AJC > Sports > Football Recruiting > Blog > Archives > 2007 > July
July 2007
Peachtree Ridge’s Bryant set to commit to LSU
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Derrick Bryant will become the third member of the Peachtree Ridge secondary to commit to a Division I program Tuesday night when he officially commits to LSU.
“I am planning on making a commitment to LSU,” Bryant said shortly before 7 p.m. on Tuesday. “I’ve got to get in touch with the coaches.”
Bryant chose LSU over Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Ohio State and Virginia Tech.
Peachtree Ridge cornerback Cameron Demps previously announced his intention to play football at Virginia Tech. Teammate Brandon Sanders has committed to Ole Miss.
The 6-foot, 185-pound Bryant became sold on LSU following an unofficial visit to the Baton Rouge campus on July 20.
“The visit did it,” Bryant said. “It separated them from the rest. I got a great feel for the campus. It’s a great environment. The academic center is great.
“I talked to all of the coaches. I just felt like this is the best place for me.”
LSU coach Les Miles made a strong impression on Bryant.
“[Coach Miles] is a great guy,” Bryant said. “He really believes in family. He said they really wanted me a lot and they have a lot to offer me.
“He’s a down to earth guy who is a good coach.”
With practice set to begin on Wednesday at Peachtree Ridge, Bryant said he’s eager for opposing offenses to test the Lions’ defensive backfield this season.
“I hope they come after us,” he said.
Adams to choose between the Tigers and Volunteers
Harrison receiver Darvin Adams said Tuesday night he’s narrowed his list of candidates to Auburn and Tennessee. He plans to announce his choice by mid-August.
Adams on his top-two:
Auburn: “I like the coaching staff and the school. I’ve liked Auburn for a long time. Tommy Tuberville is a good coach. He said the right things at the right time to me.”
Tennessee: “I like the surroundings and the town. I like the system that they’ve got. Coach [Phil] Fulmer is a good coach. When we talked, he just asked me some basic stuff. He asked if I like Tennessee.”
Roswell’s Hazelton considers offers
Roswell defensive end Curtis Hazelton has scholarship offers from Central Florida and Ohio. He hopes offers from Duke and Vanderbilt are forthcoming.
“I’m talking to Duke and Vanderbilt,” Hazelton said. “I went to one-day camps at both schools this summer.
“I think I’m closer with Duke. I think it’s like 50-50. Hopefully, I’ll get an offer from both of them soon.”
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Hazelton said he hasn’t ruled out a commitment to Ohio.
“I’m considering them,” he said. “I’m from Brooklyn, NY. So I’m pretty much used to the north.”
Hazelton said he’s impressed with coach George O’Leary’s Golden Knights program in Orlando.
“It looks like they have a solid football team,” he said. “They’re getting better and better over the years. They have a new facility, and that’s very attractive to me.”
Hazelton said he’s also drawing interest from Maryland, Alabama, Indiana, Purdue and Georgia Tech.
Permalink | Comments (28) | Categories: LSU
Tar Heel blue for Roswell’s Okakpu?; Ellis to Wake Forest
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Roswell running back/linebacker Ebele Okakpu is considering a commitment to North Carolina, perhaps as early as this weekend.
Okakpu, who is also weighing scholarship offers from Georgia, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Auburn and Miami, will travel to Chapel Hill on Friday for an unofficial visit.
“Yeah, there’s a slight chance I might commit on the spot,” Okakpu admitted Monday evening. “The last time I went to North Carolina, coach Butch Davis and the defensive coordinator [Chuck Pagano] wasn’t there.”
Okakpu said he’s not concerned about the Tar Heels’ longstanding reputation as a basketball school.
“I think it’s an up-and-coming program,” Okakpu said. “They already have a lot of good recruits like Marvin Austin.
“And Butch Davis is there. I know he’s had a pretty strong coaching career. And I like the linebackers coach [Tommy Thigpen] and the whole campus.”
Darlington School’s Ellis commits to Wake Forest
The combination of brains and brute force resulted in offers from Duke, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest for the Darlington School’s Derricus Ellis.
On Friday, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound defensive end chose to commit to the Demon Deacons.
“I spent a lot of time talking to Derricus, and I told him he couldn’t go wrong with any of those programs,” Darlington School coach Tommy Atha said.
Atha said Wake Forest is gaining a versatile player.
“I think Derricus’ greatest asset is how explosive he is,” Atha said. “He’s a kid that can do a number of things. He was recruited as a blocking fullback to a linebacker to a defensive end.”
Ellis will have an advantage over most incoming freshmen in the fall of 2008. His older brother, Chantz McClinic, is a redshirt junior for the Demon Deacons.
“When I made my decision, it didn’t have anything to do with my brother being there,” Ellis said. “But it will help because it will make it a lot easier for me.”
Ellis expects to be redshirted during his freshman season.
“I like the idea of being redshirted because I get a year to learn everything,” Ellis said. “I don’t have to go in and learn on the fly.”
Down to three for Chamblee’s Loftley
It’ll be Duke, South Carolina or Vanderbilt for Chamblee defensive end Taylor Loftley.
The 6-foot-2, 250-pound lineman said Monday night he plans to commit this fall.
Loftley on his top three:
Duke - I went to a camp there [as a spectator] and got to talk to the coaches. I think they’re recruiting a lot of good players. I like the coaching staff. It’s a real tight unit. I thought the campus was real nice. Coach [Ted] Roof is a really cool guy. He basically tells it like it is. He explained everything to me.”
South Carolina - “I really like the conference they plan in and, of course, coach Steve Spurrier. I think they play good football. I tried to plan on visiting before the summer was over, but now I think I’ll make a visit during the season.”
Vanderbilt - “I visited Vanderbilt about a week ago. I really like it. The campus was really beautiful. It was better than I thought it’d be. I talked to my recruiting coach, position coach and coach [Bobby] Johnson. They made me feel real comfortable. One of the things I really like about the campus is it’s all close together. And they’re building new freshman dorms.”
Sylvester talks Tech
Union Grove linebacker Steven Sylvester, who committed to Georgia Tech earlier this month, said he’s impressed with the fellow members of his recruiting class.
“I think we’re going to be strong,” Sylvester predicted. “We have a lot of big time players. And they already brought in a really good recruiting class last year.
“We’ll be good for years to come.”
Sylvester plans to be a regular fixture on Saturdays at Bobby Dodd Stadium this fall.
“I plan on attending all of the home games, unless I have a game or a prior conflict,” he said.
The 6-foot-1, 212-pound linebacker/running back hopes to push Union Grove deeper into the playoffs this season.
“For the past two years, we’ve made it to the playoffs and been eliminated in the second round,” Sylvester said. “I want to go all the way this year.”
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Other schools
UGA recruiting class impresses Jackson; Parks talks FSU
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Heard County running back Dontavius Jackson said Saturday he will stick with his plan to commit in October, when he is expected to choose between Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, LSU and Penn State.
With practice set to begin at Heard County on Monday, Jackson said he intends to continue monitoring how each of the five programs is progressing in recruiting.
“That’s homework,” he said. “I think Georgia has the best recruiting class in the country right now.”
When asked if that puts Georgia in the lead for his services, Jackson, who rushed for over 2,200 yards last season, refused to tip his hand.
“You want to go to a winning program that can contend for an ACC, SEC or national title,” Jackson said. “And you want to go to a school where you can get an education.”
So does Georgia meet his standards?
“Oh, yeah,” Jackson said.
Parks reflects on his commitment to FSU
Nearly two weeks after committing to Florida State, Creekside cornerback Terrance Parks said recruiting coaches from other schools continue to contact him.
But Parks indicated he’s not willing to renege on his word to the Seminoles.
“I still feel good about it,” Parks said. “It’s the right move for me. I’m dead on for FSU.”
Parks said his attraction to the Tallahassee-based school was two-fold: reputation and Florida State coach Bobby Bowden:
“I’ve been liking FSU and Miami since I was in middle school,” he said. “The opportunity came and it’s something I wanted to be part of.
“And when you think about Bobby Bowden, you got to think that he’s doing something right because he’s won so many games.”
Parks is confident the recent wholesale changes made on the FSU coaching staff will allow the Seminoles to regain the national prominence it once enjoyed.
“I’m very excited,” Parks said. “That’s their goal and they want me to be part of it.”
Charlton’s Bolden to become a Boilermaker
Purdue pulled off a recruiting coup in the state of Georgia on Thursday by picking up a commitment from Charlton County running back Ralph Bolden.
Bolden had also been considering scholarship offers from Georgia Tech, Clemson, South Carolina and Wake Forest.
“I just liked the atmosphere at Purdue,” Bolden said.
Charlton County coach Rich McWhorter was the first person outside of Bolden’s family to hear the news.
“I told my head coach first, then I told my recruiting coach,” Bolden said. “[Coach McWhorter] was actually happy about it. He said I can’t go wrong going up there.”
Down to three for Gainesville’s Wells
Gainesville defensive end Keith Wells said Saturday he will commit to Auburn, Florida or Florida State.
He had previously been considering offers from Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Auburn.
Wells on his final three:
Auburn - “I like the way they use Quentin Groves at outside linebacker and defensive end. I can actually see myself playing that position. I like Auburn’s campus. It’s a real nice football town and not too far away from home.”
Florida - “I had a great experience when I went down to Florida. I met a lot of the coaches. I like their football program, and the campus really felt nice.”
Florida State - “Overall, it was probably the best place I visited. Their weight room, facility, the coaching, they just impressed me with everything down there.”
Football practice begins on Wednesday for Wells and his Gainesville teammates. He said a commitment isn’t far behind.
“I’ll wait a few weeks and make my decision when it feels right,” he said. “I’ve got to keep evaluating, evaluating, evaluating and pray.”
Permalink | Comments (40) | Categories: UGA
Love closes door on Georgia, commits to Alabama
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
In the end, Tyler Love’s ties to Alabama were too much for Georgia to overcome.
Despite making three visits to Athens, the towering 6-foot-7, 285-pound offensive tackle of Mountain Brook (Ala.) committed to the Crimson Tide on Friday.
“Alabama just felt like home to me,” said Love, who was also considering Georgia, Florida, Florida State and Oklahoma.
“Coach [Nick] Saban being hired certainly helped a lot in my decision. But I’ve been an Alabama fan since I was a little kid.”
Love admitted Saturday morning that he seriously considered committing to the Bulldogs.
“It was really rough to knock Georgia off my list,” he said. “I debated about it for awhile, but I felt Alabama was the place for me.”
Love, who lives 45 miles from Tuscaloosa, said the fact that his parents are Alabama alumni was a minor consideration in his decision.
“They didn’t pressure me at all,” Love said. “And I appreciate that a lot.”
Permalink | Comments (41) | Categories: Alabama
Chamblee’s Uzzi tours UGA; Brandon closing in on Alabama offer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Chamblee offensive lineman Omoregie Uzzi termed his visit to Georgia on Thursday a success.
“It went good,” said Uzzi, who has scholarship offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Alabama, Clemson, Auburn, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Duke and Ole Miss.
“I met with most of the coaches, like the weight lifting coach, coach [Rodney] Garner, [offensive line] coach [Stacy] Searels and coach [Mark] Richt. I also got to meet some of the players.”
Richt made a favorable impression on the 6-foot-4, 310-pound Uzzi.
“He’s a very good man,” Uzzi said. “He seems honest. He tried to give me some advice on recruiting.”
Uzzi said Thursday’s visit was his final one of the summer. Football practice at Chamblee begins on Wednesday.
“Georgia is still pretty high on my list,” Uzzi said. “They’ll probably be one of my five visits [this fall].”
Northview’s Brandon impressive in Tuscaloosa
Northview receiver Xzavian Brandon believes he is close to a scholarship offer from Alabama.
Brandon, the son of former Atlanta Falcon linebacker David Brandon, participated in a camp in Tuscaloosa last weekend under the watchful eye of Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban.
“I went there and did very well,” said Xzavian Brandon, who has offers from Ball State, Ohio, and UAB. “I guess you could say I’m high on [Alabama’s] list.”
Brandon and his parents wound up spending 30 minutes discussing football with Saban.
“He asked up to come up to his office after we finished with a particular practice,” said Brandon, whose father’s NFL career included a stint with the Cleveland Browns when he played under Saban who served as the team’s defensive coordinator at the time.
“Coach Saban talked about where he sees me and what they’re looking for in a receiver. It was a good conversation.”
Brandon indicated he would be eager to become the second player in his family to play for Saban.
“Alabama, that’s my number one school,” he said. “And coach Saban is an awesome guy. He has a good sense of humor and is a defensive mastermind.”
Towers’ Terry issues a guarantee
Fresh off a .500 season, Towers’ outside linebacker E.J. Terry has boldly predicted a winning upcoming campaign for the Titans.
“As the captain of the defense, I guarantee a winning season,” said Terry, who has offers from North Carolina, N.C. State, Western Michigan, South Florida and Middle Tennessee State.
“I have speed and determination. I’m determined to win. I hate losing. I always want to win.”
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Terry said he’s already identified the most important element associated with choosing a college.“
“It’s all about academics,” he said. “Academics come first.”
Powerhouse offers for Stone Mountain’s Reeves
Tennessee, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Maryland, Auburn, Ole Miss and Mississippi State have made offers to 6-foot, 180-pound receiver Charles Reeves of Stone Mountain.
And according to Reeves, an offer from Florida should arrive any day.
“Right now, I’m kind of debating between Tennessee, Ole Miss and Auburn,” Reeves said. “I wanted to commit before the season starts. I don’t want to wait until the season is over with.
“I’ve been picked to play in the U.S. Army all-star game [in January]. I want to have the decision made before then.”
Permalink | Comments (27) | Categories: UGA
Marist’s Taylor to commit to Tech; Uzzi to visit UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Marist safety Cooper Taylor said Wednesday evening he plans to commit to Georgia Tech later this week.
“By the end of the week,” Taylor confirmed. “Practice starts [on Wednesday at Marist]. I want to do it before then.”
Taylor, whose father Jim Bob Taylor is a former Georgia Tech quarterback, had narrowed his choices to the Yellow Jackets and Virginia.
“I like the close to home with Tech,” Cooper Taylor said. “And at Georgia Tech, you’ve got [defensive coordinator] coach [Jon] Tenuta, who is a great coach to play for.
“I also like Virginia’s campus that’s not in the middle of the city. But Virginia has five safeties already committed, so there’s no reason to put myself in that position.”
The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Taylor indicated he’s a couple of phone calls away from completing his commitment with Tech.
“I’ve got to talk to the coaches again and make sure I’ve got everything finalized, grades are good and all that,” Taylor said.
He says it’s too soon to know if he will be redshirted during his freshman season.
“Nothing yet there,” Taylor said. “They’ll just see how my body fills out.”
Uzzi to visit the Classic City on Thursday
Holding scholarship offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Alabama, Clemson, Auburn, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Duke and Ole Miss, Chamblee lineman Omoregie Uzzi figured he’d have a commitment in place well before fall football practice begins.
But unless Georgia coach Mark Richt can pull off a major recruiting coup in Athens on Thursday, Uzzi will be an uncommitted 6-foot-4, 310-pound rising senior when practice gets underway next week at Chamblee.
“I was trying to commit before camp, but I don’t think it’s going to work out that way,” Uzzi said during DeKalb County media day at Clarkston on Wednesday.
Uzzi, who attended a camp at UGA earlier this year, will visit Georgia on Thursday in hopes of gaining some individual attention from the Bulldog coaching staff.
“The last time I went there it was with a group of people,” he said. “I just want to spend time with the coaches.”
Uzzi believes his character is one of the primary reasons he is a Division I prospect.
“They know I’m a good person and they like that about me,” he said. “I’m trying to do the right thing all the time.”
“And I’m a big guy that moves pretty well.”
Stephenson’s Route changing directions?
Stephenson cornerback Destin Route appears to be on the verge of backing out of his commitment with Marshall.
“I’m leaning toward Memphis,” Route said late Wednesday. “I like Memphis a lot. I’m trying to get in touch with them.
“And I’ve got another couple of options like Southern Miss.”
Route admitted that he hasn’t communicated with the Marshall coaching staff recently. He went on to say he’s been in touch with a recruiting coach at Memphis to make the Tigers aware of his interest.
“I plan on going to some of the games at Memphis this fall,” Route said.
“I’m not decommitting with Marshall yet. Let’s just say I’m a soft verbal.”
Offers for Southwest DeKalb’s Waller
UAB leads Ohio, Bowling Green, Central Michigan and Akron in the race to land a commitment from Southwest DeKalb defensive back Manley Waller.
“I want to go to UAB,” Waller said. “But I’ll wait until the first or second game of the season to see if more offers come. That’s when I have a big match up with one of the top receivers.
“After that, hopefully more offers will come if I have a good game.”
The Panthers are scheduled to host Cedar Grove and star wide receiver Josh Jarboe on Sept. 1.
Waller already has a connection with a member of the UAB coaching staff.
“One of their coaches used to coach at Southwest DeKalb,” Waller said. “He’s now the running backs coach at UAB.
“When I talk to their coaching staff, they’re all just real down to earth. I get along with them real good. And UAB isn’t too far from home.”
Legendary Southwest DeKalb coach Buck Godfrey is expected to roam the sidelines this season following off-season surgery.
“He’s tough, but when you get to know him he’s real laid back,” Waller said. “And he’s going to put his best players on the field.”
Permalink | Comments (58) | Categories: Tech
National recognition for Butler; Chattahoochee’s Smith to Arkansas
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
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].
Permalink | Comments (19) | Categories: Other schools
LSU-bound Hagans will listen to Tech or UGA; Dacula’s Battle to Arkansas
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Northview defensive tackle Cordian Hagans, who was perhaps the state’s most heavily recruited player without offers from Georgia or Georgia Tech, committed to LSU late Sunday night.
Hagans made an unofficial visit to LSU during the weekend, and picked the Tigers over nearly 20 offers. Auburn, Virginia Tech, Boston College, North Carolina and South Carolina were among his finalists.
The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder grew up a Georgia fan, and was led to believe that the Bulldogs had offered a scholarship earlier this spring.
However, Georgia recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner, who is considered one of the nation’s top evaluators of high school talent, revoked the offer after watching Hagans in spring practice, according to Northview coach Don Savage.
Georgia Tech’s only communication to Hagans was through a few letters.
Hagans said Monday evening he would be willing to hear pitches from Tech and Georgia should they reverse course and offer him.
“I would definitely listen to what they have to say,” he said. “But I’m pretty locked in on LSU.”
Less than 24 hours after committing to the Tigers, Hagans said he has no regrets over choosing to play college football in Baton Rouge.
“I slept on it and I feel the same as when I first committed,” he said. “I really love LSU.”
Battle to become a Razorback
Dacula safety Khiry Battle, an aspiring attorney, made a solid case for his decision to play football for the University of Arkansas.
“The pre-law program and academic support program along with the football program were unique, and not offered by any of the other schools I had visited,” said Battle, who chose Arkansas over Central Florida, North Carolina State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Indiana among others.
Battle (5-foot-11, 203-pounds) visited the Fayetteville campus early last week and was convinced that it was the spot for him throughout the 11 1/2-hour car ride home.
He notified the Arkansas coaches on Thursday of his decision to become a Razorback.
Peachtree Ridge’s Bryant closes in on college choice
LSU pulled out all the stops for Peachtree Ridge cornerback Derrick Bryant’s weekend visit to Baton Rouge.
“It was a great experience,” said Bryant. “I liked every part of it. They showed me around campus, the stadium and I really like what they have to offer down there.
“They said they get 92,600 people in that stadium. I would go crazy. They said that it’s not like anywhere else in the country. Thursday night, people are already tailgating. Friday, the campus is packed. It’s crazy.”
Bryant’s visit included a tour of Baton Rouge, during which he bumped into former LSU star defensive back* LaRon Landry*, a first-round selection of the Washington Redskins in this year’s NFL draft.
“[Landry] talked to me about all the different things at LSU and what a great experience it is,” Bryant said.
Bryant says he plans on choosing between LSU, Auburn and Alabama in the upcoming week.
Peachtree Ridge’s Sanders says yes to Ole Miss
Peachtree Ridge defensive back Brandon Sanders has committed to Ole Miss. Sanders (6-2, 190) chose the Rebels over Middle Tennessee, Buffalo and Ball State.
Sanders made the commitment without taking a visit.
“I’m going to visit in September,” he said. “Most people think I’m crazy for not visiting first. But I’ve talked to a lot of people about Ole Miss and they’ve had nothing but great things to say.
“The past couple of months I had been praying about where to go. Ole Miss wasn’t my only option. But all my life, I’ve always loved the SEC.”
Sanders said he made the decision to commit on Saturday while on a trip with his father.
“We had a long conversation about it,” Sanders said. “He always knew Ole Miss was my tops. I just felt this was the school for me.”
Sanders is the second Peachtree Ridge defensive back to commit to a Division I program this summer, joining Virginia Tech-recruit Cameron Demps.
Four SEC offers for Northgate’s Searcy
Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi State and Ole Miss lead a contingent of colleges courting Northgate defensive end James Searcy.
“James is 6-foot-3, 270-pounds and he ran a 4.66 in the Nike Combine,” Northgate coach Bill Luckie said. “And he’s just on the verge of tapping his athletic ability.”
Luckie said Searcy, who also has scholarship offers from Troy, Illinois, Akron, Indiana and Oklahoma State, is a weight room junkie.
“He’s strong as an ox,” Luckie said. “He’s just non-stop in weight lifting. He loves lifting and loves to eat.”
Searcy, a defensive end recruit, said Monday evening that his current five favorites are Mississippi State, Central Florida, Troy, Oklahoma State and Arkansas.
“I might change my mind, but I’ll probably commit by December,” Searcy said.
A delay in making a decision will also give Florida State, Alabama and Georgia additional time to decide if they want to make an offer.
“He’s been to camps at Alabama and FSU, so he really likes them,” Luckie said. “I think he’s just kind of waiting to see if one of those schools pulls the trigger before he decides.”
Central Gwinnett’s Rodriguez heads north
Central Gwinnett safety Manuel Rodriguez has committed to Wittenberg University in Springfield, Oh.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Rodriguez chose the Tigers over offers from Cumberland, Shorter and LaGrange.
“[Wittenberg] has a good education support program and good tutors,” Rodriguez said. “And they wanted me more than the other schools. They contacted me more often. I felt like that was the school of my choice.”
Rodriguez said he felt relieved following his commitment.
“I was kind of stressed out over the whole process,” he said. “I should have committed a long time ago.”
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: LSU
Georgia gains ground on Love; Fall decision likely for Jackson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Tyler Love, a 6-foot-7, 280-pound tackle from Mountain Brook (Ala.), came away impressed with Georgia following a visit to Athens on Saturday.
“It went really well,” said Love, whose visit to Georgia was his third. “I had a great time. I was able to spend a lot of time with coach [Mark] Richt.
“We talked about football and life in general. We got to know each other a lot better because, normally, we’re only able to talk on the phone.”
Love said one of the weekend’s highlights was an opportunity to spend time on campus.
“When I got there, I went on a campus tour and went to the Terry College of Business,” he said. “I like it a lot. It’s a prestigious business school.”
Love, rated the eighth best offensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com, has narrowed his choices to Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Oklahoma.
When asked if he considered committing to Georgia over the weekend, Love said “Georgia gained ground. I’ll make a decision in a couple of weeks.”
Heard County’s Jackson anticipates another stellar season
Heard County running back Dontavius Jackson continues to consider scholarship offers from Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, LSU and Penn State.
Jackson, who rushed for 2,462 yards and scored 17 touchdowns last season, said he has the five offers he covets.
Now, he plans to take official visits to each school this fall before making a commitment.
“I just want to have another great season [for Heard County],” said Jackson, when asked about his near-term goals. “Right now, I’m just lifting weights and running.”
Jackson acknowledged that friends and relatives often urge him to remain in state and commit to the Bulldogs.
“Yeah, I hear that a little,” he said. “But no, it really won’t affect my decision.”
Salem’s Davis commits to Mississippi State
Salem receiver/cornerback Terrance Davis made certain Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom had first-hand knowledge when he committed to the Bulldogs late Saturday afternoon.
“I was actually in coach Croom’s office when I committed,” Davis said. “Mississippi State was my first offer and one of the first places I visited.
“I felt real comfortable around all the coaches. They made me feel like I was at home. And I really love the facilities.”
Davis believes the Bulldogs can become a first-tier SEC program under Croom’s guidance.
“I feel like Mississippi State is headed in the right direction,” Davis said. “I feel like they will be competitive in the SEC.
“Coach Croom is a guy that doesn’t play around. And I really like that. He has a storied history. And I feel like he has a lot to offer me and that I can learn from him.”
Davis was recruited by MSU as an athlete.
“I can play either quarterback or wide receiver on offense,” Davis said. “They’re going to give me a legitimate shot to play quarterback. But their depth chart there is real deep.
“They see me as somebody they can get the ball to and run reverses and screens.”
Permalink | Comments (60) | Categories: UGA
Creekside’s Parks commits to FSU; Commings discusses visits
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Creekside cornerback Terrance Parks is set to become a Florida State Seminole.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Parks chose FSU earlier this week over scholarship offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Miami and Tennessee.
“Terrance grew up watching Florida State,” Creekside coach Kevin Whitley said. “Once they offered, he felt that was the place for him to commit.”
Whitley said Parks committed while in Tallahassee.
“They had seen his tape, but they hadn’t seen him in person,” Whitley said. “He worked out for them and went through some drills. They liked what they saw, so they offered him.
“So Terrance went ahead and committed while he was there.”
Parks plans to graduate from Creekside in December, before enrolling at FSU in January.
No front-runner for Westide’s Commings
Westside Augusta’s Sanders Commings said Thursday evening he has no clear favorite as he sorts through offers from Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina and Maryland.
Commings, who is being recruited at both defensive back and receiver, says he believes offers are forthcoming from Georgia Tech and Florida.
“I don’t have any tops right now,” the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Commings said.
Commings, who hopes to commit in August, has made recent visits to Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina and Georgia Tech.
His thoughts on each campus:
Georgia - “I liked everything. They have a unique student athletic building beside the practice field. And there’s a place to eat lunch and watch practice.”
Auburn - “I like the way everything is so close together. The game field, practice field and baseball field is close together.”
South Carolina - “I like their indoor facility. It’s really nice.”
Georgia Tech - “I like the city.”
Gainesville’s Adetona camps at Tennessee
Indiana, Marshall, Ball State, Middle Tennessee State, Buffalo and Troy are each making a strong run at Gainesville receiver Tyler Adetona.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Adetona hinted that Troy is his likely front-runner, though he’s waiting to see if additional Division I offers come his way.
“I have the schools that I like and, right now, Troy is really looking good,” Adetona said. “We run the exact same offense [as Troy] at our school.
“I went to a camp at Tennessee back in June. They’ve been recruiting me for a while. And I feel like I’m close to an offer from N.C. State and North Carolina.”
One of Adetona’s strengths is his speed.
“I’ve been clocked at 4.47 seconds in the 40, but I’m real consistent at 4.5,” he said.
Coaches are split over where Adetona should play on Saturdays.
“Some schools are recruiting me as a receiver, while others like me at defensive back,” he said. “I wouldn’t mind playing corner, but I really want to play wideout.”
Adetona said he plans to take his five official visits this fall, regardless of when he commits.
“If I don’t commit [this summer] or if I do commit and the school doesn’t mind, I’ll take my official visits this fall,” he said. “I just want to get out and see places.”
Columbia’s Rhodes likes Troy
Even with offers from Navy, UAB, Troy and Grambling, Columbia running back Taurean Rhodes is setting lofty goals for the upcoming season.
“I’d like to get 2,500 all-purpose yards,” said Rhodes, who also starts at free safety and returns punts and kicks for the Eagles. “My stock should go up because I plan on dominating.”
Rhodes, who cracked the Columbia starting lineup three games into his freshman season, said he currently favors Troy.
“Right now, I’m kind of leaning toward Troy,” he said. “A coach came from Troy and saw me and let me know they have a nice program that runs the ball a lot. Right now, I’d like to get to a camp there this summer.”
The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Rhodes figures there’s no need to make a commitment to any program in the near future.
“I’ll wait until after the season [to commit],” he said.
Permalink | Comments (14) | Categories: FSU
Butler sets commitment date; Banneker’s Simmons names five
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Norcross wide receiver Brice Butler said Wednesday evening he has tentative plans to announce his college choice during a ceremony at the Gwinnett County school on Saturday Aug. 4.
The son of former Atlanta Falcon defensive back Bobby Butler will choose between Georgia, Southern Cal, Florida State, Oregon, Oregon State, LSU, Florida, Penn State, Notre Dame and Arizona State.
Brice Butler, rated the No. 6 receiver in the nation by scout.com, won’t take previously announced trips this summer to visit a pair of PAC 10 programs.
“I’m still questionable about visiting Oregon and Oregon State,” he said. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to get out there. I was supposed to go out there two or three weeks ago.”
Butler had originally planned to narrow his college recruiting list to five by mid to late July.
“I don’t have any favorites,” the 6-foot-3, 189-pound Butler said. “I still have a top 10 list.”
Simmons trims his list to five
Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee and Miami remain in contention to sign Banneker safety Darrell Simmons.
The 6-foot-2, 194-pound Simmons said Wednesday he hopes to take official visits to each of his candidates this fall.
Simmons on his top five:
On Ohio State: “I just like their winning tradition.”
On Michigan: “I really like their style and the way they run their defense.”
On Alabama: “I took a visit there on junior day. I just love the place. Coach [Nick] Saban is an outgoing guy and I would love to play for him.”
On Tennessee: “I like everything about Tennessee. My friend [former Creekside star] Eric Berry is there. I might want to play with him one day.”
On Miami: “I’ve been watching them since I was a little kid. They put players into the NFL in the first round.”
Simmons said he is confident he will be acquitted of charges linked to a burglary in Forest Park in May.
“I’m good,” he said. “Everything is about to be straight on that.”
Twiggs’ linebacker a “weight room beast”
Twiggs county linebacker Monterrio Clay hopes to follow in the footsteps of older brother Antonio Clay, a middle linebacker for Clemson.
In an era when Division I college recruiting efforts are directed at junior players, rising senior Monterrio Clay is considered a sleeper by Twiggs County coach Dexter Copeland.
Clay is still waiting on his first scholarship offer. The wait will likely be short-lived.
“Oh yeah, he’s definitely a late bloomer,” Copeland said. “He went to a few combines and now people are seeing who he is. Monterrio went to the Nike Combine at Georgia and he went to the CSS combine at Warner Robins. That’s where he really got noticed.
“A lot of schools just want to see him play a little more. He’s getting letters from everybody.”
Copeland believes Clay was slow to receive attention from college recruiters due to his lack of size as a sophomore.
“Monterrio has grown so much in the past two years,” Copeland said. “He went from 5-foot-9, 215-pounds to 6-foot-2, 275-pounds in the span of a year-and-half.”
Copeland thinks one of Clay’s top-selling points is his strength.
“He’s probably the strongest kids I’ve ever coached,” said Copeland, who is entering his seventh year at the helm of the Twiggs program.
“Monterrio is just a product of the weight room. He’s a weight room beast.”
Copeland said the biggest difference between the Clay brothers is the timing of their size.
“Antonio was already a big fellow when he entered high school [at Twiggs County],” Copeland said. “Monterrio just kind of grew into Antonio’s body as he got older.”
Permalink | Comments (14) | Categories: Other schools
Major offers for Chattahoochee’s Smith; Page eye 2,000 yards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Chattahoochee defensive end Justin Smith will travel to Arkansas this weekend to visit coach Houston Nutt and the Razorbacks.
Arkansas joins Michigan State, Boston College, Marshall, UAB, Southern Miss, Central Florida and Ole Miss as schoools with scholarship offers to the 6-foot-3, 280-pound Smith.
“Justin is a big, physical kid with speed,” Chattahoochee coach Terry Crowder said. “He has great quickness off the ball. On film, he just about dominates everybody we play.”
Smith is being recruited as a defensive end by some programs. Others like him at defensive tackle.
“It’s about half and half,” Crowder said.
Smith has already visited Boston College, Ole Miss and Wake Forest.
Connecticut offer for Douglas County’s Page
One year after being limited to playing time in six games due to injury, Douglas County running back LaVonte Page is determined to have a breakthrough season this fall.
Page, who has an offer from Connecticut, has already set one personal goal for his senior season.
“I’m going for 2,000 yards,” the 5-11, 211-pound Page said.
Page said part of his motivation is due to the fact Georgia is loaded with an outstanding class of running backs.
“I think I’ll have to do a lot this year because there’s a lot of running backs available [to be recruited],” he said. “I’m going to have to put myself above everybody else.”
Page hopes his performance during last weekend’s camp at Georgia Tech will materialize into an offer from coach Chan Gailey.
“It was a good camp,” Page said. “I went down there and did good on my tests, including the seven-on-seven.”
While pleased with the Connecticut offer, Page seemed surprised to learn he was being recruited by the Huskies.
“I haven’t even been up to Connecticut to visit,” he said. “I didn’t see that coming. I think they just offered after seeing my highlight tape.”
Page and teammate Carl Robinson will team to give Douglas County one of the state’s more potent one-two punches at tailback this season. Robinson has an offer from Indiana and has upcoming visits scheduled with Alabama and Michigan State.
“Carl and I are cool with each other,” Page said. “I didn’t get to know him until our tenth grade year. Both of us are tailbacks, but we’re on the field a lot together.”
Carrollton’s Craig to visit South Florida
Carrollton defensive tackle Nick Craig plans to attend the South Florida showcase camp on July 28.
The 6-foot-2, 298-pound Craig, who has an offer from Eastern Kentucky, hopes to turn heads and impress the Bulls’ coaching staff.
“I’m hoping that camp will be pretty good,” Craig said.
Wake Forest is showing interest. But Craig, who has a 3.6 GPA, will have to increase his SAT score by 100 points before the Demon Deacons will consider making an offer.
Craig, who isn’t sure when he will commit, said he is interested in Eastern Kentucky.
“[My recruiting coach] is really personable and talks a lot about their tradition,” Craig said. “They haven’t had a losing season in a long time, so they have some pretty good tradition there.
“They are my first offer, which is really cool.”
Permalink | | Categories: Other schools
Georgia-bound Jackson camps at Auburn; Green talks Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Griffin defensive end Toby Jackson, who committed to Georgia last month, came away impressed with Auburn following his participation in a one-day camp on Saturday.
“I enjoyed it,” Jackson said. “I had a good time. I was sort of impressed by the coaches.”
Jackson said Tuesday evening he may travel to Gainesville, Fla. later this week to attend a similar camp coordinated by the Florida coaching staff.
“If I had to sign tomorrow, I’d sign with Georgia,” Jackson said. “But I haven’t signed my name on nothing. So I feel like the door is still open.
“Even though I’ve committed, I haven’t closed the door on anybody. I plan to take all of my visits.”
Jackson said he’s been candid with the Georgia coaching staff.
“I let them know that I’d still be taking all my trips and allow myself to be recruited,” Jackson said. “They said ‘it’s fine.’
“I think I made the right decision to [commit to Georgia]. I just want to see how bad other schools want me.”
Tech scores with Green
Defensive lineman William Green of Spain Park High in Hoover, Ala. labeled Saturday’s visit to Georgia Tech a success.
“It went real well,” the 6-foot-5, 208-pound Green said. “They had a camp going on, but I didn’t participate. I got to see more about Georgia Tech and what they’re all about.”
Green’s day included a tour of the players’ living quarters.
“I got to talk to the players and got to see how they live and saw the dorms,” he said. “And I got to see the academic side of the school. I like it a lot.”
Green downplayed recent comments when he listed Florida, Florida State and Alabama as the top three choices among his 35 scholarship offers.
“They’re just the ones that stood out the most,” Green said. “Georgia Tech is still in the running.”
Four for North Cobb’s Roark
North Cobb quarterback Matt Roark says his four favorites are Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Kentucky and Oregon.
It’s perhaps surprising that two of them — Kentucky and Oregon - are recruiting him as a quarterback when his preference is wide receiver. Roark’s father, Ray Gover, is a former Kentucky wide receiver.
“I’ll play either one, but I prefer receiver,” he said. “It’s more fun. At quarterback, I don’t really do much [in high school] that a true quarterback does.”
Roark is primarily a running quarterback for North Cobb. He had over 900 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns, many on breakaway runs, last season.
But his size at 6-foot-6 and natural arm strength make him appealing at quarterback at the next level, too. He’s also one of his school’s top basketball players.
Roark also has offers from Duke, Indiana, Alabama-Birmingham, South Florida and Illinois. He says he won’t make a decision before the season.
Roark, who didn’t start at quarterback until the second game last season and was better known for his basketball, admits he’s surprised to have so many Division 1 football offers.
“They just started coming,” he said.
Salem QB Davis drawing numerous offers
Mississippi State, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Tulane, Memphis, East Carolina, UAB, Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State have offered Salem quarterback Terrance Davis.
“And the other big hitters, including Georgia, Wake Forest and Central Florida are looking at him,” Salem coach Chad Estes said.
A free safety who converted to quarterback at the start of his junior season, Davis, who is also receiving interest from Florida, seems to be a natural fit in Estes’ wing-t oriented offense.
Davis rushed for 1,000 yards last year while picking up another 900 yards through the air.
Mississippi State is the current front-runner for the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Davis, who is being recruited at quarterback, receiver and cornerback.
“I really like Mississippi State because they’re willing to give me a shot at quarterback,” Davis said.
Davis, who plans to commit no later than September, said he’ll take his five official visits this fall.
He hopes Clemson makes an offer.
“I really like Clemson a lot,” Davis said. “That’s always been my favorite school. But they haven’t really recruited me. I’d really like to get in the mix with them.”
Permalink | Comments (54) | Categories: UGA
Dogs, Tech offer Thomasville’s Thompson; Byrd likes Louisville
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Thomasville defensive lineman Brandon Thompson has landed several big-time scholarship offers.
Georgia, Georgia Tech, Miami, Florida State, Alabama, Clemson, South Carolina, LSU, Duke and South Florida are among the programs actively recruiting the 6-foot-2, 285-pound tackle.
According to Thomasville coach Richie Marsh, two schools have elevated their pursuit of the star lineman.
“Clemson was the first to offer,” Marsh said. “And I know they’re trying to make it happen. But I also know that FSU has been on him big.”
But to Marsh’s knowledge, Thompson is still considering each offer.
“He really doesn’t talk much about it,” Marsh said. “I think he’s handled all of this real well. His dad is an assistant principal at Thomasville. They’ll sit down and decide this as a family.”
Marsh, who is beginning his third season at the helm at Thomasville, said its obvious to him why the Division I offers to Thompson have been plentiful.
“He’s got a nice frame and he’s rock solid,” Marsh said. “He’s very explosive. For a big man, that’s something [college coaches] feel they can work with.”
Byrd leaning toward Louisville
Louisville leads Indiana, Purdue, Arkansas, Marshall and Troy in the recruitment of Callaway defensive end Ronald Byrd Jr.
But Byrd admitted Sunday night he’s in no hurry to commit. He’s waiting to see if recent unofficial visits to Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Clemson will result in offers.
“Auburn has been talking about offering me,” the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Byrd said. “And Clemson and the rest of them are recruiting me real hard.”
Byrd plans to take official visits to Louisville and Marshall this fall to soak in a typical game day on each campus.
“When I visit Louisville, I want to see the crowd for one, and how they support the team,” he said. “And I’ll be looking at the atmosphere surrounding the game and the hype.”
Byrd said Louisville is still his front-runner despite coach Bobby Petrino’s recent decision to leave the Cardinals to become the coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
“Louisville is my top one out of the six because they excelled last year in the three main sports: football, basketball and baseball.
“As for the coaching change, to me it is a little bit of a concern because I think [Petrino] could have probably taken them to more bowl games.”
Ray favors FSU, Florida and LSU
After growing up in the shadows of Florida State, it should come as no surprise the Seminoles are one of the leaders to gain a commitment from North Florida Christian wide receiver Melvin Ray.
Florida State, Florida and LSU are the current front-runners in the recruiting scramble for the 6-foot-3, 202-pound Ray.
Expand the list to five and Ray says he’d include Alabama and Georgia.
Ray said he’s in the process of lining up visits to LSU, Georgia and Georgia Tech, though the Yellow Jackets are not among the 13 programs that have offered him.
Ray on his top-three:
Florida State: “I’ve lived my whole life around Cairo [Georgia] and Tallahassee. And Doak Campbell Stadium, you just can’t get enough of that place. And I like the way FSU goes for the big play all the time.”
Florida: “Coming off a national championship, they’ve obviously got to have something going for them. And they’ve got a young head coach [Urban Meyer] who knows what he’s doing. And they run four receivers all the time, which is good for me.”
LSU - “I like the receivers coach [D.J. McCarthy] and what he’s done with the program, including sending some guys early into the NFL draft. I like the way they pass the ball and mix it up with a lot of screens and the long ball.”
Robinson revisits Georgia Tech camp
Douglas County running back Carl Robinson said he is pleased with his effort at the camp hosted by Georgia Tech on Saturday.
“I feel good about my performance,” said Robinson, whose lone offer is from Indiana. “It was raining and they had me playing receiver. But I think I did pretty well.”
The 5-foot-10, 220-pound Robinson has plans to visit Alabama and Michigan State.
“I’m going to Alabama on July 23 and 24 for a two-day camp,” he said. “And I’ll try to make a visit to Michigan State sometime during the season.”
Permalink | Comments (86) | Categories: UGA
Green to visit Tech; Georgia to host Love
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
High-regarded defensive end William Green of Spain Park High in Hoover, Ala. is scheduled to visit Georgia Tech on Saturday.
Florida, Florida State, Alabama and Tech are among the 35 schools that have extended scholarship offers to the 6-foot-5, 208-pound Green.
“I’m hoping to see the academic side of Georgia Tech on Saturday, get to know some more of the coaches and see more of the campus,” said Green, who is rated as the 13th-best defensive end in the nation by Scout.com.
While admitting that he recently listed the Gators, Seminoles and Crimson Tide as his three current favorites, Green said he’s still very interested in Tech.
“[Georgia Tech] is still going to be on my list,” he said. “[Florida, Florida State and Alabama] are just the three that happen to stand out the most right now.”
Saturday’s stop in Atlanta likely won’t be Green’s final tour of a college campus this summer.
“I want to go back to Florida and go over to Clemson,” Green said. “And I’d like to get back to Florida State.”
Love preparing for third visit to Athens
Mountain Brook (Ala.) offensive lineman Tyler Love confirmed Thursday evening that he plans to visit Georgia on July 21.
The Bulldogs are in a five-way tussle with Alabama, Florida, Florida State and Oklahoma for a commitment from the mammoth 6-foot-7, 285-pound tackle.
Love figures he’ll likely stray off campus next weekend.
“I’ve never been deep into the heart of campus,” Love said. “I want to get a better feel for Athens, the players and campus. And I just want to hang out with the coaches.”
Love said coaches from his five finalists contact him on a daily basis.
“They’re calling, texting a lot and sending me mail,” he said.
North Cobb’s Roark weighs offers
Georgia Tech will play host to North Cobb quarterback Matt Roark on Saturday.
The Yellow Jackets, Kentucky, Duke, Wake Forest, Oregon, Illinois, South Florida and UAB are actively recruiting the 6-foot-6, 195-pound speedster, who is projected to play wide receiver on the next level.
Roark recently attended camps at South Carolina, Tennessee and Duke.
He’s waiting to see if scholarship offers arrive from the Gamecocks and Volunteers.
“I’m not really in a hurry [to commit] right now,” Roark said. “I was going to try to make a decision before the season starts. But that’s too hard.
“I want to think about it some more. I need to see a little bit more. I haven’t got to see too much. I’d like to go to as many official visits as I can.”
Pritchard bound for the Sunshine State
As scholarship offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Memphis, Virginia and Syracuse hung in the balance, North Gwinnett defensive end Robert Pritchard recently pulled the trigger on a commitment to Central Florida.
The 6-foot-3, 219-pound Pritchard fell in love with the Orlando-based school after stepping on campus last month.
“Basically, it was a perfect fit for me,” Pritchard said. “I liked everything about it, from the coaches to the players and the atmosphere.
“They have pretty good academics. And I like all the little things about the dorm rooms and facilities. Plus, it’s not too far from home.”
Pritchard became an instant fan of Golden Knights coach George O’Leary, a former coach at Georgia Tech.
“Yeah, I got to talk to him,” Pritchard said. “He’s a great guy and a good coach. He’s going to be a good man to play for.”
Pritchard said one of his priorities was to make a commitment this summer.
“I just really wanted to get the whole process out of the way so I can focus on my senior year,” he said.
Pritchard admitted that he’s already scanned the Central Florida depth chart at defensive end.
“They have about three or four seniors at that position,” Pritchard said. “But I think I have a pretty good chance of playing if I work hard and do what I’m supposed to do as a freshman.”
First offer for Perry’s Hayward
Perry quarterback/defensive back Casey Hayward collected his first scholarship offer two weeks ago. It arrived from Middle Tennessee State.
“It was just a sense of relief knowing that I had my first offer,” the 6-foot, 172-pound Hayward admitted.
Hayward, who has attended camps at Georgia and Georgia Tech this summer, believes an offer from Jacksonville State is forthcoming.
He plans to attend camps at Jacksonville State and UAB later this month.
Stuart eyeing Ivy League program
Mill Creek linebacker Collin Stuart has attended camps at Ole Miss, SMU and Vanderbilt this summer while awaiting his first scholarship offer.
The 6-foot, 224-pound Stuart, who also plays fullback, could wind up at Columbia.
“Columbia is actively recruiting him,” Stuart’s father Graham Stuart said. “He had hoped to make it to a camp there next week, but he won’t be able to due to a conflict.
“Collin would like to be a dentist. And [Columbia] has one of the best dental programs in the country.”
Stuart has also discussed scholarship opportunities with coaches from Wofford.
Permalink | Comments (67) | Categories: Tech
Bryant likes LSU; Gators land Savannah teammates
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Decision day is looming for Peachtree Ridge defensive back Derrick Bryant.
A commitment could come as early as next weekend. That’s when the 6-foot, 185-pound Bryant heads to Baton Rouge to visit the LSU Tigers.
“I’ll visit LSU on July 20,” Bryant said. “That definitely could be a commitment.”
In the interim, Bryant insists he is focusing on scholarship offers from LSU, Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State and Virginia Tech.
Peachtree Ridge defensive back Cameron Demps’ recent decision to commit to Virginia Tech apparently won’t have a major impact on where Bryant plays college football.
“I know [Cameron] is a teammate of mine, but who knows,” Bryant said. “In college, I could play at safety or corner. They’re looking at me at both safety and corner. [Cameron’s decision] won’t really affect my choice.”
Bryant and Demps may or may not play in the same secondary on the next level. But they will compose half of one of the state’s best defensive backfields this fall.
Bryant said he is aware some of the competition will be tempted to test Peachtree Ridge’s pair of Division I defensive backs.
“I hope teams try to come after us,” Bryant said. “I don’t want them to think it’s a bunch of hype. I hope we are targeted.”
Bryant breaks down his top five:
— LSU: “They’ve got a great program. I think I have a good relationship with the recruiting coach. It seems like a place where I fit, can get a good education and, if at all possible, see some early playing time.”
— Alabama: “They’ve got a great coach in Nick Saban. He’s coached in the NFL and other college teams, including LSU. I know he puts a lot of emphasis on his defensive backs. And I know that can help get me to the next level. It would be a great learning experience for me.”
— Auburn: “An SEC school with a winning record year after year. They’ve got a good program. It’s the only college I’ve visited. I like the campus. And the coaches are good.”
— Ohio State: “They’re in one of the strongest conferences. They’re a good team year after year that competes at the highest level in college football. I’d like to get up there and see what it’s all about.”
‚ Virginia Tech: “Their defensive backfield coach [Torrian Gray] is really cool to talk to. According to him, they had the number one pass defense in the nation last year. That’s impressive to me as a defensive back. And I know they have great special teams every year. [Coach Gray] is one of the best defensive back coaches there is.”
Davis picks O’Leary’s Knights
Peachtree Ridge running back Brandon Davis has committed to Central Florida, choosing George O’Leary’s program over more than a dozen schools.
“UCF had been recruiting me highly ever since they offered me in early March,” the rising senior told UCFSports.com. “They’ve always been texting me, I’d talk with them on the phone and they’ve been coming after me strong, probably the strongest out of all the schools that offered me.
“Coach George O’Leary is a great coach and he’s a man of his word. After talking to the coaches and doing research, looking at the Web site and doing my due dilligence as far as what I needed to look for in a school, UCF was the best opportunity for me to be successful on the field and off the field academically as well.”
The powerful Davis rushed for 1,168 yards and 10 touchdowns as the Lions shared the 2006 Class AAAAA state championship. One of his teammates at Peachtree Ridge, wide receiver Sidney Haynes, is an incoming UCF freshman who is already enrolled in summer school.
“I did talk to him to kind of get a feel for what they had to offer,” Davis told the Web site. “It’s nice to play with somebody from high school, but that had nothing to do with my decision. I looked at everything and UCF was the best place for me.”
Davis also had offers from Virginia Tech, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina and Purdue, among others.
Brookwood’s Davis picks Wake Forest
When Wake Forest came calling, Brookwood’s Terence Davis was listening.
On Sunday, Davis received a text message from Wake Forest quarterbacks coach Jeff Mullen. By Monday, he was committed to the Demon Deacons.
“Syracuse was my first offer and I have one from Troy,” said Davis, “but once I got that text from Wake Forest on Sunday, I knew that was where I wanted to be.”
Davis attended a camp at Wake Forest in June and was impressed by the campus and the coaching staff’s ability to mesh with the players. The Demon Deacons were impressed by his versatility.
Davis, a 6-2, 180-pound senior, will likely play wide receiver, defensive back and even a little quarterback from Brookwood this year. He plans to stick to wide receiver at Wake.
“Coach Mullen said part of the reason they’re really excited about Terence is because of his versatility,” said Brookwood coach Mark Crews. “He’s such a great kid and such a great athlete.”
Davis moved New York to Gwinnett after his seventh-grade year. When he arrived at Brookwood, he had never imagined that one day he’d be playing Division I football. He credits the level of play in Gwinnett to helping him land at Wake.
“The speed of the game is so much faster down here compared to New York,” Davis said. “But I think I’ve adjusted pretty well.”
Longtime friends commit to Florida
Jenkins defensive end Chaz Sutton preferred to delay a public announcement.
But when rumors began circulating on Wednesday that the 6-foot-4, 242-pound lineman from Savannah and teammate Franklin Green, a running back, were both committing to Florida, Sutton decided it was time to do the Gator chomp.
“Word wasn’t supposed to get out,” Sutton said. “It was going to be a silent commitment.
“But it’s cool. I’m really very excited about it.”
Sutton, who was also considering offers from Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Rutgers and West Virginia, had hoped to tour several of those campuses this summer.
His plans were derailed on Monday.
“I was going to visit some other schools,” Sutton admitted. “But now that word has gotten out, I’m going to Florida.”
When asked if his commitment to the Gators is firm, Sutton said “I’m 100 percent with Florida.”
Sutton said he never seriously considered Georgia.
“I caught some grief about that early,” Sutton said. “I went to Georgia for a junior day, but I wasn’t too impressed with it.”
Sutton claims it was mere coincidence that he and Green wound up committing to the same program.
“It really wasn’t planned,” Sutton said. “Florida was always his No. 1 school. I finally decided that I wanted to go to Florida. It just felt like home.”
Sutton said he’s eager to play alongside Green for another four seasons.
“We’re good buddies,” Sutton said. “We grew up together. This is all kind of like a dream come true.
“It’s a blessing to make it to this day because I never thought anything like this would happen to a kid like me.”
Charlton’s Bolden to visit Purdue
Charlton County running back/cornerback Ralph Bolden plans to visit Purdue on July 21.
His father, Ralph Bolden Sr., said the 5-foot-9, 195-pound back is receiving plenty of attention from major college recruiters in the small town of Folkston.
“He’s getting a lot of text messages from Georgia Tech and Wake Forest,” Bolden Sr. said. “And he’s getting a lot of mail from Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Clemson and N.C. State.
“Everybody that is sending him something has already offered.”
Bolden Sr. said his son wants to play running back in college. But most coaches have him pegged as a defensive back.
“That’s one of the biggest hang-ups he’s got because most of the major colleges are looking at him at cornerback,” Bolden Sr. said. “But he definitely wants to play the running back position.
“I told him ‘if that’s your goal and your dream, shoot for it.’”
Bolden Sr. said Charlton County alum Champ Bailey, a former Georgia standout and current NFL star, takes time to speak with his son about recruiting when he visits Folkston.
“Champ actually comes home pretty often,” Bolden Sr. said. “I let Champ talk with him and give him some advice.
“He tells Ralph that he sees some of the attributes that he possesses can work if he’s put into the right position.”
Permalink | Comments (14) | Categories: LSU
Jackson’s Top Five; Bolton to visit Clemson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Heard County running back Dontavius Jackson said Tuesday evening that Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU and Penn State remain in the running to gain his commitment.
The 5-foot-10, 196-pound Jackson, who rushed for 2,200 yards while scoring 26 touchdowns as a junior, said he will likely wait until October to announce his decision.
Jackson on his top-five:
Alabama: “They’ve got great coaching over there.”
Clemson: “They’ve got two great running backs in James Davis and C.J. Spiller.”
Georgia: “It’s a running back school. Georgia has always produced great running backs.”
LSU: “They always seem to compete for the SEC and national championship.”
Penn State: “They’ve got a great coach. I think it’d be a good time to come in at Penn State.”
Bolton set to visit Clemson and South Carolina
Norcross safety/receiver Devonta Bolton plans to spend the next two weekends in the Palmetto State.
The 6-foot-4, 222-pound Bolton will take an unofficial visit to Clemson on Saturday. He will drop in on coach Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks one week later.
Bolton said his upcoming visits are more about academics and less about athletics.
“Basically, it’s about my education and what type of impact it will have on my life and future,” he said.
Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan and South Carolina are each hopeful of landing a commitment from Bolton.
“I still haven’t narrowed my list,” Bolton confirmed late Tuesday.
Battle dazzled by Central Florida
Central Florida coach George O’Leary’s rising program made a strong impression on Dacula safety Khiry Battle.
“Their facilities are top notch,” said Battle, who returned from Orlando Monday evening. “They compare with any of the SEC schools that I’ve seen. They’ve got a new stadium and their dorms are unbelievable.”
Battle will try to squeeze in visits to Arkansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and possibly Georgia Tech this month, before making his final decision.
Buford’s King awaits initial offer
Buford’s Tyler King hasn’t received any offers, but the hard-nosed fullback is beginning to turn the heads of some prominent college coaches.
Alabama’s Nick Saban, Georgia’s Mark Richt and Auburn’s Tommy Tuberville are just a few of the names that have expressed interest in the 6-foot, 246-pound King, who will show off his abilities at a combine at Georgia Tech on Wednesday, before heading to Auburn on Saturday.
Turner turns to ballet
While Woodward Academy guard/defensive tackle Trenton Turner waits for his first offer, he figures nothing impresses a college recruiter like speed.
“So I’ve been working on my speed a lot over the summer,” the 6-foot-5, 235-pound Turner said. “I’ve been taking ballet. It’s something my coach recommended.”
Turner, who visits Wake Forest this weekend and plans to drop in at Samford later this summer, has already toured the campuses of Duke, Vanderbilt, Presbyterian and Furman.
“I like them all,” Turner said. “I like Vanderbilt a lot. They’ve got a great football team and academics to back it up.”
“Furman and Presbyterian have great small-campus atmospheres. I think there is probably a very good shot at Presbyterian [offering] and probably Furman too.”
Permalink | Comments (55) | Categories: Other schools
New Commits for Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Georgia Tech recruiting coordinator Giff Smith said a few weeks ago that the Yellow Jackets are searching more out of state this year than to find players, and the proof is rolling in even as linebacker Steven Sylvester of McDonough’s Union Grove High Monday night confirmed his widely suspected commitment to Tech.
He’s Tech’s eighth commitment after Tallahassee running back Richard Watson earlier became the fourth non-Georgian among eight players to commit to Tech.
And the Jackets may soon add another Floridian. Jacksonville’s A.J. Jenkins, whom Scout.com ranks as the nation’s No. 43 wide receiver in the class of 2008, has said he is on the verge of joining the Jackets as well.
One thing isn’t changing as the Tech staff is using one of the same magnets as last year to draw recruits. Call it a family sales pitch.
Watson, who is listed by most recruiting services as a fullback because he is 6-feet-1, 220 pounds, said that in an unofficial visit to Tech last weekend, “The thing that impressed me most was the players that I got to meet and the camaraderie they have, and the coaching staff.”
Although Tech had a camp last week, Watson did not participate while making his first visit to campus.
Special teams coach Charles Kelly has been chiefly responsible for recruiting Watson, who last season rushed for a whopping 2,140 yards and 34 touchdowns for state Class 1B champion Florida A&M High.
Asked three reasons why he chose Tech over Arkansas, Auburn and hometown Florida State, all of which Watson visited unofficially, the big guy said, “Coaching staff, the team and the atmosphere. And I already knew the education was second to none.”
Permalink | Comments (79) | Categories: Tech
Sylvester likely committing to Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Georgia Tech appears on the verge of landing one of the state’s top linebacker prospects.
Union Grove’s Steven Sylvester revealed his college decision to Yellow Jackets coach Chan Gailey during Georgia Tech’s prospect camp on Saturday, according to two fellow recruits and a former high school teammate.
However, Sylvester has not been available for comment.
“I’ve talked to people close to him, and I think [Sylvester] wants to personally contact all the other college coaches and tell them before he goes public with his decision,” said Mike McDonald, who was Union Grove’s coach last year.
If Sylvester commits to Georgia Tech as expected, it would continue the program’s surprising two-year run of locking up some of the state’s biggest names. The 6-foot-2, 211-pounder has been rated as the No. 21 outside linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com and was mulling over offers from Georgia, Florida State and Alabama, among others.
Henry County wide receiver Chris Jackson, who has also committed to Georgia Tech, said he was one of the first to congratulate Sylvester after he left Gailey’s office on Saturday afternoon.
“He said ‘Guess what? I’m part of the family here now. You don’t have to worry about anything now. All I have to do is call the other schools and let them know I am going to Tech.”
Jackson said he smiled and gave a big handshake to Sylvester and his father. Even though they play at rival schools, Jackson and Sylvester have been close friends since they were members of the same youth baseball team.
“We finally get to be on the same team again, and probably be roommates [next year],” Jackson said.
Former Union County linebacker Kyle Jackson (no relation) is a freshman at Georgia Tech and congratulated his former high school teammate when he saw him later Saturday afternoon.
“He had this big grin on his face, and I just knew what he was going to say before he even said it,” Jackson said. “I’ve been trying to get [Sylvester] to commit to Tech since I committed last year. This is a great thing, because Steven is a great player.”
Jackson said he sent a text message to Sylvester on Saturday morning, reminding him that he himself committed to Georgia Tech at camp on the first Saturday of July exactly one year ago.
“Steven didn’t go into details, but I always got the feeling Tech was No. 1 with him but he wanted to check out all of his options,” Jackson said. “I think his heart was always here, he just loves the family atmosphere around the program.”
Another Georgia Tech commitment, Sean Renfree, a highly-regarded quarterback from Scottsdale, Ariz., said as soon as Sylvester broke the news to him, the two immediately began trying to sweet talk the other top prospects who have yet to make college decisions that were at Saturday’s camp.
Permalink | Comments (93) | Categories: Tech
Hagans waits for Dogs, Jackets; Powers pursue Bryant
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Northview defensive lineman Cordian Hagans may be the state’s most heavily recruited player without a scholarship offer from Georgia or Georgia Tech.
The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder has 18 offers and counting, including ones from LSU, Auburn, Alabama, Clemson and Virginia Tech. While Hagans said he is “thrilled” with his recruiting situation, he admits the absence of in-state offers is a constant topic of conversation.
“There are a lot of Georgia and Georgia Tech fans around here [Alpharetta], especially Georgia,” Hagans said. “At least once or twice every day, someone asks me, ‘How can you have offers from all those big-time schools and not have one from Georgia or Georgia Tech?’
“It puts me in kind of an awkward situation because I don’t really know how to answer that question, other than to say, ‘You’ll have to ask them because I don’t know.’ “
Hagans said his only contact with Georgia Tech has been recruiting letters.
Meanwhile, Hagans said he has established a good relationship with Georgia assistant Stacey Searels, and two communicate two to three times a week via text message.
“[Searels] keeps saying they like me a lot, and they will be following me closely,” Hagans said. “I don’t know how to take that. I’m just guessing they probably have some other defensive linemen they like better than me, but I don’t know for sure.”
Hagans admits he grew a fan of the Bulldogs and often dreamed about playing in the red and black. Does it hurt his feelings his childhood favorite has not offered?
“Yes, of course, I would like to be offered by Georgia, it’s a great school,” Hagans said. “But I don’t think I can complain about anything when I have so many great options.
“So I’m not stressing out about Georgia or Georgia Tech. If it happens, it happens. If not, I’m just fine.”
The other offers to Hagans are from Arizona State, North Carolina, N.C. State, Boston College, Louisville, Mississippi State, Maryland, Ole Miss, Rutgers, Central Florida, Michigan State and Indiana. He also has about 15 other schools that have told him he is a scholarship candidate.
Hagans, who claims to have no early leader, has been on an unofficial visit to Auburn, and plans trips to Clemson and LSU within the next three weeks.
Bryant has offers aplenty
Peachtree Ridge’s Derrick Bryant and Virginia Tech-bound Cameron Demps will make up half of what might be arguably the best secondary in the state this fall.
LSU, Auburn, Alabama and Ohio State headline the list of schools that have made scholarship offers to the 5-10, 184-pound Bryant.
“Derrick is just a real versatile player who can player corner, safety or receiver,” first-year Peachtree Ridge coach Bill Ballard said. “He has a lot of upside. He’s real strong and can run well.
“He’s exactly what a Division I secondary coach is looking for.”
Though Bryant is being recruited as a cornerback, his ability to play multiple positions is a plus.
“He’s a no-miss guy because he can play receiver and return kicks,” Ballard said. “He’s very versatile.”
Demps committed to the Hokies on Sunday. Ballard figures Bryant will make an announcement fairly quickly.
“He’s trying to come down to a decision here pretty soon,” Ballard said.
Second-generation player eyeing Tech?
Marist’s Cooper Taylor is being recruited by Division I schools as a safety.
But in an odd twist of fate, the 6-4, 185-pound Taylor is spending his summer readying for his debut as the War Eagles’ starting quarterback.
“Cooper will start at quarterback and play free safety on occasion,” Marist coach Alan Chadwick said. “His specialty is free safety. But he had a real good spring and made great progress at quarterback.”
Taylor, who runs the 40 in 4.49 seconds, has offers from Georgia Tech, Virginia, Duke, Mississippi State and Marshall.
“They all like his athleticism,” Chadwick said. “His speed is really good for a tall guy. He has range and size. And he became a more physical player last year as a safety.”
Lining up behind center won’t be a totally new experience for Taylor this fall.
“He’s been a backup quarterback for the past couple of years,” Chadwick said. “He’s actually quarterbacked some as far back as the seventh grade. Several injuries have slowed him.”
Georgia Tech may have the inside track on Taylor, whose father Jim Bob Taylor is a former Yellow Jacket quarterback.
“His dad played at Georgia Tech, so I think they’ve got a slight advantage over some of the other schools,” Chadwick said.
O’Leary impresses Britain
North Cobb offensive tackle Matt Britain plans to take recruiting visits to Ohio and Western Michigan later this summer.
But the odds favor the 6-5, 280-pound Britain playing college football in a more tropical environment.
“I think my front-runner right now is Central Florida,” said Britain, who has scholarship offers from the Golden Knights, Ole Miss, Troy, Middle Tennessee State, UAB, Ball State, Ohio and Western Michigan.
“I like the coaches [at Central Florida] a lot. I like the camp and the facilities. I went down there for an unofficial visit a couple of weeks ago.”
Former Georgia Tech coach George O’Leary, who currently heads up the program at Central Florida, was a instant hit with Britain.
“Coach O’Leary is an awesome guy who is down to earth,” Britain said. “He’s a football coach and a great guy.”
While the Golden Knights sit atop Britain’s list, he claims he hasn’t ruled out playing football in the north.
“I can see myself playing up there in Ohio or Western Michigan,” Britain said. “But I’m not sure how my parents will feel about the distance yet.”
Permalink | Comments (129) | Categories: UGA
Tech, Florida court Commings; Roswell QB lands offer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Augusta Westside wide receiver/defensive back Sanders Commings found out college recruiters do not take holidays off.
Commings said he got text messages Wednesday from several colleges, including Georgia Tech and Florida.
“They all said pretty much the same thing, wishing me a Happy Fourth and that they looked forward to talking with me soon,” Commings said.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder has offers from Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina and Maryland. He is also a scholarship candidate at about a dozen other schools.
“I’m really happy with my [recruiting] situation,” Commings said. “I don’t have any favorites yet because I haven’t visited all the schools yet. I will know a lot more later this summer after my parents and I visit some places and meet eveyone.”
Commings said he is unsure about participating in Georgia Tech’s prospect camp this weekend after suffering a bizarre injury: He was running stadium steps last week and slipped on a spot where some of his teammates had been drinking water.
Commings had a nasty fall, requiring seven stitches in his right hand and three on his right shoulder. Commings said he was told by doctors he could return to his normal conditioning drills by early next week, if not sooner.
Westside coach Gerald Barnes said Commings is being recruited as a prospect for either side of the ball.
“Most colleges like him both ways,” Barnes said. “They want to know if I think he’s a better offensive or defensive player.
“He’s a good athlete who can play either side. But I think most people are recruiting him as a defensive back.”
Commings, who possesses 4.46-second speed in the 40-yard dash, has shown plenty of versatility for the Patriots.
In addition to his primary positions at wide receiver and safety, Commings has received playing time at tailback, quarterback and cornerback. He has also handled kickoffs and punts.
But his future appears to be in the secondary.
“He has speed and very good hands for a defensive back,” Barnes said. “And he’s very aggressive to the ball.”
Commings’ desire to play baseball could impact a potential football commitment.
“I think he still has a little ways to go in baseball,” Barnes said. “He throws ok and has a little power. He is raw a little bit in his skills, but he has improved a lot.”
Since his summer is chock full of baseball-related events, Commings, a center fielder for Westside, will likely wait to make a football commitment this fall after he takes his official visits.
“I’m not sure when he will commit,” Barnes said. “But I’ll support whatever he does. Right now, I think he’s unsure what he wants to do and where he wants to go.”
East Carolina offers Taliaferro
Roswell’s Dustin Taliaferro, quarterback for the co-defending Class AAAAA champions, has picked up his second Division I-A offer, from East Carolina.
Taliaferro, who has a 4.0 GPA, already had an offer from Tulane and is being recruited heavily by Duke, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and many Ivy League schools.
“Dustin doesn’t tell me much, I’m just his dad,” Tim Taliaferro said with a laugh. “He was happy with the East Carolina offer, and said they are a real good school. He is just keeping his options open, waiting to see what else happens.”
The younger Taliaferro will return Wednesday night from a vacation in Jamaica. He will go with his Roswell teammates to Georgia Tech passing camp next week, and then attend Southern Miss’ prospect camp on July 15.
Campbell star ready for Tech audition
Campbell cornerback Brian Sutherland, perhaps Cobb County’s fastest football prospect, has offers from Indiana and Miami of Ohio, but his opportunities could multiply quickly if he lives up to what he believes is his potential Saturday at Georgia Tech’s football camp.
It will be the first camp opportunity for Sutherland, who hasn’t been able to work out at full speed since a hamstring injury cut short his track and field season in April. Sutherland thinks he can post big numbers in the 40.
“I’m trying to get 4.3 or lower,” Sutherland said. ”I’ve done 4.25 at the school, but I don’t count it as real. It was a hand-held time. But I really think that I can do it. It’s really important for me to get focused, stretch a lot, warm up, do what I can to be ready.”
Sutherland has a 3.7 GPA and plans to graduate in December, allowing him to participate in spring practice wherever he signs. The only question with Sutherland, who had six interceptions last season, has been his size — 5-9, 165.
”If he’s 5-11, he’s about anywhere he wants to go because he’s got everything else,” Campbell coach Kyle Hockman said. “He’s a real solid kid. I think he’ll end up with plenty of offers.”
Wilcox’s Dennard compared to Hines Ward
Alabama and Clemson lead Purdue, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Troy, Middle Tennessee State and UAB in the race to gain a commitment from Wilcox County cornerback Alphonzo Dennard.
After posting a 4.4 second effort in the 40-yard dash at a combine in Duluth in February, the 5-10, 190-pound Dennard has began appearing on recruiting boards throughout the nation.
“Alphonzo is such a strong kid,” Wilcox County coach Mark Ledford said. “He’s at 340 [pounds] on the bench. He’s just an awesome player.”
Shifting Dennard from the linebacker corps to the secondary midway through last year paid off handsomely in a short period of time.
“We moved him to corner in about the seventh game of the season,” Ledford said. “And in his first two games, he had five interceptions.”
In limited time at running back as a junior, Dennard averaged over eight yards per carry while hauling in 45 passes for nearly 900 yards from his twin brother, quarterback Lorenzo Dennard.
Overall, Alphonzo Dennard, accounted for 18 touchdowns for the Patriots last fall.
“He can do it all,” Ledford said. “Alphonzo is one of the best players in the state. He’s the real deal. He’s the best player I’ve ever coached and probably the best player I’ll ever coach.”
Dennard was recently compared to a former Georgia player who went on to become a star in the NFL.
“I agree with [assistant coach] Kirby Smart at Alabama who told me Alphonzo is a Hines Ward-type player,” Ledford said.
Chamblee’s Loftley to visit Music City
Chamblee defensive lineman Taylor Loftley will pack his bags and head to Nashville in mid-July.
“I’m visiting Vanderbilt within the next two weeks,” said the 6-foot-2, 250-pound Loftley, who has scholarship offers from Stanford, Duke, South Carolina, Tualne, UAB, Ohio, Central Florida, Middle Tennessee State and Vanderbilt.
Loftley confirmed that his recruiting list is in the process of shrinking to three candidates.
“The people that probably have my attention the most are Duke, Vandy and South Carolina,” he said.
Loftley, who attended a camp at Duke two weeks ago, hopes to visit South Carolina later this summer.
Loftley assesses his top three:
— Duke: “Duke has a great family atmosphere. It’s a great place to get an education. And they have an up-and-coming football program.”
— South Carolina: “I like South Carolina mainly because of the coaching staff. And they play in a good conference. I think they will do very well next year and for years to come.”
— Vanderbilt: “Like Duke, they have a good academic and football mix. They’re a program that’s up-and-coming. They’re in a good conference and play against good competition.”
Offers roll in for Callaway lineman
Ronald Byrd Jr., a 6-7, 260-pound lineman for Callaway, has offers from Auburn, Arkansas, Louisville, Purdue, Indiana, Marshall and Troy.
“He likes them all,” Callaway coach Pete Wiggins said. “He’s not leaning to any particular school right now.”
According to Wiggins, Byrd is being recruited by many coaches as a defensive end. Other coaches covet him at offensive tackle.
“He moves very well and has good feet,” Wiggins said. “He’s got good hands for a big man and the frame that people look for.
“We’re going to play him at tight end and defensive end.”
Three Division I prospects at Stockbridge
Stockbridge’s Vance King, Tyler Bass and Randy Salmon each boast impressive offers.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound King, who is being recruited at multiple positions, has offers from 13 programs, including Arkansas, North Carolina and N.C. State.
“Vance just kind of does it all,” Stockbridge coach Steve Collins said. “It’s just his versatility. North Carolina likes him at running back, while N.C. State, Arkansas, Clemson and Florida are looking at him at safety.
“And Purdue likes him at receiver.”
Stockbridge quarterback Tyler Bass boasts a total of 10 offers, including ones from Southern Miss, Indiana, Illinois, Air Force, Middle Tennessee State, and Louisiana Tech.
“Tyler is a dual-threat quarterback that runs well,” Collins said. “What they like about him is the fact he can run and he has a real strong arm.”
Collins said the 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback benefited from his performance at a recent camp.
“He got on a lot of people’s radar at the Elite 11 camp at Georgia Tech at the end of May,” Collins said.
Randy Salmon, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive tackle for the Tigers, sports offers from South Carolina, N.C. State and UAB.
“He moves extremely well and is agile,” Collins said. “He won the state wrestling championship as a heavyweight last year. Randy is probably the strongest guy on our team.”
Mill Creek teammates await offers
Mill Creek tight end Austin Wilson and linebacker Collin Stuart are still awaiting their first offers, but the interest is there.
Wilson (6-3, 260) has been contacted by Middle Tennessee, Central Florida and Wake Forest, according to Mill Creek coach Shannon Jarvis.
Stuart (6-0, 225) is receiving interest from Air Force and Middle Tennessee.
Permalink | Comments (35) | Categories: Tech
Dogs, Tide, Tigers court Tucker’s Lipscomb; Dacula update
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Virginia have made scholarship offers to Tucker cornerback Neiko Lipscomb.
First-year Tucker coach Franklin Stephens labeled the 6-foot-2, 170-pound Lipscomb an impact player.
“I was really impressed with Neiko in the spring,” said Stephens, who moved to Tucker following a stint as an assistant under coach Jeff Herron at Camden County.
“He’s a tall, slender kid. But he’s a lot more physical than I thought he’d be. He’s a big-time playmaker who can play safety or corner.”
Stephens confirmed that Georgia, Alabama and Auburn are among the five teams still under consideration by Lipscomb.
“Neiko hasn’t had a chance to visit colleges this summer,” Stephens said. “So I think [his decision] will come down to his official visits this fall.”
Dacula’s Battle likely to commit in July
Dacula safety/running back Khiry Battle is ready for the recruiting process to conclude.
“I saw what Caleb King went through last year,” said Battle, a transfer from Greater Atlanta Christian, said, “and it seemed pretty stressful. I don’t want to go through that.”
King received more than 60 offers and faced constant scrutiny, before committing to Georgia in November.
Battle, who has 15 scholarship offers, plans on committing later this month. Northwestern is the latest school to extend an offer to the 6-1, 205-pound senior.
Battle’s older brother Deante Battle is an All-Big Ten defensive back at Northwestern.
Khiry Battle says Indiana, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Arkansas, Northwestern and North Carolina State are at the top of his list.
He’s trying to squeeze in visits to Michigan State, Arkansas, Central Florida, North Carolina State and Kentucky before making his decision.
While most schools are projecting Battle as a defensive back in college, some programs-North Carolina State, Central Florida, Eastern Michigan and East Carolina-see him as a running back.
“It doesn’t matter,” Battle said. “I’ll play whatever position that gets me on the field the quickest.”
Tucker’s Jones sports two Division I offers
Robert Jones, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound offensive/defensive lineman has offers from Marshall and Virginia.
“And I think Purdue is close and Georgia is a possibility,” Tucker coach Franklin Stephens said of his star lineman’s other scholarship prospects.
“Robert went to the Georgia camp about three weeks ago and did a really good job.”
Stephens plans to use Jones as a two-way player this fall.
“I think Robert is a kid with huge potential,” Stephens said. “He has size, speed and a frame that, when you get up on him, is a lot bigger than you believe.”
“I think he has a lot of room to grow. I think that is what some of the colleges like about him.”
Jones, who plans to attend a one-day camp at Wake Forest later this month, hasn’t indicated to his coach that he’s close to making a commitment.
“I think he is going to wait and see,” Stephens said. “But I think one of the schools he’s waiting to offer him is Georgia.”
Dacula’s Tatum headed for Houston
Dacula offensive lineman Ari Tatum’s first scholarship offer was the only one he needed.
After attending the University of Houston’s camp in June, Tatum verbally committed to coach Art Briles’ Cougars.
“I went to their camp, saw the facilities and thought that it would be a good place to be,” said Tatum, who is being recruited as a tight end, but will play offensive line for Dacula.
“They told me that I’d have the opportunity to play tight end as freshman, and then they’ll see how I grow into my body.”
Utilizing a high-protein diet filled with fish, chicken and vegetables, Tatum has packed on 30 pounds to his 6-foot-5 frame.
Before committing to Houston, Tatum had received interest from several SEC schools, including Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss and Kentucky. But no one besides Houston had extended an offer.
“Right, now I’m firmly committed to Houston,” Tatum said.
Troy offer for Calhoun’s Urbano
Calhoun running back Adam Urbano, who has an offer from Troy, plans to visit UAB later this month.
“I’m going to UAB on July 21 for a camp,” the 5-foot-9, 188-pound Urbano said. “And I may try to visit to Southern Florida.”
Urbano is also being recruited by Central Florida.
Tech lands QB; UGA in Butler mix; Adams near decision
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Add a new name to the race to succeed Taylor Bennett as Georgia Tech’s quarterback.
Sean Renfree of Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale, Ariz., said Monday he has committed to the Yellow Jackets and plans to sign in February, redshirt in the fall of 2008 when Bennett is a senior and compete for the starting job in 2009. Renfree said he chose Tech over Oregon State, Army, Stanford, Boise State, Arizona and Arizona State.
“It was just the right fit for me,” Renfree said of Tech, where he plans to major in engineering, possibly civil engineering. “It’s a great combination of athletics and academics.”
Jackets assistant coach Curtis Modkins found Renfree through a mutual acquaintance of Renfree’s father, Renfree said. Tech offered Renfree a scholarship a couple of months ago after viewing game tape.
Renfree and his parents came to Atlanta three weeks ago for one of Tech’s summer camps. The visit included a five- or 10-minute talk with Tech President Wayne Clough, who connected with the Renfrees by discussing the work Tech people have done on improving the Crescent City’s levees. Renfree’s mother is from New Orleans.
Rivals.com rates Renfree, 6 feet 3, 185 pounds, as the nation’s No. 8 pro-style quarterback. He is likely to compete with Steven Threet, Josh Nesbitt and Byron Ingram in 2009.
Adams decision imminent
Harrison wide receiver Darvin Adams is likely to announce his decision between Auburn and Tennessee before practice begins next month, his coach, Bruce Cobleigh, said Monday.
Adams hasn’t ruled out other offers, including ones from South Carolina, Maryland and North Carolina, according to Cobleigh,
Adams was Harrison’s quarterback as a junior, throwing for 974 yards, but he will return to his natural position this fall. Adams caught more than 40 passes as a sophomore.
Cobleigh compares Adams to former Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver, who played some wide receiver at Harrison.
”He’s not quite as fast [as Oliver] but is more athletic as far as agility, and he’s taller [at 6 feet, 4 inches],” Cobleigh says. “When he goes up on a cornerback, he’s usually got 4-5 inches, and he’s got a 36-inch vertical leap.”
Cobleigh said he has three other players getting Division I attention. Running back Alphonso Griffin has been offered by Colorado, and tight end/defensive end Kyle Madden has an offer from Cental Florida.
Jamal Austin, a running back, can expect Division I offers but is focusing on baseball this summer. A member of the East Cobb Astros traveling team, Austin is a top prospect in two sports.
Butler: ‘I like Georgia’
Norcross wide receiver Brice Butler said recent rumors of him dropping Georgia from consideration are unfounded.
“I like Georgia,” Butler said. “They have a good program. I know the coaches there real well. In fact, I see them a lot.
“They’re racking up a pretty good class. I’d be part of a good team if I commit to them.”
Butler, who is rated as the sixth-best wide receiver in the nation by Scout.com, also denied reports that had him narrowing his recruiting list to three programs.
He confirmed that Florida State, Notre Dame, Southern Cal, Arizona State, Penn State, Georgia, Oregon, Oregon State, Florida and LSU are still in the running to gain his commitment.
“I’m putting together my top-five,” Butler said. “It will be ready in about a week or two.”
The 6-foot-2, 189-pound Butler said he is working to develop a clear understanding of the abilities of the receiving corps at each school he is considering.
“I don’t look at the depth chart,” said Butler, the son of former Atlanta Falcon Bobby Butler. “But when I visit schools I want to see what kind of guys are there and if I can play with those guys.
“Now, I don’t want to go to a school with eight sophomore receivers. Wherever I go, I want to go in there and start my freshman year. But I know I’ll have to work hard.”
Roswell’s Okakpu visits North Carolina and Clemson
Roswell’s Ebele Okakpu spent the final weekend of June touring the campuses of North Carolina and Clemson.
The Tar Heels edged the Tigers in making a more favorable impression on the running back.
“It all went pretty good,” Okakpu said Sunday evening. “I like both of them. But North Carolina was probably the top one. It was really nice.”
Okakpu has scholarship offers from Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Miami, North Carolina and Virginia Tech.
Georgia made an offer to the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Okakpu last month.
“They’re still a possibility,” Okakpu said. “I liked them before and have visited them before a couple of times. But they’re not ahead of the other schools. They’re all about the same.”
“I’m just going to weigh all the schools and see how I like them and try to make a decision before the season starts.”
After some prodding, Okakpu finally hinted that the Tar Heels are the slight favorites to gain his commitment.
“A front-runner? Probably North Carolina,” he said.
Fayette’s Daniels still headed to Duke
One month after committing to Duke in early April, Fayette County safety Matt Daniels got word he had received a scholarship offer from Georgia.
But Daniels’ commitment to the Blue Devils has remained solid, despite the repeated efforts of Fayette teammate and Georgia-bound Brandon Boykin to convince his friend to become a Bulldog.
“Brandon was telling me that Georgia likes me a lot,” said Daniels, who has a 4.0 GPA. “I was still pretty surprised when they offered me.
“Brandon used to be on me all the time about [switching my commitment to] Georgia. He’s let up some. But a couple of months ago, he was on me hard. It was ridiculous. But he was just being a recruiter.”
Along with Duke and Georgia, Daniels has quietly accumulated offers from Georgia Tech, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Daniels claims he has no intention of changing his mind.
“The campus at Duke is beautiful,” he said. “Even though Duke doesn’t have a great football team, the fans support them really well.
“They’re trying to turn things around. And I want to be part of that.”
Peachtree Ridge’s Demps to become a Hokie
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Peachtree Ridge cornerback Cameron Demps verbally accepted a scholarship offer from Virginia Tech Sunday morning.
The 5-foot-10, 172-pound Demps is touring the Blacksburg campus this weekend.
“This is just a good atmosphere,” Demps said by phone. “Plus, my parents really like it.”
Demps said a visit by one of his future Virginia Tech teammates at his hotel Saturday night cemented his decision.
“And they have the best defense in the nation,” Demps added. “That really attracted me to this school.”
Demps expects to receive some playing time with the Hokies in the fall of 2008.
“They said I’ll be able to come in and have a chance to start on defense and special teams,” Demps said. “They play a lot of freshmen on special teams.”
Demps is eager to break the news to first-year Peachtree Ridge coach Bill Ballard.
“I just sent him a text message telling him to call me,” he said.
Demps also had offers from North Carolina, Ole Miss and Buffalo.
