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DEL.ICIO.USNational recognition for Butler; Chattahoochee’s Smith to Arkansas
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/24/07 10:22 PM
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Brice Butler, Norcross’ prized wide receiver recruit, knows exactly where he is ranked by Rivals.com and Scout.com.
“Scout’s got me ranked higher,” Butler said. “They’ve got me 36th. Rivals has me at 66. I pay attention.”
But Butler admits to being a little surprised when he found out where he was ranked by ESPN.com.
Not only is Butler the state’s highest ranked recruit in the ESPN 150, but he’s also the 16th-best prospect in the nation, according to the rankings released on Monday.
Butler, the son of former Atlanta Falcons defensive back Bobby Butler, was the second-highest ranked receiver, behind Georgia commitment A.J. Green of Summerville, S.C.
“My friend called me to congratulate me on being No. 16,” said Brice Butler. “I didn’t even know ESPN had released rankings.”
Butler has narrowed down his dozens of offers to a top 10, which includes Georgia, Southern California, Florida and Notre Dame.
He plans on making his announcement on Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. at Norcross High School.
Smith picks Arkansas over Boston College and Ole Miss
Chattahoochee defensive end Justin Smith knew for weeks that his heart was tugging at him to play football for Arkansas.
He made those feelings public on Saturday when he made committed to the Razorbacks.
“I flew into Fayetteville on Friday morning and had an unofficial visit on Friday afternoon,” Smith said. “I got to look at all of the facilities.
“They had a camp on Saturday, but I didn’t participate. I just watched. After the camp, I committed to coach Houston Nutt.
For Smith, it was love at first sight when he stepped onto the Arkansas campus.
“Arkansas has always been high on my list of schools,” he said. “I liked the campus the first time I drove up.
“And the first day I met all of the defensive coaches, they seemed close. There’s a family-like atmosphere at the school.”
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Smith, who chose Arkansas over Boston College and Ole Miss, will be a defensive lineman for the Razorbacks.
“They told me they want to wait to see how much I grow because I can play both defensive end and defensive tackle,” Smith said.
“They want to see how my body changes and what I grow into. I was told I will not be redshirted.”
Maryland offer forthcoming for Roswell’s Daniel?
Despite the fact he’s holding scholarship offers from Arkansas, Central Florida, East Carolina, San Diego State, Troy, Ball State, Air Force, Miami (Ohio), Utah and Akron, Roswell’s Alex Daniel is in no hurry to commit.
“I’ll wait to decide this fall,” the 5-foot-11, 198-pound running back said.
“I’m hoping an offer from Maryland is coming. They said they like my film. They still need to show it to some of their coordinators first.”
Daniel is drawing some interest as a defensive back.
“Some of the schools that haven’t offered yet are interested in me at safety,” Daniel said. “But I’m pretty sure that all of the schools that have offered want me at running back.”
Three offers for LaGrange lineman
John Oliver, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound offensive lineman for LaGrange, holds offers from Arkansas, Akron and South Florida.
But he plans to delay a commitment until near the end of the upcoming regular season after assessing all current and future scholarship options.
“I went to camp at Jacksonville State and ran pretty well there,” Oliver said. “I’m going to South Florida and Central Florida this weekend for camps.
“And Southern Miss just came into the picture. They want me to come by.”
SEC offers for Fortson
Carver, Columbus wide receiver Jarmon Fortson is set to choose between South Carolina, Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Louisville, Indiana and Mississippi State.
“Jarmon is going to weigh his options and make a commitment later,” Carver coach Dell McGee said. “It seems like he’s going to wait until the season starts.”
McGee said there’s plenty of reasons Division I programs covet his talented receiver.
“He’s a real physical receiver who, at 6-foot-3, 220-pounds, is very competitive,” McGee said. “He has great hands and adjusts to the deep ball well. And he has 4.5 to 4.6 speed [in the 40].
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Comments
By cantonfroggy
July 25, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Not to rain on Brice Butler’s parade, but he is the third ranked receiver in the ESPN 150. Julio Jones from Alabama is the #1 overall recruit and the #1 receiver. AJ Green is the #5 overall recruit and the #2 receiver. Butler is the #16 overall recruit and the #3 receiver.
Nevertheless, Butler should feel honored.
By td5alexander@yahoo.com
July 25, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
“Not only is Butler the state’s highest ranked recruit in the ESPN 150, but he’s also the 16th-best prospect in the nation, according to the rankings released on Monday.” Not to rain on your parade CANTONFROGGY, but reading is fundamental. Geez.
By cantonfroggy
July 25, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
td5alexander - the article also said “Butler, the son of former Atlanta Falcons defensive back Bobby Butler, was the second-highest ranked receiver, behind Georgia commitment A.J. Green of Summerville, S.C.”
He is not. He is the third ranked receiver. So you should learn reading comprehension. Also Jeff Hood and David Purdum should learn how to read a list.
By Vince
July 25, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
With the O-line the Dawgs have built now for the next several years, UGA would be a great place for some great WR’s to carve out great careers. Or so it would seem to me.
By bh
July 25, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
i agree with vince’s comments about the o-line for next few years. i dont know how quick they will gel this year though. lots of great d’s in the sec.
By SEC is Football
July 25, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Vince…I think the same can be said for teams like USC, UF and ND. These schools have all pulled in solid OL and if you look at USC, they have been doing it for the last 5 years. He can certainly have success at UGA but he can also have it at any of these other schools as well. I hope to keep kids like this in the SEC but from all I have read, he may be heading out west.
By Buck in the NW
July 25, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
As far as I’m concerned I don’t care where Butler goes. From what I hear and read his opinion of himself is very high. The Dawgs will, IMO, be much better off if they can keep Green along with Tavares(sp). These guys seem to have a real team attitude and will fit in nicely at Ga. I can’t say the same about Butler so go West young man and I wish you well.
By DawgTrappedInIndy
July 25, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Way to embarass yourself td5alexander@yahoo.com. If you are going to slam someone about their reading skills, make darn sure you know how to read. Geez, LMAO.
By atlrockcity
July 25, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
td5alexander- got yo big foot stuck in yo big mouf. LOL LOL LOL
By alabamadawg
July 25, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
I think we need Tyler Love move than another receiver, just my opinion…
By sj
July 25, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
While I wish Tyler Love would join the Dawgs, I seriously doubt he will. Two of his best friends are not even interested in UGa and he has said he wants to play with them. Also, a guy from his HS is already on UAl campus and on the FB team. Finally, both parents, as everyone knows, are Ala alums. Just as long as he doesn’t go to Auburn……
By Reem
July 25, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
If you look at Butler and King you will see a few striking similarities. They are both very fluid atheletes that run, catch and block gracefully. butler is only about an inch taller but king is definitely faster. It seems as though King has more of a humble personality which could makes him likable by all. I dont get the same or even similar vibe from Butler. It would be great to have the both of them but I believe we already have the better of the two.
By David Purdum
July 25, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
Folks … That little oversight was my bad, not Jeff’s. Please accept my humble apologies and I will pursue reading classes ASAP. Sometimes the obvious things—like the No. 1 overall recruit being a receiver—are the easiest to overlook.
And just to add a note: I’ve heard some people say Butler may not even be the best receiver on his own team, not alone the third best receiver in the nation. Devonta Bolton is a bigger, more physical receiver, while Butler is more of the deep threat.
By CapeCodDawg
July 26, 2007 5:30 AM | Link to this
UGA can always use a talent like Butler. It’s that simple. He has a great chance to be part of the NEXT National Champion team at UGA…Brice do the right thing bro !!!
By TylerG98
July 26, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Oliver plays for Troup Not Lagrange. and thats good to hear that some of these kids are actually still waiting to assess all there options a little while before jumping the gun and commiting somewhere to soon
By nole
July 27, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Don’t forget about the Seminoles for Butler. Follow your dad to the promise land.
By RUDY's BACK!!!
July 28, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
To All: No Recruit with a BRAIN would ever pick uga over Notre Dame!!!!!!!!!!!!
RUDY!!!! RUDY!!!!! RUDY!!!!!
By TTown one
July 30, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Butler. Brice is a great talent.
By sobedawg
August 1, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Kevin Butler…Brice Hunter…BRICE BUTLER…sounds like a DAWG.