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DEL.ICIO.USTech among schools to offer Stephenson LB
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Leading Stephenson in tackles as a junior last fall merely confirmed what many college scouts already suspected about linebacker Nigel Mitchell-Thornton.
The 6-foot-2.5, 220-pounder is a defensive playmaker.
“I’d say the thing that caught everybody’s eye was when he had 16.5 sacks as a sophomore,” Stephenson coach Ron Gartrell said. “Playing the people we do, that’s pretty dang good.”
Schools such as Duke, Central Florida, Georgia Tech, Marshall and Mississippi State have already offered. Alabama, Auburn and Georgia continue to express strong interest.
“He likes Tech,” Gartrell said. “He and his mom had a chance recently to sit down with [Tech] coach Paul Johnson on their visit. He likes the staff and the direction they’re talking about going in.
“He’s a Tech kind of guy. He wouldn’t have any trouble fitting in there.”
When the recruiting dust settles, Gartrell thinks Mitchell-Thornton may be forced to commit earlier than originally expected.
“At one point, he was going to try to take it the distance [and commit near signing day in Feb. 2009],” Gartrell said. “But now, people are committing so early.
“I don’t like it, but it may force him to make an earlier commitment.”
But Gartrell is convinced that Mitchell-Thornton will make a sound decision when he chooses a college.
“He’s visited Alabama and had a sit down with coach [Nick] Saban,” Gartrell said. “And he’s been to Auburn and Georgia.
“He went to Mississippi State and met coach **[Sylvester] Croom. He’s been out there and he’s doing his homework.”
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By GT is for Nancy Boys?
March 31, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
You know, when a kid from the Atlanta region signs anywhere other than UGA, it is because UGA didn’t want him. No one ever from the Atlanta area ever wants to go out of state — to say Auburn for example, they’d only do that because they can’t get admitted to UGA.
Now I realize that UGA can’t sign everyone, and not every student can gain admittance to one of the country’s best state university (excellence since 1785). I pity you all.
By MisterT
March 31, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
You morons just can’t get enough of yourselves can you?
The really sick part is you actually believe the crap you are saying.
uga will fall this season. they will not go undefeated…they may not even win their division aof the conference again this year. Then what?
THWG!
By oldgold
March 31, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
GT for Nancy Boys: You’re so cute. Riley Skinner at Wake, Clemson’s QB and the UVA QB are all better than your QB, whats his name ? All from the ATL. Your QB’s talent exists in your mind, not on the field. You will be losing UGA quality recruits to GA State soon. Keep your chin up. You know this year is your last chance at a nat. champ, chump.
By oldgold
March 31, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Even though CRM has handed out 300 “scollies” (UGA diplomas) in the past 2 years, the real news is that U Tenn is losing prospects to Clemson. Can SEC feetball fall as quickly as SEC hoops ?
By King Nick Saban
March 31, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
i’ll get him if i want him.
gt is for nancy boys? … you have a very high opinion of a team who only has one nat’l championship in what; 300 freaking years? only the homo’s in the atlanta area go to uga.
By tbaitis
March 31, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
Hey Nancy Boy. Riley Skinner is from Jacksonville-Bolles. Nice job genius go back to PE class.
By Son of a Gun
April 1, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
I hope you guys realize that “GT is for Nancy Boys?” is being sarcastic.
By AJC Sports
April 1, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Don’t spam the blogs. Post your comments only once. Multiple posts will be removed.
— AJC Sports Staff
By mts315
April 1, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Wow the AJC is going to police the bolgs now. What a novel idea. Oh, and when GT gets Gilliard and Thorton don’t be surprised.
By Harold H.
April 1, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
To: GT IS For Nancy (Fancy ?) Boys
You’re obviously delusional. An 800 on the SAT will get you in UGA. Get real and stop hating. (Hating - Of or having jealous admiration)
By Harold H.
April 1, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
To: GT IS For Nancy (Fancy ?) Boys
You’re obviously delusional. An 800 on the SAT will get you in UGA. Get real and stop hating. (Hating - Of or having jealous admiration)
By gerry12
April 1, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
As a lsu fan i must say ga tech has nothing but class people you ga fan’s like to brag how good you are you guys kill me all the talent yall get but no nc what’s the count at tech 3 nc’s what’s more this team this year is going to be great but mark will screw it up but remember you play at lsu this year good luck ga tech
By gerry12
April 1, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
As a lsu fan i must say ga tech has nothing but class people you ga fan’s like to brag how good you are you guys kill me all the talent yall get but no nc what’s the count at tech 3 nc’s what’s more this team this year is going to be great but mark will screw it up but remember you play at lsu this year good luck ga tech
By Clubhouse
April 1, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Back to Mitchell-Thornton. I know the kid. He is everything they say. But he is really special off the edge. 16.5 sacks as a sophmore. He played middle last year and still came up with 8. He has a 3.3 taking all AP colleges, a 1300 on SAT and is eligible to graduate in December. I’m sure getting into UGA would not be a problem for him. Because of his play, he will pick up the big offers real soon. However, they may be too late becuase I think he is loyal to the ones who offered early. Great character kid. Sticks to himself and takes care of his business.
By BleedBlue
April 1, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
I’m finally glad someone from Stephenson gets some props for the AJC. We haven’t heard from you all since Marcus Ball and Jermaine Cunningham were her 3 years ago. We are proud of Nigel. Here’s a kid that could have started his freshmen year on special teams before contracting the Staph infection, almost dying, spending a week in ICU and losing 20 lbs and out of school for weeks. He is a great player, a good student and an even better person.
By Former D1..
April 1, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Stay home young man, family and friends get to cheer you on from a near that support group will mean a lot. Enjoy your college years, but always remember you cant slay them all:-)
By Dekalb Dominance
April 1, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Way to go Nigel. Thanks for putting Stephenson back on the map. Maybe now some of the other great players at SHS will get a look. What the article did not mention is that Nigel got 16.5 sacks his sophmore year and did not even start. If he could put on some more weight he will make a great pass rusher at the next level.
By KCGirl
April 2, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Go Nigel….. still good since lil league… I knew he was special.. A Stephenson Mom and friend.. Go Jaguars..!!!
By Jag Blu
April 2, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
42 this year we have a championship team and you are one of the key leaders. Stay focused and we can get back to the Georgia Dome again but this time for the Championship Game..