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Thursday, September 4, 2008
Road Trip: Vanderbilt commit to visit Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Greater Atlanta Christian senior middle linebacker Blake Southerland, who committed to Vanderbilt in July, will be part of the 92,000 plus on-hand when Georgia hosts Central Michigan on Saturday.
Southerland, who also attended the Dogs’ home opener against Georgia Southern last weekend, learned months ago he won’t be offered a spot on Georgia’s roster in 2009.
But that hasn’t prevented the younger brother of Georgia fullback Brannan Southerland from soaking up the sights and sounds of Sanford Stadium as a recruit.
“[Georgia coaches] told me the week before spring practice that they weren’t going to offer,” said Southerland, who is listed as the 73rd-best inside linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com. “At first, I was upset. But the more I thought about it, I realized I’d be able to get a fresh start and make a name for myself.
“Now, I can’t wait to experience everything at Vanderbilt. I can’t be happier than I am now.”
It took just two visits to Vanderbilt for the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Southerland to realize he was prepared to call Nashville home for the next four years.
“It’s not really one thing, it’s just everything in general. I love the place,” said Southerland a member of the AJC’s The Georgia Top 150.
“It’s small, but it has a big-time SEC feel about it.”
Southerland plans to attend Vanderbilt’s games against Auburn and Tennessee this fall.
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Auburn claims first 2011 commitment
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Lee County senior offensive tackle Tyler Knight has committed to Auburn, though he won’t actually join the Tigers until 2011.
“He didn’t have enough core courses,” Lee County coach David Johnson said. “But [Auburn offensive line] coach Hugh Nall offered him a scholarship with the stipulation that he’s going to a junior college.
“Auburn will actually place him in a [to-be-determined] junior college.”
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Knight, a member of the AJC’s The Georgia Top 150, splits time at tackle and tight end for Lee County.
“Auburn wants him to play tackle,” Johnson said. “He’s a very gritty kid who works real hard in the weight room and on the field.”
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Profile QandA: Carver-Columbus’ LeRon Furr
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Carver-Columbus’ LeRon Furr, a member of the AJC The Georgia 150 list, was a key player in the Tigers’ run to the Class AAA state title in 2007. He is drawing recruiting interest much like his older brother, Memphis freshman DeRon Furr. LeRon talked with staff writer Jay Stone about the process.
Q. What things do you look for in a school?
A. “Playing time, location and academics. I want to be where my parents can come and watch me play.”
Q. What school have you always been a fan of?
A. “I wasn’t really a big fan of just a certain team. If I was watching a game, I just went for the team I thought was going to win.”
Q. Where are you in the recruiting process?
A. “I’m just now starting to get back into the recruiting process. I’m trying to decide where I’m going to take my visits and stuff.”
Q. What’s the outlook for the Carver defense?
A. “Our defense this year is just as good as it was last year.”
Q. If you weren’t a football player, what would you be?
A. “I have no idea. I could play basketball, but I’m not a college prospect in basketball.”
Q. What’s a deal-breaker in recruiting?
A. “How I feel when I’m talking to coaches. If I feel like they’re saying things just to get me there, I don’t know if I’d be interested.”
Q. Who was the first to call?
A. “Coach [Chris] Key at Central Florida.”
Q. Do you get autograph requests?
A. “After the games, I might sign five or 10. It’s usually older people. I feel like they believe in me and they feel I can make it.”
Q. Is your recruiting like your brother’s?
A. “It’s pretty much the same thing. They tell you one thing, and then when you get there it’ll be different.”
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UGA-bound QB Aaron Murray plays Friday on ESPNU
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia-bound quarterback Aaron Murray will appear on national TV when Plant High plays Armwood at 8 p.m. Friday in one of Florida’s biggest showdowns of the season. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
Murray, who picked Georgia among 53 scholarship offers, is not the only elite prospect in the star-studded game. Plant High also features Orson Charles, an AJC Super Southern 100 selection who is ranked as the nation’s No. 2 tight end by Rivals. Charles favors Miami over Georgia, Florida and Florida State.
Armwood is led by Ryne Giddins (AJC Super Southern 100 and ranked the nation’s No. 4 weakside defensive end), Petey Smith (AJC Super Southern 100 and nation’s No. 33 inside linebacker), Angelo Hadley (nation’s No. 41 safety), and Mywan Jackson (nation’s No. 48 athlete).
Murray apologized for not returning a reporter’s call.
“Sorry, if I have not been in school, I’ve been at football practice,” he said. “And if I’ve not been at football practice, I’ve been watching endless film.”
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