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October 2007
Jackson has high expectations for UGA class; Reeves still looking
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Griffin defensive end Toby Jackson said Wednesday evening he wasn’t surprised to see Georgia gain commitments from blue-chip players Dontavius Jackson and Sanders Commings earlier this week
“I’ve been telling everybody that Georgia will probably have the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation,” said Jackson, who has a soft commitment to the Dogs. “I like Georgia a lot. I don’t see why other players wouldn’t want to go to Georgia.”
Jackson confirmed that he’s considering Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and LSU.
He plans to be in Tuscaloosa on Saturday when the Crimson Tide hosts LSU.
“I’m looking at both schools, but I’m going to have a good time,” he said. “I’m not going to draw attention to myself, as far as recruiting goes. I want to see what these two teams are all about.”
Later in the month, Jackson will attend the annual Iron Bowl, which features Alabama versus Auburn.
Southern Cal in the mix for Reeves
Tennessee continues to be the front-runner to land a commitment from Stone Mountain receiver Charles Reeves Jr.
“Tennessee is still at the top,” said Reeves, who also likes Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Ole Miss and Southern Cal. “But I haven’t really narrowed it down.”
Reeves said he hopes to visit Ole Miss or Florida in November.
As for the distance between Stone Mountain and Southern Cal: “It’s the only school that I’d go that far for,” he said. “They have a great reputation of winning. It’s the only school that I’d make that sacrifice for.”
Reeves hopes to commit by mid to late December.
Adetona commits to Troy
Gainesville receiver Tyler Adetona committed to Troy earlier this week.
“I went down there on the 20th and loved the environment,” Adetona said. “Some of the guys I met, I felt like I’ve know them for a long time.
“I’ll get to play early and have the opportunity to play against teams like LSU, Georgia, Ohio State, Arkansas and Florida.”
Adetona plans to be in Athens on Saturday when the Trojans roll into Sanford Stadium to take on Georgia.
“People ask ‘why Troy?’ But why not Troy?” Adetona said. “I probably could have waited on schools like N.C. State and Virginia Tech. But they’re so far away and I wanted to choose a school where I’m the top guy and not second or third.”
Adetona, who has played part of the season with a stress fracture in his foot, and Gainesville teammate Gerald Ford have each surpassed 1,000 yards in receiving this year.
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Who’s next for UGA? Painter? Glenn? Harmon?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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With Heard County running back Dontavius Jackson and Westside-Augusta receiver/cornerback Sanders Commings committing in the past 24 hours, here’s a look at five other Georgia targets who could be next to make their college choice public:
1. Vinston Painter. The 6-foot-5, 309-pound guard from Maury High in Norfolk, Va., is considered the fifth-best player at the position in the nation by Scout.com. Painter has maintained for months that he will choose between Florida, Georgia, Miami, Penn State and Virginia Tech.
Conventional wisdom suggests he will stay home and become a Hokie. But Painter, who is scheduled to visit Miami this weekend, insists Georgia still has a shot.
“I’ve been watching some of Georgia’s games, and they’re playing good football right now,” Painter told the AJC Tuesday night. “I’m still interested in Georgia.”
2. Cordy Glenn. The 6-5, 310-pound offensive tackle from Riverdale told the AJC Tuesday night that he’ll choose between Alabama and Georgia in the coming weeks.
“[Georgia’s] Mark Richt is a great coach,” said Glenn, who attended the Oklahoma State-Georgia and Georgia-Alabama games earlier this season. “He’s about family and values. He’s straight to the point and honest.
“It’s going to be tough to decide between Georgia and Alabama.”
3. Toby Jackson. The defensive end from Griffin remains one of the mysteries in Georgia’s current recruiting class. After committing to the Dogs earlier this season, the 6-4, 240-pound defensive end has been on a whirlwind tour of the ACC and SEC.
Jackson, who attended the Florida State-Miami game in mid-October, is scheduled to be in Tuscaloosa on Saturday when Alabama hosts LSU. Jackson says his commitment to the Dogs is soft and his top five consists of Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and LSU. Jackson told the AJC last week that Georgia is his “top dog for now.”
4. A.J. Harmon. The 14th best offensive tackle, according to Scout.com, Harmon has committed to Clemson. But that hasn’t prevented the 6-foot-5, 328-pound Jefferson County lineman from making numerous trips to Athens.
It’s no secret that he is close friends with Georgia starting center Fernando Velasco, a Jefferson County product.
Jefferson County coach J.B. Arnold said recently that he’s convinced Jackson will wind up signing with Clemson or Georgia.
5. Josh Jarboe. The speedy Cedar Grove receiver is considering Georgia, Georgia Tech and several Division I powers, including LSU, Ohio State and Tennessee. And Oklahoma is making a late push for the 6-foot-3, 195-pounder.
When Tech is mentioned, Jarboe frequently points out how he wants to be the next Calvin Johnson in coach Chan Gailey’s program. But Georgia likely gained some leverage with Jarboe recently following the commitment of his Cedar Grove teammate, Xavier Avery.
Sabino narrows his list to two
Etienne Sabino of Dr. Michael M. Krop High in Miami, the fourth-best middle linebacker in the nation according to Scout.com, is no longer considering Georgia Tech.
“I’m down to Ohio State and Southern Cal,” Sabino said Tuesday evening.
Sabino, who also eliminated Florida, Miami and North Carolina from consideration, said he plans to announce his decision on, or around, his birthday on November 13.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker is also working on having his commitment televised live on ESPN.
“That’s a possibility,” he said. “It’s something I’m looking at.”
Sabino had nothing negative to say about Tech.
“I’ve just always felt good about Ohio State,” Sabino said. “And I had a good trip out to Southern Cal. I have a good feeling about those two schools.”
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Poole torn between Gamecocks and Vols; Mangram to N.C. State
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Stephens County running back Tauren Poole, who has committed to Tennessee, continues to show strong interest in another SEC program.
“I’m still looking at Tennessee and South Carolina,” Poole said.
The 5-foot-10, 200-pound Poole plans to be in Columbia next month when the Gamecocks host Florida.
Mangram commits to N.C. State
Glynn Academy defensive back Roy Mangram has committed to N.C. State.
“They’re getting a 6-foot-3, 205-pound free safety that will probably be a strong safety in their scheme,” Glynn Academy coach Rob Ridings said.
“He’s a linebacker playing in the secondary. He runs a 4.6 [in the 40], is very aggressive and loves the game. He plays the game at full speed.”
Ridings said Mangram had been seriously considering Clemson, South Carolina and Troy.
“But N.C. State has been on him for about a year,” he said. “He went to the South Carolina-Vanderbilt game. I thought his interest was more with South Carolina and Clemson. But I think he felt good with N.C. State.”
Dennard lists top-three
Alfonzo Dennard, a cornerback for Wilcox County, has narrowed his recruiting list to Alabama, Clemson and Troy.
“Troy wants me to play as a true freshman at wide receiver,” Dennard said. “With Clemson, I love Death Valley, their stadium. And I really like the coaching staff at Alabama.”
Dennard said he plans to announce his commitment at the conclusion of the season.
Habersham Central’s Josh Anderson a hot commodity
Arkansas, Clemson, Davidson, Furman, Middle Tennessee State, Penn, Princeton, Southern Miss and Vanderbilt are in the mix for Josh Anderson, a cornerback at Habersham Central.
Clemson, Middle Tennessee State and Princeton are Anderson’s current leaders.
“A great education is the number one thing,” Anderson said. “That’s why the Ivy League schools look so good. The education you’d get there would be among the top.”
The 5-foot-10, 168-pound Anderson, who also lines up at receiver alongside Georgia-bound Tavarres King, has been clocked at 4.47 seconds in the 40.
Daniel Franklin, a linebacker who has committed to Oklahoma, is an integral part of the Red Raiders’ defense.
“We really don’t put pressure on ourselves,” Anderson said. “We go out and play the best we can. The three of us, and our quarterback Bo Hatchett, are amazing. Our whole team plays hard and together.”
Anderson projects a commitment near the end of the season.
Update on Wheeler’s Corey Tower
Wheeler coach Paul Lombardo says the season-ending knee injury to Corey Tower won’t hurt the star running back’s chances of getting more scholarship offers.
Coaches from Middle Tennessee State, who have already offered Tower a scholarship, have called and reaffirmed their interest, Lombardo said Friday.
“Middle Tennesse called, and they’re still going to offer him I’m pretty sure,” Lombardo said. “He’s going to be fine. He’s got a bunch that are interested in him. I’ve talked to a bunch of people, and they’re still going to honor him.”
Tower will have surgery Nov. 9 to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, Lombardo said. The coach said doctors expect him to be ”running full tilt by May 1.” Tower had rushed for 951 yards and scored 13 touchdowns.
“He’s going to be better probably than he is right now,” Lombardo said. “He might’ve had a little weakness in that right knee.”
Lombardo said that Tower and linebacker James Massey plan to make an official visit to Middle Tennessee State but haven’t set a date.
Lombardo said college coaches like Tower because of his overall athleticism.
”It depends on where they put him,” Lombardo said. “He’s a heck of a defensive back. They could put him on the defensive side. That’s why they like him at Middle Tennessee.”
Northside-Warner Robins stocked with talent
Are the most highly recruited players at Northside-Warner Robins underclassmen?
They could be.
Northside won the Class AAAA title last season without anyone signing with an ACC or SEC school, and this year’s team, ranked No. 1, has only one player, wide receiver Nick Bass, who has an offer from an SEC school. Bass has said he likes Tennessee and Vanderbilt.
Other college prospects at Northside are quarterback Marques Ivory, running back Tijuan Green, receiver Kevin Cooper and linemen Jerome Bibbins, Anthony Taylor, Veshan Oats and Will Zunino.
Two players that coach Conrad Nix expects to play in a major conference are Abry Jones, a defensive lineman, and Eric Fields, a linebacker. Both are juniors.
”They’re good athletes and make plays and draw a lot of attention,” Nix said. “They’re real quick, big guys. That’s one obvious thing that’s important to college coaches.”
-Staff writer Todd Holcomb contributed to this report
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Trick or Treat: Dontavius to choose on Oct. 31
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Heard County’s Dontavius Jackson, rated the 12th-best running back in the nation by Scout.com, plans to commit to Clemson, Georgia or LSU on Wednesday.
“I just wanted to do it at the end of the month,” said Jackson, when asked why he chose Oct. 31 to make the announcement at his school in Franklin.
Jackson refused to tip his hand over whether his mind is already set on the school he will sign with in February.
“I’m just waiting on Wednesday,” he said.
When asked if the winning school has already been alerted, Jackson responded: “they’ll find out on Wednesday.”
In what may bode as bad news for the Georgia nation, Jackson attended games at Clemson and LSU this fall but didn’t make a scheduled visit to Athens.
“I haven’t visited Georgia yet,” he said. “I just didn’t go.”
In lieu of the customary routine of picking a hat, Jackson will use a Halloween theme instead.
“One of the coaches’ wives carves pumpkins,” he said. “I’ll be choosing a pumpkin.”
The logo or mascot of Jackson’s finalists will be carved into the three pumpkins.
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Shakoor weighing all options; Troup’s Oliver names top five
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Cornerback Ahmed Shakoor of Stephenson, who showed strong interest in Louisville and Marshall earlier this year, has taken a step back to consider all offers.
“I’m still looking,” Shakoor said. “More people are coming into the race. Teams like Miami, Auburn, Mississippi State, Middle Tennessee State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina are showing interest.
“And Georgia Tech and Georgia are pretty high on me.”
Shakoor, who didn’t rule out a commitment to Louisville or Marshall, said Miami has captured his attention.
“Miami has tradition,” he said. “Even though they’re going through that phase right now, I know they’ll make you come out in your best. They’ll make you bring your ‘A’ game to the table.”
Oliver gunning for December commitment
Troup offensive lineman John Oliver picked up a scholarship offer from Southern Miss during a recent visit. He claimed an offer from Western Kentucky several days later.
“Right now, my top five are Central Florida, Southern Miss, East Carolina, South Florida and Western Kentucky,” the 6-foot-6, 270-pound Oliver said.
Oliver discovered during a summer camp at South Florida why the Bulls managed to climb as high as No. 2 in the BCS recently.
“After going down there, meeting with the coaches and players, touring the facilities and seeing the hunger they have to win, it’s not surprising at all that they got off to such a good start,” he said.
Oliver seemed equally impressed with Southern Miss.
“They have a beautiful campus,” he said. “And they have a lot on the ball academically. The football team and facilities is top notch.”
Oliver’s commitment is expected to be near the end of the season.
“I feel like it will be the first of December,” he said.
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Jarboe focusing on five; N. Cobb’s Roark gaining momentum
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Cedar Grove receiver Josh Jarboe has narrowed the list of colleges he is considering to five.
“I’m looking at Oklahoma, LSU, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Florida,” he said.
Jarboe said there’s a common denominator in his interest in Tech and Georgia.
“Georgia is in my home state, so I like them,” he said. “And it’s the same thing with Georgia Tech. I liked what Tech did with [current NFL receiver] Calvin Johnson.”
A darkhouse to gain Jarboe’s commitment could be the Oklahoma Sooners. Jarboe is scheduled to visit Norman, Ok. on Nov. 2.
“I talk to the coach at Oklahoma a lot,” Jarboe said. “And I can play when I get up there.”
Jarboe projects a November announcement on his decision.
“I’d give it about two or three more weeks until I commit,” he said.
North Cobb’s Roark rocketing up recruiting boards
North Cobb quarterback Matt Roark has said he sees himself as a wide receiver in college, and that’s the position for which he’s being recruited by most schools, but the way he’s playing as a senior, he and college coaches might be willing to reconsider things.
Roark’s position coach, former Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin, is convinced that Roark can play wide receiver or quarterback at the Division 1 level.
Matt is good enough to play quarterback,” said Martin, in his first season as North Cobb’s quarterbacks coach. “Now that he’s accepted the position, he’s gotten a lot better. He’s more cerebral. He knows where he’s going with the football and he’s scary when he gets out of the pocket because he’s a great runner and a great passer as well.”
Roark, who is 6 feet, 5 inches, is known as a running quarterback, and he has rushed for 755 yards on 125 carries (6.0 ypc) and seven touchdowns. But his passing has been excellent, too. He’s 52-for-77 passing (67.5 PCT) for 859 yards and nine touchdowns.
Roark credits Martin, the quarterback on Tennessee’s 1998 national championship team, with helping him with his mechanics. The two began working together last spring.
He would push the ball last year,” Martin said. “He didn’t have a windup and didn’t rotate his hips and shoulders. He didn’t line up to make certain throws. That’s what I wanted to concentrate on, fixing those minor things, because he has the arm strength. He had just been inconsistent. You look at his stats this year, and he’s completing 70 percent of his passes.”
Roark has scholarship offers from Kentucky, where his father played, as well as Georgia Tech, Indiana, Duke, Illinois, Oregon and Wake Forest.
Walton’s Thomas declares two front-runners
Walton defensive end Chase Thomas continues to focus on offers from Auburn, Georgia Tech, LSU and Stanford.
But two of those schools are starting to pull away from the rest of the field.
“Auburn and Stanford are up top and the other two are behind them,” he said.
Thomas, who hinted recently he would be visiting North Carolina, never made the trip to the Tar Heel state.
“My mom wanted me to check them out,” Thomas said. “But I’m not really interested in North Carolina.”
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Tech loses ground with Hightower; Brand leaning toward Troy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia Tech is no longer one of the leading candidates in the recruitment of Marshall County (Tenn.) linebacker/running back Dont’a Hightower.
“Georgia Tech has slipped,” said Hightower, who is listed as the 21st-best defensive end in the nation by Scout.com.
Hightower said he was less than impressed with his findings on the football graduation rate at Tech.
“I didn’t like the numbers that I saw,” he said. “I had some friends and family members help me out on the research.
“I’m not going to say I’m not going to Tech. But their football graduation rate is low.”
Hightower confirmed strong interest in three SEC programs.
“Alabama, Vanderbilt and South Carolina are the three on my mind,” he said. “Every week that goes by, it kind of flip flops. But I want to commit before the season is over.”
Two other SEC teams remain in the running for Hightower.
“I haven’t been to Tennessee yet,” the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Hightower said. “I still need to go there as well as Auburn. A friend has asked me to go to the South Carolina-Tennessee game [on Oct. 27]. I’m going to try to make it to that game.”
Brand set to visit Troy on Saturday
Coffee County offensive tackle B.J. Brand, who briefly committed to Georgia earlier this yet, is now leaning toward a scholarship offer from Troy.
Brand plans to visit Troy this weekend.
“I really like their coaches,” he said.
Brand also has an offer from South Carolina.
“They’ve still got a shot,” Brand said of the Gamecocks. “I’ll wait a few weeks before I decide anything. I still want to go to a South Carolina game.”
Salmon headed toward a January commitment to South Carolina
Stockbridge defensive tackle Randy Salmon is leaning toward a commitment to South Carolina.
The 6-foot-3, 290-pound Salmon plans to announce his decision in January.
“Last year, South Carolina had a lot of close losses in games that came down to the buzzer,” Salmon said. “This year they’re getting it down with coach [Steve] Spurrier”.
Salmon had originally planned to attend South Carolina’s home game against Vanderbilt on Saturday, but will be unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
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Jackson eliminates Alabama; Harmons talks Clemson, UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Heard County running back Dontavius Jackson said Tuesday evening he will commit to Clemson, Georgia or LSU by the end of October.
Jackson, who eliminated Penn State from elimination in September, has now dropped Alabama from consideration.
Jackson on his favorites:
Clemson: “It’s a great place to be. And I like coach [Tommy] Bowden because he’s a Christian guy.”
Georgia: “They have a great coach. I think I have a chance to go in and play early if I learn the system.”
LSU: “I went to the LSU-Florida game. It was a great atmosphere.”
Jackson, who suffered a broken wrist in Heard County’s season opener, said he’s adjusted to supporting his team from the sidelines as he attempts to stay in shape while his injury continues to heal.
“I’ve gotten used to it,” he said.
Harmon on his commitment to Clemson
Jefferson County lineman A.J. Harmon said Tuesday evening he remains committed to Clemson. But he hasn’t entirely ruled out switching his allegiance to Georgia.
“I haven’t slammed the door on Georgia,” Harmon said. “If anything goes wrong with who is going to be coaching me at Clemson, that would probably be the only problem I’d have.
“If [Clemson] coach [Tommy] Bowden gets fired, I wouldn’t want to play for another coach at Clemson.
“[Georgia] coach [Mark] Richt isn’t going anywhere. He has a secure spot.”
Harmon said longtime friend, Jefferson County graduate and current Georgia center Fernando Velasco plans to watch Harmon play later this week.
“He’s coming to my game on Friday,” Harmon said. “He wants to see what I’m all about.”
Georgia remains in contention for Commings
Westside, Augusta receiver/defensive back Sanders Commings continues to consider scholarship offers from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
Clemson continues to make a late push for the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Commings, who also wants to play baseball in college.
Commings said he’ll likely take in a college game this weekend.
“I’ll probably go somewhere on Saturday, but I’m just not sure yet,” he said.
Commings, who has been told he can play both baseball and football for Georgia, said the Bulldog football coaching staff told him he has an opportunity to participate as a freshman should he commit to the Athens-based school.
“It’s basically up to me if I can come in and show that I can play,” Commings said. “They have no problem with letting me play.”
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Lovejoy’s Harris sparking interest; Major powers recruit Crisafi
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Lovejoy junior Andre Harris is on pace to become one of the state’s most-coveted offensive tackles in the class of 2009.
“He’s being recruited by every major college in the nation,” Lovejoy coach Al Hughes said. “He’s already got offers from a couple of ACC schools and one in the SEC.”
The 6-foot-4, 330-pound Harris will is on pace to follow in the footsteps of 65 other recent Lovejoy graduates who have gone on to play college football.
“He’s the best one we’ve ever had,” Hughes said.
Crisafi visits ACC and SEC programs
Blessed Trinity junior offensive lineman Matthew Crisafi is being courted by several Division I programs.
“He’s getting interest from everywhere,” Blessed Trinity coach Ricky Turner said. “A lot of SEC and ACC schools are interested. He’s been to summer camps at Florida, Auburn, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and Duke.”
According to Turner, the 6-foot-5, 305-pound Crisafi has the size and ability to play anywhere on the offensive line.
“He played guard for us last year, but he’s playing center for us right now,” Turner said. “He’ll likely go to tackle next year.”
Turner believes Crisafi won’t be choosy when it comes to playing a position on the offensive line on the collegiate level.
“As big and athletic as he is, he can be a tackle in college,” Turner said. “But he’s open to anything. And he’s a very good academic kid.”
Jefferson County’s Crenshaw turning heads
College recruiters are beginning to show interest in Chris Crenshaw, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound junior defensive end at Jefferson County.
“He’s starting to hear from a bunch of them,” Jefferson County coach J.B. Arnold said. “He’s getting a lot of letters and faxes.”
Crenshaw, who plays alongside Clemson-bound lineman A.J. Harmon, caught the eyes of college coaches during a recent camp.
“Chris can be a devastating rush end,” Arnold said. “He went to Clemson this summer and had a great camp because he was able to rush the quarterback.”
Arnold figures his prized defensive end will have a busy summer next year.
“I think what he wants to do is go to a bunch of senior camps next summer,” Arnold said.
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Waller commits to Ohio; Tate receives interest
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Cornerback Manley Waller of Southwest DeKalb has committed to Ohio.
“I just felt like I had a real good relationship with all of their coaches, especially their head coach Frank Solich,” the 5-foot-9, 168-pound Waller said. “He’s not forcing me to gain 20 pounds like a lot of other colleges wanted.”
Waller, who also had scholarship offers from Akron, Bowling Green, Central Michigan and UAB, felt the timing was right to announce his decision.
“I wanted to commit earlier versus later because later on things start getting heavy and you’re not in your right mind when you’re forced to make a decision,” Waller said.
“And Ohio will be able to move on in their recruitments of cornerbacks. I think they need one other defensive back because they’re losing two seniors in the defensive backfield.
“I think I have a great chance of starting in my freshman season, based on me doing what I need to do.”
Tate drawing football and baseball interest
Cartersville junior Donovan Tate, whose father Lars Tate is a former Georgia running back who went on to enjoy a career in the NFL, is appearing on the recruiting board of Division I powers.
“It’s a lot like most of the kids who are high on recruiting lists,” Cartersville coach Frank Barden said. “He’s getting interest from USC to Georgia to Florida.
“He’s been asked to come to the Army [All-American Bowl] combine. It’s just the normal things that kids who are high on lists are asked to participate in.”
The 6-foot-3, 188-pound Tate, who played receiver and safety for Cartersville as a sophomore before moving to quarterback this season, is also a standout baseball centerfielder.
“He’s a Jeff Francoeur type athlete,” Barden said. “He’s a talented young man.”
Camden County junior receivers making headlines
DeAngelo Smith and Michael Green, a pair of highly-touted junior receivers at Camden County, has ground-oriented Wildcats coach Jeff Herron rethinking his offensive strategy.
“I hate to say it, but we’ve changed our offense a little bit this year,” Herron said. “The play of these kids has made us take a second look at it.
“We’ve kept our Wing T, but we’ve opened up our offense more because of these kids. And we’ll probably open it up even more next year.”
Smith (6-foot-1, 175-pounds) has been heavily recruited for several months. Green (6-foot, 175-pounds), who moved to Kingsland earlier this year from Miami, is starting to receive interest.
“DeAngelo is getting letters from everybody,” Herron said. “He has good height, speed and hands. He’s more of a finesse kid who runs good patterns.
“Michael has good hands and is smooth. He’s been playing mostly defense for us this year at cornerback, but we certainly try to get him on the field if we throw the ball.”
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UGA on Commings’ short list; Liuget considers Dogs and Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Westside, Augusta receiver/defensive back Sanders Commings is leaning toward a commitment to Florida, Georgia or South Carolina.
“Right now, they’re pretty much even,” Commings said. “I like Georgia because they’ve given me the option to play baseball if I want to.
“And it’s pretty much the same thing with South Carolina. Plus, they’re graduating a lot of safeties.
“I like Florida because they’re a finesse team.”
Commings, who attended a recent Clemson home game, believes the Tigers will make a late push for his services.
“I think they will offer,” he said. “If they come at me hard, I guess I’ll consider it.”
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Commings said he’ll announce his decision on his own timetable.
“My friends tell me to hurry up, and they want me to go to Georgia,” he said. “My family is behind me and is telling me to do what I want to do.
“My family says they will support whatever decision I make.”
Liuget to attend Tech-Georgia contest
Corey Liuget of Hialeah (Fla.) Senior High, who is rated the 11th-best defensive end in the nation by Scout.com, confirmed that Georgia and Georgia Tech are still in the running for his commitment.
“I’ve narrowed it down and Georgia and Georgia Tech are still in there,” said Liuget, who is also considering Florida State, Illinois, LSU, Miami and South Florida.
Liuget plans to be at Boddy Dodd Stadium next month when Georgia Tech hosts Georgia.
On Georgia: “I like [assistant] coach Willie Martinez. When I went there to camp back in the summer, he treated me nice and like I was his own child. I like the place because of the people.”
On Tech: “Georgia Tech is a place I’d like to be in because it’s in the heart of Atlanta. It would fit me nice.”
Division I powers recruiting Henry County’s Patterson
Henry County junior receiver Jamal Patterson has a scholarship offer from Troy. But offers from major Division I powers likely aren’t far behind.
“I’m hearing from every school in the SEC and ACC, Rutgers and Louisville,” Patterson said.
Henry County senior receiver Chris Jackson, who has committed to Georgia Tech, has offered plenty of recruiting advice to young teammate.
“Chris is a great player and a great friend,” Patterson said. “He tells me that all of the schools want to be nice looking. But when you find the right one, make sure it’s the right one and make it home.”
Patterson, who carries a 4.56 GPA, has attended games this fall at Florida, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Tennessee.
“They all treat you good and real nice,” he said. “I think I’ll commit whenever I feel it’s the right school. But it will most likely be my senior year.”
Patterson, who admits to being a Tennessee fan, said he’s eager to see if offers will roll in from his home state.
“I’ll still wait round for local schools, like Georgia and Georgia Tech,” he said. “I’d still like to visit a lot of other schools to see campuses.
“Right now, I’m a fan of all schools. But I like Tennessee the most.”
Georgia Tech still in the hunt for Green
Defensive end William Green of Spain Park High in Hoover, Ala. continues to consider offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, LSU and Oklahoma.
Green attended LSU’s 28-24 victory over Florida on Saturday in Baton Rouge.
“I thought it would be a close game,” Green said. “LSU has an older team.”
Green said Tech’s 3-3 start isn’t necessarily a strike against the Jackets.
“A team’s record is not all that important to me,” he said. I’m looking at what they’re capable of doing down the road. It doesn’t affect my decision.”
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Harris eliminates Georgia; Tennessee courts Reeves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia is no longer in the running to land a commitment from Jerrell Harris of Gadsden City (Ala.) High, rated the second-best weakside linebacker in the nation by Scout.com.
“I’m down to eight schools, and I’ve eliminated Georgia,” Harris said Wednesday evening. “It just seemed like the other schools are more interested in me.”
Harris will now choose between Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Southern Cal and Tennessee.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder was a guest of LSU during the Tigers’ victory over Florida in Baton Rouge on Saturday.
“The atmosphere was crazy and exciting,” Harris said. “The game went like I thought it would. I figured Florida would come out hard, but LSU would come out strong in the second half.”
Reeves discusses trip to Knoxville
Stone Mountain receiver Charles Reeves Jr. attended Tennessee’s 35-14 victory over Georgia in Knoxville on Saturday, then managed to hang around an extra day to spend quality time with Volunteers coach Phillip Fulmer.
“He’s a real nice guy who is down to earth,” said Reeves, who is considering scholarship offers from Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. “He comes off as quiet until you start talking to him.
“He wound up letting me hold the [1998 national championship] crystal ball on Sunday.”
Reeves, who plans to return to Knoxville later this month when the Volunteers host South Carolina, claims he’s not ready to pull the trigger on a commitment.
“Tennessee is a school that I would go to, but I’m trying not to rush things,” he said. “And they’re not trying to rush me. But they keep telling me that they want me.”
Looking back on last weekend’s SEC contest, Reeves figured Tennessee would have little difficulty with Georgia.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Reeves said. “Tennessee is a better team to me.”
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Sabino likely to attend Tech-Miami game; Watts offered by Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Linebacker Etienne Sabino of Dr. Michael M. Krop High in Miami will make his third visit to Columbus, Ohio on Oct. 20 when Ohio State plays host to Michigan State.
Sabino, rated the fifth-best middle linebacker in the nation by Scout.com, is considering scholarship offers from Florida, Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Ohio State and Southern Cal.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder will likely watch two of his candidates play in his backyard on Saturday.
“I’m thinking about going to see Georgia Tech play against Miami this weekend,” he said.
Sabino remains impressed with the Jackets despite their 3-3 record.
“I like their attack style defense,” he said. “It gives you a lot of opportunities to make plays.
“As far as the start, they’ve played some pretty tough teams. To me, that’s not a big issue.”
The coveted linebacker is expected to pick his college in just over five weeks.
“I think my commitment will be around the 13th of November,” Sabino said.
Watts hopes to carry on Washington County tradition
Washington County junior Brandon Watts, who has an offer from Georgia Tech, continues to be recruited heavily by programs from the SEC.
“I’m getting a lot of letters from Georgia, Florida, Auburn and Alabama”, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker/safety said Tuesday evening.
Watts, who was a guest of Tech during the Jackets’ 13-3 victory over Clemson last month, said it’s too soon for him to consider a commitment.
“It’s a little early, but I like Georgia Tech a lot,” he said.
Watts believes he can fit into Tech coach Chan Gailey’s program.
“I haven’t been around coach Gailey too much, but I think I can play for him,” Watts said. “I hear he’s a good guy.”
Part of Watts’ motivation to succeed comes from Washington County graduates Takeo Spikes, Robert Edwards and Terrance Edwards who went on to enjoy success on the college and professional level.
“They inspire me a lot to keep the tradition going,” Watts said.
Virginia Tech courting Gainesville’s Adetona
Gainesville’s Tyler Adetona and Gerald Ford continue to be among the most productive receivers in the state.
The duo has accounted for more than 1,400 reception yards in the Red Elephant’s potent offense.
Adetona, who has just over 760 yards and eight touchdowns, enjoyed a trip to Middle Tennessee State on Saturday.
“It was nice,” Adetona said. “I was just trying to get up there and see the place. They lost, but they really impressed me.
“Middle Tennessee State was my first offer. I see potential there for them to be a great team.”
Virginia Tech is beginning to show interest in Adetona. The Hokies are expected to have a recruiting coach in attendance on Friday when Gainesville plays Flowery Branch.
Adetona listed his current top six choices as Indiana, Middle Tennessee State, North Carolina, N.C. State, Troy and Virginia Tech.
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Reeves interested in Vols; Poole eyeing South Carolina
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Stone Mountain receiver Charles Reeves Jr. continues to consider scholarship offers from Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.
Reeves will likely wait until near the end of the season to make a decision.
Without declaring Tennessee his front-runner, Reeves made clear his feelings for the Volunteers.
“I love the Tennessee program,” Reeves said. “It’s like one big happy family up there.”
Poole losing interest in Tennessee?
Stephens County running back Tauren Poole, who has committed to Tennessee, hasn’t entirely ruled out an offer from South Carolina.
“Tennessee is my first school,” Poole said. “But I just take it one day at a time. As it turns out, I’m a Volunteer right now.
“But I’m interested in South Carolina. They’ve got a running back leaving and one coming back. I think it’d be a plus for me coming in there as a freshman.”
Difficult decision ahead for Chamblee’s Loftley
Central Florida, Duke, South Carolina and Vanderbilt are the front-runners in the recruitment of Chamblee defensive lineman Taylor Loftley.
“There are definitely things I like about each school,” Loftley said. “It will be a hard decision.
“But I want to make the right decision. Ultimately, it will come down to where I feel most comfortable.
“I originally wanted to make my decision before the season, but it got busy with school and the season. It will probably be toward the end of the year now.”
Ward favoring South Carolina
Mt. Zion, Jonesboro running back Martin Ward is inching closer to a commitment to South Carolina.
“I’m leaning toward South Carolina,” Ward confirmed.
Ward, who briefly committed to Georgia earlier this year, said he’s also considering Clemson, Louisville and North Carolina.
The Gamecocks are his new front-runner, thanks in part to coach Steve Spurrier.
“It’s all about the coaching staff,” Ward said. “Coach Spurrier has a lot of energy, and he brings it to the field.
“He’s a real good guy. And the schemes he runs is the reason they’re winning. It’s very exciting.”
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Florida making push for Glenn; Reeves to visit Knoxville
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Riverdale lineman Cordy Glenn said Thursday evening that Alabama and Georgia continue to be his front-runners. But another SEC power appears to be gaining ground.
“Florida is now in the picture,” he said.
Glenn, who had originally forecast an early September commitment, now appears to be weeks away from a decision.
“It’ll probably be the end of the year before I commit,” he said.
Reeves impressed by Tennessee
Stone Mountain receiver Charles Reeves Jr. plans to be in Knoxville on Saturday when Tennessee hosts Georgia.
It will be Reeves’ second visit to historic Neyland Stadium.
“That place is crazy,” said Reeves, whose current front-runners are Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. “It seems like the whole state of Tennessee is there.”
Asked to look into his crystal ball, Reeves predicts a close game.
“Georgia has good running backs and Tennessee has a good defense,” he said. “They’re pretty even.
“It won’t be a blowout. Nobody will probably score more than 28 points.”
Reeves didn’t entirely rule out the possibility of committing to the Volunteers on Saturday.
“It’s possible,” he said. “But I’m still just trying to look around and make sure it’s perfect for me.
“I love the Tennessee program. It’s like one big happy family up there.”
Poole maintains soft commitment to Tennessee
Stephens County running back Tauren Poole, who has committed to Tennessee, said he hasn’t entirely ruled out a scholarship offer from South Carolina.
“Tennessee is my first school,” Poole said. “But I just take it one day at a time. As it turns out, I’m a Volunteer right now.
“But I’m interested in South Carolina. They’ve got a running back leaving and one coming back. I think it’d be a plus for me coming in there as a freshman.”
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Avery commits to UGA; Thomasville’s Thompson talks Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Two-sport athlete Xavier Avery of Cedar Grove has committed to Georgia.
Avery confirmed Wednesday night he has been granted permission by Georgia coaches to play football and baseball for the Bulldogs.
“Yeah, [football] coach [Mark] Richt and [baseball] coach [Dave] Perno said I can play both sports,” Avery said.
Avery, who is expected to be a high selection in next summer’s major league baseball draft, labeled Georgia his longtime front-runner.
But the action of two members of the Georgia coaching staff during the summer put the Bulldogs over the top.
“My summer league was playing there [at Foley Field in Athens] and coach Richt and [assistant football] coach [Rodney] Garner came over and watched me play,” Avery said. “That meant a lot to me.”
Avery, who plays both running back and defensive back for Cedar Grove, said he will likely visit other colleges this fall.
“I’ve liked Georgia for the longest time,” he said. “They’ve been my number one option for a long time.
“But I haven’t signed any papers yet. I’d still like to go visit Stanford and LSU.”
If he is a first round pick next summer, Avery will likely choose professional baseball over college.
“If I go high in the draft, my education will be postponed,” he said. “But I will go back later and get my degree.”
Tech still in the running for Thompson
Thomasville lineman Brandon Thompson enjoyed a productive visit to Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday during Georgia Tech’s 13-3 victory over ACC foe Clemson.
“It was a great experience,” Thompson said. “I got to watch the defense in action.
“It was cool to get to meet all the players. Georgia Tech is definitely one of the schools I’m considering.”
Thompson said Clemson, Florida State and LSU also remain in the running for his commitment.
He didn’t offer any insight on when he will announce his college choice.
“I’m not really sure,” Thompson said.
Page impressed by Tech
Offensive lineman Kenneth Page of A.C. Flora High in Columbia, S.C. was among the Georgia Tech prospects in attendance at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday.
“I think highly of Georgia Tech,” said Page, rated the 11th-best guard in the nation by Scout.com. “It’s a great program and a top competitor in the ACC.
“The business school there is amazing. The connections and networking I’d get will be very beneficial.”
Page, who said Tech gained ground with him last weekend, is also considering Alabama, Clemson, Maryland, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Tennessee and South Carolina.
An unlikely person helped make Page’s visit to Atlanta memorable.
“The team chaplain talked to us a bit before the game,” said Page, who plans to take the SAT on Saturday. “It was amazing how he got everyone hyped and pumped. Overall, it was a great experience.”
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Allen reaffirms commitment to UGA; Jackson to visit LSU
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Dwayne Allen, a 6-foot-4, 242-pound tight end for Terry Sanford High in Fayetteville, N.C., has reaffirmed his plans to play college football at Georgia.
Allen, one of the Bulldog’s first commitments in the class of 2008, appeared to back off on Georgia during the summer.
But he made his future intentions very clear Tuesday night.
“I am committed to Georgia,” Allen said.
Georgia coach Mark Richt and his staff played an integral role in Allen’s decision to play for the Bulldogs.
“The stability of the coaching staff at Georgia is one of the most important things I look for,” he said. “The relationship between me and my position coach is important.
And I feel I have a great relationship with [Georgia tight ends] coach Dave Johnson.”
Allen admitted that he still plans to visit other schools this fall.
He attended South Carolina’s victory over Mississippi State on Saturday. Allen is scheduled to be at Death Valley in Clemson this weekend when the Tigers host Virginia Tech.
“It was my first time down to Columbia,” Allen said. “It was a good visit. I went with some friends and had a good time.
“I was personally introduced to [South Carolina coach] Steve Spurrier and some of the players.”
Heard County’s Jackson set to visit LSU
A faulty automobile prevented Heard County running back Dontavius Jackson from attending Georgia’s 45-17 victory over Ole Miss on Saturday in Athens.
“I didn’t have a chance to go,” Jackson said. “I had car trouble.”
Jackson, who suffered a broken wrist in Heard County’s season opener in early September, plans to be in Baton Rouge on Saturday when No. 1 LSU hosts Florida.
“I’m looking for a great atmosphere at LSU,” said Jackson, who is considering scholarship offers from Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and LSU.
“It’s going to be a great contest. Florida doesn’t want to lose back-to-back games.”
Jackson, who is rated the 20th-best running back in the nation by Scout.com, says he feels he can fit into any program, even an LSU roster that is stockpiled with talent.
“But you go to any Division I school and you’ve got to be talented,” he said.
Former UGA commit Ward leaning toward South Carolina
Mt. Zion, Jonesboro running back Martin Ward is inching closer to a commitment to South Carolina.
“I’m leaning toward South Carolina,” Ward said Tuesday evening.
Ward, who briefly committed to Georgia earlier this year, said he’s also considering Clemson, Louisville and North Carolina.
But the Gamecocks are his current front-runner, thanks in part to Spurrier.
“It’s all about the coaching staff,” Ward said. “Coach Spurrier has a lot of energy, and he brings it to the field.
“He’s a real good guy. And the schemes he runs is the reason they’re winning. It’s very exciting.”
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Salmon likely bound for South Carolina; Jarboe plans LSU visit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Stockbridge lineman Randy Salmon anticipates a commitment to South Carolina near the end of the year.
“They’re just waiting on my grades,” Salmon said. “They want to see my GPA at the end of the semester.”
Salmon believes South Carolina will be a regular contender for the SEC title under coach Steve Spurrier.
“Their program has definitely turned around under coach Spurrier,” Salmon said. “They’re doing good things right now under him.”
Jarboe hopes to attend Saturday SEC showdown
Cedar Grove receiver Josh Jarboe hopes to be in Baton Rouge on Saturday when LSU hosts defending national champion Florida.
Jarboe, whose finalists are Florida, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma and Tennessee, also plans to witness an Oklahoma game in person in early November.
The 6-foot-3, 195-speedster said he wasn’t surprised that 19-point underdog Auburn went into Gainesville and defeated the Gators on Saturday.
Unable to attend a college game on Saturday, Jarboe said he doesn’t have much discipline when it comes to watching games on television.
“If I sit and watch too much, it just makes me want to play,” said Jarboe, who watched part of Auburn’s upset victory over Florida on Saturday. “I’ll watch a quarter or two. That’s about it.”
Sprayberry’s Trawick to visit Purdue
Sprayberry’s Brynden Trawick has scholarship offers from Boston College, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, Maryland, Michigan State, Middle Tennessee State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Purdue.
Coaches from Louisville, Ohio State and Southern Miss have started inquiring on the 6-foot-2, 215-pound safety.
Trawick is schedule to attend Purdue’s home contest against Ohio State on Saturday. He’ll travel to Michigan State the following weekend.
“I like these schools because they’re doing pretty well this year,” he said.
Trawick said he’s still weeks away from a commitment.
“It’s going to be a little while before I sit down and narrow it down,”
Henry County junior offered by Tech
Drew Little, the Henry County junior quarterback who came within 10 yards of a 30-year-old state record Friday night, got his first offer the next day from Georgia Tech.
Little’s best friend and teammate is wide receiver Chris Jackson, a senior who has committed to Tech. Little attended the Georgia Tech-Clemson game Saturday.
On Friday, Little was 27-of-37 passing for 514 yards as Henry County defeated Perry 38-29. The state record is 524 yards by Ron Hinson of Lamar County set in 1977 against Troup in a 48-28 victory.
“Drew is a big kid — 6-4, 240 — a pure pocket passer,” says Mike Rozier, the Henry County head coach. “He throws a nice, catchable ball, not one of these that are 90 mph coming in there. He’s got great touch.”
Little has started since midway into his freshman season.
”H was really thrown to the wolves [as a freshman], but now he’s reading things, taking what the defense gives us, and he has a ton of good receivers to go to,” Rozier said.
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