Signing day is almost here!

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm looking forward to seeing how the actual classes shape up with all of the last minute manuevering. I was surprised to not see any threads with signing day being right around the corner. So far, the biggest and most pleasant surprise has been Ronald Johnson overlooking Michigan to sign with USC. He is a 5 star player who will likely be a major contributor at CB for the Trojans. Even with a few possible defections to Florida and the loss of Szakacsy to ASU (no big loss in my opinion), I think this has a good chance to still be one of the great classes for USC in the last decade.

A few other players that have me very excited:

- DE Everson Griffen who has run an electronically timed 4.46, has good size (6'4" 266) and has been nicknamed the "Super Freak" is supposedly almost impossible to block 1 on 1.

- Kristofer O'Dowd, another 5 star player, is a G with great size and is supposedly a guy who never quits trying to dominate his man.


- Chris Galippo, #1 LB in the country who is supposed to be excellent in coverage and run defense. Another guy with great speed and good size.


Quite a few other 5 star guys who could sign with the Trojans as well as a dozen or more 4 star guys who should be excellent players. I can't wait for them all to make it official.

[miami_fan]

I think the Hurricanes actually got a QB to sign with them this year. Progress!

[Dr. Sak]

Eaglesfan do you think Brodrick Green (4 star RB from Ark) will pick USC on Wednesday when he announces? I am hearing that he might choose Penn State and go back on his verbal commitment to USC.

[Blade6119]

A few other players that have me very excited:

- DE Everson Griffen who has run an electronically timed 4.46, has good size (6'4" 266) and has been nicknamed the "Super Freak" is supposedly almost impossible to block 1 on 1.

- Kristofer O'Dowd, another 5 star player, is a G with great size and is supposedly a guy who never quits trying to dominate his man.


Your welcome for both of those...we only produce a few players that good and you take them all out of our state(both from AZ).

Ive seen both play, and some of my friends play with O'Dowd. Their both good guys, and great players. Both should be stars at USC someday(griffen sooner rather then later)

[Tigercat]

Joe Mcknight is clearly the best player in the nation in my eyes. The only reason he had to share many player of the year honors with Clausen is because Clausen had the pre-senior season hype.

The number of ways Mcknight could hurt a team as good as Hoover is insane. Hopefully your trojans won't steal him away from LSU.

Judging by his comments on starting to feel the distance from Cali to back home, I think he signs with LSU, although I wouldn't be surprised either way.

[Doug5984]

I hope Joe McKnight decides to go to LSU. I think he will, but you never know. He is supposed to be a great player but coming from a small 2A school it worries me some...The die hard LSU fans down here are claiming him to be the next Reggie Bush.

[Blade6119]

I hope Joe McKnight decides to go to LSU. I think he will, but you never know. He is supposed to be a great player but coming from a small 2A school it worries me some...The die hard LSU fans down here are claiming him to be the next Reggie Bush.

I think noel divine is the next reggie bush

[Blade6119]

if you have to pick one in this class.

Last year i said it would be CJ Spiller, and he had a great year

[Ksyrup]

Apparently a high profile guy reneged on his commitment to USC to sign with Michigan, and then that Johnson guy left Michigan to commit to USC.

LSU and UF are vying for the top recruiting classes, so says SI.com.

FSU is trying to stem the bleeding that the past 5 years' performance has created. We'll see how the coaching staff additions pay off, although I still tend to think recruits will wait to see whether it translates on the field. And unfortunately for FSU, they have a tough schedule this coming year. The OL should be interesting - Trickett withdrew a scholarship offer to a top 50 OL commitment because he was too big/slow for the new system.

[Tigercat]

I think he will be closer to Percy Harvin than Bush. I think he will be better than Harvin though, he will be able to break more tackles while being a touch slower.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think we still have a good chance of getting McKnight to go out to USC. I think he is playing his cards very close to his vest, moreso than any other big name player I can remember.

As far as Green goes, I think he'll go to Penn State. Marc Tyler looks like a lock for USC and he is the more highly regarded back and USC has so many very good to great returning backs that I think it will scare Green away a bit.

[Doug5984]

My local UL-Lafayette is doing alright considering who they are. Hopefully they can get a couple years of decent classes like this so they can atleast win the Sun Belt and make a bowl game (for the first time ever).

[Ksyrup]

I think the Hurricanes actually got a QB to sign with them this year. Progress!

Only after they had one renege earlier. That's 3 QB de-commitments in 3 years.

[Dr. Sak]

That is what I was hoping for with Green. I was hoping he'd look at the depth charts of both schools and realize USC has a bunch of blue chippers while Penn State's top RBs will both be seniors this upcoming season.

[cschex]

I think noel divine is the next reggie bush

If he qualifies. Apparently, he not only has grade issues but beaucoup character issues as well.

McKnight will most likely sign with the Tigers, but even if he doesn't, LSU's roped in a monster class this year.

[Eaglesfan27]

Apparently a high profile guy reneged on his commitment to USC to sign with Michigan, and then that Johnson guy left Michigan to commit to USC.

LSU and UF are vying for the top recruiting classes, so says SI.com.

FSU is trying to stem the bleeding that the past 5 years' performance has created. We'll see how the coaching staff additions pay off, although I still tend to think recruits will wait to see whether it translates on the field. And unfortunately for FSU, they have a tough schedule this coming year. The OL should be interesting - Trickett withdrew a scholarship offer to a top 50 OL commitment because he was too big/slow for the new system.


Unless, USC has a few more nasty surprises, I'd put their class ahead of LSU and Florida. Although, all 3 schools are going to have great classes.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

SI and other sites would rank them higher based on the number of recruits. But, if you look at the average positional ranking and average star rating, USC beats them by a significant margin on almost all websites.

[MrBug708]

Last I heard SC fans were scared to death that Ev Grif was going to join Florida

[dawgfan]

Hey Bug, does UCLA not have a lot of scholarships available this year? The Bruins commits are almost all highly regarded, but there's only 11 of them so far - are they expecting to bring in more than that on signing day?

[cmp]

Apparently a high profile guy reneged on his commitment to USC to sign with Michigan, and then that Johnson guy left Michigan to commit to USC.


Donovan Warren, a 5 star CB, was the guy who ended up picking Michigan over USC. I'd rather have Warren than Johnson at Michigan. I've seen Johnson play a few times and was never that impressed by him.

[Eaglesfan27]

Last I heard SC fans were scared to death that Ev Grif was going to join Florida


All the chatter on the USC board makes me think that is HIGHLY unlikely to happen at this point. He is very solid in his committment to USC.

[PSUColonel]

So far I am impressed with Penn State's class. They are ranked 18th nationally, but they are going for more core position players over skill positions. Usually you'll take a hit in the rankings for doing this. Here are the verbal commits and LOI signees to this point.

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=157&p=9&c=8&yr=2007

[larrymcg421]

Only after they had one renege earlier. That's 3 QB de-commitments in 3 years.

Yeah, but the guy they got was higher ranked than the guy that decomitted. Plus, Randy has done an excellent job since he came aboard. A class that was ranked down in the low 30's most of the year is now 19th. Plus, he's getting recruits at huge need positions (OL and WR). They also stole the #7 DE from Florida.

[Dunleavy]

the team under the rader recruiting of the year award has to go to Ron Zook and Illinois, he put together a WOW class

Top 20 overall, Top 3 in the Big 10

lost a 4 star RB Hughes late to ND (that bum Darius Walker going pro (*cough* undrafted) didnt help. plus a 3.5 star QB Brewster will likely decommit after his dad got minny Head Coaching job but still...

for a 2-10 team to get a 5 star out of state commit is insane, add a 5 star instate and 2 in state 4 star plus 3!!! out of state 4 stars it's quite a class for zook

[RedKingGold]

So far I am impressed with Penn State's class. They are ranked 18th nationally, but they are going for more core position players over skill positions. Usually you'll take a hit in the rankings for doing this. Here are the verbal commits and LOI signees to this point.

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=157&p=9&c=8&yr=2007

Finally! Something we agree about. ;)

I'm with you on how happy I am with the recruiting class. Last year's class was very skill-position heavy (Devlin, Carter, etc) and I was happy when PSU decided to focus on beefing up both lines and maintaining their status as "Linebacker U"

Hopefully, they'll get that RB that everyone is talking about decommitting from USC. Should they get him, they'll have a top-15 class for the third consecutive year and are setting up for a nice run (and hopefully a repeat of 2005) til 2010.

[MrBug708]

Hey Bug, does UCLA not have a lot of scholarships available this year? The Bruins commits are almost all highly regarded, but there's only 11 of them so far - are they expecting to bring in more than that on signing day?

Ya. This senior class came in when Toledo was fired/Dorrell was hired. Toledo was rather bad at evaluation talent

[digamma]

Ga Tech is done. 20 commitments and all look solid to GT. Consensus top 15 class.

The only recruit that there is even a slight bit of concern over is Josh Nesbitt--the Dawgies are holding out hope for a signing day surprise, however the GT staff feels very good about getting his LOI.

[Swaggs]

I think noel divine is the next reggie bush

Devine just visited WVU this weekend and it sounds like we lead slightly over FSU. Alabama also has an outside chance. From what I am hearing, his eligibility is still up in the air and he is probably going to wait until after LOI day to commit. He would make nice successor to Steve Slaton.

[Logan]

I was under the impression that Reggie Bush has a better chance to play in college next season than Devine.

[dawgfan]

Ya. This senior class came in when Toledo was fired/Dorrell was hired. Toledo was rather bad at evaluation talent
How many more guys are possible UCLA commits? Right now they've got a great per recruit star average (3.73), but with only 11 recruits the class isn't considered one of the tops in the country. Scout.com has them at #31 right now, but if you go by average stars, they jump to #7.

Conversely, the UW's per player star average is mediocre (2.78), but they have 27 guys committed which puts them at #27 overall currently.

[bhlloy]

At this point, I would be very surprised if Joe McKnight ended up at LSU. In fact, there have been rumours that he has USC #1 and Ole Miss #2. Very reliable sources say he will end up at USC.

Everson Griffen is not at all a risk to go to Florida as I understand it. He took the official visit as a free holiday. That would be a devastating blow if he does end up switching, because he's Jevon Kearse #2. He's 265lbs and the best running back in the state of Arizona.

USC is also in pole position to sign Deonte Thompson, and just picked up two 3 star DT's (Tupuo and Henderson - 16 year old Canadian kid who is already 6'5 and close to 270 pounds with plenty of room for growth)

Florida clearly has the #1 class though this year... a sick, sick class. They picked up a top 5 guy at every position. Either USC, Tennessee or Texas will end up #2, largely based on what McKnight decides I expect.

Oh and Notre Dame had better hope Clausen is a great QB from day 1, otherwise this is not a great class for Charlie. The loss of Trattou close to the end has really hurt them.

[Tigercat]

At this point, I would be very surprised if Joe McKnight ended up at LSU. In fact, there have been rumours that he has USC #1 and Ole Miss #2. Very reliable sources say he will end up at USC.

You must not be listening to sources close to Joe McKnight or John Curtis High School.

Furthermore, Ole Miss isn't even in the picture. He really likes Frank Wilson, who used to coach in the New Orleans area, but he doesn't like coach O at all. Its one of the few things he has said to friends around here about the recruiting process while keeping most things close to the vest. (Can't say I blame him on that one, either.) He likes Saban more than coach O, only the Curtis respect for Wilson got McKnight to trip to Ole Miss instead of Alabama.

He has said both to recruiting sites and to JT Curtis and others over the last few days that he is worried about the distance from USC to Louisiana. I see no reason to think that LSU doesn't have a slim lead over USC right now. Although, again, signing with either team shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

[fjvieane]

Hehe, I love this time of year. I am also a big USC Trojan homer, so I sit all day in the chat room waiting for info, lol (being a stay at home dad has its advantages :p)

Here is my honest opinions on some USC issues:

Donovan Warren going to Michigan was a huge shocker to most of the fans on the boards, lol, it was pandamonium. But once ROJO was targeted everyone settled down.

I think getting the O/D Lineman were big needs at this point but McKnight would be awesome as well. He is a play maker.....

Now as for Broderick Green, I am very concerned that he may go back on his verbal and go to PSU. It would be nice to have a big back but the back field is crowded at SC, but as a big back, you never know.

USC is still targeting Deonte Thompson, Omar Bolden, MArvin Austin, and a few others.

I think Austin is going to UNC, but FSU could sway him at the last minute as well.

There is also a rumor on the SC boards that a QB is looking to transfer to USC and so much credence was put into this that a 2nd QB SC was recruiting decided to go to ASU instead, is the rumor true, I have no clue.

[bhlloy]

Different recruiting sites, different strokes I guess. We will see on Wednesday morning.

[bhlloy]

Hehe, I love this time of year. I am also a big USC Trojan homer, so I sit all day in the chat room waiting for info, lol (being a stay at home dad has its advantages :p)

Here is my honest opinions on some USC issues:

Donovan Warren going to Michigan was a huge shocker to most of the fans on the boards, lol, it was pandamonium. But once ROJO was targeted everyone settled down.

I think getting the O/D Lineman were big needs at this point but McKnight would be awesome as well. He is a play maker.....

Now as for Broderick Green, I am very concerned that he may go back on his verbal and go to PSU. It would be nice to have a big back but the back field is crowded at SC, but as a big back, you never know.

USC is still targeting Deonte Thompson, Omar Bolden, MArvin Austin, and a few others.

I think Austin is going to UNC, but FSU could sway him at the last minute as well.

There is also a rumor on the SC boards that a QB is looking to transfer to USC and so much credence was put into this that a 2nd QB SC was recruiting decided to go to ASU instead, is the rumor true, I have no clue.


The rumour could well be true. It is way more likely that Samson was "encouraged" to look at the depth chart to free up a scholarship for Bolden to be honest though.

Austin to USC is pretty much a 0.1% chance right now. It looks very likely UNC will be the destination, although I wouldn't rule FSU out completely.

Latest news on Broderick Green is that he may be waiting for McKnight to announce before making a decision. If he doesn't want to sit for 2 years he might be better off going to Penn State either way. God knows we need a short yardage back whatever McKnight does.

[cartman]

Texas has another Top 5 recruiting class lined up. Losing Brantley to Florida doesn't look as bad as when it was announced. Since then, Brantley has been downgraded from 5 stars to 4, and Texas picked up a committment from G.J. Kinne, another 4 star QB who had planned on going to Baylor. Texas is also going to honor their scholarship offer to OL Matt Nader, who had to quit football this past fall when he almost died on the sideline of a game due to a heart problem.

[PSUColonel]

Finally! Something we agree about. ;)

I'm with you on how happy I am with the recruiting class. Last year's class was very skill-position heavy (Devlin, Carter, etc) and I was happy when PSU decided to focus on beefing up both lines and maintaining their status as "Linebacker U"

Hopefully, they'll get that RB that everyone is talking about decommitting from USC. Should they get him, they'll have a top-15 class for the third consecutive year and are setting up for a nice run (and hopefully a repeat of 2005) til 2010.

Green is definately going to USC from what I'm gathering. He just won't make the announcement until Wed. I'ts a real shame...we also lost Vidal Hazelton to them last year, even despite his parents attempt to keep him from going there.

[Swaggs]

I was under the impression that Reggie Bush has a better chance to play in college next season than Devine.

It is not as much of a longshot as it appeared a few months ago. He has the grades now (supposedly around a 2.20, w/ a chance to improve this last semester) and his last test score was close. He took the SATs again two weekends ago.

I feel dirty for knowing so much about this kid. :(

[Swaggs]

I think McKnight ends up at LSU, FWIW.

[RedKingGold]

Green is definately going to USC from what I'm gathering. He just won't make the announcement until Wed. I'ts a real shame...we also lost Vidal Hazelton to them last year, even despite his parents attempt to keep him from going there.

Well, I'm not too concerned about RB. Scott has always had the talent, it's his head that hasn't been straight. I get the feeling he could have a "Larry Johnson" type of year (where Scott comes out of being a dissapointment for four years and actually becomes the back they expected him to be out of Parkland). Also, I've heard pretty good things about Carter. The fact that the majority of the offensive line is coming back bodes well for our running game.

And, it all doesn't even matter if Morelli was the kind of suck he was before the bowl win (where even then he still made some pretty poor decisions).

[MrBug708]

How many more guys are possible UCLA commits? Right now they've got a great per recruit star average (3.73), but with only 11 recruits the class isn't considered one of the tops in the country. Scout.com has them at #31 right now, but if you go by average stars, they jump to #7.

Conversely, the UW's per player star average is mediocre (2.78), but they have 27 guys committed which puts them at #27 overall currently.

I really don't think anyone is still a UCLA commit. I think they are one over their limit, but Kahlil Bell is going to be dismissed from the team.

UCLA basically was able to target a few commits and got most of them. The only real miss was Everson Griffin , but they got the second best DE in the West and the best DT in the West so it wasn't so bad. The one three star (I think there is only one now) is Mike Harris and he was supposed to be a greyshirt til Arizona decided they were interested so UCLA had to bump it to a scholarship offer

[MrBug708]

Ga Tech is done. 20 commitments and all look solid to GT. Consensus top 15 class.

The only recruit that there is even a slight bit of concern over is Josh Nesbitt--the Dawgies are holding out hope for a signing day surprise, however the GT staff feels very good about getting his LOI.

What happened with Cedric Everson? He had his scholarship pulled?

[PSUColonel]

Scott should be a good back if he can ever learn to block. He really has been less than enthusiastic when it comes to blocking. I feel A.J. Wallace could also be someone to play RB at some point. He reminds me a lot of Michael Robinson.

[Celeval]

What happened with Cedric Everson? He had his scholarship pulled?

Basically. Lots of rumors back and forth - most seem to focus on there being some sort of class requirement that he had to take in order to qualify, and he didn't take it. Someone on the staff said something along the lines of that the offer was pulled back, and it was up to him to do something in particular to get it back, which he didn't do.

All very vague. But he's not going to Tech, either way.

[Logan]

Well, Rutgers' class might not be loaded with 5 stars like some other schools...but once again, Schiano pulls in the best class of his tenure. After going heavy on skill players last year, we loaded up on the big uglies. Anthony Davis, Keith Newell, Wayne Thomas, Richard Muldrow, etc should keep us strong on both sides of the line. Manny Abreu looks like the stud sideline to sideline LB we've needed, and we pulled in 2 kids from Maryland in Jourdan Brooks and Joe Lefeged who could be impact players.

The big test tomorrow is getting Joe Nicolas' signed LOI, keeping Miami off him, and hopefully getting the commit from RB Antwain Easterling.

The crazy thing is that a couple years ago, guys with the talent level equivalent to the commits I haven't mentioned would be the ones I'd be pumping up.

[waltwal]

3 things that strike me on recruiting.

1. the disparity in ratings of players between Scout.com and Rivals.com. Nothing wrong with it it just tends to indicate that Coaches and recruiting services may see players a little differently since the top 2 recruiting services do.

2. The fact that the default team standings are based on a total point system rather than an average of the players signed. Conceivably depending on the number of scholarships a school has available a team that has predominantly 3 star recruits could be rated higher than a team that tends to have more 4 star players. The average number of scholarships per year could be around 20 but some schools have larger numbers available but it seems to me that the average of your recruits should be the most important number and the number that determines the best recruiting class.

3. Ucla is having a pretty good year but with the predominance of USC in the LA area i would think that recruits would be turned off by being relegated to 2nd place in the same town. A lot of schools fall short of SC but being so close would seem to be detrimental to UCLA's recruiting efforts but at least this year it doesn't seem to be the case.

[digamma]

What happened with Cedric Everson? He had his scholarship pulled?

Celevel hit on the highlights. It came down to a class requirement. Tech gave him an opportunity to fulfill the course requirement and he did not, so they mutually parted ways.

He committed to Michigan State over the weekend. Tech got a Boston College commitment (Michael Peterson) to take his spot.

[MrBug708]

It's wierd though. Living in LA and seeing USC's success, a lot of kids are just turned off by the arrogance that comes off of SC. A lot of kids don't care because let's face it though, Pete Carroll and Co are winners and have an incredible record over the past 5 years. Brian Price, the top DT in the West straight out of Crenshaw was pursued even after he committed to UCLA. Something about the program just turned him off. I think the win over SC last year helped ease a lot of kids minds and the playing time exists at UCLA at UCLA for some positions. It just baffles me why a LB, WR, or RB would commit to USC? Each year I hear that their recruits are better then the years before though.

UCLA returns 20 starters so this is a make or break year for Dorrell with 10 wins needing to save his job IMO.

[waltwal]

I have had the same feeling about players shying away from schools that have a lot of top players at their position. I am sure the SC answers that by saying you will be able to find out quickly if you have what it takes for the NFL.

I think Dorral only has to win 8 including a Bowl which is 8-5 (maybe 9-4). I think he was a bad hire who has learned on the job thus a great turnover in his coaching staff. I do feel that he could possibly be fired in the next 2-3 years but he might turn out to be a good head coach at his next school. But I don"t think UCLA should hire guys that lack qualifications and learn on the job.

[GoldenEagle]

Arkansas will be signing Nathan Dick this year, who is Casey Dick's younger brother. Arkansas will be getting probably five more years of Dick. This Dick is bigger, so the Hogs may enjoy it more.

[RedKingGold]

Arkansas will be signing Nathan Dick this year, who is Casey Dick's younger brother. Arkansas will be getting probably five more years of Dick. This Dick is bigger, so the Hogs may enjoy it more.

While they may have Dick for the next five years; I do believe that Nutt is going to be around for a while, because no one else well take Nutt off of Arkansas's fans hands.

[dawgfan]

3 things that strike me on recruiting.

1. the disparity in ratings of players between Scout.com and Rivals.com. Nothing wrong with it it just tends to indicate that Coaches and recruiting services may see players a little differently since the top 2 recruiting services do.
Interesting - for the most part, I haven't seen much deviation between the two services. Sometimes a guy on Scout.com will be a 1-star while on Rivals he might be a 3 or 4 star, but that's only because a 1-star guy on Scout.com is someone they haven't had a chance to evaluate yet.

2. The fact that the default team standings are based on a total point system rather than an average of the players signed. Conceivably depending on the number of scholarships a school has available a team that has predominantly 3 star recruits could be rated higher than a team that tends to have more 4 star players. The average number of scholarships per year could be around 20 but some schools have larger numbers available but it seems to me that the average of your recruits should be the most important number and the number that determines the best recruiting class.
I think their rationale for placing some weight in the overall number of players committed/signed is that, all other things being equal, you want more players. I would presume that they weigh the average stars more than the overall number of commits, but when you see a school like UCLA with a high per-star average but only 11 commits, you can understand why their system might rank the UW's class higher simply because of the sheer number of players the Huskies have (27).

Doesn't mean that UCLA's class doesn't fit exactly what they need - after all, the team recruiting rankings are a highly subjective enterprise that, in the end, don't necessarily mean a great deal. Attrition due to injuries, grades, transfers, etc. can wreak havoc with a team's recruiting class, and there will always be some sleepers and some busts in these classes.

3. Ucla is having a pretty good year but with the predominance of USC in the LA area i would think that recruits would be turned off by being relegated to 2nd place in the same town. A lot of schools fall short of SC but being so close would seem to be detrimental to UCLA's recruiting efforts but at least this year it doesn't seem to be the case.
USC can only sign so many players, and they've gotten so good recently that they no longer are primarily focused on the West Coast and California - now they recruit nationally. The L.A. area has always had enough high-end prospects to feed both USC and UCLA while leaving a few left-overs for the rest of the Pac-10, and with USC looking more nationally that opens up even more kids for UCLA to snag.

[Swaggs]

Rivals is reporting that Noel Devine will sign with WVU tomorrow! I am giddy at the prospect of seeing Patrick White, Steve Slaton, and Noel Devine in the same backfield next year. I sure hope he can qualify.

[cschex]

Rivals is reporting that Noel Devine will sign with WVU tomorrow! I am giddy at the prospect of seeing Patrick White, Steve Slaton, and Noel Devine in the same backfield next year. I sure hope he can qualify.

That would be incredible to watch. I hope for his sake he not only qualifies but can put some of his troubled past behind him.

Oh, and Terrance Toliver to LSU! With Chad Jones and (hopefully) McKnight tomorrow, this has to be the best class in LSU history.

[Logan]

Great get for the entire BE if he qualifies.

[MikeVick7]

Great get for the entire BE if he qualifies.
Yeah, the consensus is that he won't.

[fjvieane]

It's wierd though. Living in LA and seeing USC's success, a lot of kids are just turned off by the arrogance that comes off of SC. A lot of kids don't care because let's face it though, Pete Carroll and Co are winners and have an incredible record over the past 5 years. Brian Price, the top DT in the West straight out of Crenshaw was pursued even after he committed to UCLA. Something about the program just turned him off. I think the win over SC last year helped ease a lot of kids minds and the playing time exists at UCLA at UCLA for some positions. It just baffles me why a LB, WR, or RB would commit to USC? Each year I hear that their recruits are better then the years before though.

UCLA returns 20 starters so this is a make or break year for Dorrell with 10 wins needing to save his job IMO.

hehe, you must be a UCLA fan. BTW Dorrell just signed a contract today that keeps him through 2011 (wonder if it happens).

I think kids at the positions you brought up come to USC because they know that they will get their shot to play right away and if not, the level of play and practices will get them ready for their turn. As I have seen and maybe you have too, injuries happen and someone has to step up (ala Taylor Mays).

I hope USC keeps it going tomorrow with a few big commits.......Good luck to all your teams, I hope you get who you want, well as long as USC isnt recruiting them :p

[timmynausea]

Yeah, the consensus is that he won't.

I wouldn't go that far. Apparently he's already on track to get where he needs to be GPA-wise and will have multiple chances to get the test score.

[timmynausea]

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[DeToxRox]

As explosive and talented as Devine is, just keep in mind the Clarett potential, both good AND bad.

[Toddzilla]

Almost as fun will be watching the kids who change their minds at the last possible minute. I haven't heard any stories about any potential switches, but they always happen...

[RedKingGold]

Man, Devine just plays like a man among boys, doesn't he?

[Dr. Sak]

Green is definately going to USC from what I'm gathering. He just won't make the announcement until Wed. I'ts a real shame...we also lost Vidal Hazelton to them last year, even despite his parents attempt to keep him from going there.

Actually everything I have been reading is pointing Green to Penn State. There was a USC poster (lives in Ark) on one of the premium message boards saying he heard on the radio today that Green was going to choose PSU. He is suppose to inform the coaches tonight of his choice.

Well, I'm not too concerned about RB. Scott has always had the talent, it's his head that hasn't been straight. I get the feeling he could have a "Larry Johnson" type of year (where Scott comes out of being a dissapointment for four years and actually becomes the back they expected him to be out of Parkland). Also, I've heard pretty good things about Carter. The fact that the majority of the offensive line is coming back bodes well for our running game.

And, it all doesn't even matter if Morelli was the kind of suck he was before the bowl win (where even then he still made some pretty poor decisions).

I have heard some really good things about Evan Royster too. I must be the only one that will defend Morelli. If you look at the last game you'll see a few things with the offense. They opened it up. There was too much predictability which made it extremely hard for Morelli to throw. Plus the offensive line wasn't exactly stellar all year. Add to that Derrick Williams had a really subpar year. I couldn't tell you how many passes he dropped. I'm not saying Morelli is great but there were a lot of other factors that led him to looking the way he did.

The coaching staff really needs to find a way to utilize Quarless more. He could be a really big weapon for them next season. He has the size and speed to get open against linebackers. He reminds me of Tony Stewart and Troy Drayton.

[bhlloy]

USC just stole 3 star TE Rhett Ellison away from WVU. Not a huge splash, but he does have some potential apparently.

Omar Bolden is out of the picture... going to Oregon State or Arizona State. He's going to be a very good CB and that one hurts a bit.

[dawgfan]

Omar Bolden is out of the picture... going to Oregon State or Arizona State. He's going to be a very good CB and that one hurts a bit.
He may have some qualifying issues. The UW is desperate for DB's this class and they backed-off of him, reportedly due to a combination of fears that he may not qualify and Bolden's desire to get a shot at RB (the Huskies already have 5 RB commits this class).

USC seems to be scrambling a bit - they've been raiding a few different commits from other schools, guys that didn't have that 4 or 5 star stamp of greatness from the recruiting services. They made a late run at UW lineman commit Skyler Fancher, but he's holding firm with the Huskies, but they did steal a DE recruit from Canada that had originally committed to WSU.

[bhlloy]

Apparently Skyler was never offered but he again is a guy with a lot of potential that should be a starter.

I totally agree that SC is scrambling a lot though this year - Marvin Austin not coming and the transfer of Walker Ashley led to a big need at D-Line at the last minute, which resulted in the offers to Henderson and Tupuo. Ellison got Bolden's scholarship apparently, and USC is still holding offers for 3 of McKnight, Deonte Thompson, Ahmed Paige and the CB Gildon who is committed to Oregon.

The very interesting news now is that Luther Davis could end up at USC if there is a scholarship free (probably Broderick Green). I would much rather the kid stays well away because he's a probation risk waiting to happen, but apparently his cousin is Damian Williams and the SC coaches called him last night to show interest.

[timmynausea]

USC just stole 3 star TE Rhett Ellison away from WVU. Not a huge splash, but he does have some potential apparently.


USC stole him from VT, actually.

[Swaggs]

USC just stole 3 star TE Rhett Ellison away from WVU. Not a huge splash, but he does have some potential apparently.

Omar Bolden is out of the picture... going to Oregon State or Arizona State. He's going to be a very good CB and that one hurts a bit.

I don't think Rhett Ellison has ever been committed or associated with West Virginia. I follow WVU's recruiting religiously and have never heard of him.

[bhlloy]

Sorry, wrong school. Virginia Tech, not WVU. Good catch :)

[dawgfan]

Apparently Skyler was never offered but he again is a guy with a lot of potential that should be a starter.
According to Fancher and Scout.com, USC did offer him but he declined their overture.

[cschex]

Apparently Skyler was never offered but he again is a guy with a lot of potential that should be a starter.

I totally agree that SC is scrambling a lot though this year - Marvin Austin not coming and the transfer of Walker Ashley led to a big need at D-Line at the last minute, which resulted in the offers to Henderson and Tupuo. Ellison got Bolden's scholarship apparently, and USC is still holding offers for 3 of McKnight, Deonte Thompson, Ahmed Paige and the CB Gildon who is committed to Oregon.

The very interesting news now is that Luther Davis could end up at USC if there is a scholarship free (probably Broderick Green). I would much rather the kid stays well away because he's a probation risk waiting to happen, but apparently his cousin is Damian Williams and the SC coaches called him last night to show interest.

Ha, I dont envy you at all if Davis signs with SC. He's a probation and qualifying rish who has some major character issues (ie, flat-out lying to everyone about visiting Bama when commited to LSU, then trying to save face after the Tigers pulled his scholie). Talented kid, but he doesn't seem worth the hassle and I tihnk SC has far better players. Let him hang with Saban in Bama with all of the recruits he was going to help go there, including Paige, McKnight, Chad Jones, Melancon...oh wait.

[larrymcg421]

It looks like FSU will land Deonte Thompson, but I'm still holding out hope that the Canes can get him. Even if we don't, I'm impressed with Shannon's first year recruiting.

[Ksyrup]

In the end, it was Florida State for four-star offensive tackle Antwane Greenlee (http://floridastate.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=45145). Last spring, he made a commitment to Florida State, then in August, the Rivals250 member changed his mind and committed to G<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.operationsports.com/fofc/ /><st1:PlaceName w:st=Florida</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st=" /><st1:country-region w:st="on">eorgia</st1:country-region>. But the Seminoles were persistent, even sending scholarship papers to High School just in case Greenlee changed his mind. And wouldn't you know it, he did.

"I've always been a Flo<ST1:p<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.operationsports.com/fofc/ /><st1:PlaceName w:st=Hardaway</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st=" /><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">rida</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">State fa</st1:PlaceType>n," Greenlee told Warchant.com. "I knew how I felt about the program. I feel the program is on the rise.

I knew two days ago, it's been weighing on heart. It was a gut feeling."

The 6-foot-6, 302 pound big man was quick to credit new FSU offensive line coach Rick Trickett (http://floridastate.rivals.com/viewcoach.asp?Coach=585) for his second change of heart. That, along with a need for offensive lineman, made Greenlee change his mind back to the 'Noles.

"Me and him formed (Trickett) a pretty close bond," he said. "He played a heavy role, he played a big role in my signing."

The signing is extra sweet for the Garnet and Gold because Greenlee recently cancelled an in-home visit with the 'Noles, a sure sign that he was signing with <st1:country-region w:st="on">Georgia</st1:country-region> on National Signing Day.

But In the end, playing time and a gut instinct is why Greenlee will suit up for <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Florida</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> next season.

Greenlee will wear jersey No. 78 at FSU.<O:p</O:p
</NOSCRIPT>

[Ksyrup]

WR MARKISH JONES TO CLEMSON
One prospect FSU wasn't able to turn was wide receiver Markish Jones of Spartanburg (S.C.) Broome. His coach said he signed with Clemson this morning. Jones committed to Clemson in October but was considering FSU, which needs speedy receivers.

[Logan]

The big test tomorrow is getting Joe Nicolas' signed LOI, keeping Miami off him, and hopefully getting the commit from RB Antwain Easterling.

Damn, unsuccessful.

Edit: #2 was unsuccessful as well. But apparently Schiano decided not to take Easterling due to the legal troubles and concerns about his attitude, so he committed to Southern Miss which was his only remaining D1 offer.

[Kodos]

Almost as fun will be watching the kids who change their minds at the last possible minute. I haven't heard any stories about any potential switches, but they always happen...

Stupid Jerimy Finch. First he decommited from Michigan and committed to IU, and then today he committed to Florida. Jackass. Would've been IU's highest rated recruit in a decade... :mad:

[Ksyrup]

Bad news for FSU - we lost our 1 sure bet at RB. Unbelievable.


Bert Reed Signs With FSU. losses RB Elliott

Former Florida commitment Bert Reed made it official on Wednesday morning. FSU has received the letter of intent from the Panama City Bay athlete who will be used as a receiver and returner for FSU.

But FSU wasn't able to sway Orlando Jones defensive lineman Jaye Howard who stuck to his committment to Florida. But the biggest blow to FSU in the early going of Signing Day was four-star running back Robert Elliott's announcement at his school's press conference that he had signed with Mississippi State. Elliott was the last highly rated running back on FSU's recruiting board heading into Wednesday and that could leave FSU without a signee at that position today.

[Noop]

Markish signed with Florida State :)

[Ksyrup]

Really?

EDIT: Just saw this:

Markish Jones changes mind, will sign with FSU
PalmettoSports.com is reporting that Markish Jones, who announced at a 9 a.m. press conference he would honor his commitment, has changed his mind. Jones' Spartanburg Broome high school coach told the website that Jones signed the letter of intentent but around 10 a.m. changed his mind and said he would sign with FSU.
Ahmad Paige, a wide receiver once committed to FSU, has signed with Tennessee.
Although not official yet, Homestead linebacker Maurice Harris has signed with FSU.

[Poli]

Go Vols!

[Ksyrup]

10:15 a.m. - DE Antoine Carter signs with Auburn.

10:05 a.m. - OL Anthony Grosso signs with FSU.

9:59 a.m. - Confirmed, DE Jerry Howard signed with <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.operationsports.com/fofc/ /><st1:City w:st=Auburn</st1:City>.
*
<font face=" /><st1:State w:st="on">Florida.</st1:State>

[CraigSca]

Really?

EDIT: Just saw this:

Markish Jones changes mind, will sign with FSU
PalmettoSports.com is reporting that Markish Jones, who announced at a 9 a.m. press conference he would honor his commitment, has changed his mind. Jones' Spartanburg Broome high school coach told the website that Jones signed the letter of intentent but around 10 a.m. changed his mind and said he would sign with FSU.
Ahmad Paige, a wide receiver once committed to FSU, has signed with Tennessee.
Although not official yet, Homestead linebacker Maurice Harris has signed with FSU.

Good grief. I'm surprised more coaches don't have heart attacks over crap like this.

[Ksyrup]

No kidding. It's one thing to change your commitment, but to do it within an hour after announcing on signing day? Bizarre. I can imagine this process is overwhelming and all of that, but geez, at some point you just make your decision and stick with it, or wait until you're entirely sure.

[Poli]

A few years back, Julian Battle (JUCO safety) committed to Tennessee, but on signing day sent his paperwork to NC State.

A few hours later, if I'm not mistaken on the story, he changed his mind, and called NC State about his fax. They said his fax hadn't been received.

He then signed with Tennessee. A good player, but a bad attitude, as I recall. I almost wish he hadn't.

[Ksyrup]

A few years back, Julian Battle (JUCO safety) committed to Tennessee, but on signing day sent his paperwork to NC State.

A few hours later, if I'm not mistaken on the story, he changed his mind, and called NC State about his fax. They said his fax hadn't been received.

He then signed with Tennessee. A good player, but a bad attitude, as I recall. I almost wish he hadn't.


NC State should have told him they received his fax and to send in the original for their files.

[Ksyrup]

Sorry for the FSU slant on all of this, but it's where I get my info. And they're losing so many that I'm updating other teams' signees as well...


FSU loses two to Auburn
Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews never gave up on convincing Michael McNeil to become a Seminole. But the Mobile Davidson safety said he signed a letter of intent with Auburn this morning. Another FSU prospect, defensive end Antoine Carter of Fort Lauderdale Dillard, signed with Auburn over FSU.

Auburn has not released an official list of signees.

McNeil's signing leaves FSU with fews options at safety. One to continue to watch is Stefoin Francois.

[Poli]

I thought I read somewhere Francois was LSU bound.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, it just got posted that he officially signed.

[Celeval]

GT's got their twenty LOI's in the bag, so we're done early today.

[flere-imsaho]

the team under the rader recruiting of the year award has to go to Ron Zook and Illinois, he put together a WOW class

No longer under the radar - it's a top story in today's New York Times - heavy on the allegations of wrong-doing.

[Ksyrup]

FSU kept Kendal Smith, a LB recruited by Kevin Steele, who left for Alabama.

[Poli]

Tennessee has 26 by last count...still waiting on a few others. We've lost two notables, one I believe that had verballed to UT.

[Noop]

No longer under the radar - it's a top story in today's New York Times - heavy on the allegations of wrong-doing.

I know Zook and the Gators are known to pay extra.

[st.cronin]

No kidding. It's one thing to change your commitment, but to do it within an hour after announcing on signing day? Bizarre. I can imagine this process is overwhelming and all of that, but geez, at some point you just make your decision and stick with it, or wait until you're entirely sure.

Don't bother trying to explain this to Cards4Ever.

[Poli]

We're waiting on four other names, Gerald Jones the biggest. Jones has reportedly been wavering between UT, OK State, and Texas Tech.

[Poli]

Now I hear we're waiting on five.

[Ksyrup]

FSU is heading into the lunch hour and the long-anticipated decision by Marvin Austin, the nation's top defensive prospect, with an official list of 11 signees.

The most recent signees include linebacker Kendall Smith. offensvie lineman Rodney Hudson, originially a commitment to West Virginia and Homestead linebacker Maurice Harris.

The group also includes offensvie lineman Anthony Grosso, Madison County cornerback Bernard Brinson. FSU also received letter of intents from offensive lineman A.J. Ganguzza and defensive end Jamar Jackson. Wide receiver Cameron Wade of Cairo, Ga. and offensive lineman Zach Hillery of Hargrave Academy are also on the official list. In adddition to Reed, WR Dionte Allen has signed with FSU.

[Poli]

Austin, who UT wanted as well, is headed to UNC by the forum I'm reading.

[Ksyrup]

Austin, who UT wanted as well, is headed to UNC by the forum I'm reading.

:(

For both of us.

[Logan]

9:59 a.m. - Confirmed, DE Jerry Howard signed with <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.operationsports.com/fofc/ /><st1:City w:st=Auburn</st1:City>.
*
<font face=" /><st1:State w:st="on">Florida.</st1:State>

Kind of surprised Howard stuck with Florida. There was some talk that he had interest in a few other schools after UF got commits from Dunlap and Trattou.

[Poli]

No kidding, ksyrup...but UT has a great class already, Jones or no Jones. I'm happy.

What surprises me is the lack of fanfare this year seems to have. Last year and the year before it seemed to be really heated...I was thinking two days ago about how quiet it has been in regards to recruiting this year.

[MikeVick7]

Rivals is reporting that Noel Devine will sign with WVU tomorrow! I am giddy at the prospect of seeing Patrick White, Steve Slaton, and Noel Devine in the same backfield next year. I sure hope he can qualify.
The latest is that he's not signing with anyone today according to Rivals.

[wade moore]

We're waiting on four other names, Gerald Jones the biggest. Jones has reportedly been wavering between UT, OK State, and Texas Tech.

So I don't follow UT Recruiting at all, hard enough to keep up with W&M, can you gimme some highlights on who we got and who turned at the last minute?

[Tigercat]

Mcknight to USC. Not surprising, and LSU will be fine with a top 5 recruiting class without him.

I am just disappointed the the best player in Louisiana, a once in every few years type talent would choose to leave the state. Especially for a team that needs his talent less than any other team in the nation. Ah well.

[Ksyrup]

The latest is that he's not signing with anyone today according to Rivals.


That's good news for FSU.

[DeToxRox]

McKnight to USC

[Eaglesfan27]

YES!!! Just saw myself that McKnight made it official. Not a surprise, and I really thought the distance comments were just to keep people guessing.

[vtbub]

bsak16 is tracking things http://inthebleachers.net/recruiting/loi-wednesday-updating-all-day/

[Tigercat]

YES!!! Just saw myself that McKnight made it official. Not a surprise, and I really thought the distance comments were just to keep people guessing.

I think he meant them, but USC was leading for him for months before that. And he has been living away from home with his coach since the storm anyway, so it wasn't enough to overly affect his decision.

[RedKingGold]

McKnight's signing with USC hopefully means Green will up with Penn State

[Poli]

So I don't follow UT Recruiting at all, hard enough to keep up with W&M, can you gimme some highlights on who we got and who turned at the last minute?
Yep, one minute.

[DeToxRox]

I have no vested intrest in McKnight as a Michigan fan but I have to wonder if you think USC will keep these RBs? This is good news for lesser teams who might get a huge transfer out of this.

[Eaglesfan27]

I have no vested intrest in McKnight as a Michigan fan but I have to wonder if you think USC will keep these RBs? This is good news for lesser teams who might get a huge transfer out of this.


Agreed. I'm thinking we'll lose at least one of our returning backs. Just too many very good to great backs to keep them all. However, from the local footage I've seen of McKnight, I'd take him over any of current backs. I agree with Tigercat that he is a rare talent.

[wade moore]

Yep, one minute.

You rule.

[Poli]

Wade, here's the list I'm going by:
1. Todd Campbell - WR
2. Donald Langley - DT
3. Art Evans - ATH
4. Cody Pope - OL
5. Darris Sawtelle - OL
6. B.J. Coleman - QB
7. C.J. Fleming - CB
8. Cory Hall - DE
9. Kevin Cooper - RB
10. Savion Frazier - TB/LB
11. Nevin McKenzie - S
12. Tyler Maples -WR
13. Josh Hawkins -RB
14. Darnius Moore -ATH
15. Daryl Vereen -RB
16. Brent Vinson -ATH
17. Eric Berry -DB
18. Lennon Creer -RB
19. Ahmad Paige -WR
20. Chris Donald -LB
21. William Brimfield -DT
22. Rolando Melancon -DT
23. DeAngelo Willingham -DB
24. Kenny O'Neal -WR
25. Ben Martin -DE
26. Dennis Rogan -RB
27. Anthony Anderson -ATH


Waiting on:
Gerald Jones -ATH 2:00
Chris Walker -LB 12:00
Deshaun Barnes -DB 12:00
Rufus Williams -DE 2:00
Rae Sykes -DE 1:00

Assuming times are eastern, two of these guys have announced, but it hasn't been updated.

Pope signed last year, practiced for a few days, but was then declared ineligible. He resigned this year. Same deal with Vinson.

Berry, Donald, and Martin were in the Army All American game. Donald and Martin announced there. Martin is from Ohio and OSU was pushing for him. I'm happy to nab him.

Paige was a surprise. I never thought we had a shot at him, Creer as well.

McKenzie is a JUCO who looks to take over for Morley, who didn't make the grades to stay in school.

Jones is the big name we're waiting on, I'd like to see him go with the Vols.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

[Noop]

Austin I think is going to UNC.

[wade moore]

Good to see WR's and RB's, an area where I'd really like to see some improvement. I wonder how the QB position shapes up after Ainge leaves.

[cschex]

I'd be more upset if we hadn't gotten Keiland Williams last year, but LSU continues to have a very deep RB corps. McKnight has always wanted to be the next Reggie Bush (minus the potential violations, i would hope), so good luck to him. I just hate the fellating of USC by, well, everyone, but the Disney's boys especially.

[Eaglesfan27]

Everson Griffen and Ronald Johnson just signed their letters of intent with USC.

Can't wait to see the "Super Freak" in action. :)

[Poli]

Redshirt freshman (last year) Jonathan Crompton is #2 and started the Arkansas game. He came in early during the LSU game as well, due to the injury to Ainge.

Nick Stephens is our #3 (signed last year) and Hardegree our #4.

Coleman will likely redshirt this year.

I'd expect UT to go after a couple of QBs heavily in the next year.

[timmynausea]

The latest is that he's not signing with anyone today according to Rivals.

Yep. Apparently Deion Sanders spent last night convincing him he should go to a prep school next year. He has two months to sign, though. If it all comes down to Rich Rodriguez vs. Neon Deion, I think RR will come out on top.

[wade moore]

Redshirt freshman (last year) Jonathan Crompton is #2 and started the Arkansas game. He came in early during the LSU game as well, due to the injury to Ainge.

Nick Stephens is our #3 (signed last year) and Hardegree our #4.

Coleman will likely redshirt this year.

I'd expect UT to go after a couple of QBs heavily in the next year.

Well, right, I realize that's the situation for next year, but is there someone that will clearly take over for Ainge? Is Crompton the guy, or could Coleman jump in and start as a freshman?

or do you think we really need to try and bring in a true freshman in 2008?

[Poli]

Crompton's a stud, and I'd like see him get the job. I don't really believe Stephens or Coleman will see the starting job.

I'd expect it to be between a then Redshirt junior Crompton and a highly touted freshman or two.

[Poli]

Walker's is in reportedly.

[Ksyrup]

Yep. Apparently Deion Sanders spent last night convincing him he should go to a prep school next year. He has two months to sign, though. If it all comes down to Rich Rodriguez vs. Neon Deion, I think RR will come out on top.

That's Deion plus the FSU contingent. Really, it was down to the two schools, so any delay favors FSU. If/when he qualifies, it's open season.

FSU got Brandon Paul, a local (Tallahassee) 4 star DB.

[Dr. Sak]

North Carolina is putting together a good class. Butch Davis really made up for lost time.

[timmynausea]

That's Deion plus the FSU contingent. Really, it was down to the two schools, so any delay favors FSU. If/when he qualifies, it's open season.

FSU got Brandon Paul, a local (Tallahassee) 4 star DB.

I agree that this could help FSU, but it seems that Deion is not arguing on behalf of FSU that Devine wait another couple weeks to take more visits. He is fully in support of Devine going to prep school whether he gets his grades or not and spending the entire next year making his choice.

That really doesn't make much sense, though, and I think he'll get his test score and end up in college next fall. It leaves the door open some for FSU, but he has said repeatedly he wants to get out of Florida.

[Ksyrup]

I agree that this could help FSU, but it seems that Deion is not arguing on behalf of FSU that Devine wait another couple weeks to take more visits. He is fully in support of Devine going to prep school whether he gets his grades or not and spending the entire next year making his choice.

That really doesn't make much sense, though, and I think he'll get his test score and end up in college next fall. It leaves the door open some for FSU, but he has said repeatedly he wants to get out of Florida.

Tallahassee is 15 miles from Georgia. :)

[Logan]

If you're the type of athlete that Devine is, it just seems like WVU is the perfect system for you to be in. He should slide right into Slaton's role with ease (obviously, the level of execution will take time).

[Ksyrup]

If you're the type of athlete that Devine is, it just seems like WVU is the perfect system for you to be in. He should slide right into Slaton's role with ease (obviously, the level of execution will take time).

What, the possibility of following in Lorenzo Booker's shoes doesn't thrill him?

This will be a make-or-break year for Bowden. If they continue to struggle on offense with the new coaching staff, they will see a huge slide in recruiting. Already we're looking at no better than a top 30 class this year, and without Austin, maybe not even that.

The bad thing for FSU is, as easy a schedule as they had last year, the schedule is that much tougher this year. Last year they had 8 home games and all the tough ones except Miami at home; this year they have Clemson, UF, VT, WF, and BC on the road. Even if they improve on last year, it might not show up in the record.

[MrBug708]

Pete Carroll is one of the dirtiest people out there and which is why I laugh when he cries ignorance on the whole Reggie Bush thing

----------------------------
The black car idled outside Crenshaw High, waiting to whisk Brian Price to USC.

Price, a highly regarded defensive lineman, had committed to UCLA months before and had told USC coaches he was not interested in an official visit to their campus.

USC scheduled one anyway — and sent the conspicuous vehicle to deliver Price to Heritage Hall last month.

Price did not get into the chauffeur-driven automobile — a Lincoln Town Car, according to USC; a limousine, according to Price's father and other witnesses — but its arrival at Crenshaw was emblematic of the never-quit recruiting mentality that helped fuel USC's return to prominence and, according to some experts, has lately infused UCLA as well.

It was just more than two weeks ago that USC made its play for the 6-foot-3, 270-pound Price, setting off a flurry of rumors on the recruiting grapevine.

NCAA rules forbid the use of limousines or helicopters to transport recruits during official paid visits, but luxury sedans, such as Town Cars, can be permissible, according to NCAA spokesman Erik Christianson.

Price said he had told Trojans assistant coach Ken Norton Jr. on Jan. 18 that he would not make an official visit to USC. Price said he was in his fourth-period class at Crenshaw the next day when he was informed, "there's a limo waiting outside for you to come to USC."

Price's father, Frank, who works as a softball coach at Crenshaw, said he then called Norton to tell him his son would not be getting into the limousine.

Asked if he knew the difference between a Town Car and a stretch limousine, Frank Price said, "That limo was long. That was no Town Car."

NCAA rules prohibit coaches from speaking about recruits until they have signed letters of intent, so Carroll declined to comment specifically about Price. He said, however, that office staff made transportation arrangements for recruits and that he did not know the name of the car service that USC used.

Speaking generally, Carroll said, "We would anticipate that when you send a car to pick someone up, they will be picked up in a Town Car. That's standard operating procedure. That's what we expect."

A USC athletic department spokesman said the school's compliance office had requested a receipt from the car service and that the receipt showed a sedan had been ordered and was sent to Crenshaw.

The spokesman said compliance officials were satisfied that no violation had occurred and were no longer investigating the matter.

He declined to provide The Times with the name of the car service.

Price said that he was planning to commit to UCLA, but that did not stop other schools from courting him. He recently made a trip to Arizona State, and he said his family played host to USC coach Pete Carroll and linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr.

The meeting with the USC coaches had a turbulent ending. Frank Price could not be there, so longtime family friend and former Crenshaw assistant coach Eric Scott was asked by the family to sit in. Scott left Crenshaw last summer to work as a part-time intern at UCLA.

"It was cool to me, but my mom didn't like it because coach Carroll said if I didn't take a trip there, he didn't know what kind of character I have," Brian said. "My mom got mad off of that, and I did, too. You can't judge a person's character because they don't want to take a trip to your school."

What the hell kind of coach would call a kid classless if he decides not to visit their school?

Eat shit and die Carroll. Seriously. You make Tark the Shark look like an Angel

[DeToxRox]

All coaches are shady. Jim Tressel was recruiting for Michigan State for Ronald Johnson just so he wouldn't sign with Michigan. Anyway to get ahead of your rival.

[PSUColonel]

Broderick Green will make an announcement at 1:35 PM. Will it be USC, or PSU?

[Swaggs]

How is it that schools can get in trouble for their fans contacting recruits via myspace or by just talking to them, but a famous and wealthy FSU alum is allowed to have Devine live with him and talk to him on the telephone the night before LOI day?

[Dr. Sak]

All coaches are shady. Jim Tressel was recruiting for Michigan State for Ronald Johnson just so he wouldn't sign with Michigan. Anyway to get ahead of your rival.

If you want to read another interesting piece read this about Notre Dame

hxxp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/06/AR2007020601649.html

[DeToxRox]

How is it that schools can get in trouble for their fans contacting recruits via myspace or by just talking to them, but a famous and wealthy FSU alum is allowed to have Devine live with him and talk to him on the telephone the night before LOI day?

Probably because in this case Deion is first and foremost a HS alumn of Devine so he's giving him "recruiting process advice".

[Dr. Sak]

How is it that schools can get in trouble for their fans contacting recruits via myspace or by just talking to them, but a famous and wealthy FSU alum is allowed to have Devine live with him and talk to him on the telephone the night before LOI day?

The NCAA also wants to put a ban on fans making signs for recruits when the attend football or basketball games. They want those and chants stopped that include the recruits names.

[Eaglesfan27]

Broderick Green will make an announcement at 1:35 PM. Will it be USC, or PSU?


There is a guy at the press conference who is doing live messages to a USC board, and it is funny to watch him analyze everything. He seems to think Broderick's clothes choice indicates it will be PSU.

[Ksyrup]

Probably because in this case Deion is first and foremost a HS alumn of Devine so he's giving him "recruiting process advice".

I made the Deion/FSU comment, so maybe it's more likely that he isn't pushing him one way or the other. Still, it's a good question.

[DeToxRox]

If you want to read another interesting piece read this about Notre Dame

hxxp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/06/AR2007020601649.html

Very nice find BSak. I find it crazy that these coaches will go that far to persuade recruits.

[MrBug708]

The NCAA also wants to put a ban on fans making signs for recruits when the attend football or basketball games. They want those and chants stopped that include the recruits names.

That would be impossible to stop

[Eaglesfan27]

Interesting, just read an article that USC is obtaining the #1 kicker in the nation from a few years ago after Nebraska gave a full release to K Jordan Congdon who has had multiple family members in ill health back in California and wanted to come back closer to home as a result. The big knock on him as a kicker is his short kickoffs, but he seems very accurate on anything inside 40 yards.

[Dr. Sak]

There is a guy at the press conference who is doing live messages to a USC board, and it is funny to watch him analyze everything. He seems to think Broderick's clothes choice indicates it will be PSU.

He is now reportedly changing his clothes...I think the kid is really torn. Maybe he should wait and think it over some more.

[timmynausea]

Signing day always makes me wish for multi-player TCY.

[Dr. Sak]

Green to USC

[Eaglesfan27]

It's official. Broderick Green stays with USC!!! He is such a big back that we need for short yardage! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Now, USC has the top 3 recruits overall according to most recruiting services, as well as 3 of the top backs (assuming Marc Tyler doesn't have a last second change of heart.)

[Dr. Sak]

Well you have to figure a few of those RBs will be transferring before their eligibity is up. There aren't enough carries to go around.

[Eaglesfan27]

Word on the USC board about Broderick Green is that his parents were pushing him hard towards PSU and that he actually gave them a soft committ last night, but then decided to honor his original committment to USC. However, it went down, seems like he really agonized over the decision.

[DeToxRox]

Now, USC has the top 3 recruits overall according to most recruiting services, as well as 3 of the top backs (assuming Marc Tyler doesn't have a last second change of heart.)

I've heard grumblings before Tyler could leave USC (though it could've just been message board BS) but it seems like a scenario that has legs to it. What do you think, EF?

[Dr. Sak]

Word on the USC board about Broderick Green is that his parents were pushing him hard towards PSU and that he actually gave them a soft committ last night, but then decided to honor his original committment to USC. However, it went down, seems like he really agonized over the decision.

Sounds like the Vidal Hazelton saga of last season...

[Eaglesfan27]

You also have to figure at least one of our backs and possibly Tyler may be transitioned to defense. C.J. Gable has the ability to play well at CB/S from all accounts and I could see one of the other backs getting moved to defense. However, it certainly seems likely at least one of the current backs will transfer.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've heard grumblings before Tyler could leave USC (though it could've just been message board BS) but it seems like a scenario that has legs to it. What do you think, EF?

Before Green announced, I thought Tyler was less likely to backout than Green. Now that Green and McKnight have announced, it's possible Tyler will decide he doesn't want to have beat out them as well as all of the current backs. However, there has always been chat about him putting on a bit of weight and playing defense and he has reportedly been open to that possibility. He has a lot of ties to the area, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if he follows through with his verbal committment to USC.

[MrBug708]

Tyler is going to be a LB at USC. It's to Kool-Aid they drink over there. It's like none of them have ever seen a depth chart?

[st.cronin]

Wisconsin's list:

Josh Oglesby OT 6-7 320 Milwaukee, WI OT #2 83 Verbal Wisconsin
John Clay RB 6-2 220 Racine, WI RB #12 79 Verbal Wisconsin
Quincy Landingham S 6-0 195 Bloomfield Hills, MI S #30 78 Verbal Wisconsin
Kevin Rouse ILB 6-0 220 Joliet, IL ILB #15 77 Verbal Wisconsin
Kyle Jefferson WR 6-4 195 Cleveland, OH WR #50 77 Verbal Wisconsin
Zacchaeus Brown RB 5-11 185 Royal Palm Beach, FL RB #46 77 Verbal Wisconsin
Daven Jones WR 6-0 185 Cleveland, OH PG 76 Verbal Wisconsin
Mario Goins CB 6-0 173 Copperas Cove, TX CB #49 74 Verbal Wisconsin
James Stallons QB 6-5 185 Macomb, MI QB #78 74 Verbal Wisconsin
Blake Sorensen ILB 6-0 210 Eden Prairie, MN ILB #38 74 Verbal Wisconsin
Louis Nzegwu DE 6-2 225 Platteville, WI DE #89 73 Verbal Wisconsin
Aaron Henry WR 5-11 170 Collier, FL WR #168 68 Verbal Wisconsin
Patrick Butrym TE 6-5 240 Waukesha, WI 40 Verbal Wisconsin
David Gilreath WR 5-11 155 Minneapolis, MN 40 Verbal Wisconsin
Jasper Grimes DT 6-2 280 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 40 Verbal Wisconsin
Otis Merrill CB 5-11 170 Cleveland, OH 40 Verbal Wisconsin
Nick Toon WR 6-3 195 Middleton, WI 40 Verbal Wisconsin

considering:

Darran Kinsey ILB 6-1 235 Homestead, FL ILB #7 79 Undeclared View Schools
Brandon Reynolds FB 5-11 230 Battle Creek, MI FB #2 77 Undeclared View Schools
Mike Flood OG 6-4 295 Westlake, OH OG #40 74 Undeclared View Schools
Ryan Grossman OT 6-3 290 Glen Ellyn, IL OT #94 73 Undeclared View Schools
Caleb Walter QB 6-3 195 West Branch, IA QB #118 71 Undeclared View Schools
Jacob Juedes QB 6-2 185 Sheboygan Falls, WI QB #134 71 Undeclared View Schools
Darius Scott DT 6-4 355 North Chicago, IL DT #78 70 Undeclared View Schools
Dan Grimsley QB 6-0 180 Canton, OH QB #147 69 Undeclared View Schools
Matt Simmons OT 6-6 310 Racine, WI OT #140 69 Undeclared View Schools
Matt Winegardner TE 6-4 210 Cincinnati, OH TE #84 68 Undeclared View Schools
Taylor Grote WR 6-1 180 The Woodlands, TX WR #187 67 Undeclared View Schools
Matt Klein OLB 6-1 205 Buffalo Grove, IL OLB #95 67 Undeclared View Schools
Luke Hockaday QB 6-2 175 Maroa, IL QB #233 60 Undeclared View Schools
Dan Collins S 6-2 191 Newtown, PA 45 Undeclared View Schools
Justin Belotti RB 6-1 200 Kenosha, WI 40 Undeclared View Schools
James Brown QB 6-0 190 Alvin, TX 40 Undeclared View Schools
Marty Cardwell CB 5-11 175 Flint, MI 40 Undeclared View Schools
Brady Demell DE 6-3 225 Mentor, OH 40 Undeclared View Schools
Ira Duckworth RB 6-1 175 Houston, TX 40 Undeclared View Schools
Stephen Ford RB 5-10 175 Cambridge, OH 40 Undeclared View Schools
Jermale Hines RB 6-2 190 Nashville, GA 40 Undeclared View Schools
Matt Holsberger FB 6-2 215 Cresson, PA 40 Undeclared View Schools
Moses Jeremy QB 6-1 180 Baytown, TX 40 Undeclared View Schools
Ben Jurevicius CB 6-0 175 Cleveland, OH 40 Undeclared View Schools
Daniel Keeling RB 5-9 185 Crawfordsville, IN 40 Undeclared View Schools
David Kelsch DT 6-3 255 Kenosha, WI 40 Undeclared View Schools
Demitrius Parker OLB 6-0 195 Detoit, MI 40 Undeclared View Schools
Jeff Pechan QB 6-2 175 St. Charles, IL 40 Undeclared View Schools
Darnell Ratcliff RB 5-10 185 Chicago, IL 40 Undeclared View Schools
Victor Reynolds S 6-0 190 Oak Creek, WI 40 Undeclared View Schools
Dan Sirovy S 6-0 170 Farmington Hills, MI 40 Undeclared View Schools
Richard Spellman RB 5-9 195 Winnetka, IL 40 Undeclared View Schools
Kyle Steinbrecher CB 6-3 175 Davenport, IA 40 Undeclared View Schools
Garrett Van Dyke ILB 6-2 210 Houston, TX 40 Undeclared View Schools
Rocky Weaver TE 6-6 225 Battle Creek, MI 40 Undeclared View Schools
Terrance Williams WR 5-9 177 Lacey, WA 40 Undeclared View Schools
Alex Wodka OG 6-4 265 Buffalo Grove, IL 40 Undeclared View Schools

[Eaglesfan27]

Tyler is going to be a LB at USC. It's to Kool-Aid they drink over there. It's like none of them have ever seen a depth chart?


Bitter, Bug?

[Ksyrup]

Markish Jones, the dude who reneged on Clemson this morning for FSU, still is not officially confirmed, which leads me to believe some third-guessing is going on.

[PSUColonel]

Word on the USC board about Broderick Green is that his parents were pushing him hard towards PSU and that he actually gave them a soft committ last night, but then decided to honor his original committment to USC. However, it went down, seems like he really agonized over the decision.

can you say deja vu? (vidal hazelton)

[PSUColonel]

Why do these absolute stud players always choose the USC, FSU Notre Dame, Michigan and Miami type schools over Penn State??? ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

Chris Galippo (#1 LB in the nation by most services) has made USC official (not there was any doubt with him) :)

Trey Henderson, Ron Johnson, Aaron Corp and Mike Reardon have also made it official.

[Eaglesfan27]

Interesting, just read that WR Greg Little just switched away from his committment to ND in favor of North Carolina.

[Dr. Sak]

Why do these absolute stud players always choose the USC, FSU Notre Dame, Michigan and Miami type schools over Penn State??? ;)


It's all in what you like I guess. Some players go for the glitz and glamour of the Big City like LA or the clout of ND, or the beaches of Miami. It's a pretty big culture shock to go from a big city to the Middle of Pennsylvania. State College is a nice town but it isn't city life. I also think some of it has to do with the coaches. Let's be honest, who knows how long Joe Paterno has left. I heard he told one recruit that he has 2 years left.

Plus unlike other schools he won't promise playing time early. He did for Derrick Williams and Justin King but it was pretty clear that they were better than any other WR they had at the time. They also don't seem to play the ass kissing game that other schools do. I'm not naive to think they don't do some sort of negative recruiting but I believe they do more of a job trying to sell their school than tear apart others.

I grew up a Penn State fan from birth and I can honestly say any school in the country could've offered me a scholarship but if Penn State came knocking I would've accepted in a heartbeat. To me there is nothing like fall Saturdays in State College.

[Dr. Sak]

Interesting, just read that WR Greg Little just switched away from his committment to ND in favor of North Carolina.

Yah Butch Davis is doing good today. ND has lost a few WRs today. Who is uber-qb Jimmy Claussen going to throw to?

[PSUColonel]

It's all in what you like I guess. Some players go for the glitz and glamour of the Big City like LA or the clout of ND, or the beaches of Miami. It's a pretty big culture shock to go from a big city to the Middle of Pennsylvania. State College is a nice town but it isn't city life. I also think some of it has to do with the coaches. Let's be honest, who knows how long Joe Paterno has left. I heard he told one recruit that he has 2 years left.

Plus unlike other schools he won't promise playing time early. He did for Derrick Williams and Justin King but it was pretty clear that they were better than any other WR they had at the time. They also don't seem to play the ass kissing game that other schools do. I'm not naive to think they don't do some sort of negative recruiting but I believe they do more of a job trying to sell their school than tear apart others.

I grew up a Penn State fan from birth and I can honestly say any school in the country could've offered me a scholarship but if Penn State came knocking I would've accepted in a heartbeat. To me there is nothing like fall Saturdays in State College.

agreed.

But one thing we do have over all those other schools is top notch facilities..not all of those schools can even say that. PSU looks more like a professional team when it comes to facilities.

[DeToxRox]

The Carolina schools are looking damn good this recruiting season. I am interested to see UNC in the next few years, they have a shot to become a dominate team.

[larrymcg421]

Deonte Thompson should be announcing any minute now...

[Mr. Wednesday]

Yah Butch Davis is doing good today. ND has lost a few WRs today. Who is uber-qb Jimmy Claussen going to throw to?
If by "a few" you mean "one", that's true, but I believe we'll still have eight next season.

[timmyw3]

For all you USC heads out there, what are your thoughts on Antwine Perez? Left SC to come back east and play at Maryland.

[cschex]

My question for the Tenn. fans:

By my math, UT has signed 32 players. Is Fulmer expecting that many not to qualify or will they all accept greyshirts?

[Eaglesfan27]

For all you USC heads out there, what are your thoughts on Antwine Perez? Left SC to come back east and play at Maryland.


Has good physical skills, but I thought his mental aspects of the game left something to be desired. He seemed to lose focus at times from what I've seen and heard.

[Eaglesfan27]

Deonte Thompson should be announcing any minute now...


I'll be surprised if he leaves Florida (I mean one of the Florida schools, not necessarily Florida) for USC, but I'm hoping..

[larrymcg421]

I'll be surprised if he leaves Florida (I mean one of the Florida schools, not necessarily Florida) for USC, but I'm hoping..

Everything I read is it is down to FSU and Miami. His heart is with Miami, but Bobby has been making a very persuasive last minute pitch about Nix's inability to get Calvin Johnson the ball more.

[Dr. Sak]

If by "a few" you mean "one", that's true, but I believe we'll still have eight next season.

Sorry I should have clarified...by a few I was talking verbals. ND lost Greg Little and OG Chris Little.

[cschex]

Thompson to Florida. After the Toliver commit to LSU and the other reciever decommits, that makes plenty of sense to me.

[Eaglesfan27]

No surprise. Good move for Thompson. He has a young kid in Florida and doesn't want to leave her for a few years, and the child's mom doesn't want to move to California reportedly.

[Toddzilla]

OUCH!

I know Tyrod Taylor is excited to be a Hokie, but he's not going to win any friends on the team with this kind of response to a very-loaded question:

Charlie (Arlington): Did the fact that Tech has no talent at the QB position play a part in your choosing the Hokies?

SportsNation Tyrod Taylor: (3:48 PM ET ) Yes. That influenced me a lot.

[VPI97]

I know Tyrod Taylor is excited to be a Hokie, but he's not going to win any friends on the team with this kind of response to a very-loaded question:

In fairness, do we actually have any talent at the QB position?

[Mr. Wednesday]

Sorry I should have clarified...by a few I was talking verbals. ND lost Greg Little and OG Chris Little.

In context, it looked like you were saying we'd lost a few WRs.

Anyway, yeah, in addition to those two there was also Trattou... and I thought that one was bad with him reneging a couple weeks out. The case of the Littles is ridiculous.

[Eaglesfan27]

Marc Tyler has made USC official now. #1 and #2 RB's in the country come to USC as well as Green who is a top 15 back.

Aaron Corp, #3 QB in the country who runs a 4.6 in the 40 and has a very accurate arm also signed his LOI with USC. 4 or 5 other 4 star athletes also signed their LOI. :)

[Tigercat]

I wonder how good USC would be if they pulled back from recruiting so many skill positions guys and did a better job of recruiting more big time big uglies? Just a slightly negative critique of their recruiting dynasty.

Its not unusual to see them get a whole bunch of the top skill positions, but you never see them load up on big time OLmen or DTs. (They got one very good OLmen this year, but depth is always nice...)

[Eaglesfan27]

I wonder how good USC would be if they pulled back from recruiting so many skill positions guys and did a better job of recruiting more big time big uglies? Just a slightly negative critique of their recruiting dynasty.

Its not unusual to see them get a whole bunch of the top skill positions, but you never see them load up on big time OLmen or DTs. (They got one very good OLmen this year, but depth is always nice...)


Actually, they have already signed 2 of the top DE's in the country in Griffen and Reardon. They got nice depth with Trey Henderson at DE. DaJohn Henderson is one of the top 5 DT's in the country and he should sign today.

Martin Coleman is one of the top T's in the country and he has signed his LOI. Kristofer O'Dawd should sign today and he is one of the top G's. Not to mention, most of their OL are returning and are very good players who should more cohesive and better this upcoming year. USC's class is behind Florida due to the large number of spots that Florida had open. USC didn't have enough guys leave to need to recruit as many guys, but their top 10 guys compares favorably with Florida's.

Edit: I forgot Christian Tupou who is a top 20 DE and will likely sign with USC today, too.

[Eaglesfan27]

Not that it means much, but ESPNu has just moved Southern Cal up to #1 in their recruiting ranking for this year.

[larrymcg421]

Oh well, if we had to lose Deonte to another Florida school, I'm glad it was Florida and not FSU.

At least we still landed DE Allen Bailey from Georgia, along with two four star WR's, a four star ATH, and a huge pickup in four star QB Robert Marve. The way Wright and Freeman played last year, I wouldn't be surprised to see Marve get some action early.

[Barkers Pools]

My question for the Tenn. fans:

By my math, UT has signed 32 players. Is Fulmer expecting that many not to qualify or will they all accept greyshirts?

A little of both. At least three of four, maybe more, will not be qualifying and going the prep school/junior college route. Then we will greyshirt a couple. Fulmer said he will fit them in using a variety of methods.

We are very excited though, as this is easily the best class Fulmer has ever landed, including the highest-rated recruit we have had since Peyton Manning with Eric Berry, the #4 recruit in the nation and the best defensive back.

--Ben

[wbatl1]

As a Carolina (northern variety) fan, I couldn't be more pumped after today. Butch Davis brought in a terrific class after only 8 weeks or recruiting. Not only did he get visits and talk with big-time recruits (which we have done many times before) but he really closed and locked down almost all of our late-deciders. Great work by Butch, and I couldn't be more optimistic about this program than I am right now.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think UNC and South Carolina had the 2 most surprising classes/impressive classes after factoring in their recent histories.

[larrymcg421]

I think UNC and South Carolina had the 2 most surprising classes/impressive classes after factoring in their recent histories.

They were very impressive, but I don't think very surprising given the coaches involved.

[Eaglesfan27]

They were very impressive, but I don't think very surprising given the coaches involved.


Yeah. I just didn't think either coach would make THAT big of an impact.

[bhlloy]

Disappointing not to get either Paige or Deonte Thompson, but it was always going to be tough to get them to come across country.

Tyler is going to stay at RB, and I wouldn't be too surprised to see him take a redshirt to get back up to game speed. Nobody is mentioning this as a possibility atm, but it was a horrific injury he suffered. McKnight will contribute right away as a kick returner and third down back. Green is the odd man out - I am very surprised he signed. However, he is instantly the best short yardage back on the roster, and if he can block a lick will probably get some reps at FB as well because Brandon Hancock and Ryan Powdrell aren't coming back.

[st.cronin]

I'm not surprised by UNC, that really should be one of the top 10 programs in the country.

[Cuckoo]

Small class for OU this year. And it was looking like it was only going to have a couple of key guys in it there for a while, particularly after they lost guys like Scott to Texas and Creer to UT. Many fans were already looking toward a couple of big name juniors that have committed for 2008.

But it appears the Sooners finished up pretty strong, getting a couple of 4 star switches in Broyles (from OK State) and Lewis (from Nebraska) as well as a late commit from 4 star DE Alexander out of Louisiana. Despite the small numbers, it'll probably be a top 15 class by Rivals and top 10 by average ranking.

Not too bad at all. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Nichol, Box, Lewis and Mike Reed can do.

[timmynausea]

WVU stole WR Tarus McKinley from Miami today. Apparently he'll be prepping at Hargrave for a semester and coming to WVU in January '08. Not a massive deal, but it's nice to get a pleasant surprise after the Devine news. Whenever you're beating Miami for a recruit, he can't be too bad.

[larrymcg421]

WVU stole WR Tarus McKinley from Miami today. Apparently he'll be prepping at Hargrave for a semester and coming to WVU in January '08. Not a massive deal, but it's nice to get a pleasant surprise after the Devine news. Whenever you're beating Miami for a recruit, he can't be too bad.

If rivals.com info is right, I wouldn't be too excited about him. He's 5'9" and runs a 4.74. He would've been the slowest and shortest of a 5 WR class for Miami. I think Harris and Matthews have better potential for WVU, eventhough they are only two star recruits.

[fjvieane]

For all you USC heads out there, what are your thoughts on Antwine Perez? Left SC to come back east and play at Maryland.


I agree with what EF said. But Ill add that Perez did have a nagging hammy or something like that early on and when he was completely healed Taylor Mays had surpassed him. I also heard he was homesick as well.

So Perez had to do what was best for him, I hope he starts for Maryland when he gets his chance, he can turn out to be a great player.

[General Mike]

Even with the loss of Nicolas, I'm very happy with Rutgers recruiting class.

[wbatl1]

I'm not surprised by UNC, that really should be one of the top 10 programs in the country.

Key word: should, although I would disagree with your assessment. I think Carolina has the potential and should be a top-25 team every year, but we have been nowhere close to either of these benchmarks recently. This recruiting class and the staff Davis has assembled are signs that we may (finally, again) be moving in the right direction.

[Dr. Sak]

Even with the loss of Nicolas, I'm very happy with Rutgers recruiting class.

Rutgers is in a hot bed of high school talent. A few more 8-10 win seasons and they will be a team to beat in the Northeast.

[wbatl1]

Rutgers is in a hot bed of high school talent. A few more 8-10 win seasons and they will be a team to beat in the Northeast.

and Schiano recruits Florida very well for speed. They could be scary to a lot of teams pretty soon...

[Poli]

A little of both. At least three of four, maybe more, will not be qualifying and going the prep school/junior college route. Then we will greyshirt a couple. Fulmer said he will fit them in using a variety of methods.

We are very excited though, as this is easily the best class Fulmer has ever landed, including the highest-rated recruit we have had since Peyton Manning with Eric Berry, the #4 recruit in the nation and the best defensive back.

--Ben
Woah, another UT fan! Woo!

[Poli]

Small class for OU this year. And it was looking like it was only going to have a couple of key guys in it there for a while, particularly after they lost guys like Scott to Texas and Creer to Tennessee.
Fixed that for you. :)

[Cuckoo]

Fixed that for you. :)

Oops, my bad. Yeah, killer class for Tennessee this year. Creer's going to be a good one, it looks like.

[Celeval]

What happened with Cedric Everson? He had his scholarship pulled?

It came down to a class requirement. Tech gave him an opportunity to fulfill the course requirement and he did not, so they mutually parted ways.

He committed to Michigan State over the weekend.

...aaaaaand after commiting to MSU on Saturday, he signed with Iowa today. Not entirely sure what went on with him, but I wish him the best. Very, very happy with Tech's class this year. Two really good-looking quarterbacks in Threet and Nesbitt.

[IMetTrentGreen]

creer is average. thats all.

[st.cronin]

creer is average. thats all.

Well, that settles that.

[Poli]

I'm betting that's why a lot of schools wanted him. I know I'm all about getting average backs into Tennessee.

[Poli]

Cronin, is your name Tubby by chance?

[st.cronin]

Cronin, is your name Tubby by chance?

Nope. Full name Sean Treacy Cronin

In high school I was nicknamed Flipper.

[Poli]

Well, that eliminates you as being my my long lost brother.

[st.cronin]

Well, that eliminates you as being my my long lost brother.

We can still be friends.

[Poli]

What's in it for me?

[st.cronin]

I'll get you a hat.

[Poli]

Depends on the hat.

[Poli]

Wait, wasn't that my line?

[st.cronin]

It won't be anything to do with the SEC, that's for sure.

[Eaglesfan27]

I was out sick from work yesterday (truly sick with a nasty cold) but returned to work today. We are in the heart of LSU country, but one of my co-workers, a psychologist, is a huge USC fan, too. It's kind of funny all of the crap our co-worker LSU fans are giving us about McKnight considering neither of us had anything to do with his recruitment process. It's also funny to hear these people who raved about him, now say, "he's not that good. He's going to stink" etc, etc.

[Logan]

I was out sick from work yesterday (truly sick with a nasty cold) but returned to work today. We are in the heart of LSU country, but one of my co-workers, a psychologist, is a huge USC fan, too. It's kind of funny all of the crap our co-worker LSU fans are giving us about McKnight considering neither of us had anything to do with his recruitment process. It's also funny to hear these people who raved about him, now say, "he's not that good. He's going to stink" etc, etc.

It's all typical. When Joseph Nicolas verballed to Rutgers a couple months back, we had Miami fans swarm our Rivals board saying that they were never interested in him, he's a 3rd tier player, he'll never make an impact, etc.

Fast forward to yesterday, when he reneged and signed with Miami (something we all had seen coming), and it was "Haha he would never play for a shitty school like Rutgers, he's the next Sean Taylor, blah blah blah..."

[Poli]

Creer is average.

:)

[Poli]

Seriously, it was good to see Gerald Jones signed on as well. We've got an awful lot of receivers on scholarship now. If we don't use four and 5 wide receiver sets more often...

[Dr. Sak]

Fans like that really annoy me. 10 mins before a player announces they are all over him saying he could be the key to a national title run. Then right after he chooses another school that same fan will say "He wasn't <insert school> material". Give me a break.

There's another quesiton that I'd like some option on with regards to recruiting. Which position do you think it is the hardest to project skill when recruiting?

IMO I think it is offensive line. Some kids mature physically much faster than others. You could have a kid who looks awesome on film, pancaking everyone but it could be just because he matured faster. A lot of times that kid won't be a workaholic because he was able to just oversize everyone. Now in college he can't do the same thing and becomes discouraged. Any thoughts?

[Poli]

I'd say the line as well...players seem to disappear on the line at Tennessee...while others, guys I wasn't expecting much from, come out of nowhere.

Last year, we had former walkons start at center and defensive tackle.

The only other former walk on to do any starting in recent memory was Bengal WR Kelley Washington, and he was a special case at that.

[Toddzilla]

Hey ae, you talk to your boys down there, and I'll talk to my boys up here, and lets see if we can get 'em together for a game out Bristol way...

[Swaggs]

Deion on Devine:

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070208/COLUMNISTS41/70208002/1117/COLUMNISTS41

Decision like this takes time
Originally published on February 08, 2007




ALSO FROM NEWS-PRESS.COM
Forum: Post feedback on Deion's last column


Understand this, Noel Devine is like a son to me. I have fame and wealth, so I don’t need anything from him. I have three sons, so I’m not trying to live vicariously through him.

My motives are as pure as a child’s love.

I get emotional when I talk about Noel because we have such a complex relationship.

We connect on so many different levels: friend, mentor, father, athlete.

To sum it all up, let’s just say I love the kid. I care about his future. There are so many things I’d like to tell you, but I have a 500-word limit, so I’ll make this short and sweet.

First, let me address North Fort Myers coach James Iandoli’s remarks Wednesday on Rivals.com, where he indicated that he’s frustrated by the process. Why? This has nothing to do with him and everything to do with Noel.

Besides, isn’t he the same man who ripped this kid the night he fumbled in their playoff loss, while telling ESPN that he’s been like a father to Noel? Well, that was a shock to me and Noel. I could never see myself telling a kid, “Nice fumble,” at the conclusion of one of the biggest games of his life. By the way coach, he called me in tears that night, and I had to put the pieces back together after you shattered his spirit.
Never forget, this is about Noel. It’s not about the schools. Or the recruiting services.

Or anybody or anything else.

I’d like to applaud the entire staff at North Fort Myers High School, especially principal Kim Lunger and assistant principal Ken Burns, because they’ve been supportive and understanding throughout this whole process.

As you all know, Noel is one of the top running backs in the nation, which warrants much attention. There would be even more hype if every school knew that he would qualify academically. That’s why there has been a short, but quality list of schools
looking for his signature on a letter-of-intent.

Let’s take a look at them.

My old roommate Odell Haggins is recruiting him for Florida State. I love my former school, but I wouldn’t recommend the Seminoles. Why? Their record the past few years, their poor offense and their inconsistency at quarterback. You want me to give my blessing to an undersized running back in a situation like that?

The problem I have with the University of Florida is they signed everyone but my grandmama — and that’s only because she’s lost a couple of steps. Besides, it’s too close to home. But my conversations with coach Urban Meyer have gone very well.

Then there’s Alabama. I spoke to Nick Saban just a few hours before I wrote this column. He’s saying and doing all the right things and seems to be the disciplinarian coach I’d like for Noel to have, but this is his first year at Alabama. You have to show us something first.

That takes us to West Virginia, where Noel verbally committed. I talked to Rich Rodriguez early Wednesday morning. Noel had a wonderful visit, but I was troubled by a couple of things they suggested. They were going to allow Noel to live off-campus with his child’s mother.

I asked Rodriguez what happens if Candace — who I have great respect for and think is a wonderful mother — and Noel have problems like every other relationship in America. God forbid, she decided to leave with the child in the middle of the season. How would that affect Noel, considering all of the loss and tragedy he’s dealt with in his life?

Besides, I don’t agree with freshmen living off-campus, especially considering the problems he had with attendance in high school.

Here’s the truth: He doesn’t need to go to college right now. He needs a prep school, like Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y., which we visited last month.

I don’t know how much Noel enjoyed his trip, but a prep school would allow him to get away from the only place he’s ever known as home and find himself. It would force him to deal with being lonely and homesick, which would help him mature.

Most important, it would help him commit to his studies in a way he’s never done before, so that he could qualify academically and choose to play at any Division I school in America. He would also retain a full four years of college eligibility but be able to declare for the NFL draft, if his talent allows, following his sophomore year.

The thing people don’t understand about being in the spotlight is that while it causes you to shine ever so brightly, it also shows all of your blemishes.

And for those who wonder what makes me an expert, all I can say is, “I’ve been there and done that — quite well I might add.”

God Bless and God willing, I’ll hollah at you next week.

— Deion Sanders, a North Fort Myers High School graduate, played in the NFL and Major League Baseball. He currently works as an analyst for the NFL Network and is part-owner of the Austin Wranglers of the Arena Football League.

I do think Deion probably has the kids' best interests in mind and wants him to succeed, but I just don't see how the (seemingly one) criticism of WVU doesn't apply to Devine wherever he is, be it at high school, prep school, college, or if he stays in his home town and gets a job. And living off campus at WVU, you can still walk to class, still walk to football practice, and live without a vehicle--it is not a real sprawling town. I just don't see why giving the kid the opportunity to live with his family is that big of a negative. I'm sure he could live in a dorm if he really wants to, but if the goal is to keep his family tight, living off campus with them seems like a nice opportunity.

I think Deion wants him to go to prep school and get his grades up, so that he can become a national prospect and have his choice of schools. And, he should just say that, rather than saying Saban has something to prove or Florida is too good or WVU gave him the opportunity to live with his family off campus.

[Swaggs]

Hey ae, you talk to your boys down there, and I'll talk to my boys up here, and lets see if we can get 'em together for a game out Bristol way...

From what I have heard, this is going to happen at some point. Not a matter of if, but when. The Bristol boys want to break the attendance record and that would be the game to do it.

[wade moore]

From what I have heard, this is going to happen at some point. Not a matter of if, but when. The Bristol boys want to break the attendance record and that would be the game to do it.

My understanding is Bristol wants it, but neither UT or VT do.

[Poli]

That's my understanding as well, Wade.

[timmynausea]

I think Deion wants him to go to prep school and get his grades up, so that he can become a national prospect and have his choice of schools. And, he should just say that, rather than saying Saban has something to prove or Florida is too good or WVU gave him the opportunity to live with his family off campus.

That is pretty much exactly what I think. Devine would be able to "find himself" just as well at any college than he would at prep school. The off campus stuff is an incredibly lame excuse, as that is surely flexible. Plus prep schools are expensive, and I'm under the impression that Devine is coming from a relatively lower income situation. If he gets the grades, he may as well go to college for free.

I am just shocked that Deion would try to misrepresent his true intentions and twist this into an opportunity to pat himself on the back, though. :rolleyes:

[Swaggs]

That is pretty much exactly what I think. Devine would be able to "find himself" just as well at any college than he would at prep school. The off campus stuff is an incredibly lame excuse, as that is surely flexible. Plus prep schools are expensive, and I'm under the impression that Devine is coming from a relatively lower income situation. If he gets the grades, he may as well go to college for free.

I am just shocked that Deion would try to misrepresent his true intentions and twist this into an opportunity to pat himself on the back, though. :rolleyes:


I also don't really like Deion asserting that he doesn't need to go to college right now, especially if he is concerned about Devine and his girlfriend/family staying together. Going away to a prep school for a year would only succeed in separating them and holding off Devine's future opportunities (be they NFL or getting a college degree/nice job) for an extra year. It makes sense for kids in better situations, but the kid is living with his girlfriend's family and their two kids right now, so a year in prep school is probably not a logical luxury for him right now, if he can qualify.

[Swaggs]

My understanding is Bristol wants it, but neither UT or VT do.

That's unfortunate, but I guess with the SEC and ACC having conference championships, it is tough to get an extra difficult OOC game in.

[VPI97]

My understanding is Bristol wants it, but neither UT or VT do.
Incorrect. VT has always said yes to the offer of playing UT in Bristol. Bruton offered the schools over $10 mil each to play two games there a couple years ago and we were on board as soon as the offer was made. Tenn is the one who declined. Must be the fact that they can make more from a home game...oh wait, they don't make $5 mil per game playing in Knoxville. There has to be another good reason because it can't be the simple fact that they're (shall I dare say it)...chicken? :)

[Toddzilla]

Incorrect. VT has always said yes to the offer of playing UT in Bristol. Bruton offered the schools over $10 mil each to play two games there a couple years ago and we were on board as soon as the offer was made. Tenn is the one who declined. Must be the fact that they can make more from a home game...oh wait, they don't make $5 mil per game playing in Knoxville. There has to be another good reason because it can't be the simple fact that they're (shall I dare say it)...chicken? :)Why should Tennessee be different?

Penn State
Michigan
Ohio State*
Wisconsin
Auburn
Georgia
Cal
UCLA
Oklahoma

All signed on the line which is dotted, then backed out of a series with Virginia Tech.

*Ohio State actually went back on their cancellation (seriously) and scheduled the home-and-home for 2014 and 2015, giving them 7 more years until they chicken out.

[Young Drachma]

I think Deion is basically right. This kid doesn't have the normal two or three chances like most kids. He has probably one more chance not to screw up. And I'm so tired of these kids going to colleges that they're not ready to attend, barely going to class, flunking out and then being faced with fewer options. I think Deion is basically saying that him going to Prep School is a better deal because it'll help him get prepared academically AND a la Larry Fitzgerald, he could be eligible for the NFL Draft as a sophomore.

So the prep school doesn't necessarily delay anything other than the chance that he might inevitably buckle under the pressures of raising kids while trying to be a full-time student and college athlete at a big-time program.

[Dr. Sak]

Why should Tennessee be different?

Penn State
Michigan
Ohio State*
Wisconsin
Auburn
Georgia
Cal
UCLA
Oklahoma

All signed on the line which is dotted, then backed out of a series with Virginia Tech.

*Ohio State actually went back on their cancellation (seriously) and scheduled the home-and-home for 2014 and 2015, giving them 7 more years until they chicken out.

So thats why VT plays such a killer OOC schedule each year. Where did you find this info on "all" these teams backing out on VT. I find it very hard to believe. It sounds to me more like an internet rumor than actual facts.

[Logan]

Maybe they all backed out because beating Va Tech doesn't have the cache it once did.

[cschex]

Speaking of VT OOC games, Sept. 8th in Baton Rouge should be a great game. Two awesome defenses slugging it out in Death Valley. Schedule permitting, I'll be making the trip to see it. Any VT fans on here travel to the away games or are going to that one.

[Toddzilla]

So thats why VT plays such a killer OOC schedule each year. Where did you find this info on "all" these teams backing out on VT. I find it very hard to believe. It sounds to me more like an internet rumor than actual facts.It comes from attending the college and following it as an alumnus for almost 20 years. For a quick look at some of what I'm talking about, you can go to http://www.techsideline.com and look up the Football "future schedule" where the site admin has kept track of the schedule changes for the past 10 or so years.

*which shows me another school that canceled on VT - Illinois.

[Dr. Sak]

It comes from attending the college and following it as an alumnus for almost 20 years. For a quick look at some of what I'm talking about, you can go to http://www.techsideline.com and look up the Football "future schedule" where the site admin has kept track of the schedule changes for the past 10 or so years.

*which shows me another school that canceled on VT - Illinois.


The only reason I dispute this is because Penn State fans have been calling for the AD to schedule VT for years. And following the team for as long as I have I would've remembered something about it. I

[st.cronin]

I seriously doubt that Wisconsin ever agreed to schedule a game with VaTech. If they did, they probably were confused and thought it was a junior college.

[Toddzilla]

I seriously doubt that Wisconsin ever agreed to schedule a game with VaTech. If they did, they probably were confused and thought it was a junior college.per TSL:

"3/22/06: Removed Wisconsin games from the 2008 and 2009 schedules, because (according to Jim Weaver on the 9/19/05 Hokie Hotline) Wisconsin asked out of the series. ESPN tried to set up a 2006/2008 series with Wisconsin, but that fell through"

and an article in the Richmond Tines-Dispatch here: http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031783030715&path=%21sports%21colleges&s=1045855934926

[Butter]

I imagine that if Ohio State backed out of the home and home series, it was because they were able to schedule somebody better in the interim... I know OSU has upcoming home-and-homes with USC and Miami (FL) and just finished one up with Texas... so let's not do the "they're scared to play here" BS, at least with Ohio State. That's typical program whining.

[VPI97]

I love all the "My school wouldn't do that" coming from Big 10 fans. lol.

[DeToxRox]

I love all the "My school wouldn't do that" coming from Big 10 fans. lol.

Maybe it's because Big 10 fans don't want to see their players get stomped, stabbed or have their wallets lifted after playing the Hokies?

[st.cronin]

I don't think anybody actually got what my post was saying. Not too surprising, I guess.

[gstelmack]

Two awesome defenses slugging it out in Death Valley.

Can you be a bit more specific? Aren't there something like 7 Death Valleys now in the US? One out in California, one in South Carolina, the one you apparently refer to in Louisiana, and lord knows how many others are latching on to that name...

[Dr. Sak]

I love all the "My school wouldn't do that" coming from Big 10 fans. lol.

This coming from a school that is starting to rival Da U for Thug U.

[Poli]

Incorrect. VT has always said yes to the offer of playing UT in Bristol. Bruton offered the schools over $10 mil each to play two games there a couple years ago and we were on board as soon as the offer was made. Tenn is the one who declined. Must be the fact that they can make more from a home game...oh wait, they don't make $5 mil per game playing in Knoxville. There has to be another good reason because it can't be the simple fact that they're (shall I dare say it)...chicken? :)
I'd seriously doubt we're "chicken". We play at least one tough OOC game each season. We started out the season with Cal, not Northeastern.

[Logan]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/02/09/mcknight.violation.ap/index.html

USC looking into possible violation
Trojans may have broken rules recruiting McKnight

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Southern California is looking into whether it may have violated NCAA recruiting rules while pursuing highly rated recruit Joe McKnight, a university official said.

McKnight signed a national letter of intent with USC on Wednesday and made comments during a news conference that seemed to suggest communications involving former Trojan Reggie Bush, who is now with the New Orleans Saints.

Former players are forbidden from telephoning prospective recruits, their relatives or guardians.

"We're aware of it, and we are looking into it," sports information director Tim Tessalone told The Associated Press late Thursday.

The university's action was first reported by the Los Angeles Times on its Web site late Thursday.

USC coach Pete Carroll denied any call took place, and McKnight's high school football coach said the recruit misspoke during the news conference. The star running back has been living with his high school coach, J.T. Curtis.

"It never happened," Carroll told the Times.

During the Wednesday news conference, McKnight said Carroll set up a conference call so he and Curtis could talk to Bush and ease concerns USC might face sanctions.

The NCAA and the Pac-10 Conference are investigating whether Bush or his family received "improper benefits" from agents while he was playing for USC.

Regarding McKnight, Mike Matthews, associate commissioner of compliance for the Pac- 10, said boosters are not supposed to be involved in the recruiting process but could not comment without knowing specifics. NCAA spokeswoman Crissy Schluep also said she could not comment without knowing more.

Curtis told the Times on Thursday that he spoke to Carroll during McKnight's recruitment, but not on a conference call with McKnight or Bush. He also said McKnight told him "Coach Carroll was talking to Reggie on the speakerphone and Joe was able to listen and hear Reggie Bush's side of the story," the newspaper reported.

After being informed of Carroll's denial Thursday night, Curtis called McKnight and later said the recruit never heard Bush on a speakerphone.

"He said when they came in his house, the discussion was brought up about probation and that's when the conversation came up that they had talked to Reggie, but Joe was not there," Curtis said. "He said, 'I was not on the speakerphone. I never called him and he never called me. I want to make it clear I never spoke to Reggie and he never spoke to me. I just messed it up. I shouldn't have said it that way (at the news conference)."'

Curtis said McKnight may have been overwhelmed by the attention and scrutiny that accompanied his announcement.

"At the press conference, it seemed like he got 1,000 questions in five minutes," Curtis said. "If you saw what was going on it would be easier to understand."

Stolen from another board..."Maybe he should switch to cornerback with how fast he can backpedal."

[Eaglesfan27]

This has been all over the USC boards this morning and McKnight has already issued a clarification (that is towards the end of that article) that should take care of this issue.

[Poli]

You'd hope. :)

I also hear that USC is in the running for Mustain.

[Eaglesfan27]

You'd hope. :)

I also hear that USC is in the running for Mustain.


Mustain has been a hot rumor for about a week now. I just don't see him making that move with USC's depth chart, but you never know.

[Logan]

Like I said...nice backpedal. You don't think that clarification could in anyway stem from Carroll screaming at him "WTF did you say??!!!"

Did the conversation happen? Probably.

Even if it did, will anything ever be done about it? Not a chance.

Edit to add: Does it matter that it even took place? No way. Not when former players unofficially recruit all the time anyway. I mean, you have recruits come to your games, and you have them stand on your sideline. You have former players come to your games, and they stand on your sideline.