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DEL.ICIO.USFlorida, Auburn new favorites to land Buford’s Hunter
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/04/08
Buford’s Omar Hunter, considered the second-best defensive tackle in the nation in the class of 2008 by Scout.com, has de-committed to Notre Dame.
Following weeks of speculation, Hunter made it official on Friday in Orlando, where he will participate in Saturday’s Under Armour All-America Game.
“Omar has de-committed to Notre Dame,” said Buford coach Jess Simpson, who is working as an assistant coach for Saturday’s all-star event, which will feature many of the nation’s top recruits.
“The main reasons were just being closer to family and home. I think that was the number one thing.”
Hunter immediately listed Auburn, Florida and Southern Cal as his new finalists.
But Simpson indicated the candidates might be narrowed to two SEC powers.
“It’s between Florida and Auburn from what he’s told me,” Simpson said. “And I know Auburn losing [defensive coach] Will Muschamp [who accepted a similar position at Texas] today probably threw a wrench in that for them.”
Simpson admitted that Hunter had been hinting to the Notre Dame coaches for days that he was rethinking his commitment.
“He called them [to de-commit], but I know he’s been talking to them the last couple of weeks about this,” Simpson said.
Simpson doubts that Hunter will make a commitment during Saturday’s game, which will be broadcast live on ABC at 2 p.m.
“I’m not saying he won’t do it, but I’m not anticipating it,” he said.
“I think he’ll take a couple of visits and take some time over the next couple of weeks to sort things out.”
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Lyonsjimmy
January 4, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
If he’s not going to Georgia does it really matter??? Do the right thing kid! Go to UGA.
By Lyonsjimmy
January 4, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
If he’s not going to Georgia does it really matter??? Do the right thing kid! Go to UGA.
By Dawgdog
January 4, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Gee, seems like Hunter already went to UGay if he thinks Southern Cal is closer to Buford, Georgia than Notre Dame is.
By Jerkjack
January 4, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Come on Hunter stay home and play for the gt yellow jack-offs. We can really use you next year at our annual trek to the Humiliation Bowl.
By Dawgdogpoop
January 4, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
He said it was between Auburn and Florida you moron. Apparently they don’t teach geography at Yech. Please get a map. I do believe both are just a little closer than South Bend.
By AmazinBlue
January 4, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Yo Omar, you wanna go pro? Go to Michigan my man. With McGuffie and Pryor ( yes hes going ) there, a national championship from the winningest, most storied program in college football will elevate your draft status in the pros. Michigan has a shot every year, Georgia is once every 30 years. Georgia Tech is the same as 1A. Cmon Omar, come north, away from them rednecks.
By Bob
January 4, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
AmazinBlue,
Michigan has a shot every year?!? You are too funny dude. 1/2 National Championship for more than 50 years and perenial choker. Beat App State and then talk. You can’t beat your rivals and you USC is your Daddy in almost every Rose Bowl you guys get to. Michigan has a shot every year…funniest thing since Illinois showed up in Pasadena.
By Chris
January 4, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Anyone know the reason why Georgia isn’t even on his list? Did something happen during the recruiting process a while back?
By SugarHillDawg
January 4, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
He is NOT considering Georgia because we are LOADED at that postion! Deangelo Tyson is a BEAST!
By SugarHillDawg
January 4, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
He is NOT considering Georgia because we are LOADED at that postion! Deangelo Tyson is a BEAST!
By SugarHillDawg
January 4, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
He is NOT considering Georgia because we are LOADED at that postion! Deangelo Tyson is a BEAST!
By Georgie The Insider
January 4, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
Omar grew up in the northeast and has no particular loyalty to any of the SEC schools, including UGA. But the feeling is mutual. Remember DJ Stafford last year? The reality is, UGA has reached the point where it can be extremely selective. There are several top recruits right now who are hoping to be among the final two or three slots. The UGA program no longer has to place non-qualifiers unless the staff truly like the kid and character can also be considered, too.
By Chris
January 4, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
True… we ar eloaded but it would be nice to get him. You know we will lose at least two before they are Seniors
By some sense
January 4, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Omar isn’t going to UGA for the same reason the last Buford “big timer” isn’t going to UGA. They don’t want him…high maintenance.
By Bufordbulldog
January 4, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Cut Omar some slack he is a great kid and will do well he is not high maintenance UGA cannot sign everyone I wish him well except when he plays the DAWGS
By Thanks
January 4, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
I’m thankful that my calling the Boise bowl, the Humiliation Bowl, over and over on AJC blogs, has caught on with my friends.
By Shane
January 4, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Go to the University of Texas at Austin. UT is one of the greatest programs in the country. UT is a perennial National title contender.
By tony
January 5, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
O Hunter, you should really sign with UGA. Become part of a program that is on the rise. I truely believe that the DAWGS will win 2 National Titles in the next 3 years and you will be a big part of that. The NFL is always looking for defensive linemans from UGA. You’re closer to home where your family can watch u play plus we will love to have you.
By Dawgsrule
January 5, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
He should go to Ga if he wants to win the SEC and play in big time BCS bowls. Florida and Auburn are has beens, and will be stuck in minor bowls for the next few years, while UGA wins it all baby!!!!
By Renewed Jacket fan
January 5, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this
Georgia is LOADED at that position! Go to GT and be a starter right off the bat. We could use the players and the position is yours for the taking. And it’s only a short 45 minutes from home. Paul Johnson is going to turn things around at Tech, starting THIS year. Be apart of something really special. Make a difference in your home state. Be home on Sundays to be with your family.
By bamadon
January 5, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
The kid needs to go to the gators, after watching the beatdown by Michigan, the gators needs all the d-lineman they can get. Bama would take him in a new york minute!! ROLL TIDE!!
By Renewed Jacket fan
January 5, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this
Just think, all these schools are throwing up a lot of smoke and mirrors to draw you away from what is important to you. Georgia Tech is close to home. They WILL play in a BCS bowl under Paul Johnson, and it won’t take long. He has put together a great defensive coaching staff that is coaching a top ten defense. You must want a great education if you were considering Notre Dame. You would get that at Tech. So do the math. Close to home, a great education, Playing under a successful coach, and coaching staff from the beginning. when all the smoke and mirrors settle. GA. Tech is the clear choice for you. ACC defensive player of the year “Omar Hunter”, GO JACKETS
By Chantastic
January 5, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
Renewed Jacket fan says Paul Johnson is going to turn things around. Chan was 44-32 in his (6)years at GT. I guess Paul will be 32-44 with 6 losses to UGA after his 6.
By justmyopinion
January 5, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
Omar, forget the previous blogs, go to Church Sunday!
By 59bulldawg
January 5, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Los Angeles closer than South Bend? If you’re not afraid of the competition come to Georgia and prove your worth. The cream will rise to the top plus I would think Omar would be able to play quite a bit no matter where he eventually goes and no matter what talent they already have. Tech’s a good school if you want to be an engineer, computer specialist, or scientist but who wants to go to school in the hood? Besides their specialties in math and and science the only drawing card for Tech is that the Varsity is close by … if he can get there without getting mugged or panhandled. Too bad they just can’t relocate to Savannah or Americus or Albany! The truth is that pretty much any major college or university will provide students with a sound education. He just needs to find several that offer the academic program(s) that interest him and then compare. I’d love to have you come to Athens but it would be a mistake for anyone to choose a school based solely on its football team. I really think that if he’s not interested in Georgia, and if Notre Dame has offered and it has the programs that appeal to him, then Omar would be wise to keep his word and head on to South Bend. But in the end its his to decision to make and none of us blog “coaches” have any right to criticise him.
By Pago Pago
January 5, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
So Michigan has a shot every year for the BCS? Maybe they do until they play…..The BUCS! Pretty funny…
By alan
January 5, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
59bulldawg: You make some really good comments, but you are uninformed about Tech. Tech has a great Management Degree program and a New Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts with a lot of new Degrees to choose from. Lot of career choices other than what you said. I don’t know what you mean by Tech being in the hood, but Athens is a puny town with some crime problems as is all of Atlanta and the I85 and 316 corridor. Tech is in the city of Atlanta but has a really safe campus. I believe many of the UGA students hit the hot spots in Atlanta every weekend instead of being bored to death in Athens. Must be the place to be if you go by where the Athens crowd hangs out on weekends.
By james curtis
January 5, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Omar you really look good in red and black. Omar have you heard of coach Rodney Gardner. Well he is the Defensive Line Coach at UGA that keep sending all these linemen to the NFL. I believe you are smart do not take the easy road go to UGA and compete and earn your money at the next level. Yes UGA is loaded but do like Moreno who knew UGA was loaded at running back take the challenge and prove yourself. Do not look for someone to give you a spot you go and earn it. If given to you, you will not prepare for the next level. UGA have more D-linemen at the next level than FLA. and Alburn, besides you can not get any closer to home for real football than at UGA. Sorry Tech
By N.C. Dawg
January 5, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
On another note, I am glad that Will Muschamp is going to Texas, now the dawgs don’t have to play his defense every year. I think he has a bright future, would love to see him back at UGA.
By james
January 5, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
N.C. Dawg, Muschamp is a HUGE loss for the Dawgs. We’ve averaged 40+ a game the only 3 times we’ve played him…twice at Auburn and once at LSU I believe.
Hate to see him go. Hoped he’d end up at Tech.
As for this Hunter kid, looks like Urban’s negative recruiting against Notre Dame worked.
By p
January 5, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Omar has a chip on his shoulder. Go to Auburn and play for two or three coordinators during your 5 years, or go play for Meyer at Florida - but hey, you better produce at Florida or Meyer WILL cut you.
By james curtis
January 5, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Omar i also forgot to tell you that several of Coach Gardners D-linemen will be featured this weekend during the NFL playoff games. Pray and make a wise choice son. GO DAWGS
By james curtis
January 5, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
UGA really need Josh Jarboe more than they need Omar Hunter. Having said that i would bet you that Mark Richt is not loosing any sleep concerning this recruiting class. They are loaded.
By GTfan
January 5, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Omar is not going to make or break any program. This media frenzy about recruits who have not proven a darn thing yet in college is ridiculous. Come on, he played at BUFORD. My grandmother could have been a nose tackle with that schedule.
These kids that play the game, committing early, getting another star then decommitting, silent verbal rumors,talking to other coaches BEFORE decomitting etc make me ill. Don’t committ until you are absolutely 100% sure.
It made me laugh the reasons given here. About ND “their style of play doesn’t fit mine” and something along the lines about how it wasn’t their record this year. Hey, their D played exactly the style they said they would in June. They SUCKED this year. Just say you would be embarrassed to play at that school after the season they had. I would respect that more.
All this attention to these guys that haven’t done anything on the next stage just creates big heads. I watched that West Virginia game the other night. Owen Schmitt is what college football is all about. He played with heart AND talent. And guess what. He was a WALK ON. Give me that kind of kid anyday over some of these 5 star media monsters.
By RollTide
January 5, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
OH is not going to Auburn, sorry Barners. The rumors have been going on for weeks that Urban got to him while he was still committed to ND. He is going to be a Gator. The rest is just smoke screen. Once you commit you become yesterday’s news. I bet he doesn’t announce until signing day. Have fun Barners on this one
By GaDawgs7
January 5, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
LOL, its not just the Athens folks coming to Atlanta every weekend..the truth is Georgia fans outnumber tech fans in the atlanta area 25-1. We’re not coming onto your turf, we LIVE here..we outnumber you..this is OUR turf…matter of fact, there’s no place in the entire state that Tech fans outnumber Dawg fans…not even in your OWN stadium LOL
By Don
January 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
The U.S. Army All American Bowl (on NBC right now)has DeAnglelo Tyson committed to Ohio State not Georgia???? What is up with that one? In the Under Armour Allstar game AJ Green made two nice catches on the first drive of the game.
By Don
January 5, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
The U.S. Army All American Bowl (on NBC right now)has DeAnglelo Tyson committed to Ohio State not Georgia???? What is up with that one? In the Under Armour Allstar game AJ Green made two nice catches on the first drive of the game.
By Jeff
January 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
I have a relative close to the Buford program and Omar. UGA isn’t in the running because we started recruiting him WAY late. Why did we not recruit him as early as some folks? The kid is a stud, but as Garner apparently put it, “we don’t need another 6-1 d-lineman.” Omar will do well. Let’s wish him the best at the place that will be best for him.
By Don
January 5, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
AJ Harmon committed to GA at the U.S. Army All American Bowl!!!
By Jeff
January 5, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
I have a relative close to the Buford program and Omar. UGA isn’t in the running because we started recruiting him WAY late. Why did we not recruit him as early as some folks? The kid is a stud, but as Garner apparently put it, “we don’t need another 6-1 d-lineman.” Omar will do well. Let’s wish him the best at the place that will be best for him.
By Jaime Gaverts
January 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Did anyone understand a single word that A.J. Harmon said? How on earth does he qualify for secondary education? He was totally unintelligible. Embarrassing for the state of Georgia.
By quaildawg
January 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Don, It’s called Tom (Big 10/Notre Dame) Lemming. Look at the list of players and where they are committed. They should re-name it and call it the Big 10/11-Notre Dame recruit game. What a joke. GT fan I agree with your opinion about these games. All I see is shoddy play, risk of career hindering/ending injury and for what? So NBC can rack up some more sponsor/Ad monies? In the words of former UGA Basketball Coach Hugh Durham when asked about potential. “Potential means you ain’t done *hit”
By Don
January 5, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
It is hard to believe that this many good high school players that have already locked up scholarships with big time college programs would accept an invitation to play in this game and risk injury. You hardly ever see a college player projected to get drafted in the 1st or 2nd round play in the college All Star games.
Not sure that Tyson decommitted from Georgia and is going to Ohio State. It showed Ohio State next to his name on the recruiting ticker running across the bottom of the screen. I did notice that aobut 75% of the players in the game are committed to either Notre Dame or Ohio State. Seemed a little odd to me.
By Poorpupps
January 5, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Theres not one mention of Tech and yet the Rednecks still have to talk trash about the Jackets. Why don’t you guys try to follow your beloved Richt’s lead and act classy. Check the word, its in Websters. Get over your superiority complex’s please. You guys think all the best recruits should come to Athens Community College. Dead wrong. Whats your sales pitch? ” Come on down to Athens to play ball and drink beer but our education sucks”. Believe it or not there are other schools out there( better schools). But once a mutt always a mutt I guess.
By BUFORDSUCKS4LIFE
January 5, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
uga doesnt need him.. buford sucks they dont play anyone.. he will be garbage wherever he goes!!!