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June 2008
Cedar Shoals FS/RB looking to impress scouts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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At 5-foot-9, 180-pounds, Cedar Shoals free safety/running back Bubba Freeman has the ability to exhibit speed and pack a powerful punch.
“I had him for just two days in spring football practice because he was running track, but what I did see was a very explosive and powerful kid,” Cedar Shoals first-year coach Xarvia Smith said.
“He’s a 4.5 [in the 40] kid who won region in the triple jump and finished fourth in state. He can power clean 275 pounds and he loves the game of football.”
Despite the size disadvantage, Freeman, who is being recruited as a cornerback, scholarship offers will likely arrive in mid-to-late September.
“He hasn’t been offered by anyone yet, but they are all interested,” Smith said.
“Central Florida, Oklahoma State, Georgia, the Citadel, Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Kentucky and Louisville have shown interest. They want to see how he does in the first two or three games of the season.”
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Georgia high school football recruits rank low on 2009 Rivals 100
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Washaun Ealey wears No. 3 for the Emanuel County Institute Bulldogs but according to the Rivals 100 listing of top national high school recruits in the Class of 2009, the UGA commit is No. 92.
In fact, no Peach State players pop up on the Rivals 100 Class of ‘09 list until Carver-Columbus LB Jarvis Jones checks in — at No. 39. Georgia’s six Rivals 100 in the 2009 listing rank as follows:
- Jarvis Jones, LB - Carver-Columbus
- Branden Smith, DB - Washington (Atl.)
- Darren Myles Jr., DB - Carver-Atlanta
- Chris Burnette, OL - Troup
- Donavan Tate, ATH - Cartersville
- Washaun Ealey, DB - ECI
The West is best, according to the Rivals 100 Class of 2009 national top 10 high school recruit rankings. California and Texas dominate the top five, with Arizona and Hawaii prospects beating out anyone from Georgia:
- Matt Barkley, QB - Mater Dei (CA)
- Jamarkus McFarland, DT - Lufkin (TX)
- Cierre Wood, RB - Santa Clara (CA)
- Russell Shepard, QB - Cypress Ridge (TX)
- Devon Kennard, DE - Desert Vista (AZ)
- Rueben Randle, WR - Bastrop (LA)
- Manti Te’o, LB - Punahou (HI)
- Jacobbi McDaniel, DT - Madison (FL)
- Bryce Brown, RB - Wichita East (KS)
- Jelani Jenkins, LB - Our Lady Of Good Counsel (MD)
Louisiana and Florida are the only Southeastern states with players in the Rivals 100 top 10, last updated June 9.
Rate the ratings: Should the Georgia Six have been ranked higher and if so, where would you have ranked them? Do you think Georgia football isn’t getting respect from national pundits? Why are Georgia prospects listed so far down on the ‘09 Rivals Top 100?
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Clemson eyeing Eastside quarterback
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Eastside-Covington coach Rick Hurst was on the coaching staff during Fabian Walker’s record-setting days at Americus in the late 1990s.
Hurst said his current quarterback, Justin Wray, may be just as good.
“As far as a passer, Justin is not the passer that Fabian was,” Hurst said. “But overall as an athlete, he is better.
“He has the ability to run and throw. Justin is a dual threat.”
A scholarship offer from Central Florida safely tucked away, a pair of ACC programs has made numerous inquiries on the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Wray.
“Justin is the number three quarterback on Clemson’s board,” Hurst said. “And Wake Forest will probably offer him as a defensive back or athlete.
“He’s actually drawing interest from every ACC and SEC school.”
Hurst isn’t surprised that Wray has just one offer.
“I think the biggest thing is he probably won’t go as a quarterback,” he said. “He’s flying under the radar. A lot of people want him as an athlete.
“He could lineup and play running back, receiver, quarterback, defensive back or return kicks.
“I think they want to see how well a season he has at quarterback.”
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Recruit visits S. Carolina, but coaches on vacation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Heritage’s Justin Jones will commit to Kentucky tonight, one day following a disappointing recruiting visit to South Carolina.
“Justin went to South Carolina on Wednesday and everybody was gone,” Heritage coach Chad Frazier said this evening. “They had a [graduate assistant] showing him around campus.
“That’s what sealed it for him.”
But Jones, who left a voice mail message with Kentucky assistant coach Joker Phillips today at 7 p.m. requesting a return call so he can deliver his commitment to the Wildcats, downplayed his experience in Columbia on Wednesday.
“All the coaches were on vacation,” he said. “I’ll just try to go back in July to meet coach [Steve] Spurrier.”
The 6-foot-7, 240-pounds Jones, who has scholarship offers from Akron, Delaware, East Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina and UAB, made the decision to commit to the Cats following a conversation with his mom.
“She and I were sitting down and talking and going over the pros and cons and we decided that [Kentucky] would be the best thing for me,” he said.
“I went to camp there last month and went to junior day, when I got to see them play Florida in basketball. That was pretty cool.”
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Flowery Branch DE impressed with Georgia Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After attending a one-day camp at Georgia Tech nearly two weeks ago, Flowery Branch defensive end Izaan Cross continues to feel good about first-year coach Paul Johnson’s program.
“After I left Georgia Tech that day, I thought ‘that was a good situation,’” the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Cross said. “I had a good time there. And I saw one of my former teammates, [Tech quarterback] Jaybo Shaw.”
Recent elbow surgery will limit Cross’ athletic activities through early next week, when he is expected to resume summer weightlifting at Flowery Branch.
That will Cross additional time to mull over scholarship offers from Arkansas, Central Florida, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Maryland, N.C. State, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Florida, Tulane, Wake Forest and West Virginia.
He will likely take several visits later this summer.
“I may be taking trips next month,” Cross said. “I think I’ll go through North Carolina and N.C. State and probably stop at South Carolina on my way back.
“Later on, I’m possibly going to Florida’s camp that they call Friday Night Lights. And I’ll be stopping by Mississippi State.”
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Peach Co. DB commits to Auburn
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Peach County defensive back Reggie Taylor didn’t need long to think about committing to Auburn.
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Taylor was offered at Auburn’s camp two weeks ago and decided to accept it on Tuesday.
“It was an easy choice for me,” Taylor said. “They play in the SEC, and they compete for championships. The Auburn coaches treated me well and really made me feel like they wanted me there. It’s good to make the decision so I can focus on my grades and my senior year of football.”
Auburn was Taylor’s first offer, but he also was generating interest from South Carolina, Ole Miss, Ball State, and Middle Tennessee State. Peach County coach Chad Campbell said many colleges were waiting on Taylor’s ACT results, which he took for the first time earlier this month.
“Reggie kind of fell in love with Auburn after visiting in the spring, and the offer kind of sealed the deal,” Campbell said. “Auburn is getting a very smart player who can play anywhere in the secondary, cornerback or safety, and knows how to play in multiple types of coverage.”
Taylor ran a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash at a camp last week.
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Spurrier interested in 6-foot-7 Heritage TE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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At 6-foot-7, 240-pounds, Heritage’s Justin Jones possesses the ideal size for a tight end.
But Jones, who has scholarship offers from Akron, Delaware, East Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina and UAB, is willing to lineup nearly anywhere on the field.
“I just want to play football,” said Jones, who is being recruited by everyone as a tight end, except the Gamecocks who like him at defensive end. “I’ll play wherever they put me.”
Jones, who has visited Kentucky, gets to meet veteran coach Steve Spurrier later this week when he travels to Columbia.
“I plan on visiting South Carolina [Tuesday] or Wednesday,” Jones said. “I’m looking for a nice campus. I’ll look at the campus and facilities and get a feel for it.
“Coach Spurrier has a lot of prestige. I just want to play football.”
Jones, who plans to attend camp at Vanderbilt in July, believes he’s close to offers from Alabama, Clemson and Mississippi State.
His goal is to commit by August.
“I want to try to make a decision before the season starts,” said Jones, who claims he doesn’t have a front-runner. “But if I don’t like what I’ve got on the table, I’ll just wait it out.”
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Offers on hold for Jefferson DB with meniscus tear
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Jefferson free safety/receiver Zach Crosby continues to recover from recent surgery to repair a meniscus tear, which occurred during a private workout late last month.
“He should be back in about three weeks,” Jefferson coach Bill Navas said. “He was probably set up to go to about 15 camps this summer.
“But we felt it was better for him to rest. He’ll go through rehab so he’ll be ready to have a solid season.”
Crosby caught 54 passes and rushed for nearly 400 yards last season for the Dragons. But Crosby is primarily being recruited as a defensive back.
“He doesn’t have any offers right now, but some schools are talking about offering,” Navas said.
“He’s a legitimate kid. Pound for pound, he’s one of the strongest kids in the state. He’s a weightlifting champion.”
The speedy 5-foot-9, 170-pound Crosby turned heads in Athens prior to suffering his injury.
“He can run a 4.3 [in the] 40 and a 4.4 consistently,” Navas said. “He ran a 4.3 for Georgia.
“Not being able to go to these camps hurts. But he’s already [academically] qualified. He’s too good of a player not to sign somewhere.”
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Clemson among those after Cedar Shoals LB
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It didn’t take Cedar Shoals first-year coach Xarvia Smith long during spring practice to determine that DeDe Lattimore will anchor the Jaguars’ defense this fall.
“He’s the real deal,” said Smith, a former Camden County assistant who recently replaced longtime Cedar Shoals coach Scott Wilkins. “He’s fast and very physical.”
Lattimore, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker, bench presses 320 pounds and squats 420 pounds.
He is weighing scholarship offers from Central Florida, Clemson, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, Marshall, Michigan, Oklahoma State and UAB.
Smith said he’s advised Lattimore to enjoy his summer while preparing for the upcoming season.
“I’ve discouraged him from going to camp,” Smith said. “Everyone already wants him. I’ve just encouraged him to have a good year and do well on his SAT.”
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Citing dislike for the big city, Tech loses commitment
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It was four steps forward and one step backward for Georgia Tech’s Class of 2009 recruiting class this week.
After adding four new commitments over the weekend, the Jackets have learned that John Drew of Northside-Columbus no longer plans to play college football at Tech.
Northside coach Paul Cates confirmed Drew’s decision to de-commit then refused further comment.
Messages left at Drew’s residence in Columbus were not returned.
The 6-foot-1, 300-pound lineman may now be leaning toward Duke.
“I just had a change of heart,” Drew told DevilsIllustrated. “I thought I made my choice a little too early and I didn’t give everybody a fair chance.
“Plus, I really didn’t like the location of Atlanta. It’s real big and a lot of stuff can happen there. I just don’t want to be in a place that’s huge. Academics will be a big part of my decision.”
In addition to the Blue Devils, Drew also has scholarship offers from Mississippi State and Vanderbilt.
He is scheduled to attend camp at Duke this weekend.
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Lovejoy lineman commits to Auburn
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Auburn scored big on the recruiting front Sunday night when 6-foot-4.5, 321-pound offensive tackle Andre Harris of Lovejoy committed to the Tigers.
“I knew all along that Auburn was one of the schools at the top of his list,” Lovejoy coach Al Hughes said. “He went down to their camp over the weekend and had a super camp.
“They liked him and made an official offer. He decided he wanted to be an Auburn Tiger.”
Harris’ most amazing feat is his ability to protect the quarterback.
“He’s never given up a sack,” Hughes said. “And he’s been playing left tackle for us since the ninth grade.”
Harris chose the Tigers over scholarship offers from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia Tech, Maryland, North Carolina and N.C. State.
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Holy Innocents’ TE, school’s 1st Division-I signee, commits to Duke
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Jack Farrell, a tight end who almost quit football after his high school freshman season, has committed to Duke and is set to become the first Division 1 signee from Holy Innocents’ of Atlanta.
Farrell also was recruited by Vanderbilt, Arkansas, North Carolina, Virginia, SMU and Northwestern and had an offer from Army.
“I knew all along I wanted to go to really good academic school,” Farrell said. “I don’t see myself playing above college in the pros, so I wanted to get the degree. It’s the ACC, so I get good football and a good education.”
Farrell, 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds with 4.6 speed in the 40, had 24 receptions for 324 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also had 27 tackles at defensive end but expects to play tight end in college.
He also might get a shot at punter, he said. Farrell had a 41-yard average as a junior.
Farrell is a first baseman on the baseball team who led the team in batting last season and started on Holy Innocents’ Class AA champions in 2007.
“I thought baseball was what I wanted to do,” he said, explaining why he considered quitting football before his sophomore year. “That summer, I put on 30-35 pounds [up to 200] and grew a couple of inches. I became a football player, I guess.
“I put my head down my sophomore year and knew that this [playing Division 1 football] was what I wanted to do and would do whatever it took to do it.”
Holy Innocents’ played its first varsity schedule in 2006, finishing 4-6, and won a round in the state playoffs last season in a 7-5 finish.
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Tech ‘great fit’ for Kennesaw Mountain lineman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Kennesaw Mountain coach Scott Jones wasn’t surprised when his program’s 6-foot-4, 265-pound lineman, Jay Finch, decided over the weekend to commit to Georgia Tech.
“He was offered by a lot of schools, but I feel like, and he did too, that Georgia Tech was a great fit for him,” Jones said.
“With some of the things they’ll be trying to do at Tech, I feel like he’s the kind of kid that can step in there and be looked at on either side of the football.
“With the football, education and career opportunity, he felt like it was the best fit for him.”
Finch chose the Jackets over Central Florida, East Carolina, Louisville, Middle Tennessee State, N.C. State and Ole Miss.
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Tech adds wide receiver commit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia Tech finished off a weekend recruiting rush with the commitment of wide receiver Jeremy Moore.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Moore became the fourth player to commit to the Jackets over the weekend, joining Kennesaw Mountain High offensive lineman Jay Finch, Jefferson County defensive end Chris Crenshaw and Flowery Branch defensive lineman/running back Daniel Drummond.
Moore, who caught 18 passes and scored six touchdowns last season for Johnson High in Austin, Texas, is the 10th player to commit to Tech, and the second from out of state.
The other was Greenwood, Ind., quarterback Jordan Luallen last month.
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Two new commitments for Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Jay Finch, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound offensive lineman from Kennesaw Mountain and Jefferson County defensive end Chris Crenshaw committed to Georgia Tech this weekend following a camp on Tech’s campus on Saturday.
Finch chose the Jackets over scholarship offers from Central Florida, East Carolina, Louisville, Middle Tennessee State, N.C. State and Ole Miss.
Tech offered Crenshaw following an impressive workout in front of the Jackets’ coaching staff on Saturday. He quickly accepted the offer.
“[Tech defensive line] coach [Giff] Smith told me if I did good at the camp, I would get an offer,” the 6-foot-2, 237-pound Crenshaw said. “It’s a great academic school. I am real proud.”
Jefferson County coach J.B. Arnold said Crenshaw has the physical tools needed to be successful on the next level.
“His best football is in front of him,” Arnold said. “His potential is unreal. He played at 210 pounds for us last year. He’s put on 25 pounds and it really hasn’t slowed him down.
“He’s 6-2 and has an 81-inch wingspan. His frame is going to do nothing but fill out.”
Tech’s close proximity to his home in Louisville was a major factor in his decision to pick the Jackets over an offer from Mississippi State.
“My mom said a two-hour ride for her [to Atlanta] is better than a seven-hour ride [to Mississippi State],” Crenshaw said.
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‘Christmas in June’ for newest Tech commit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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It didn’t take Flowery Branch’s Daniel Drummond very long to say yes after receiving a scholarship offer from Georgia Tech on Saturday.
“We went into coach [Paul] Johnson’s office today and he offered Daniel a scholarship,” Drummond’s father, Jim Drummond said late Saturday. “Daniel accepted on the spot.”
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Drummond already has plenty of experience in a triple option offense, which will debut at Tech under their new coach this fall.
“We run a similar offense at Flowery Branch,” said Daniel Drummond, who was recruited as a B-back. “When the coaches from Georgia Tech came and watched me at spring practice, I guess I looked very good.”
Despite holding offers from Arkansas, Marshall, Oklahoma State, Troy and West Virginia, there was little drama for Drummond when he received the good news from Tech.
“This is an awesome opportunity,” he said. “It’s like Christmas in June. It’s what I’ve been working for, and I finally got it.
“Georgia Tech is where I want to be.”
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Report: Cruz Williams nixes Petrino, Arkansas; chooses La. Tech, Dooley
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Fayetteville, Ark. - Highly touted receiver Cruz Williams won’t enroll at Arkansas and instead will play for Louisiana Tech, according to a news report.
The News-Star of Monroe, La., reported Thursday that the 6-4, 208 pound receiver out of Pulaski Academy in Little Rock will play for Louisiana Tech Coach Derek Dooley.
Williams told the News Star that it no longer felt like a good fit when he went to the Fayetteville campus a couple of months ago.
Williams caught 105 passes for 1,306 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior and was a top recruit of new Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino. Williams had committed to Arkansas while Houston Nutt was still coach and had stuck with that commitment after Petrino was hired.
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N.C. State among those to offer for Calhoun DL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Calhoun’s Eric McDaniel recently landed scholarship offers from East Carolina, N.C. State, Louisville and UAB.
And Alabama, Auburn and Clemson continue to inquire about the 6-foot-2, 297-pound defensive lineman.
“Auburn is probably the one showing the most interest right now from those three schools,” Calhoun coach Hal Lamb said. “But he’s really fired up about N.C. State, East Carolina and Louisville.”
There would likely be more offers for McDaniel had he been able to play his more natural position last fall and participate in all of spring practice.
“He’s probably a sleeper just because we played him out of position last year [at defensive tackle],” Lamb said. “He’ll play at nose for us this year, and I think he’ll dominate at that position.
“We had a lot of coaches come by to see him at spring practice. The only problem was he qualified for the state track meet and he only got out there with us for a couple of days.”
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Lars Tate’s son wants to play baseball and football in college
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Cartersville quarterback Donovan Tate will spend the majority of the summer concentrating on baseball.
“He’s always played a lot of baseball into the summer,” Cartersville football coach Frank Barden said. “He’s trying out for the Team USA baseball team. I know he has an opportunity to make it.
“He’s been invited to play in the AFLAC All-American baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 9. And he’ll also play in the U.S. Army football game.”
While the baseball diamond continues to tug at the son of former Georgia running back Lars Tate, colleges are pitching the opportunity for him to play two sports.
“Most of the schools have offered him both sports from Southern Cal to Michigan to all of them,” Barden said. “He’ll sign in February with somebody and then go through the baseball draft in June.”
From Barden’s perspective, Tate, a baseball centerfielder, is equally talented in both sports.
“He’s really a 6-3, 205 safety that is just an unbelievable athlete,” Barden said. “He played wide receiver and running back for us as a sophomore and as a junior played quarterback simply because he was the best athlete and the best opportunity for us to put somebody back there to win games.
“He’s a very good quarterback who would be a division 1 quarterback. But he’s just a talented kid in both sports.”
Though he has yet to narrow his college choices, Georgia would seem to be a good fit for Tate, who is expected to announce his finalists by later summer.
“I don’t see why he wouldn’t be a Georgia boy,” Barden said. “His dad played there.
“As far as a top five in college, [Georgia] would be a good fit for him to play both football and baseball.”
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Carver safety keeps Georgia in running
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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If Carver safety Darren Myles Jr. has a list of favorites, the group would likely include Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee.
And according to Carver coach Darren Myles Sr., the powers of the SEC have the upper hand in the recruitment of his son for one simple reason: “Those are the schools he’s visited,” Myles Sr. said.
“He’s still got a few other places he’ll try to visit this summer. He’ll try to get back to LSU, and go to Rutgers, Notre Dame, Michigan and Purdue. And we may try to get up to West Virginia.”
Myles Jr. saw his scholarship portfolio balloon to 34 earlier today after receiving offers from Western Carolina late today and Illinois on Monday.
“But we can’t visit 34 schools,” Myles Sr. rationalized.
Though the elder Myles appeared pleased that his son wants to take several visits this summer, he didn’t hesitate when given an opportunity to give Georgia a ringing endorsement.
“Georgia is definitely in the running for Darren,” Myles said. “They’re an outstanding program and they are close to home. Georgia is in great shape in the race.
“They are outstanding people. And I want to make sure when I’m leaving campus and dropping him off, he’ll be in good hands and with a coaching staff caring about him. And I know that’s one of the staffs that can do that.”
Still, Myles Sr. said he’d be surprised to see his son commit during the summer months.
“Unless something changes, I see this going into the fall,” he said.
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Ga. Tech battling SEC powers for Lovejoy tackle
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Lovejoy Al Hughes didn’t mince words when asked about the Wildcats’ 6-foot-4.5, 315-pound offensive tackle Andre Harris.
“He’s the best offensive lineman we’ve had at Lovejoy, and we’ve had some good ones,” Hughes said. “As far as talent, he’s the best by far. He’s a heck of a player.”
Hughes has a range in mind when it comes to the optimal playing weight for Harris.
“He’s never played for us lighter than 330 pounds, and that was when he was a freshman,” Hughes said. “I’d like to see him play at 300 to 315 pounds. I think that’s a great weight for him.
“And he’s really strong. He benches 405 pounds and squats 455. He’s just a heck of an athlete for a big guy.”
At last count, Harris had received 27 scholarship offers from programs such as Florida, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Tennessee.
Hughes believes his mammoth tackle could be closing in on choosing a school.
“I think he’s fight with it right now,” Hughes said. “I think it will come down to where he feels the most comfortable.
“He’s not interested in drawing it out over a long period of time. I think he would like to [commit] soon.”
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Three Centennial players visit South Carolina
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Centennial senior defensive end Euclid Cummings and junior teammates David Yankey and Ben Carpenter spent Sunday afternoon in Columbia working out for South Carolina coaches.
The Gamecocks are intrigued by Cummings, who has played just one year of organized football. South Carolina wound up offering Cummings late Sunday afternoon.
“It’s a camp, but basically it’s a private workout with the kids,” Centennial coach Jeff Measor said.
“They want to see them do a few things for about 30 minutes.”
Cummings, who already had scholarship offers from Central Florida, Indiana, Maryland, N.C. State and Middle Tennessee State, will visit Auburn on Saturday.
Cummings and his two junior teammates have been invited to Georgia on July 18.
“Euclid is probably a longshot with Georgia, but David will be in the mix there,” Measor said. “David Yankey will be one of the highest rated kids in Atlanta next year.”
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Georgia FB signee would choose baseball
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Athens — Given his choice Xavier Avery doesn’t hesitate.
“I want to go play baseball,” said the Georgia football signee. “This is what I worked so hard for. That is what I want.”
Avery has that chance. The Cedar Grove standout was selected 50th overall by the Baltimore Orioles in Thursday’s major-league Draft. Current Georgia baseball players Gordon Beckham and Joshua Fields were selected with the eighth and 10th picks by the Chicago White Sox and Seattle, respectively.
That pair’s future is certain. Avery’s is pretty clear, but he is not 100 percent certain that baseball is the path he will take at this time.
“I am going to sit down and talk to coach [Mark] Richt about it,” Avery said. “I still have to do some negotiating.”
The negotiating will come with the Orioles. If Avery doesn’t get the contract he wants, there is a chance he could still come to Georgia to play football and baseball. A very, very slim chance.
“Ever since I was young and I went to the Braves stadium and saw that I kept telling myself, ‘I want to be out there one day,’” Avery said. “That’s what I want to do.
“I want to go play baseball,” he reiterated.
Avery is not alone. Beckham and Fields have already started to dream about their major-league careers. What if, Beckham said to the Fields, one day Seattle is playing Chicago, the game is in the ninth inning, you are pitching and I am hitting?
“If I get a chance to do that I am sure I will throw a K up there,” Fields said. “I know he will be swinging for the fence. I will be throwing as hard as I can.”
“That would be a good situation to be in either way,’ ” said Beckham, a junior shortstop. “I’ll take the K.’ “
He’ll take it because if that situation ever presents itself Beckham will know he and his Georgia teammate have made it. They made it from being undrafted coming out of high school to top 20 picks in the 2008 MLB Draft.
Beckham was taken eighth by the Chicago White Sox. Fields was taken 20th by the Seattle Mariners.
But before they head to their major-league organizations, they will try to earn a trip to the College World Series. Georgia begins a three-game series today against N.C. State for the right to go to Omaha, Neb.
“I know coach is ready for me to stop worrying about [the draft] and worry about N.C. State,” Beckham said.
But Thursday was there day to bask in the spotlight, a day when all the accolades turned into a payday.
Fields has been through all this before. The reliever was taken by the Braves in the second round last season. After contentious contract talks, Fields decided to return to Georgia.
“I didn’t have any idea how the process worked or what went on,” Fields said of last season. “I got a chance to see baseball as a business. You are not really out there to make friends. It is everybody trying to help themselves.
“Having gone through that and knowing that you can’t take things personally, that they are just trying to do their job as well, it really helped me this year. It gave me a good idea of what to expect. I felt more familiar with the process.”
Fields, college baseball’s relief pitcher of the year, felt so comfortable that he didn’t even think about the draft until this week. Beckham analyzed it slightly more and figured he was headed to the Cincinnati Reds with the seventh pick. When the Reds passed and Chicago grabbed him, Beckham was relieved.
“I hear they need help up the middle, second base or shortstop either one,” he said.
As a shortstop Beckham was named the SEC player of the year. He is a finalist for the national Golden Spikes award. He set the school record for home runs in a season with 24. He is batting .397 with 85 runs scored, 189 total bases, 65 RBI and fielding .961 in 279 total chances.
Fields ranks second in the NCAA in saves this year with a school-record 16. He is 2-2 with a 2.27 ERA in 31.2 innings. He has 56 strikeouts in 30 appearances, limiting opponents to a .112 batting average. He also holds the SEC career saves record with 39.
“I definitely feel like both of us have it takes what to be there,” Fields said of climbing the ranks in pro ball. “Seeing how we handle the competition in college and especially the season Gordon had I really do think we have what it takes to get there and get there quick and help the team out.”
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UGA football signees likely to be picked in today’s baseball draft
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia officials will get an indication today whether Cedar Grove running back Xavier Avery honors the football scholarhip he signed in Febuary.
The 6-foot, 185-pound Avery is expected to be a late second round or third round pick in today’s Major League baseball draft.
The center fielder is listed as the 59th overall baseball prospect by Baseball America.
Avery, who has repeatedly said baseball is his passion, has made it known that if he chooses college over professional baseball this summer he wants to play both sports at Georgia.
Sanders Commings, a receiver from Westside, Augusta, could also be drafted today.
Commings, a centerfielder and member of Georgia’s 2008 football recruiting class, has been projected to go as high as the fourth round.
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Big 12 offer for Tucker DE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Tucker defensive end Kevin Holliman landed a scholarship offer from Iowa State on Tuesday.
“He had already been offered by Akron and Eastern Michigan, but this is his first big offer,” Tucker coach Franklin Stephens said.
“And I think Central Florida likes him a lot. They just haven’t offered yet.”
The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Holliman has the potential to be plugged in to several positions on the defensive side of the ball.
“He’s a physical and powerful defensive end,” Stephens said. “And a lot of people wonder if he can play linebacker.
“I think he can put on 40 to 50 pounds and a be a special player on the next level.
“He’s very strong at the point of attack. He’s a very good football player.”
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More offers for Tucker duo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The scholarship offers continue to mount for Tucker running back/linebacker Jonathan Davis and nose guard Deion Roberson.
“Jonathan already had offers from Central Florida and UAB, but he picked up offers from Louisville and South Carolina over the past week and a half,” Tucker coach Franklin Stephens said Monday.
“And Deion has picked up offers from West Virginia, Maryland, Louisville, Duke N.C. State and East Carolina.”
The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Roberson, whose first offer came from the Mountaineers just over a month ago, capitalized on spring drills at Tucker during the month of May.
“Deion has made strides this year in spring practice,” Stephens said. “I think he’s finally turning it on and showing the signs of the player that he can be.
“I think that caught the attention of some people. I think [the recruiters] got excited about him. When he decides to play, he’s something to see. He can be a special player.”
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Watts would likely say no to Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Despite committing to Mississippi State in February, Georgia and several other programs continue to show interest in Salem offensive tackle Sam Watts.
“The Georgia offensive line coach [Stacy Searels] came to our spring practice, as well as coaches from Clemson, Duke, UAB and a couple of other schools,” Watts said. “I was getting a lot of attention from Georgia Tech before I committed, but then they all of a sudden stopped recruiting me.”
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Watts says his heart is pulling him toward the Bulldogs, just not the ones based in Athens.
“I know Georgia is a great program and they were number two on my list,” said Watts, who does not have a scholarship offer from Georgia. “And I get letters from Georgia and Duke everyday.
“But my heart is at Mississippi State. I feel like that’s where God is leaning me toward. I have a lot of connections there. Both of my parents went to Mississippi State. And my brother goes there now and will graduate in December.
“I was born in Starkeville and moved to Conyers when I was three. But I still consider [Starkeville] home.”
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