AJC > Sports > Football Recruiting > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 13
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Painter picks Va. Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Vinston Painter, a guard for Maury High in Norfolk, Va., has committed to Virginia Tech.
Considered the fifth-best offensive guard in the nation by Scout.com, Painter chose the Hokies over Florida, Georgia, Miami and Penn State.
“I like just about everything at Virginia Tech,” Painter said. “They had a great season this year. It’s a great school with a great coaching staff.”
Painter admitted that playing football in his home state played into his commitment.
“I wouldn’t say it was a major reason I committed to Virginia Tech, but it did factor into my decision,” he said.
Painter had nothing negative to say about Georgia.
“I just decided to narrow it down and go from there,” he said.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Other schools
Will Tech offer to Mays’ Heard?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Mays receiver Corey Heard’s recruiting focus is centered on Georgia Tech, Kentucky and Illinois.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder has scholarship offers from the Illini and Wildcats. Mays felt he was close to an offer from the Jackets before Chan Gailey’s recent dismissal as Tech’s coach.
“I think they were going to offer,” Heard said. “They were recruiting me strongly. I’m hoping the new staff will offer.”
Heard received his offer from Illinois last week.
He plans to announce his commitment before the end of December.
Smith remains committed to Arkansas
Chattahoochee defensive end Justin Smith, one of two Georgia high school players committed to Arkansas, said Tuesday night he was “thrilled” with the opportunity to play for former Falcons coach Bobby Petrino.
“He was considered an offensive mastermind at Louisville, and took that program to [heights] no one thought was possible,” Smith said.
“If he can do that at Louisville, just wait and see what he can do at Arkansas. I’m sure he’ll have us competing for national championships as quickly as possible.”
Smith said he did not closely observe Petrino’s short term with the Falcons, but that it should not be held against him:
“[Petrino] lost Mike Vick, the most electrifying player in the NFL, before the season began and that just killed everything, no matter who was coach,” Smith said. “You just can’t judge Coach Petrino by what happened this past year. It was out of his control.”
Smith said he has yet to talk with any Arkansas representatives since Petrino’s announcement, and found out about the hiring from a text message while watching his school’s basketball team play on Tuesday night. Smith has never wavered on his commitment to Arkansas.
“I was disappointed to see [Houston Nutt] resign, but I still felt like Arkansas was the right place for me. It just shows you what a great school it is when they go and hire another great coach with [Petrino].
“I look forward to talking with Coach Petrino and discovering if he thinks I’m the type of player he wants on his team. I hope so, because he’s a proven winner and I want to be part of the great things he will do at Arkansas.”
Dacula defensive back Khiry Battle is the other state player who said he will sign with Arkansas.
- Staff writer Michael Carvell contributed to this report
Permalink | | Categories: Other schools, Tech
Athens lineman likes Clemson, Kentucky
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Clemson and Kentucky are the front-runners in the recruitment of 6-foot-5, 285-pound Clarke Central offensive tackle Trevino Woods.
The Wildcats may have a slight edge over Clemson.
“Kentucky is definitely a strong leader,” Clarke Central coach Leroy Ryals said. “He’s a good size athletic kid, who has actually only played football for two years. He has good footwork and is a real smart kid.
“It’ll be sometime in January when he commits, after he takes his visits.”
Permalink | | Categories: Clemson, Other schools
