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DEL.ICIO.USTech courts Chamblee’s Uzzi; Update on Banneker’s Simmons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/21/07 11:54 PM
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Georgia Tech is recruiting Chamblee High lineman Omoregie Uzzi, but he hasn’t faced the Yellow Jackets’ super hard sales pitch yet.
For now, Tech coaches are biding their time, and their wildcard is laying low.
Incoming freshman running back Roddy Jones was a teammate of Uzzi’s at Chamblee High. He’s playing a patient game with his friend - so far.
“He’s telling me to just relax, and try to take visits, try to get as much information as I can,” Uzzi said.
Several southeastern schools are in the chase for Uzzi, who said Thursday he is 6-feet-5, 305 pounds. Georgia, Auburn, Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia and Alabama are among the interested.
He’s been to Athens a few times, visited Tech a few weeks ago, and said, “I’m probably going to go again, too, and I may be going to Alabama soon but I’m not sure.”
Although he would rather play defensive line in college, “everybody is telling me I may play guard. I’ve never played offensive guard. This coming season will be my first on the offensive line.”
Uzzi said Tech has recruited him chiefly as a defensive lineman, but he thinks he might end up on the side of the ball where there is a greater need in college. All of his campus visits so far have, of course, been unofficial.
Don’t look for this process to drag into autumn.
“I’m not sure if I’m going to take any official visits next fall because I might make my decision by the end of summer,” he said. “Georgia Tech isn’t very far away and Roddy is going there, but I have a few family friends that go to UGA and I like the program there.”
Banneker’s Simmons looking to move past arrest
Banneker coach Benny Crane believes his star safety, Darrell Simmons, will be acquitted of charges related to a burglary in Forest Park late last month.
“Everything is going to be fine,” Crane said. “He kind of got caught up in a car afterwards. He had no involvement with that.
“I’m hoping he will be exonerated soon and the truth will come out,” Crane said.
With scholarship offers from powers such as Florida, Michigan, Alabama, Auburn, Miami, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee and Ohio State, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Simmons is one of the most sought after defensive backs in the country.
To Crane’s knowledge, each offer remains intact.
“No one has called to say ‘we’re withdrawing the offer,” Crane said.
Colleges are, however, eager to learn Simmons’ fate in court.
“They want to know as soon as possible,” said Crane, who is unaware of Simmons’ court date. “This thing is so fragile. He may be in trouble to a certain degree as far as having to go and earn back the trust from them.
“But we’re doing what we’re supposed to do on this end. He’s handling his business.”
Simmons is currently attending summer school, in hopes of graduating in December.
Once the burglary issue is resolved, Crane is confident a Division I program will land a stellar player.
“He is such an explosive athlete,” Crane said. “He stared at both quarterback and safety for us last year. He’s incredibly gifted.
“When you turn on the film and see this kid, the footage speaks for itself.”
UNC the latest offer for Jarboe
North Carolina is the latest school to offer Cedar Grove wide receiver Josh Jarboe.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound said he’s looking forward to attending camp at LSU next month.
“Right now, I’ve got twenty-something offers,” Jarboe said. “I don’t have any front-runners. I like everybody.”
Don’t expect Jarboe, whose offers are from programs such as Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida, LSU, Miami, Ohio State and Tennessee, to commit in the near future.
“It’ll be later on,” he said.
Wells preps for visits
Fresh off a visit to Florida, Gainesville defensive end Keith Wells is packing his bags in anticipation of one-day camps at Notre Dame and Ohio State this weekend.
Two years ago, Wells was playing basketball in Cornelia for Habersham Central. Following a transfer to Gainesville at the start of his junior season, he is suddenly rated as one of the nation’s top defensive end prospects.
“Keith had played basketball all of his life and I think suddenly his desire has changed,” Gainesville coach Bruce Miller said.
The 6-foot-5, 207-pound Wells, who played both football and basketball at Gainesville last season, is suddenly on everyone’s radar.
Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Ohio State and Tennessee headline his list of offers.
Following additional development, Miller is confident Wells will evolve into a special player on the college level.
“I think they’re getting a project,” he said. “He only started six games for us last year. He looks the part and runs extremely well for his size. I think his best football is ahead of him.”
Fowlkes’ stock continues to rise
Banneker defensive end Steven Fowlkes enjoyed the atmosphere at Clemson during a visit last weekend.
Meanwhile, a planned trip to Ohio State this weekend has been postponed.
Fowlkes currently holds offers from Clemson, North Carolina, Louisville, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Purdue, Indiana, South Carolina and Alabama.
Banneker coach Benny Crane thinks the Tigers and Tar Heels have a slight advantage over the competition.
“He’s pretty much wide open,” Crane said. “But he’s high on Clemson and he likes North Carolina.”
Crane said Fowlkes his trying to convince college coaches that his 6-foot-6, 215-pound frame should be utilized at wide receiver.
“What he’s trying to do is get into a position to earn someone’s confidence as a receiver,” Crane said. “Everybody likes his size and athleticism at defensive end, which is where he did well for us last season despite missing four or five games due to injury.
“I think he would like to play receiver, but the defensive end position came so natural to him.”
Crane said he’s aware of at least one prerequisite for the program that signs Fowlkes.
“He wants to play for a team that has the best chance to play for a conference title,” Crane said.
Three offers for Bohannon
Willie Bohannon, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end for Mattie T. Blount (Ala.), has offers from Alabama, Kentucky and Lafayette, La.
He will participate in a one-day camp in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.
Bohannon is well aware of new Alabama coach Nick Saban’s reputation of maintaining an upbeat tempo during camps.
“It really won’t be any different for me because we already practice like that [at Mattie T. Blount],” Bohannon said.
Bohannon, who is leaning toward the Crimson Tide, said he gained interested in Alabama following Saban’s hiring earlier this year.
“I really didn’t have any interest in Alabama until Saban came onboard,” Bohannon said. “I just like my chances and the possibility of going to the NFL playing under him.
“It’s the school, coach Saban and the defense he runs.”
Norcross’ Butler down to 10
Georgia has made the first cut of the nation-wide recruiting battle for Norcross star wide receiver Brice Butler, who narrowed his list of college choices to 10 Thursday.
Butler said he’ll decide between Southern Cal, Florida State, Notre Dame, LSU, Arizona State, Florida, Penn State, Oregon, Oregon State and Georgia.
“I wanted to cut down my list because I’m planning on committing in July,” Butler, who has more than 40 scholarship offers, told the blog. “I want to get it over with so I can focus on the season and winning a state championship.”
He receives approximately 15 letters from colleges and more than 20 text messages each day.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pound son of former Falcons defensive back Bobby Butler has visited each of the schools on his list, except Oregon and Oregon State.
He plans to visit the Ducks and Beavers later this month, before ending his search.
Before this spring, Brice Butler had never traveled further west than Louisiana. Now, he seems to have become quite fond of West Coast’s climate.
“The climate out there is crazy,” said Butler of his visit to USC. “There’s no humidity. When it’s 90 degrees here, it’s kind of sweltering. There, it’s nice.”
USC’s Pete Carroll, Florida’s Urban Meyer and Alabama’s Nick Saban were among the numerous coaches that visited Norcross’ spring practice to check out Butler.
Saban’s Crimson Tide did not make the list.
When asked if USC was the favorite to land Butler, Norcross coach Keith Maloof said, “I try to stay out of it, so I don’t have to lie to anyone.”
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Fergie
June 22, 2007 6:26 AM | Link to this
Omeregie please don’t go to UGA with all the other superstar athletes. Come to Georgia Tech and participate in our Superstar Tickle Piles. If you have that “special need” that most Tech students and alumni have you will find the Tickle Piles intense!!!!:)
By TDone
June 22, 2007 6:28 AM | Link to this
Since Mr. Simmons has been arrested and thus under investigation, I believe he is a perfect match for UGA.
By Brad Peltzer
June 22, 2007 6:49 AM | Link to this
As a UGA alum, I’ll endure any insults that come my way, just don’t accuse me of participating in a Tickle Pile. That I couldn’t take.
By DawgDumbace
June 22, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
Oh please come to UGA, where drinking and getting into trouble is not an option. Also get to participate in some book burnings and we will do some burglary on the side because thats how we roll. WOW what a sales pitch. Yea we have ” Superstar Atheles” let me tell ya, just ask Quincy Carter.
By Ben
June 22, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I think UGA and Tech both have “Tickle Piles”, i’m basing this on the fumble that lead to the UGA TD in last years game, what were those 2 teams doing there?
By Tim Jacobs
June 22, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
You can insult a UGA grad in any way but to be a student at Tech where AIDS is an issue and Tickle Piles commonplace is the ultimate insult. Something you carry with you forever.
By Wince Drooley
June 22, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Omoregie, please don’t go to Ga Tech with all those classy kids who study all the time and stay out of trouble. Come on over to Athens where if you get arrested and go to jail, it’s just a part of everyday life. We’ve had literally dozens over the last couple of years. If you beat your girlfriend, drive drunk, smoke a little doobie, it’s all good. And as for classes, you can participate in our special “How Many Points for a Field Goal” seminar being taught by some assistant coaches. All you need is a pulse, and you can get a diploma. A little rape, maybe want a little money on the side, no problem, we’ll sweep it under the rug like we did with our basketball team. And last but not least, we have special activities in the locker room. You know, those “bonding” experiences that teammates need. We keep it nice and quiet, so don’t worry, no one will find out. Look forward to seeing you at UGA, champ!
By Quizzle Carter
June 22, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
as for tim jacobs’ post— i’ll take being a GT grad over uga any day. the best thing an ignorant redneck like you can come up with is some silly crap about aids? get back on that garbage truck and finish your job. cause my grass needs mowing later on, so hurry up.
By austindog
June 22, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Sorry GT, but if Georgia, Auburn, Clemson, and Alabama have also offered Uzzi, he’s not picking Tech.
By Chad
June 22, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
While a degree from Tech is coveted outside of Georgia it is a distinct disadvantage in Georgia. People will always look at you with skepticism because of the widely held belief that Tech folks are a little light in the loafers.
By GTforyouandme
June 22, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
Hey recruits, we know you’re only 18, but don’t you wish you were 42? Forget parties and girls and reckless abandon, come to Georgia Tech and you’ll fill your days with prudence, moderation, and passive observation. Our professors are ready to give you the recognition and reassurance you crave. It’s never too early to think about a safe retirement, and we’ll teach you the patented GT low risk lifestyle to get you there. Rememeber out motto, “We’ll pass on passion.” Hope to see you in September! (no colorful clothing, please)
By GTGreg
June 22, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
Hmmm… I guess by “light in the loafers” you mean “intelligent and well rounded.” Oh wait, that’s right, If I were trying to get a job at Pop Dawg’s sales and marketing firm, or if I had a yearning to work in an accounting office in Macon, then I might be at a distinct disadvantage. Tell me Chad, have you ever had someone smirk after you tell them where you went to school? While I haven’t, I have UGA friends that have. Do I think that it’s appropriate to judge someone because they went to the #3 party school? No. Do I make fun of the student body, alumni, and fans for trying to kick out the president who is trying to make UGA into a UNC or UVA? Absolutely. UGA is a good (stress “Good”) school and I know a many productive, active people that went there. That said, your assertion that a Tech degree carries with it the baggage of the chip on your shoulder is complete garbage and you know it.
By GTforyouandme
June 22, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Are you afraid of what other people think? Are the opinions of strangers consequencial to your self esteem? Come to Georgia Tech and feel comfortable in your own skin for the first time.
By Cali
June 22, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Butler from Norcross should go to USC, they smack SEC teams whenever they are on the schedule, the SEC runner up last season, 50-14! Auburn got it for 2 years in a row, especially the year when they were hyped as No. 1 or 2, something ridiculous like that. An offer from USC is a honor, since they get the top talent from anywhere is the country. How can Athens, GA compete with LA?? Are you serious if you like a country college town then cool, but LA, beaches, Hollywood, and the national spotlight! All but one of the games televised, and 7 games on National TV. Pac 10 maybe weak, but non-conference games are strong each year, you never see USC play a I-AA school!! Is UGA football relevent outside the south??
By austindog
June 22, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
I live in Texas and Georgia is on national television plenty, without having to resort to lame Thursday night games. Los Angeles over Athens? What about Atlanta? That a pretty flash city and it doesn’t help GT much. I guess a school in Ann Arbor or Norman or Columbus or Athens don’t have a chance against USC, presuming your college history knowledge goes back no further than 4 years.
And yes Cali, HOOK ‘EM!
By SEC is Football
June 22, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
Cali…I am not a UGA fan but it seems obvious you have never been to a southern college town like Athens, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Ole Miss, etc. The SEC games are on TV just as much as any other conference and being in the Eastern or Central time zone, they are on at more reasonable hours than late at night which gives then plenty of national exposure. Butler may very well end up at USC but the Southern schools will get plenty of talented kids. USC has offered several kids from Alabama. I am pretty confident in saying, they will not be going out west!
By marty
June 22, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Remember when Miami was unbeatable and the destination school for any HS football player? Loaded for years to come? That’s USC now. USC did not win because they produced 2 Heisman winners, they won BECAUSE they had 2 Heisman winners. Those days are over and now they lose to UCLA.
By semperfi
June 22, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
I thought that there were not suppose to be any pics of the ‘wrecked’ Ramblin Wreck?
http://www.13wmaz.com/news/local_story.aspx?storyid=40217
The local news in Macon has them online!!!!!
By IQ
June 23, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this
AIDS is a worlwide issue Tim Jacobs! Your stupid coomments (on a recruiting blog that is…)make the UGA community really proud.
By Jon Koncak's rich wife
June 23, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
GEORGIA TECH FANS HAVE BEEN GETTING WORN OUT ON THESE BOARDS LATELY.
This whole turn of events involving tickle piles is too much; it’s left Tech fans handicapped on these board. How can you defend a tickle pile? YOU CAN’T! It’s fruity and nerdy and reinforces Georgia Tech stereotypes.
The best response they can muster is something about mowing lawns and half-hearted redneck jokes.
I plan on capitalizing monetarily on this whole tickle pile issue with some bootlegged T-shirts on game day this November. I promise they’ll be a hot item.
Ben,
That was a really good line about the fumble in last year’s game and it didn’t get noticed. Apparently, Tony Taylor utilized the tickle pile technique for the Dawgs’ first touchdown.
By Jon Koncak's rich wife
June 23, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
GEORGIA TECH FANS HAVE BEEN GETTING WORN OUT ON THESE BOARDS LATELY.
This whole turn of events involving tickle piles is too much; it’s left Tech fans handicapped on these board. How can you defend a tickle pile? YOU CAN’T! It’s fruity and nerdy and reinforces Georgia Tech stereotypes.
The best response they can muster is something about mowing lawns and half-hearted redneck jokes.
I plan on capitalizing monetarily on this whole tickle pile issue with some bootlegged T-shirts on game day this November. I promise they’ll be a hot item.
Ben,
That was a really good line about the fumble in last year’s game and it didn’t get noticed. Apparently, Tony Taylor utilized the tickle pile technique for the Dawgs’ first touchdown.
By Chris
June 24, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
I thought this was a recruiting blog, not a my school is better than yours blog.
By Old Grad
June 24, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Hey Cali - I lived in SoCal for 12 years and I always wondered how USC recruited to that campus. It is in the worst part of LA - IngleWatts. Do they blindfold them on the way to the campus and then again when they leave?
By Elijah
June 24, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
I’ll be a tech fan til I die. Remember, UGA fans- you reap what you sew, and pride comes before the fall.(don’t think about these statements to hard or you might pass out) All these last few years yall rubbed it in on us. Well, your best player is gone.(Reggie Ball) Now we have us another Godsey and you want be winning again anytime soon. The reason your offense looked so good this spring was because your defense was so bad.
By Elijah
June 24, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
I’ll be a tech fan til I die. Remember, UGA fans- you reap what you sew, and pride comes before the fall.(don’t think about these statements to hard or you might pass out) All these last few years yall rubbed it in on us. Well, your best player is gone.(Reggie Ball) Now we have us another Godsey and you want be winning again anytime soon. The reason your offense looked so good this spring was because your defense was so bad.
By Elijah
June 24, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
I’ll be a tech fan til I die. Remember, UGA fans- you reap what you sew, and pride comes before the fall.(don’t think about these statements to hard or you might pass out) All these last few years yall rubbed it in on us. Well, your best player is gone.(Reggie Ball) Now we have us another Godsey and you want be winning again anytime soon. The reason your offense looked so good this spring was because your defense was so bad.
By DawgByte
June 24, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Come to Georgia Tech, where nobody speaks English, everyone wears a turbin and plans the future destruction of America.