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Thursday, December 4, 2008
Spurrier boasts about the advantages of SEC football over ACC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier was not happy when Perry offensive lineman Johnnie Farms recently switched his commitment from South Carolina to North Carolina.
And you could almost visualize The Old Ball Coach throwing down his visor when Farms told the AJC that part of the reason for his change was because “the education is a little better [at UNC] than South Carolina.”
What did Spurrier do about it? He traveled to Perry, which is located 105 miles south of Atlanta, on Tuesday in an attempt to convince Farms to take an official visit to South Carolina next weekend. And Spurrier brought his own academic research for the AJC Super 11 selection.
“[He] compared the graduation rates between the two schools,” Farms told the AJC’s Phil Giltman. “He said South Carolina is No. 6, and North Carolina is No. 15.”
Where did Spurrier get his research? Farms said he doesn’t quite remember. Many but not all coaches go by the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate or Academic Progress Rate, and North Carolina finished higher than South Carolina in both 2008 reports for football.
Nevetheless, Spurrier also gave Farms a long talk about the advantages of playing in the SEC over the ACC. “He said the SEC is by far the toughest conference in college football,” Farms said.
Spurrier also told Farms that the NFL “recruits more players from the SEC than the ACC.”
Did Spurrier’s speech work? Farms said “there is a good chance I’ll go [on the visit], but I’m not sure” and confirmed that he remains committed to UNC.
Farms also added that Spurrier’s strong words supporting South Carolina and the SEC were not surprising. Farms said that every college coach speaks of his school, football program, and football conference in the most favorable conditions as possible during the recruiting process.
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Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Lassiter TE rubs elbows with Florida coach Urban Meyer
Florida moves quickly to offer one of Georgia’s top juniors
UGA-bound Washuan Ealey not even best prospect on ECI, says one coach
Alabama OL recruit Kellen Williams breaks down the SEC championship game
Spurrier boasts about the advantages of SEC vs. ACC
Permalink | Comments (82) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, FSU, Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Other schools, South Carolina, Tech, Tennessee, UGA
Lassiter TE turns into one of Southeast’s hottest college prospects
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Lassiter’s Philip Lutzenkirchen has stared coaching legend Bobby Bowden in the eyes. He has rubbed elbows with Urban Meyer before a Florida kickoff. Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh has picked him up in a golf cart.
Those sort of moments have an impact on a person considered one of the hottest recruits in the state of Georgia, right?
“He’s just Lutz to us,” Trojans teammate Camden Wentz said. “He’s a goof.”
Lutzenkirchen, who has been committed to Auburn since May, isn’t lacking in praise these days. Scouts will comment on his athleticism, elusiveness after the catch and body control. His parents and his high school coach will praise his maturity and level-headedness.
But Lutzenkirchen’s greatest quality these days might be remaining normal. When Auburn fired offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, opponents smelled blood in the water. When Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville left the school on Wednesday, Lutzenkirchen became one of the biggest targets for recruiters in the Southeast.
Offers have been coming for weeks from all over the country. South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas Tech were quick to jump in the ring. Florida followed in short order. Scholarships from Georgia and Texas should be coming this week, and Clemson is trying to get its foot back in the door.
“I just keep getting calls from area codes I’ve never heard of,” Lutzenkirchen said. “It’s a little crazy.”
Through all of the upheaval, Lutzenkirchen, a 6-foot-4, 245 pound tight end, has tried to keep his focus on the right things.
“I think Philip was very pleased of how respectful the other schools were when he made his commitment to Auburn,” said Mike Lutzenkirchen, his father. “But when you’re dealing with a firing, they want to see how committed he is now to going there. More than anything, I think he’s enjoyed having the options in front of him.”
One of those is Florida. Lutzenkirchen has taken two unofficial visits to Gainesville, and the trips have certainly piqued his interest.
And how could they not? The Gators are a top-tier program under Meyer, and it doesn’t hurt that the Gators actively use the tight end. Florida sophomore tight end Aaron Hernandez has 26 catches this season and five touchdowns.
Lutzenkirchen is sold, but just not on everything.
“I think there is something about the lifestyle and atmosphere in Gainesville I’m still not comfortable with yet,” Lutzenkirchen said. “They have everything else you could ask for, but I have to be comfortable with where I’m going to school first. That’s the most important thing.”
Lutzenkirchen is not a downfield blocker. He can be, but the beauty of his game is what he can do in space with a ball in his hands. He needs an offense that makes him comfortable.
“I haven’t been fortunate enough to coach anybody like him,” first-year Lassiter coach Chip Lindsey said. “So it was unique and something I put a lot of thought in during the spring and summer about how we could use him.”
Lindsey certainly found ways. The Trojans, running a spread attack, finished the season 9-3 with their first trip to the playoffs since 2000.
Lutzenkirchen finished with 72 catches for 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers are nearly double what he produced as a junior.
During the season, Lutzenkirchen made more than his fair share of dazzling catches, including one against Centennial that warranted a spot on ESPN.
Friends of the family weren’t the only ones to catch the play. Several hundred college coaches did, too, including Tuberville. The highlight came up in conversation two weeks later when Lutzenkirchen traveled to Auburn for an official visit.
At the time, Tuberville answered a lot of questions and concerns for Lutzenkirchen and his family about his long-term status with the Tigers. After Wednesday, it remains unclear which direction Auburn is taking, and consequently which direction Lutzenkirchen will take.
The question now is whether Lutzenkirchen will stick with his commitment. He considered the Tigers his No. 1 team, with Florida a close second. Then it’s a pack of newcomers - the Tar Heels, Gamecocks, Georgia and Texas.
Auburn has everything for the Trojans senior, including the atmosphere, the academics and even the perfect feel —- just not the coach.
“I’ve actually been very proud of how Philip has handled himself through this process,” Mike Lutzenkirchen said. “It’s rewarding for me to see that my son has earned a chance to get a college degree at any number of good schools. Where he ends up, that’s up to him. But I think he’ll make a good choice eventually.”
FAST FACTS
Some interesting tidbits on Philip Lutzenkirchen:
Has taken official visits to Auburn and Florida State. Visited the Gators twice, unofficially.
Considering an official visit to North Carolina, Georgia and Texas.
Plays football and basketball at Lassiter.
Has a close relationship with Auburn tight ends coach Steve Ensminger, who visited his basketball game on Monday.
Caught 42 passes as a junior and 72 as a senior in the spread offense for the Trojans.
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Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Lassiter TE rubs elbows with Florida coach Urban Meyer
Florida moves quickly to offer one of Georgia’s top juniors
UGA-bound Washuan Ealey not even best prospect on ECI, says one coach
Alabama OL recruit Kellen Williams breaks down the SEC championship game
Spurrier boasts about the advantages of SEC vs. ACC
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, FSU, Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Other schools, South Carolina, Tech, Tennessee, UGA
Georgia’s Gatorade Player of Year has Florida and Alabama as finalists
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Branden Smith, who has Florida and Alabama among his finalists, was named Gatorade’s Georgia Player of the Year.
The 6-foot, 170-pound Smith is also considering Georgia and Florida State, and is scheduled to have an in-home visit with Florida’s coaches on Sunday. Smith plays defensive back at Booker T. Washington.
Smith said that Tennessee is trying to make a late push. He took an official visit to Tennessee, but eliminated the Volunteers from consideration after Phil Fulmer’s departure.
Now that Lane Kiffin has been named Tennessee’s coach, the SEC school is trying to get back in the picture with Smith. “I appreciate their consideration, but it’s a little too late,” Smith said.
The Gatorade award is one of the nation’s most prestigious for high school players. Former Georgia winners include Eric Berry and Taverres King.
Smith, who is being recruited at cornerback, caught 32 passes for 1,085 yards this season. He returned 12 kickoffs for 481 yards and three touchdowns in addition to 20 punts for 456 yards and two scores. On defense, Smith recorded 50 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one sack.
Smith is ranked as the state’s No. 1 prospect by the AJC and Rivals.
Got a question for Branden? If so, post it in here and Branden will do his best to answer.
Permalink | Comments (27) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, FSU, Florida, Kentucky, LSU, South Carolina, Tennessee, UGA
Alabama OL recruit breaks down the SEC championship
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Brookwood’s Kellen Williams hoped to be at Saturday’s huge SEC championship game between Alabama and Florida. He and his family scoured the Internet as soon as tickets became available. The 6-4, 300-pound Williams is a top Alabama recruit, but like many people, he’ll be on the outside looking in when action kicks off in the Georgia Dome.
“They were real pricey, about $1,000 a piece,” he said. “We’re just going to keep it easy. We didn’t want to spend that much money before the holidays.”
Williams said he sat down with his family during Thanksgiving and decided the cost was just too much. Instead they’ll meet up with a family friend who owns a recreational vehicle with a large flat panel television. They’ll gather somewhere around CNN Center and watch the game with other ‘Bama tailgaters.
Williams, a bright, articulate kid, offered his pre-game analysis.
“I think our defense is a strong point on our team,” he said. “We’ve got to take Tim Tebow out of the game. Our zone blitz can shut down the short passing game and we can’t get beat deep. I’m hearing [Percy] Harvin is hurt, but he’s not going to miss the game for the world. Obviously, we’ve got to shut him down. If we can do that, we’ll be fine. We just can’t turn the ball over.”
Got something to say? Scroll to the bottom and post.
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Lassiter TE rubs elbows with Florida coach Urban Meyer
Florida moves quickly to offer one of Georgia’s top juniors
UGA-bound Washuan Ealey not even best prospect on ECI, says one coach
Alabama OL recruit Kellen Williams breaks down the SEC championship game
Spurrier boasts about the advantages of SEC vs. ACC
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, Auburn, Florida
Perry WR visiting Michigan school
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Perry wide receiver Trey Smith is taking an official visit to Western Michigan this weekend, teammate Johnnie Farms said Friday.
Smith, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound member of the AJC’s The Georgia 150, currently has offers from Western Michigan, Akron, East Carolina, Kent State and Marshall.
Got some recruiting news? pgiltman@ajc.com
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Are you a senior prospect “overlooked” by colleges? Here’s what to do about it
Note: Any inappropriate comments will not be tolerated, along with offensive “screen names.” Your posts are identified by the AJC with logging your IP address, not your screen name or email address. We encourage your comments and opinions, and only request that you use good judgement.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Other schools
Ole Miss, Tennessee inquire about North Atlanta QB Londry-Jackson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Interest in North Atlanta quarterback Jamal Londry-Jackson’s continues to rise.
Injured during his junior season, Londry-Jackson threw for 1,652 yards and 20 touchdowns during his senior campaign. He rushed for 276 yards and five scores.
Those numbers caught the attention of new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, who visited Londry-Jackson’s home earlier today.
“I was still at school, but coach Kiffin talked to my mom,” said Londry-Jackson, who received a visit from Georgia Tech assistant Buzz Preston on Monday. “He said I have a good live arm, am athletic and good at my position. But I don’t fit into their pro style of offense that they’re going to run.
“My game is out of the shotgun because we ran the spread. But he took my package and said he’d spread the word about me.”
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Londry-Jackson also spoke with coaches from Kent State and Ole Miss today.
“We talked to [assistant] coach [Tracy] Rocker of Ole Miss tonight on the phone,” Londry-Jackson said. “He seemed interested. He said they’ll call me next week.
“They’ll let me know, yes or no, about an offer then.”
Got some recruiting news? jhood@ajc.com
Click below to see the following:
Are you a senior prospect “overlooked” by colleges? Here’s what to do about it
Note: Any inappropriate comments will not be tolerated, along with offensive “screen names.” Your posts are identified by the AJC with logging your IP address, not your screen name or email address. We encourage your comments and opinions, and only request that you use good judgment.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech, Tennessee
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about Alabama fans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Although he has been committed to Alabama and Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban for months, don’t think that Westlake offensive lineman Chance Warmack will have a prime seat at Saturday’s SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. NCAA rules will prevent that.
“I think there is a rule against being able to give tickets to a game that is not a home game,” Warmack said this week. “So I’ll probably just watch it at home. That’s what I did with the Clemson game at the beginning of the season.”
But Warmack was at the Iron Bowl last week to witness the Tide’s 36-0 domination of Auburn.
“It was crazy. I guess that’s the best word to be able to describe the atmosphere and how the fans were,” Warmack said. “Just crazy.”
The experience made him even more anxious to get to Tuscaloosa, which he will do in January so that he can participate in spring drills. Still Warmack said Alabama’s fanatical fan base won’t impact his play next season.
“I’ve always just tried to tune out the fans,” he said. “I just focus on what I have to do on the field.”
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, Florida
Collins Hill QB Michael Box packs bags for UConn visit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Collins Hill quarterback Michael Box, who is committed to Connecticut, will make an official visit to watch the Huskies play Pittsburgh this weekend.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Box transferred from Duluth before the season and helped Collins Hill to an 8-2 regular season and a playoff berth in Class AAAAA. He said he is 100 percent with his commitment to Connecticut.
“I like the atmosphere [at UConn] … it’s a place I can see myself staying [at],” Box said. “The coaches are great, the facilities are great. They have really good academics. I really like it there.”
Box had some interest from South Florida, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and South Carolina before he accepted the scholarship offer from Connecticut.
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Other schools, South Carolina
Hargrave’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now”, says coach
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Hargrave (Va.) Military offensive tackle Bobby Massie, ranked as the nation’s No. 1 prospect from prep schools, has agreed to take an official visit to Georgia in January.
The 6-foot-8, 330-pound Massie was visited earlier this week by Georgia’s coaches.
“Massie is a freak; he could play in the NFL right now,” said Hargrave coach Robery Prunty.
Prunty projects 71 of his players to sign with major colleges in February, including former Griffin defensive end Toby Jackson with the Bulldogs.
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, FSU, Florida, LSU, South Carolina, Tennessee, UGA
Georgia Tech recruit Will Jackson: Roommates Needed
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Will Jackson is looking for a fourth roommate next year at Georgia Tech.
The 6-foot-4, 280-pound offensive lineman from Knoxville-Farragut (Tenn.) High has committed to Georgia Tech.
“Me, Ray Beno [of Newman] and Jay Finch [of Kennesaw Mountain] are going to be roommates,” he said. “We just need a fourth guy to fill out a room.”
Jackson says his official visit to Tech likely will take place in January.
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech
Deaf linebacker hopes for chance to play college football
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
The story of Central Macon linebacker Javarus Faulk is unique in more ways than one. The 6-foot, 220-pound senior linebacker benches 375 pounds, runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds, and is a good student.
But he stands apart from virtually everyone else in one other matter — he is deaf.
Despite that handicap, Central coach Anthony Hines is convinced Faulk will eventually land a college scholarship.
“Ole Miss [defensive coordinator] Tyrone Nix loves him. He is really trying to work with [Faulk]. I don’t know where that is going to end up. [Ole Miss] hasn’t offered, but I really think some Division II schools will real soon,” said Hines.
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Other schools
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads team to state championship
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Georgia Tech quarterback commitment Jordan Luallen engineered a late rally to lead Center Grove High to Indiana’s Class 5A state championship Saturday evening.
“It’s a great feeling, considering what we accomplished as a team,” he said. “Many of us have been together here since the fourth grade.”
Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson and assistant Brian Bohannon were among the well-wishers who contacted Luallen.
“I’ve talked to Coach Bohannon three times this week,” he said. “And I talked to Coach Johnson on Monday. They were both fired up for me and excited that we pulled it off. And they were both excited about the win over Georgia on Saturday. It was definitely a good day for Georgia Tech.”
Luallen is scheduled to make an official visit to Tech on Dec. 12. He believes the Jackets will extend a scholarship offer to senior teammate Luke Swift, a running back who scored the winning touchdown in Saturday’s title game.
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech
Dunwoody DE may be headed to West Virginia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Dunwoody defensive end Malcolm Mitchell, an AJC Georgia Top 150 prospect, said he “probably” will visit West Virginia this weekend.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior said in a text message Monday evening that the visit hasn’t been scheduled, but he added that he would “definitely” visit Tulane on Dec. 12.
West Virginia is one of three programs in the lead in his recruitment. South Carolina and Louisville are the other two. Tulane, Central Florida, Marshall, Indiana and Alabama-Birmingham also have offered.
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Other schools, South Carolina
Etowah LB White remains loyal to college without head coach
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Etowah linebacker Ishmael White is sticking with Miami-Ohio, despite last week’s resignation of the school’s head football coach Shane Montgomery.
“The athletic director [Brad Bates] called him to confirm his scholarship, so I’m sure that was reassuring for Ishmael,” Etowah coach Bill Stewart said.
White committed to the Redhawks before Montgomery resigned on Nov. 29. “He went up there on an official visit and just liked the town and the setup,” Stewart said.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound White chose Miami-Ohio over Southern Miss and UAB. White finished the 2008 season with more than 100 tackles, 12 sacks and one interception. He started the season for the Eagles at safety but moved to linebacker.
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Other schools
Auburn: Will UGA or Georgia Tech pursue Lovejoy OL Andre Harris?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Lovejoy offensive lineman Andre Harris doesn’t anticipate that the departure of Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville will affect his commitment to the Tigers.
Still, Harris, a member of the AJC’s The Georgia 150, will keep his options open until Auburn hires a new coach. Before Wednesday, he had maintained the position that he wasn’t considering anyone else, but now says he’ll take visits to other schools, though he declined to say which ones.
Georgia Tech offered Harris before he committed to the Tigers.
“I’ll just wait and see who the new head coach is. It’s not going to affect my decision. I’ll stay an Auburn Tiger until somebody proves … that there’s another school out there that’s better for me,” he said.
Harris talked to Auburn assistant Hugh Nall shortly before Tuberville’s resignation was announced, and Nall urged him not to change his mind based on who the coach is.
“I’ve talked to coach Tuberville a few times,” said Harris. “I was told a little earlier. When I heard he was leaving, I was a little upset. You’re always upset when your head coach leaves. I know people get jealous over one season but I didn’t really see that coming too much.”
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Auburn, Tech, Tennessee
Auburn: Douglass LB committed early because of Tuberville
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Despite 20 phone calls from friends and family Wednesday night saying Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville had resigned, Douglass linebacker Jonathan Atchison, an Auburn commit, had to see for himself.
“I didn’t believe it until I went online,” he said. “Tuberville was one of the reasons I committed so early. I developed a relationship with him. That was tough to find out.”
Atchison, a 6-foot-3, 212-pound member of the AJC’s The Georgia 150, said he is still committed to Auburn but is now going to weigh his other options. He has nearly 15 offers with Alabama and Florida recruiting him the hardest.
“I’m visiting Alabama on an official visit on Jan. 16, and I’m meeting with [Florida assistant] coach Charlie Strong on Sunday at his hotel after the SEC Championship,” he said.
Atchison said he had also been in contact with Auburn assistant coach Terry Price about the recruiting process.
“My mom called Coach Price but the line was busy, so we are not sure what is happening over there,” he said.
Atchison, who committed to Auburn in August, is the 22nd best linebacker in the nation, according to Rivals.com
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Tech
Valdosta OL vows not to switch commitment back from Georgia Tech to Tennessee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Tennessee’s new coach, Lane Kiffin, is trying his best to salvage the Volunteers’ recruiting class for 2009.
However, Kiffin might be wasting his time if he tries to lure back Valdosta offensive lineman Antonio Foster, who switched his commitment from Tennessee to Georgia Tech after the departure of Phil Fulmer.
“I have given up on Tennessee,” Foster told the AJC.
Georgia Tech assistants Brian Jean-Mary and Todd Spencer had an-home visit with Foster on Tuesday evening.
“I met with offensive line coach [Todd] Spencer and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary,” said Foster, who committed to the Jackets on Nov. 4. “It went well.”
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, FSU, Florida, Kentucky, LSU, South Carolina, Tech, Tennessee
Auburn: Reggie Taylor sticking with Tigers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville’s resignation will not affect at least one player pledged to be a part of the Tiger’ 2009 recruiting class: Peach County cornerback Reggie Taylor is sticking with the commitment he made some six months ago.
“I am going there no matter who is the coach,” said Taylor, who is still being recruited by N.C. State and Memphis, among others. “I’m visiting Auburn on Jan. 9. I have no plans to visit anywhere else.”
Taylor learned about the Tuberville departure from his father and had not heard from Auburn coaches before or soon after the Wednesday night announcement was made official.
Recruiting stories for SEC Championship contenders Florida and Alabama
Spurrier boasts to prospect about the advantages of SEC football over the ACC
Need an analysis of the SEC championship game? Alabama-bound OL Kellen Williams breaks it down
Westlake’s Chance Warmack knows all about those Alabama fans
Auburn-related recruiting stories
Douglass LB affected by Tuberville’s departure, now looking at Florida and Alabama
Peach County DB Reggie Taylor sticking with Auburn, not affected by coaching change
Other top recruiting stories
Hargrave Military’s Bobby Massie could “play in the NFL right now,” says coach
Georgia Tech commitment Will Jackson: Looking for a fourth roommate next year
Georgia Tech-bound QB leads his team to state championship win
Carver DB Darren Myles no longer considering UGA. What went wrong?
Son of former UGA standout Lars Tate commits to North Carolina over Bulldogs
Tennessee recruit Toney Williams will go ahead and visit SEC rival
Note: If any of the links do not work, the recruiting story can also be found in the left column under “Recent Entries”
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Auburn
