AJC > Sports > Football Recruiting > Blog > Archives > 2009 > February > 03
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Georgia Tech recruits rally to keep Stephen Hill from UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Georgia Tech commit Jordan Luallen of Center Grove High in Greenwood, Ind. was shocked to learn late Tuesday that Miller Grove wide receiver Stephen Hill was having second thoughts about signing with the Jackets.
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Hill will formally choose between Georgia and Georgia Tech at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
One week after briefly flirting with Georgia, Hill told the AJC that he would honor his commitment to the Jackets. But on the eve of signing day, Hill has at least one eye on Athens. Hill hasn’t made an official visit to UGA, but told the AJC that wouldn’t keep him from signing with the Bulldogs.
“The first thing I thought is ‘oh no, here we go again,’” Luallen said Tuesday evening, when asked to react to the news. “I thought everything was settled after last week.
“I’m a little worried, but hopefully everything is OK.”
Luallen said he tried to contact Hill via cell phone and text message late Tuesday, but had no luck.
“He’s probably at basketball practice,” Luallen said. “But I’m going to be staying on him and make sure he signs with the Yellow Jackets.
“I’m going to bother the heck out of him. I’m going to call and text him.
“I’m in Indiana, and there’s only so much I can do. But I’m going to send out a text message to all the [other Tech recruits] and have them call and text Stephen and make sure he knows he’s loved and wanted at Georgia Tech.”
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to jhood@ajc.com
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Permalink | Comments (65) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech, UGA
Stephen Hill says lack of UGA visit won’t affect his decision
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Would Miller Grove wide receiver Stephen Hill sign with Georgia on Wednesday without ever taking an official visit to Athens?
“Yes, that would not stand in my way,” Hill told the AJC on Tuesday evening. “I’ve got a pretty good idea what Georgia is all about … I went to some games [this past season] and have talked a lot to the coaches.”
The 6-foot-5. Hill made it clear that he is undecided between Georgia Tech and Georgia. However, Hill said if he did sign with Georgia, he would make an official visit after signing day, perhaps as early as Friday or next weekend.
Hill favored Georgia early in the recruiting process, but the Bulldogs had not offered when he switched his commitment from Central Florida to Georgia Tech in early November. Georgia Tech other commitments vowed to keep Stephen Hill from UGA on Tuesday night.
Georgia finally did offer an official visit and scholarship last week, but Hill turned down the Bulldogs on both, sticking with Georgia Tech. However, Hill had second thoughts over the weekend, and contacted UGA recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner on Monday.
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to tellerbee@ajc.com
Do you want to take a look at all recruiting stories around signing day? Click here for the lengthy rundown of all recruiting stories
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech
Gainesville DE Josh Jackson commits to Auburn
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Gainesville defensive end Josh Jackson committed to Auburn late Tuesday night, Red Elephants assistant coach Todd Wofford confirmed to the AJC.
Jackson had been considering Arkansas, Massachusetts, Ole Miss and Toledo.
He appeared to be headed to Ole Miss, until assistant coach Tracy Rocker left the Rebels’ program last month to return to his alma mater, Auburn.
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to jhood@ajc.com
Here are briefs on the day’s top recruiting stories. Click on the headline of each story to read more.
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Are you a senior prospect overlooked by colleges? Here’s what to do about it and it’s never too late.
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 (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Auburn
DL Kwame Geathers narrows down to UGA and Central Florida
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Defensive lineman Kwame Geathers of Carvers Bay, S.C., has narrowed down to Georgia and Central Florida but will wait to announce his college decision after signing day, his coach told GoGamecocks.com.
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Geathers ruled out South Carolina because they recruited him at offensive line, according to the report. Carver’s Bay coach James Thompson told the website that Geathers prefers Georgia or Central Florida because both would let him play on the defensive line. Thompson said he will sign next week.
What are UGA’s chances of signing Geathers? UGA recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner is a close friend of his family, and older brother Robert Geathers played at UGA. Another one of his brothers, Clifton Geathers, committed to UGA but later signed with South Carolina, where he is a current member of the Gamecocks.
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to mcarvell@ajc.com
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA
Greg Reid chooses Florida State over UGA, Alabama
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Greg Reid, the AJC’s Player of the Year, kept everyone guessing until the very last minute on Tuesday night. Even himself, he admitted to a friend.
Reid had hats from UGA, Alabama and Florida State lined up in front of him at an Valdosta steakhouse on Tuesday night. The defensive back from Lowndes took away Alabama, and ended up putting on FSU.
While Georgia lost Reid, it may gain Miller Grove wide receiver Stephen Hill, who is committed to Georgia Tech.
“Nobody knew what he was going to do,” said Valdosta linebacker Mike Gilliard, who is one of Reid’s best friends and is committed to UGA. “He even told me, along with the rest of the crowd … that he didn’t even know what he was going to do, until about 10 minutes before he [announced].”
Gillaird said there was a hush over the crowd when Reid started touching hats.
“Everybody got quiet, they were surprised,” Gillaird said. “No, they weren’t surprised he didn’t pick Georgia … they were surprised he didn’t pick Alabama, because that was the main school he was talking to everybody about on Monday.”
Reid had said there were three things he liked more about FSU than the other schools: 1) Early playing time, with the chance to start as a freshman; 2) Closest to home for family and friends to watch him play, with Tallahassee only 85 miles away, while Athens at 240 and Tuscaloosa, Ala., at 380; 3) Playing alongside his high school teammate, Gerald Demps, who is also committed to FSU.
“I talked to [other Florida State recruits] and I want to play with them,” Reid told WarChant.com. “I really want to win man. I know a lot of guys want to win. We came real close at the Under Armor All-American game.”
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to mcarvell@ajc.com
Here are briefs on the day’s top recruiting stories. Click on the headline of each story to read more.
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Are you a senior prospect overlooked by colleges? Here’s what to do about it and it’s never too late.
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 (191) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, FSU, UGA
Former Georgia Tech commitment deciding between Kentucky and New Mexico
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Carver-Atlanta tailback Demond Dennis, who switched his commitment from Georgia Tech to Troy last month, said that he will pick between Kentucky and New Mexico on Wednesday morning.
“I’m not leaning toward either school, we’ll have to wait and see,” Dennis told the AJC on Tuesday evening.
Dennis initially committed to Georgia Tech on Nov. 5, then changed to Troy around a month later. Said Dennis, “Everybody said it was grades, but that’s not true. I was qualified enough for Georgia Tech to offer me, and they wouldn’t have offered me if they didn’t like my grades.”
“I switched because of Georgia Tech’s depth chart at running back. At Troy, I could go there and be the featured running back.”
However, Dennis said he became a “free agent” again after visiting Kentucky a few weeks ago. “That was a chance to play in the SEC. Kentucky is in the SEC, while Troy is in the Sun Belt Conference.”
Dennis said he didn’t commit to Kentucky, but was leaning heavily toward the Wildcats until deciding at the last-minute to visit New Mexico last weekend. “When I stepped on campus, I had a better feeling about football and campus life than I did when I was at Kentucky.”
“So I’m not sure what I am going to do.”
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to mcarvell@ajc.com
Here are briefs on the day’s top recruiting stories. Click on the headline of each story to read more.
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Are you a senior prospect overlooked by colleges? Here’s what to do about it and it’s never too late.
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 (21) | Post your comment | Categories: Other schools, Tech
Miller Grove WR Stephen Hill wavering between Georgia Tech and Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
In a stunning turn of events, Miller Grove wide receiver Stephen Hill said that he will decide between archrivals Georgia and Georgia Tech on Wednesday.
“You know, I’ve been thinking about my recruiting decision, and Georgia came back into the picture,” Hill told the AJC on Tuesday evening. Georgia Tech’s other commitments vowed to keep Hill away from UGA.
“I’ve got the scholarship papers from both schools, so it’s going to be either Georgia or Georgia Tech. I’m going to talk about it with my parents, and then decide on [Wednesday]. I’ll know for sure when I sign.”
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Hill has been committed to Georgia Tech for two months, but was finally offered by UGA last week. But Hill turned down the opportunity to make an official visit to Georgia this past weekend. Then he began having second thoughts.
“I just thought about Georgia’s passing game … and things like that,” Hill said. “But I know either way it goes, if you’re a playmaker, then you’re a playmaker. I feel like I’m going to shine wherever I play in college. I just want to make sure I’m going to a school where I feel most comfortable.”
Hill said he called UGA recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner on Monday.
“He was very surprised to hear from me,” said Hill, who is rated the No. 24 receiver nationally by Rivals. “He said, ‘Wow, I’m glad you called. We still want you, and you should have the scholarship papers to sign.’
Hill hasn’t made an official visit to UGA, but told the AJC that wouldn’t keep him from signing with the Bulldogs. “[Garner] hoped that I would sign with Georgia on [Wednesday] and said I could come up for an official visit later on.”
Hill slept on the idea about opening back his recruiting on Monday, and then said he called both Garner and Georgia Tech assistant Brian Jean-Mary on Tuesday.
“I told both schools that I was studying my options,” he said. “They both said just about the same thing: ‘They understand what I’m going through; they know it’s a tough decision, and they hope I pick them.’”
Miller Grove coach Jasper Jewell said the recruiting process has taken a toll on his young star. “He feels extremely good about both [schools], but he’s just torn right now; the kid’s going crazy.”
Jewell said the late push by Georgia coaches last month have continued to weigh on Hill despite indicating last week that he was still firm with Tech. “I think it’s the offenses he’ll play in, and two, anytime you have the opportunity to play in the SEC, it’s always an eye-opener.”
Permalink | Comments (196) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA
Carver-Columbus LB Jarvis Jones tight-lipped about choice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Jarvis Jones, the state’s top uncommitted football prospect, confirmed that he will announce his college decision at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Jones was poker-faced about recruiting on Tuesday evening, and didn’t give any hints about who he was favoring out of Southern Cal, Florida, Georgia, Texas and LSU.
“Everybody will know at 1:30,” Jones said in a text message.
The linebacker from Carver-Columbus visited LSU, the last of his finalists, this past weekend.
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to mcarvell@ajc.com
Here are briefs on the day’s top recruiting stories. Click on the headline of each story to read more.
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Are you a senior prospect overlooked by colleges? Here’s what to do about it and it’s never too late.
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 (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Other schools, UGA
Ohio St., Tennessee battle UGA for Memphis WR Marlon Brown
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Georgia is anxiously awaiting the Wednesday afternoon decision of wide receiver Marlon Brown of Memphis.
Georgia was considered the early favorite, but Brown developed a close friendship with Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, and perhaps more importantly, Brown is from Tennessee and feeling overwhelming pressure to play for the Volunteers. Incoming Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin made Brown, who also visited Ole Miss and Florida, his No. 1 overall recruiting priority.
Georgia also is listed as a finalist for safety Jawanza Starling of Tallahassee, among others.
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to mcarvell@ajc.com
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Other schools, Tennessee, UGA
Maryland expected to sign 25 players
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
The numbers looked decent for Maryland’s recruiting class: 25 players are expected to sign today. But one thing lacking in the Terrapins’ 2009 class is homegrown players as just four of Rivals.com’s top-20 Maryland high school prospects will sign with Maryland.
Don’t feel too bad for Ralph Friedgen and his staff, though. Three of the state’s top defensive players — Forestville Military Academy defensive end DeOnte Arnett, Quince Orchard defensive back Travis Hawkins and Edmondson-Westside defensive end David Mackall — are Maryland commitments.
Arnett has a chance to make an impact right away. The 6-foot-4, 243-pounder is a sack machine, and the Terrapins could use it after finishing last season 46th in the nation with a little more than two sacks per game. Hawkins (5-10, 181) will join a defensive backfield that finished a disappointing 77th nationally in pass defense.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Other ACC schools
Stone Mountain LB commits to Tennessee for NFL opportunity
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Stone Mountain linebacker Robert Nelson committed to Tennessee on Tuesday.
“The coaches told me I am going to be a part of a new program at Tennessee, and I may have the opportunity to play in the NFL,” he said.
The 6-foot, 210-pound senior said Auburn wanted him to take an official visit to The Plains if things did not pan out with Tennessee.
“They even told me I could commit after Signing Day, but everything seemed to work out with Tennessee,” he said.
Nelson finished with 383 tackles and 24 sacks. He has a 3.4 grade-point average. Rivals.com ranks him as the 35th best inside linebacker in the country.
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to pgiltman@ajc.com
Here are briefs on the day’s top recruiting stories. Click on the headline of each story to read more.
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Are you a senior prospect overlooked by colleges? Here’s what to do about it and it’s never too late.
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 (8) | Post your comment | Categories: Auburn, Tennessee, UGA
Miller Grove WR Gilstrap may be changing his mind on Wednesday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Miller Grove two-sport star Kenneth Gilstrap, who committed to a dual scholarship offer (football and track) from Middle Tennessee State in December, said Tuesday that he may be changing his mind.
“I’m re-committing,” he said in a text message and said that he would announce his decision when he signs Wednesday.
He also added that Middle Tennessee State is still in the mix, along with Western Kentucky and Jackson State. Western Kentucky was the first school to offer him a dual scholarship to the wide receiver, who also had attracted major track offers from Georgia Tech, South Carolina and Kentucky, among others. A state-ranked sprinter, he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds.
He said he will make his final decision known Wednesday at 4 p.m. at a signing ceremony at Miller Grove. His football teammate, Stephen Hill, who also plays wide receiver, will be signing with Georgia Tech.
“I’ve got to think some things over tonight,” Gilstrap said, but said his change of heart doesn’t mean Middle Tennessee is out. “They’re still in my top three.”
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to mcarvell@ajc.com
Here are briefs on the day’s top recruiting stories. Click on the headline of each story to read more.
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
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 (22) | Post your comment | Categories: Other schools, Tech
No hints from Jarvis Jones after final official visit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Carver-Columbus linebacker Jarvis Jones, the state’s top uncommitted prospect, returned from an official visit to LSU this weekend but did not commit.
“He had a good time,” coach Dell McGee said. “He said it’s a great school and a great campus.”
Will Jones lean towards Baton Rouge since it’s the last school he visited?
“Jarvis is going to make a decision based on all his visits,” McGee said.
Jones claims no favorites. He is considering Florida, Southern Cal, Georgia, Texas and LSU.
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to mcarvell@ajc.com
Here are briefs on the day’s top recruiting stories. Click on the headline of each story to read more.
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Are you a senior prospect overlooked by colleges? Here’s what to do about it and it’s never too late.
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 (35) | Post your comment | Categories: FSU, Florida, Other schools, UGA
Georgia State loses one of its top football commitments
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Douglass defensive back Caleb Lester had been solidly committed to being a part of Georgia State’s first ever recruiting class for two months. But a weekend trip to Alabama-Birmingham nixed all of that.
Douglass Ken Barrow said Lester has switched allegiances and will sign with UAB on National Signing Day, Wednesday. Lester went on an official visit last weekend to UAB to see what the Blazers had to offer.
“He told me [Monday] that he was switching to UAB,” Barrow said.
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to mcarvell@ajc.com
Here are briefs on the day’s top recruiting stories. Click on the headline of each story to read more.
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Are you a senior prospect overlooked by colleges? Here’s what to do about it and it’s never too late.
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 (15) | Post your comment | Categories: Other schools
UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel makes early offer to Gainesville WR
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
Two days after attending Junior Day at Florida State, Gainesville junior wide receiver Tai-ler Jones received a mild surprise Monday evening when he answered his phone and was greeted by UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel.
“It’s great to get a phone call with an offer from a school of that caliber,” said Jones, whose scholarship offer count now stands at 18. “It’s definitely a school I’ll take a look at.”
Jones was torn late last week on whether to attend Junior Day at Florida or Georgia Tech on Saturday. He wound up going to Junior Day in Tallahassee.
“[Florida State’s] campus seemed a lot bigger than I thought it would be,” Jones said. “Everything seemed renovated and brand new.
“They’ve got a machine that measures body composition and tells you how to train. Only a couple of colleges and pro teams have that machine.”
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to jhood@ajc.com
Here are briefs on the day’s top recruiting stories. Click on the headline of each story to read more.
Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell
You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Are you a senior prospect overlooked by colleges? Here’s what to do about it and it’s never too late.
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 (9) | Post your comment | Categories: FSU, Tech
