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March 2008
Tech 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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Georgia Tech QB signee arrested
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia Tech quarterback signee Jaybo Shaw of Flowery Branch was arrested early Sunday morning on a charge of underage drinking, a misdemeanor.
Shaw was arrested at 12:30 a.m. and released the same day on $500 bond, Hall County jail records show.
Shaw was the first player to commit to play for Paul Johnson after Tech hired Johnson as coach last December. Shaw ran for 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior after throwing for 2,700 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior. He was No. 10 on Rivals.com’s national list of dual-threat quarterbacks, and No. 33 among prospects overall in Georgia.
Shaw and his father, Flowery Branch coach Lee Shaw, declined comment late Monday evening.
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Only one offer so far for M.L. King’s Kight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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M.L. King linebacker Joel Kight has drawn interest from a lot of schools on the recruiting front, but Miami-Ohio has made the only concrete offer.
Kight, the AJC’s Class AAAAA defensive player of the year, said several schools, including Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Central Florida, Auburn and West Virginia, have not offered, but he said they have been impressed with his game film. Kight, who said he has a 3.9 grade-point average, is awaiting his test scores.
“Several people want me to come to their camps this summer,” Kight said. “I’m going to sit down with my dad, and we will see which ones we will attend.”
Kight, a 5-foot-9, 205-pound all-state selection, had 153 tackles, eight sacks and 21 tackles for losses. He also had an interception and fumble recovery. He also played running back for the Lions, which made the Class AAAAA quarterfinals. He will play running back, linebacker or safety on the next level.
“I’m not real surprised that more offers haven’t come in,” Kight said. “What comes, comes. I’m happy with the offer I have so far, but several schools are still talking to me. I have no favorites. I like them all.”
Kight will seek the advice of his older brother, Kevin, a former standout at Lithonia High. The elder Kight signed with Florida. This past fall, Kevin played some with the New England Patriots.
“He has gone through the process before,” Kight said. “He knows what type of questions to ask and what response I should look for.”
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Carver safety to tour college campuses during spring break
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Carver, Atlanta free safety Darren Myles Jr. should consider chartering an airplane during his upcoming spring break to accomodate an ambitious travel schedule
The 6-foot-2.5, 185-pound junior and his father, Carver coach Darren Myles, will embark on a whirlwind tour of college campuses, beginning with an Apr. 5 stop at Central Florida.
“We plan to go to Central Florida and Florida,” coach Myles said Sunday. “Then we’ll do Tennessee, go to Purdue, come back down to Kentucky and, if there’s time, maybe see Alabama.”
Myles currently holds 15 scholarship offers, most notably from Alabama, Auburn, Central Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Mississippi State, North Carolina State, Purdue, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and West Virginia.
Florida could be the next program to send an offer.
“[Florida coach] Urban Meyer called me on Wednesday and said he’s watched the film on Darren,” coach Myles said. “For the head coach to call, that tells me his stock has really risen.”
Myles said his son doesn’t plan on naming a group of favorites until he’s taken more visits. To date, Myles has toured Auburn, Georgia and Georgia Tech.
“It’s hard for him to say he likes a school until he actually visits the school, gets to sit down and talk to the coaches, walks the campus and finds out about the academics,” Myles said.
Tech and Georgia made favorable impressions on Myles during recent visits to each institution.
“From what he saw, he really likes both schools,” Myles said. “He likes the fact that [Tech coach] Paul Johnson appears to be very confident and has won everywhere he’s been.
“And he likes the fact that [Georgia] coach [Mark] Richt has stability in place and they’ve been a top 10 team the past few years.
“And he likes the fact that coach Richt appears to be real loyal. When they offer a kid and he commits, they honor that commitment.”
The versatile Myles, who is currently running track, plays free safety, receiver and sees limited action at quarterback for Carver.
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Tech, 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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Miller Grove’s Stephen Hill stays with Georgia Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Miller Grove wide receiver Stephen Hill has informed Georgia that he will stick with his previous commitment to Georgia Tech.
Hill has decided not to take an official visit to UGA this weekend, according to his coach.
“He is going to stick with his commitment to Georgia Tech,” Miller Grove coach Jasper Jewell said.
Jewell said he talked to UGA assistant coach Tony Ball and left a message for coach Rodney Garner.
“Coach Ball said he was disappointed, but they appreciated the hospitality and they wished him the best wherever he goes,” he said.
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Hill will meet with Georgia Tech’s coaches on Wednesday.
After hearing of UGA’s sudden interest, Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson contacted Hill early Monday to reassure Hill that they have big plans for him. Georgia coach Mark Richt offered Hill on Saturday night.
UGA flirted with Hill earlier this year, and Hill was interested, but the Bulldogs never offered a scholarship. Hill was an early commitment to Central Florida last summer, but then switched to Georgia Tech on Nov. 3 after considering offers from Boston College and Mississippi State.
Hill is arguably the state’s top overall athlete. In track, he was the 2008 Class AAAA champion in the long jump, while also setting a DeKalb County record by jumping 23-feet, 11 inches. He is also a prospect in basketball, but has decided to play football in college.
“He has tremendous upside,” Jewell said earlier this year. “Once he gets to college, he will put on 15 to 20 pounds. I think he will be the next Calvin Johnson. With the desire he has for the game, he can play on Sundays.”
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Alabama and Tech set to offer Chamblee RB?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After attending junior days recently at Alabama and Georgia Tech, Chamblee running back Warren Norman will likely soon receive scholarship offers from both schools.
“My coach [Chamblee’s Jim Showfety] told me Alabama is pretty close to offering,“ Norman said Wednesday evening. “And I think Georgia Tech is close to offering too.”
Norman seems equally impressed with both programs.
“I really like Alabama,” he said. “They have a real nice campus and their weight room is one of the largest in the country.
“I got to meet some of the coaches when I was there. I talked to coach [Nick] Saban. He seemed like a great guy.
“And Tech was nice too. I got to talk with coach [Paul] Johnson. They actually run the same [triple option] offense we did at Chamblee [under outgoing coach Showfety]”
The 5-foot-10, 191-pound Norman is also being courted by Clemson, Florida State, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Notre Dame, N.C. State and South Carolina.
“Right now, my number one would probably be Florida State,” Norman said. “The rest is really up for grabs.
“I know I’m going to FSU for junior day on Apr. 12. I plan on attending a couple more [junior days], but that’s the one I know for sure I’m going to.”
Norman, who is currently running track for Chamblee, described his play at running back as balanced.
“Sometimes I like to run around the competition and sometimes I like to run through them,” he said.
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M.L. King standouts sign with JUCO program
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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M.L. King seniors John Bell and Cordellaro Jones signed letter of intents on Friday to play football for the next two years at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif.
Bell, who launched his football career at defensive end as a sophomore at Clarkston, was moved from defensive end to receiver at the start of his junior season by King coach Corey Jarvis.
Jones amassed 1,384 yards on 230 carries from his tailback position in 2007. He scored 10 touchdowns and averaged 106.5 yards per game.
“If they take care of their academics, I see good things for both of them,” Jarvis said. “I see them in Division 1-A or 1-AA in two years.
“Cordellaro is going to be a steal for somebody if he continues to work hard. John’s biggest upside is that he’s only played three years of football.”
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UGA, Tech in running for Myles
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Darren Myles has guided several players through the recruiting process while coaching at Douglass, Crim and Carver-Atlanta.
But this year’s process will be even more special for Myles, whose son, Darren Myles Jr., is a highly-recruited defensive back. The younger Myles has been offered by 16 schools, including Georgia and Georgia Tech.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound athlete was a first team all-state selection after helping lead Carver-Atlanta to the Class AAA playoffs. He plays quarterback, wide receiver and safety for the Panthers, who are coached by his father.
“I’ve always guided the players as if they were my sons when it came to recruiting,” said Myles, who played running back at Purdue. “It is very special to see and go through it with your own son.”
The Myles family will spend most of the spring break in April touring college campuses at Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky, UCF and Purdue. He said he hasn’t started to narrow his list, but will after making some visits.
As a junior, Myles had 60 tackles, six interceptions and 10 pass breakups. On offense, he had 15 receptions for three touchdowns and passed for two touchdowns and ran for another seven.
“It is great having someone like my dad around who knows the process,” Myles said. “It has been a pretty fun experience so far. I don’t have any favorites yet; they are all equal.”
While the elder Myles is proud of his alma mater and often wears Purdue apparel, he said his son will make the final decision.
“I’m not pushing him in any direction,” Coach Myles said. “What was a good choice for me might not be the best for him. We are going to chose the right situation for him.”
Carver running back Demond Dennis also has been offered by Alabama. Last season, he rushed for 1,605 yards and 13 touchdowns.
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Columbia basketball standout Leslie commits to Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia’s amazing run to the SEC basketball championship and a chance to stay close to home made Columbia standout Travis Leslie commit to the Bulldogs for next season. He is expected to sign during the second basketball signing period in April.
The 6-foot-5 forward was one of the top unsigned seniors in the state after helping Columbia win its second Class AAAA title in three years.
“The SEC championship played a big role in me wanting to go there,” Leslie said. “I was surprised they won it, but they fought through a lot. They showed a lot of heart, and I want to keep the winning going. I think I can help them out.”
In three years on the varsity, Leslie helped Columbia to a 96-6 record and three consecutive appearances in the finals. This season, he averaged 21.1 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 58 percent from the field. He likely will play small forward while developing his ball-handling skills and outside shot.
At Columbia, he played with Georgia center Jeremy Price.
“Jeremy and I are extremely close,” said Leslie, who chose Georgia over Clemson. “He has been trying to get me to come up there since he got there. It just felt like home because I have several classmates at Columbia up there.”
Virginia Leslie, Travis’ mother, said she is pleased that her son will be playing close to home.
“I asked him not to go too far,” she said. “I’m real excited about the opportunity. He still has colleges calling, but I’m hopeful he will stick with it.”
Columbia guard Kenny Mitchell committed to Charleston Southern, giving Columbia three potential Division I signees. Center Darrius Morrow, a 6-foot-9, 250-pounder, signed with South Carolina in November.
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Georgia avoids recruiting violation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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With the threat of an NCAA rules violation hanging in the balance, Georgia coaches told Henry County receiver Jamal Patterson to skip Saturday’s junior day.
When Georgia coaches learned late last week that Patterson was scheduled to participate in a Georgia High School Association-sanctioned track meet and attend junior day in Athens on Mar. 22, they told the junior to delay his visit until early April.
“[Georgia defensive coordinator] coach Willie Martinez called and said a player can’t participate in an athletic activity and attend a junior day on the same day,” Patterson said. “So he wants me to be there on April 5 for the spring game.”
Patterson’s scholarship haul climbed to 32 over the weekend when offers from Middle Tennessee State and Rutgers arrived. He already had offers from powerhouses such as Alabama, Clemson, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Patterson had hoped to learn over the weekend if Georgia will jump on the bandwagon and extend an offer. Now he must wait nearly two weeks to gauge the Dogs’ interest.
“Coach Martinez did say there is some good news, but he wants me to wait and talk to [offensive coordinator] coach [Mike] Bobo and [wide receivers] coach [John] Eason at the spring game.”
Ironically, Patterson is scheduled to be in Athens on Saturday. He has been invited to participate in the Rivals 5-star combine.
April will be a busy month for Patterson. After visiting Georgia on Apr. 6, he will trek to Florida on the 12th before visiting South Carolina the following weekend.
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Tech interested in Flowery Branch’s Drummond
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest are among the schools interested in Flowery Branch fullback Daniel Drummond.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Drummond attended Georgia’s junior day on Saturday and is scheduled to visit Auburn next weekend.
Drummond, one of the top discus and shot put athletes in the state, is an avid weight lifter.
His muscle might one day be put to work in Tech coach Paul Johnson’s run-oriented offense.
“I’ve visited Georgia Tech,” Drummond said. “They’re recruiting me to play fullback in their new triple option offense. Everybody else is recruit me at middle linebacker.”
In the meantime, Drummond can only play the waiting game.
“No offers yet,” he said. “But we’ve all been talking a lot. I feel like the first one will come, but you never really know.
“I can’t really tell what’s real and what’s not.”
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Lassiter’s Wentz commits to Stanford
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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A single visit to Stanford was all it took for Lassiter offensive lineman Camden Wentz to realize he’ll be calling the Cardinal’s campus his home for the next four years, beginning in 2009.
“Camden just decided to [commit] early,” Lassiter coach Greg Dirst said. “He just fell in love when went out there for junior day.
“He told me he really liked it, so he decided to pull the trigger.”
Georgia Tech was among the schools heavily recruiting the Lassiter center, who committed to Stanford earlier this week.
“Other people in the mix for Camden were Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech,” Dirst said. “All those guys were going to offer him.”
Went, a starter at Lassiter since his sophomore season, will likely play center or guard for the Cardinal.
“He’s 6-foot-4, but most of the tackles in the PAC 10 are 6-7 or 6-8,” Dirst said. “He’s got good enough feet to play tackle, but I imagine he’ll be an interior lineman.”
Stanford’s academic reputation played a major role in Wentz’s decision.
“He’s a real good student and he has a very high GPA,” Dirst said. “The academics attracted him. And he’s always wanted to play football at the next level.”
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Henry County’s Patterson to visit UGA on Saturday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Henry County junior Jamal Patterson is quickly becoming one of the most coveted receivers in the nation.
Scholarship offers from Auburn, Florida State and Maryland has pushed his overall haul to 30, as of late Wednesday.
“It’s great knowing that all these schools want me, but at the same time I know I can’t stop working,” said Patterson, who is the middle of track season at Henry County.
Patterson, who is regarded as the 32nd-best receiver in the nation by scout.com, already has held offers from programs such as Alabama, Clemson, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee for several weeks.
Oddly enough, Georgia and Georgia Tech have yet to follow suit.
Tech’s new run oriented scheme likely isn’t a good fit for Patterson’s ability to run deep pass patterns.
“I had been hearing a lot from Tech when coach [Chan] Gailey was there,” Patterson said.
But an offer from the Dogs could come this weekend when Patterson attends junior day in Athens on Saturday.
“It’s not really an actual junior day,” Patterson said. “It’s just a few players that they’ve invited and is more of a project testing for them.”
Does Patterson believe the Dogs will offer?
“There’s no telling,” he said. “I’m not even sure right now. But yeah, it would really be nice if they do offer.”
With spring football practice set to begin on the second Monday in May, Patterson’s schedule over the upcoming weeks will continue to remain hectic.
“I will be going to South Carolina’s spring game, the spring game at Wake Forest, Central Florida and Georgia’s spring game,” he said. “And I’m going to try to make it to Clemson’s spring game as well.”
author=Jeff Hood
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Watts picks Georgia Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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High school junior linebackers Brandon Watts and Chaun Gresham pledged Wednesday to play college football at Georgia Tech. Watts, who plays at Washington County, and Gresham, who plays at Winder-Apalachee, are Tech’s fourth and fifth commitments for ‘09, and all five from Georgia.
Yellow Jackets recruiting coordinator Giff Smith said last month — when Tech’s 2008 recruiting class included 12 players from out of state, and eight from within — that in most years Tech will focus more on the Peach State.
Watts, 6-2, 229 pounds, also listed Auburn, FSU and Georgia as his schools of interest on Scout.com.
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Darkhorse recruit Raines to attend camp in Athens
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Russ Raines dreams of playing college football.
The 6-foot-1, 245-pound junior defensive tackle for Satsuma (Ala.) High is confident his participation in the Mar. 29 Rivals.com 5-star combine in Athens will move him closer to achieving his goal.
“Being from a small town in Alabama and a high school that is generally not known for its football program, I think I just need to do everything I can to get any kind of advantage when it comes to recruiting,” Raines said.
“Going to the Rivals camp can only help me, it isn’t going to hurt me.”
Raines, who is still waiting on his first scholarship offer to arrive, participated in the Nike Combine in Atlanta earlier this month.
He lost a valuable recruiting ally when his high school coach, Jeff Kelly, left at the conclusion of the 2007 season to take a coaching job at neighboring Jackson (Ala.) High.
Kelly lettered at Southern Miss and played quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.
“Luckily, one of the coaches already at our school was named the head coach,” Raines said. “So It wasn’t a real big transition.
“But after the coaching change a lot of the game film tapes went missing. So I’m in the process of creating a highlight film to send to colleges. I now have some in my possession and I’ll be sending those out soon.”
Raines isn’t concerned about the 20 pounds he has gained since November.
“It’s all legit muscle,” he said. “I’ve been working out. And we’ve got a good strength and conditioning coach here.”
While Raines hopes to drive his stock up next weekend during his visit to Athens, he said he’d be content to hear from any program willing to give him a chance to play football.
“I’m a big college football fan,” he said. “It would be such an honor to be looked at by any of the big schools in the SEC or ACC.
“But I’m hoping to hear from any school, really. How many people can say they’ve been recruited to play college football?”
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Six offers for Milton running back Williams
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Milton tailback Toney Williams picked up his sixth scholarship offer on Friday when N.C. State gave the 6-foot-1, 230-pound junior an opportunity to play college football in Raleigh.
With a recruiting portfolio that already included offers from Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Rutgers and Tennessee, the Wolfpack might be considered a longshot at best to land the talented Williams, who is a native of the Volunteer state.
“He went to Georgia Tech last week and met with Coach [Paul] Johnson,” Milton coach **Scott Walker said. “He’s visited Tennessee and Kentucky and he’s going to Georgia on the 22nd [for junior day].
“N.C. State just offered him, but he’ll still try to make it up there for a visit.”
Several other programs have made inquiries on Williams, who possesses 4.6-second speed in the 40.
“I just sent film to Alabama last week,” Walker said. “And schools like Oklahoma State, Vanderbilt, Clemson and pretty much everybody in the ACC seems interested in him.”
Georgia has expressed interest in Williams. But with less than 15 scholarships available to the class of 2009, the Dogs may be hard pressed to find room for Williams.
“I actually spoke with two of [Georgia’s] coaches about Toney,” Walker said. “If they recruit him, they’ll recruit him as an H-back or fullback type. I think they’ve got, or will have, five bon-a-fide blue chip tailbacks on campus.
“They told me they really like him, but it’s going to come down to their numbers.”
Williams, who will be a four-year letterman at Milton, has the flexibility to line up nearly anywhere in the offensive backfield.
“He’s exactly what he looks like,” Walker said. “Everybody is recruiting him because they think he can do a lot of things.
“Georgia Tech is wanting him to play B-back, which is their fullback. Kentucky is recruiting him strictly as a tailback. Tennessee is recruiting him as both.
“He can be a big guy tailback. And he has great hands.”
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Washington DB Smith nabs offers from UGA, Florida, several others
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Washington defensive back Brandon Smith has received several offers in the last couple weeks from Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Florida State, according to Bulldogs coach Rodney Cofield.
Smith, a 5-foot-10, 180-pounder, is being recruited as an athlete. He is also one of the city’s top sprinters on the school’s track and field team.
“Georgia was the first one to offer,” Cofield said. “He hasn’t made a decision yet. We haven’t gotten that far in the process yet.”
Georgia defensive back Reshad Jones was the last Division I player from Washington to sign with a major college. Jones was a AJC Super 11 selection prior to signing with the Bulldogs in 2006. Former Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jackson also played at Washington for Cofield.
“Georgia has been good for the hometown kids,” Cofield said. “Right now, we are just going through the schools and trying to get ready for our season.”
Smith runs the 100 and 200-meters for Washington’s track team and was timed at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash in a recent scouting combine.
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Alabama & Georgia early favorites for Brookwood’s Williams
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Brookwood offensive tackle Kellen Williams has attended junior days at Alabama and Georgia.
Now, the 6-foot-5, 288-pounder can only wait and hope that scholarship offers from the Crimson Tide, Dogs and other powerhouses arrive this spring.
“I’m talking to Alabama, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Clemson, Wake Forest, Florida and pretty much all the other SEC and ACC schools,” said Williams, who has offers from Central Florida and UAB. “And Notre Dame has become interested. They’ve started sending me stuff.”
Williams’ next offer could arrive as early as this weekend in Nashville, Tenn.
“I’m going to Vanderbilt on Saturday,” he said. “Me and my family are anticipating an offer from Vandy. They asked for my transcript last week.”
Williams is a longtime fan of both Alabama and Georgia.
“I grew up a fan of Georgia,” he said. “And I went to an Alabama game when I was a little kid and became a fan of that program. So, I’ve got a thing for Alabama.
“When I was at junior day in Tuscaloosa, [Alabama] coach [Nick] Saban pulled me and my family into his office for about 40 minutes and talked about the kind of character in players he’s looking for.”
Williams, who has dropped about 25 pounds since last season, is being primarily recruited at tackle.
Right now, it’s at offensive tackle,” he said. “But I’m what they call a tweener because I’m between a guard and tackle in size.”
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Will Georgia offer Lassiter’s Lutzenkirchen?
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Auburn, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Stanford and Troy have each extended scholarship offers to Lassiter junior tight end/linebacker Philip Lutzenkirchen
“As for a front-runner, I really like Auburn and Georgia Tech,” the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Lutzenkirchen said.
He’s anxious to see if Clemson and Georgia will offer.
“I was up there in Athens this past Friday and went to Clemson on Saturday,” he said. “I really enjoyed Clemson. I’m hoping they’ll offer. That’s one of my top schools.
“As for Georgia, I know they didn’t get the tight end they wanted in the class of 2008. I think they’ll offer a tight end, but I don’t know if it will be me. I’m getting a pretty good vibe, but don’t really know if they’ll offer because of their lack of scholarships.”
Lutzenkirchen, who plans to attend upcoming junior days at Auburn and Vanderbilt, is debating whether to travel to Miami in April.
“I know Miami has wanted me to come down there,” he said. “I might go down there during my spring break, but I’m just not sure.”
Lutzenkirchen is being recruited by Tech as an athlete.
“[Tech assistant] coach [Brian] Bohannon is a good guy,” he said. “He and I have a very good relationship.
“And coach [Paul] Johnson is an all-around good guy. He’s easy to talk to. He’s not stubborn or arrogant like you’d think some coaches would be. I went down their last Thursday [for the Tech-Clemson basketball game] and we talked about 25 minutes.”
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Chamblee’s Norman to visit Georgia on junior day
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Chamblee running back/safety Warren Norman plans to attend junior day at Georgia on Mar. 22.
Norman should have a good baseline on what to expect. He’s already attended junior days at Alabama and Georgia Tech.
“I still haven’t received a [scholarship] offer yet,” Norman said. But [Alabama and Tech] want to see me again in camp this summer.”
Aside from the Jackets and Tide, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Norman is also drawing interest from Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame, Louisville, South Carolina and West Virginia.
“To be honest, I grew up liking Florida State,” Norman said. “So if I had to choose a favorite school, FSU would be at the top.”
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North Gwinnett receiver commits to Morehead St.
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North Gwinnett wide receiver Jaison Yoshimura has signed to play at Morehead State University, becoming the 10th Bulldogs senior headed for college football.
As a starter the past two years, Yoshimura caught 57 balls for 797 yards and five touchdowns. The Bulldogs went 24-4 in that span, reaching the 2007 Class AAAAA championship game.
Yoshimura was one of three seniors chosen by his teammates to serve on the North Gwinnett Football Leadership Council.
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South Carolina eyeing Milton offensive lineman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Milton junior long snapper Michael Brodsky learned his trade from an NFL legend.
“I was playing football in the sixth or seventh grade when my coach, [former Pro Bowler] Randy Cross, taught me how to snap the ball,” Brodsky said. “His son, Brendan Cross, was on our team. That’s how it started.”
Brodsky, who splits time at center and guard at Milton, was recently named the No. 1 nationally ranked high school long snapper at Ray Guy’s ProSnapper.com. He’s rated as the eighth-best long snapper in the nation in the class of 2009 by kicking and punting guru Chris Sailer.
He hopes his ability to long snap on punts, field goals and PATs will result in several scholarship offers.
“I got an e-mail from South Carolina,” Brodsky said. “They want me to come to one of their camps this summer. Middle Tennessee State wants me to attend their spring game. And I’ve heard from Florida.
“I’m looking for pretty much anything I can get, hopefully Division I. I’d love to get a scholarship anywhere to play college football.”
Brodsky is scheduled to attend a Chris Sailer camp in Las Vegas in May. More than 50 college coaches were on hand when he participated in one of Sailer’s camps in January. He has also been invited to an Elite 12 camp in Los Angeles later this year.
Between snapping camps, Brodsky continues to sharpen his skills.
“I usually practice two or three times per week, not including the season,” he said. “There are a bunch of drills that allow me to work on technique.”
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Auburn, Clemson, Tennessee interested in Tamburo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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North Gwinnett quarterback Mike Tamburo, who has a scholarship offer from Tulsa, is being heavily recruited by schools such as Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, East Carolina, Michigan State, South Carolina, South Florida, Tennessee, Texas Tech and Vanderbilt.
“South Florida says they’re 90 percent sure they’re going to offer me,” Tamburo said. “And Auburn and Tennessee are two schools that are interested in me. They both like me a lot, but they want to see me in camp.”
Tamburo, who recently attended junior days at Clemson at East Carolina, said the Bulls want him to visit their campus in Tampa.
“South Florida has a throwing camp in April that they want me to attend,” he said.
It is unlikely that Georgia will have a scholarship to offer the left-handed Tamburo. Oconee County quarterback Zach Mettenberger has already committed to the Dogs.
Georgia is expected to sign two quarterbacks in the class of 2009.
“[Georgia offensive coordinator] coach [Mike] Bobo was real up front and cool with me about it,” Tamburo said. “There’s a kid from Florida [Aaron Murray of Plant Senior High in Tampa] who has about 40 offers.
“They told me I’m one of the quarterbacks behind him, and depending on what happens with him will determine whether they offer me or not.”
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Murray visited Athens last week.
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Cedar Grove’s Jarboe suspended over gun charges
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Classes had already ended for the day when the two teenagers pulled into the students’ parking lot at Cedar Grove High School, got out and went around to the yellow Geo Storm’s hatch.
One teen — the school’s star wide receiver and one of the nation’s top college recruits — opened the rear door and pulled back the spare tire. That’s when police say Josh Jarboe took out a black and silver handgun and tucked it into the waistband of his pants.
Jarboe, 18, and 17-year-old James Davis were arrested March 6 by a school police officer and booked into the DeKalb County Jail. Both were charged with two felony counts of having a weapon on school property and receiving stolen property. Turns out the gun was stolen.
Jarboe and Davis are seniors at Cedar Grove. Over the weekend each posted $4,000 bail and got out jail. But DeKalb school system officials said Monday that neither teen would be allowed back in school until a hearing on the incident is held.
Jarboe was ranked by Rivals.com as the nation’s 10th-best wide receiver in the Class of 2008. Last month, he signed with the University of Oklahoma, choosing the Sooners over Florida, Georgia and LSU.
Officials at the University of Oklahoma said last week they were aware of Jarboe’s arrest but declined to comment further.
According to a police report released Monday, Jarboe and Davis were in Davis’ car last Thursday when Cedar Grove assistant principal Karl Moton saw them pull into the school parking lot, get out and go to the hatch.
Moton saw Jarboe pull out the gun. Moton called over a school police officer who was sitting in his patrol car nearby. The officer’s approach apparently panicked Jarboe. Moton saw him try to hide the gun under the driver’s seat, the report said.
When the officer examined the gun, he saw that it was loaded. The officer removed four bullets, the report said, and also checked its serial number. It was stolen.
Federal law requires school systems to expel students for at least a year for possession of a firearm. School hearings for Jarboe and Davis have not been scheduled.
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Northside-Warner Robins’ Jones named top player by Scout.com
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia has placed 21 players on Scout.com’s list of the top 300 junior prospects in the nation.
Leading the way is Northside-Warner Robins defensive end Abry Jones, who is considered the 53rd-best player in the nation.
Other Georgians on the list include Carver-Columbus linebacker Jarvis Jones, Emanuel County Institute running back Washaun Ealey (committed to Georgia), Cartersville defensive back Donovan Tate, Washington defensive back Branden Smith, Peachtree Ridge linebacker Kevin Minter, Tucker linebacker Jonathan Davis, Oconee County quarterback Zach Mettenberger (committed to Georgia), Sandy Springs receiver Braxton Lane, Perry offensive lineman Johnnie Farms, Troup County offensive lineman Chris Burnette (committed to Georgia), Calhoun defensive tackle Eric McDaniel, Lowndes defensive back Greg Reid (committed to Florida), Flowery Branch defensive end Izaan Cross, ECI linebacker Dexter Moody (committed to Georgia), Henry County receiver Jamal Patterson, Northside-Warner Robins linebacker Eric Fields, Tucker defensive back Drayton Calhoun (committed to LSU), Norcross defensive back Prince Kent, North Cobb defensive tackle Derrick Lott and Stephenson linebacker Nigel Mitchell-Thornton.
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Sooners signee Jarboe arrested on weapons charges
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Oklahoma Sooners signee Josh Jarboe was arrested Thursday evening for receiving stolen property and having a weapon on school property — both felony charges for one of the nation’s top college recruits.
Online jail records show Jarboe, 18, was booked into the DeKalb County Jail along with 17-year-old James Davis, who was charged with the same two counts. Both were arrested by DeKalb school system police officers.
The school system has not released any information about the arrests or about the two young men. A spokesman said that the police report — a public document — was not yet complete.
Jarboe, a standout wide receiver from Cedar Grove High School, is ranked by Rivals.com as the 10th-best wide receiver nationally in the Class of 2008. He committed last month to play for Oklahoma, choosing the Sooners over Florida, Georgia and LSU.
In addition to the felony charges, Jarboe also could face expulsion from school under DeKalb schools policy.
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Offers pour in for Henry County’s Patterson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Henry County receiver Jamal Patterson collected his 22nd scholarship offer on Thursday when a Big 10 program threw its hat in the ring in the recruiting scramble for the talented junior.
“I got an offer from Minnesota today,” Patterson said Thursday evening. “And Tennessee offered me on Sunday.”
Patterson, who attended junior day at Tennessee last weekend, will get a taste of more orange this weekend when he visits Clemson on Saturday.
“Clemson is high on my list,” he said. “It’s only about 1 hour, 40 minutes away. I’ve been looking at their position chart and I know I’d have a good chance to play there.”
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound receiver was impressed with his recent stay in Knoxville.
“Tennessee is football town USA,” he said. “It’s amazing up there. They have a great facility and an academic program that Peyton Manning donated a lot to.”
One of Patterson’s offers is from Florida. He plans to visit Gainesville on Apr. 12.
“I’m interested in Florida big time,” he said.
Patterson does not hold an offer from Georgia. But he still plans to attend junior day in Athens on Mar. 22.
“I’m interested in Georgia a lot,” Patterson said. “It’d be good if an offer comes, but if it doesn’t I have other options.”
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Blessed Trinity RB Burkhalter dazzles recruiters with speed
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Blessed Trinity junior running back Sam Burkhalter saw his stock began to soar after he managed to post a 4.37 second time in the 40-yard dash at a scout.com combine in January.
“He’s getting a lot of looks,” Blessed Trinity coach Ricky Turner said. “I just sent something out on him to Oklahoma State. He went to Georgia Tech for their junior day. And Maryland and Tulane are showing interest in him.”
Burkhalter’s speed is even more impressive when considering his 5-foot-10, 200-pound frame.
“He’s a kid who rushed for almost 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns last season despite missing two games,” Turner said. “A lot of college coaches are looking at his film right now.”
Burkhalter’s backfield teammate, Bruce Johnson, is also being recruited.
“He’s getting a lot of interest from schools like Western Michigan and Western Carolina,” Turner said. “But some Division I schools are showing some interest.”
The 5-foot-10, 218-pound Johnson has been clocked at 4.6 seconds in the 40.
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Blessed Trinity OL visits Ga. Tech, Notre Dame
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Though his current focus is on baseball, Blessed Trinity junior Matt Crisafi managed to find enough time recently to attend junior days at Georgia Tech and Notre Dame.
Tech and Florida appear to be the early front-runners for 6-foot-4, 302-pound offensive lineman.
“He doesn’t have any [scholarship] offers right now, but I know Florida is very interested in him,” Blessed Trinity coach Ricky Turner said. “He’s been to junior day at Georgia Tech. And he just got invited to attend Georgia’s spring game.”
Maryland, North Carolina, Tulane, Vanderbilt and West Virginia are also recruiting Crisafi.
“I think all of Matt’s options are open,” Turner said. “He’s very strong academically with a 97 GPA.
“I think he’ll just see who comes in and offers. I know he’s doing a lot of stuff to make sure he makes the right decision.”
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UGA has major competition for Carver, Columbus LB
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Carver, Columbus linebacker Jarvis Jones has already collected scholarship offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Miami and Texas.
But it’s unlikely the 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior will commit prior to the summer.
“He’s going to weigh his options after spring practice then he’ll get his options down to ten,” Carver coach Dell McGee said.
Though Alabama and Georgia are projected to have small class of 2009 recruiting classes, McGee has no plans to advise Jones to speed up the process of picking a college.
“It doesn’t put Jarvis into a pinch because it’s a college’s choice if they choose to go ahead and take all of their recruits,” he said. “But I don’t see a school not waiting on him. If they go into another direction, Jarvis will be fine with that.”
Jones, a small forward for Carver’s state playoff basketball team, visited Auburn recently.
Former Carver teammate DeRon Furr recently enrolled at Auburn and will be on the Tigers’ roster this fall. Carver’s Jarmon Fortson signed a letter of intent with Florida State last month.
But McGee doesn’t necessarily believe his former players will give Auburn or FSU the upper hand in the recruitment of Jones.
“I think he’ll make up his own mind based on which school is best suited for Jarvis Jones,” McGee said.
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Chattahoochee quarterback Cross expected to be hot commodity
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Chattahoochee coach Terry Crowder believes his junior quarterback, Brendan Cross, has the tools to play that position on the next level.
“I think the word is out right now on him,” Crowder said. “From Texas A&M to Stanford to Central Florida to Wake Forest to Georgia, everybody wants to come in and evaluate him.”
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Cross’ 4.6 speed in the 40 is just one reason he is catching the eyes of recruiters.
“First of all, he’s a leader,” Crowder said. “He wins football games for us. Physically, he has the speed, the ball skills and arm strength that you need.”
Cross, who is still waiting on his first scholarship offer, is the son of former NFL player Randy Cross. He hopes to take several visits this summer.
“He’s going to wait and try to pick out five schools and try to visit those this summer on senior days,” Crowder said.
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