Fall LOI Day

[MrBug708]

Takes place today. If anyone cares

[Peregrine]

Loss of Interest day? Wow! I couldn't care less. How's that for a celebration!

[FBPro]

Huh?

[KWhit]

Legs of Indecency Day!

Woo-hoo!

[JeeberD]

Letters of Intent


The Miners have at least two verbals already, Stephon Jackson and Maurice Thomas, high school teammates from Philly.

Should be interesting to see if Doc Sadler has anything else up his sleeve...

[MrBug708]

Jeebs knows what is up...

[JeeberD]

Hmmm...apparently Thomas has backed out of his verbal, according to PrepWest. The UTEP SID has said not to expect any announcements about UTEP recruiting until tomorrow, btw...

[dawgfan]

Early signing day for college basketball baby! The Huskies have received 3 of their expected 5 LOI's, including local studs Martell Webster and Jon Brockman and Cali wing Roburt Sallie. Also expected to sign are local big man Artem Wallace and Illinois G Justin Dentmon.

The Huskies class is being rated by most services as the 3rd or 4th best in the country. LoRo (Lorenzo Romar) has got things going at Washington, building off the momentum of last season's surprising turnaround that landed the Huskies in the NCAA tournament. The Huskies enter the season with nearly all the key players from last year's squad back, including 5'8" dynamo Nate Robinson. Washington enters the season ranked #22 in the country and has been picked the #2 team in what is expected to be a resurgent Pac-10 this season.

[MrBug708]

This class isn't as import for Romar as the next one.

[General Mike]

Rutgers had 4 guys sign LOIs today.

Here's some info for the Rutgers' fans out there:




PISCATAWAY, NJ – Four top-rated high school basketball players, three who play scholastically in New Jersey and one standout from the state of Michigan, have signed national letters of intent to play basketball at Rutgers University for head coach Gary Waters, it was announced today.

The 2004-05 Rutgers recruiting class is comprised of:

Anthony Farmer, 6-2, 185, Guard (St. Augustine’s Prep/Millville, NJ)
Zack Gibson, 6-9 ½, 205, Forward/Center (Grand Blanc Community HS/Grand Blanc, MI)
Jaron Griffin, 6-7, 205 Forward (Manchester Regional HS/Manchester, NJ)
Gerald “JR” Inman, 6-9, 200 forward (Pomona, NY/St. Joseph’s Regional HS, Montvale, NJ)

Anthony Farmer, a 6-2, 185-pound point guard from Millville, NJ led St. Augustine’s Prep in scoring, assists and steals the past two seasons and is regarded as one of the top 100 players in the nation by several scouting services. This past summer, Farmer helped lead the New Jersey All-Stars to the AAU Super Showcase Championship. Farmer averaged just under 16 points per game in the Showcase and his game-winning three-point basket, gave New Jersey the victory over the Georgia All-Stars in the championship game. Farmer was a teammate of fellow Scarlet Knight recruit Jaron Griffin on the New Jersey team.

Farmer was a second-team All-State selection as a junior by the Associated Press and Gannett and enters his senior season with 1,180 career points. As a junior, Farmer averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 assists and 4.1 steals per game in leading St. Augustine’s to a 24-6 record and the Parochial A state title. He averaged 24.8 points in five state playoff games. He was named MVP of the Parochial A state final after a 34-point outing vs. Seton Hall Prep. Farmer possesses tremendous strength which allows him to be a physical, active defender.

“Anthony has really shown great improvement throughout his high school years,” said Waters. “He is to a point now where he is, in my estimation, the top guard in New Jersey. His ability to handle the ball, pass the ball and score, either by hitting the open shot or by penetration, will make him a major threat in his future years on the college level.”

Zack Gibson, a 6-9 1/2, 205-pound forward/center from Grand Blanc, MI is a skilled, mobile big man who is ranked the No. 1 center in the state of Michigan by PrepSpotlight. He was a second-team All-Big Nine Conference selection last season after averaging 14.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in helping to lead Grand Blanc Community High School to a 19-4 record. Gibson has been nominated for the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Gibson had a productive summer competing for the Michigan Mustangs’ AAU team where his athleticism and agility caught the eye of many college recruiters from around the nation. He has soft hands, has the ability to score in both the high and low post, and is active on the boards. He has a consistent midrange jump shot and solid post moves. PrepSpotlight.com termed Gibson “the biggest sleeper in the state of Michigan.” Gibson scored 27 points in the adidas Super 64 game in Las Vegas, NV, with many of his points coming in transition.

“Zack is a young player who is just coming into his own,” said Waters. “I expect him to have a great senior year. Last year, his numbers were good but people didn’t really know him because he was so young. He just turned 17 (on September 17) and he is still growing. He has the athleticism, the skill level to shoot the ball, and the presence to dominate a game. Zack has all the potential to be an outstanding player in the BIG EAST.”

Jaron Griffin, a 6-7, 205-pound forward from Manchester, NJ is regarded as one of the top 100 players in the nation by several scouting services. He is an explosive and athletic small forward who averaged 23.6 points and 13.9 rebounds per game in leading Manchester Regional High School to a 19-6 record and the outright Shore Conference Class B South title last season. The Ocean County “Player of the Year” by the Asbury Park Press, Griffin enters his senior season second on the Hawks’ all-time scoring list with 1,278 career points and is 12 rebounds shy 1,000 for his career. Griffin poured in a career-high 40 points in a win over Jackson in the Shore Conference Tournament. He scored the game-winning basket at the buzzer against Deptford in the South Jersey Group III quarterfinal game and had 30 points in the semifinals vs. Woodrow Wilson.

Griffin followed up his stellar junior season with a terrific summer competing for the New Jersey All-Stars AAU team, where he helped lead the New Jersey All-Stars to the AAU Super Showcase Championship. In Florida. Griffin was a teammate of fellow Scarlet Knight recruit Anthony Farmer on the New Jersey All-Star team. Griffin also participated this past summer in the Nike All-American Camp in Indianapolis, the Superstar Camp in Atlanta and the AAU Nationals in Florida. In addition to his offensive skills, Griffin runs the floor with great speed, and is an aggressive rebounder and dynamic shot-blocker. He was the MVP of the Eddie Griffin Challenge and the New Jersey Metro Hoops organization’s North-South All-Star Game.

“Jaron has all of the potential in the world,” said Waters. “He’s young and he’s just defining himself. In high school he plays predominantly inside but we are going to move him to the outside. With his ability to shoot and also rebound the ball, he can be a great wing player for us. His athleticism will show even more once he plays on the collegiate level. I think he will have an outstanding future.”

Gerald “JR” Inman, a 6-9, 200-pound forward from Pomona, NY who stars at St. Joseph’s Regional High School in Montvale, is regarded as one of the top 100 players in the nation by several scouting services. Inman is a skilled and versatile forward who averaged a ‘double-double’ as a junior, with 18.3 points, 10.4 rebounds to go along with 2.3 blocks per game. He led the Green Knights to a 20-7 record and to the school’s first Bergen County Jamboree final since 1982. He was named first-team All-North Jersey and All-Bergen County by the Bergen Record.

Inman, whose father Gerald, Sr., played in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers, was the MVP of the Indian Hills Holiday Festival, totaling 19 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots in the final. Inman followed up his stellar junior season with an outstanding summer competing for the Tim Thomas Playaz Gold AAU team, where he was named to the All-Star Team at the adidas Superstars Camp in Atlanta. Inman was a standout performer in the adidas Super 64 game in Las Vegas, Nev.

“J.R. is one of the most versatile players in the country,” said Waters. “He showed these skills throughout the AAU competition during the summer where he held his own at the top camps in the country. I think his ability to go both inside and outside, while using his athleticism will make him a rare basketball player at the college level. He also has a very strong fundamental base, which will allow us to use him at multiple positions.”

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

This class isn't as import for Romar as the next one.

Why do you say that? Not saying it may not be true, just curious what your reasoning is.

[Cards4ever]

Lucia still seeking one last recruit

Recruiting can be a headache for a coach, but with five highly rated players saying they have committed for next season and two for the 2006-07 season, University of Minnesota men's coach Don Lucia should be stress free going into the early signing period that begins Wednesday.
It doesn’t hurt that the Gophers have a 7-2 overall record heading into a weekend off and are 5-1 atop the Western Collegiate Hockey Association standings.
Nevertheless, Lucia isn't completely satisfied.
"We're looking at one other player," he said. "One more forward"
Five Minnesotans are expected to sign and return NCAA letters of intent during the one-week early signing period: goalie Jeff Frazee of Burnsville, defenseman R.J. Anderson of Maplewood and forwards Ryan Stoa of Bloomington, Justin Bostrom of Vadnais Heights and Blake Wheeler of Plymouth.
The Phoenix Coyotes selected Wheeler fifth overall in the NHL draft last June, and scouts rank Frazee among the top goaltending prospects in recent years. Wheeler plays for Green Bay in the U.S. Hockey League after collecting 100 points last season as a junior for Breck. Anderson scored 85 points during his junior season at Centennial High School. The 6-foot-2 Stoa is a member of the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, along with Frazee. Bostrom had two goals and four assists in his first 13 games this season with Sioux City of the USHL.(Those are actually his USHL stats from last year following his high school season)
Lucia, unable to comment on recruits before the national letter of intent is in hand, said he doesn't expect an announcement about next year's recruiting class until next week. With 10 freshmen on this season's team, the Gophers will be young again next season, but that hasn't seemed to hurt their play so far.
The player considered the No. 1 prize in college recruiting, forward Phil Kessel of Verona, Wis., is not expected to sign with anyone in the next week. A 6-foot, 185-pounder touted as a potential Hobey Baker Award candidate, Kessel would certainly fill that role of the "one more forward" Lucia is seeking. Kessel has said he expects to play at Michigan or Minnesota next season, according to reports, although he also made an official visit to Wisconsin.
Kessel, who plays with the National Team Development Program, had 16 points in nine games before suffering an injured wrist that required minor surgery last week.
Minnesota has received other oral commitments from forward Peter Mueller and defenseman Erik Johnson of Bloomington, who play for the national development program and are expected to join the Gophers in the fall of 2006.

[vex]

Hey the OU women finished #1 or 2, depending on who you talk to, after landing the Paris sisters

[sterlingice]

Kansas Men's Basketball Lands Three Recruits

Nov. 10, 2004
LAWRENCE, Kan. - The University of Kansas men's basketball team signed three highly-touted recruits - Mario Chalmers, Micah Downs and Julian Wright - to national letters-of-intent, coach Bill Self announced Wednesday.



"Although it is somewhat anti-climatic because we received the commitments some time ago, this is a great day for the future of Kansas basketball," Self said. "Never during my tenure as a coach have we had the opportunity to sign three young men who are so highly-ranked nationally by various scouting services. Although those scouting services do not guarantee success, I think it is safe to say these three are well thought of and have a very bright future in college basketball."



Chalmers is a point guard from Anchorage, Alaska. As a junior at Bartlett High School, the 6-1 Chalmers averaged 23.2 points, six assists and 5.8 rebounds per game. He guided Bartlett to a state runner-up finish as he shot 60 percent from the floor and 90 percent from the free throw line. Chalmers is ranked No. 12 nationally by Rivals.com and is the top-rated point guard by the service. He chose KU over Wake Forest, Arizona, North Carolina and Georgia Tech.



"Mario is a very explosive athlete that should be able to fit in here immediately and play both on and off the ball," Self said. "He comes from a basketball family, having played for his father, and has a great understanding of the game."



Downs averaged 19.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists as a junior at Juanita High School in Kirkland, Wash. The 6-8 shooting guard is ranked No. 14 nationally by Rivals.com and is the fourth-rated shooting guard. Downs chose Kansas over Duke, Gonzaga and Washington.



"Micah is one of the most fun players to watch because he does a lot of everything," Self said. "He's tall. He's skilled. He can block shots, can rebound the basketball and has a great feel for the game.



"We so much appreciate that the Downs and Chalmers families that had the confidence in us to commit before the summer even began."



Wright is a forward from Chicago Heights, Ill., who averaged 10.4 points, seven rebounds and 4.9 assists in guiding Homewood-Flossmoor High School to the state runner-up finish his junior season. Homewood-Flossmoor finished the season 31-3 in 2003-04. Ranked No. 10 overall by Rivals.com and the No. 2 small forward, Wright, 6-8, chose KU over Arizona, Illinois and DePaul.



"Our last signee is a very pleasant surprise. Julian is one of the very best all-around players in America," Self said. "With his size he can handle the ball in transition, he has some point guard skills but is still big enough to play anywhere on the floor. His versatility will be a huge asset for us. His recruitment has been well documented. We are so appreciative of Julian and his mother Gina having the confidence in us to commit on his home visit. Julian has the privilege to play for Homewood-Flossmoor and coach Roy Condotti, one of the best programs in the state of Illinois.



"The people that deserve the most credit for any good recruiting class is obviously the assistant coaches. Joe Dooley identified Micah and Mario early, which may have given us a head start with those two. All three assistants - Joe, Tim (Jankovich) and Kurtis (Townsend) - did a great job in cultivating relationships with these three youngsters throughout the recruiting process."



Kansas Signees At-a-Glance



Mario Chalmers (G, 6-1, Anchorage, Alaska - Bartlett HS)

Micah Downs (G, 6-8, Kirkland, Wash. - Juanita HS)

Julian Wright (F, 6-8, Chicago Heights, Ill. - Homewood-Flossmoor HS)

I kindof miss Roy Williams's little gimmick of playing a home game in front of every senior's nearby town. If people were wondering why we were playing South Dakota U (Jeff Boschee from up there, iirc), how about if we went up to play U of Alaska- Anchorage?


SI

[JeeberD]

I hope Alex Galindo likes the end of the Jayhawk bench...

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

I hope Alex Galindo likes the end of the Jayhawk bench...

"Galindo, Case, Vinson still sidelined: KU's three players with groin injuries -- Alex Galindo, Stephen Vinson and Jeremy Case -- still have not practiced this preseason."

Now, I don't know what those boys have been doing, but...

SI

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Why do you say that? Not saying it may not be true, just curious what your reasoning is.

Most people think Martell is 1 and done and Brockman is a great pickup, but he's not a 20 point anight scorer. Say he does well and leaves early, you'll need depth. The biggest problem is making sure you have a good blend of 4 year talent with superstar talent. Spencer Hawes would be great for you guys, but he could go early too, so players that project to be good role players are key.

[Neuqua]

I want to play Kansas in the Final Four.

[MrBug708]

Something tells me a 5-7 Indian college kid from Chicago will probably be outclassed by a Final 4 team coached by a pretty good coach

[sovereignstar]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

If people were wondering why we were playing South Dakota U (Jeff Boschee from up there, iirc), how about if we went up to play U of Alaska- Anchorage?

Jeff Boschee is from Valley City, North Dakota and spare me the "same difference" bullshit.

[Neuqua]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Something tells me a 5-7 Indian college kid from Chicago will probably be outclassed by a Final 4 team coached by a pretty good coach

I am 6 feet tall.

If not Kansas, I want MrBug one on one.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by sovereignstar

Jeff Boschee is from Valley City, North Dakota and spare me the "same difference" bullshit.

I stand corrected by the overly sensitive northerner

SI

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Neuqua

I am 6 feet tall.

If not Kansas, I want MrBug one on one.

I'm a moderately tall (6'2") but slow moving computer science major about to graduate from KU (*crosses fingers*). Would that get you some measure of revenge?

SI

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Most people think Martell is 1 and done and Brockman is a great pickup, but he's not a 20 point anight scorer. Say he does well and leaves early, you'll need depth. The biggest problem is making sure you have a good blend of 4 year talent with superstar talent. Spencer Hawes would be great for you guys, but he could go early too, so players that project to be good role players are key.

Martell is probably a 1 and done guy, 2 years max likely. Brockman however has already said he'll be a 4-year guy.

Brockman doesn't have to be a high scorer (though he's got some offense) - his big thing will be rebounding, defense and leadership. For scoring the Huskies will have shooters like Sallie.

Hawes would be a huge get, though he may also be a guy that leaves early. Still, Romar and Dollar have been doing a great job of both adding a lot of talent to the team and getting them to coalesce nicely as a team. It will be interesting to see how the team fares after this season with Nate Robinson likely going pro and Brandon Roy (the quiet leader of the team) a possible early entry as well.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

I hope Alex Galindo likes the end of the Jayhawk bench...

He should've signed with Rutgers when he had the chance...

And speaking of our commits...Looks like JR Inman has the potential to be an impact player a year or two down the road with his combination of size and athleticism. Farmer would probably have a Webb-like impact in his freshman season if we weren't already loaded up at the guard spots. Gibson, according to some scouts, could've made a Josh Boone-like impact if he prepped a year, so as long as he's brought along slowly, we should like what we get in him. Griffin might end up being the best of the four.

And it's really sad that by the time these guys suit up, I won't be on the Banks anymore...

[Radii]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

I kindof miss Roy Williams's little gimmick of playing a home game in front of every senior's nearby town. If people were wondering why we were playing South Dakota U (Jeff Boschee from up there, iirc), how about if we went up to play U of Alaska- Anchorage?

That was a Dean Smith tradition, i don't remember what, if anything, they did for Rick Fox(Bahamas) but I do remember exhibition games in Germany and England for Henrick Rodl and Steve Bucknell. I didn't know Roy had continued that, I'm glad to see it.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Neuqua

I am 6 feet tall.

If not Kansas, I want MrBug one on one.

i'll beat you in any sport you pick

[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Hmmm...apparently Thomas has backed out of his verbal, according to PrepWest. The UTEP SID has said not to expect any announcements about UTEP recruiting until tomorrow, btw...

Acording to El Paso TV sports guy Fred Albers, he spoke with Jackson's and Thomas' coach in Philadelphia and that there was a "misunderstanding between the two players" but still expects the two to sign with UTEP. Miners play by play man Jon Teicher also alluded that he also expects both to sign with UTEP as well.

Still nothing official out of the Athletic Office yet, though...

[JeeberD]

Yesterday was signing day for football JUCOs, and here's who the Mines picked up...

Originally Posted by UTEP Athletic Site

Six Mid-Year Junior College Transfers to Join UTEP Football Team
Courtesy: UTEP
Release: 12/16/2004

Send this article to a friend

Courtesy: UTEP
UTEP Head Coach Mike Price announced on Thursday that six mid-year transfers will join the Miner football team for spring drills.

Defensive back Arthur Giddens, punter Ryan Hotchkiss, linebacker Jason McQuay, defensive lineman Humberto Padilla, wide receiver David Sutton and defensive lineman Ricky Van all come to UTEP from junior college programs in the state of California.

Price said additional signees could be announced this weekend.

2004 UTEP Football Mid-Year Junior College Transfers

Arthur Giddens

DB, 6-1, 193, Inglewood, Calif. (Manual Arts/Compton CC)

Played quarterback and defensive back for two years (2002-03) at Compton Community College...rated a preseason All-American quarterback entering his sophomore season (2003)...two-time first team all-league defensive player...threw for 2,200 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2003...also picked off seven passes, returning two for touchdowns...member of a 7-3 team in 2002 that lost in the conference championship game...coached by Cornell Ward and Angelo Jackson in junior college...played quarterback and defensive back at Manual Arts High School...two-time All-City quarterback...also rated the No. 2 athlete in California and No. 20 athlete in the nation during a distinguished prep career...senior totals included 2,700 yards passing, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions...registered three interceptions on defense, including a 96-yard return for a score...three-year varsity letterwinner...coached by Glenn Bell and Charles Collins in high school...also recruited by USC, Nebraska, Colorado, Washington State, Oregon State and Idaho...also a standout basketball and volleyball player in high school...three-time All-City selection in volleyball, receiving scholarship offers to Cal State Northridge and Cal Santa Barbara...two-time All-City point guard in basketball...spent one year on the Dean's List as a prep...full name is Arthur James Washington Giddens III...parents are Arthur Giddens, Sr. and Denise Simpson...has two sisters...born 1/2/84 (Inglewood, Calif.).

Ryan Hotchkiss

P, 6-2, 205, Newport Beach, Calif. (Woodbridge/Palomar JC)

Preseason second team All-American heading into the 2004 season at Palomar Junior College...ended the year as an honorable mention All-American by JC Gridwire...two-time first team All-Mission Conference punter at Palomar JC...averaged 40.5 yards on 56 punts as a freshman, and 40.9 yards on 58 punts as a sophomore...longest punt at the JC level traveled 79 yards...recommended as an All-State candidate as a freshman...junior college coach was Joe Early...didn't start kicking until his sophomore year in high school...spent ninth grade at Mount Carmel High School in San Diego before transferring to Woodbridge High School in Irvine...played safety and wide receiver as a junior and senior, while also punting and handling kickoffs...also served as Woodbridge's backup field goal kicker during this time..punting average was 39.5 yards his senior year....high school coach was Rick Gibson...four-year letterwinner in golf as a prep, including being selected MVP as a freshman...also recruited by Utah, Virginia Tech, Louisville, TCU, San Diego State and Duke...full name is Ryan James Hotchkiss...parents are Doug Hotchkiss and Sherri Barnes...father lettered in football, wrestling and baseball at Southern Illinois...born 3/26/84 (Newport Beach, Calif.).

Jason McQuay

LB, 6-2, 220, Eatontown, N.J. (Monmouth Regional/Victor Valley JC)

Second Team All-Foothill Conference in 2004 at Victor Valley Junior College...totaled 115 tackles (27 for losses) and eight sacks this past season despite missing three games with a pulled groin...had 96 tackles, three sacks and an interception in 2003 at Victor Valley...played safety his first semester in junior college before shifting to linebacker...junior college coach was David Hoover...two-time All-State, three-time All-Conference, three-time All-County and three-time All-District selection at Monmouth Regional High School...played defensive end his sophomore year, and linebacker as a junior and senior...had 135 tackles as a senior, 121 as a junior and 101 as a sophomore...sack totals were 12 as a sophomore and 10 each as a junior and senior...also had 1,012 yards rushing (nine TDs) and 406 yards receiving on the offensive side of the ball his senior year...three-year varsity letterwinner for coach Bob Merola...also lettered in basketball and track as a prep...three-time All-State, All-County and All-Conference athlete in track, competing in the high jump and long jump...also recruited by Notre Dame, California, Utah, Iowa, Maryland, Colorado State, Massachusetts, Rutgers and Montana...full name is Jason Nicholas McQuay...parents are Willie and Diane McQuay...has one brother and one sister...born 12/20/82 (Tampa, Fla.).

Humberto Padilla

DL, 6-6, 318, Union City, Calif. (James Logan/San Francisco City College)

Played for two years (2002-03) at San Francisco City College...part of the nation’s top-ranked defense in 2003...registered two sacks in 2002 and seven sacks in 2003...pulled from the lineup at halftime of six games in 2003 with his team enjoying a big lead..San Francisco City College was 12-0 in 2003 (national champions) and 9-2 in 2002....junior college coach was George Rush...played one year of varsity ball at James Logan High School, earning All-League honors as a senior...recorded 11 sacks for a 9-1 team...played five positions in high school -- defensive tackle, defensive end, tight end, offensive tackle and offensive guard...high school coach was Neil Fromson...also recruited by Oklahoma, Tennessee, Colorado, South Carolina, Arizona State, Michigan State, Oregon, Oregon State, Arizona and Marshall...full name is Humberto Padilla...first name is pronounced Um-bert-o...has a three-year-old son, Jordan...mother is Oselia Ortiz...has three brothers and two sisters...born 12/26/83 (San Francisco, Calif.).

David Sutton

WR, 6-6, 225, Long Beach, Calif. (Long Beach Poly/Compton CC)

Spent one year at Lincoln (Mo.) University and another at Compton CC after graduating from Long Beach Poly High School...did not play football until he arrived at Lincoln University...set a freshman record with an 89-yard pass reception at Lincoln...ended the 2003 season with 16 catches for 445 yards and six touchdowns...totaled 15 catches for 400 yards with two scores last season at Compton...member of the most explosive offensive team in California in 2004...coached by Cornell Ward at Compton CC...also recruited by Ohio State, Nebraska, Kansas State, Colorado, Michigan State, Oregon State, Arizona and Kansas...two-year letterwinner in track as a prep, competing in the high jump and long jump...also competed in volleyball in high school, earning team MVP his junior year and most-improved player his sophomore season ...runs the 40 in 4.35 seconds...full name is David Deion Sutton...mother is Debra Smith...has two sisters...cousin, Tyus Edny, is a former basketball standout at UCLA...born 5/30/84 (Westminster, Calif.).

Ricky Van

DL, 6-3, 260, San Bernardino, Calif. (Eisenhower/San Bernardino Valley College)

First team All-Foothill Conference and team MVP as a sophomore at San Bernardino Valley College...All-State nominee...played offensive guard (2003) and defensive end (2004) in junior college under coaches Ken Blumenthal and Pat Meech...totaled 55 tackles, 15 sacks, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries this past season...doubled as a defensive end and fullback in high school...All-Conference honoree his senior year...rushed for 100 yards twice while being primarily used as a blocking fullback...had 45 tackles and 13 sacks his senior year...spent three and a half years at Colton High School before graduating from Eisenhower High School...two-year varsity letterwinner for coach Carl Gaytan...also recruited by Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Hawaii, Kentucky and Central Florida...played basketball in high school as well...scored 23 points with 15 rebounds, eight blocks and five assists against Fontana High School his junior year...parents are Ricky Van, Sr. and Sabrina Denmon...has two brothers and two sisters...born 12/7/81 (Riverside, Calif.).

And here's who we were up against to get those guys:

Giddens DB - USC, Nebraska, Colorado, Washington State and Oregon State
Hotchkiss P - Utah, Virgina Tech, Louisville, TCU and San Diego State.
McQuay LB - Notre Dame, Cal, Oklahoma, Iowa, Maryland and Colorado State.
Padilla DL - Oklahome, Tennessee Colorado, SC, Arizona State and MSU.
Sutton WR - Ohio State, Nebraska, Kansas State, Colorado and Michigan.
Van DL - Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Hawaii and Kentucky.

Who said that Price would never be able to bring talent into El Paso?

Oh, and we've also got like 20 schollies left for high school kids, such as highly regarded QB Brandis Dew, who already verballed to the Miners...