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DEL.ICIO.USTech, Oklahoma, South Carolina offer Flowery Branch DE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Central Florida, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma and South Carolina are the first programs to extend scholarship offers to Flowery Branch defensive end Izaan Cross.”
Though Florida and Georgia have yet to offer, each school continues to actively recruit the 6-foot-4, 240-pound junior.
“Florida is recruiting him as a tight end, which is kind of funny because everybody else is recruiting him as a defensive end,” Flowery Branch Lee Shaw said.
Cross, who runs the 40 in just over 4.7 seconds, will likely get some reps at tight end in Shaw’s offense this fall.
“Florida asked me if he has good hands,” Shaw said. “I told them ‘yes’ and what a versatile athlete he is. He has good speed and great hands.”
Despite holding a limited number of class of 2009 scholarships, Georgia may be on the brink of offering Cross.
“Georgia had him down one time, and I think they want him to come back for another junior day,” Shaw said. “They’re in contact with me about him.”
The offer from Oklahoma has apparently given Cross a national presence in the recruiting world.
“He’s starting to get correspondence from schools like Southern Cal, Oregon and Ohio State,” Shaw said. “It’s becoming nationwide for him now.”
Shaw believes it’s too soon to declare a front runner.
“He’s just taking it all in, to be honest,” Shaw said. “I don’t know that there is one major school in his sights.
“I think he’s just enjoying the recruiting process and enjoying people wanting him, like every high school player does.”
Shaw’s son, Jaybo Shaw, signed with Georgia Tech last month to play quarterback.
Lee Shaw said it would be a disservice for him to urge Cross to rule out other programs and join his son at Tech.
“I think there is a natural kind of draw for him to Georgia Tech,” Shaw said. “But ultimately, it comes down to that kid and his family. I’d feel awfully guilty if I convince him to go to a school that wasn’t a right fit for him.”
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By Gutrake
March 27, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Sounds like a head coach with his head on square. I don’t know anything about him, but the coach sounds like a positive influence. That’s somewhat refreshing. Kudos to Coach Shaw!
By Paddy
March 28, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
GT seems to be getting in front of players that are difference makers. Nice change from the past. They should get their share as Coach Johnson has something to sell and knows how to sell it.
By T-Bone
March 28, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
I live in Flowery Branch, with a daughter at the school. Shaw is a good coach and a good man. He also runs a spread option type offense, which makes his players good fits for what Paul Johnson is doing at Tech.
I also happen to know the young man, Izaan. He is a fine young man: level-headed, polite. He will do well at the next level, though as a Tech grad, I hope it’s on the Flats.
By GTwes
March 28, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
Man it sure is nice to actually have a recruiting presence in your own state!! Mr. Izaan I wish you all the best and I sure hope I get to watch you live on saturdays down on the flats. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK COACH JOHNSON!!!
By Sic'em Dawg
March 28, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Good article….hope he finds the right school for him. If UGA is a good fit …. I hope we land him.
Here’s a bone for Tech fans from a Dawg. Many Dawg fans like Paul Johnson due to his success at GA Southern….a school that practically every Dawg fan I know roots for. I hope he does well in the flats…wins ACC Championships - and that both UGA and Tech are undefeated each year when we line up to re-new our “Good Old Fashion Hate” game….but then I hope we clean his clock and leave the Jacket nation reeling!!! Keep the Gailey tradition alive!!!!
By the way….reading from posts in the past that floated this topic…. I for one would love to see Tech back in the SEC. Watching Tech/Auburn a few years ago…it was great to see. Tech/TN, Tech/Bama, Tech/ Florida…were all good rivalries back when. Tech screwed up when they left the SEC…and Bobby Dodd later regretted the move.
Arkansas to B12 is a natural (incredible rivalry with TX), Iowa State to B10 (rounds them out to 12 teams and great rivalry with Iowa). KY to SEC West (KY/LSU rivalry would blossom as these two schools just go at each other).
What do Tech fans think?
By Mr. Sting
March 28, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Enjoy seeing focus on local kids….but I want the best and brightest to attend Tech - where ever they are from!
I would love to see Tech in the SEC. With the exception of the annual Clemson and Miami game - playing NC and VA schools just don’t get it done for me.
Playing UGAy with conference win on the line would add more to the rivalry. Re-newing our rivalries with AU, Bama, TN, Florida, Vandy and S, Carolina (we used to play them often) is a more natural fit…and less travel.
Tech did regret leaving SEC…tried and failed to get back in during mid-late 70’s. However, ACC let us in - and we need to be loyal. If an opportunity did come up…maybe we could switch with South Carolina - which would be a great fit for the ACC.
By BuzzFactor
March 28, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
I like this Shaw guy. I would like to see Cross on the flats, but this coach is doing what he thinks is right for his players. Can’t get enough of that these days.
Tech in the SEC - Not gonna happen, but I would love to see it.
By BuzzFactor
March 28, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Sic’em Dawg, I like your plan, but if you take the Hogs to the Big12, then Kentucky to the West, Tech could fill that void and leave SC in place. ACC could then pick up Georgia Southern, East Carolina or UCF. Tech could schedule Clemson as the yearly nonconeference rivalry game.
By Go Jackets
March 28, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
These posts are hilarious. GT has no business in the SEC, regardless of the history. The ACC, generally speaking, is full of smaller, academically elite institutions - like GT. The only conference swap that would make any sense is VT or FSU for Vanderbilt.
And if you think that prestigious schools like GT, Duke, Virginia, and UNC are ever going to align themselves in a conference with institutions like GSU, UCF, or ECU, you are smoking crack.
By Sic'em Dawg
March 28, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
BuzzFactor - good thoughts….ACC could also go after Syracuse, UConn or even W. Virgina.
Think of this situation Techies: These teams at Bobby Dodd with a permanent home/away schedule - Vols, Gators, KY, Vandy, Gamecocks, and UGA. Keep your home/away permanent with Clempson! How awesome would that be to have these teams in Atlanta rotating every year!!!
Now imagine rotating SEC West teams Home and Away with Bama, Aub, LSU, Ole Miss and Miss State (yes, I know the MS schools do not add any excitement as they are down right now).
If Dawgs are on the road and I can’t make the trip …. and Bama/Tech, or Aub/Tech, or LSU/Tech, or TN/Tech, or even KY/Tech or SC/Tech. I would definately come down and watch. You might find UGA fans rooting for your opponent to lose depending on the conference standings.
These games would be EVENTS!
Shoot -you may even need to legitimately expand Bobby Dodd to handle visiting fans.
By FLJacket
March 28, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
I would not want to see Tech in the SEC ever again. I personally can’t stand the way the SEC brags on itself ALL the time - it’s really pompous and is a discredit to the south. That’s just not southern manners and was not the way I was raised. I would hate to associate myself with that
By jacketbacker
March 28, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Tech is a good fit in the SEC. Academic curriculum would hurt. I don’t believe we would be able to consistently compete and recruit with UF, UT, AL, LSU etc….Tech is a perfect fit for the ACC. Outstanding academic institution with competetive athletics. Let’s win an ACC championship! Go Jackets!!
By Sic'em Dawg
March 28, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Jacket Backer and FLJacket - understand your concern.
I happen to think Tech would benefit and not only compete - but compete well…an opportunity to raise the program.
Ga Tech is no longer a regional academic powerhouse…but a national academic powerhouse with students from all over. Look what has happened to Tech’s campus over the last 10 years. Close to a Billion dollars of investment.
I am thinking that Tech can recruit locally and nationally as well. Look how well Tech recruited in state a couple of years ago….out recruited UGA…..with Gailey as HC. Tech did not recruit as well this year as recruits knew Gailey was a lame duck.
As for academics - Tech would fit in fine with the SEC.
UF & UGA are listed as top 25 public Univ, by US News and World.
Vandy is a top 25 private school.
In case you did not know - TN average SAT score has increased from 980 to 1200 in 3 years due to new Hope Scholarship Program patterned after Georgia’s. The goal is to be top 25 in 5 years. Huge investment and improvements being made on campus.
Auburn has invested and is investing $$$$$millions to beef up several academic buildings and programs including Engineering and Business.
KY, AUB, TN and AL hovering around top 50 Public Univ. as reported by US News.
SEC does brag about football and would like to brag about Tech. You telling me that Clempson, VA Tech, Miami and FSU are humble when they are good? I was at a GT / VT game Thursday night a few years ago…VT won in second half - sat in VT section - believe me - their fans fit right in with SEC fans. I do not have a problem with any of these schools being “braggerts” if they deserve it….just part of the fun if it is in good taste. All schools have their fans that show no class…even GA Tech!!
My father is a Tech grad (class of 52) and my daughter will be attending UGA next year….we looked at Auburn, TN, Furman, UGA, and GA Tech. All schools very impressive in what they have accomplished in last decade and their future goals. I do not think you could go wrong at any of these schools.
My point is that Tech is a school on the rise nationally -with close to a billion dollars of improvements and investements made in the last 10 years. I believe this school could and should be a major player on the sports scene….all ready there with Baseball - basketball (final four 3 or 4 years ago?) - and football is close to getting there….should be in the premier conference. As a college football fan…it makes sense.
And by the way….go Dawgs!!!
By Mr. Sting
March 28, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Sic’em…you a closet Tech fan??
I agree - nothing wrong with SEC academics. Several outstanding institutions in SEC. ACC has a more variety of schools - small private and large public.
As far as embarrassing fans, ever been to a Duke or UNC basketball game? Man - talk about trash talking!!!! Ever been around Clemson, FSU, VA Tech, Viginia , or Maryland fans at a football game when things were not going their way?(Maryland fan threw a coke on me because I would not “sit down” during a goal line stand two years ago. Claimed it was an accident as my son also got wet). My point is fans are fans - ACC is no different than SEC.
I personally had a great time at Auburn a few years ago and have had several good trips to UGA with the enemy - but kept it all in proper perspective. At Auburn, our group got split and never formed so we tailgated with some Auburn fans and had a great time. Shared food and drink. One of the older AU gentlemen we tailgated with sounded a lot like Sic’em as he knew a lot about AU/GT rivalry. Wish we could play them every year. Great Ride home after we upset them. After game - fans very congratulatory..but peeved!
Content to be in the ACC….but I hate to say this - I agree with Sic’em…would rather be in the SEC.
By GT4EVER
March 28, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
GT needs to get back in the SEC! We should have never left! The football program has suffered since…
By big dawg
March 29, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
If GT was in the SEC they might have enough football fans that they would’t have to give away a free coke and hotdog at the games anymore.
By Scooter
March 29, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
WoW, never thought of Tech back in the SEC. I think it’s a great idea. And to think Georgia fans would even consider watching, and sometimes rooting for Tech is Awesome. I’m a true Tech fan, but I do watch the Dawgs and root for them. It’s refreshing to read blogs from both fan bases that seem civil to one another. Spooning and tickle pile garbage makes me sick.
By Scooter
March 29, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
WoW, never thought of Tech back in the SEC. I think it’s a great idea. And to think Georgia fans would even consider watching, and sometimes rooting for Tech is Awesome. I’m a true Tech fan, but I do watch the Dawgs and root for them. It’s refreshing to read blogs from both fan bases that seem civil to one another. Spooning and tickle pile garbage makes me sick.
By GTforever
March 29, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
My vote goes for back to the SEC. A REAL FOOTBALL conference! The stadium would be full once again! The recruiting would be 100 % better. Lets send our email and letters to Radokovich!
By Barking Dawg
March 29, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Tech back in SEC…..love it. Agree with above post in that I would actually root for Tech - depending on standings of course.
I only go to a couple of games in Athens each year and do not go to travel games. I would love to go to Grant Field and see Tech vs Auburn, Bama, Tennessee, LSU, Kentucky, So. Carolina.
I think this would be an excellent move for Tech.
By Suwanee Dawg
March 29, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
As an avid college football fan - would welcome Tech back into SEC - for all the reasons posted above.
I also think Tech would do well - as they beat Auburn twice in last few years. Makes sense.
Would I attend a Tech game? Yes - only if there was not a conflict with the Dawgs schedule in Athens or on TV.
How about this situation - attending a Tech/Au game Sturday afternoon - eating at the Varsity - then going home and watching Dawgs/Vols at night on ESPN!
By Macon Jacket
March 29, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Crack smokers…no way Tech goes back to SEC.
Fun to speculate…but it will never happen.
I would like to see it….but it will never happen.
Would be good for the school……it will never happen.
Georgia fans rooting for Tech …… it will never happen!!
Tech fans rooting for Georgia …… make that TRUE Tech fans rooting for Georgia…..it will never happen!!!!!!!
However, I appreciate the Love shown above!
By White & Gold
March 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Never should have left SEC. I have several Georgia family members and friends - they feel the same. They root for Tech - especially against Clemson.
I vote yes - get us back to the SEC!
By Tech Buzz
March 29, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Why did Tech leave SEC? This is way before I was born.
In HS when Tech first beat Auburn. My HS primarily GA, AU and FSU fans with a few GT fans. I remember that it was huge the following Monday and people talked about it for a long time. GT gained a lot of respect that day and Reggie Ball was a hero.
By Buzz
March 29, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
To answer Tech Buzz’s question. Tech left over a scholarship issue - at the time - schools would give unlimited scholarships to hoard players - but then take them away if a player did not pan out - leaving players in a bad situation.
Bobby Dodd was against this. Dodd felt that a player should be able to keep a scholarship through college.
Dodd made a stand that if the SEC would not change scholarship policy - Tech would leave the SEC.
Remember - at the time - Tech was a power program - and would do well as an independent. Tech was kind of like a Notre Dame in the south. Tech also was the only game in town in Atlanta - and had huge corporate and “sidewalk” support.
Dodd also had assurances from key schools that they would vote with Tech.
During the vote - and after Dodd stated Tech would leave - two schools changed what they had told Dodd - Alabama and Ole Miss. Interestingly - Georgia backed Tech.
Tech left the SEC - continued to schedule their old SEC rivals - but quickly lost stature, financial support and status - Atlanta picked up the Falcons and Braves two years after the fact. This really hurt Tech.
In the mid 70’s - Tech actually studied dropping football to the lower level - out of basically D1 status. They petitioned to get back into the SEC - but was denied by SEC presidents - remember - Tech was in horrible shape and did not have anything to offer. We burned some bridges and as I hate to admit it ….acted arrogant - and the timing was wrong for us to get back into the SEC.
I have mixed emotions about getting back into the SEC - just because of the history. It was a huge mistake for GT to leave the SEC. Bobby Dodd admitted this. But it would be a great thing for Tech to be back in the SEC. I do think that it would be an incredible opporutnity to raise the program to an Elite level.
By OldDawg55
March 29, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
I’m old enough to remember the great rivalries that GT had with current SEC teams. I was an avid GT fan when they didn’t play Georgia…loved the Auburn and Alabama games with GT. GT had a conduit of recruits from Mississippi’s Big Seven high schools and did very well in-state. Believe it was more than the scholarship issue that caused GT to leave SEC..remember this was the dying days of segregation and SEC was lily white..Coach Dodd wanted to recruit Black players and SEC was still holding out..Bear Bryant made the move but GT had already burned bridges and left SEC…too bad, they were just ahead of their time. It would be a great move to get GT back and have those great rivalries of the past back again.
By just imagine
March 29, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Imagine what this kid would be if he were still at BUFORD. If his mother wouldve kept clean and his father kept his mouth shut, the kid would have alot mote than a handful of offers……A pure shame…
By just imagine
March 29, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Imagine what this kid would be if he were still at BUFORD. If his mother wouldve kept clean and his father kept his mouth shut, the kid would have alot mote than a handful of offers……A pure shame…
By just imagine
March 29, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Imagine what this kid would be if he were still at BUFORD. If his mother wouldve kept clean and his father kept his mouth shut, the kid would have alot mote than a handful of offers……A pure shame…
By just imagine
March 29, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Imagine what this kid would be if he were still at BUFORD. If his mother wouldve kept clean and his father kept his mouth shut, the kid would have alot mote than a handful of offers……A pure shame…
By just imagine
March 29, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Imagine what this kid would be if he were still at BUFORD. If his mother wouldve kept clean and his father kept his mouth shut, the kid would have alot mote than a handful of offers……A pure shame…
By just imagine
March 29, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Imagine what this kid would be if he were still at BUFORD. If his mother wouldve kept clean and his father kept his mouth shut, the kid would have alot mote than a handful of offers……A pure shame…
By just imagine
March 29, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Imagine what this kid would be if he were still at BUFORD. If his mother wouldve kept clean and his father kept his mouth shut, the kid would have alot mote than a handful of offers……A pure shame…
By techer head
March 29, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
i would love to see tech in the sec. sec is fun to watch and i have a new favorite team every weak(who ever plays georgia). the stadium would be packed and the atmosphere would be great. vandy is in the SEC with their outstanding accedemics and “classy” fan base. oh imagine the games. imagine the anticipation. and who cares if there are alot of classless sec fans, every family has that rich aunt or that trailor trash cousin. its a perfect fit
By Jacketnation
March 30, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
We don’t need to go to the SEC. That is total non-sense. That would be almost as bad as having Barack Hussien Osama as our president, Louis Farrakan and Vice President and Oprah (fat mouth) Winfrey as secutary of state. Throw in Jerimiah Wright as white house adviser and the whole country will turn into a muslim hell.
By GT4EVER
March 30, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Jacketnation,
I have NO IDEA how you relate politics to football, but YES WE DO NEED TO be back in the SEC!
Go Jackets!
By e-dawg
March 30, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Whothe dawgs offer, the dawgs get. we never lose a recruit!
By michelle
April 7, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
“Just imagine” what would happen if you came from behind that computer and said that to his parents face. That kid will get offers no matter where he is.
By UVa
May 2, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
This is random
But what do you guys think of Virginia joining sec?
By UVa
May 3, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
This is random What do you guys think of virginia joining the acc?
By UVa
May 3, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
This is random What do you guys think of virginia joining the acc?
By UVa
May 3, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
This is random
But what do you guys think of virginia joining the sec?