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Thursday, February 7, 2008
Lassiter junior tight end visits Georgia Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Lassiter junior Philip Lutzenkirchen is on target to become one of the state’s most heavily-recruited tight ends.
He has already been contacted by programs such as Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Miami, Mississippi State, Stanford, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech.
Lutzenkirchen, who attended football games at Clemson, Georgia and Vanderbilt last fall, enjoyed a recent visit to Georgia Tech.
“I went to Tech this past Saturday for junior day,” Lutzenkirchen said. “We got there around 9:30 to 10 a.m. I got to meet all the coaches, including coach Paul Johnson, and the position coaches.
“We went over the scheme we’d do and how I fit in with their program. We went over academics and what it takes to be at Tech. They showed us the dorms, facilities, the weight room and locker room. We also got to attend the basketball game against Maryland.”
Lutzenkirchen came away with a good impression of Johnson.
“I really like him,” Lutzenkirchen said. “He’s a good guy. He’s easy to talk to. I sat next to him during the whole basketball game.”
Lutzenkirchen’s stock began to soar last month after the 6-foot-4, 232-pounder managed to post a 4.73 second effort in the 40-yard dash in a combine hosted by Scout.com.
“I think I’ve proved that I have pretty good agility, speed and overall quickness for my size,” he said.
Lutzenkirchen’s next visits will be junior days at Clemson and Vanderbilt.
“Coaches from Georgia Tech, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech have come to my school and said they’re real interested in me,” he said. “They each said I’ll probably get a [scholarship] offer in the spring.
“Right now, I really don’t have a number one, but I really liked my visit to Tech. And Clemson was pretty neat too. But I don’t have any favorites.”
Permalink | Comments (52) | Categories: Tech
ECI lineman first to commit for Jackets
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It’s been awhile since Georgia Tech carried the full NCAA allotment of 85 scholarship football players, and it won’t happen this year or next.
But new coach Paul Johnson will try to bring in Tech’s biggest recruiting class in years in 2009, and he got a big head start Wednesday when Emanuel County Institute defensive tackle J.C. Lanier became the first player to commit to next year’s signing class.
Lanier, ranked the No. 20 junior prospect in the nation by Rivals.com, is 6-feet-2 1/2, 345 pounds. ECI coach Milan Turner said he drew interest from schools around the nation before narrowing his choices to Tech, Georgia, Clemson and Florida.
“He wanted to stay close to home, and he felt good about his visit [to Tech] last week,” Turner said. “He’s extremely talented. He’s got great size, great flexibility, feet and hands for a big man. I don’t know that I’ve had one who can take over the line of scrimmage like he can.
“Georgia Tech has done a really good job recruiting him. As a sophomore, they spent a lot of time around him. And with Coach Johnson taking over, they didn’t miss a beat. That meant a lot to J.C.”
Johnson aims to sign the maximum number of new scholarship players next signing day, and Tech’s goal is to recruit a couple of players to enroll early.
They would count against this year’s scholarship totals, and because the Jackets signed only 20 players Wednesday, they have room to do that. Johnson said 58 players are on scholarship before the arrival of Wednesday’s signing class.
After signing eight in-state players this year, Tech will target a greater percentage of Georgia players next year. “Every year, a lot of the in-state recruiting depends on grades, and we feel like it will be a very good year,” recruiting coordinator Giff Smith said.
Johnson’s first goal in recruiting is to get quicker. “We’re going to put speed on the field as much as we can,” defensive coordinator Dave Wommack said.
Former walk-ons Tyler Evans, Calvin Booker and Luke Cox have received scholarships from Johnson, who fulfilled pledges made by former coach Chan Gailey.
Don’t be surprised if Johnson recruits multiple quarterbacks. He believes in letting several compete and moving those who don’t pan out to other positions.
In the next recruiting cycle, “We’re looking for athletes and quarterbacks,” Smith said. “And there will be a need on both lines of scrimmage.”
Here are seven other 2009 recruits to watch.
• Andre Harris, 6-4, 332, offensive lineman, Lovejoy: He has said his dream is to play for the University of Texas, but Tech, Georgia and Central Florida are his primary early suitors. Scout.com currently ranks him as a four-star player.
• Nigel Mitchell-Thornton, 6-2, 210, linebacker, Stephenson: Rangy enough to look like a safety, Mitchell-Thornton figures to attract more attention if he adds heft. A number of SEC schools, plus North Carolina and Miami, may be interested.
• Brandon Watts, 6-1 1/2, 225, linebacker, Washington County: Was at Tech’s junior day last week, when the Jackets played Maryland in basketball. Has said that staying relatively close to home is important to him.
• Mike Gilliard, 6-3, 205, linebacker, Valdosta: Besides a scholarship offer from Tech, he has them from Georgia, Illinois and Middle Tennessee State. Played safety before growing into the linebacker position.
• Corico Hawkins, 6-0, 218, linebacker, Baldwin: Also being recruited by Auburn, Florida, Maryland, Miami and North Carolina State. He performed well last month at the U.S. Army All-American Football Combine in San Antonio.
• Izaan Cross, 6-4, 250, defensive end, Flowery Branch: Transferred to Flowery Branch for last season after playing at Buford. He had 77 tackles and four sacks last season. Also plays basketball.
— Staff writer Mike Knobler contributed to this article.
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Bios on every Tennessee signee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Ben Bartholomew
Fullback, 6-3, 235
Nashville (Montgomery Bell Academy)
Prospect Rankings — Rivals: No. 4 overall fullback … No. 14 rated prospect in Tennessee … Scout.com: … No. 8 overall fullback … ESPN: No. 6 overall fullback
PrepStar: All-Region Team.
Honors: Named first team Division II-3A All-State by the TSWA as a senior in 2007 … Division II Mr. Football Back … Member of The
Tennessean’s All-Midstate team in 2007 .. No. 12 prospect on Knoxville New-Sentinel Top 25.
Stats: Rushed for career-high 162 yards in 2007 season opener against Antioch … Tallied 19 tackles-for-loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles as a junior in 2006.
Misc: Grandson of Sam Bartholomew, who was captain of the 1939 SEC Championship team … Brother of Will Bartholomew, who was a fouryear lettermen, member of the 1998 National Championship team and 2001 team captain … Helped lead MBA to record 13 wins on way to undefeated Division II-2A State Championship … Three-year starter at middle linebacker, two-year starter at fullback … Also participated in wrestling and track and field … Won 2007 state shot put championship, with throw of 51 feet, 2 inches … Won 2007 state wrestling championship in 215-pound division … Coach at Montgomery Bell Academy: Daniel McGugin.
Full name: Benjamin Oakes Bartholomew … Born: July 31, 1989.
Willie Bohannon
Defensive End, 6-3, 230
Mobile, Ala. (Blount)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals: … No. 22 overall weakside defensive end … No. 27 rated prospect in Alabama… . Scout.com: … No. 83 overall defensive end ESPN: No. 86 overall defensive end… PrepStar: All-Region Team
Honors: Named Honorable Mention All-State by the Alabama Sports Writers Association as a senior in 2007 and junior in 2006 … Stated at
linebacker in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic in 2007 … Named first-team All-Region in 2006 and 2007 … Named second-team All-
Region in 2005.
Stats: As a senior in 2007, totaled 73 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, nine sacks and two forced fumbles in 11 games … Tallied 57 tackles with 15 sacks as a junior in 2006 … As a sophomore in 2005, totaled 70 tackles and 18 sacks … Recorded five sacks as a freshman.
Misc: Set school record for most sacks in a single season with 18 as a sophomore … Played basketball as a junior and member of track and field team as a sophomore … Defensive team captain as a senior … Defensive player of the year as a senior and sophomore … Coach at Blount High School: Ben Harris.
Full name: Willie Sanders Bohannon … Born: Nov. 7, 1988.
Aaron Douglas
Tight End, 6-6, 245
Maryville (Maryville)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals: No. 5 overall tight end … No. 2 rated prospect in Tennessee … Member of Rivals 250 Scout.com: … No. 16 overall tight end… ESPN: No. 18 overall tight end… PrepStar: Top 135 Dream Team … No. 129 overall prospect.
Honors: Honored as the Class 4A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year as a junior in 2006 and as a senior in 2007 … Named to the TSWA All-State Teams in 2006 and 2007 … Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team … 2007 All-Southern team … No. 1 prospect on Knoxville New-Sentinel Top 25.
Stats: Totaled 632 yards receiving and five touchdowns in 2007 … Tallied 26 catches for 454 yards and three touchdowns in 2006 … As a sophomore in 2005, caught 20 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown.
Misc: Finished high school career 60-0 with four consecutive 4A state championships … Also plays basketball and won 2007 4A state championship… Named to the All-Tournament Team for his play at the TSSAA Basketball State Tournament in 2007 … His father, David, lettered as an offensive tackle on the 1984 and 85 teams … His mother is former Lady Vols basketball player Karla Horton Douglas … Coach at Maryville High School: George Quarles.
Full name: David Aaron Douglas … Born: Sept. 19, 1989.
Steven Fowlkes
Wide Receiver, 6-5, 213
College Park, Ga. (Banneker)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals No. 19 overall weakside defensive end … No. 48 rated prospect in Georgia… Scout.com No. 29 overall defensive end … ESPN No. 121 overall defensive end … PrepStar All-Region Team.
Honors: Named 4A All-State, All-Region and All-County as a senior in 2007 … All-Area as wide receiver and defensive end … Played defensive end in 2008 Georgia Athletics Coaches Association North vs. South All-Star game.
Stats: Caught 24 passes for 400 yards and six touchdowns while tallying 53 tackles and 13.5 sacks in 2007 … Totaled 49 tackles and six sacks in only five games as a junior in 2006 while missing five games due to an elbow injury.
Misc: All-Star player at both wide receiver and defensive end in 2007 … Played basketball as a freshman and sophomore … Coach at Banneker High School: Benny Crane.
Full name: Steven David Fowlkes … Born: June 10, 1990.
Montori Hughes
Defensive Tackle, 6-5, 275
Murfreesboro, TN (Siegel)
Prospect Rankings: Scout.com No. 49 overall defensive tackle.
Honors: Participated in the Toyota East-West Tennessee All-Star Classic … Named the Region 4-5A Defensive MVP, All-Region, All-Area and All-County in 2007 … Named Second-Team All-Midstate by the Tennessean in 2007 … Siegel team Captain and team MVP as a senior … Named All-Region, All-Area and All-County as a junior in 2006.
Stats: Led the Siegel Stars in tackles with 106, tackles-for-loss with 25+ and sacks with 13 as a senior in 2007.
Misc: Three-year starter … Also excels on the basketball court for the Stars lettering two years as sophomore and junior … Coach at Siegel High School: David Watson.
Full name: Montori Montenez Hughes … Born: Aug. 25, 1990.
Austin Johnson
Linebacker, 6-3, 240
Hickory, N.C. (Hickory)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals No. 9 overall fullback … No. 12 overall prospect in North Carolina … Scout.com No. 42 overall middle linebacker … ESPN No. 41 ranked inside linebacker… Enrolled in school January 2008.
Honors: Named All-State as a senior in 2007 and as a junior in 2006 … Three-time All-Conference honoree from 2005-2007 … All-ConferenceDefensive Player of the Year in 2006 and 2007 … 2007 Carolina Panthers Community Captain … Shrine Bowl Participant in 2007 and captain of the North Carolina team in annual scrimmage pitting North Carolina against South Carolina.
Stats: Finished career with 580 tackles … Totaled 210 tackles as a senior, 211 tackles as a junior and 160 tackles as a sophomore in 2005 … As a senior, rushed 108 times for 692 yards and 18 touchdowns and had 35 receptions for 470 yards.
Misc: Three-year starter at linebacker … Also a standout baseball player … Member of National Honor Society and Beta Club … Father signed with Kentucky before completing eligibility at UT-Martin … Brother, Tyler, plays linebacker at Division II Wingate College … Coach at Hickory High School: John Worley.
Full name: Austin Thomas Johnson … Born: June 16, 1989.
Casey Kelly
Quarterback, 6-4, 195
Sarasota, Fla. (Sarasota)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals No. 17 overall pro-style quarterback … No. 81 rated prospect in Florida … Scout.com: … No. 21 overall quarterback … ESPN: No. 30 overall quarterback.
Honors: Earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in football as a junior in 2006 from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune … Named 2007 Player of the year in baseball as a junior by the Herald-Tribune.
Stats: Threw for 4,212 yards with 37 touchdowns on 292-of-506 passing in his career at Sarasota … As a junior, threw for 1,807 yards on 128-of-223 passing with 14 touchdowns to earn Player of the Year honors … As a junior against Southeast HS, threw for 377 yards.
Misc: Missed final four games with injury during senior season of 2007 … Three-year starter at quarterback … Also excels in baseball … Winning pitcher of the 2007 Florida Class 6A state championship baseball game while throwing a two-hitter against DeLand with six strikeouts and one walk … Participated in the 2007 Baseball Express Cape Cod High School Classic … Named All-State in baseball as a junior in 2007 while also garnering All-Area honors and Athlete of the Year honors … Compiled a .349 average and four home runs while playing shortstop and an 11-0 record with a 0.24 ERA on the mound as a junior … Father Pat Kelly and uncle Mike Kelly played for the Toronto Blue Jays, cousin Dustin Kelly
plays for the Boston Red Sox organization, and his brother Chris Kelly plays for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization … Coach at Sarasota High School: Bob Perkins.
Full name: Casey Patrick Kelly … Born: Oct. 4, 1989.
Herman Lathers
Linebacker, 6-0, 210
Baton Rouge, La. (Scotlandville)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals No. 43 overall inside linebacker … No. 36 rated prospect in Louisiana … Scout.com No. 27 overall weakside linebacker … ESPN: No. 104 overall outside linebacker… PrepStar All-Region Team.
Honors: Named All-Metro in 2007 … All-District 5-5A in 2007 … Baton Rouge Advocate Second Dozen.
Stats: As a senior in 2007, tallied 114 tackles with 18 tackles-for-loss and five sacks … Also had two interceptions … As a junior at Istrouma had 96 tackles and 14 sacks.
Misc: Played two years at Istrouma high school in Baton Rouge … Coach at Scotlandville High School: Richard Oliver.
Full name: Herman Lathers … Born: Dec. 23, 1989.
Tauren Poole
Running Back, 5-10, 194
Toccoa, Ga. (Stephens County)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals No. 25 overall running back … No. 29 rated prospect in Georgia … Scout.com No. 42 overall running back … ESPN No. 20 overall running back
Enrolled in school January 2008.
Honors: Two time player of the year … Member of All-State Academic team … Career rushing and touchdown leader at Stephens County High School … Stephens County was region champs all three years he was a varsity member.
Stats: Rushed for 5,413 yards during his career. Finished with 1,350 rushing yards his sophomore year, 1,925 yards his junior season and 2,138 during his senior campaign.
Misc: High School coach Travis Noland was Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton’s head coach at Waynesboro High School in North Carolina … Coach at Stephens County High School: Travis Noland.
Full name: Tauren Chasmaine Poole … Born: Oct. 19, 1989.
Stephaun Raines
Defensive Back, 6-0, 180
Dalton, Ga. (Dalton/Coffeyville C.C.)
Prospect Rankings: ESPN No. 43 overall wide receiver (2006).
Honors: Class 4A All-State as senior … Two-time All-Area and All-TriState … Chattanooga Times Free Press 2005 All-North Georgia.
Stats: As a senior in 2005, accounted for more than 1,700 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns … Caught 41 passes for 704 yards and seven touchdowns to go with 947 rushing yards and eight touchdowns … As a junior, caught 49 passes for 912 yards and eight touchdowns … Also in 2004, carried the ball 12 times for 187 yards.
Misc: Originally signed with Tennessee in 2006 and has four years to play four years … Three-year high school starter at wide receiver … Offensive captain and offensive MVP senior season … Also started at defensive back as sophomore in 2003 … Three-year letterwinner in track and field … Events included 100M, 200M, 4x100M and 4x400M … Top time in 100M was 10.5 seconds … Redshirted 2007 season at Coffeyville Community College … Coach at Dalton High School: Ronnie McClurg … Coach at Coffeyville Community College: Jeff Leiker.
Full name: Stephaun Bershaud Raines … Born: June 16, 1988.
Dallas Thomas
Offensive Line, 6-6, 260
Baton Rouge, La. (Scotlandville HS)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals No. 54 overall offensive tackle … No. 40 overall in Louisiana … Scout.com No. 26 overall offensive guard.
Honors: First team Class 4A All-State as senior … All-District as a junior and senior … First team all-state as a junior … The Shreveport Times No. 12 ranked prospect in Louisiana.
Stats: As a senior did not allow a sack and graded out at 98 percent … As a junior did not allow a sack and graded out at 92 percent.
Misc: Coach at Scotlandville High School: Richard Oliver.
Full name: Dallas Treymell Thomas … Born: Oct. 30, 1989.
Prentiss Waggner
Defensive Back, 6-2, 180
Clinton, La. (Clinton)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals No. 33 overall cornerback … No. 17 rated prospect in Louisiana … Scout.com No. 41 overall cornerback … ESPN: No. 7 overall cornerback by Tom Lemming … PrepStar All-Region Team.
Honors: All-Metro, Class 2A All-State and District Defensive MVP as a senior in 2007 … Named Class 2A All-State, Louisiana Class 2A MVP, All-Metro and All-District as a junior in 2006 … Earned outstanding defensive player award for 2006 by the LSWA … All-District as a sophomore in 2005.
Stats: Finished with 45 tackles and nine interceptions, while adding 873 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 2007 … Caught 31 balls for 795 yards and 13 touchdowns, with 70 tackles, 16 interceptions and 14 pass break-ups on defense in 2006 … In 2005, caught 23 passes for 458 yards and five touchdowns, while adding one interception and five pass break-ups … As a freshman in 2004, brought in 18 passes for 328 yards and two touchdowns.
Misc: Four-year starter in football … Holds school records with 26 career interceptions and 16 season interceptions (2006) … Three-year starter at guard in basketball … Currently leads team in assists, averaging more than 10 per game .. Led the basketball team in assists as a junior, averaging 11 per game … Earned second-team All-District honors in basketball as a junior … Three-year letterman in track and field … Qualified for the state championships in the 200m (4th place), 4x200m (4th place) and 4x400m (4th place) as a junior … Personal best time of 22.0 in the 200m … Coach at Clinton High School: Robert Signater.
Full name: Prentiss Pierre Waggner … Born: June 28, 1990.
Marlon Walls
Linebacker, 6-4, 230
Olive Branch, Miss. (Olive Branch)
Prospect Rankings: RivalsNo. 22 overall outside linebacker … No. 6 rated prospect in Mississippi … Scout.com No. 14 overall outside linebacker
ESPN: No. 45 overall outside linebacker … PrepStar All-Region Team.
Honors: Region Defensive MVP as a senior in 2007 … Selected No. 2 prospect by the Memphis Commercial Appeal … Named 2007 Player of the Year by the Memphis Touchdown Club … First-team All-State and All-Region as a senior … Named Team Mississippi Captain in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic … Shelby-Metro’s No. 2 Most Wanted Prospect.
Stats: As a senior in 2007 at Olive Branch HS, set a school record with 11 sacks to go along with 127 tackles, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries … As a junior in 2006 at Wooddale High School in Memphis, finished with 92 total tackles with 58 unassisted and 13 sacks on defense … On offense as a tight-end, totaled 15 catches with five touchdowns.
Misc: Three-year starter at defensive end and linebacker … Named team captain as a senior … Participated on the basketball team as a junior and sophomore … Competed in track as a junior, participating 400m (49.7), 4x200m and 4x400m … Coach at Olive Branch High School: Scott Samsel.
Full name: Marlon Lee Walls … Born: April 9, 1990.
Rodriquez Wilks
Wide Receiver, 6-1, 195
Smyrna (Smyrna)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals No. 63 overall wide receiver … No. 6 rated prospect in Tennessee … Scout.com No. 75 overall wide receiver … ESPN No. 16 overall wide receiver … No. 87 on ESPN 150 list … PrepStar All-Region Team.
Honors: First team All-State as a senior and junior … Mr. Football Back of the Year Class 5A in 2007 … Named All-Midstate Football Player of the Year by the Tennessean … Member All-Region as a junior and senior … BlueCross Bowl Defensive MVP in 2007 state championship game … No. 2 prospect on Knoxville New-Sentinel Top 25.
Stats: As a senior in 2007, caught 77 passes for 1,170 yards and 20 touchdowns. Also, returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns. Had 62 tackles and six interceptions as a cornerback … 77 receptions was a Smyrna high school season record … Most career touchdowns in Smyrna history.
Misc: Brother of current Vol defensive back Marsalous Johnson … Four-year starter … Team captain and Team MVP of Smyrna … Smyrna won 5A State Championship his junior and senior seasons … Coach at Smyrna High School: Phillip Shadowens.
Full name: Rodriquez Martell Wilks… Born: Nov. 12, 1988.
Gerald Williams
Linebacker, 6-4, 240
Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. (City College of San Francisco)
Prospect Rankings: Rivals No. 7 overall ILB (2004) … No. 19 in Fla. (2004)
Scout.com No. 20 overall DE … South Hot 100 (2004) … ESPN: No. 20 overall OLB (2004) … PrepStar All-America (2004).
Honors: Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s 2004 Super Southern 100 team … No. 118 on Mobile Register Super Southeast 120 in 2004 … No. 46 overall in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel in 2004 … Named 2004 first-team All-Broward County Defense by the Miami Herald.
Stats: Finished 2007 with 146 tackles and six forced fumbles for City College of San Francisco … In 2006 at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy, had 96 tackles and two forced fumbles … As high school senior in 2004 for Boyd Anderson HS, totaled 115 tackles with 15 tackles-for-loss, nine sacks and three interceptions … Finished with 132 tackles, six sacks and four interceptions as a junior, 105 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore, and 98 tackles and two interceptions his freshman year … Had 23 tackles, a 25-yard interception return for TD and two sacks against
Dillard HS … Against Miramar HS, had 20 tackles and 89-yard interception return for touchdown.
Misc: Originally signed with Tennessee in 2005 … Led CCSF to school’s fifth junior college national championship, as named by J.C. Grid-Wire
… Defeated Sierra 24-10 in Hawaiian Punch Bowl to claim Northern California championship … Then rallied past Mount San Antonio 31-28 for California Community College title … CCSF finished 12-1 in 2007 … Four-year high school starter at linebacker … Also played basketball, averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds per game senior year … Coach at City College of San Francisco: George Rush.
Full name: Gerald Lee Deangelo Williams Jr. … Born: Sept. 27, 1986.
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Bios on every Alabama signee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Mark Barron, DB, 6-2, 215, Mobile, Ala. (St. Paul’s)
Regarded as one of the nation’s top all-around players … a First Team Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State selection in Class 5A as a senior … SuperPrep’s No. 8 player in the state of Alabama … named to The Mobile Press-Register’s Elite 18 (No. 3) … the No. 19 player on the Press- Register’s Southeast Super 120 … earned a five-star rating from Scout.com and was listed as the state’s No. 8 player … also a Scout.com First Team All-American … a Rivals.com four-star defensive back … SuperPrep/Scout.com Top 100 selection (No. 46) … rated the No. 5 player on the Alabama Top 35 list by Rivals and the No. 55 player overall nationally … Rivals.com Top 100 selection (No. 55) … No. 18 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … was the MVP of the 2007 Class 5A state championship game after rushing for 1,094 yards on 122 carries with 15 touchdowns in his senior season … the 76th rated player in the country by Sports Illustrated/Takkle.com … rated the No. 33 wide receiver in the country by SuperPrep … also listed on The Orlando Sentinel’s All-Southern Team … named to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … had 785 yards rushing as a junior on 78 carries and added 368 receiving yards on 23 catches, scoring a total of 12 touchdowns.
Undra Billingsley, DL, 6-3, 275, Birmingham, Ala. (Woodlawn)
Rated as the No. 20 strong side defensive end nationally by Rivals.com and the No. 24 player overall on the Alabama Top 35 list … The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super South Top 100 list member … a three-star player according to Rivals … also given a three-star rating by Scout.com … an honorable mention Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State pick as a defensive lineman … the No. 29 player in the state of Alabama according to SuperPrep Magazine … had 90 tackles with five sacks as a senior and 85 tackles with six sacks as a junior at Woodlawn … added 25 catches for 475 yards with three touchdowns on offense.
Devonta Bolton, TE/WR, 6-4, 220, Norcross, Ga. (Norcross)
A four-star player according to Rivals.com and Scout.com … Rivals’ eighth-rated player in the state of Georgia and the 18th-ranked athlete nationally … listed as the No. 19 player in the state of Georgia and the No. 16 weakside linebacker by Scout.com … the No. 20 player in the state according to SuperPrep … named to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … No. 77 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … played both offense and defense at Norcross … caught 25 passes for 451 yards and five touchdowns as a senior … credited with 47 tackles, including 27 solo stops, on defense … also had six tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, three pass break-ups and five interceptions (one for TD) … member of the track team as a sprinter and high jumper at Norcross.
John Michael Boswell, OL, 6-5, 300, Northport, Ala. (Tuscaloosa County)
An Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 6A first team All-State offensive lineman as a senior at Tuscaloosa County … a three-year starter … earned a four-star rating according to Rivals.com … the No. 11 player overall on the Alabama Top 35 list according to Rivals and the No. 11 offensive guard in the country … SuperPrep’s No. 14 player in the state of Alabama … The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super South Top 100 selection … played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game and the Under Armour All- Star game in Orlando … a ScoutSouth.com Star of Alabama … listed as the Red Zone Player of the Year in Alabama by the USA Today … named to The Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 (No. 82) and Elite 18 (No. 12) selection … a three-star offensive lineman by Scout.com and the No. 14 player in the state … Scout.com’s No. 34 offensive tackle nationally … The Tuscaloosa News All-State selection as a senior … No. 131 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … named permanent team captain at Tuscaloosa County as a senior … played for head coach Robert Higgenbotham.
Terrence Cody, DL, 6-5, 380, Perkinston, MS (Gulf Coast C.C.)
Massive defensive line prospect with good agility … a Scout.com four-star recruit … earned a three-star rating by Rivals.com and was listed as the No. 47 junior college player in the country … the No. 45 junior college player in the nation according to SuperPrep Magazine … starred at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and recorded 31 tackles and 3.5 sacks in helping lead his team to an 11-0 regular season record last year.
Marcel Dareus, DL, 6-3, 280, Huffman, Ala. (Huffman)
SuperPrep Magazine’s No. 27 defensive lineman in the country and the publication’s No. 7 player in the state of Alabama … earned a four-star rating from Scout.com and listed as the nation’s No. 5 defensive tackle prospect … Scout.com All-American selection … a three-star defensive lineman according to Rivals.com … the No. 28 defensive tackle in the country according to Rivals and the No. 17 overall player on the Alabama Top 35 list … named to The Mobile Press-Register Elite 18 … SuperPrep/Scout.com Top 30 Alabama selection (No. 6) … listed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … No. 23 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … an ASWA All-State honorable mention … totaled 117 tackles and 20 sacks as a senior at Huffman and also returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Robby Green, DB, 6-0, 180, New Orleans, La. (John Curtis Christian)
Shut-down corner at one of the top high school programs in the state of Louisiana … the No. 7 player in Louisiana and the No. 20 cornerback in the country according to Scout.com … earned a four-star rating by Scout … carries a Rivals.com national ranking of 17 in terms of corners and is the No. 10 overall player in the state …. listed as the No. 41 player overall in The Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 … recorded 45 tackles and four interceptions as a senior, earning Class 2A All-State honors … listed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … No. 86 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … had 30 tackles with four picks and 15 pass break-ups as junior as he earned All-Metro and All- District recognition … All-District as a sophomore in 2005 … won four state championships during his high school career, including perfect seasons in 2005, 2006 and 2007 … the 2006 team finished with a No. 2 national ranking according to USA Today … was also a two-year lettermen in baseball, basketball and track … father, Robby Green, Sr., played football at LSU.
Glenn Harbin, DL, 6-6, 245, Mobile, Ala. (McGill-Toolen)
Talented defensive lineman who is rated the No. 12 player in the state of Alabama by SuperPrep Magazine … totaled 59 tackles and eight sacks as a senior … named to The Mobile Press-Register’s Elite 18 and the Super Southeast 120 (No. 72) … Alabama Sports Writers Association honorable mention All- State … received a four-star rating from Rivals.com and was listed as the No. 16 player on the Alabama Top 35 list … also rated the No. 17 strong side defensive end nationally by Rivals … recognized as one of Scout.com’s Stars of Alabama … a three-star recruit according to Scout.com… No. 126 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … totaled 59 tackles and 8.5 sacks as a senior … had 75 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior … standout as a prep baseball and basketball player at McGill-Toolen … as a junior outfielder, hit .350 with two home runs, 32 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
Jerrell Harris, LB, 6-3, 215, Gadsden, Ala. (Gadsden City)
Regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country … a Parade All-American … the No. 22 player nationally on SuperPrep Magazine’s Elite 50 … the No. 3 linebacker in the country according to SuperPrep and the No. 2 player in the state of Alabama … SuperPrep/Scout.com Top 100 selection (No. 67) … ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 4 outside linebacker prospect in the country … Rivals.com Top 100 selection (No. 34) and its fourth-ranked player on the Alabama Top 35 list … No. 22 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … named a second team All-American by EA Sports … the No. 69 player nationally according by Tom Lemming of CSTV … ranked the No. 59 overall player in the country by Sports Illustrated/Takkle.com … the No. 99 player in the country according to ESPN.com … named to The Mobile Press-Register Elite 18 (No. 2) … listed as the No. 12 player overall in The Mobile Press- Register’s Super Southeast 120 … SuperPrep/Scout.com Top 30 Alabama selection (No. 2) … listed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … member of the Alabama Sports Writers Association Super 12 … First Team ASWA 6A All-State selection … recorded 145 tackles, 15 sacks and three interceptions as a senior … had 130 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks as an All-State selection as a junior.
Don’ta Hightower, LB, 6-4, 250, Lewisburg, Tenn. (Marshall County)
Named the state’s defensive MVP by The Tennessean … listed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … earned a four-star rating from Rivals.com and Scout.com … was Class 3A Mr. Football in Tennessee and voted first team Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State … the No. 2 player in the state of Tennessee according to SuperPrep Magazine … member of The Tennessean’s Dream Team … selected to play in the U.S. Army East-West All-Star game in San Antonio … the state of Tennessee’s No. 3 overall player according to Rivals.com … Rivals.com’s No. 15 inside linebacker in the country … listed as the No. 39 player overall in The Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 … No. 95 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … recorded 168 tackles (14 for loss), five forced fumbles, five interceptions and four fumble recoveries as a senior … also had 875 yards and 19 touchdowns on offense.
Destin Hood, WR, 6-1, 200, Mobile, Ala. (St. Paul’s)
One of the state’s top two-sport athletes … The Mobile Press-Register’s Super 120 Team (No. 100) and Elite 18 (No. 13) … a four-star wide receiver by Rivals.com … included on Rivals.com 250 list … rated as the 38th best wide receiver nationally and 12th best player on the Alabama Top 35 list by Rivals.com … three-star wide receiver by Scout.com … rated as the 61st wide receiver nationally by Scout.com/SuperPrep and the No. 13 player in the state … caught 53 passes for 1,613 yards and 27 touchdowns in final two seasons at St. Paul’s … led team to 14-1 overall record and Class 5A state championship as senior … started at wide receiver and defensive back in Class 5A Super Six Championship game … caught two passes for 17 yards and had one rushing attempt for six yards in a 14-13 win over Briarwood Christian in the championship game … added four solo tackles and one pass break-up on defense … named First-Team All-State by The Birmingham News, The Mobile Press- Register and the ASWA … named ScoutSouth.com Stars of Alabama … No. 126 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … caught 51 passes for 1,082 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior, setting the school’s single-season receiving yardage record … as a junior, he caught 22 passes for 650 yards (26.9 per catch) and 12 touchdowns … rated as the state’s top baseball prospect … named 2008 Louisville Slugger preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseball newspaper … batted .517 with seven home runs and 36 RBI as a prep junior in 2007 … also added four triples, 11 doubles and stole 43 bases … named 2007 AFLAC High School All-American … slammed eight home runs to win the 2007 AFLAC All-American Home Run Derby at Tony Gwynn Stadium in San Diego … also added two hits in the nationally televised classic on FSN Sports.
Mark Ingram, RB, 5-10, 215, Flint, Mich. (Southwestern Academy)
An outstanding athlete rated as a four-star running back by Rivals.com … also ranked on Rivals.com Top 250 … rated as the 17th best athlete in the nation and sixth best player in Michigan according to Rivals.com … three-star running back by Scout.com … rated by Scout.com as the nation’s 57th best running back … four-year starter … ran for 2,546 yards and 38 touchdowns in his final two prep seasons … added 260 receiving yards and two touchdowns … set city records for rushing yards (377) and touchdowns (7) in a game …named Saginaw Valley MVP and Area Player of the Year as a senior … four time All-Area honoree and an All-State selection as a senior … as a prep senior, ran for 1,700 yards and 24 touchdowns … tallied 846 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior … averaged more than 7 yards per carry as prep junior … nine-time All-State track star … runs a 10.69 100-meter dash and 21.9 200- meter dash … best long jump is 23 feet, 8 inches … son of former NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram, who won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants … played for head coach Gary Lee.
Chris Jackson, WR, 6-1, 180, McDonough, Ga. (Henry County HS)
ESPN.com Top 150 (No. 143) … The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Top 150 (No. 143) … listed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … The Mobile Press-Register’s Super 120 Team (No. 118) … rated by Rivals.com as the nation’s 89th best wide receiver … also tabbed the No. 43 best high school player in the state of Georgia by Rivals.com … three-star wide receiver by Rivals.com … rated as the 42nd-best wide receiver in the nation by Scout.com … four-star wide receiver by Scout.com … named 2007 Georgia High School Class AAA Player of the Year by the Associated Press … 2007 First Team All-State by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution … 2007 Southern Crescent Player of the Year … an all region selection … Atlanta Touchdown Club Player of the Week … twice named The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Player of the Week as prep senior … No. 84 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … finished his prep career with 56 touchdowns … in his final two prep seasons had 121 receptions for 2,274 yards and 31 touchdowns … averaged 18.4 yards per catch during his junior and senior seasons … totaled 13 touchdown catches as a sophomore in 2005 … as a junior, caught 45 passes for 800 yards (17.7 per catch) and eight touchdowns in just nine games … recorded seven interceptions and returned two for touchdowns … caught 76 passes for 1,470 yards (18.8 per catch) and career-high 23 touchdowns as a senior … also added five rushing touchdowns … on defense, had 97 tackles and three interceptions.
Star Jackson, QB, 6-3, 195, Lake Worth, Fla. (Lake Worth HS)
2007 U.S. Army All-American … played in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American game on Jan. 5, 2008 at Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas … 2007 Palm Beach Post Offensive Player of the Year … The Mobile Press-Register’s Super 120 Team (No. 64) … a pro-style quarterback with excellent running and passing skills … listed on the Rivals.com Super 250 team … rated as the second-best scrambling quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com … also ranked as the fifth-best pro-style quarterback by Rivals.com … four-star quarterback by Scout.com … rated as the 11th best quarterback in the nation by Scout.com … No. 70 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … finished high school career with more than 3,500 passing yards and 32 touchdowns … as a junior in 2006, passed for more than 1,900 yards and 19 touchdowns … also ran for 750 yards … an all-county and all-region selection … as a senior in 2007, completed 97-of-180 passes for 1,677 yards and 13 touchdowns … also added 500 rushing yards.
Barrett Jones, OL, 6-5, 280, Memphis, Tenn. (Evangelical Christian School)
2007 U.S. Army All-American … listed as the No. 20 offensive lineman nationally by SuperPrep and the No. 1 player in Tennessee … listed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … played in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American game on Jan. 5, 2008 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas … The Mobile Press-Register’s Super 120 Team (No. 15) … top-rated football player in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.com … top-rated center by Rivals.com … also ranked 60 on Rivals.com Top 100 list … ranked the No. 53 overall player in the country by Sports Illustrated/Takkle.com … a third team EA Sports All-American … four-star offensive lineman by Rivals.com and Scout.com … rated as the 18th best offensive lineman nationally by Scout.com … 2007 finalist for Division II AA Mr. Football in Tennessee … named First-Team All-State by The Tennessean and the Tennessee Sports Writers Association … named 2007 West Tennessee Coaches Association All-Region team … also a four-year starter in basketball, leading team to a state runner-up finish in 2006 … father, Rex, played basketball at Alabama under Wimp Sanderson from 1982-84.
Julio Jones, WR, 6-4, 210, Foley, Ala. (Foley)
Parade All-American … USA Today All-American … ranked the No.1 overall player in the country by Sports Illustrated/Takkle.com … nation’s No. 2 overall prospect by ESPN … The Atlanta Journal- Constitution Top 150 (No. 2) … SuperPrep’s No. 1 wide receiver nationally and No. 2 prospect overall … ESPN.com Top 150 … The Mobile Press-Register’s Super 120 Team (No. 1) … “Mr. Football” in the state of Alabama … named to The Tampa Tribune’s “Best of the South Team” … SouthScout.com Stars of Alabama selection … Gatorade Player of the Year (Alabama) … an EA Sports First Team All- American … Prep Nation 101 Honoree … named to The Mobile Press-Register’s Elite 18 Team (No. 1) … five-star wide receiver by Scout.com … rated as No. 1 wide receiver in the nation by Scout.com … the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation and the top prospect in the Alabama Top 35 list by Rivals.com … also called by Rivals.com as the best wide receiver in the nation “after the catch” … rated as the No. 4 overall prospect in the nation on the Rivals.com Top 100 … two-time All-American by Rivals.com (2006 and 2007) … Scout.com All-American selection … No. 2 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … SuperPrep/Scout.com Top 30 Alabama selection (No. 1) … the No. 3 ranked overall player in the nation according to Tom Lemming of CSTV … Rivals.com writes of Jones “Really outstanding feet for a big man. He gets out of trouble when hemmed in. He has great acceleration and can run after the catch. He shows really good concentration on deep balls. Team can use him on reverses and short routes. Hard to tackle in the open field.” … capped off high school career with six catches for 97 yards in the game … two-time Birmingham News and Alabama Sportswriters Association All-State selection … named to 2007 Birmingham News Super All-State Team … named to 2007 ASWA Super 12 All-State team … had 194 career catches for 3,287 yards and 42 touchdowns … also added three rushing touchdowns, two kick return touchdowns, two punt returns and two fumble returns for scores … scored 52 touchdowns in his prep career … set Foley school record for career receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns … holds the top three single-season receiving records at Foley with 75 receptions (2006), 68 receptions (2007) and 51 catches (2005) … also holds single-season record with 1,306 yards in 2006 … as senior, tallied 68 catches for 1,181 yards and 16 TDs … finished the year with 18 total TDs … led the Lions to a 12-1 record and a Region 2 title before losing to Prattville in state quarterfinals … hauled in a career-high 75 passes for 1,306 yards and 16 TDs as a junior … concluded the season with career-high 20 TDs … recorded 51 receptions for 805 yards and 12 TDs as sophomore in 2005 … an outstanding track and field athlete … named 2006-07 Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year (Alabama) … community service projects include Santa America Foundation and local Optimist International club … coached by Mark Lasseter.
Chris Jordan, RB, 6-2, 220, Brentwood, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)
SuperPrep’s No. 17 running back in the country … The Mobile Press-Register’s Super 120 Team (No. 14) … four-star running back by Scout.com … rated as the No. 26 running back in nation by Scout.com … has power, size and tackle-breaking ability … listed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … the No. 3 player in Tennessee according to SuperPrep Magazine … rated No.5 in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.com … No. 68 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … ran for more than 1,600 yards and 20 TDs in his junior and senior seasons at Brentwood Academy … led Brentwood to the 2007 Tennessee Division II state championship … named First Team All-State by the Tennessee Sportswriters Association … named Second Team All-State by The Tennessean … played 11 games and rushed for 1,258 yards on 197 carries … averaged 6.3 yards per carry and tallied 18 TDs … also averaged 112.1 yards per game … added three receptions for 85 yards, including a 77-yard TD … best game of the season came against Independence, where he ran 31 times for 211 yards and four TDs … had a season high 66-yard run against the Baylor School … named honorable mention All-State by Tennessee Super Prep Coaches Association as a junior in 2006 … ran for 487 yards on 68 carries … averaged 7.2 yards per carry and scored five TDs … prepped at Norcross High School in suburban Atlanta before transferring to Brentwood Academy in 2006.
Alonzo Lawrence, DB, 6-1, 190, Lucedale, Miss. (George County HS)
Parade All-American … an EA Sports First Team All-American … The Mobile Press-Register’s Super 120 Team (No. 8) … four-star cornerback by Scout.com … rated as the No. 11 cornerback prospect by Scout.com … the No. 35 prep prospect on Rivals.com Top 100 … the No. 2 rated player in state of Mississippi by Rivals.com … the No. 2 cornerback by Rivals.com … listed on The Atlanta Journal- Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … No. 36 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … the No. 26 ranked overall player in the nation according to Tom Lemming of CSTV … played in the 2007 Alabama- Mississippi All-Star Classic at Ladd Stadium in Mobile … recorded 143 tackles during junior and senior years at George County HS … tallied 36 career TDs, including 22 TD catches and 14 kick returns (8 KOR and 6 PR) … as a prep senior tallied 93 tackles and two interceptions … also added 30 catches for 772 yards and 11 TDs … a threat on special teams, scored six TDs on kick returns in 2007, including five kickoffs and one punt … named 2006 Class 5A First Team All-State by MAC/Magnoliapreps.com as a kick returner … Class 5A Second-Team All-State pick as a cornerback in 2006 … recorded 54 tackles and one interception as a junior in 2006 … also scored eight TDs on kick returns, including five punts and three kickoffs … brother, former junior college star Eric Riley, is a wide receiver at Mississippi State.
Robert Lester, DB, 6-2, 210, Foley, Ala. (Foley HS)
Rated by Rivals.com as the No. 33 safety in the nation … also rated as the No. 13 player on the Alabama Top 35 list by Rivals.com …four-star running back by Scout.com … rated No. 36 on Scout.com’s list of prep running backs … the No. 19 player in the state according to SuperPrep Magazine … listed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … No. 145 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … talented defensive back who is also a threat on special teams because of his size and speed … First Team All-State by Alabama Sportswriters Association … named ScoutSouth.com Stars of Alabama … totaled 143 tackles, 10 interceptions and 15 pass breakups during 2006 and 2007 seasons at Foley HS … had 74 tackles, including one TFL, as a prep senior … led team with six interceptions and 82 return yards … also added 11 pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, two blocked punts and one fumble recovery … had six punt returns for 86 yards and four kickoff returns for 214 yards (53.5 average) and one TD … recorded 73 tackles, four interceptions and nine pass break-ups as a junior.
Brandon Lewis, DL, 6-3, 275, Pleasant Grove, Ala. (Pleasant Grove HS)
Rated as the No. 14 strong side defensive end nationally by Rivals.com … also rated as the No. 14 prospect on the Alabama Top 35 list by Rivals.com … three-star defensive end by Scout.com … rated as No. 54 defensive end in the nation by Scout.com … 2007 All State honorable mention by the Alabama Sportswriters Association … named to The Mobile Press-Register’s 2007 Elite 18 team (No. 15) … 2006 honorable mention All-State by the ASWA … named to The Birmingham News All-Metro Team in 2006 … excellent pass rusher … No. 59 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game in 2007 … totaled 154 tackles, 30 tackles for loss and 19 sacks in final two seasons at Pleasant Grove HS … added six forced fumbles and two interceptions … tallied 66 tackles, 12 TFLs and seven sacks in 10 games as a prep senior for the Spartans … forced two fumbles … had nine rushing attempts for 64 yards and caught six passes for 80 yards and two TDs … led team with 88 tackles, including 18 TFLs and 12 sacks, as a prep junior … added four forced fumbles and two interceptions … caught eight passes for 100 yards as a tight end … played for head coach Jim Elgin … uncle is Michael Myers, a former Alabama player and an 11-year NFL veteran currently on the roster of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tyler Love, OL, 6-7, 290, Mountain Brook, Ala. (Mountain Brook HS)
Five-star offensive lineman by Scout.com … Parade All-American … ESPN.com Top 150 (No. 33) … The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Top 150 (No. 78) … The Mobile Press-Register’s Super 120 Team (No. 33) and Elite 18 selection (No. 5) … ranked No. 6 among offensive linemen nationally by Scout.com …the No. 11 offensive lineman in the country according to SuperPrep and the No. 5 player in the state of Alabama … SuperPrep/Scout.com Top 100 selection (No. 32) … SuperPrep/Scout.com Top 30 Alabama selection (No. 4) … listed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … ranked the No. 30 overall player in the country by Sports Illustrated/Takkle.com … Rivals.com Top 100 selection (No. 32) and its third-ranked player on the Alabama Top 35 list … No. 13 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … the No. 49 ranked overall player in the nation according to Tom Lemming of CSTV … an aggressive blocker with good size and feet … played in the 2008 Under Armour High School All-Star Game in Orlando, Fla. … ranked among Rivals.com Super 100 players (No. 30) … ranked No. 8 among offensive linemen by Rivals.com … rated No. 5 among pass blockers by Rivals.com … ranked No. 3 among Alabama prep seniors by Rivals.com … named a second team All-American by EA Sports … bench presses 360 pounds and has a 26-inch vertical jump … called by Rivals.com “a player with good size and a real effective run blocker” … 2007 First-Team All State selection by Alabama Sportswriters Association … also named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association Super 12 team … ASWA Class 6A Lineman of the Year … named to The Tampa Tribune’s “Best of the South” team … The Orlando Sentinel All-South Team … First-Team ASWA All-State selection and The Birmingham News All-Metro selection as a junior in 2006.
Ivan Matchett, RB, 5-10, 215, Mobile, Ala. (St. Paul’s)
Led St. Paul’s to a perfect 15-0 record and the 2007 Class 5A state title, earning Super 6 MVP honors after rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown in the team’s state championship victory over Briarwood Christian … school’s record holder for career rushing yards … ranked No. 62 nationally at his position by Scout.com, was ranked the No. 20 running back nationally and No. 17 among all prospects in the state by Rivals.com … the 20th-ranked prospect in the state by SuperPrep Magazine … ran for 1,422 yards and 16 touchdowns in his senior season … named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 5A First Team All State team as a senior … also earned The Mobile Press-Register Elite 18 honors (No. 16) … rushed for 1,416 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior … earned The Birmingham News Class 5A First Team All-State and ASWA Honorable Mention All State honors as a junior … also helped team to track & field Class 5A state championships (2005 outdoor, 2006 indoor and outdoor) … played for head coach Mike Bates.
Kerry Murphy, DL, 6-4, 315, Hoover, Ala. (Hoover/Hargrave)
Spent the 2007 season at Hargrave Military Academy after originally signing with Alabama in 2007 … received a four-star rating and listed as the No. 4 prep school player in the country according to Rivals.com … a Parade All-American as a senior at Hoover in 2006… The Birmingham News All-Metro Team … rated as the top prospect on The Birmingham News Super Senior list … one of 11 defensive tackles on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … rated No. 3 by The Mobile Press- Register’s Elite 18 players in the state of Alabama … rated as the 15th-best defensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com … rated No. 56 by Rivals.com Top 100 prospects … rated as the No. 4 defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com … rated as the No. 2 prospect in state of Alabama by Rivals.com Top 30 … named to Rivals.com Super 250 Team … rated No. 68 by The Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 … selected to play in the 2006 Alabama North-South All-Star Game … a dominant force in the middle, Murphy made 142 tackles and 16 sacks in junior and senior seasons … as a senior, had 77 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks … added 77 tackles and recorded eight sacks as a junior while leading Hoover to its second straight Class 6A State Championship.
Wesley Neighbors, DB, 6-1, 200, Huntsville, Ala. (Huntsville)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super South 100 selection … ranked No. 22 safety in the nation by ESPN.com and listed as the No. 47 prospect at his position by Scout.com … recorded 62 tackles as a senior en route to Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) Honorable Mention All-State honors … listed as the No. 23 prospect in Alabama by SuperPrep Magazine … represented Alabama in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game … earned The Huntsville Times First Team All-Metro, First Team All-Region and First Team All-City accolades as a senior … had 95 tackles and four interceptions in his junior year while also participating on special teams … named First Team All-City, The Huntsville Times First Team All-Metro and Honorable Mention All-Region honors as a junior … recorded 51 tackles and six interceptions as a sophomore … is a legacy at the Capstone, becoming one of only a handful of players to become a third-generation player at UA … his father, Wes, was recruited by Coach Paul Bryant and played for Ray Perkins from 1983-86 … his grandfather, Billy Neighbors, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 after a standout career at Alabama from 1958-61 where he was on Coach Bryant’s first national championship team in 1961 … played for head coach Kevin Wieseman.
Jermaine Preyear, RB, 5-11, 205, Mobile, Ala. (Davidson)
Listed as the No. 20 running back nationally and the No. 22 prospect on the Alabama Top 35 list by Rivals.com … ranked as the No. 5 fullback by ESPN.com … listed as the No. 26 prospect in the state by SuperPrep Magazine … rushed for 1,026 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior and 1,083 yards and 15 scores in his junior season … played for head coach Fred Riley.
Melvin Ray, WR, 6-3, 195, Tallahassee, Fla. (North Florida Christian)
The No. 18 wide receiver prospect in the nation and the No. 18 overall player in Florida according to Rivals.com … ranked No. 23 among wide receivers nationally by ESPN.com … The Mobile Press- Register Super Southeast 120 list member … The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super South 100 selection … has been playing football for three seasons… the No. 39 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 24 prospect in Florida according to SuperPrep Magazine … Class 1A First Team All-State selection by the Florida Sports Writers Association as a senior … the No. 89 ranked overall player in the nation according to Tom Lemming of CSTV … No. 88 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … played for Chiles High School before transferring to North Florida Christian before his senior season … made 53 catches for 1,058 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior while leading team to a 12-2 record and Florida Class 1A state runner-up honors … earned First Team All-Big Bend honors as a senior … caught 36 passes for 518 yards and five touchdowns while returning a kickoff and two punts for touchdowns on special teams as a junior … also played basketball and ran track … played for head coach Casey Weldon.
B.J. Scott, WR/ATH, 6-0, 195, Prichard, Ala. (Vigor)
Listed as the No. 1 athlete and the No. 19 prospect nationally on the ESPN.com 150 rankings … the No. 3 defensive back in the nation and the second-ranked player in the Alabama Top 35 according to Rivals.com … listed as the No. 7 defensive back prospect by Scout.com … Class 5A Honorable Mention All-State selection by the Alabama Sports Writers Association … listed as the No. 6 prospect in the state and the No. 18 wide receiver prospect nationally by SuperPrep Magazine … The Atlanta Journal- Constitution Super South 100 list member … The Mobile Press-Register Super Southeast 120 and Elite 18 (No. 4) selection … ranked the No. 61 overall player in the country by Sports Illustrated/Takkle.com … the No. 54 ranked overall player in the nation according to Tom Lemming of CSTV … SuperPrep/Scout.com Top 100 selection (No. 74) … SuperPrep/Scout.com Top 30 Alabama selection (No. 7) … No. 25 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … participated in the Under Armour All-Star Game in Orlando, Fla. … ScoutSouth.com Star of Alabama selection … Rivals.com Top 100 selection (No. 28) … rushed for 917 yards and 15 touchdowns and threw for 834 yards and 10 scores as a senior … recorded 1,070 rushing yards and 1,059 yards passing and scored 19 total touchdowns in his junior season … played for head coach Kerry Stephenson.
Brad Smelley, ATH, 6-3, 218, Tuscaloosa, Ala. (American Christian)
Played quarterback in American Christian Academy, throwing for 3,022 yards and 33 touchdowns as a senior … led team to a state semifinal appearance in his senior year … completed 183 of 264 passes (69 percent) for 2,611 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior … ranked No. 34 on the Alabama Top 35 list by Rivals.com … listed as a tight end on ESPN.com, earning the No. 77 national ranking at that position … Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 2A All-State selection as an athlete … The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super South 100 selection … listed as the No. 39 prospect in Alabama by SuperPrep Magazine … a West Alabama All-Star selection and named Class 2A Player of the Year by The Tuscaloosa News … also an outstanding baseball player, hitting over .500 as a junior with 11 home runs … his brother, Chris, is a quarterback at South Carolina … played for head coach Stephen Hooks.
Corey Smith, K/P, 6-0, 195, Bunker Hill, W.V. (Musselman)
Earned All-State honors as both a placekicker and as a punter … listed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … averaged 39 yards per punt while placing 16 of 31 kicks inside the opponent 20-yard line … ranked as the No. 12 kicker in the nation by ESPN.com … No. 21 kicker in the nation according to Scout.com … enrolled at Alabama in January.
Damion Square, DL, 6-2, 290, Houston, Texas (Yates)
Ranked as the No. 9 linebacker in the nation by Scout.com … the No. 37 defensive tackle prospect by Rivals.com … listed as the No. 24 defensive end in the nation by ESPN.com … had 97 tackles, including 35 for loss, to go with 14 sacks and a fumble recovery as a senior … named Class 4A All-State, was an All-Greater Houston selection and earned District MVP honors … Houston Chronicle Top 110 list member … was the No. 70 prospect in Texas by SuperPrep Magazine … led team to Area Championship appearance as a senior.
Courtney Upshaw, LB, 6-2, 230, Eufaula, Ala. (Eufaula)
The Alabama Class 5A Lineman of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and ASWA Class 5A All-State selection in 2007 … ranked as the No. 4 defensive end prospect in the country and the No. 29 player overall on the ESPN.com 150 list … No. 35 on The Mobile Press-Register Super Southeast 120 … the No. 7 player on The Mobile Press-Register Elite 18 list … The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super South 100 member … ranked as the No. 12 outside linebacker nationally and the ninth-best overall player on the Alabama Top 35 list by Rivals.com … the No. 18 defensive end prospect by Scout.com … ranked the No. 10 prospect in Alabama by SuperPrep Magazine and the No. 38 defensive lineman nationally… No. 73 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list … had 45 solo tackles, 20 assists, including 13 for loss and seven sacks to go with three fumble recoveries as a senior … also had 20 receptions for 296 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver on offense … ScoutSouth.com Star of Alabama selection … All-Southern team member selection by The Orlando Sentinel … had 96 tackles and three interceptions as a junior … played for head coach Dan Klages.
Michael Williams, TE/DE, 6-6, 270, Reform, Ala. (Pickens County)
Ranked as the No. 26 defensive end nationally by ESPN.com … listed as the No. 4 defensive end nationally and the No. 10 overall prospect on the Alabama Top 35 list by Rivals.com … the No. 17 defensive end nationally by Scout.com … earned Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State honors and was the ASWA Class 2A lineman of the year … member of The Mobile Press-Register Elite 18 and Super Southeast 120 lists … named West Alabama All-Star by The Tuscaloosa News … earned First Team All-State honors as a junior and honorable mention accolades on offense as a tight end … listed as the No. 20 prospect in the state by SuperPrep Magazine and the No. 42 defensive line prospect nationally… The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super South 100 selection … had over 400 yards receiving for five touchdowns as a tight end in his senior season … also had 243 yards and two scores rushing to go with 63 tackles and 14 sacks on defense as a senior … team won three straight Regional titles and made a Class 2A state second round appearance in 2007… recorded 68 tackles and 11 sacks as a junior … earned All-County, All-Area and honorable mention All-State honors in basketball … played for head coach Jack Cook.
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Bios on every Clemson signee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Spencer Adams
S • 6-2 • 180
Matthews, North Carolina
David W. Butler High School
Ranked as 40th best player in the nation by ESPN.com…four-star player by both Rivals.com and Scout.com… #3 safety nationally by ESPN.com… ranked
95 overall and considered the top safety in North Carolina by Tom
Lemming…ranked as 113th best player in the nation by Rivals.com …rated the #4 player in North Carolina and the #5 safety nationally by Rivals.com…#18 safety in the country by Scout.com …SuperPrep’s #7 player in North Carolina…SuperPrep’s #19 defensive back nationally…had 246 tackles & four interceptions over his last two years, including 145 tackles as a senior…participant in ESPN/Under Armour All-American Game …also ran track in high school and plans to run at Clemson…holds North Carolina state record in 300-meter hurdles…defending 4-A state champ in 110-meter hurdles…anchored a record-breaking 4x100-meter relay team in AAU…All- USA Track and Field Hurdler by USA Today…recruited by Tight Ends Coach Billy Napier…chose Clemson over Florida, Georgia, Miami (FL), Michigan, North Carolina, NC State, and Virginia Tech.
Dwayne Allen
TE • 6-3 • 220
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Terry Sanford High School
National top 100 signee according to ESPN.com…ranked as 83rd best player in the nation by ESPN.com, including the number-three tight end in the nation…four-star recruit by Scout.com and Rivals.com…ranked as the numberthree tight end in the nation by Rivals.com and number-eight tight end by Scout.com…ranked as fifth best player in North Carolina by Rivals.com…had 68 receptions for 1257 yards for his career at Terry Sanford High School…that is a strong 18.5 yards per catch figure for his career…had 27 catches for 291 yards and five scores as a senior…had 25-551 as a junior…recruited by Clemson assistant coach Chris Rumph…selected Clemson after receiving offers from Georgia, Florida State, North Carolina and Virginia Tech.
Daniel Andrews
S • 6-0 • 192
Jacksonville, Florida
Trinity Christian Academy
Ranked as #107 safety nationally by Scout.com …rated as the#64 player in Florida by SuperPrep…had a solid senior year with 59 total tackles…also had a sack, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and a caused fumble and recovered fumble…third-team all-state and all-region team selection…played in the Jacksonville Shrine Bowl game…totaled 88 tackles & two interceptions as a junior…recruited by Wide Receivers Coach Dabo Swinney…chose Clemson over Florida and Miami (FL).
Spencer Benton
PK/P • 6-2 • 185
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach High School
Currently enrolled at Clemson for spring semester following high school graduation in December…#16 kicker nationally by Rivals.com…#25 player in South Carolina by SuperPrep…converted 22-37 field goals and 99-113 extra points in three years at Myrtle Beach, with a career long kick of 49 yards…also a punter and wide receiver… had 410 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2007 from the wide receiver position…two-time all-region & all-state selection…two-time “Toast of the Coast” selection…WPDE All-Zone Team…WBTW All-Blitz Team…Shrine Bowl selection…coached by Scott Earley in high school…recruited by Wide Receivers Coach Dabo Swinney…chose Clemson over Duke, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Da’Quan Bowers
DE • 6-5 • 265
Bamberg, South Carolina
Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School
Number-one ranked player in the nation regardless of position by ESPN.com…first signee in Clemson history to come to the Tigers as the numberone player in the nation…ranked number-two player in the nation by Scout.com and Rivals.com, number-eight player in the nation by SuperPrep, and number- 14 player in the nation by Tom Lemming… five-star player by Scout.com and Rivals.com…named first-team All-American by Scout.com…participant in the ESPN/Under Armour All-American Game, he was the defensive MVP of the game when he had four tackles for loss…graduated from high school in December of 2007 and already enrolled in Clemson for the spring semester…five-star player by both Rivals.com and Scout.com…slated to be a factor on Clemson’s defensive front in 2008 …won Dan Foster Award from the Greenville Touchdown Club as the top high school player in South Carolina…first-team All-American according to EA Sports… #1 defensive tackle nationally by ESPN.com… #2 player in South Carolina by Rivals.com…#1 defensive end nationally by Scout.com …# 2 player in South Carolina and #2 defensive lineman in the country by SuperPrep…SuperPrep Mid Atlantic Defensive Player of the Year…played at the same high school that sent current bandit end Ricky Sapp to Clemson…2007 South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year…two-time AP all-state selection…totaled 267 tackles, 90 for a loss, and 37 sacks in his high school career…as a senior, he registered 97 tackles, 33 for a loss,14 sacks, and 3 fumbles recovered…also added over 1200 yards rushing as a senior and 840 yards rushing as a junior…also had a 40-yard average on kickoff returns as a senior… recruited by outside linebackers Coach Ron West…chose Clemson over Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech.
Xavier Brewer
CB • 5-11 • 180
Jacksonville, Florida
Bartram Trail High School
Ranked as the 65th best player in the nation by ESPN.com …#7 cornerback nationally by ESPN.com…participated in the ESPN/Under Armour All-American Game…considered the #58 player in Florida by Rivals.com…27th-ranked cornerback nationally by Rivals.com…#13 cornerback nationally by Scout.com…grabbed five interceptions as a senior, after picking off six passes as a junior… high school teammate of fellow Tiger signee QB Kyle Parker in high school…Florida Times Union All First-Coast first-team selection…rated as a four-star player by Scout.com and a three-star player by Rivals.com…named to the Super 11 in Florida by the Florida Times Union…his father played for the Denver Broncos and his brother, Chris, is a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers…recruited by Wide Receivers Coach Dabo Swinney…chose Clemson over offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Miami, Notre Dame and Florida.
Jaron Brown
WR • 6-3 • 187
Cheraw, South Carolina
Cheraw High School
Wide receiver who led Cheraw High School to state championship game victories each of the last two years…played in three state championship games…had 31 catches for 516 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior receiver when he was named all-state, all-area and all-region…also had 100 tackles and four interceptions as a safety in 2007…Palmetto All-Star back of the year…ranked as a three-star player by both Scout.com and Rivals.com…#57 athlete nationally and #16 player in South Carolina by Rivals.com…#56 wide receiver nationally by Scout.com…#5 player in South Carolina and #36 wide receiver nationally by SuperPrep… Shrine Bowl selection…also a standout on the Cheraw basketball team…from same high school and hometown as former Clemson All-America punter and NFL All-Pro punter Dale Hatcher…recruited by Dabo Swinney…chose Clemson over offers from Michigan, Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky and South Carolina. 30 Bowl Appearances 2008 Tiger Football ClemsonTigers.com
Jarrett Crittenton
DE • 6-6 • 275 • Jr.
Fayetteville, Georgia
North Dakota State College of Science
Rated as a four-star defensive lineman by Scout.com and Rivals.com…ranked as the 29th best junior college player in the nation by Rivals.com…ranked as the 27th best junior college player in the nation by SuperPrep… ranked as fifth best JC defensive end in the nation by SuperPrep and sixth among JC defensive ends according to Rivals.com…originally played at Fayette County High School in Fayetteville, GA…recruited by Defensive Line Coach Chris Rumph…chose Clemson over Kansas State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, and Arkansas.
Andre Ellington
RB • 5-10 • 170
Moncks Corner, South Carolina
Berkeley High School
Ranked as the 44th best player in the nation by ESPN…. participant in the ESPN/Under Armour All-American Game…four-star running back according to Rivals.com and Scout.com…considered the 6th-best running back nationally by ESPN.com…member of Rivals.com Rivals250 (#172)…#8 player in South Carolina and #5 all-purpose back nationally by Rivals.com…#24 running back nationally by Scout.com…#10 player in South Carolina and #27 running back nationally by SuperPrep…Shrine Bowl selection….consensus all-state selection in South Carolina…al-region and all-low country…amassed 1,822 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior…added four other all-purpose touchdowns (2 receiving, 2 kickoff return) to total 28 touchdowns for the season… finished the season with 2,519 all-purpose yards…recruited by Inside Linebackers Coach David Blackwell…played his high school football for Jerry Brown…chose Clemson over Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Brandon Ford
WR • 6-4 • 205
Hanahan, South Carolina
Hanahan High School
Four-star wide receiver according to Rivals.com…Ranked as #46 wide receiver nationally by Rivals.com…#64 wide receiver nationally by Scout.com…threestar receiver according to Scout.com…#55 wide receiver nationally by ESPN.com…rated the 17th-best player in South Carolina by SuperPrep…Shrine Bowl selection…his stock soared after a breakout season in 2007…finished his senior season with 76 receptions for 1,702 yards and 22 touchdowns…led the state of South Carolina in reception yards and touchdowns and ranked third in the nation in reception yards…co-MVP and team captain at Hanahan High in 2007…played his high school football for Jeff Cruce, an offensive lineman on Clemson’s 1981 National Championship team…compiled 116 catches over the past two seasons…recruited by Inside Linebackers Coach David Blackwell…chose Clemson over Georgia, Georgia Southern, Maryland, NC State, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Dalton Freeman
OL • 6-6 • 270
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Pelion, South Carolina
Pelion High School
Ranked as 13 offensive guard nationally by Scout.com…#16 offensive guard nationally by ESPN.com… the #9 player in South Carolina and #13 offensive guard in this class by Rivals.com… finalist for Mr. Football in South Carolina…four-star offensive lineman according to both Scout.com and Rivals.com…Offense-Defense All-American Bowl Offensive Lineman of the Year…Shrine Bowl selection…recipient of the Wendy’s High School Heisman in South Carolina…#SuperPrep’s #8 player in South Carolina…also rated the#39 offensive lineman nationally by SuperPrep…All-American by Tackle…three-time all-area, all-region, & all-state player on offense…two-time all-area & all-region on defense…two-time Region 4-AA Lineman of the Year…named Offensive Lineman of the Year by High School Sports Report and the South Carolina Football Coaches Association… winner of the Carolina Panthers Community Captain Award…as a senior, he graded out at 92 percent, while recording 67 knockdowns and 37 pancakes…defensively, he tied for the team lead with 83 tackles and also contributed 16 tackles for a loss and six sacks…all-region in track as a junior…coached by Ben Freeman, who is also his father…recruited by Offensive Line Coach Brad Scott…chose Clemson over Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Penn State, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Rashard Hall
S • 6-3 • 190
Saint Augustine, Florida
Saint Augustine High School
Named to the Florida Times Union All First Coast First-team….three-star safety according to both Scout.com and Rivals.com…had eight interceptions in 2007 and had three defensive touchdowns…led the county in receiving with over 800 yards and eight TDs…St. John’s County Defensive Player of the Year…firstteam all-state and all-county…three-star player by Scout.com and Rivals.com…#46 safety nationally by Rivals.com…ranked 60th nationally at safety by Scout.com…#46 safety nationally by ESPN.com…#58 player in Florida by SuperPrep…helped lead St. Augustine to AAA state title game…teammate of fellow Tiger freshman safety Carlton Lewis in high school…recruited by Wide Receivers Coach Dabo Swinney…also a standout basketball player at St. Augustine High…chose Clemson over Louisville, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Mississippi State and South Florida.
Jamie Harper
RB • 6-0 • 227
Jacksonville, Florida
Trinity Christian Academy
Ranked as the 12th best player in the nation by ESPN.com…ranked as numberthree running back in the nation by ESPN.com…#5 running back nationally and #35 player overall by Scout.com …four-star running back according to Rivals.com and five-star by Scout.com…four-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com…member of Rivals.com Rivals 250 (#119)…rated as the top fullback in the nation by Rivals.com…also named the 21st-best player in Florida by Rivals.com…ranked as 27th best player in the nation by SuperPrep and the number-four running back… #11 player in Florida by SuperPrep…rushed for 1,437 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior…in his junior season, he compiled 1,200 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns, along with four receiving touchdowns…participated in ESPN/Under Armour All-American Game, he scored the winning touchdown on a scoring pass from fellow Clemson signee Kyle Parker with under three minutes left…high school teammate of fellow Tiger signee Daniel Andrews …recruited by Wide Receivers Coach Dabo Swinney…chose Clemson over Florida, Florida State, Miami (FL), and Illinois. ClemsonTigers.com 2008 Tiger Football 30 Bowl Appearances
Stanley Hunter
LB • 5-10 • 220
Duncan, South Carolina
James F. Byrnes High School
Enrolled in Clemson for the spring semester…originally signed with Clemson with the class of 2007… named a SuperPrep All-American at linebacker as a senior…rated as the #28 outside linebacker nationally, as well as the #14 player in South Carolina by Rivals.com…#38 safety nationally and #15 player in South Carolina by Scout.com…#24 linebacker in the nation by SuperPrep…#37 safety in the nation by CollegeFootballNews.com….all-region by PrepStar…# 7 player in South Carolina by SuperPrep…2006 South Carolina High School Coaches Association Defensive Player of The Year…Defensive MVP for the South Carolina team in the 2006 Shrine Bowl…2006 first-team all-state by The State…played at linebacker and safety in high school…as a junior, he totaled 160 tackles, 38 for a loss, and 16 sacks…three-star linebacker coming out of high school according to Rivals.com and Scout.com…he also amassed 102 tackles, 41 for a loss, and 20 sacks during his senior season…played with fellow Clemson players Chad Diehl, Xavier Dye, and Willy Korn at Byrnes High School for current Presbyterian Head Coach Bobby Bentley…recruited by Inside Linebackers Coach David Blackwell…chose Clemson over Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech.
Marquan Jones
WR • 6-0 • 180
Columbia, South Carolina
Blythewood High School
Graduated from high school in December of 2007 and enrolled in classes at Clemson for the spring semester…four-star wide receiver according to Rivals.com and a three-star choice by Scout.com…member of Rivals.com Rivals 250…#7 player in South Carolina by Rivals.com…#35 wide receiver nationally by Rivals.com…#70 wide receiver nationally by Scout.com…#37 wide receiver nationally by ESPN.com…#12 player in South Carolina by SuperPrep…helped lead Blythewood High School to the AAA state title in its first year of varsity football as a junior…head coach on that team was current Clemson grad assistant Jeff Scott…all-Region 3-AAA as a junior…secondteam all-state selection as a junior by SCVarsity.com…all-area & all-state selection by The State…AP all-state selection as a junior…High School Sports Report AAA Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and all-state selection as a senior…scored eight receiving touchdowns in his first playoff game vs. Blue Ridge as a junior…had nine 100-yard receiving games…scored at least one touchdown in every game as a senior…caught 92 passes for 1551 yards and 21 TDs as a junior…added 71 receptions for 1047 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior…for his high school career, he totaled 163 receptions for 2598 yards and 36 touchdowns in two years…after his junior year, he was named one of Sports Illustrated’s Players to Watch…Shrine Bowl selection in 2007…coached by Geremy Saitz as a senior…recruited by Offensive Line Coach Brad Scott…chose Clemson over South Carolina.
Carlton Lewis
S • 6-3 • 190
Saint Augustine, Florida
Saint Augustine High School
Named to Florida Times Union All First Coast Team as a first-team selection…a three-star player by Scout.com and Rivals.com…#59 safety nationally by Rivals.com…#44 safety nationally by Scout.com…#24 safety nationally by ESPN.com…helped lead St. Augustine to the AAA state title game…had 57 tackles and two interceptions as a senior safety…had 39 receptions for 760 yards and nine touchdowns as a wide receiver…teammate of fellow Tiger freshman safety Rashard Hall in high school…also a standout on the St. Augustine basketball team…recruited by Wide Receivers Coach Dabo Swinney…chose Clemson over offers from Georgia Tech, Illinois, Wake Forest, South Florida, Vanderbilt and South Carolina.
Antoine McClain
OL • 6-6 • 305
Anniston, Alabama
Anniston High School
Ranked as 78th best player in the nation by ESPN.com……#6 offensive tackle nationally by ESPN.com …member of Rivals.com Rivals 250 (#108)…#13 offensive tackle nationally and #7 player in Alabama by Rivals.com…#109 player nationally by Scout.com…#9 offensive tackle nationally by Scout.com …#4 player in Alabama and #10 offensive lineman nationally by SuperPrep…ASWA first-team all-state performer…member of Press Register Elite 18 and Super Southeast 120…participant in ESPN/Under Armour All-American Game…racked up 50 pancake blocks during his senior season, along with 17 tackles on defense…recruited by Wide Receivers Coach Dabo Swinney…chose Clemson over Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee.
Kenneth Page
OL • 6-4 • 293
Columbia, South Carolina
A.C. Flora High School
Ranked as the #9 offensive guard nationally by Rivals.com…that service also lists him as a four-star player…#19 offensive guard nationally by Scout.com, that service lists him as a three-star player…#6 offensive guard nationally by ESPN.com…member of Rivals.com Rivals250 (#202)…#6 player in South Carolina by Rivals.com…ranked as #9 player in South Carolina by SuperPrep…#41 offensive lineman nationally by SuperPrep…participated in ESPN/Under Armour All-American Game…Nike First Team Underclassmen All-American…second-team US Army All-American Combine…Shrine Bowl selection…member of the “Best of the South” by the Tampa Tribune (#18)…selected to the All-Southern Football Team by the Orlando Sentinel…Carolina Panthers Community Captain Award winner…one of five finalists for the Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Trophy Award…two-time firstteam all-state offensive lineman…two-time AAA 1st Team All-State…first-team AP All-State…selected to the Palmetto Champions All-Star Team AAA Lineman of the Year…Palmetto Champions All-Star Finalist for Lineman of the Year…three-time all-region offensive lineman… three-time Columbia All-Area Offensive Lineman…named the top offensive line in South Carolina by SCVarsity.com…Region AAA Player of the Year as a senior…2007 Red Zone Player of the Year…top 100 player by High School Sports Report…National Merit Semi-Finalist…coached by Robin Bacon in high school…recruited by Offensive Line Coach Brad Scott…chose Clemson over Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Stanford, and Tennessee.
Kyle Parker
QB • 6-0 • 190
Jacksonville, Florida
Bartram Trail High School
Graduated from high school in December of 2007 and enrolled in Clemson for the spring semester…ranked as 34th best player in the nation according to ESPN.com…# 4 quarterback nationally by ESPN.com…#62 player in Florida and #10 pro-style quarterback nationally by Rivals.com…#13 quarterback nationally by Scout.com…#39 player in Florida by SuperPrep…four-star player according to both Scout.com and Rivals.com…participated in ESPN/Under Armour All-American Game, he threw the game winning touchdown pass for his team with under three minutes left…considered by many to be the best quarterback in Florida…compiled 1850 yards and 15 touchdowns passing, along with over 1000 yards rushing, as a senior…teammate of fellow Tiger freshman CB Xavier Brewer in high school…also playing baseball for Clemson, he could play the infield, catcher or serve as a designated hitter this spring for the Tigers…could have been drafted within first 10 rounds had he not chosen to come to Clemson…recruited by Wide Receivers Coach Dabo Swinney…chose Clemson over Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Mississippi and Nebraska. 30 Bowl Appearances 2008 Tiger Football ClemsonTigers.com
Jon Richt
QB • 6-2 • 185
Athens, Georgia
Prince Avenue Christian School
A three-star quarterback by Rivals.com….ranked among top 70 quarterbacks in the nation by ESPN.com…holds all-time school career records for completions (181), passing yards (2468), and touchdowns (26) at Prince Avenue…team captain as a senior…won the team Summer and Season Commitment awards…also named the team’s best competitor…two-time GHSA all-Region 8A quarterback/punter…two-time all-Oconee County quarterback…team MVP as a junior…son of current Georgia head football coach Mark Richt…recruited by Offensive Line Coach Brad Scott.
Tarik Rollins
LB • 6-2 • 205
Hollywood, Florida
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
Ranked as 149th best overall player in the nation by ESPN.com…graduated from high school in December of 2007 and enrolled in Clemson for the spring semester…three-star player according to Rivals.com and Scout.com…# 15 outside linebacker nationally by ESPN.com…#56 player in Florida and #39 outside linebacker nationally by Rivals.com…#34 strongside linebacker nationally by Scout.com…#108 player in Florida by SuperPrep…missed virtually all of his senior season due to an injury…tallied 83 tackles, seven sacks, and six interceptions as a junior…recruited by Inside Linebackers Coach David Blackwell…chose Clemson over Indiana, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, NC State, Purdue, South Carolina, Wake Forest, & Wisconsin.
Matt Sanders
OL • 6-4 • 293
Crestview, Florida
Crestview Senior High School
Ranked as the second best offensive guard in the state of Florida by Rivals.com…listed as #57 player in Florida and #28 offensive guard nationally by Rivals.com…#16 offensive guard nationally by Scout.com…#41 offensive guard nationally by ESPN.com…#73 player in Florida by SuperPrep …threestar player according to both Rivals.com and Scout.com…selected to Max Emfinger All-American game…first-team All-State as a senior, he was a third team All-State selection as a junior in 2006…first-team All-Area in 2006 and 2007…three year starter on the offensive line…named Northwest Florida Offensive Lineman of the Year…Northwest Florida All-Sports Association Scholastic Athletic of the Year in 2007…ranked in the top five percent of his senior class academically…team captain in 2007…also outstanding track athlete who finished ninth in the state in the discus in 2007…he was second in the district and fourth at the regional meet for the state of Florida…also a member of the basketball team the last three years…recruited by Defensive Coordinator Vic Koenning and Offensive Line Coach Brad Scott…chose Clemson over Florida State, Central Florida, Duke, Iowa State, Maryland, NC State, Purdue, & Vanderbilt.
Matt Skinner
ATH • 6-6 • 230
Jacksonville, Florida
Bolles School
First-team All-State performer in Florida…also named #44 offensive tackle nationally by ESPN.com… played in F.A.C. A. Florida North-South All-Star Game…played on state championship team as a junior…started at offensive tackle in high school, but was recruited primarily as a long-snapper…named a Super 24 player in Northeast Florida …first-team all-area selection by Jacksonville Times Union…comes to Clemson from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, the same school that produced All-America Clemson kicker David Treadwell…played his high school football for Corky Rogers…member of the National Honor Society…recruited by Wide Receivers Coach Dabo Swinney and Tight Ends Coach Billy Napier….chose Clemson over offer from Wake Forest.
Brandon Thompson
DT • 6-2 • 291
Thomasville, Georgia
Thomasville High School
Ranked as the 39th best overall player in the nation by ESPN.com…#3 defensive tackle nationally by ESPN.com…member of Rivals.com Rivals 250 (#114)…#10 player in Georgia and #9 defensive tackle nationally by Rivals.com…#71 player overall and #6 defensive tackle nationally by Scout.com…#5 player in Georgia and #8 defensive lineman nationally by SuperPrep…four-year starter…fourstar player according to Rivals.com and Scout.com…as a senior, he led the team in sacks with 19 and registered 61 tackles…Defensive Player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution…three-time all-region selection…Region 1-AA Defensive Player of the Year as a senior…two-time all-state player…he is especially strong in the weight room…he can bench press 385 pounds, squat 600 pounds, and clean 315 pounds, all impressive…participated in ESPN/Under Armour All-American Game…recruited by Tight Ends Coach Billy Napier…chose Clemson over Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami (FL), Ohio State, & Tennessee.
Jonathan Willard
LB • 6-2 • 203
Loris, South Carolina
Loris High School
Four-star linebacker according to Rivals.com and a three-star by Scout.com…Listed as the #10 player in South Carolina and #24 outside linebacker nationally by Rivals.com…#34 weakside linebacker nationally by Scout.com…#22 outside linebacker nationally by ESPN.com…#19 player in South Carolina by SuperPrep…only played for half of his senior season due to a knee injury…all-region 2-A performer…played in the North-South All-Star Game…selected to play in the Max Emfinger All-American Bowl…ran for 702 yards in six games as a senior…he added 89 tackles and 53 assists…threetime state wrestling champion…coached by James Longerbeam in high school…nephew of former Clemson defensive tackle Richard McCullough, who was also a product of Loris High School…recruited by Wide Receivers Coach Dabo Swinney…chose Clemson over Florida, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, NC State, South Carolina, & Tennessee.
Dawson Zimmerman
P/PK • 6-2 • 195
Snellville, Georgia
Brookwood High School
Ranked as the #2 punter nationally by Scout.com…#6 kicker nationally by ESPN.com..three-star player as a punter according to Scout.com…helped Brookwood to three region championships & a state title appearance…Class 5A All-State punter by Georgia Sports Writers…first-team all-state punter by Atlanta Journal-Constitution…Gwinnett County Touchdown Club Specialist of the Year…named the kicker in the “Rivalries of Gwinnett” All-Star Game…as a junior, he had a 41.0 yard average per punt…he also booted a Brookwood record 74-yard punt…record was previously held by current Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam…awarded 2nd place in 2007 Scout.com Kicking Expo…recruited by Outside Linebackers Coach Ron West…chose Clemson over Illinois, Maryland, Wake Forest, & Hawaii.
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10 Georgia recruits to watch
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Athens— With the ink barely dry on the letters of the intent and the fax machine just cooling down Georgia coach Mark Richt was already bemoaning the players he couldn’t take in 2008.
“It was sickening to say no to some great people at the end,” Richt said.
Size mattered, in other words. And Georgia’s class size for 2008 could only be 24 players. Next year the class size could be about half that.
Georgia has 13 seniors on the 2008 team. Add the one scholarship Georgia did not fill in 2008 and there are 14 spots for the recruits of 2009. Typically some attrition along the way pushes that number up. For example, Georgia had 17 seniors on last year’s team, but because of various situations, the Bulldogs had 24 scholarships available.
Still the 2009 class has the potential to be the smallest class signed by Richt at Georgia. So the margin for error is also smaller. It’s quality, not quantity Georgia wants next year. With that in mind, here are 10 recruits to keep an eye on.
• Washaun Ealey, 6-0, 200, running back, Emanuel County Institute: An all everything back from ECI, Ealey is an every down back in the SEC with size, speed and durability. It’s early but if comparisons must be drawn he favors former Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. Ealey is committed to Georgia.
• Dexter Moody, 6-2, 205, linebacker, Emanuel County Institute: His coach Milan Turner compared him to Jevon Kearse, but Moody could end up being more like Thomas Davis. A quick linebacker now it will be interesting to see if he stays at that position or is moved to safety in college. Moody is committed to Georgia.
• Chase Vasser, 6-3, 208, linebacker, Chestatee: Vasser is fast enough to thrive in the SEC, but what makes him special is his tenaciousness and ability to make the sure-tackle. Vasser was the first linebacker offered by Georgia. He is committed to Georgia.
• Zach Mettenberger, 6-5, 200 quarterback, Oconee County: A true drop-back passer with a strong arm. In fact, if Mettenberger were at Georgia right now he might have the second strongest arm on the team behind Matthew Stafford. Georgia should take two quarterbacks in this class. Mettenberger is committed to Georgia.
• Chris Burnette, 6-4, 290, offensive line, Troup County: An intelligent lineman who leads a class that could have three offensive linemen in it. Burnette has feet and the power to be a solid run blocker, but has also developed the skills to pass block. Burnette was the first offensive lineman to commit to Georgia.
• Dallas Lee, 6-4, 285, lineman, Buford: Anchored the Wolves’ defensive line in 2007. He finished with 71 tackles, nine sacks and a state title. Lee might be better suited for the offensive line in college. Georgia is already on top of this prospect.
• Kellen Williams, 6-5, 300, offensive line, Brookwood: Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, South Carolina. Those are just a few of the schools who are lining up for the chance to recruit Williams. Georgia has had success recruiting Brookwood in the past and Williams might be one of those three linemen targeted by the Bulldogs.
• Kevin Minter, 6-0, 230, linebacker, Peachtree Ridge: Minter was creating buzz after his sophomore season and didn’t disappoint in his junior season. A natural linebacker, Minter played defensive end as a sophomore and had 154 tackles. Georgia is only going to take two linebackers but if Moody is seen as a safety it could make room for Minter.
• Donovan Tate, 6-2, 195, athlete, Cartersville: A member of the Rivals top 100 juniors, Tate is a very versatile athlete who would probably find a home in the secondary at the next level. He played quarterback for Cartersville. Tate is another two-sport athlete (baseball) like recent signee Xavier Avery and current player Israel Troupe.
• Tom Savage, 6-4, 220, quarterback, Cardinal O’Hara (Springfield, Penn.): A national prospect who has drawn attention from both coasts. Stanford recently offered the strong-armed quarterback as did Penn State in his home state. Richt acknowledged Wednesday how difficult it is to get two top-ranked players at any position, let alone quarterback, but that is exactly what Georgia is trying to do with Savage and Mettenberger.
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Richt discusses class of 2008
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
A sampling of what UGA coach Mark Richt had to say about Wednesday’s signees:
— On the areas Georgia focused on this recruiting season: “What we do is almost look out two years in advance. We try to target the number of guys in each position. We usually go out a couple of years and say two years from now these seniors are going to be gone. What is it going to look like? Then we get a feel for how many guys we need to get to reach a target number. We have a target number, give or take. It’s not 100 percent. There is only going to be four quarterbacks or five quarterbacks, whatever it is. We have a certain number that is a goal at each position. That is kind of how we base it.
“Sometimes towards the end if you hit every number right where you target it, that works out great. Sometimes you didn’t get as many as you wanted at certain positions so you start looking at the best available athlete. It is definitely an inexact science. We do have a plan and we try to stay within one or two of a target number at any given position.”
— On Georgia’s feeling going into signing day: “I really haven’t had to do much recruiting when you get into the home visits at this point. I think every single house that I went to the young man had already been committed. Obviously we were not recruiting as much as we were celebrating the decision that had already been made. That’s kind of what we’ve been doing, just enjoying each other’s company, getting to know each other a little bit better. It is a time of celebration for these families and young men and for Georgia. That’s kind of what has been going on.”
— On recruits committing earlier and earlier: “It’s the way things are going now. You can hardly keep it from happening. High school coaches and players are visiting more. A lot of parents are taking young men on that tour in the summers. They are trying to target the schools they are interested in and maybe doing a day’s worth of camp or maybe just visiting people and getting to know them. There are a lot of unofficial visits going on in the summer now.
“So we do know more about these guys faster than we used to. I think the access to video is just so much better than it used to be. We certainly have great relationships with our high school coaches across the state and in areas out of state. When you begin a cycle of getting your class wrapped up relatively early, at this time of the year you spend a lot more time with junior recruiting. It used to be that in the spring you go evaluate the juniors. Now everybody is evaluating juniors right now. It’s not just us.”
— On the detriment of recruiting too early: “The biggest problem I see is trying to see the entire pool of athletes at any one position before you start targeting them. Let’s say there are ten out there at a certain position. You might have enough time to evaluate the first five and you think all those guys are worthy of an offer because you think they can all get the job done, but you haven’t seen the other five yet.
“Sometimes you can get a bunch of guys committed before you see the pool. When we do offer a young man this time of year, I’ll tell the staff let’s be certain that if we offer this young man and he commits that we are going to be excited about it. We are not throwing out as many offers as some other schools because we do want to see the pool. There are some guys who we feel strongly enough about to offer early. You don’t want to offer until you feel very confident that he is the type of player, person and student that you want.”
— On Georgia’s balance across the board between wants and needs: “Right now I think we are real healthy. I am not going to say that something couldn’t happen at a position to put us into more of a dire strait. You are usually in a dire strait when not only do you need linemen or a certain position, but those guys need to play right now. That is when you really have reached a point that you shouldn’t reach.
“We got to that point last year, and by the grace of God we were able to not only get the players we felt we needed, a tremendous amount of good-looking linemen, but also a lot of them had to play for us and we came through with a season that was outstanding. I never would have predicted that it could have ended like that. It went like I thought.
“I thought we would start out a little rough, and I thought we would get better as the season went on, but I didn’t predict everyone else to lose a couple of games and us to be in the position we ended up in. It’s one thing to need a certain amount of guys at a certain position. It is another thing for them to have to go play for you right away. That’s where we were with linemen, and I’m hoping we don’t have to be in that position again at any position.”
— On what new tight ends coach John Lilly brings to the staff from a recruiting standpoint: “It is obvious John’s track record as a recruiter is outstanding. He has always done a tremendous job at Florida State as the recruiting coordinator and also has a recruiter. Everybody knows that not one man does all the work. Rodney (Garner) is always free to let everybody know that we all recruit here. We all get the job done.
“The recruiting coordinator probably gets too much credit sometimes or too much blame sometimes, but everybody has to get the job done. John as an individual recruiter has done a fantastic job. He is going to fit in very well here with the type of man that he is and the type of coach that he is. We certainly didn’t bring in Coach Lilly because he is a great recruiter and that is the only reason we brought him in.
“He is an outstanding person and he is going to buy in to the way we do things around here. He is an outstanding coach. If you are going to be an outstanding coach you have to be an outstanding recruiter. He cares about the guys he coaches, and I admire that about him.”
— On assistant coaches recruiting in designated geographical areas: “Everyone has an area he is assigned to and he is going to work that area and try to locate the talent base and make his evaluation or at least bring tape in to where we can evaluate it as a staff. We do most of our evaluations as a staff. Some people break it down to offense and defense. We feel like there is enough crossover athletes that a guy could be something special at another position or more than one position.
“We also want everyone to know who we are recruiting. If it is just pigeonholed to just one guy, there are not many relationships going on there. Once we target a player in a certain area, that coach still recruits him, but he is kind of tag-teamed with the guys who coach his position. You have the area coach who is recruiting him and the position coach who is recruiting him, and of course I will also recruit him. We definitely do it as a team, as a unit.”
— On establishing a recruiting base in the state of Georgia: “Our philosophy is we must recruit our state. We must scour every school in the state and find the best players who are qualified and are the type of young men we want to have. If we go out of state, I don’t ever want to take a guy out of state that I could have gotten in-state. If we are recruiting a guy out of state, we think he is a guy who maybe we just can’t find within our own state. Because of that I think we’ve had a pretty high percentage of out of state guys who have been contributors for us.”
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Richt’s message sways Bainbridge star
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Bainbridge — Nick Williams solidified the next fours years of his college football career Wednesday morning, signing with Georgia at 9:35 a.m. during a ceremony at the school’s media center.
The signing came some six months after the Bainbridge linebacker committed to the program.
“They just had my heart,” Williams said of Georgia, adding Alabama and Louisville were right there in the running until the very last day. “But I’ll never forget the day [Georgia] coach Mark Richt called me and offered me a scholarship.
“It’d always been a dream of mine to play for the Bulldogs, so once I heard his voice — heard him ask me — it was pretty much over.”
Williams says he hopes to redshirt his first season and spend time in the weight room ready to come out in 2009 as a contender for a starting job.
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Robinson awaits GAC reunion in Athens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Linebacker Christian Robinson (Greater Atlanta Christian) won’t enroll at Georgia until June, but he has a good idea what life in Athens will be like.
He already has his roommates — fellow signees Richard Samuel, Dontavius Jackson and Tavarres King. And he’ll be reunited with a couple of former GAC players.
Robinson, 6-3, 205, played with running back Caleb King at the Norcross private school in 2006, and was the team’s ball boy when fullback Brannan Southerland played there.
“It’ll be an easy transition,” Robinson said.
Robinson isn’t sure if he’ll get a chance to play early in Athens.
“[Coaches] told me don’t go in thinking reshirt, just work your butt off,” he said. “I’m ready for the next step, the next stage. I’m ready to get out there and compete.”
UGA-bound Washington: ‘Feels great’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Cornelius Washington has what the top Division I-A football teams want: size and speed.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound defensive end from Burke County High School won the 100-meter dash at the region Class AAA track meet as a junior and has been clocked in 10.70 seconds. He also bench presses more than 300 pounds.
At least 30 universities, including every SEC school, contacted Washington, but he had his heart set on Georgia from the outset. He was so eager to become a Bulldog that he committed as a rising junior on July 10, 2006 after attending a mini-camp at the university.
Georgia coach Mark Richt himself told Washington that the school wanted him. That’s all Washington need to hear.
He wanted to play close to home and give his mother, Glorida Washington, the opportunity to see him, the fourth of seven children, play.
“It’s feels great,” Washington said Wednesday after signing at the high school. “It’s good to have it out of the way. I’m going to a great institution and getting a chance to have a great education.”
Washington, ranked No. 13 in the nation at defensive end by Scout.com, also played considerably at tight end for Burke County, which advanced to the playoffs and finished 8-3.
First-year head coach Eric Parker was impressed with Washington’s ability to a new defensive scheme.
“If you took film and watched him as he progressed week after week, he got better,” Parker said. “He actually got to a point where he was back being dominant about midway through the season.”
Washington, who had 44 unassisted tackle and six sacks on the season, encountered another Georgia signee, Jefferson County’s A.J. Harmon, in the first game of the season. Harmon, a 6-6, 330-pound behemoth, and his team won the game, but Washington said he matched up well.
“He doesn’t have anything I don’t have,” Washington said.
Parker, who has a former player, Corvey Irvin, playing at Georgia, has an idea what Washington will have to do to see playing time at Georgia.
“I think he’s probably like 90 percent of the kids that signed today across the country,” Parker said. “I think he needs to get even bigger, even faster, even stronger. He needs to improve across the board as a football player.”
For his part, Washington appears eager to whatever it takes to play.
“I have to work hard and show my potential,” the 18-year-old senior said.
Washington plays center for the basketball team and said his role is “rebounds and scare tactics.”
Georgia appears to have another intimidating player on its roster.
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Coach: No receiver better than A.J. Green
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Summerville, S.C. — Matthew Stafford will have a new target this fall — the wideout who is arguably the top receiver of the 2008 recruiting class.
This morning, Parade All-American A.J. Green signed to play college football with the Bulldogs.
Rivals.com ranks the South Carolina senior as the No. 2 receiving recruit in the nation, behind Alabama’s Julio Jones. However, Summerville High coach John Mckissick says that’s not how everybody sees it.
“I had the chance to watch Julio at the Under Armour All-American Game and he’s pretty good, but after having seen them both play, A.J. is a better receiver,” McKissick said. “I’ve been asked over the years ‘who is the greatest football player you’ve ever had’ and I never answered because I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.
“While we’ve had several great ones, now I don’t mind saying A.J. is the best all-around athlete we’ve ever had.
“Dave Levy, who won four national championships during 15 years at Southern California and who coached for the San Diego Chargers, was the offensive coordinator for the Silver team at the Under Armour game. He told me A.J. was one of the best he has seen in a long time.”
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound receiver is expected to finish his high school career ranked second on the National Federation of High Schools’ all-time career reception yards list with 5,373 yards, though his high school has to verify his statistics before it becomes official. Green’s 279 career catches for 62 TDs should make him the No. 4 all-time leader in receptions nationally.
Also a punt and kick returner, he has 73 total career TDs.
Green committed to Georgia in the fall of 2006, but made it official at 9:15 a.m. by signing his national letter of intent at the high school.
“Since I was a sophomore, I knew where I was going so today was pretty easy,” Green said. “This is a relief. Now I can just focus on academics and finishing the basketball season strong.”
In the past few years, Georgia coach Mark Richt made a couple of trips to Summerville to talk to Green and watch him on the basketball court. Green said after talking to Richt, he is optimistic about his future at UGA.
“He told me he would like to give me the opportunity to become a big-time receiver, to be the go-to guy,” Green said. “Hopefully, I will be able to play as a freshman and get better each year as a player and a student. Georgia has a young team and I think we will be real good in the future.”
In his four years as a starter at SHS, Green rewrote the team’s record books. Last month, he received his fourth consecutive team MVP award. He was named Aall-state four straight years and was named the 2005 EA Sports National Sophomore of the Year.
He is believed to be the only player in South Carolina history to be named all-state four consecutive years.
Green is also a four-year starter for the SHS varsity basketball team. The shooting guard paced his team last year with 20.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game to help Summerville advance to the 4-A state title game. During the playoffs, he averaged 30 points per game.
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Bios on every LSU signee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Chancey Aghayere
6-4 * 243 * Defensive Line
Garland, Texas
Garland High School
- U.S. Army All-American Bowl Participant (West Roster)
- Scout.com Top 100
- The ESPN.com 150
- ESPN.com Top 5 defensive end
- SuperPrep All-American
- PrepStar Top 135 Dream Team
One of the top defensive linemen in the nation … Quick off the edge and disruptive in the backfield … Rated the No. 14 overall prospect in the nation and No. 3 defensive end by ESPN.com … A consensus four-star player by both Scout.com and Rivals.com … Named to the Rivals.com 250 and rated the No. 10 defensive end … Ranked No. 16 on the Rivals.com Texas Top 100 for 2008 … Listed No. 6 on SuperPrep’s Texas 110 … Member of the Houston Chronicle Top 100 for Texas … Listed as the No. 2 player on the Austin American Statesman 55 … Participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl for the West team … Finished his senior season with 78 tackles and 12 sacks … Recorded 54 tackles (21 tackles for losses) and five sacks as a junior … Timed at 4.7 in the 40-yard dash and recorded a 32-inch vertical jump … Coached by Jeff Jordan … Born Sept. 17, 1989.
Ryan Baker
6-0 * 210 * Linebacker
Grand Ridge, Fla.
Blountstown High School
- Rivals.com Top 100
- Rivals.com Top 10 outside linebacker
- SuperPrep All-American
One of the top linebackers in the nation … Explosive athlete who can roam the field sideline to sideline … Drawn comparisons to former LSU All-American Ali Highsmith … Ranked as the No. 6 outside linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com with a four-star rating … Named a PrepStar All-American … Member of the Atlanta Journal Constitution Super Southern 100 and a first team selection to the Tallahassee Democrat’s All Big-Bend team … Earned Class 2B all-state team honors as both a senior and a junior … Named a finalist for Class 2B Mr. Football in the state of Florida as a junior … Had 139 tackles as a senior … Registered 139 tackles (22.5 for losses) and 8.5 sacks his junior year … Also added 974 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns … Timed at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash with a 32-inch vertical leap … Coached by Greg Jordan … Born Oct. 27, 1989.
DeAngelo Benton
6-3 * 205 * Wide Receiver
Bastrop, La.
Hargrave Military Academy
- Rivals.com Prep Top 50 2008
- Parade All-American in 2007
- The ESPN.com 150 in 2007
- Rivals.com Top 100 for 2007
- Scout.com Hot 100 for 2007
- SuperPrep All-American in 2007
The top prep school player in the nation for 2008 after earning Parade All-America honors as a senior in high school in 2007 … Signed with LSU again in 2008 after originally signing with the Tigers a year ago … Used the past year at Hargrave Military Academy to qualify academically … Polished receiver with superb all-around skills … Has the speed to beat defenders vertically and excels in jump ball situations … Named the 2006 Class 4A MVP after hauling in 40 catches for 947 yards and 15 touchdowns in leading Bastrop to its second straight state title … Averaged 23.6 yards per catch his senior season … … Member of the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen, New Orleans Times Picayune’s Blue-Chip List and Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 following senior season … Caught 41 passes for 869 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior in 2005 … Earned 4A all-state honors as a junior … Timed at 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash with a 37-inch vertical leap … Former high school teammates with freshman defensive lineman Kentravis Aubrey … Coached by Robert Prunty at Hargrave Military Academy and by Brad Bradshaw at Bastrop … Born Nov. 17, 1987.
Matt Branch
6-5 * 240 * Tight End
Monroe, La.
Sterlington High School
- SuperPrep All-American
- PrepStar Top 135 Dream Team
- Rivals.com Top 10 tight end
A blue-chip tight end rated among the best in the nation at his position … A big target who flashes soft hands and creates mismatches in the passing game … Uses his active feet to sustain blocks … Has the frame to add bulk and play offensive tackle … Named to the Rivals.com 250 and ranked as the nation’s No. 6 tight end … Member of the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen, New Orleans Times-Picayune Top 25 Blue Chip List and Atlanta Journal Constitution Super Southern 100 … Earned Class 2A all-state honors in both his junior and senior years … Caught 32 balls for 312 yards and one touchdown as a senior … Racked up another 234 yards and helped pave the way for a pair of 1,000 yard rushers his junior year … Coached by Mike Collins … Plans to major in finance … Born March 1, 1989.
Derrick Bryant
6-0 * 185 * Defensive Back
Lawrenceville, Ga.
Peachtree Ridge HS
- Rivals.com Top 25 cornerback
Rated the No.28 prospect in Georgia by Rivals.com…Rated among the top 10 at his position by Varsity Sports Media…The nation’s No. 25 cornerback by Rivals.com…Ranked in Georgia Top 50 in 2008…Tallied 72 stops and broke up 12 passes in 2007…Racked up 80 tackles and 12 catches for 300 yards as a junior…The three-star cornerback/safety has been clocked at 4.55 in the 40-yard dash … Coached by Bill Ballard … Born Oct.29, 1989.
Chase Clement
6-6 * 245 * Defensive End
Thibodaux, La.
E.D. White Catholic High School
- SuperPrep All-American
One of the top rated players in the state … Possesses a striking combination of size and athleticism … Extremely versatile player who played both tight end and linebacker in high school … Figures to play either defensive end or tight end at LSU … Active, physical presence who exhibits a mean streak … Named to the Rivals.com 250 with a four-star rating … Listed as a PrepStar All-American … Played in the inaugural Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Miami, Fla. … Member of the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen, New Orleans Times-Picayune Top 25 Blue Chip List and Atlanta Journal Constitution Super Southern 100 … Had 96 tackles (12 for losses), six sacks and eight forced fumbles en route to Class 3A MVP honors as a senior … Named District 7-3A MVP after averaging 15.2 yards per catch and recording 79 tackles and three sacks as a junior … Had 43 tackles and was a first team all-district selection as a sophomore … Coached by Kyle Lasseigne … Nephew of three former LSU players, Ruffin Rodrigue Sr., Ruffin Rodrigue Jr. and the late Eric Andolsek … Born Aug. 1, 1989.
Rockey Duplessis
6-1 * 185 * Defensive Back
Belle Chasse, La.
Belle Chasse High School
- ESPN.com Top 25 safety
One of the leading safety prospects in the state … A playmaker with exceptional ball skills … Closes quickly on the perimeter to track down ball carriers … Rated the nation’s No. 17 safety by ESPN.com … Member of the PrepStar All-Southeast Region Team … Named to the Class 4A all-state team and received all-metro honors twice … Impressed scouts with his performance at the Nike camp in Tallahassee, Fla. … Played for three different schools after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 … Recorded 72 tackles, nine interceptions and three fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown) as a junior … Timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash with a 32-inch vertical leap … Coached by Robert Becnel … Born Jun. 15, 1989.
Lavar Edwards
6-4 * 300 * Defensive End
Gretna, La.
Desire Street Academy
Outstanding defensive line prospect that excelled on both sides of the ball in high school … Player with exceptional quickness for his size … Projects to play on defensive line in college … Ranked among the top 40 players in Louisiana by Rivals.com … Named to the Baton Rouge Advocate’s Super Dozen… As a fullback in high school, rushed for over 850 yards and had 10 touchdowns as a junior … Had 12 touchdown catches as a tight end during his senior season… size… … Coached by Mickey Joseph…Born on April 29, 1990
Tyler Edwards
6-3 * 240 * Tight End
Monroe, La.
Ouachita Parish HS
- SuperPrep All-American
- The ESPN.com 150
- ESPN.com Top 10 tight end
Sure-handed tight end who follows in his brotherуs (Eric Edwards) footsteps to LSU … One of the nation’s top tight end prospects … Rated by ESPN.com as the nation’s No. 6 tight end … Member of the ESPN.com 150…Rated as a four-star tight end and as the nation’s No. 26 player at that position by Rivals.com … The No.5 rated prospect in Louisiana by Rivals.com…Member of the Rivals250 … Member of the Atlantic Journal Constitution Super Southern 100 and 2008 Advocate Super Dozen… Played in Under Armor All-State Game…Selected as a first team All-State tight end for two consecutive years…Recorded 19 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns as a senior … As a junior, he finished the season with 23 receptions for 360 yards and four touchdowns… His brother Eric was a four-year letterwinner for LSU from 2000-03 … Eric was a starter on LSU’s national title team in 2003 … Coached by John Carr … Born Dec. 1, 1988.
Cordian Hagans
6-5 * 290 * Defensive Line
Snellville, Ga.
Northview High School
Considered one of the top defensive line prospects in the state of Georgia … Has the tools to play either offensive or defensive line at LSU … Physical player at the point of attack with a relentless motor … Possesses great size and displays good upper body strength … A former basketball player who did not begin playing football until his junior season in high school … Member of the PrepStar All-Southeast Region Team … Finished his senior season with 58 tackles (9 for losses), 6 sacks and 4 batted balls … Racked up 56 tackles and 3 sacks as a junior … Timed at 4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash … Coached by Don Savage … Born Feb. 7, 1989.
Karnell Hatcher
6-2 * 190 * Defensive Back
Delray Beach, Fla.
Atlantic Community High School
- ESPN Top 150
- Scout.com Top 20 safety
Considered one of the top defensive prospects out of the southeast … A hard hitting defensive back who possesses the size of a linebacker … Has closing speed that compliments his ability to explode on contact … Earned a spot on the Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120… Will be an intimidating presence in LSU’s secondary … Considered the 18th best safety by Rivals.com … A member of SuperPrep’s All-Dixie team … A Class 5A second team all-state selection as a senior … A two-time member of the All-Palm Beach County team … Missed most of his senior season with a bruised MCL … Named to the Class 5A all-state third team as a junior … Recorded 65 tackles as a junior in addition to his two interceptions, four fumble recoveries and a field goal block … Picked off seven passes as a sophomore … … Has a 35-inch vertical leap … Was an all-district performer in both basketball and track … Coached by Andre Thaddies … Born Jan. 8, 1980.
Alex Hurst
6-5 * 290 * Offensive Line
Arlington, Tenn.
Arlington High School
- Scout.com Top 75 offensive tackle
One of the largest prospects to come out of the state of Tennessee … Will add depth to an outstanding offensive line at LSU … Has an incredible work-ethic … Named the Tennessee Sports Writers’ Association’s Class 5A first team … Named to the Superprep All-Dixie team … A member of the Varsity Sports Media’s Tennessee Football magazine Phenoms 32, which compiles the top 32 players in the state of Tennessee … Despite his size, possesses the speed of a defensive lineman … Averaged nearly five pancake blocks a game during his junior and senior seasons … Wowed coaches during Les Miles Tiger Football camp in the summer of 2007 … Coached by Chris Wiley … Born Nov. 8, 1989.
Jordan Jefferson
6-4 * 210 * Quarterback
Destrehan, La.
Destrehan High School
- SuperPrep All-American Quarterback
- Rivals Top 250 Team
- Scout.com Top 20 quarterback
- Rivals Top 10 Pro-Style quarterback
A tall, mobile, athletically-built quarterback that comes from a winning high school program … Highly recruited quarterback who is considered a four star pro-style quarterback by Rivals.com … Impressed coaches and players with his athletic ability at the Nike camp in Columbia, Mo. … A member of Rivals.com Top 250 Team … Earned Louisiana Top 40 honors from Rivals.com … Named to the Superprep All-Southwest team … A 2008 Advocate Super Dozen selection … Named to the Class 5A all-state first team as a senior … Also named the Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year … As a senior, helped Destrehan High School clinch the Class 5A state championship, finishing with a 15-0 record … Threw for 2,846 yards, 24 touchdowns and only three interceptions during Destrehan’s championship season … Completed 64.8 percent of his passes for a quarterback rating of 172.5 … Started the first half of his junior season before suffering a broken wrist after slamming it into the helmet of current LSU defensive tackle Drake Nevis … Guided Destrehan to a 6-0 record, passing for 1,666 yards, 20 touchdowns and four interceptions during his junior season … Finished his high school career with a perfect record (21-0) in games in which he started … Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds … Coached by Steve Robichaux … Born Aug. 25, 1990.
Patrick Johnson
6-1 * 175 * Cornerback
Pompano Beach, Fla.
Ely High School
- Parade All-American
- USA Today Defensive Player of the Year
- USA Today All-USA First Team
- No. 5 rated player nationally by Rivals
- No. 8 rated player nationally by ESPN
- Top-rated cornerback by Scout.com
- SuperPrep Elite 50
- SuperPrep All-American
Highly-touted physical athlete who is considered the best cornerback in the nation … Should see time immediately in LSU’s secondary … Possesses shutdown coverage abilities, as well as the speed to match up well with the nation’s fastest receivers … A consensus five-star prospect by all major recruiting services … Named to the prestigious Parade All-America team … Also named the USA Today Defensive Player of the Year .. . First-team All-America by USA Today and SuperPrep … A member of SuperPrep’s All-Dixie team … Named the Class 6A-5A-4A Player of the Year by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel … Earned a spot on the Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 … Also named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … Participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl … Was one of six finalists for the U.S. Army Player of the Year Award … Intercepted five passes as a senior in addition to making 21 tackles … Considered a threat on the offensive side of the ball as a senior, rushing for 733 yards and 11 touchdowns … Named the Defensive MVP at the 2007 U.S. Army Junior Combine … Earned Rivals.com junior All-American team honors … Was a consensus selection as a junior to the All-Broward Country first-team … Earned Class 5A all-state second team honors as a junior … Picked off seven passes as a junior to compliment his 37 tackles … Reached the endzone seven times during his junior campaign - three times on kickoffs, twice as a receiver and twice on the ground … Rushed for 213 yards on just 10 carries … Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds … Relative of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden, New York Giants wide receiver Sinorice Moss and Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss … Coached by James Jones … Born July 11, 1990.
P.J. Lonergan
6-4 * 290 * Offensive Line
New Orleans, La.
Rummel High School
- Scout.com Top 25 offensive guard
A strong, intense guard who will provide quality depth on the offensive line for the Tigers in 2008 … One of the best run blockers to come out of the state of Louisiana … Has the strength to drive a defensive lineman off the line of scrimmage with ease … Three-year starter at powerhouse Rummel High School … Named to the Class 5A all-state and all-metro teams as a senior … Earned SuperPrep All-Southwest team honors … A member of the Rivals.com Louisiana Top 40 … As a junior, captured first-team all-district honors … Has great footwork despite his size … Explodes off the ball … Considered the top blocker on an offensive line that produced five 1,000 yard rushers during the last two seasons … Runs a 5.0 in the 40-yard dash … Routinely bench presses over 300 pounds and squats 500 pounds … His father, Pat, was an offensive lineman for the Tigers in the late ’70s, lettering in 1978 … Coached by Jay Roth … Born July 30, 1990.
Tim Molton
6-3 * 195 * Wide Receiver
Montz, La.
Destrehan High School
A tall, fast target at wide receiver that should become a favorite of Tiger quarterbacks … An all-district athlete in football, basketball and track … Rated as the No. 13 prospect in the state of Louisiana by Rivals.com … Earned a spot on SuperPrep’s All-Southwest team … Named to the Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 … A member of the 2008 Advocate Super Dozen … A Class 5A all-state honorable mention honoree … Was a top target of Destrehan quarterback Jordan Jefferson, a fellow LSU signee … Caught 44 passes for 912 yards and 11 touchdowns during Destrehan’s Class 5A championship season in 2007 … Punted for Destrehan, averaging 42 yards per punt, earning first team all-district honors … Came into his own as a junior, catching 36 passes for 608 yards and eight touchdowns … Possess blazing speed, running the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds … Can stretch defenses with his speed … Excels at catching short passes and turning them into long gains … Also the Class 5A state runner-up in the long jump as a junior at 24 feet, 2.75 inches … Coached by Steve Robichaux … Born Aug. 29, 1989.
Thomas Parsons
6-5 * 272 * Offensive Line
Canyon Lake, Texas
Smithson Valley High School
- Scout.com Top 50 Offensive Tackle
One of the southwest’s top offensive tackles … A top blocker for nationally renowned high school program Smithson Valley in Spring Branch, Texas … Earned SuperPrep All-Southwest team honors … A first team all-state selection by TexasFootball.com … Honorable mention all-state by Rivals.com … Named to the Houston Chronicle’s Top 100 … Also a member of the Top 100 from Texas by Rivals.com … Impressed coaches and players with his combine scores at the Texas Portion of the All-American Regional Combine Tour … Named to the Scout.com All-Combine team for his efforts … As a junior, earned all-district honors while helping Smithson Valley win a district championship … Possesses great speed despite his massive frame … In addition to his success on the gridiron in high school, was an excellent shot put and discus competitor … Coached by Larry Hill … Born Jan. 17, 1990.
Deangelo Peterson
6-3 * 195 * Wide Receiver
New Orleans, La.
Desire Street Academy
- SuperPrep All-American
- Rivals Top-250
- Rivals Top 25 Athletes
An extremely versatile and highly recruited wide receiver from Baton Rouge … Will impact an already deep receiver corps early in his collegiate career … A consensus four-star athlete by all major recruiting services … A member of Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 … Named to the Superprep All-Southwest team … Considered the sixth best prospect out of the state of Louisiana by Rivals.com … Ranked in the top 25 best athletes in the nation by Rivals.com … Named Class 1A first-team as a senior … Caught 38 passes for 647 yards and nine touchdowns during senior season at Desire Street Academy … Also recorded 104 tackles, four interceptions, 3.5 sacks and one return for a touchdown as a defensive back … As a junior, totaled 743 yards and six touchdowns on 43 receptions … Also notched 76 tackles … Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds … A two-sport athlete at Desire Street Academy, staring for the basketball team … Has only played organized football for four years … Coached by Mickey Joseph … Born Jan. 11, 1989..
Kyle Prater
6-2 * 215 * Linebacker
Kerrville, Texas
Tivy High School
- U.S. Army All-American bowl Participant (West Roster)
- Scout.com Top 10 weakside linebacker
- Rivals.com Top 40 outside linebacker
One of the top linebackers in the state of Texas … Has all the attributes of an outstanding linebacker - great nose for the ball, good instincts, and has the ability to get off blocks … Named to the Rivals.com Texas Top 100 and rated as the No. 10 weakside linebacker in the nation by Scout.com … Rated the No. 31 outside linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com… Named to the Prep Star Magazine All-Midlands Region Team…Was named first-team all-state as a senior after recording 146 tackles, 12 quarterback hurries, nine tackles for losses and three sacks … As a junior, recorded 126 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one interception… Timed at 4.47 in the 40-yard dash… Also a standout baseball player in high school…Coached by Mark Smith … Born on July 8, 1989.
Greg Shaw
6-5 * 285 * Offensive Line
Hialeah, Fla.
Monsignor Edward Pace High School
- PrepStar All-American
- ESPN.com Top 20 offensive tackle
One of the top offensive linemen in the state of Florida … Displays solid footwork and excellent upper body strength … Named to the Rivals 250 with a four star rating … Ranked the No. 35 prospect in the state of Florida by Rivals.com … Listed as a PrepStar All-American … Rated the nation’s No. 16 offensive tackle by ESPN.com … Earned Class 3A all-state honors as both a junior and a senior … Increased his stock with an excellent showing at the Nike camp in Athens, Ga. … Registered 79 pancake blocks as a junior and 65 pancake blocks as a senior … Plans to major in business … Coached by Alvin Slaughter … Born Jan. 27, 1990.
Clay Spencer
6-6 * 285 * Offensive Line
Baton Rouge, La.
Parkview Baptist High School
- ESPN.com Top 15 center
A physical and athletic offensive line prospect… Can play multiple positions along the offensive line… Very good at picking up defenders in the open field … Shows great ability to play in space and lock on to moving defenders… Possesses great footwork and shows quickness when pulling off the line to make a block … Rated as the seventh best player in Louisiana by Rivals.com and as the nation’s No. 11 center by ESPN.com … Named to Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120, New Orleans Times Picayune’s Blue-Chip List, Prep Star Magazine’s All-Southeast Region Team and the Baton Rouge Advocate’s Super Dozen… Key member of Parkview Baptist’s 3A state title team in 2007 … Was named first-team all-state as senior in 2007… Named first-team all-district in 2006… Coached by Kenny Guillot… Born on April 4, 1990
Ryan St. Julien
6-1 * 185 * Cornerback
St. Martinville, La.
Catholic (New Iberia) High School
- ESPN.com Top 30 cornerback
Talented defensive back that has a knack for making big plays … Has great hands and also doubles as a kick returner … Can play any position in the secondary … Rated as the No. 30 cornerback in the nation by ESPN.com and as the No. 20 overall prospect in the state of Louisiana by Rivals.com … Member of New Orleans Times Picayune’s Blue-Chip List, Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120, Prep Star Magazine’s All-Southeast Region Team and Baton Rouge Advocate’s 2008 Super Dozen… Named first-team 3A all-state as a return specialist in 2007… Started at quarterback his senior year while also seeing action in the secondary … As a senior, scored 23 total touchdowns rushing, passing and returning… Rushed for 914 yards and 15 touchdowns on 117 carries as a senior while throwing for 177 yards and 4 touchdowns on only 19 completions throughout the season… Named first-team all-district as a junior after recording 57 tackles, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries … A multi-sport athlete in high school, he won the Division II state indoor high jump title as a junior as well as being named to the all-district basketball team… Set school record in the high jump with a leap of 6-foot-7… Coached by Craig Brodie … Born Jan. 19, 1990.
Brandon Taylor
5-11 * 178 * Defensive Back
Franklinton, La.
Franklinton High School
- Rivals.com Top 100
- SuperPrep All-American
- Rivals.com Top 10 cornerback
Listed as the top-rated cornerback in the state of Louisiana in 2006-7 … An impressive athlete with exceptional versatility to play several positions… An explosive hitter and sideline-to-sideline performer with range in zone and man coverage … Listed as the ninth-best cornerback prospect in the nation by Rivals.com … Overall, listed as the second-best prospect in Louisiana … Named to Prep Star Magazine’s Top 300 All-American Team, Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100, New Orleans Times Picayune’s Blue-Chip List, Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 and the Baton Rouge Advocate’s 2008 Super Dozen… … Had 89 tackles and five interceptions in his senior season… Was an all-state selection his senior year and was also named Louisiana 4A Defensive Player of the Year… In 2006, played on both sides of the ball and had 62 carries for 564 yards and eight touchdowns with 10 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns on offense and recorded 30 tackles and three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns on defense…Timed at 4.49 seconds in the 40-yard dash… Younger brother of LSU Safety Curtis Taylor… Brother Jhyryn also committed to LSU… Coached by Shane Smith…Born on Jan. 29, 1990.
Jhyryn Taylor
6-1 * 180 * Wide Receiver
Franklinton, La.
Franklinton High School
- Rivals.com Top 50 athlete
Talented receiver with excellent speed and toughness … Named to the Rivals.com Louisiana Top 30… Rated as the No. 50 athlete in the nation by Rivals.com… Rated as the 12th best overall prospect in the state of Louisiana by Rivals.com … Named to the New Orleans Times Picayune’s Blue-Chip List, Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 and Prep Star Magazine’s All-Southeast Region Team… First-team all-state in 2007 after catching 47 passes for 827 yards and 14 touchdowns… As a junior, had 40 receptions for 650 yards and seven touchdowns… Younger brother of LSU safety Curtis Taylor… Brother Brandon also committed to LSU… Coached by Shane Smith… Born on Oct. 26, 1988
Kellen Theriot
6-1 * 225 * Linebacker
Houston, Texas
Episcopal High School
- ESPN.com Top 50 inside linebacker
Named to the Texas Top 100 by Rivals.com… Rated as the No. 44 inside linebacker in the nation by ESPN.com… Named to Prep Star Magazine’s All-Midlands Region Team… Played quarterback in high school but will move to linebacker at LSU… Enrolled early at LSU in January and will participate in spring practice… Threw for 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 700 yards and eight touchdowns his junior year… Started his high school career at Acadiana High School in Lafayette, La. then transferred to Episcopal… Coached by Steve Leisz… Born on Aug. 5, 1989.
Chris Tolliver
6-1 * 189 * Wide Receiver
Rayville, La.
Rayville High School
- Rivals.com Top 100
- The ESPN.com 150
- ESPN.com Top 15 wide receiver
- SuperPrep All-American
- Prep Star Top 135 Dream Team
One of the nation’s top wide receivers … Has some of the best feet and acceleration of any receiver in his class… Plays excellent in space and has ability to be a dangerous returner… Shows tremendous toughness catching passes over the middle and has excellent body control … Rated 11th best wide receiver in the nation by ESPN.com and listed as the best deep threat prospect in high school football by Rivals.com … Listed as the No. 1 college prospect by Rivals.com … Named to the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Super Southern 100, New Orleans Times Picayune’s Blue-Chip List, Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 and the Baton Rouge Advocate’s Super Dozen… … Had 54 catches for 697 yards and seven touchdowns during his senior season… Also added 238 yards rushing and two touchdowns on just 11 carries in 2007… As a junior, was named first-team all-state after he caught 76 passes for 1,521 yards and 17 touchdowns… Timed at 4.40 in the 40-yard dash… Coached by Bo Barton…Born on April 10, 1989.
UGA signees Rambo, Williams have come a long way
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Between Decatur and Seminole counties, Georgia struck signing day gold.
Nick Williams, a linebacker from Bainbridge, along with friend and soon-to-be new teammate — all-everything Bacarri Rambo of Donalsonville — both signed their national letters of intent to play for the Bulldogs.
And while both handled their business at separate ceremonies, that didn’t mean either one wasn’t thinking about their immediate future together in Athens.
After all, the duo will be roommates.
“Nick, yeah, that’s my buddy — I can’t wait to see him at Georgia,” said the 6-foot, 190-pound Rambo, who gave UGA a what’s called a “soft commitment” his junior season after a visit to Georgia’s campus, even though attempts were continually made to persuade him to change that choice by coaches at Florida State, Maryland, N.C. State, Duke, Alabama and Georgia Tech.
“[Williams] is a great player and it’s going to be nice to have someone else [from southwest Georgia] up there.”
Williams, meanwhile, committed to Georgia before the start of his senior season, saying it was something he’d dreamed of since he was little — but admits he left the door open for Alabama and Louisville until the very last second.
That is, until he heard Georgia coach Mark Richt’s voice just a few hours after leaving a camp that Richt attended over the summer in Alabama.
“I worked hard on both sides of the ball that day, but I’ll never forget the day coach Mark Richt called me and offered me a scholarship,” Williams said. “I was on my way back home [from that camp] and I just couldn’t believe it — I had to pull over for like 15 minutes.
“It’d always been a dream of mine to play for the Bulldogs, so once I heard his voice — heard him ask me — it was pretty much over.”
It’s not quite clear yet where Rambo will fit in at UGA, although it is known the guy his friends and family affectionately call “Goo” (named after the TV show character Mr. Magoo) is expected to have immediate impact.
“They told Bacarri that they expect him to play pretty quickly, and that they might use him how they used Thomas Davis … moving him around the field to different positions — because he can basically play them all,” said Danny Rambo, Bacarri’s father. “But I’ll tell you what: The first time I see him on the field [at Sanford Stadium], you better just go ahead and get me a box of Kleenex.
“It’s a moment I hoped to have myself, but because I couldn’t and now Bacarri is, it’s like living the dream through him and we all just feel so blessed.”
Rambo’s decision to go to Georgia may not have even happened had it not been for Seminole coach Allen Ingram’s prodding of UGA offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, who along with Richt, admittedly knew nothing about the Indians star until Ingram forced the issue.
“I said to Mike after a clinic on time, ‘When you gonnna come down and see my guy?’” Ingram said he asked Bobo. “And Mike said, ‘Who ya got?’ So I sent him down a town, and within days — I’m serious — they called. So I told Bacarri to go by there after a camp his junior year — and I think he knew what he wanted to do as soon as he got there.”
That he did.
“I think I always knew I wanted to go to Georgia. There were others in the running, but I really liked them from the moment I set foot on campus,” said Rambo, who made his commitment after a stellar junior season. And despite a torn MCL in the second game of his senior season against Westover that limited his numbers in his final season, UGA stuck by Rambo.
Florida State was the only school that nearly stole Rambo — who finished his career at Seminole with a staggering 81 TDs and more than 3,000 rushing yards — but the Indians senior said “there was too much [negative stuff] going on down there right now” and maintained his focus on UGA.
Added Ingram about the decision to stay loyal to the Bulldogs: “He was basically living of his junior accomplishments — but that was more than enough.”
For Williams, who plays both ways, the situation was nearly the opposite. The Bainbridge star’s stock was on the rise from his junior year on — and it only kept rising when Williams helped lead the Bearcats to the GHSA Class AAAA state semifinals.
“Nick has the ability to [play either way]. With kids like him, it depends on whether they are going to grow up or stay where they are,” Richt said Wednesday. “He is one that is hard to predict exactly where they are. We just want him to start, number one, where he is most comfortable and where he will have a possibility to play and make an impact.
“There are two or three a class where until they get in and start to lift and run and eat, you wait and see where their bodies go.”
Wednesday also marked a day of reckoning for not only Williams, but for all those who helped him get there.
“This is a proud moment and it means a lot to see someone who I tried to have a positive impact on turn out like this,” said Derik McDowell, Williams’ youth football coach. “I knew we was something special from the first time I saw him because he was 6 or 7 and he came out to play in the league with kids who were all older, bigger and faster than him. But nobody tried harder than Nick, and he was always the smartest kid.
“I remember one game where we were playing undefeated team and he made a game-saving tackle to help us win. The entire team rallied around him. Here he was the smallest guy, but he had the biggest heart — and still does.”
Williams, who had three interceptions and 38 tackles on defense and had 537 yards rushing and 997 yards passing on offense, said he hopes to redshirt his first season in order to have a chance to get stronger and learn the playbook.
But that doesn’t mean he’s not thinking about that very first snap he’ll take while wearing the Georgia red.
“I think about that moment all the time — morning, noon and night,” said Williams, who hopes to major in criminal justice, one day becoming a U.S. Marshall like his uncle. “I can’t wait to see how it feels, hit someone, get hit, all that. Although, as soon as I get there, I think I’m just wanna move my stuff in and take a nap.”
Not Rambo, the probable sports management major (maybe math, he says) at UGA, who feels it’s going to be hard to hold him back once he gets on campus.
“Me and Nick are gonna have enjoy life up there, for sure,” Rambo said. “I’ve always wanted to go my home state’s college, and now I am.
“It’s time to have fun.”
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: UGA
Dacula star pledges to Petrino
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Khiry Battle is officially off the fence. The Dacula running back signed with Arkansas late Wednesday, fulfilling his commitment to the Razorbacks despite the departure of coach Houston Nutt.
Battle was strongly considering an offer from Ole Miss, where Nutt is now the head coach. Dacula coach Kevin Maloof said Battle was “torn” over the decision and did not sign at school this morning as planned.
But he later attended a ceremony at the ESPN Zone in Buckhead, and is now listed as a signee on Arkansas’s athletics Web site.
Battle could not be reached for comment.
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FSU lands top target
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Hoping to fill needs across the board, Florida State landed the quarterback it coveted and a half-dozen offensive linemen Wednesday in its initial recruiting class since the school named a successor-in-waiting to coach Bobby Bowden.
With quarterback Drew Weatherford embarking upon his senior season and Xavier Lee gone, the Seminoles landed quarterback E.J. Manuel from Virginia Beach, Va., who is considered an ideal prospect to run future coach Jimbo Fisher’s offense.
The 6-4, 200-pound Manuel threw for nearly 7,400 yards and 68 touchdowns in his high school career.
“He has all the tools,” Fisher said. “If he’s the best player, he’ll play.”
Florida State’s recruiting class was ranked among the best 10 nationally by several recruiting analysts and as high as fifth by Scout.com. ACC rivals Miami and Clemson also ranked high nationally.
“It’s a group I don’t think we could afford to swap with anybody in the country,” said Bowden, who compared the recruiting process with an Easter egg hunt. “This year the basket is full.”
Florida State, which won a national-best 109 games and two national championships in the 1990’s, has been a mediocre 22-17 the past three seasons — the worst of Bowden’s storied coaching career.
Much of it has been due to a sputtering offense, which frustrated fans and led to Fisher’s arrival a year ago as offensive coordinator.
And offense got plenty of attention in Wednesday’s signing class that included five running backs and three wide receivers to shore up the Seminoles’ thin group of skill players.
The cadre of new running backs includes Tavares Pressley, considered among the best junior college runner in the nation. The 215-pound Arcadia product played quarterback in high school before moving to tailback where he ran for 832 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall at El Camino (Calif.) Community College.
His teammate at El Camino, 6-foot-5 receiver Corey Surrency from Miami, didn’t play high school football but was discovered in a sandlot pickup game.
“Corey’s special,” Fisher said. “I think this guy is a heckuva football player.”
Offensive line coach Rick Trickett landed some potential help as well with six signees, including 6-foot-5, 270-pound Zebrie Sanders, an Eagle Scout and honor student from Northmont High School in Clayton, Ohio. Sanders also plays the viola in the school’s chamber orchestra.
Defensively, the Seminoles didn’t go far from home to get a top linebacker — 6-foot-2, 225-pound Nigel Bradham from Wakulla — and a top defensive tackle in 270-pound Moses McCray from Tampa Hillsborough.
Florida State signed players from Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia.
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Saban: “A step in the right direction”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Nick Saban has led Alabama to a national championship — on the recruiting trail.
Signing day pledges from the nation’s top-rated receiver, Julio Jones, and linebacker Jerrell Harris vaulted the Crimson Tide’s class to the top of the national rankings according to recruiting services on Wednesday.
“Both will make a tremendous contribution to the future of our football program and our football team,” Saban said. “They’re certainly the type of young men that we want to have in this program.”
The class was a big recruiting coup for Saban, who routinely brought in top groups at LSU — including a number of starters from this year’s national championship team — and nabbed 19 of his 32 signees out of a particularly strong in-state crop.
He shored up a thin roster after going 7-6 in his debut season, collecting playmaking receivers, a top quarterback prospect and an impressive group of linemen on both sides of the ball. The Tide also won most head-to-head battles in the state with rival Auburn and mostly kept other schools from poaching the top recruits.
“They just took over the state of Alabama,” said Allen Wallace of Superprep magazine. “It’s not so much the positions. All their positions look strong, but I think they re-established the Crimson Tide inside the state of Alabama.
“This was just a hit parade of Alabama successes, where guy after guy after guy decided to join Nick Saban’s club.”
Jones, who chose the Tide over Oklahoma among others, was the biggest prize. The Parade All-American from Foley High School near Alabama’s coast is rated among the nation’s top five recruits by recruiting analysts and helps the Tide replace all-time leading receiver DJ Hall as well as Keith Brown and Matt Caddell.
Saban praised the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder’s overall game.
“Julio’s got great size and speed,” he said. “He’s a playmaker type. He can be a vertical receiver and get deep on you as well as be a guy who can catch the ball across the middle. He’s a physical player. He’s a great blocker, he’s got great toughness. He’s a good all-around player.”
Alabama is hoping Jones and quarterback signee Star Jackson will eventually forge an impressive connection after senior-to-be John Parker Wilson departs.
The class also included two of the nation’s top offensive linemen in Tyler Love and Chris Jordan, versatile athlete Burton Scott — who Saban said has the athleticism to eventually play both offense and defense — and highly rated defensive tackle Marcel Dareus.
Harris, who is from Gadsden, was ranked the No. 3 linebacker in the country by SuperPrep. He donned a Bear Bryant-style houndstooth cap in making his announcement.
Saban said he knew the decisions of Julio Jones and Harris “when they announced today.”
“Sometimes you get little hints and inklings from people and players,” he said. “Jerrell kind of gave me a little bit of an idea (Tuesday) night, but you never know.” Besides a dominant in-state performance, Saban also managed to land SuperPrep’s top three prospects from Tennessee in Barrett Jones, running back Chris Jordan and linebacker Don’ta Hightower.
Plus, Jackson, Rivals.com’s No. 2-rated scrambling quarterback, hails from Florida. Saban said the strength of the class was that the Tide was able to land strong groups at every position, from tight end to kicker.
“We wanted to recruit the best possible football players that we could recruit,” he said. “We have a significant number of needs because we lack depth on our team almost at every position. We were able to across the board attract some good players at just about every position.”
Saban labeled the class “a step in the right direction” for the Tide program. His hiring had created an immediate buzz in recruiting circles, with analysts quickly predicting top 5 national efforts for 2008. Saban was already working toward that soon after his hiring 13 months ago.
“You look back on it and Saban was sewing the seeds early,” Rivals.com recruiting analyst Bobby Burton said. “He visited Julio Jones and those guys last year, realizing within a couple of weeks of being on the job what he had to do.”
Saban, however, was as dismissive of expectations for top recruiting classes as he was for all the on-field national title hype stirred up among Tide fans by his hiring. He made that clear when he was asked whether this group exceeded even his own expectations.
“You guys (the media) create the expectations, and then you guys create them so that nobody can succeed to ‘em and then you can tear them down when they fail,” Saban said. “You did it to me last year when I came here, (saying) we were going to win a national championship and all that stuff. Then when we didn’t do it, you can rip me up. I got that.”
But, proving the often-testy coach was in a jovial mood, he added: “I’m just kidding, I hope you know.”
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: Alabama
Spurrier happy with less flashy recruiting class
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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A year after what some praised as South Carolina’s best recruiting class ever, coach Steve Spurrier was content Wednesday with a less glitzy group he repeatedly called “solid.”
“We were probably laughing and giggling a lot more last year at this time,” Spurrier said.
Spurrier knows his team’s flop to the finish last season — the Gamecocks lost their last five games after starting the season 6-1 and No. 6 in the country — surely didn’t help his staff’s sale pitch to prospects.
Just look at how things ended up. Highly regarded receiver Tommy Streeter out of south Florida stuck close to home, signing with Miami instead of Spurrier’s Gamecocks.
South Carolina was ranked in the low 30s according to Scout.com. Another recruiting service, Rivals.com, had the Gamecocks ranked No. 22.
It could’ve been worse, too. D.L. Moore, the only receiver listed in Spurrier’s class, had backed off his pledge to South Carolina and considered attending Colorado. But Moore sent his letter of intent to South Carolina on Wednesday.
The Gamecocks then got a late surprise when defensive lineman Chaz Sutton of Savannah, Ga., once a Florida commitment, signed with Spurrier’s club. Spurrier said Sutton has some academic work to do to be eligible, “but so do a lot of players who everyone has signed.”
Spurrier thinks the class will fit in well with last year’s highly rated one.
The Gamecocks have already made some coaching changes — some more than once — replacing Tyrone Nix as defensive coordinator with Brian VanGorder, and then Ellis Johnson after VanGorder decided to return to the Atlanta Falcons.
Spurrier also shored up special teams, hiring Ray Rychleski from Maryland to coordinate that area.
“We sort of feel like we’re starting afresh,” Spurrier said. “We really are.”
Spurrier thinks Johnson will bring a tougher philosophy to the defense. “And hopefully on offense we can do some things a lot better than we’ve been doing there also,” said Spurrier, who serves as his own offensive coordinator.
South Carolina recruiting coordinator David Reaves said you always aim to equal or better the recruiting classes you’ve had before. “But you never know how it’s going to fall in,” he said.
One thing Reaves said he didn’t hear about from prospects was South Carolina’s five-game losing streak. “Especially out of state. Those kids didn’t even follow it,” Reaves said.
The three players from the 22 signees most likely to see playing time next fall for South Carolina are safety Antonio Allen, cornerback Akeem Auguste and runner Eric Baker. All signed with the Gamecocks a year ago, but had to attend Fork Union Academy when they could not qualify.
The three enrolled at South Carolina in January and are expected to take part in spring practice.
The Gamecocks class also includes Summerville High quarterback Reid McCollum. He had originally came to campus last month, but left when he got “homesick,” Spurrier said.
McCollum dealt with two tragedies last year. Louis Mulkey, McCollum’s former coach, was among nine Charleston firefighters killed in the Sofa Super Store fire last June. In October, McCollum’s close friend, Cassidy Fae Pendley was one of seven college students killed in a North Carolina beach house fire.
Spurrier had spoken with McCollum and was confident he would return to school during the summer with the bulk of South Carolina’s recruits.
Permalink | Comments (15) | Categories: South Carolina
Fulmer ‘pleased’ with 18 signees at UT
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer likes his 2008 recruiting class even if it failed to impress the analysts.
“I’m very, very pleased with how this class has turned out,” Fulmer said Wednesday. “We filled some needs that were quite obvious to our team both in the short term and long term, and that’s the most important thing.”
As a whole, Tennessee’s 2008 class slid. One service, Rivals.com, ranked it 36th — a far cry from the unanimous Top Five last year.
“It just seemed like kids were looking elsewhere,” recruiting analyst Max Emfinger said. “I’ve had Tennessee in the Top 10 for like 10 straight years, but I think other teams may have recruited a little harder than Tennessee may have.”
Emfinger points to the turnover of assistants on Fulmer’s staff, particularly the departure of former wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor, annually one of the nation’s top recruiters, and former offensive coordinator and new Duke head coach David Cutcliffe.
But Fulmer said it’s too early to truly evaluate the group.
“I’m not as concerned with the number of stars behind a player’s name,” Fulmer said, “as I am with their ability to mature and adapt to college life.”
With Ryan Karl’s graduation and Jerod Mayo’s decision to enter the NFL Draft, Tennessee was looking for linebackers this recruiting season. The staff found four guys with size and speed.
Gerald Williams is a four-star transfer from the City College of San Francisco who should have an immediate impact in the front seven. In 2004, the 6-4, 245-pound junior was rated as the seventh-best linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com.
Joining Williams is 6-4, 230-pound Marlon Walls out of Olive Branch, Miss. It was thought the hiring of Houston Nutt might pull the four-star linebacker to Ole Miss, but the former Tennessee resident decided to come back home.
“Marlon Walls reminds me of Leonard Little,” Fulmer said. “He has an unbelievable motor playing football, and that speed is what we’re looking for on defense.”
Rounding out the newest crew for defensive coordinator John Chavis’ molding are Herman Lathers and Austin Johnson, a pair of three-star players according to Rivals.com.
The 6-0, 210-pound Lathers is one of three players plucked from the talent-rich Bayou State in the 2008 Tennessee signing class. Johnson, a 6-3, 240-pound two-time All-State selection out of Hickory, N.C., has already enrolled in classes at UT.
“I think Austin Johnson is one of the most underrated players in country,” Emfinger said. “He’s really an unbelievable linebacker, and I just couldn’t believe that he’s not a five-star. He’s a six-(out of six) star on my ratings.”
Two other Rivals.com four-star signees highlight the 2008 class.
Aaron Douglas from nearby Maryville High School should help pick up some of the slack created at the tight end position with the loss of seniors Chris Brown and Brad Cottam.
At 6-6, 245, Douglas is the No. 5 overall tight end by Rivals.com, helped carry Maryville to a 60-0 record and four consecutive 4A state championships and was named 4A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons.
Athlete E.J. Abrams-Ward comes in as the 11th-rated overall athlete and top prospect in North Carolina by Rivals.com. The 6-5, 210-pounder was named All-State by The Associated Press twice and is expected to work his way into the wide receiver group.
Abrams-Ward hopes to play basketball as well, and Fulmer said he is perfectly fine with that “as long as his academics are in order.”
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Tennessee
O’Brien, Wolfpack take edge in in-state recruiting
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
North Carolina State coach Tom O’Brien and his assistants spent their first season learning as much as they could about the state’s prep football ranks. They can’t argue with the early results.
The Wolfpack signed 26 players to letters-of-intent for its 2008 recruiting class, including several of the state’s top prep players in a strong in-state showing that beat rival North Carolina.
“We went in to recruit a football team,” O’Brien said Wednesday on national signing day. “We knew we were going to have to recruit every position.
“This is our state. We have to recruit the state to be successful.”
N.C. State ended up grabbing three of the top five and seven of the top 20 in-state recruits, according to rankings from Scout.com, including linebacker Terrell Manning (first) from Scotland County, offensive lineman R.J. Mattes (fourth) from Concord and running back Brandon Barnes (fifth) from Bunn. In addition, linebacker Dwayne Maddox (12th) from Shelby graduated early and enrolled in January.
Throw in a recruiting push that reached into Canada and also inked touted quarterback Mike Glennon from Virginia, and O’Brien couldn’t have asked for much more heading into his second season. Scout.com ranked N.C. State’s class 29th nationally, just ahead of the rival Tar Heels (30th).
“I definitely think that having the first full year under their belt helped tremendously,” said Miller Safrit, Southeast regional editor for Scout.com. “Those are guys who can play pretty much anywhere and they’re the kind of players you can build a class off of and a team off of when they step on campus.”
Glennon, the younger brother of Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon, was the No. 3 quarterback nationally according to ESPN.com, while Scout.com had him listed as a four-star recruit. He’ll join a position that includes Daniel Evans and Harrison Beck — both of whom saw time last season — and redshirt freshman Russell Wilson.
As for the in-state haul, O’Brien credited his staff for taking a crash course in North Carolina’s prep football scene after arriving here from Boston College. The emphasis was to make themselves as accessible as possible to high school coaches, even having some come to Carter-Finley Stadium for daylong visits with the Wolfpack’s staff.
“If people at the schools feel good about the people who are recruiting their players, it’s always a positive for you going forward,” O’Brien said.
“For some of my coaches, they hadn’t been here before so they had to figure out North Carolina football. Some places are good places, some have good teams and some have athletes. We had to learn that, but I still think it’s all about building relationships.”
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Tom Lemming’s top 10 classes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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CSTV’s Tom Lemming ranks the top classes after signing day:
Alabama
Notre Dame
Florida
Ohio State
Oklahoma
Georgia
Texas
USC
Miami
Clemson
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SuperPrep’s top 10 classes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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SuperPrep ranks the top classes after signing day:
Alabama
Notre Dame
Miami
Florida
Georgia
Oklahoma
Ohio State
Clemson
Southern California
UCLA
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ESPN’s top 10 classes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Scouts, Inc. and ESPN rank the top classes after signing day:
Miami
Clemson
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Southern California
Ohio State
Oklahoma
Notre Dame
Texas
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Scout.com’s top 10 classes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Scout.com ranks the top classes after signing day:
Alabama
Notre Dame
Miami
Georgia
Florida State
LSU
Ohio State
Michigan
UCLA
Clemson
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Alabama, Florida, LSU, Other schools, UGA
Rivals.com’s top 10 classes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Rivals.com ranks the top classes after signing day:
Alabama
Notre Dame
Florida
Miami
Oklahoma
Georgia
Florida State
Ohio State
Michigan
Southern California
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Davis enjoys signing-day surprises at UNC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Butch Davis got another batch of signing-day surprises.
The Tar Heels coach received signed national letters-of-intent Wednesday from a pair of four-star prospects — H-back Christian Wilson and defensive lineman Robert Quinn — who bolstered a solid recruiting class of 17 players.
In all, 10 players who rated four stars from the recruiting service Scout.com signed with North Carolina, including the first native Californian since Chris Keldorf more than a decade ago.
But just like last year, when the Tar Heels landed last-minute letters from defensive lineman Marvin Austin and receiver Greg Little, Davis received a pair of surprises from Wilson and Quinn.
“You went to bed and you were crossing your fingers, and holding your breath, and trying to read the tea leaves, and talking to moms, dads, guidance counselors, coaches, trying to get some kind of insight,” Davis said. “You felt like we had done everything that we could, from a recruiting standpoint, to put ourselves in position to get those two players, but it was a highly competitive situation.”
Scout.com rated North Carolina’s class 30th nationally and seventh in the ACC, one spot behind rival North Carolina State in both rankings. The recruiting experts credited Davis with assembling a small-but-talented crop of incoming freshmen after a 4-8 finish in 2007.
“They really went after those top-line recruits, and when you’re winning three or four ballgames it’s tough to get those kinds of players,” said Miller Safrit, the recruiting service’s editor for the Southeast region. “You’re still finishing pretty strong with that kind of a signing day. It’s a very small class, but the quality of the class is still pretty strong.”
The additions of Wilson, rated by Scout.com as the nation’s seventh-best tight end, and Quinn, its 19th-best defensive end, were big reasons why.
Wilson initially committed to Michigan, but changed his mind when Lloyd Carr retired and the Wolverines hired Rich Rodriguez.
“If you had asked two months ago, I’d have said, ‘Gosh, it looks like we’re going to finish second on Christian Wilson. He’s going to go to Michigan,’” Davis said. “Obviously, with the change in coaches, he re-opened it up and we were fortunate enough to get back into it and, obviously, to close the deal.”
Quinn chose North Carolina ahead of six schools from the SEC and ACC — including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Florida.
Some of the four-star players signing with the Tar Heels include defensive end Quinton Coples, linebacker Kevin Reddick of New Bern — their only signee who made the 2007 Associated Press All-North Carolina team — and defensive back Herman Davidson, a native of Long Beach, Calif.
“He’s one of those guys where maybe it wasn’t on the Internet where he was going, but his dad said they went to Home Depot and bought Carolina blue paint and painted his room,” Davis said of Davidson, laughing. “I kind of had an idea we had a chance.”
Wake sticks to plan of Florida recruits, redshirts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Get a bunch of unappreciated players from Florida, redshirt most of them and then prove the pundits wrong.
Wake Forest’s recruiting philosophy may not be flashy or win awards on signing day, but with 20 wins in two seasons, coach Jim Grobe seems to have a successful formula.
“As has happened in the past seven years we’ll probably be ranked 13th out of 12 ACC teams in recruiting,” Grobe joked during a news conference on Wednesday in announcing his 16-player class. “But I think our guys do a pretty good job of finding good football players and guys that like to play the game.”
Half of the Demon Deacons’ recruits are from Florida, a tradition started several years ago that has led to tremendous success. Behind Florida products Riley Skinner at quarterback and cornerback Alphonso Smith, Wake has an ACC title and a 9-4 record in the past two seasons.
Wake Forest will enter next season with 28 players from Florida.
“I think my wife thinks I live in Florida,” recruiting coordinator Ray McCartney said.
The prize of the class appears to be Joe Looney. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound offensive lineman from Lake Worth, Fla., picked the Demon Deacons over West Virginia, Louisville and Rutgers.
“We mentioned to him that we had a few players from Florida — every day,” McCartney joked.
Looney was one of four offensive linemen in the class that includes Chance Raines of Jacksonville, Fla. The line and tight end were two areas of emphasis. Wake Forest brought in tight ends J.T. Dixon from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., and Andrew Parker from Jacksonville, Fla.
Dixon and Parker could have a chance to see time as a true freshman with Zac Selmon and John Tereshinski graduating in the spring. But in Grobe’s seven years, only 10 true freshmen have played. Only two have played in the last three years, including receiver Jordan Williams this past season.
“I’m very hopeful that none of these guys have to come in and do it right away,” Grobe said. “Hopefully we can keep them on simmer and let them grow up a little bit.”
Grobe was pleased with the diversity of the class. It includes speedy quarterback Ted Stachitas of Jacksonville, Fla., receiver Terence Davis of Lilburn, Ga. and running back Lovell Jackson from Tampa, Fla.
Three defensive lineman were signed, including defensive end Kevin Smith of Plano, Texas, who backed out of a commitment with Louisiana Tech earlier this week. The lone in-state recruit is cornerback Kenny Okoro of Greensboro Dudley High School. “There might not be a better evaluation team in the ACC as far as bringing in guys that others are not looking at and completely fit the Wake Forest system,” said Miller Safrit, Southeast regional editor for Scout.com.
Grobe acknowledged upheaval in his coaching staff since the season-ending win over Connecticut in the Meineke Bowl was difficult to deal with during the recruiting period. Defensive coordinator Dean Hood was hired as the head coach at Eastern Kentucky and quarterbacks coach Jeff Mullen was hired as the offensive coordinator at West Virginia.
Linebackers coach Brad Lambert has been promoted to defensive coordinator.
Fullbacks/tight ends coach Tom Elrod, a Florida native whose contacts have been key in Wake Forest’s recruiting invasion there, will work with the quarterbacks next season.
“We told the recruits we were going to move Tom Elrod to quarterbacks,” Grobe said. “That might have hurt us with a tight end.”
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One-time Tech recruit highlight’s Duke class
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Duke coach David Cutcliffe received quite a recruiting tool on Super Sunday.
When Eli Manning became the second member of his famous family — and second quarterback mentored by Cutcliffe — to be named Super Bowl MVP, it gave the first-year Blue Devils coach even more credibility as he begins the difficult job of rebuilding the moribund Duke program.
Cutcliffe, who announced the Blue Devils’ 17-player recruiting class Wednesday, now hopes four-star recruit Sean Renfree can become one of the next passers to flourish in his quarterback-friendly system.
“We’re a pro-style offense, and any quarterback that plays in this offense understands coverage, understands protections, understands the things you’ve got to do to be successful in the league, and I think that speaks highly for the system,” Cutcliffe said. “There’s no reason for that to stop now. … (The Mannings’ success) helped us in recruiting. It helped us with Sean Renfree, to be honest with you. It certainly shouldn’t hurt, so I think it helps.
“And we know what we’re doing when it comes to quarterbacks,” he added. “That’s not arrogance, that’s a fact statement.”
During the past two decades, Duke has had problems attracting top-level football players. The reasons include high academic standards at the elite, private university and the near-perpetual poor play — 13 straight losing seasons, no bowls since 1994 and three straight years with at least 10 losses. The Blue Devils’ program has been near the bottom of schools that play in conferences with automatic berths in the BCS.
Cutcliffe is looking to change that, and his first recruiting class features two players who recruiting service Scout.com awarded four stars. Renfree and cornerback Randez James are the first four-star players to sign with Duke since 2006.
A coach’s first recruiting class “is kind of a hold-on situation,” said Miller Safrit, Scout.com’s recruiting editor for the Southeast region. “Unless you’re a big name in recruiting like Nick Saban at Alabama, you just kind of hold on to those recruits and hope some of them don’t go somewhere else.
Ten of his signees were first recruited by fired Duke coach Ted Roof, Cutcliffe said without identifying them.
Renfree, Arizona’s big-school player of the year in 4A and 5A as a senior, threw for 3,353 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2007 and was rated the No. 10 quarterback in the nation by Scout.com. He first committed to Georgia Tech but backed out when Chan Gailey was let go as Yellow Jackets coach.
In the end, Renfree chose Duke over Arizona State, Boise State and Oregon State. He has a strong arm, a quick release and what Cutcliffe called “a fast-twitch thinking ability.
“He’s what you want in a quarterback,” the coach said.
James, who originally signed with the Blue Devils last year but played last season at Hargrave Military Academy, enrolled at Duke last month.
Another notable signing was kicker Paul Asack, the brother of Duke quarterback Zack Asack and son of former Blue Devils player Phil Asack. Cutcliffe, who helped make Jonathan Nichols the 2003 Lou Groza Award winner while at Mississippi, hopes the youngest Asack can stabilize the field-goal unit that was shaky during Duke’s 1-11 finish in 2007.
Cutcliffe isn’t ready to say how many players will redshirt or play right away — one of Duke’s problems through the years has been its reliance on first- and second-year players who consistently were overmatched by their opponents’ fifth-year seniors — but pledged to play the best at each position, regardless of age.
“You know the old saying, ‘The cream rises to the top?’ The faster you stir, the faster it rises,” Cutcliffe said. “And so we’re going to stir this thing fast, and we’re going to see what rises to the top.”
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Michigan lands 22 on signing day
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Rich Rodriguez’s first recruiting class at Michigan might be remembered by star he didn’t get.
Terrelle Pryor, the quarterback rated by some as the nation’s No. 1 player, had a news conference Wednesday at Jeannette (Pa.) High School to say he was not ready to make a decision.
“He told us on CSTV that he was probably going to announce for Ohio State, but his dad talked him out of it,” recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said.
It might be good news for the Wolverines, who can keep recruiting Pryor. But it may turn out to be bad for them because Penn State has made a late push and schools such as Oregon and possibly others may woo him to another campus.
“The only thing I can talk about are the guys that signed on this list,” Rodriguez said when asked about Pryor.
Takkle.com’s Bill Urbanik said it will not be a big loss for Rodriguez if the 6-foot-6, 235-pound Pryor chooses to play elsewhere.
“He’s an athlete, but he’s nothing like Pat White was at West Virginia for Rodriguez,” said Urbanik, a former coach and scout. “He’s about twice and size, which hurts his quickness, so perhaps Rodriguez can find a better fit for his offense.”
Despite missing out on Pryor — at least temporarily — Michigan’s recruiting class stacked up relatively well.
The Wolverines’ class was ranked No. 9 by Rivals.com and No. 11 by Lemming, and both put Michigan second in the Big Ten behind the Buckeyes.
“I don’t get caught up in the rankings as much,” Rodriguez said.
Michigan’s class includes standouts such as offensive linemen Ricky Barnum of Florida and Grand Haven’s Dann O’Neill, defensive backs Boubacar Cissoko of Detroit and New Jersey’s Brandon Smith.
Wide receiver Darryl Stonum of Texas, who is a part of the class, is already enrolled in classes and working out in Ann Arbor.
While Rodriguez didn’t sign Pryor, he did add a quarterback — Justin Feagin — to a team lacking depth at the position because freshman Ryan Mallett transferred to Arkansas.
“I know everybody is concerned about the quarterback position because that is the focal point of everybody’s offense,” Rodriguez said. “But we’ll be OK.”
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Southern Cal goes for size over skill
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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If you’re not happy with USC’s 2008 recruiting class, just wait until next year.
That was one of the subtexts coming from Coach Pete Carroll after he gathered all the faxes from a class that was short on razzle-dazzle in favor of bulk. The Trojans, needing to replenish the offensive and defensive lines, went for behemoths over marquee skill players Wednesday.
The Trojans, normally in the top 5 of most recruiting services’ lists, were ranked no higher than No. 6 in any of the national rankings.
“This was a little bit different year than other years we’ve had,” Carroll said. “We felt it was really necessary for us to address some roster issues and we had to load up in a couple spots.” Of the 19 players in the class, 10 are offensive or defensive linemen.
The headliners, as expected, were five-star offensive tackles Matt Kalil, the younger, bigger brother of ex-Trojan Ryan Kalil, and Tyron Smith of Moreno Valley. The biggest late splash was the signing of cornerback T.J. Bryant from Lincoln High in Tallahassee, Fla., the school that produced San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl player Antonio Cromartie.
USC also got a letter of intent late Wednesday from Lawndale linebacker Uona Kavienga, who broke a commitment with BYU to join Carroll’s team. USC was on the other end of a broken commitment when receiver Joe Adams decided to play close to home at Arkansas.
The Trojans eventually will announce the addition of Jordan Cameron, an ex-BYU tight end expected to transfer from Ventura City College in time for next season. Cameron is the younger brother of USC basketball player Brynn Cameron.
But what about the 2009 class? Already, the Trojans are well positioned to have one of the nation’s best, headlined by quarterback Matt Barkley from Mater Dei, the Gatorade Player of the Year. In all, the Trojans have commitments from six players in the Rivals.com Top 100 list of juniors.
Carroll said he has had to adjust his thinking as the recruiting process has swirled around younger players in recent years.
“Times are changing a little bit and, so, we’re having to adjust,” Carroll said. “We have had to adjust and speed things up and I don’t like that. I’d rather take all the time possible. I wish we could wait until we see kids play their senior years, but we no longer are able to do that.”
Carroll dangled the possibility of freshman playing time when he hit the recruiting trail, as he usually does. Carroll used the examples of Jeff Byers, Kristofer O’Dowd and Winston Justice, all Trojans who have started on the offensive line as freshmen. “As always, you’ve got to wait and seen. But I think I know these guys well enough to know they’re going to add to this football team in this year coming up,” Carroll said. Carroll said the issue of his future arose a few times with the parents of out-of-town recruits.
Carroll spoke with the Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons last month about head-coaching jobs before electing to stay at USC. The year before, he talked to the Miami Dolphins.
“I think the parents around the area are used to seeing that banter and handled it well. Out of the area, it did come up a few times,” Carroll said. “I don’t think it factored into any of the decisions of any of these guys.” As usual, USC did well in Orange County.
In addition to Kalil, the Trojans signed Orange Lutheran tight end Blake Ayles, whom Carroll compared to his record-setting tight end, Fred Davis; Servite receiver D.J. Shoemate, whose versatility Carroll said he “fell in love with,” and Mater Dei offensive lineman Khaled Holmes, younger brother of ex-Trojan Alex Holmes.
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Minnesota, Brewster burst onto scene
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Rivals.com list of Top 20 recruiting classes is filled with familiar college football heavyweights. Miami, LSU, Florida, Notre Dame, Texas and Minnesota.
Minnesota?
That’s not a misprint. The team that went 1-11 last season and hasn’t been a major player in the recruiting game since the days of Carl Eller suddenly vaulted into the picture Wednesday.
Coach Tim Brewster, a tireless recruiter and boisterous presence, used a sparkling new stadium that will open in 2009 and the opportunity to play right away to sell recruits on the Twin Cities. The approach appears to have worked beautifully for his first true recruiting class since taking over in January of last year.
Rivals.com ranked the Gophers class the 17th best in the nation. CSTV ranked Minnesota 20th while Scout.com ranked it 28th.
For a team that was coming off the worst season in school history and consistently ranked in the 50s and lower in recruiting, that’s a dramatic improvement.
“We know we’ve got a long way to go. But the vision is clear and there’s tremendous energy and willingness to work hard and make our dreams and goals a reality,” Brewster said of his oft-stated championship aspirations. “And I certainly believe, without question, that we’re one big step closer with this recruiting class.”
Brewster signed 31 recruits from 16 different states, including seven junior college transfers.
Headlining the class are quarterback MarQueis Gray, safety Keanon Cooper, defensive tackle Jewhan Edwards, linebacker Sam Maresh and receivers Brandon Green and Vince Hill.
“I believe Tim is one of the top 10 recruiters I’ve ever seen, and he’s showing why in this class,” CSTV’s Tom Lemming said, calling the class Minnesota’s best in his 30 years as a recruiting analyst. “Recruiting is all about perception, and nobody does it better than Tim.”
Gray is a dual-threat quarterback from Indianapolis whom Brewster compares to former Texas quarterback Vince Young. Brewster recruited Young to Texas and says Gray is further along as a passer at this stage of his career than Young was when he came to Austin.
“It’s no embarrassment to Vince Young to talk about MarQueis Gray having the same kind of physical attributes,” Brewster said.
Cooper, a 6-foot, 200-pound safety from Skyline High School in Dallas, originally committed to Texas Tech but changed his mind and followed three other teammates to Minnesota.
Edwards is the kind of run-stuffing tackle the Gophers lacked on their 119th-ranked defense last season. He’s 6-foot-2, 320 pounds and was ranked as the seventh-best defensive tackle in the country by ESPN.com.
Brewster called Maresh the prize jewel of the class. He was a highly sought linebacker from the Minneapolis suburb of Champlin Park. Unlike some other big-time recruits from the state, including receiver Michael Floyd (Notre Dame), defensive lineman Willie Mobley (Ohio State) and offensive lineman Joe Schafer (Wisconsin), Maresh chose to stay at home.
“He’s going to be a flag bearer for the University of Minnesota,” Brewster said. “He was the No. 1 most important of this class because of where he lives and because of the position he plays.”
The 6-3, 235-pound Maresh is expected to compete for a starting job right away, as are many of the players in this class.
“All of these freshmen have a chance,” Brewster said. “The days of wholesale red-shirting are over.”
Especially on a team that needs so much help so quickly.
“Right now it may not be the most fashionable thing to do, join up with a 1-11 football team,” Brewster said, his orator’s voice swelling. “But you know what? Again, 31 kids, from all across America, five kids from the state of Minnesota and 26 kids from around the nation … decided to be Minnesota Golden Gophers, and that’s tremendously exciting to me.”
When Brewster was hired as a little-known tight ends coach from the Denver Broncos, he immediately began touting himself as a relentless personality who eats, sleeps and dreams recruiting.
After doing so much talking, it appears that he is starting to walk a little, too.
“It is a passion with him, you can tell,” athletic director Joel Maturi said. “It is who he is. It defines his character. It defines his person. It’s why I believe he’s successful as a recruiter. People believe in him. They trust him. The word will spread that this is a great place to come and play.”
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