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Thursday, June 28, 2007
UGA lands 17th commitment; Love to visit Athens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Two days ago, Mark Richt was expounding on how his new role — just head coach, no longer offensive coordinator — has helped him expand his role in recruiting.
The coach and Georgia seemed to drive that point home Friday as the Bulldogs picked up their 17th commitment of the 2008 class.
Marcus Dowtin, a linebacker from Virginia’s Fork Union Military Academy, is the latest to commit to Georgia, according to Scout.com.
Dowtin has been a two-way player at Fork Union. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a running back. At linebacker he had 90 plus tackles last season.
Dowtin has always been considered a linebacker at the next level. In fact, he had several ACC schools — Virginia Tech, Clemson and Maryland — recruiting him for that position as well. Michigan and Nebraska were also interested in Dowtin.
Dowtin excelled at the Georgia camp earlier this month. It was at that time he also fell for Georgia.
Love sets date with Dawgs
Star offensive tackle Tyler Love of Mountain Brook (Ala.) plans to visit Georgia on July 20.
The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Love, who is weighing scholarship offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Oklahoma, said he’s excited about his third trip to Athens.
“I’ve been there twice and I just love the atmosphere, the campus and the coaching staff,” Love said. “Coach Richt is one of my favorite coaches. His personality is amazing.
“He’s a good Christian man. I enjoy talking to him about things other than football.”
Love, who said he has no front-runner as of Thursday evening, participated in a day camp at Alabama last week.
“It was fun,” Love said. “It was more like a relaxed visit just to get a feel for the university. I hung out with the players and coaches, but mostly the players.”
Love said friends and relatives frequently attempt to sway him to commit to the in-state Crimson Tide.
“They all do,” he said. “It’s kind of hard being a player from Alabama and not play for Alabama. But sometimes you just have to explore your options.”
Demps claims four offers
Virginia Tech heads the list of schools with scholarship offers to Peachtree Ridge cornerback Cameron Demps.
The 5-foot-10, 172-pound Demps also has offers from Buffalo, Ole Miss and North Carolina.
Demps will visit South Florida and Florida in July.
“I don’t have an offer from Florida yet, but I think they’re close [to offering],” Demps said.
Demps placed the Hokies at the top of his recruiting list.
“It’s probably Virginia Tech right now, then North Carolina, Ole Miss and Buffalo,” he said.
Demps analyzes his current choices:
Virginia Tech - “Their campus is different. The buildings are way different. I really like the atmosphere. They always have a good team and, basically, the defense attracts me.”
North Carolina - “Their campus is really nice. I’ve talked to [coach] Butch Davis. I like him. He came from Miami. He just always seems to have good players.”
Ole Miss - “I like the stadium and it looks like a good environment. And they’ve got a good graduation rate. I’ve met their coach [Ed Orgeron]. I talked to him in person during spring break.”
Buffalo - “I really don’t know anything about them yet. I’m doing research on them. They’ve offered three of us defensive backs here at Peachtree Ridge.”
Tucker cornerback explains Irish commitment
In the end, it came down to Michigan, Notre Dame and LSU for Tucker cornerback Jamoris Slaughter.
When he made his selection on Tuesday, Slaughter, a longtime Wolverine fan, pulled a slight shocker by committing to the Irish.
“It was the best school for me,” Slaughter said. “I know they can help you out on and off the field and academically. They have good alumni support. And they wanted me to come in and play early.”
Notre Dame has told the 6-foot, 175-pound Slaughter, who has been clocked in the 40 at 4.4 seconds, he will play either free safety or cornerback.
“I really don’t have a preference,” he said. “I’ll play wherever they need me most.”
Slaughter said Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis’ father-like actions played a role in his decision to commit to the Irish.
“I really like him,” Slaughter said. “He cares about you a lot. He’s not worried just about football. He cares about your education. He wants to make sure you get to class.”
Slaughter surprised himself by choosing Notre Dame over his beloved Wolverines.
“I was never a big Irish fan,” Slaughter admitted. “I was always a big Michigan fan. I’ve been a Georgia fan too, but I mostly like Michigan.
“I just thought this was best for me.”
Stockbridge back has three offers
Stockbridge running back Rashaad White has scholarship offers from Georgia Southern, Navy and Miami, Ohio.
“I’ve just been working hard this summer,” White said. “I hope to get a couple new offers over the next two months.”
White participated in the recent Nike camp at Georgia.
“You get a lot of exposures at these camps,” White said. “A lot of coaches see you. I think they’re worthwhile.”
Farley adds new offer
Grady linebacker Darryl Farley claimed an offer from Middle Tennessee State earlier this week.
“They’re on my radar,” Farley said.
He already had offers from Marshall, Ole Miss, Ohio and Tulane.
A pair of Division I programs who have yet to offer are staying in touch with Farley.
“Louisville and Northwestern always text me,” he said.
