Georgia Tech’s NCAA probation is not having much of a negative impact on football recruiting.
The Yellow Jackets have seven high school seniors who have pledged to sign with Tech in February.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contacted five of Tech’s commitments Thursday night. Four said they remained committed to the Jackets, while quarterback Dennis Andrews Jr. of Tallahassee said the probation “will probably open up things a little bit.”
Andrews is the son of former Florida State fullback Dennis Andrews and said his uncle Carlos Andrews played safety for Alabama when it was under NCAA probation.
“It may affect my commitment. I’m going to talk to my dad about it and then we’ll see what want to do,” Andrews said. “I know my dad isn’t a fan of NCAA probation at all. They had a bad experience with it when my uncle was at Alabama.”
All of the Tech commitments said they were surprised by Thursday’s news.
“One of my friends texted me about it, and I thought they were kidding,” said linebacker Tyler Stargel of Gulf Shores, Ala. “Then I saw it for myself and read about it. I think it’s a major thing for any school when they get NCAA probation. But it’s not like Georgia Tech was paying anybody.
“Everybody knows that kind of stuff goes on at every school. It doesn’t really get caught. But every once in a while, someone does get caught for something.”
Stargel said he remains committed to the Jackets. “I don’t think the NCAA probation affects me in the four years I’ll be there. It doesn’t make me feel any different about Georgia Tech. I’m still going there.”
However, Stargel said he did plans to attend football camps at Auburn on Saturday and Mississippi State next Friday. Stargel made it clear that his summer itinerary has nothing to do with Tech’s NCAA problems.
“I just want to be around competition and be around other players,” Stargel said. “I’m a competitive person. I want to compete against other players at these camps. I want to go see other places. This is the one time in your life that you get to do this. I want to get the experience.
“It doesn’t mean I’m going to go anywhere else. I’m a Georgia Tech commitment, for sure.”
Defensive end Junior Gnonkonde of Lakeland said he felt comfortable about the situation after speaking by telephone with Tech assistant Todd Spencer on Thursday.
“Coach Spencer said they were doing good and that everything was going to OK,” Gnonkonde said. “I’m still committed to Georgia Tech. I still want to go there. I don’t think it’s a big deal.”
Wide receiver Micheal Summers of Statesboro said he was unaware of Thursday’s developments until told about them by a reporter.
“I am surprised, but it doesn’t change my outlook on anything,” Summers said. “I still have the same respect for the coaching staff as I did before.”
Central Gwinnett defensive end Francis Kallon said he got the news from his high school coaches. Kallon is new to the sport after moving last year from London. He said it wouldn’t affect his pledge to Tech.
“It’s something serious, but it won’t affect me or the other players coming in on scholarship next year,” Kallon said. “I’m still committed to Georgia Tech because I keep my word. I don’t have time to start over with recruiting and look at other colleges. My total focus and commitment is on mastering the game of football.”
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