydets will welcome five Georgia signees to what is the oldest state-supported military school in the nation. Sequoyah’s Tyler Reedy, Campbell’s Sam Palmer and Steven Hite, Peachtree Ridge’s Aaron Blue and Grayson’s James Boatright will play for the Southern Conference team in I-AA.
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Broderick Green says yes to Southern Cal
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Super Souther 100 running back Broderick Green made for a long day at Penn State. Green, who just completed a 2,042-yard season at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Ark., had flirted with the Nittany Lions in the final weeks but then honored an early commitment to sign with Southern Cal.
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound bruiser was also on a short list at Ohio State.
Green is a dual threat, accounting for another 545 yards and four touchdowns in receptions.
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Marvin Austin becomes latest star to pick Tar Heels
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Washington, D.C. star Marvin Austin, regarded as the nation’s top defensive lineman, signed with North Carolina today as Butch Davis continued steamrolling competition for players who were undeclared.
Austin was the third top-notch prospect of the day to pick North Carolina, after offensive lineman Kevin Bryant and receiver Dwight Jones chose the Tar Heels.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder chose the Tar Heels over Southern Cal, Florida State and Tennessee — schools that North Carolina hardly ever won against in football recruiting.
But this is clearly a new era for Tar Heels football, with a proved coach who has a championship background.
Look for North Carolina to finish in the top 10 — if not higher — in the recruiting rankings.
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Duke’s class leads ACC in good bloodlines
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Trying to find the way out of the ACC’s cellar, Duke coach Ted Roof struck upon an old handicapping system for his class of 2007: bloodlines.
Among the 22 players Duke signed are four sons of NFL alumni. Running back Cameron Jones and defensive back Colin Jones are the twin sons of former New England Patriots player (and Duke alum) Cedric Jones.
Matt Pridemore, a defensive back at Buford, is the son of former Falcons defensive back Tom Pridemore. And tight end Garrett Utt (Lovett, Hargrave Military) is the son of 10-year NFL lineman (and former Georgia Tech captain) Ben Utt.
The Blue Devils got needed help in the offensive line. Center Bryan Morgan (6-3, 255), who played at Birmingham/Hoover before taking a post-graduate year at Mercersburg (Pa) Academy, and tackles Kyle Hill (6-6, 260, Boone/Orlando) and Chris Shannon (6-7, 305, Melrose, Mass.) were all ranked in the top 75 nationally at their positions by Scout.com.
Duke also signed five defensive backs, including respected cornerbacks Randez James (5-11, 175) from San Antonio, and Tony Jackson (5-10, 185) from Rochester, N.Y.
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Experts rave about Yellow Jackets’ haul
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What’s the most impressive part of Tech’s consensus top 20 class? We hit up a few recruiting gurus for their quick thoughts:
JC Shurburtt, Rivals.com: “The number of difference makers they brought in at each position.”
Scott Kennedy, Scout.com: “In the past, they’ve had maybe one or two guys in their class that they went head to head with traditional football factories on. This class is chock full of heavily recruited players.”
Jeremy Crabtree, Rivals.com: “Depth. The Yellow Jackets did a great job of landing high-quality kids at almost every position across the board.
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Analyst breaks down every SEC class
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Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell gives us a quick word on every SEC class:
Florida. Urban Meyer hit every positional need and has put together a class for the ages. DT Torrey Davis, DE Carlos Dunlap and S Major Wright will lead this defense for years.
Tennessee. A great rebound performance from Phillip Fulmer after last year’s struggles on the recruiting trail. CB Eric Berry and DE Ben Martin are key for the defense but ATH Brent Vinson could be the best.
LSU. Chad Jones and Terrance Toliver all in the last week. A great haul for Les Miles, who has proven he can recruit with the best.
South Carolina. Spurrier’s best class and perhaps the best class ever for the Gamecocks. WR Chris Culliver and QB Stephen Garcia highlight the offense and DEs Cliff Matthews and Travian Robertson will provide the pass rush for years.
Auburn. A very solid class from top to bottom led by RB Enrique Davis and OL Lee Ziemba on offense and Johnnie Lee Dixon on defense.
Georgia. Georgia hit their needs big-time, especially along the offensive line. Running back Caleb King will benefit from running behind this group of hogs.
Alabama. Nick Saban did a good job with little time and Alabama did well in state pulling away Rolando McClain, Kerry Murphy and Brandon Gibson.
Ole Miss. DE Chris Strong headlines a good group of players. If DT Jerrell Powe finally makes an impact he and fellow DT Ted Laurent will be a formidable duo in the middle.
Arkansas. The loss of Mustain and Malzahn hurt the Hawgs rep in state and led to an average class following an amazing year.
Mississippi State. A huge class highlighted by running back Robert Elliott and some other top offensive players from in state.
Kentucky. Very good in the trenches but not as athletic a class as last year.
Vanderbilt. A small class with some talent but not enough to compete in the SEC.
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Charlotte’s Brown picks Clemson over Alabama, UNC
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Four-star defensive end Kourtnei Brown, of Charlotte chose Clemson over Alabama and North Carolina this afternoon.
It was one of the few battles the Tar Heels were in today that they didn’t win.
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Hatcher likes ‘quality’ of first Georgia Southern class
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Ten recruiting days isn’t a lot.
New Georgia Southern coach Chris Hatcher knew that going in, but he wasn’t going to use that as an excuse.
As a result, the Eagles got 15, maybe 16, signeess Wednesday, including Greater Atlanta Christian quarterback Lee Chapple.
“I thought we had a good day,” Hatcher said. “I’m excited about the potential of the prospects. Time will tell. Ten days of recruiting for new school isn’t a lot but I’m really pleased with the quality.
“We had three guys who had committed here that we retained and then singed 12 or 13 other guys.”
Hatcher said the key to getting a good class was to simply go after the best player they could, and to not worry yet about specific needs.
“I don’t really have any clue as to what we have coming back,” Hatcher said. “I’ve watched a little film, but it’s been brief. I decided we’d sign the best players we could. If they were all wide receivers, so be it.”
Chapple had Hatcher particularly optimistic.
“We’re extremely excited about him,” Hatcher said. “We thought he was one of best, if not the best, in the state. We really got in there late with him, so that was a thrill.”
Chapple said he liked the fit at Georgia Southern.
“I went down there last weekend and saw film from the Valdosta State’s offense,” he said of Hatcher’s former school. “I think it’s an offense suited for a quarterback, and [Statesboro] is a small-college town. On Saturday nights, the whole town shuts down for football.”
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National Signing Day Central
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And you thought we were done with college football recruiting.
We’re never done here.
In the “latest news” section to the right, you’ll find a hundred or so headlines from yesterday’s big day, when 97 members of the Super Southern 100 signed, Georgia and Georgia Tech filled needs and our top 20 classes looked like this:
Florida
Southern Cal
LSU
Texas
Tennessee
Auburn
Michigan
South Carolina
Pittsburgh
Miami
Notre Dame
Oregon
Georgia Tech
Cal
North Carolina
Penn State
Georgia
Ohio State
Alabama
Clemson
We’ll have more day-after signing day coverage later this morning before we turn our attention to the players to watch at this time next year. Will A.J. Harmon stay in state? Will Georgia add to its six-man 2008 class soon? And how many of those 44 underclassmen who visited Tech last weekend will make a return visit?
Thanks, as always, for reading. Hope our signing day coverage satisfied everyone’s recruiting fix. And if you haven’t seen it yet, check out our nine-page post-signing day section in today’s AJC.
Drop me a line with suggestions on what you’d like to see on the blog from this point forward.
Ole Miss recruit headlines Southwest DeKalb class
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Southwest DeKalb put a cap on its third straight state playoff appearance with a stellar signing class this morning.
Scottie Williams was the biggest name, signing with Ole Miss. David Davis and Morris Council both signed on with Miami-Ohio and are expected to compete for spots at outside linebacker.
Quarterback Brandon Jones also signed with Mars Hill College.
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Tuberville ‘very excited’ about 29-man class
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Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville doesn’t put a lot into recruiting rankings. And who can blame him?
The Tigers rarely have a top-5 or even a top-10 recruiting class. Yet they have competed for SEC and even national titles with these players. In other words, the recruiting classes at Auburn often look a little better two and three years down the road.
“We’ll be ranked somewhere probably, but I’ve never gone by that,” Tuberville said. “I was on three national championship teams in Miami, and none of those were ever in top 10 recruiting. It’s all a guess.
“Our camps have been great for us, we get to know a lot about them, all around, athletically and what kind of person they are. If we have any kind of ranking after today, it’s because of our camps.”
Auburn inked 29 recruits Wednesday. At least four of those will end up in junior colleges or prep schools, keeping Auburn at no more than 25 enrollees.
“I’m very excited about this group, the character and attitude they will bring. It’s been a fun group to recruit, but a long process. They all come from the Southeast and,most wanted to play in SEC and for a team that’s won a lot of games. That’s the key to recruiting — winning games.”
Much like Georgia, Auburn went particularly hard after linemen. The Tigers signed at least five offensive linemen and five on the defensive line.
That group is highlighted by All-American Lee Ziemba, an Arkansas product who chose Auburn over the Razorbacks.
“Lee Ziemba, that was a tight battle,” Tuberville said. “ Hugh Nall did an excellent job of selling the program and Lee saw we had a need there and said it just felt like home.”
Perhaps there’s a reason for that. Ziemba’s parents both attended Auburn.
Auburn also added marquee running back Enrique Davis, a prospect who committed to Auburn very early in the process.
“This is Running Back U,” Tuberville said. “Enrique’s been a breath of fresh air in recruiting for us. He looked at the opportunities here, of what a running back does in our offense. He’ll be a special running back for us and will have chance to play next year. I like his attitude. He reminds me a lot of Ronnie Brown, big, but with the speed it takes.”
While there’s not a lot of mystery on signing day any more, there always is some. Auburn was in the running for a half a dozen or so prospects that hadn’t decided before Wednesday. The Tigers landed at least four of those, including linebacker Josh Bynes and defensive end Antoine Carter.
“Recruiting is different now than it has been over the years, in that we’ve known for a while that a lot of these guys be with our program,” Tuberville said. “Four guys signed with us today that we weren’t sure about. There are usually a few surprises and hopefully they are good surprises. They went our way today.”
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Southern Cal strikes again, lands McKnight
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Equally skilled at the running back and receiver positions, Louisiana Joe McKnight had drawn natural early comparisons to Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. Now, McKnght can make those comparisons at the proper venue.
The nation’s top-ranked running back according to Scout.com, McKnight signed with Southern Cal, turning his back on LSU and long-shot Ole Miss. A product of John Curtis Christian School in River Ridge, La., the 5-foot-11, 193-pound Super Southern 100 star was drawn not only by the Trojans’ offensive system but by USC communications school.
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Miami’s Van Dyke stays home, signs with Hurricanes
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Barely two months after declaring “I’m a Gator,” after his visit to Florida, Monsignor Pace cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke signed with his hometown University of Miami, according to canestime.com.
The swift 165-pounder had shifted his early allegiance to the Hurricanes, withdrawing an commitment when coach Larry Croker’s future at the school began to fade.
But after committing to Florida following an early December visit to Gainesville — two of the Gators’ top three corners are moving on — Van Dyke met with incoming Miami coach Randy Shannon, who had been recruiting him as a junior, and eventually reversed himself again.
Van Dyke has been timed at 4.32 in the 40.
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Gailey on ratings: ‘Who knows? It’s what happens at the end’
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Leave it to others to call this Georgia Tech’s best football signing class or the best one this year in the ACC. Yellow Jackets coach Chan Gailey made no such claim Wednesday afternoon.
“You don’t buy into it when you have a low-rated one, and you don’t buy into it when you have a high-rated one,” Gailey said. “You do what you think is right for your school and your situation. That’s the most important thing is to get the guys who fit you and the guys who are going to help you win a championship and get their degree and be successes in life.
“I don’t buy into those [ratings] It’s like a preseason poll. Who knows? It’s what happens at the end.”
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Kell’s Winton signs with Harper College
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Kell nose guard Brandon Winton said today he’s headed to Illinois’ Harper College to play college football.
“It’s a pretty interesting place,” he said. “I chose it because they make me feel at home other than being cold. I will be the only guy from Georgia.”
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A signing day to remember at Grady High
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As the Grady players signed their scholarships in the school’s theatre, a highlight tape of their season played in the background.
The Grey Knights had nine players sign scholarship papers, two of them with Division I-A schools. With 38 wins and a trip to the state semifinals in 2005, this was the winningest senior class in over 40 years at the midtown Atlanta school.
The signees included Dexter Barnett (UAB), Jabari Fletcher (Appalachian State), Anthony Johnson (Villanova), Simeon Kelley (Ball State), Rico Robinson (Alabama State), Xavier Shorthouse (Benedict), Whitton Ukah (Benedict), Devonealo Crawford (Benedict), Carson Phillips-Spotts (Colby College).
“We are going to definitely miss these guys,” Grady coach Ronnie Millen said. “That is a lot of stats and wins leaving. These kids played in 50 games during their career.”
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Quiet national signing day at Washington High
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For the first time in about eight years, Atlanta’s Washington High didn’t have at least one Division I signee.
“It is a little different, but this was a group that many didn’t think was going anywhere,” Washington coach Rodney Cofield said. “This coaching staff put in the work in calling and sending out tapes. It is all about the kids.”
Washington has four of its seven seniors off last year’s time signing scholarships: Brandon Moore and DeAndre Hollie signed with Albany State, while Ryant Sims and Darron Cato signed with North Carolina Central.
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Air Force a good fit for Henry Count’s Windham
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When it comes to selectioning a school, most recruits consider early playing time, academic fit and the prospects of someday playing in the NFL. Henry County safety/receiver Ron Windham considered all of those factors, and one more when he decided to sign with Air Force — he likes the mountain scenery in Colorado Springs.
“He’s an outdoors type, adventurous and curious type of kid,” said Henry County head coach Mike Rozier. “He didn’t grow up out there, but he said he likes the environment. I’ve never been out there either, but it looks beautiful.”
Rozier said Windham eventually would like to relocate to the area, after his college career is done.
“He wants to get into law and live out there one day,” Rozier said. “It takes a certain type of kid to be successful at Air Force and Ron fits that perfectly. He’s a smart, mature kid. He’ll do well.”
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Three Tri-Cities stars sign on with colleges
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Tri-Cities High will send three of its seniors to college football teams next season.
Leading the way is quarterback Giorgio Morgan, who signed with Kent State.
Defensive tackle Terrance Edge signed with Alabama-Birmingham and offensive tackle Jeremy Wilson signed with Stillman.
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Big catch for Vols: Ahmad Paige
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After a recruiting saga that literally roamed coast to coast, Louisiana wide receiver Ahmad Paige provided Tennessee’s biggest surprise of the day by signing with the Vols, according to Scout.com.
The 6-foor-2, 170-pound Super Southern 100 sprinter from Sterlington in north Louisiana, caught 86 passes for 2,071 yards and 29 touchdowns his last two seasons.
Originally committed to FSU, Paige withdrew his pledge after changes on coach Bobby Bowden’s staff. Thought last week to be split between UT and Florida, Paige eliminated the Gators and replaced them with USC after a trip to Los Angeles last weekend.
But his announcement had not quite been expected in Knoxville, which had been Paige first recruiting stop back in October.
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GAC’s Chapple can’t wait to get to Statesboro
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They came Wednesday in all manner of dress to Buckhead’s ESPN Zone, future college football players ranging in appearance from agent lookalike (who was that in the blue suit with orange shirt and tie?) to rolling whiteout (was there a kid under that white tent of a suit?) to guys in simple letter jackets.
Then, there was Lee Chapple, the Greater Atlanta Christian quarterback, who looked like, well, a Georgia Southern student.
Chapple, who signed a letter of intent to play for the Eagles and new coach Chris Hatcher, was wearing a GSU T-shirt, shorts, black socks and sneakers. If you didn’t know better, you’d think he just stepped out of class at Southern.
He sort of did.
“I went down there last weekend and saw film from the Valdosta State’s offense,” he said of Hatcher’s former school. “I think it’s an offense suited for a quarterback, and [Statesboro] is a small-college town. On Saturday nights, the whole town shuts down for football.”
Kind of like the ESPN Zone today.
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Kell’s Duran looking to get on field early for Spartans
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Kell running back Jonathan Dwyer was to be a teammate at Georgia Tech of Detroit cornerback Cedric Everson before Yellow Jackets coaches two weeks agoi pulled Everson’s scholarship offer because he failed to satisfy certain requirements for entry to Tech.
So it’s up to Dwyer’s Kell teammate, tight end David Duran, to team with Everson now.
Duran signed a letter of intent Wednesday to attend Michigan State, where Everson is expected to sign.
“I feel like I have an opportunity to possibly play early,” Duran said. “They’ve got some guys leaving, and there are two new tight ends coming in. [The staff of new head coach Mark D’Antonio] uses a tight end quite a bit.”
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Emotional signing day for Georgia-bound Neland Ball
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Today was not how Neland Ball had pictured it when he committed to the University of Georgia last summer.
Ball and his late best friend, John Keye, had always talked about national signing day with great anticipation. They were going to invite everybody they knew to the signing ceremony to enjoy the moment. This Friday, providing there wasn’t a basketball game, they decided months ago they were going to throw a party.
However, Keye, who intended to sign with Kentucky, was killed in a car accident on Jan. 20.
Ball kept strong and was all smiles as he was surrounded by friends and family in the school’s media center this morning, but he admitted his thoughts sometimes wandered back to his best friend since the seventh grade.
“It’s just odd not having [Keye] here, it’s just odd,” Ball said. “We were like brothers and we even called each other ‘brother.’ We talked all the time about playing against each other in the SEC. He was going to do this and I was going to do that … It’s not going to happen now.”
Ball and Keye were nearly inseparable while playing for Jackson’s football and basketball teams. On Tuesday night, the basketball team had Senior Night. Before the game against Ola, Keye’s mother showed up and was escorted by Ball and three other seniors to midcourt, where there was a moment of silence.
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Starr’s Mill standout signs with Fort Valley State
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Starr’s Mill defensive back Branden Lewis, who had offers fromEastern Kentucky and Austin Peay which fell through last week, signedwith Fort Valley State.
“I’m happy for that young man,” Starr’s Mill coach Mike Earwood said of Lewis. “He had gone right down to the wire [with Eastern Ketucky and Austin Peay] and he needed to go somewhere and play.”
Quarterback Robby Davis, Fayette/Coweta offensive player of the year, officially signed with Navy.
Wide receiver Dante Cheek signed with Grambling State.
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Super Southern 100 linebacker says yes to Auburn
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What difference does a campus visit make? Josh Bynes visited Auburn the weekend the Tigers defeated eventual national champion Florida. After visiting Louisville last month, UL coach Bobby Petrino bolted for the Atlanta Falcons.
Perhaps then it wasn’t surprising that Bynes, a 6-foot-2, 235 Super Southern 100 linebacker from Boyd Anderson High (Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.), settled on Auburn. He had also been strongly recruited by Iowa and South Carolina and although incoming UL coach Steve Kragthorpe visited Bynes’ home last month, the Broward County player of the year settled on Auburn in a morning announcement.
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Hebert, Heyward ham it up at ESPN Zone
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Rivals on and off the field, Gwinnett County high school football stars T-Bob Hebert and Cameron Heyward took a few shots at each other this morning.
Maybe it’s a family thing, or perhaps they’ll be hard-pressed to take shots at each other in college at LSU and Ohio State, respectively, so they were getting in final digs while they had a chance.
Heyward, the defensive lineman from Peachtree Ridge and son of the late former Saints and Falcons running back Craig Heyward, had already taken his turn at the microphone at the ESPN Zone, and moved to the other side of a viewing area.
Hebert, a center at Greater Atlanta Christian and the son of former Saints and Falcons quarterback Bobby Hebert, took his turn, saying “of course [his father’s Louisiana roots] factored into it, and I just loved the staff at LSU.”
Then, he moved to nearby table to sign, or pretend to sign, his letter of intent with the Tigers. Heyward said something from about 20 feet away. Hebert looked up and made fun of Heyward, and said, “What do you expect for someone going to Ohio State.”
Heyward wasn’t finished. “What do you got going on there in your coloring book?” he asked Hebert.
“I’m drawing a picture of you.”
Just to be certain, because sometimes in the world of recruiting it’s hard to be sure, these guys were kidding.
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Another Super Southern 100 signee for Tar Heels
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Moments after landing four-star receiver Dwight Jones, North Carolina received word that four-star offensive lineman Kevin Bryant, of Lauderdale Lake, Fla. signed with the Tar Heels.
The 6-foot-7, 375-pound Super Southern 100 star chose North Carolina over Ole Miss, though he had offers from Georgia, Southern Cal and Ohio State, among others.
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Richt on class: ‘I am thrilled to death’
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Mark Richt addressed the crowd at the Butts-Mehre Building at about 10:45 a.m. and also took a few questions from the 150 people.
“Everybody throughout the country knows what a special day it is,” Richt told the crowd. “You find out the new faces of your program.”
The crowd also found out a little earlier about a face that wouldn’t be a part of the program. Columbus Hardaway lineman Antwane Greenlee pulled a signing day switch and went with Florida State.
“I can only comment on the gentlemen who have come through to Georgia,” Richt said before anyone even asked about Greenlee.
As for losing some players at the end, Richt deflected the negative attention.
“I am thrilled to death,” he said. “People may ask: ‘Why are you thrilled to death?’ When I look at these names, I know the evaluation it took and the battles that we were in to get them.’’
That speech didn’t quell all the restlessness. One fan asked if about the dropoff in recruiting and if “some coaches were not carrying their weight.”
“If you get you work done up front, you don’t have to get as much done at the end,” Richt said.
“We don’t care as much about them stars. We think we know what we are looking for.”
Richt said Georgia has a different philosophy when it comes to which coach gets credit for recruiting certain players.
“Some people want to put the recruiting coaches’ name by a player in the media guide,” Richt said. “We don’t do that at Georgia. We all decide as a staff if we are going to take him. We are involved.
“To say so and so got this guy is a bunch of baloney.”
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Harrison’s motto: Wait till next year
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Harrison has sent 40 players to college football in just the last six seasons but had no signees today off a 6-4 team that missed the playoffs for the first time since 1993 last season.
Coach Bruce Cobleigh said it had been 10, perhaps 15, years since his team has been shut out on signing day, although he expects four players eventually to sign at small schools. They are linebacker Jermaine Murphy, defensive end Chris Hocking, lineman Drake Weatherbee and running back Craig Davis.
It’s almost assured that next season’s class will have a major signing. Quarterback Darvin Adams, a wide receiver prospect, already has offers from Auburn, Virginia Tech and Mississippi State, Cobleigh said.
Also being recruited are running backs Jamal Austin and Alphonso Griffin.
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Georgia wraps up class with Logan Gray’s letter
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Columbia, Mo., quarterback Logan Gray signed his letter of intent, becoming the final member of Georgia’s 2007 class.
The Bulldogs finished with 23 commitments, but not the 23 they expected to sign. There was an 11th-hour switch at offensive lineman, with Columbus’ Antwane Greenlee flipping to Florida State and Twiggs County’s Chris Little switching from Notre Dame to Georgia.
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Little going to FSU, then Notre Dame, now … Georgia
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Twiggs County offensive lineman Chris Little has signed with Georgia, softening the blow of the loss of Columbus Hardaway’s Antwane Greenlee.
Little, a four-star recruit and the No. 12 guard in the country according to Scout.com, had previously selected Florida State, then Notre Dame.
Little made the decision this morning, Twiggs County coach Dexter Copeland said.
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Super Southern 100 receiver signs with Tar Heels
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Butch Davis landed a big one at North Carolina today when four-star receiver Dwight Jones selected the Tar Heels over Clemson and Tennessee.
The 6-foot-4 Jones from Burlington, N.C., is the 16th best receiver in the country according to Scout.com, and is the type in-state skill player that has been leaving the state for schools like Georgia and Tennessee lately. Expect that migration to decrease under Davis.
Jones was named to the AJC’s Super Southern 100 team, among other honors.
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Calhoun kicker/punter to walk on at Tech
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Calhoun punter/kicker Scott Blair will walk on at Georgia Tech, his father said.
Blair will be a preferred walk-on at Tech, despite chances of earning a scholarship at others schools, including possibly Wake Forest, Jeff Blair said.
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Roddy Jones on playing early at Tech: ‘We’ll see’
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Roddy Jones will go through Georgia Tech’s “official-unofficial” letter-of-intent party this afternoon at the ESPN Zone, but he signed it this morning and then took his turn in the spotlight with former Chamblee High teammates.
Unlike many recruits from other schools who preceded him who were quick to suggest they will play quickly in college, DeKalb County’s all-time leading high school rushers was more humble.
“I don’t know, we’ll see,” he said during his turn at the ESPN Zone’s microphone. “I’m going to work hard and hopefully things will turn out for the best.”
Asked why he chose Tech, Jones said, “First of all location. Second, education. And the other recruits, we all feel like a family, and the coaches are great.”
Jones’ Chamblee teammates Ivan Sharpe, a defensive end, and Nicolai Schwartzkopf, a linebacker, will play at Savannah State and Harvard, respectively.
Chamblee coach Brent Miller said Schwartzkopf is not related to the more famous Norman of the same last name, “but that’s his nickname, ‘General,’ ” Miller said.
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South Forsyth star glad he answered cell in shower
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South Forsyth defensive end Elliot Campbell, who signed with Elon, learned two good lessons this weekend: Good things happen to those who wait, and always answer your cell phone in shower.
Campbell said as of late Saturday night, he wasn’t sure if he was going to sign today. Then he jumped in the shower and the phone rang. Campbell, who didn’t bother to turn off the water, quickly answered.
It was Elon, offering a full scholarship. Before Campbell left the shower stall, he committed, even though he never took an official visit to the North Carolina school. He did, however, make a trip to Elon’s campus last summer.
“Up until that phone call, I didn’t know what I was going to do,” Campbell said. “I had offers from VMI, Gardner-Webb and Western Carolina, but I was actually leaning a little bit to walking on at Central Florida.
“However, I wasn’t going to commit until I felt 100 percent about anything. I wasn’t in [a rush], which in unusual for me because I’m usually a very impatient person. I guess it’s true: ‘Good things come to those who wait.’ “
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound said he will make an official visit to Elon with his parents within the next few weeks.
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Chamblee’s Sharpe pulls switch, signs with Savannah St.
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Anyone who showed up at Buckhead’s ESPN Zone expecting Chamblee High defensive end Ivan Sharpe to announce that he was going to Wingate was surprised Wednesday.
He changed his mind.
“I went to Savannah State last week on my visit and was really impressed with the coaching staff and what they’re trying to do,” Sharpe said. “I just felt really comfortable with the player and coaches.”
Sharpe otherwise seems clear in his decision making. He said he hopes to major in marketing, and will probably have a minor in political science.
Chamblee coach Dennis Miller said the 6-foot, 240-pound Sharpe, “is one the strongest kids on our team; he’ll bench press about 420 pounds.”
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AJC player of the year Berry signs with Volunteers
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Before a packed school auditorium Eric Berry made it official when he signed with Tennessee.
Just 29 years ago, his father, James, who was sitting at his left side, signed with the Volunteers after a standout high school career in Mississippi.
“Our ceremony wasn’t as big as this,” the elder Berry said. “This is a real special moment.”
Eric Berry was dressed in a black suit with a black shirt and an orange tie. He wore a black Tennessee cap. Would he have worn an orange suit, ala Vols basketball coach Bruce Pearl?
“Nope,” Berry grinned. “Well, maybe if it was the right shade of orange.”
“All these guys are dressed like preachers today, so we might get a sermon,”Creekside coach Kevin Whitley joked about his seven seniors that signed college scholarships.
The others included Kevin Watkins (Alabama-Birmingham); Kemary Funderburk (Elon); Chad Parham (Northeastern); Jason Stanley (Valdosta State); Hannibul Ruiz (Tusculum) and Danny Evans (Morgan State).
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Three Etowah recruits sign on with colleges
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After earning a surprising 7-3 record and region title under new coach Bill Stewart in 2006, Etowah cashed in with three signings this morning.
Buster Skrine signed with Tennessee-Chattanooga, Tyler Hodgson with Mars Hill College and Allen Singleton with Tuskegee.
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Tech fans on hand to celebrate top 20 class
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Fans packed a meeting room at Georgia Tech’s Edge Center this morning to watch the Yellow Jackets put together their highly anticipated signing class.
“It was huge today. The room was full. It’s always been half-full before,” said Steve Griggs of Fayetteville, a football manager from the class of 1973.
Tech pepped up its presentation this year by showing fans film of the players it signed. “There’s no super, super, super star like a Calvin [Johnson],” Griggs said, “but there’s a lot more just under that.”
Griggs was accompanied by his wife, Debra, who got Carla and Jimmy James of Winston to join them. “I didn’t want to be the only girl,” said Debra, who wore a Buzz pin. Carla James brought her Buzz purse
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Woolfolk ‘can’t believe how everything worked out’
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Holy Innocents running back/defensive back Ryan Woolfolk, who signed with William & Mary, is one of the state’s most improbable prospects. Even Woolfolk admits he is still shocked by the turn of events that landed him a football scholarship.
“I don’t know what else to say, except I got really, really lucky,” Woolfolk said. “I still can’t believe how everything worked out like it did.”
Holy Innocents played its first season of varsity football this past fall, and some thought it would be years before one of the team’s players would even get noticed by colleges. Woolfolk was so concerned about his football future that he nearly left Holy Innocents three years ago to play for a higher-profile program.
He stayed because of friends, the school’s strong academics, and wanting to part of the inaugural football team.
“With my academics, I had other options, so it wasn’t a do-or-die situation,” Woolfolk said. “But I did want to play after high school, if at all possible.”
When Woolfolk began his senior season, he accepted the reality that he was unlikely to get scouted by many colleges. To make matters worse, Woolfolk suffered a season-ending leg injury in the fourth game.
Woolfolk never gave up on his fledgling dream of playing college football, and mailed out highlight tapes from those four games and a scrimmage. It wasn’t much, but he thought someone might like it.
Holy Innocents assistant baseball coaches, D.C. Aiken, was a graduate of William & Mary and called his alma mater’s football coaches to lobby for Woolfolk.
This past weekend, the prospect that was virtually unknown went on an official visit to William & Mary and was surprised with a scholarship offer. Woolfolk was recognized in front of Holy Innocents’ entire student body on Tuesday as the first student to earn a football scholarship.
“Maybe it will all sink in soon, but it hasn’t yet,” Woolfolk said.
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Three Banneker teammates make it official
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Three Banneker High players will spread out while continuing their college careers.
Safety Nicholas Hunter on Wednesday signed with Western Michigan, linebacker Cordero Ivory with Albany State, and center Jerry Felton with Georgia Military College.
Western went bowling last season. Although the Broncos lost the International Bowl to Cincinnati, the Mid American Conference school won at Virginia and played tough at Florida State, losing 28-20.
“I think it’s the best fit for me, and I’ll have a good chance to start as a freshman,” Hunter said.
Ivory said he hopes to major in psychology at Albany State, and Felton is considering sports medicine as a major at Georgia Military.
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