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August 2007
Salmon close to S. Carolina commitment; Avery still looking
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Stockbridge defensive lineman Randy Salmon is leaning toward a commitment to South Carolina.
The holdup is a potential scholarship offer from defending national champion Florida.
Salmon said Thursday night the Gators have told him they will decide by mid-September if they plan to offer him.
“I’m still waiting to see what they’re going to do,” Salmon said. “They said give them two games and they’ll let me know.”
Salmon and his Stockbridge teammates open the season on Friday against Eagle’s Landing.
The 6-foot-3, 290-pound lineman said he tentatively plans to be in Athens when Georgia hosts South Carolina on Sept. 8.
Cedar Grove’s Avery still considering UGA
Cedar Grove running back Xavier Avery still appears weeks, or perhaps months, from a commitment.
Avery, who will likely be a high draft pick in next year’s major league baseball draft, is still getting back into the groove of football following a summer filled with baseball.
He joined his Cedar Grove teammates two weeks ago following a successful week at the Aflac All American baseball showcase in San Diego earlier this month.
“Everything is going well,” Avery said. “I’m still getting into football shape.”
Avery, who is expected to receive approval from Georgia to play baseball and football, said he is considering scholarship offers from the Dogs, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, LSU and Stanford.
“I’m not ready to commit,” he said. “I still want to take my visits.”
Athletic Reeves recruited by SEC powers
Stone Mountain receiver/defensive back Charles Reeves continues to be recruited by programs such as Auburn, Florida and Tennessee.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Reeves, who caught 57 passes for 801 yards and rushed for 478 yards on 45 carries last season for the Pirates, is lobbying hard for an offer from Southern Cal.
Reeves said he’ll likely line up as a receiver on the collegiate level.
“Right now, it’s receiver,” he said. “My dad and I were debating on that. I kep asking him and he wanted me to make the decision.
“I like defensive back, but receiver comes easy to me.”
Offer from Marshall, two other programs looking at Clemmons
Carver defensive specialist Arsenio Clemmons has an offer from Marshall and believes he is on the brink of two additional offers.
“I think Mississippi State and UAB are close,” the 6-foot-1, 200-pound linebacker/strong safety said.
Lovejoy’s Brown may visit Arkansas on Saturday
Ta’Juan Brown of Lovejoy, who has an offer from Eastern Kentucky, said this week Georgia Southern is close to making an offer.
Brown, who is considering a visit to Arkansas this weekend, is receiving moderate interest from South Carolina.
“I get letters from South Carolina,” Brown said. “They still talk to me. I guess they’ll wait and see what I do this season.”
Permalink | | Categories: South Carolina
ACC and SEC offers for Ward; Chamblee’s Loftley names three
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Former Georgia commit Martin Ward of Mt. Zion Jonesboro is being recruited heavily by Clemson, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Some internet reports have the running back leaning toward the Tar Heels. But Ward refused to declare a front-runner when contacted Wednesday evening.
“I try not to pick favorites,” he said.
Ward, who plans to visit all four colleges this fall, said a recommitment to Georgia remains a possibility.
“They’re not out of the picture,” Ward said. “I think I rushed into it too early. I just needed time to sit back and think.”
Top three for Chamblee’s Loftley
Chamblee defensive lineman Taylor Loftley said he’ll likely visit South Carolina during the coming weeks.
Loftley has narrowed the list of schools he is considering to Duke, South Carolina and Vanderbilt.
“Those are my top three and the ones I’m most interested in right now,” he said. “But I still would like to consider all of my options.”
Loftley figures he will commit prior to the conclusion of the upcoming season.
“I don’t want to wait too long,” he said. “It’ll be no later than November at the latest.”
Mays’ Heard recruited by ACC and SEC programs
Mays receiver Corey Heard continues to be heavily recruited by Georgia Tech, Kentucky and North Carolina.
And the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Heard is lobbying for an offer from defending national champion Florida.
Heard on his top three:
Georgia Tech - “They have good receivers and throw the ball a lot. I would love to play for Georgia Tech. It would be close to home.”
Kentucky - “I really like them. They run the spread offense and pass the ball a lot.”
North Carolina - “I know I’d be able to play early if I go there.”
Sooners evaluating M.L. King’s Davis
Oklahoma is beginning to show interest in M.L. King lineman Darryn Davis.
“He can really play on both sides of the ball,” King coach Corey Jarvis said. “Last year was his first year playing football for us. He’s still trying to feel things out.
“He’s a former basketball player who converted to football. He finally figured out he’s a football player.”
The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Davis has a scholarship offer from Marshall.
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Chamblee’s Uzzi considers Tech, UGA; N. Cobb’s Britain to Ohio
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Chamblee’s Omoregie Uzzi remains one of the top uncommitted players in the state.
The 6-foot-3, 291-pound guard said Tuesday evening he’s still considering scholarship offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Central Florida, Duke, Georgia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Virginia.
With Chamblee set to play South Atlanta on Saturday, Uzzi’s first opportunity to attend a college game will come the following weekend.
“I’ll probably attend a game that day, somewhere,” he said.
Uzzi, who emphasized that he has no front-runner, will continue evaluating programs during the upcoming weeks. Uzzi said he has no definitive timetable in place to make a commitment.
“I’ll probably take some visits and keep talking to coaches,” he said.
North Cobb’s Britain bound for Ohio
North Cobb offensive lineman Matt Britain has committed to Ohio.
“I like the coaching there,” Britain said. [Former Nebraska] coach Frank Solich brought a lot of his staff with him to Ohio.
“I like all of them. I can’t wait to get to work with them.”
Britain will likely be shifted from tackle to the interior line.
“I play tackle now, but at the college level I think they’re looking at me at center or guard,” he said.
Britain chose Ohio over Central Florida.
“Previously, Central Florida was my number one,” said Britain, who also had offers from Ball State, Middle Tennessee State, Ole Miss, Troy, UAB and Western Michigan. “But once I saw Ohio in late July, it took over the number one spot.”
N.C. State for Tift County’s Allen
N.C. State has claimed a commitment from Tift County offensive lineman Zach Allen.
“I think what we do offensively is a big plus, as far as Zach being recruited by major Division 1 schools,” Tift coach Jay Walls said of the 6-foot-3, 310-pound Allen, who was being heavily recruited by Florida and Georgia and had offers from Middle Tennessee State, South Florida, Troy and UAB.
“We run the spread offense and try to run and throw the football and be balanced. Zach’s ability to run block, pass block and pull into the open field is very impressive.”
An offensive tackle for Tift’s Blue Devils, Allen will likely play guard for the Wolfpack.
King’s McKayhan eyes two offers
M.L King receiver Daniel McKayhan has offers from Air Force and Memphis and is being actively recruited by Duke and Mississippi State.
“He’s a game breaker,” King coach Corey Jarvis said. “Even though he could go play cornerback in college, he’s more of a wide receiver.
“He likes Memphis, but he hasn’t committed. Duke and Mississippi State like him. They just haven offered yet.”
Permalink | Comments (9) | Categories: Tech
Tech in Thompson’s top three; Glenn to visit UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Thomasville defensive tackle Brandon Thompson said Monday night he has narrowed his choices to Clemson, Georgia Tech and LSU.
“I’ll probably [commit] by the end of the month,” Thompson said.
One of Clemson’s most powerful lobbyists has been Jefferson County defensive tackle A.J. Harmon, who committed to the Tigers in June.
“I get a call from A.J. every now and then,” Thompson said. “We met each other at a camp at Clemson.
“Most of the time we just chat. But he mentions Clemson every once in awhile.”
Thompson plans to attend LSU’s home opener against Virginia Tech on Sept. 8. He also intends to be on hand for at least one of Georgia Tech’s games this season.
Thompson on his top three:
Clemson - “I just like the school. They were the first one to offer me when I was a junior.”
Georgia Tech - “It’s close to my family and they’re big on academics.”
LSU - “I like their football team. They’re not really up there with Clemson and Georgia Tech, but they’ve been writing me and I want to check it out.”
Georgia still in the mix for Glenn
Riverdale offensive tackle Cordy Glenn said Monday evening he’ll commit by next week, but refused to tip his hand on whether he will choose Alabama, Georgia, Louisville, LSU, South Carolina or Maryland.
“If not this week, then definitely next week,” the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Glenn said of his timetable to commit. “I’ll do it basic by picking up the phone and calling the coach.”
Glenn said he hopes to be at Sanford Stadium on Saturday when Georgia hosts Oklahoma State.
What are the key elements for Glenn during his evaluation of the six candidates?
“Academics and a good football program,” he said. “And the relationship with the coaches and depth chart is important.”
South Carolina the front-runner for Brand
Former Georgia commit B.J. Brand of Coffee High in Douglas is leaning toward a commitment to South Carolina.
“I just like the coaches over there,” said Brand, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound guard. “I really like coach [Steve] Spurrier. He’s a good person and a good coach.
“I’ve been to Columbia and like the place. It’s a good place to be and a great environment.”
Brand, who committed to Georgia in January before backing off four months later, said he hasn’t discarded the idea of reconsidering the Dogs.
“They’re not out of the picture,” he said.
Three offers for King’s Golden
M.L. King defensive end/linebacker Tyran Golden (6-foot-3, 215-pounds) is considering scholarship offers from Air Force, Duke and Mississippi State.
“I see him as an outside linebacker in college,” King coach Corey Jarvis said. “[Recruiters] love his athleticism. He’s a tall and rangy kid.”
Jarvis said a front-runner may be emerging for Golden.
“He really likes Mississippi State,” Jarvis said. “But his family is telling him right now to kind of hold off on a commitment.”
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Walton’s Thomas to visiti Auburn; Painter contemplates UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Auburn, Georgia Tech and Stanford continue to be the front-runners for Walton defensive standout Chase Thomas.
An outside linebacker prospect, Thomas spent the day at Auburn on Saturday Aug. 18. He said Sunday night he plans to be in attendance when the Tigers host Kansas State on Saturday. He also confirmed a Sept. 22nd visit to Stanford.
Thomas on his top three:
Auburn: “It’s close to home and I really like the coaches. They’re in the SEC and, overall, it’s just a good program.”
Tech - “Great academics and, again, it’s close to home.”
Stanford - “The academics, of course, and I really like talking to the coaches and getting to know them.”
Painter has longtime desire to be a Bulldog
Vinston Painter of Maury High in Norfolk, Va. said Sunday evening he’ll likely attend upcoming games at Virginia Tech and Miami. But his heart is in Athens.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Georgia,” said Painter, the seventh-best guard in the nation according to Scout.com. “I like the way Georgia has an equal amount of run and equal amount of pass.
“And I just like the state of Georgia. I’ve got some friends in Georgia.”
The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Painter has narrowed his choices to Florida, Georgia, Miami, Penn State and Virginia Tech.
Commings visits South Carolina
Westside Augusta’s Sanders Commings missed Saturday morning’s football practice at South Carolina and an opportunity to speak with Gamecock coach Steve Spurrier. But his trip to Columbia that afternoon with his parents still proved fruitful.
“The visit went good,” said Commings, who is considering offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech and South Carolina. “We got to talk to [assistant] coach [John] Hunt.
“He told us a lot about South Carolina. And my parents got to ask a lot of questions.”
Commings, who got word from Hunt on Saturday that he will be allowed to play football and baseball for South Carolina, said he plans to return to Columbia on Sept. 15 when the Gamecocks host South Carolina State.
“I plan on getting there at 2 p.m. so I can meet [baseball] coach [Ray] Tanner and coach Spurrier.
King’s Hawkins weighing four offers
M.L. King offensive lineman Aaron Hawkins (6-foot-4, 295-pounds) has scholarship offers from Air Force, Duke, Miami (Ohio) and UAB.
“He’s not leaning and he doesn’t have a clear favorite yet,” King coach Corey Jarvis said Sunday.
Hawkins will likely play a different position on the next level.
“Aaron plays tackle for us, but will probably end up moving to guard in college,” Jarvis said. “He’s real physical and has good footwork.”
Adams chooses Trojans over Hogs, Dogs
Heading into a weekend press conference, Georgia appeared to be the favorite to land a commitment from Joe Adams, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound receiver for Central Arkansas Christian.
But Adams pulled a mild surprise by announcing Friday night that he intends to play college football at Southern Cal.
“I just felt at home at USC,” Adams told Scout.com. “I just had a great time out there during camp and really enjoyed the atmosphere.”
The Bulldogs failed to finish in Adams’ top two.
“I would say that Arkansas probably finished second on my list,” said Adams, who was also considering LSU and Oklahoma.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Auburn
Sabino still considering Tech; Commings to visit South Carolina
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Linebacker Etienne Sabino of Dr. Michael M. Krop High in Miami has visits to national powers Southern Cal and Ohio State scheduled during the upcoming season.
But Sabino, rated as the fifth-best middle linebacker in the nation by Scout.com, said he hasn’t ruled out an offer from Georgia Tech.
“They’re still in the running,” said Sabino, who is also considering scholarship offers from Florida, Miami, North Carolina and Tennessee.
“Georgia Tech plays the type of defense that likes to blitz. That fits my style.”
Sabino plans to be on the sideline for Southern Cal’s season opener against Idaho on Sept. 1. He is also expected to be in attendance when Wisconsin visits Ohio State on Nov 3.
Commings looking to be two-sport athlete
Westside Augusta receiver/defensive back Sanders Commings plans to visit South Carolina on Saturday to explore the possibility of playing two sports for the Gamecocks.
Commings, who had originally planned to travel to Columbia last weekend, is scheduled to meet with members of the South Carolina baseball and football coaching staffs.
“One of the reasons I want to go up there is to meet baseball coach [Ray] Tanner,” Commings said.
Commings, who has football scholarship offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech and South Carolina, is lining up visits for Sept 1 and 8.
“I plan on going to either see Florida or Georgia on the first,” he said. “And I’ve reserved tickets through Georgia for the South Carolina game on the eighth.”
Joe Adams may break Georgia’s commitment drought on Friday Aug. 24
The Arkansas wide receiver will commit at 10 p.m. on KLRT, a Fox affiliate in his hometown of Little Rock, and the Bulldogs are in the mix and many consider them the program to beat for Adams.
“This is a hard decision,” Adams said of picking between Georgia, in-state Arkansas, LSU, Florida and USC.
Adams, ranked as the 34th-best player in the South by Scout.com, is also considered the country’s No. 21 wide-out.
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Jackson clarifies his commitment to UGA; Dogs in Hunt’s top five
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Griffin defensive end Toby Jackson, who has committed to Georgia, is in the process of performing recruiting due diligence.
“I plan to attend games this fall at Alabama, Auburn and Georgia,” Jackson said. “And I’m still trying to figure out two more.”
Jackson on his commitment to the Bulldogs:
“I would say it’s solid, but I’m still looking. I want to weigh my options.
“Basically, I really think it’s a very good chance that I’m going to Georgia. If [signing day] was tomorrow, it would be Georgia.
“But I’m still going to weigh my options. Everyone just needs to be patient and time will tell.”
UGA in the running for Hunt
Daphne (Al.) running back Reggie Hunt has narrowed the list of schools he’s considering to Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and West Virginia.
Hunt, who refused to declare an outright front-runner, said he’s a longtime Bulldog fan.
“Georgia has always been my favorite team growing up,” Hunt said. “I like the way Georgia uses their running backs and the offense they run. It’s the program to be with.”
Hunt, who is in the process of setting up his fall visits, has yet to tour the UGA campus. A last-minute conflict prevented him from traveling to Athens for junior day.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Hunt had plenty of praise for Georgia coach Mark Richt.
“He’s a nice guy who is a good coach and a great leader,” said Hunt, who claims he has no timeline for making a commitment.
Georgia commit Jones tracking the Dogs
Georgia-bound Ben Jones of Bibb County (Ala.) said he plans to attend three or four of the Bulldogs’ contests this fall.
“I’m coming to the South Carolina game for sure,” the 6-foot-3, 300-pound offensive lineman said. “And I know I’m going to the Georgia/Alabama game.”
Jones reiterated that his commitment to the Bulldogs is solid.
“I won’t be taking any other official visits,” he said.
Jones said he takes a lot of good-natured ribbing from his friends and teammates in Centreville, Ala. for committing to Georgia.
“Yeah, they like to mess with me and say [Alabama] got this player committed this week, so you need to come there,” Jones said. “Some of the players on the football team rib me about [not committing to] Alabama.”
Roswell’s Hazelton commits to Duke
Curtis Hazelton of defending Class AAAAA co-champion Roswell has committed to Duke.
”He’s a tall, rangy kid, and even though he weighs 250 pounds, he can carry a lot more in college,” Roswell coach Tim McFarlin said. “He has good movement for a player his size, and he’s smart. He picks things up very quickly.”
“He’s gained 20 pounds from last year to this, and I think that’s made a difference. We felt for a long time that he’d be on the Division 1 bubble, but he’s worked hard.”
Hazelton , who started at offensive tackle for the Hornets as a sophomore, will be used strictly as a defensive end this season.
”He could’ve waited and got more offers, but Duke made an offer and it was his kind of place,” McFarlin said. “It was just a great fit for him academically. He’s thrilled about what the school has to offer.”
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Stockbridge’s Salmon favors Carolina; SEC offers for Fortson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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South Carolina sits atop the recruiting wish list of Stockbridge defensive tackle Randy Salmon.
“Randy led our team last year in sacks [with seven] and is also good against the run,” Stockbridge coach Steven Collins said of the 6-foot-3, 296-pound Salmon, who has scholarship offers from Georgia Southern, Louisiana Tech, N.C. State, Ohio, South Carolina, Southern Miss, Troy and UAB.
“When you get a guy that big that can take up a couple of bodies, that helps out your linebackers.”
Salmon, who Collins simply describes as “big, strong and fast,” enjoyed a recent visit to Columbia.
“He went to South Carolina and really liked it,” Collins said. “I would say if there is a favorite that would be it.
“But he also went to Florida. They haven’t offered him yet, but they’re on him pretty hard.”
Salmon believes the Gators will offer in early September.
“Florida is looking at me, and they may offer after my first or second game,” Salmon said. “Right now, South Carolina is the highest school on my list. I want to see N.C. State’s campus.
“I’ll wait and see what Florida does. If they don’t do anything soon, I’ll probably commit to South Carolina.”
Major offers for big-time playmaker
Carver Columbus receiver Jarmon Fortson is entertaining scholarship offers from Auburn, Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU and South Carolina.
Fortson’s frame (6-3, 220-pounds) and speed (4.58 seconds in the 40) make him a hot commodity.
“Jarmon has good hands, runs after the catch, runs good routes, understands windows and zones and is real physical,” Carver coach Dell McGee said.
McGee said Fortson will likely attend Auburn’s season opener against Kansas State on Sept. 1. He may travel to Clemson for the Tigers’ Sept. 3 contest with ACC rival Florida State.
Unlike Carver teammate DeRon Furr, who committed to Auburn earlier this summer, Forston has made it known he is in no hurry to choose a college.
“He’s going to wait,” McGee said.
Northgate’s Searcy eyeing Mississippi State
Northgate defensive end James Searcy is leaning toward Mississippi State.
The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder has offers from Arkansas, Central Florida, Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Troy and UAB.
“I really want to get out to Mississippi State and see their campus before I do anything,” Searcy said.
Chattahoochee’s Ford making waves in the secondary
Following a transfer from Lithonia to Chattahoochee during the summer, defensive back Elton Ford wasted little time making a favorable impression on the Cougars’ coaching staff.
Ford, who played linebacker at Lithonia, was switched to the secondary by Chattahoochee coach Terry Crowder.
“Elton has great athletic ability,” Crowder said. “He’s got a 38 inch vertical jump and can run the 40 in 4.46 seconds.
“He’s just like the defensive backs I had at Camden County when I coached there. And now they’re starting in the ACC. He’s just like them.”
The 6-foot, 205-pound Ford, who has already qualified academically, has no offers. But he is being recruited heavily by Arkansas, Central Florida, Louisiana Tech, Ole Miss and Wake Forest.
“They’ve all got copies of his game films from Lithonia,” Crowder said. “Once the season starts, they’ll be able to make it to some of the games to see him in person.”
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Jarboe to visit LSU; Lipscomb eyes major offers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Josh Jarboe of Cedar Grove, rated the 15th-best receiver in the country by Scout.com, said Monday evening he’s “very interested” in Florida, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
His first in-season trip will likely be to Baton Rouge in September.
“I’m planning on visiting LSU,” Jarboe said. “I’m just waiting for the coaches to set the date.”
Tucker’s Lipscomb favors ACC, SEC, Big 10 schools
Tucker receiver/defensive back Neiko Lipscomb continues to draw heavy interest from several Division I programs.
“[From the start of the recruiting process], he’s been interested in Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, Michigan State and Virginia Tech,” first-year coach Franklin Stephens said.
Lipscomb’s 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame might be better suited in the secondary rather than at receiver.
“[The recruiters] all like his height and his range,” Stephens said. “He runs exceptionally well. I think he’s the type of kid who can be a tall corner or safety.
“I think he’s still looking because he didn’t get to visit this summer. It will come down to his official visits and the coaches who are recruiting him.”
Urbano set to pull the trigger
Calhoun running back Adam Urbano will likely commit to Troy later this week.
“I’m pretty close to committing to Troy,” the 5-foot-9, 183-pound Urbano said Monday night. “I really like their program.
“I think I fit in good. And they’re talking about playing me as a freshman.”
Urbano recently claimed an offer from Georgia Southern and is being heavily recruited by UAB and Southern Florida.
“But Troy only offered two running backs [including Urbano] and they said they’re only planning on taking one. So I don’t want to hold out on them too long.
“And Troy has a really nice football facility. They’ve renovated their stadium, put in a field turf and have a new weight room.”
ACC and SEC offers for Portee
Defensive end A.J. Portee of Mays has scholarship offers from Auburn, Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt.
Mays coach Jesse Solomon said college recruiters are finding few flaws in Portee’s game.
“What do they like about him? Everything,” Solomon said.
Solomon wants to see his 6-foot-5, 210-pound lineman continue to grow.
“We’ve just got to put some more weight on him,” Solomon said. “I know they’ll put some more weight on him at the next level.”
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Walton’s Thomas visits Auburn; Painter considering UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Walton’s Chase Thomas, who has narrowed the list of schools he is considering to Auburn, Georgia Tech and Stanford, made his third trip to the Tigers’ campus on Saturday.
“It was the first time my dad got to go to Auburn,” Thomas said. “It was more for him.”
The outside linebacker prospect said his dad came away impressed.
“He liked it,” Thomas said. “He enjoyed talking to coach [Tommy] Tuberville and coach [Will] Muschamp.
“And we got to sit in on some of the defensive meetings and watch some film from Friday’s scrimmage.”
Thomas and his father had lunch with Auburn freshman Bailey Woods, a product of Walton.
“[Bailey] wants me to go wherever I feel most comfortable,” Thomas said. “He’s not trying to pressure me to go to Auburn.”
Coveted OL lists Georgia in top five
Vinston Painter of Maury High in Norfolk, Va., rated the seventh-best guard in the nation by Scout.com, is considering Florida, Georgia, Miami, Penn State and Virginia Tech.
The mammoth 6-foot-5, 305-pound Painter, who is projected to play tackle, said he likes Georgia’s balanced offensive scheme.
“I like they way they do a little bit of running and a little bit of passing,” he said. “That fits me.”
Painter said his family is split over him leaving the state of Virginia to play football.
“Some of them want me to stay home, but some of them don’t mind if I go away,” he said. “They all want me to be happy.”
Painter said he’s preparing to set up Saturday visits for the upcoming season. But he’ll be deliberate in the process of making a commitment.
“I’ll take my time and see which school fits best for me,” Painter said. “I don’t want to go to a school and later regret it.”
Stone Mountain’s Reeves names four
Stone Mountain receiver/defensive back Charles Reeves said Sunday he will play college football for Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss or Tennessee.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Reeves, who was clocked at 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash during a camp at Auburn earlier this year, sees a common denominator in the four programs.
“I like all four schools because they’re big play teams,” said Reeves, who has visited Tennessee but hopes to travel to Florida and Ole Miss soon. “You watch some schools that are conservative.
“But I like the deep ball. And all of these schools have big time players on their team. I think I’d fit if I go to one of those schools.”
Reeves’ future on the next level likely lies at receiver. In Stone Mountain’s jamboree against Lithia Springs on Friday, he turned five receptions into 130 yards and two touchdowns during just two quarters of action.
Reeves is not sure when he will commit.
“I want to as soon as possible, but I just want to make sure the decision is the right one,” he said.
Troup’s Oliver to visit Arkansas
Troup offensive tackle John Oliver is a man of his word who wants to play in the Southeastern Conference.
He currently holds scholarship offers from Arkansas, Akron, Central Florida and South Florida. And he believes Indiana and UAB are close to offering.
Oliver had originally intended on committing prior to next week’s season opener. But he’s now content to go into a wait-and-see mode.
“My dream since I was little is to play in the SEC,” said Oliver, who is attempting to lineup an early-season visit to Arkansas. “But I’m interested in the Big East.
“If I had to choose right now, it would be Arkansas. But I’m not discounting anybody.”
Confident that he and his Troup teammates will be a state championship contender, Oliver will likely try to improve his stock and delay a commitment until after the season.
One of his greatest fears is withdrawing a commitment, should additional offers come along later in the year.
“I’ve always had a problem going against my word,” Oliver said. “I wouldn’t want to go against my word. I’ll sit down with my family and assess my situation.
“I think the more patient you are, the more opportunities will come to you. I was going to commit early. But now I’m probably going to wait.”
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Former UGA commit Ward update; Glenn close to commitment
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Mt. Zion-Jonesboro running back Martin Ward, who pledged his allegiance to Georgia last fall then chose to withdraw the commitment in May, said Thursday he will likely commit to North Carolina, Clemson, South Carolina or Georgia later this year.
Ward believes his original commitment to the Dogs was premature.
“I’m still interested in Georgia, but I committed too early,” the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Ward said. “When I looked at their depth chart, it put me back further and further.
“I just decided to keep my options open and keep looking.”
First year Mt. Zion coach Jarrett Laws confirmed his running back’s recruiting strategy.
“As far as I know, Georgia is still in the picture,” Laws said. “And he’s looking at a couple of ACC schools.
“He’s more concerned with having a chance to play. He also wants to go to a school with a good training staff because he wants to be sure he’s healthy all four years.”
Ward on his top four candidates:
North Carolina - “I went there for a half day mini-camp and got to meet the coaches. It was great.”
Clemson - “I like their offensive scheme, the way they use their running backs, how they get into the open field and how they get them on and off the field.”
South Carolina - “I like the coaches. I got to meet with coach [Steve] Spurrier. Their coaches have a lot of energy and are good with the kids. It made me feel like part of the team when I went there on junior day in the spring.”
Georgia - “I like the fact it’s close to home and their crowd. It’s a great home environment. The football team feeds off the crowd. And the crowd loves the team.”
Double digit offers for Riverdale’s Glenn
Alabama, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, Louisville and Maryland headline the list of schools with scholarship offers to Riverdale lineman Cordy Glenn.
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Glenn said he’ll likely commit prior to the Raiders’ season opener against Mundy’s Mill on Aug. 31.
“It’ll probably happen before the season starts,” Glenn said.
First year Riverdale coach Jamie Reed heaped plenty of praise on his prized lineman.
“I coached at the Division 2 level for five years, and I’ve never see anyone like him at the places I’ve coached,” Reed said.
Glenn, who claims he has no front-runner, said he’s considering Georgia.
“They’re the home team and they’re pretty good every year,” Glenn said. “And they have a great coaching staff.”
Banneker’s Steven Fowlkes to announce on Tuesday
Banneker defensive end Steven Fowlkes will hold a press conference on Tuesday at 9 a.m. to announce where he will play college football.
Fowlkes is expected to graduate in December and enroll in college the following month.
He currently holds offers from Tennessee, Louisville, North Carolina, Mississippi State, Purdue and South Carolina.
Scout.com reported on Thursday that Tennessee has won the Fowlkes sweepstakes.
Banneker coach Benny Crane remained tight-lipped when contacted late Thursday and would not confirm the report.
Stockbridge’s King reviewing 19 offers
Stockbridge safety Vance King is hardly content with the 19 scholarship offers currently in his possession.
Arkansas, Vanderbilt, North Carolina, Purdue, Indiana, UAB, Georgia Southern and Memphis are among the programs that have already offered.
But King hopes an offer from at least one of two particular SEC powers is forthcoming.
“I’d like to get an offer from LSU or Auburn,” the 6-foot-1, 195-pound King said. “I think Auburn will offer.”
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Westside’s Commings, Cedar Grove’s Avery consider baseball
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Westside Augusta wide receiver/defensive back Sanders Commings took in Georgia’s first practice of the season on Aug. 4.
Commings, who is considering scholarship offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Florida and South Carolina, is scheduled to travel to Columbia on Saturday to visit the Gamecocks’ coaching staff.
“They want me to come up there and meet the baseball coach and coach [Steve] Spurrier,” said Commings, a baseball centerfielder. “I want to play both sports in college. I think I can be just as good in both.”
Commings hopes to gain approval from South Carolina to participate in both sports. He says he’s already been granted permission to be a two-sport athlete at Georgia and Georgia Tech.
“[Georgia baseball] coach [Dave] Perno has written me, but I haven’t met him yet,” Commings said.
Trip to San Diego a success for Avery
Cedar Grove’s Xavier Avery continues to downplay last week’s rumors, which had him committing to Georgia this week.
“I’m not getting ready to commit yet,” said Avery, who is considering offers from Georgia, Alabama, LSU, North Carolina, Stanford and Florida. “I’m still just laying back low on my decision.”
After scoring the winning run in Saturday’s Aflac All-American Baseball Classic in San Diego, Avery returned home the following day and prepared to join his Cedar Grove football teammates.
“I’ve been practicing since Monday,” Avery said. “It’s going to take a little while to get in football shape. I’m getting in shape, but it won’t happen overnight.”
Avery, who continues to express a desire to play baseball and football in college, likely won’t know which path he will follow until after next summer’s major league baseball draft.
“If I get drafted, like in the first round and they offer me $2 million, yeah, then I’ll play pro baseball,” he said. “But if they offer me something I can’t live on in the minor leagues, I’ll tell them I’ve to get my education.”
College scouts set to converge on Harrison
Harrison’s home game against Hiram on Saturday Sept. 8 could have an impact on where the Hoyas’ Kyle Madden plays college football.
“I’m under the impression that coaches interested in me will come to that game,” said Madden, who is being recruited as a tight end and defensive end. “North Carolina, Clemson, Vanderbilt, Southern Miss, South Florida, Miami (Ohio) and Furman said they will probably be there. And Tulane said they may come.”
Madden is already plotting his strategy to handle the pressure associated with playing in front of college recruiters.
“It will be hard, but I’ll just have to think that they’re not there and just go out and play my game,” Madden said. “A lot of the coaches have seen me play. They just want to see how I’ve improved over the year and see me play.
“I’ve been to North Carolina, Clemson, Vanderbilt and Michigan State and been around a lot of their coaches. But for some coaches, it’ll be the first time they’ve seen me in person.”
Madden’s sole offer to date is from Central Florida.
“I feel Central Florida is a very strong, up-and-coming program,” he said. “I went down to their facility a couple of months ago for junior day.
“They just built a brand new stadium and they have a great weight room. It’s a top-notch program. I think in a couple of years they will be a powerhouse.”
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Thomas sets sights on the Iron Bowl; Jackson still eyeing UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Walton’s Chase Thomas said Tuesday night he’ll likely use one of his five official visits this fall to attend this year’s version of Auburn and Alabama’s annual clash in the Iron Bowl.
The outside linebacker recruit has also penciled in the Stanford/Oregon contest on Sept. 22. He will travel to Baton Rouge two weeks later to watch LSU play defending national champion Florida.
Thomas, who plans to commit to Auburn, Georgia Tech, LSU or Stanford later this year, will also attend at least one of Tech’s home games.
Thomas on his final four:
Auburn - “It’s close to home and they have a great program. They’re in the SEC and the SEC is the best there is. They have great coaches and academics.”
Tech - “It’s really close to home and the academics are amazing. They’ve been really good and their defensive coordinator [Jon Tenuta] is one of the best.”
LSU - “A dominant program in the SEC. It’d be good to play for a powerhouse football team like LSU. Their coaches are among the best.”
Stanford - “I like the playing time opportunity a lot and the academics. I think I can get the best of both there. It would be a chance to go to an elite school and one of the best academic schools in the nation.”
Jackson continues to eye five offers
Heard County running back Dontavius Jackson remains steadfast in his desire to commit to Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU or Penn State in October.
Jackson, who had hoped to visit Georgia on Saturday to attend practice, said the Dogs are at the top of his list should the opportunity arise for him to attend a workout.
“If I do go to a practice, it will probably be at Georgia,” he said.
Jackson is impressed with the Dogs’ current crop of commitments.
“They’ve got a great class right now, and it will get better,” Jackson predicted. “I want to be part of a great class. They’ll be around you your whole career and you’ll have a chance to win championships.”
Roark to attend UGA/South Carolina game
North Cobb quarterback Matt Roark is entertaining scholarship offers from Georgia Tech, Duke, Wake Forest, Kentucky, Oregon, Indiana, UAB, South Florida and Illinois.
After declining to declare a front-runner, the 6-foot-6, 195-pound athlete indicated Georgia would jump to the top of his list should the Dogs make an offer.
“They would probably be number one if they offered,” said Roark, who is scheduled to be in Athens on Sept. 8 when Georgia hosts South Carolina.
Roark also confirmed that a trip to Kentucky this fall will be one of his five official visits.
“I’m just looking for a good school that is academically stable and offers a lot of support for the athletes,” Roark said. “I want to mesh with all the people I will see everyday, including coaches, teachers and other students.”
Roark, who is being recruited primarily as a receiver, said he is content with that position.
“I prefer to play receiver because I think it will be easy for me to come in and play,” he said.
Simmons continues to favor Miami
Miami remains the front-runner for Banneker’s Darrell Simmons.
“It’s a school that I grew up watching,” Simmons said. “I used to always tell my parents I want to go there.”
Simmons, who also has offers from Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State and Tennessee, appears to be a visit away from committing to the Hurricanes.
“It’s that, and I don’t want to take it too fast,” he said. “I just want to make the right decision.”
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Two commitments for Tech; Major offers for Stockbridge duo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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T.J. Pridemore followed a crooked path to becoming the 13th player to commit to Georgia Tech’s 2008 recruiting class, and the third player to pledge the Yellow Jackets in three days.
As he was less interested in local teams than the one his father Tom Pridemore played for before joining the Atlanta Falcons as a linebacker. So as the Buford senior grew into a coveted player himself, the Mountaineers called and he listened.
“My father played at West Virginia, so I followed them,” Pridemore said after becoming Tech’s sixth in-state commitment. “I wasn’t much of a Georgia or Tech fan. I didn’t know a lot about Tech until they started recruiting me.”
Pridemore on Monday chose the Jackets over WVU and others for location and more.
“It’s closer to home. I’ve been really impressed with coach Gailey and the staff,” Pridemore said. “I think it’s a really special place for a middle linebacker to play in their defense. The education you get at Georgia Tech is really special too.”
Although the 6-foot-2, 235-pound senior will play mostly outside for Buford, he said Tech coaches have recruited him as a potential middle linebacker, where Scout.com ranks him as the No. 31 prospect in the nation.
He chose Tech over South Carolina, West Virginia, Duke and Tennessee among others. Blountstown, Fla., defensive back Jon Lockhart committed to Tech Saturday, and St. Augustine, Fla., defensive back Rashaad Reid on Sunday.
Reed commits to Tech
The Jackets have added another defensive back to their 2008 recruiting class as Rashaad Reed of St. Augustine High committed to Tech.
He’s not ranked among the nation’s elite cornerbacks by two premier scouting services, but Tech coaches were impressed by him in a camp last month, and consider him a possible sleeper.
Reed’s coverage skills may be best suited to play “field cornerback” for Tech, on the wide side of the field. Blountstown, Fla., defensive back Jon Lockhart, who committed Saturday, is more physical, and projects to play “boundary corner.” Â Reed, who is 5-feet-10, 177 pounds, gives the Jackets 12 commitments, seven from out of state, and five from Florida. The others are wide receiver A.J. Jenkins (Jacksonville), and running backs Embry Peeples (Orlando) and Richard Watson (Tallahassee).
Updates on Stockbridge’s Bass and King
Stockbridge quarterback Tyler Bass and safety/running back Vance King continue to reel in Division I scholarship offers.
“Tyler has 13 offers, including ones from Southern Miss, Indiana, Purdue, Illinois, North Carolina, Akron and Louisiana Tech,” Stockbridge coach Steven Collins said.
“Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Purdue, North Carolina, North Carolina State and South Carolina have offered Vance.”
Collins believes both players will delay a commitment until later in the year.
“I don’t think either will commit early,” he said. “They want to keep their options open, take official visits this fall and not make a decision too quickly.”
Collins on Bass: “He’s a dual threat type quarterback at 6-foot-3, 210-pounds who can operate out of the shotgun and run the option. He’s got a strong arm and is very athletic. He’s also a pro-type that can drop back in the pocket and do some things.”
Collins on King: “He’s 6-foot-1, 200-pounds and is being recruited at several positions. North Carolina wants him at running back, but Auburn likes him as a safety. Clemson is talking to him about outside linebacker. South Carolina likes him at running back, while Arkansas wants him at safety. It just kind of depends. He just wants to go to the school that is best for him. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he signs somewhere to play safety.”
Shaw commits to MTSU
Flowery Branch quarterback Jaybo Shaw has committed to Middle Tennessee State University, the defending Sun Belt Conference champions.
“I committed on Saturday night to MTSU,” Shaw said. “That’s where I’ll be playing college football.”
Shaw’s commitment came during a visit to the Murfreesboro, Tenn. campus.
“I went up there on Saturday to see where I’ll live and asked questions,” Shaw said. “I looked at how the depth chart will look for me coming in. The coaches told me how I will fit into their system.
“Honestly, I think I want to redshirt. I know the first year will be hard and hectic. But it will pay off in the long run.”
Two offers for Hart’s Curry
Hart County quarterback Kurvin Curry is considering offers from Duke and Central Michigan. And an offer from UAB could come any day.
“I like the fact that Duke is in the ACC,” Curry said. “But I think Duke has another quarterback that might have committed. So I might be second-guessing that one.
“Central Michigan won their conference last year. And I think there’s a place for me in their offense. But the distance from home is an issue.
“UAB is a program on the rise. And it’s close to home.”
Curry said he has received contact from Georgia Tech and Wake Forest.
Dennard names his top three
Wilcox County’s Alphonzo Dennard picked up an offer from Georgia Southern last week.
Dennard already had offers from Clemson, Alabama, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Troy and Purdue. He listed Clemson, Alabama and Troy as his current front-runners.
“Clemson has a great team,” Dennard said. “They said they’ll put me at receiver in a slot.
“Alabama has a great coaching staff led by Nick Saban. And Troy wants me to play as a true freshman.”
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Lockhart commits to Tech; Brand still considering UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia Tech picked up its 11th commitment, and sixth from out of state, when Blountstown, Fla., two-way player Jon Lockhart told the Yellow Jackets today he wants to play for them beginning in 2008.
Tech has recruited Lockhart chiefly as a defensive back.
“I had two schools, Vanderbilt and Ga. Tech, and I like these schools because they have good academic programs, and good athletic programs,” Lockhart said of his two finalists. “When I visited Tech, that sealed it. I’m from a small town, and that’s a big city, which is a big thing for me.
“But the campus has the feeling of a small town with a lot of trees you can’t see in the big city. And my Mom and dad said they like that it’s not too far for them to come see a game.”
Lockhart has played basketball the past three years for Blountstown, which is located between Tallahassee and Panama City, but said he will give up the sport his senior season.
Brand set to focus on upcoming season
Coffee guard B.J. Brand, who briefly committed to Georgia earlier this year, remains on the bubble when it comes to deciding where he will play college football.
“[B.J.] told me the other day he’s much more worried about the season and will focus on recruiting afterwards,” Coffee coach Jerry Odom said.
According to Odom, Brand has scholarship offers from Georgia, Florida, Florida State, South Carolina, Louisville and N.C. State.
Brand committed to Georgia in February, before having second thoughts several weeks later.
“The only thing he’s ever told me about that is he likes Georgia a lot,” Odom said. “He just wants to see some of the other places and be sure which school is right for him.”
Mays’ Smith back to square one
Defensive end Bernard Smith of Mays has withdrawn a soft verbal commitment to Ole Miss.
“I just decided to sit back and take the time to look at all of the offers on the table,” said Mays, who sole offer is from Ole Miss. “I want to keep all of my options open.
“We can have a breakout season at Mays. Hopefully, more offers will come.”
One of Smith’s visits this fall will likely be to Auburn, which is showing strong interest in the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder.
“I’ll take all five official visits, but it is going to be low key,” he said. “The only people that will know I’m there will be the people at the school.”
Smith said he would like to receive an offer from one program in particular.
“But I’m going to keep it anonymous,” he said. “It is an ACC school.”
McRae attends Tech practice
Dublin offensive lineman Nick McRae, who already committed to Tech, sat in on pre-scrimmage meetings Saturday, and attended the scrimmage in Bobby Dodd Stadium.
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It’s Auburn for Harrison’s Adams; Thompson likes Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It was a memorable Saturday morning for Harrison receiver Darvin Adams, who enjoyed a telephone conversation early today with Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville.
“Coach Tuberville said he’s glad I’m a war eagle,” Adams said.
After much deliberation over scholarship offers from Auburn and Tennessee, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Adams committed to the Tigers on Friday after notifying Auburn assistant coach Will Muschamp with the good news.
“I liked the system and coaching staff at Auburn,” Adams said. “When I go down there, it just feels like family.”
Adams wound up accepting his first offer.
“Auburn had been with me since the tenth grade,” he said. “Tennessee offered me as a junior.”
Adams said it’s no coincidence that he chose to commit before Harrison’s season opener later this month.
“It’s real big to get this over with,” he said. “I didn’t want to have that worry during my senior year.”
Tech in Thompson running
Georgia Tech remains in the mix for Thomasville defensive tackle Brandon Thompson, who is also considering Clemson, Florida State and Miami.
One of the most highly regarded uncommitted prospects in the state, Thompson plans to make a commitment prior to the Bulldogs’ Aug. 31 opener against rival Thomas County Central.
The soft-spoken Thompson said he surfs the Internet regularly but rarely reads any postings, good or bad, directed at him.
“I’m not a big fan of attention,” he said. “I hear about a lot of this at school. People will walk up and keep me updated about recruiting. But I’m just ready to get this over with and move on.”
Unlike many of the state’s top recruits, Thompson wants no part of a news conference to announce his decision. “I’ll just tell my coach,” he said.
Tech’s Chan Gailey will be waiting by the phone.
“I like the school itself, and I love it from a football perspective,” Thompson said of Tech. “With Georgia Tech, you may think of the big city of Atlanta. But it’s not like that. It’s like it’s own little place away from Atlanta.”
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Wells picks Florida State; Washington hypes UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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And the winner of the Keith Wells sweepstakes is … Florida State.
The Gainesville High defensive end made his choice public shortly after 1 p.m. Friday at a news conference at the school.
The 6-foot-5, 207-pound Wells, Rivals.com’s fifth-ranked weakside defensive end, picked the Seminoles over Auburn and Florida.
Burke’s Washington talks UGA
Georgia-bound since committing to the Bulldogs near the end of his sophomore season, Burke County’s Cornelius Washington has kept a watchful eye on recruiting boards to determine which players will line up alongside him during the next four seasons in Athens.
“I look at websites every now and then to see who’s coming in,” said Washington, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound rising senior at the Waynesboro school. “I think Georgia’ 2008 class has some top talent.
“Some of these guys coming in, I know I’ll have fun playing with.”
Washington said he’s never regretted making an early commitment.
“I like the campus and the coaches and I think it’s a great school,” he said. “Now, I don’t have to worry about it.”
A defensive end with 4.52 speed, Washington expects Georgia to contend for the SEC championship this fall.
“I definitely see them as a top 10 team,” he said. “I think they have a little improvement to do, but they have the athletes to win.”
Three offers for state champion quarterback
Dustin Taliaferro, the quarterback at defending Class AAAAA co-champion Roswell, holds offers from Southern Miss, East Carolina and Tulane.
“It’s too early,” Taliaferro said, when asked about any self-imposed commitment deadline. “I’m not going to make an early commitment. I’m just waiting.”
Taliaferro is hopeful an offer will arrive from an ACC school.
“I’ve been hearing from Duke,” he said.
“Right now, I just hope we can get back to the state championship game and that I’ll have a good season.”
Route still looking at Memphis
Stephenson cornerback Destin Route continues to indicate he will withdraw his commitment to Marshall and shift his allegiance to Memphis.
“They just got a new defensive back coach at Memphis,” Route said. “I’m waiting on a call from them so I can send my highlight tape.”
Route, who admitted that he’s had little communication with the Marshall coaching staff recently, must clear one final hurdle in September.
“I’ve still got to take the SAT,” he said. “My grades are fine. I’ve just got to take the SAT so I can qualify.”
Perry’s Hayward receives offer from MTSU
Middle Tennessee State has offered Perry receiver/defensive back Casey Hayward.
“I like the coaches there a lot,” Hayward said. “It seems like a good school. I’ve looked it up on the internet.
“I’ll take one of my visits there and see how it is.”
Hayward expects other colleges to come into the mix during the upcoming season.
“A couple of other school have been talking to my coach,” he said. “They just want to see how the season goes.”
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Avery denies UGA rumors; Jackson searches for ride to Athens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Cedar Grove running back Xavier Avery, who is in San Diego this week to participate in Saturday’s Aflac All-American Baseball Classic, disputed internet reports that he will commit to Georgia early next week.
“I haven’t committed anywhere yet,” Avery said by phone Wednesday evening. “Right now, I’m still deciding where I want to go.
“My dad doesn’t want me to commit. He wants me to weigh my options.”
Avery, who could be a high pick in next summer’s major league baseball draft, wants to play football and baseball in college.
He admitted that Georgia is one of the programs he is considering.
“Georgia is at the top of my list,” Avery said. “But I’m also considering Alabama, LSU, North Carolina, Stanford and Florida.”
Avery attempted to explain why his name is being linked to a commitment with the Bulldogs.
“I guess everybody knows I like Georgia a lot,” he said. “That’s probably why.”
Jackson hopes to attend practice at Georgia on Saturday
The only thing standing between Heard County running back Dontavius Jackson and a visit to Georgia’s practice on Saturday is a set of wheels.
“I’m trying to plan a way to get up to Georgia on Saturday,” Jackson said late Wednesday. “I’m trying to get my cousin to take me.”
Jackson, considered by many to be the top uncommitted player in the state, reaffirmed his plans to choose between Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, LSU and Penn State by October.
If Jackson is able to land a ride to Athens on Saturday, he’ll make the Georgia coaching staff aware that he plans to attend.
“Pretty much, you just call and tell them you’re coming to practice,” Jackson said.
Jackson already has an agenda, should he make the trek to Athens this weekend.
“I’ll watch the running backs to see how they do things,” he said.
Okakpu explains his commitment to North Carolina
Roswell running back Ebele Okakpu hinted last week he was considering a commitment to North Carolina.
The tip came to fruition on Saturday when he committed to the Tar Heel coaching staff during a visit to Chapel Hill.
“I had already visited North Carolina, so I didn’t take the campus tour again,” Okakpu said. “I went up to coach [Butch] Davis’ office. After I got finished talking to him, I went to the coaches’ meeting area and told coach [John] Blake and coach [Tommy] Thigpen that I wanted to play football there.
“They kind of just told everybody else.”
Okakpu admitted Wednesday evening that he considered Clemson and Virginia Tech before choosing the Tar Heels.
“I just like the coaches and the whole place up there at North Carolina,” Okakpu said. “I liked it more than the other places I went.”
Okakpu is confident Davis can put football on the map at a school best known for basketball.
“Look what he did with Miami,” Okakpu said. “I think he can bring that to North Carolina.”
Georgia Southern offer for Adetona
Georgia Southern joins Indiana, Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, Ball State, Buffalo and Troy as programs with scholarship offers to Gainesville’s Tyler Adetona.
The 6-foot-1, 203-pound receiver had originally planned to make a commitment by this week.
Instead, he’ll wait until after the fourth game of the season when Gainesville plays rival North Hall.
“I’m still hearing from schools like N.C. State, Central Florida and Tennessee,” Adetona said. “I feel Tennessee will come around.
“And Minnesota and Louisville sent me a big package about their programs. Time will only tell about those schools.”
Adetona said he’s picked up some speed, despite adding a few pounds to his frame. He was recently clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.48 seconds.
“I’ve gained weight, but I’m faster,” he said.
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Pridemore on his Tech visit; Wells decision moved to Friday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Buford linebacker T.J. Pridemore soaked up the sights and sounds of a day at Georgia Tech on Saturday.
Pridemore’s unofficial host was Tech quarterback Kyle Manley, a Buford graduate.
“I had a good visit and got to spend the day around campus with Kyle,” said Pridemore, whose father is former Atlanta Falcon Tom Pridemore. “I really enjoyed sitting in the team meetings.
“I got to sit down with a few of the [Tech players]. I was just impressed with everything.”
Pridemore said he hasn’t started the process of eliminating any of his scholarship offers, which have come from Tech, West Virginia, Ole Miss, Central Florida, Duke, Tennessee, South Carolina, Maryland, N.C. State, South Florida and Mississippi State.
Decision day moved to Friday for Wells
The winner of the recruiting battle over Gainesville defensive end Keith Wells will have to wait an additional 24 hours.
Wells, rated a four-star defensive lineman by Scout.com, had been expected to choose between Auburn, Florida and Florida State during a Thursday press conference at the Hall County school.
The announcement is now slated for 1 p.m. on Friday.
In the interim, Wells is attempting to keep everyone in suspense.
“Only five people know,” he said. “That includes me, my mom and [three coaches at Gainesville].
“And my position coach at the [winning] college knows. I told him this is what I want to do, and they basically said ‘we’ll keep it under wraps.’”
As with most recruiting announcements, the hat - or hats - will play a major role in Wells’ press conference.
“I’m not sure how I’ll do it yet,” Wells said. “I may line them up and choose one hat. Or I may just pull one out.”
No pressure for Notre Dame-bound Slaughter
Life is good for Tucker defensive back Jamoris Slaughter, whose summer was highlighted by a commitment to Notre Dame.
“It feels good when I get a lot of people asking me about going to Notre Dame,” Slaughter said. “A lot of people are happy for me.”
Slaughter said his early-summer commitment to the Irish has barely slowed other colleges’ efforts to recruit him.
“I’m still hearing from Michigan, LSU and actually a whole bunch of other schools,” he said. “Now that the coaches can’t text message [due to a new NCAA rule], I’m getting a lot of mail.”
Slaughter plans to attend at least one game in South Bend this fall.
“I’ll go to the Georgia Tech or Southern Cal game,” he said.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Slaughter said he only recently discovered the Irish’s rich football history.
“At the beginning, I didn’t really know much about Notre Dame,” he said. “But my parents did.
“Once I found out about their history, that really pulled me toward them.”
Georgia Southern offer for Northgate’s Searcy
Defensive end James Searcy of Northgate claimed an offer from Georgia Southern last week.
Searcy is considering a visit to the Statesboro campus.
“I think that might be a good place for me,” Searcy said. “I see a lot of good things about them. I know it’s a pretty good school.”
The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder said he’d put the Eagles in his top-five, along with Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Troy and Central Florida.
Searcy on his other candidates:
Mississippi State -“I know they have a good history on defense. And I like the coaches.”
Oklahoma State - “It’s just the relationship I have with the coaches. I’m planning on an official visit there.”
Troy - “I actually had a cousin go there to play baseball. I like the campus. It’s pretty nice.”
Central Florida - “I like the state of Florida. I was supposed to go there in July to visit, but it got cancelled. I’ll try to go during my bye week.”
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Mays’ Heard considers Tech, waits on Florida; Uzzi on Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Mays receiver Corey Heard said Monday evening he’s narrowed the list of schools he is considering to Georgia Tech and Kentucky.
But the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Heard added that he’s willing to delay a commitment as he waits on a potential scholarship offer from defending national champion Florida.
“I’d love to go to Georgia Tech,” said Heard, who also has offers from Stanford and North Carolina. “They have my major, which is architecture.
“But I like the receivers coach [Joker Phillips] at Kentucky and the fact they throw the ball a lot.”
Heard said it isn’t a foregone conclusion he will commit to the Gators should they tender an offer.
“I’d still consider Georgia Tech and Kentucky,” he said.
Uzzi talks Tech
Chamblee guard Omoregie Uzzi cautioned against reading much into his attendance during Georgia Tech’s practice on Sunday.
“I just went there to watch,” said Uzzi, who continues to be recruited by Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Central Florida, Virginia, Duke, Vanderbilt and South Carolina.
Uzzi confirmed that he had a brief conversation with Tech coach Chan Gailey while on campus.
“Coach Gailey talked to me about the recruiting process,” Uzzi said. “He said I’d be a real good fit there.”
New offer for Lovejoy’s Brown
Lovejoy receiver Ta’Juan Brown has received an offer from Georgia Southern.
The 6-foot-2, 186-pound Brown said one assistant coach makes the Eagles especially appealing.
“I’ve been to Statesboro,” Brown said. “I went to a camp there this summer.
“But the thing that stands out to me the most to me at Georgia Southern is receivers coach [Ron] Dugans. He came from Florida State.
“That’s the school I wanted to go to because of Dugans and the number of players he’s put into the NFL. Now that he’s at Georgia Southern, that’s a good thing for me.”
Brown believes he’s on the verge of receiving offers from Minnesota and South Carolina.
“Minnesota just started sending me personal handwritten letters,” he said. “I can’t tell you why they’re recruiting me other than I hear they think I’m a great route runner and that’s one of the things they’re looking for.”
“South Carolina was ready to offer, but they told me they’re going to wait until later in the season.”
Cedar Grove’s Avery in baseball all-star contest
As his Cedar Grove teammates continuing preparing for the upcoming football season, Saints running back Xavier Avery will showcase his outfield skills in Saturday’s Aflac All-American Baseball Classic at Tony Gwynn Stadium in San Diego.
The contest will be televised live at 3 p.m. on Fox Sports Net.
Avery will fly back to Atlanta on Sunday. The running back will swap his baseball glove for shoulder pads the following day.
With football offers from the likes of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Duke Kentucky, Maryland and Virginia Tech, a commitment from Avery will likely hinge on whether he is allowed to play two sports.
“He wants to play football and baseball in college,” Avery’s father Theophilus Griffin Jr. confirmed. “He can help the football and baseball teams.
“He’s kind of a Champ Bailey/Hines Ward-type player. And in baseball, he covers the outfield well with his speed.”
Griffin said he is receiving mixed signals over his son’s desire to play two sports.
“There’s a big question mark as to whether Georgia Tech will let him play both,” Griffin said. “Chan Gailey may not allow him to play baseball.
“I’ve talked to the baseball recruiter and [assistant coach] Rodney Garner at Georgia. They said he could do both. But I haven’t heard that from [Georgia coach] Mark Richt yet.”
A potential dual sport college career for Avery might be a moot point. He will likely be chosen in next summer’s major league baseball draft.
“A lot of the baseball scouts didn’t know he played football,” Griffin said. “They tried to talk him out of football because they feel his future financially is in baseball.”
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Buford star to USF; Harmon back in Bulldogs mix?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Buford running back Demetris Murray is headed to South Florida.
The 5-foot-8, 192-pound senior chose the Bulls over Wake Forest, Maryland and Ole Miss, among others.
Murray rushed for 1,025 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He is the second Buford player to commit to a Division I-A program.
Harmon checks out Dogs
Is Jefferson County lineman A.J. Harmon beginning to waver on his commitment to Clemson?
One of the plums in this year’s crop of recruits showed up in Athens on Saturday to watch Georgia practice.
“What does waver mean?” Jefferson County coach J.B. Arnold said. “Is [Harmon’s commitment to Clemson] concrete?”
“He’s committed to Clemson, but he wanted to visit Georgia. I really think it’s between Clemson, Georgia and Florida. And Clemson is number one.
“I think he wants to visit some places. Right now, he’s committed to Clemson.”
Thomasville’s Thompson to commit in “a couple of weeks”
Georgia Tech remains in the running to gain a commitment from Thomasville defensive tackle Brandon Thompson, rated a four-star recruit by Scout.com.
The 6-foot-2, 294-pound Thompson, who said late Sunday he will commit within two weeks, is also considering Clemson, Florida State and Miami.
Thompson claims that living 25 miles from Tallahassee doesn’t necessarily give the Seminoles the upper hand.
“It’s really not all that important,” he said. “I just want to find a school I feel good with. Wherever I’m at, my family will be there to support me.”
Thompson on his final four:
Clemson: “They were the first school that offered me. They’ve stuck with me and always made me feel at home.”
Miami: “I love the coaches and the city. It’s a nice place to be.”
Georgia Tech: “ I like the city and the family-like atmosphere. And I really just like the program itself.”
Florida State: “A good football program, and it’s just down the road from home.”
Westside’s Commings views Georgia practice
Harmon wasn’t the only spectator creating a stir in Athens over the weekend.
Sanders Commings, a highly-regarded defensive back from Westside Augusta, also took in the sights and sounds of practice at UGA.
“Coach [Rodney] Garner invited me,” said Commings, who was accompanied by two of his Westside teammates. “I liked it. It was a real intense practice.”
Commings, who is also considering Auburn, Florida, Georgia Tech, Maryland, South Carolina and Wake Forest, chatted with Georgia coach Mark Richt on Saturday.
“It was just a lot of small talk,” Commings said. “It was things like him asking me how I’m doing.”
When asked to categorize Saturday’s visit as beneficial, a setback or neutral for Georgia, Commings chose a middle of the road response.
“I’d say it was neutral,” he said.
Recruits visit Tech
Chamblee High offensive lineman Omoregie Uzzi was at Georgia Tech’s practice Sunday afternoon, as was Henry County wide receiver Chris Jackson, who last winter was the first member of the class of 2008 to commit to the Yellow Jackets.
Another Tech target, Buford linebacker T.J. Pridemore, son of former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tom Pridemore, was on campus and at practice Saturday.
Pridemore and especially Uzzi also are being recruited by Georgia, among others.
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Harmon, Daniels, Commings in Athens; Okakpu to UNC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Several recruits turned out for Georgia’s first practice Saturday afternoon, most notably Jefferson County two-way lineman A.J. Harmon.
Harmon, a consensus national top-100 recruit, spurned the Bulldogs earlier this summer, committing to Clemson.
Also in attendance Saturday were safety Matt Daniels of Fayette County and multi-position athlete Sanders Commings of Augusta.
Okakpu picks Tar Heels
Roswell linebacker Ebele Okakpu committed to North Carolina Saturday after Tar Heels coach Butch Davis impressed him with his humility.
“What put them over the top was his attitude,” Okakpu said. “He’s a very humble person. He already has money, but he wants to coach for the kids. I guess he just loves coaching college football.”
The commitment came as no surprise to Roswell coach Tim McFarlin, who said, “He went up there [Friday] and told me before he left that he was probably going to do it. He followed through.”
Okakpu, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound rising senior, was the Hornets’ leading tackler and one of the reasons why they reached the Class AAAAA championship, which they shared with Peachtree Ridge.
On his first visit to Chapel Hill a month ago, Okakpu met with some assistants but Davis wasn’t around. The second visit was about meeting Davis face to face, and once Okakpu accomplished that, he chose the Tar Heels over Georgia and Clemson.
Okakpu also considered Virginia Tech, but the Hokies faded once he stepped foot in Chapel Hill.
“He decided not to take his visit to Virginia Tech,” McFarlin said. “He went to Clemson and Chapel Hill on the same weekend and when he went to Chapel Hill he really liked it.”
Said Okakpu, “When I went up the first time, it just felt right.”
Butler to USC; Bolton to Alabama
The decisions are in for a pair of Norcross High School star receivers.
An hour after Devonta Bolton announced Saturday he’d play college football at Alabama, teammate Brice Butler said at a 3 p.m. news conference he was heading to Southern Cal.
Bolton picked the Crimson Tide over Auburn, Boston College, Florida and Georgia.
Butler picked the Trojans over Arizona State, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State and Penn State.
Butler, ranked by Scout.com as the nation’s sixth-best receiver, spurned Florida State, the school where his father, Bobby Butler, starred before embarking on a 12-year NFL career.
Butler said he knew one month after visiting USC that it was the school for him. The weather, the coaches and the program’s recent success under Pete Carroll swayed the star receiver.
“I just felt this was the place to go,” Butler said. “When I went to USC, I just felt at home. That was my last visit, and that was it.”
Butler lined up the hats of LSU, Notre Dame and Florida State on the table at the Paul Duke House before making his announcement.
He’s a warm weather guy so that ruled out Notre Dame, he said, flipping over the Fighting Irish cap.
LSU wasn’t for him. He flipped that lid, too.
It looked like he’d become a Seminole, which would have delighted his dad, but he grabbed that hat, and flipped it, too, unveiling a USC hat underneath.
Butler and his dad shared a long embrace as more than 150 supporters applauded.
USC has a rich history of wide receivers, including Keyshawn Johnson, a former No. 1 overall pick, but Carroll told Butler he could play right away, the recruit said.
“He saw my highlight tapes and he thinks I can play my freshman year,” Butler said. Bobby Butler, a first-round pick of the Falcons in 1981, said he has tried to “brainwash” his son.
“Since he’s been born, it’s been Florida State, Florida State,” Bobby Butler said.
But FSU wasn’t high on his son’s list until the end.
“We had to allow Brice to make this decision,” Bobby Butler said.
The father said, as much as it hurts, that he’s in agreement with his son’s decision.
The Butlers evaluated each team’s head coach, position coach, offensive coordinator and academic support, and USC was the choice.
“USC felt at home for him. He felt comfortable,” Bobby Butler said.
The Butlers like the Trojans’ pro-style offense and Norcross receiver said, “I will fit in with the team.”
Butler ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash this spring, but he plans on working on his speeed, his route-running and his hands between now and next year.
Norcross coach Keith Maloof has watched Butler develop since he was in middle school. He’s worked hard at Norcross and on his own with trainers to become a polished receiver. Last season he led the Blue Devils with nine touchdowns while playing opposite Darius Hanks, now at Alabama.
“[USC] is getting obviously the top receiver in the nation,” Maloof said. “The thing all the coaches are saying about him is that he’s the best route-runner in the nation, on top of having great hands.”
His teammate, Bolton, is Rivals.com’s 61st-ranked receiver nationally and 23rd-best prospect in Georgia.
Bolton said it was a long process and so many of the schools were equal. As he got closer to his decision, it came down to a choice between Alabama and Florida. Sold on the academics and the care and warmth the school showed, Bolton rolled with The Tide.
Sitting at a table at the Paul Duke House, the soft-spoken Bolton talked about how he labored over the decision, which he reached about two weeks ago. He reached in a bag and said, “I choose the University of Alabama,” breaking out into a huge grin.
“They went the extra step, the extra mile,” Bolton said.
Bolton, who plays wide receiver and safety, said he is going to the school as an athlete. Coaches have told him he could play wide receiver or an H-back position or play safety if they need him on defense.
Butler and Bolton became the 14th and 15th Gwinnett County stars to commit to Division I-A colleges.
Should UGA fans be worried?
How concerned should Georgia fans be after Norcross’ Butler and Bolton opted Saturday to go elsewhere to play their college football?
Not very, three recruiting analysts tell the blog.
“They shouldn’t be,” Rivals.com editor Bobby Burton said. “The state is loaded with high-quality receivers this year. If this were two quality defensive tackles, that’s a different story.”
“I think Georgia fans should focus on the fact that they have two outstanding receivers already on the commit list,” Scout.com’s Scott Kennedy said Saturday. “You can’t sign them all.”
“I don’t know if UGA fans should be down in the dumps at all,” Rivals.com’s Jeremy Crabtree added. “Both are high-quality players and both would have been welcome additions, but Georgia already has both A.J. Green and Tavarres King on board, and both are special players.
“They’re also still involved with some other high-quality receivers, guys like DeAndre Brown out of Mississippi, Chris Tolliver out of Louisiana, Joe Adams in Arkansas and Joshua Jarboe from Ellenwood. You never want to see high-quality in-state kids leave, but when it comes to receivers there never seems to be a shortage of kids interested in the Dogs.”
News and notes
— Gainesville defensive end Keith Wells plans to choose between Auburn, Florida and Florida State on Thursday.
— Banneker safety Darrell Simmons is leaning toward Miami but says he’s also considering Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Ohio State and Tennessee.
— “I like [Georgia] Tech a lot,” said Miami Krop linebacker Etienne Sabino, who calls himself “a city kid” and claims to be a big fan of Yellow Jackets defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta.
— Stephens County running back Tauren Poole has committed to Tennessee but isn’t ruling out South Carolina. Tech could also enter the mix.
— Chamblee lineman Taylor Loftley has narrowed his options to Duke, South Carolina and Vanderbilt.
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Banneker’s Simmons leaning toward Miami; Sabino considers Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Banneker safety Darrell Simmons admitted Thursday evening that a front-runner is emerging during his recruitment.
“I’m leaning a little toward Miami,” the 6-foot-1, 201-pound Simmons said.
Simmons labeled himself a longtime Hurricane fan.
“I just grew up liking the program,” said Simmons, who is also being recruited by Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Ohio State and Tennessee.
Sabino still looking at a November commitment
Etienne Sabino of Michael Krop High in Miami continues to weigh scholarship offers from Division I powers such as Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Florida, Miami, North Carolina, Southern Cal, Ohio State and Tennessee.
Sabino, rated the sixth-best linebacker in the nation by Scout.com, said he has plenty of reasons to consider a commitment to Tech.
“I like Tech a lot,” Sabino said. “I went by and saw the campus [earlier this summer]. I know there’s a lot of opportunity there.”
Sabino said he’s a fan of defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta’s defense.
“I like their attack-style defense and the way they like to blitz,” he said.
Making the transition from Miami to Atlanta would pose little difficulty for Sabino.
“I’m a city kid,” he said. “I’ve lived in the city all my life. I don’t think it would be much different living in Atlanta.”
Jarboe continues to weigh options
Cedar Grove receiver Josh Jarboe said Thursday night he will likely wait until after the upcoming season to commit.
Jarboe, who has offers from programs such as Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Tennessee, hasn’t started the process of striking schools off his list.
And he said the close proximity of Georgia and Georgia Tech isn’t necessarily an advantage for the Dogs and Jackets.
“They’re my hometown schools, and I like them,” Jarboe said. “But I just want to see them all. I want to see everybody first before I make my decision.”
Jarboe said his sole focus for now is guiding the Saints to a playoff berth.
“It’s wins,” he said. “I want to win. I’m going to perform, and I need my stats too. But I just want to win and go to the playoffs.”
Callaway’s Byrd content to wait on more offers
Ronald Byrd Jr., a 6-foot-7, 258-pound defensive end for Callaway, hopes a breakthrough senior season will translate into additional offers.
“That doesn’t put any pressure on me,” said Byrd, who already has offers from Marshall, Purdue, Arkansas, Louisville, Indiana and Troy. “I’ll just go out there, play hard and be impressive on the field.
“I’ll let the colleges take me for how I play and who I am instead of me trying to showboat.”
Byrd said he tentatively plans to use his five official visits this fall to travel to Louisville, Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and Arkansas or Troy.
Bolton and Brice to announce commitments on Saturday
Norcross receivers Devonta Bolton and Brice Butler have press conferences scheduled on Saturday to announce where they intend to play college football.
Bolton will choose an offer from Alabama, Auburn, Boston College, Florida or Georgia.
“I just felt comfortable with this school,” Bolton said, careful not to tip which school’s colors he will sport on Saturday. “It just feels right.”
Bolton doubts that he’ll be redshirted.
“I’ll probably end up playing some as a freshman, just to get used to the offense,” he said.
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Norcross’ Bolton to announce on Saturday; Uzzi update
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Norcross’ Devonta Bolton will share the spotlight with teammate Brice Butler on Saturday when the receivers hold separate press conferences at the Gwinnett County school to announce their commitments.
Bolton is expected to choose between Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, Florida and Boston College at 2 p.m. Butler’s announcement will follow one hour later.
The press conferences are expected to generate plenty of local and national attention.
“I think it’s big,” Norcross coach Keith Maloof said. “It’s great for the kids and the program to have two kids that have worked so hard to put themselves into this position.”
Bolton is capable of lining up at receiver or strong safety. Butler’s strength is at receiver.
When lined up side-by-side, Maloof said the duo gives Norcross an elite set of receivers.
“I don’t think there’s a better [pair] in the state, and some are saying the two best in the nation,” Maloof said.
The son of former Atlanta Falcon defensive back Bobby Butler, Brice Butler will choose between Georgia, Arizona State, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State and Southern Cal.
Maloof claims he hasn’t been made aware in advance of either decision.
“No, I just stay out of it,” Maloof said. “I lay the groundwork and put the college coaches in touch with them. It’s their life. They have to make those decisions.”
A contingent of local and national media is expected to cover the event.
“I understand ESPN is coming,” Maloof said.
Update on Chamblee’s Uzzi
Omoregie Uzzi and his Chamblee teammates went through the first workout of the season on Wednesday.
“It went good,” said Uzzi, who is being recruited by Georgia, Georgia Tech, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Central Florida, Virginia, Duke, Vanderbilt and South Carolina. “We had a single practice. We’ll go to two-a-days next week.”
Uzzi, who had originally hoped to commit before the start of his senior season, said Georgia is still a strong contender to earn his commitment.
“I feel good about them,” said Uzzi, who visted Athens last Thursday.
Uzzi, rated the 30th-best guard in the nation by Scout.com, indicated Wednesday evening that his first on-campus visit this fall will likely take place at Virginia.
Stephens County’s Poole continuing to look
Stephens County running back Tauren Poole, who has a soft commitment with Tennessee, hasn’t ruled out an offer from South Carolina.
“Right now, it’s between Tennessee and South Carolina,” Poole said.
It’s no secret the 5-foot-10, 200-pound back that rushed for 1,925 yards as a junior, is exploring each of his options.
“I just went to South Carolina and Georgia Tech for visits,” said Poole, who is still awaiting word on a potential offer from the Yellow Jackets.
Poole said he was pleased with his recent trip to Columbia.
“I like it,” he said. “But I hate that I didn’t get to see coach [Steve] Spurrier. I’d like to have met him. But I still liked it.”
Situated in Toccoa and nearly equidistant between Clemson and Athens, Poole said he has an offer from the Tigers but there is nothing on the table from the Bulldogs.
That leaves Stephens County residents in a quandary when it comes to giving their star running back recruiting advice.
“They say ‘who are you looking at?’” Poole said. “And I tell them ‘Tennessee and South Carolina.’ They say ‘what about Georgia and Clemson?’
“I tell them ‘well, Georgia hasn’t offered and I don’t know if they will. And Clemson hasn’t said much.’
“They just say ‘Tennessee and South Carolina are great schools. Choose the best one.’”
Four offers for North Gwinnett’s Duggan
North Gwinnett left tackle Clint Duggan, a 6-foot-4, 260-pounder, has offers from Central Florida, UAB, Middle Tennessee and Air Force.
But he’s in no hurry to commit.
“I’m trying to wait as long as I can, because a couple schools like Louisville and Arkansas want to watch me in a few games and see how I do,” Duggan said as the Bulldogs opened practice Wednesday.
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