College Football Recruiting (2010 Class) Thread - UCLA vs UW ITT

[hoopsguy]

Yep, saw the Stills quote today as well. It sounds like the Premium boards had some information earlier in the week that actually stayed on the premium boards stating that the Prater thing was a done deal.

Sounds like USC is pulling #1, #2, and #12 WRs in the class per Scout rankings (think that was the source). They recruit like most of us do on football sims :)

[bhlloy]

Unfortunately when it comes to positions that we really need (LB and OL) USC is pretty mortal for the last couple of years. Losing Teo and Burfict really hurt and there just isn't the top talent in Cali this year at either position.

[MrBug708]

Unfortunately when it comes to positions that we really need (LB and OL) USC is pretty mortal for the last couple of years. Losing Teo and Burfict really hurt and there just isn't the top talent in Cali this year at either position.

It's actually one of the best years in recent history in LB talent

[bhlloy]

I don't agree at all. Pullard and Whiteside at MLB are clearly a step down from Burfict and Golper last year, and behind Shirley the OLB class is completely anaemic (unless you consider Martin and Powell OLB but most of the services still have him at DE)

In terms of who is left on the board for the Trojans it's basically Pullard and Shirley. I'm not even sure UCLA has any offers out except for those two either.

[MrBug708]

3, 6, 7, 8 MLB are all 4 star's in California. OLB is a bit weaker after Shirley, you are correct. I can't wait for Shirley to end up a Bruin :) Golper is a solid talent, but it's looking like he'll be buried on a depth chart for a while

[BYU 14]

Extremely hyped to see BYU's 2010 class ranked as 10th right now. Now granted we have 24 commits and that ranking will fall as other schools hand out their allotments of Schollies, but a class in the top 20-25 range is virtually guaranteed at this point, which is huge for a non BCS program IMO. Now hopefully they all pan out.

[dawgfan]

Washington got great news tonight as 4-star OL recruit Erik Kohler of Oaks Christian (Nick Montana's school) committed. Montana played a big role in getting Kohler on board.

Kohler is one of the top OL recruits on the West Coast, and getting a big-time guy like him out of the SoCal area over offers from UCLA, Cal and Notre Dame (among others) is an encouraging sign for Sarkisian's ability to recruit the area for the UW.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC with a big get today as Kyle Prater announced that he will be a Trojan. USC has now gotten verbals from arguably the top 2 WR's in the nation. Looking forward to seeing USC's staff develop this huge talent.

[MrBug708]

Washington got great news tonight as 4-star OL recruit Erik Kohler of Oaks Christian (Nick Montana's school) committed. Montana played a big role in getting Kohler on board.

Kohler is one of the top OL recruits on the West Coast, and getting a big-time guy like him out of the SoCal area over offers from UCLA, Cal and Notre Dame (among others) is an encouraging sign for Sarkisian's ability to recruit the area for the UW.

What killed UCLA's chances was the annoucing of UCLA's starting OL, which is made of of a lot of young guys

[Chief Rum]

What killed UCLA's chances was the annoucing of UCLA's starting OL, which is made of of a lot of young guys

I'm not really that worried myself. If Kohler ends up going to UDub, kudos to Sark on a good get. Fact is, though, a ton of recruits are waiting to see if UCLA's going to be good (or at least much better) this year, and if they do, I think the recruit response is going to be strong. In that case, except for the top top USC recruits and guys who can't make it into UCLA, I would find it difficult to believe that recruits in the SoCal area won't at least be taking a hard look back at UCLA before solidifying their commits, whether they're committed now or not.

[dawgfan]

What killed UCLA's chances was the annoucing of UCLA's starting OL, which is made of of a lot of young guys
That certainly helped, no doubt. But the UW still beat out Notre Dame for him - that ended up being the main competition for his commitment.

[dawgfan]

I'm not really that worried myself. If Kohler ends up going to UDub, kudos to Sark on a good get. Fact is, though, a ton of recruits are waiting to see if UCLA's going to be good (or at least much better) this year, and if they do, I think the recruit response is going to be strong. In that case, except for the top top USC recruits and guys who can't make it into UCLA, I would find it difficult to believe that recruits in the SoCal area won't at least be taking a hard look back at UCLA before solidifying their commits, whether they're committed now or not.
That's probably true, and it's also probably true that the UW will have to win 4+ games this year to keep all their top commits from jumping elsewhere. But for a team coming off an 0-12 season, I think Sark has done very, very well.

[BishopMVP]

That certainly helped, no doubt. But the UW still beat out Notre Dame for him - that ended up being the main competition for his commitment.In that case, getting Montana all but sealed the deal for UW.

[dawgfan]

In that case, getting Montana all but sealed the deal for UW.
Yeah, Montana was a big factor - he was in Kohler's ear nonstop once he (Montana) committed to the Huskies, and from that point forward the UW was tops on Kohler's list.

[Poli]

Bourbon's first two games have netted him over 500 yards rushing. As a result, he's getting even more interest than before.

[MacroGuru]

Bourbon's first two games have netted him over 500 yards rushing. As a result, he's getting even more interest than before.

It's not to late to switch from Stanford to BYU :p;)

[Poli]

Tennessee had a big weekend despite losing to UCLA. WR Demarco Cobbs, DE Corey Miller, and DT Brandon Willis all committed this weekend. Cobbs and Willis are listed as 5 star players (scout.com) while Miller is a 4 star (and teammate of Willis in high school).

Tennessee now has 21 recruits signed and Scout lists their class as the 3rd best right now.

UT has also asked for video from Bourbon's games this season. Bourbon has about 700 yards now in 3 games this season.

[Atocep]

WVU got commits from 3 star safety Travis Bell and 3 star WR Darius Millines. Both have very impressive offer lists.

The bad news is 5 star safety Latwan Anderson got an offer from Ohio State. He's been considered a strong WVU lean since this recruitment cycle began, but I'm sure it's going to be tough to keep him from OSU.

[Logan]

Didn't see it mentioned here, but Corey Brown verbaled to Ohio State. Disappointing for Rutgers fans as he was a teammate of Tom Savage and we were high on his list for a very long time.

[Swaggs]

WVU got commits from 3 star safety Travis Bell and 3 star WR Darius Millines. Both have very impressive offer lists.

The bad news is 5 star safety Latwan Anderson got an offer from Ohio State. He's been considered a strong WVU lean since this recruitment cycle began, but I'm sure it's going to be tough to keep him from OSU.

There seems to be some debate over whether or not he has received a commitable offer (although I have read direct quotes from LA saying that he was told that one was being mailed to him). He seems like a stud on the field, but somewhat questionable off of it (grades, character). I still think he is ours to lose.

[MrBug708]

WVU got commits from 3 star safety Travis Bell and 3 star WR Darius Millines. Both have very impressive offer lists.

The bad news is 5 star safety Latwan Anderson got an offer from Ohio State. He's been considered a strong WVU lean since this recruitment cycle began, but I'm sure it's going to be tough to keep him from OSU.

UCLA was trying to recruit willis. I guess he figured Tenn needed the help more :)

[Karlifornia]

UCLA was trying to recruit willis. I guess he figured Tenn needed the help more :)

Where'd that OL recruit who was down to UCLA and Stanford wind up going? ;)

[Karlifornia]

Dola, I realize now that you were talking earlier about Malcom Jones, not Torrian Wilson. Man, getting Jones would be sweeeeet

[MrBug708]

Where'd that OL recruit who was down to UCLA and Stanford wind up going? ;)

I didnt even know who you were talking about off the top of my head...lol

Wilson? Good pickup for you guys, but UCLA vs Stanford for a kid from Florida is tough odds.

[dawgfan]

UW and Sarkisian pick up another significant recruit out of SoCal today as 4-star RB recruit Deontae Cooper committed.

[DeToxRox]

There seems to be some debate over whether or not he has received a commitable offer (although I have read direct quotes from LA saying that he was told that one was being mailed to him). He seems like a stud on the field, but somewhat questionable off of it (grades, character). I still think he is ours to lose.

The rumor from Bucks is he was given a laundry list of things to accomplish to get his OSU offer, so if true he obviously went about that to get it. I know he isn't an original Glenville kid but he's there now and apparently quickly becoming great friends with Christian Bryant who is going to be an OSU commit sooner rather then later.

[Atocep]

The rumor from Bucks is he was given a laundry list of things to accomplish to get his OSU offer, so if true he obviously went about that to get it. I know he isn't an original Glenville kid but he's there now and apparently quickly becoming great friends with Christian Bryant who is going to be an OSU commit sooner rather then later.

He's also stated that his teammates know where he's headed and they're excited. Since it's Glenville I'll assume he's OSU bound.

From what I've been hearing, though, Matt Elam could very well end up a Mountaineer if it's his call and his call alone. Getting a kid that highly rated out of Florida, expecially after he's committed to UF, is going to be tough. Tons of pressure on those kids to stay in state, but he loved his visit and really likes the way safeties are used in the 3-3-5.

[DaddyTorgo]

BC picked up a commit from 4-star wideout Shakim Phillips out of NJ to go with July-commit 4-star QB Chase Rettig and 4-star OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis (forever to be known as KPL)

[MrBug708]

UW and Sarkisian pick up another significant recruit out of SoCal today as 4-star RB recruit Deontae Cooper committed.

Solid kid, overlooked by most of the instate schools because of Grades (Stanford), Depth (Cal and SC), and Priority (UCLA)

[dawgfan]

Solid kid, overlooked by most of the instate schools because of Grades (Stanford), Depth (Cal and SC), and Priority (UCLA)
Even in the best of times under Don James, the UW rarely beat out USC & UCLA for top talent in SoCal (Dennis Brown, Tommie Smith, Napoleon Kaufman & Cedric White were some of the exceptions). Now with Cal really rolling, they are also tough to beat. Stanford has always been tough to beat for the really academically inclined recruits.

But if the UW can be the best of the rest that come sniffing around SoCal, ahead of ASU, Arizona, Oregon and the rest, they'll be in good shape. And they will pick off the occasional top level SoCal player that USC and/or UCLA want (like Chris Polk a couple years ago and Erik Kohler in the 2010 class), especially with this staff and the connections they have down there.

[MrBug708]

UCLA pulls a verbal from Derrick Bryant from Ohio. Not highly ranked, but has a nice collection of offers

[Chief Rum]

UCLA pulls a verbal from Derrick Bryant from Ohio. Not highly ranked, but has a nice collection of offers

Wow, Thigpen from Virginia last year, Earnest Thomas from Michigan and Bryant from Ohio this year--I like that Neuheisel is going national and getting these kids to come.

Only going to get better if the team keeps it up.

[Swaggs]

Doesn't seem like it would be too hard to sell a Midwestern or Northeastern kid on L.A. in the Fall or Winter. ;)

[DeToxRox]

UCLA pulls a verbal from Derrick Bryant from Ohio. Not highly ranked, but has a nice collection of offers

Bryant was high on Michigan but then decided he didn't want to play in the Big 10 out of nowhere. Pretty random stuff.

[Eaglesfan27]

It was good to see Dillon Baxter cancel his unofficial visit to UCLA and reaffirm his commitment to USC. He has said he is solidly USC and won't visit any other schools.

[mckerney]

Marquise Hill committed to Minnesota today.

[MrBug708]

It was good to see Dillon Baxter cancel his unofficial visit to UCLA and reaffirm his commitment to USC. He has said he is solidly USC and won't visit any other schools.

Who?

*looked him up*

WR isn't a huge position of need and if we are going after a SC verbal, I'd rtaher head after Robert Woods.

[MrBug708]

Bryant was high on Michigan but then decided he didn't want to play in the Big 10 out of nowhere. Pretty random stuff.

Ya..wanted SEC or PAC-10. I think he wants to play hybrid DE and Bruce Davis did a great job as that so we'll see

[Chief Rum]

Who?

*looked him up*

WR isn't a huge position of need and if we are going after a SC verbal, I'd rtaher head after Robert Woods.

While I agree with you that we have better spots for the rides, I'm sure there's nothing wrong with Baxter. Good luck to him with USC.

[DeToxRox]

Ya..wanted SEC or PAC-10. I think he wants to play hybrid DE and Bruce Davis did a great job as that so we'll see

That was the odd part. That's what Greg Robinson uses but I do believe the plan was to beef him up because he is an absurd athlete and play the DT in our D, which is like a 3-4 DE. He didn't want that so it makes sense. Kid is a specimen but the Ohio people say his production lacks. I still think UCLA got a stud though.

[Eaglesfan27]

Who?

*looked him up*

WR isn't a huge position of need and if we are going after a SC verbal, I'd rtaher head after Robert Woods.


I'm surprised you don't know him since you say you follow California football. He's actually a running back who has been tearing it up. He had over 400 all purpose yards in his last game. He's considered a very good 4-5 star back with the best hands of the group in California this year. He's ranked around 25th overall in most recruiting rankings.

[MrBug708]

I'm surprised you don't know him since you say you follow California football. He's actually a running back who has been tearing it up. He had over 400 all purpose yards in his last game. He's considered a very good 4-5 star back with the best hands of the group in California this year. He's ranked around 25th overall in most recruiting rankings.

I don't doubt he's good, just havent seen much on UCLA about im across any of the rumors mills. I think that even if UCLA got an official from him, it wouldnt have been more then another free visit to UCLA. We are in much better condition at WR right now then most schools, including USC

[MrBug708]

That was the odd part. That's what Greg Robinson uses but I do believe the plan was to beef him up because he is an absurd athlete and play the DT in our D, which is like a 3-4 DE. He didn't want that so it makes sense. Kid is a specimen but the Ohio people say his production lacks. I still think UCLA got a stud though.

Seems to be the belief that he'll end up a DT anyways, so we'll see

[Poli]

Bourbon had an unbelievable night against my former high school. 10 carries, 451 yards, 6 touchdowns.

[BishopMVP]

Wow. Is your old HS a much worse team expected to be blown out or were they supposed to put up a fight? Either way, unbelievable night.

[Poli]

I believe the game ended up 47-19 or some variant of that. Potosi started out the game with two scores in the first 26 seconds of the game...kickoff, 50 odd yard touchdown run by Bourbon, fumbled kick return, 19 yard touchdown run by Bourbon.

North County, the school I played for in 1994, is definitely at a low-point talent wise.

That said, Bourbon now has 1475 yards on 93 carries with 18 touchdowns through 6 games.

Honestly, I thought someone made a typo the first time I read the stat-line.

[Chief Rum]

Huge pickup for UCLA today.

5 star power back Malcolm Jones (#6 RB Scout, #5 ATH Rivals) committed today over Stanford. He's a RB, and some say he's actually better as a LB (and he's a hell of a load as a RB).

UCLA needed a nice pickup like this. Stanford, of course, would have liked to have him, too, but with Gaffney and Borbon committed, they're not doing too bad either.

Speaking of RBs, UCLA is also very much in mix for Anthony Barr and Jordan James.

[DeToxRox]

Huge pickup for UCLA today.

5 star power back Malcolm Jones (#6 RB Scout, #5 ATH Rivals) committed today over Stanford. He's a RB, and some say he's actually better as a LB (and he's a hell of a load as a RB).

UCLA needed a nice pickup like this. Stanford, of course, would have liked to have him, too, but with Gaffney and Borbon committed, they're not doing too bad either.

Speaking of RBs, UCLA is also very much in mix for Anthony Barr and Jordan James.

I've heard a lot of rumblings Barr almost committed to ND last weekend and they have taken over his top spot. He has set some OV's since then but might cancel them now. Michigan was one of them. I hope he at least visits because this kid is a monster. That said is UCLA recruiting him as an RB? I know one of Michigan's Rival guys heard UM was one of the only teams recruiting him as just an RB.

[bhlloy]

Huge pickup for UCLA - really thought Stanford was the team to beat but Jones is a stud. He'd make a great LB but he's way too good of a RB to even think of that unless he seriously outgrows the position. I'm not looking forward to stopping him over the next 4/5 years. I'm interested to see if his brother (medical redshirt this year after breaking a bone in his neck) doesn't try and join him for his junior and senior seasons, although I guess the medical redshirt this year makes that unlikely.

Barr is a LB all the way, but if he wants to play RB Michigan has a shot. But I'm 90% sure he's a LB at the next level and I'm sure RichRod is just telling him what he wants to hear. ND has been way out in front the whole time (family are all alums) but I'm actually really encouraged that he didn't commit in South Bend last weekend. Apparently he's coming around to the idea of playing LB at USC (depth chart is good and very close to home obviously) but it would still be a big shock if he doesn't end up a Domer.

And if UCLA is recruiting him at RB, no way he comes along with Jones. Too similar a player. I can definitely see UCLA ending up with Jordan James as well though as he's a completely different runner.

[MrBug708]

It's nice to actually get a brother who has the more talent gene pool in this case. Too much of this Jimmy Miller, Malik Jackson, JJ Hair et al medicore younger brother of a talented USC player.

UCLA is recruiting Jones and Barr as bother RB's. It will be interesting to see what happens if they land Shirley though too, but I think Shirley could also end up at DE.

UCLA has two other players as "silent verbals" who are players they've been recruiting pretty hard. My guess is that it's Hayes Pullard and Chris Ward, but Anthony Barr could be in there as well. I also think Barr will end up a Bruin as family might actually win out for the Bruins for a change

[bhlloy]

Interesting take on the family, I'm under the impression they are big time ND fans/alum. And I think Shirley is more likely to be a silent to UCLA than Pullard, but I have no doubt UCLA will end up with at least one of them.

[Chief Rum]

It's nice to actually get a brother who has the more talent gene pool in this case. Too much of this Jimmy Miller, Malik Jackson, JJ Hair et al medicore younger brother of a talented USC player.

UCLA is recruiting Jones and Barr as bother RB's. It will be interesting to see what happens if they land Shirley though too, but I think Shirley could also end up at DE.

UCLA has two other players as "silent verbals" who are players they've been recruiting pretty hard. My guess is that it's Hayes Pullard and Chris Ward, but Anthony Barr could be in there as well. I also think Barr will end up a Bruin as family might actually win out for the Bruins for a change

I really doubt Barr is one of the two mentioned at BRO, and I doubt Ward, too. Barr has been considered a Notre Dame lean for a long time now, and it just doesn't make sense for how things have gone with him and with the Notre Dame talk for him to be a silent to UCLA. Same with Ward, given his decision between them and Cal and his recent decision to take some more time to think it over.

I would guess Pullard and maybe the Servite kid. Or one of the Richardsons. Shirley's possible, too, although I think Pullard is more likely.

I do think we'll end up with Ward. Barr is very much a toss up, and my guess is he'll still end up at Notre Dame, although it should be an interesting recruiting battle.

[Chief Rum]

I've heard a lot of rumblings Barr almost committed to ND last weekend and they have taken over his top spot. He has set some OV's since then but might cancel them now. Michigan was one of them. I hope he at least visits because this kid is a monster. That said is UCLA recruiting him as an RB? I know one of Michigan's Rival guys heard UM was one of the only teams recruiting him as just an RB.

BRO (Bruin Report Online) just put up a recent article, BTW, quoting Barr as having Notre Dame and UCLA in the lead, and it seemed to be a significant lead, although he didn't say he was "down to those two". Michigan is mentioned in the article, and so is USC, IIRC. But it's shaping up to be a UCLA-Notre Dame battle.

I wonder if him breaking his ankle has affected his recruiting at all? Regardless, hope he heals up good.

[MrBug708]

Interesting take on the family, I'm under the impression they are big time ND fans/alum. And I think Shirley is more likely to be a silent to UCLA than Pullard, but I have no doubt UCLA will end up with at least one of them.

The dad is for obvious reasons, but the mom isn't so much. Or at least that is what I heard. Plus Rick can go to every one of his games to watch him play

[DeToxRox]

BRO (Bruin Report Online) just put up a recent article, BTW, quoting Barr as having Notre Dame and UCLA in the lead, and it seemed to be a significant lead, although he didn't say he was "down to those two". Michigan is mentioned in the article, and so is USC, IIRC. But it's shaping up to be a UCLA-Notre Dame battle.

I wonder if him breaking his ankle has affected his recruiting at all? Regardless, hope he heals up good.

I have little hope he ends up in Ann Arbor, but the Michigan/OSU game is shaping up to be the biggest recruiting weekend Michigan has ever had so it'd be huge to get him on campus. Then anything could happen. But like I said I doubt anything comes of it.

[dawgfan]

With any luck, Jones to UCLA will improve the UW's chances with Jordan James.

[MrBug708]

With any luck, Jones to UCLA will improve the UW's chances with Jordan James.

I think UCLA's main RB target is James, but I have no idea what his chances are for any school nor have I seen any.

[dawgfan]

I think UCLA's main RB target is James, but I have no idea what his chances are for any school nor have I seen any.
It's hard to get much of a read on James so far - he doesn't seem to be tipping his hand publicly.

[MrBug708]

Chris Ward just commited to UCLA. 4 star OL from SoCal and the best in Cali

[Chief Rum]

Chris Ward just commited to UCLA. 4 star OL from SoCal and the best in Cali

Awesome. Great news for UCLA. One good OL class does not a good line make. It takes consistent recruiting of top end line talent (and good coaching and weight work). USC does this fantastically, and I hope UCLA can one day get up to that standard. Ward's a step in the right direction for that.

[MrBug708]

Ward is basically Eddie Williams replacement

[Chief Rum]

Ward is basically Eddie Williams replacement

You're probably right. That said, we have that nice guard from this last class, too, who I think is going to be a solid player, and the development of Abele (who would be a tackle) could push someone out there inside as well.

[MrBug708]

A lot will depend on what happens to the X man and his Mormon trip

[Eaglesfan27]

Dillon Baxter accounted for almost 600 yards last night as he ran for 268, passed for 277, and had a 41 yard interception return. He is putting up insane numbers this year.

[MrBug708]

I remember when David Koral had 700 yards passing in a high school game with 10 TD's :)

[MrBug708]

4 star MLB Hayes Pullard committed to UCLA at halftime today

[Chief Rum]

4 star MLB Hayes Pullard committed to UCLA at halftime today

I hope he immediately left the stadium after that.

[BishopMVP]

4* WR Tai-ler Jones, son of an ND D-lineman, switches his commitment from Stanford to ND.

[MrBug708]

Very odd switched. He picked Stanford over UCLA initally

[JonInMiddleGA]

Very odd switched. He picked Stanford over UCLA initally

Seems to have come down to tradition
Jones said the camaraderie and “chemistry” of the Fighting Irish players and the academic and athletic traditions of the school were what swayed him. He was particularly moved by how the players lined up on the field and sang the school fight song along with the Notre Dame students just moments after an excruciating 34-27 loss to Southern Cal.

“Things like that showed me that regardless if they win or lose, they’re going to do that every game,” said Jones, who will enroll in January. “Tradition is more important than celebrating or sulking.”

http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2009/10/18/tai-ler-jones-pulls-switch-from-stanford-to-notre-dame/

[MrBug708]

And apparently he didn't get into Stanford

[Chief Rum]

And apparently he didn't get into Stanford

That's weird. I know Stanford has the highest academic standards, but I thought they already vetted all their recruits to make sure they would get in before offering them. Plus, it's not like Notre Dame or UCLA are easy schools to get into either. Both have very good academic rep.

But then, I always think it's a little weird when a legacy goes elsewhere, too, and especially when it's a regular opponent of the legacy alma mater, like Stanford is with Notre Dame. So to me, I see this is as a reversal to correct form. ;)

[dawgfan]

That's weird. I know Stanford has the highest academic standards, but I thought they already vetted all their recruits to make sure they would get in before offering them.
I have my doubts that Harbaugh is able to vet his prospects well enough to know for sure if they'll be accepted, especially when he's putting out offers to H.S. freshmen and sophomores...

[Chief Rum]

I have my doubts that Harbaugh is able to vet his prospects well enough to know for sure if they'll be accepted, especially when he's putting out offers to H.S. freshmen and sophomores...

Is he? Well, then, yeah, maybe Bug's right, and that is what happened.

Still seems odd, though. Is there a big difference between the minimum standards observed between Stanford and Notre Dame? I would guess actually no, but I'll bet Notre Dame has more academic "magic bullets" for football players than Stanford allows its coaches to use.

[BishopMVP]

Heh, also just saw that Stanford also lost a local 4* TE.... to Harvard. I'm guessing his academic record wasn't the problem there.

[dawgfan]

Is he? Well, then, yeah, maybe Bug's right, and that is what happened.

Still seems odd, though. Is there a big difference between the minimum standards observed between Stanford and Notre Dame? I would guess actually no, but I'll bet Notre Dame has more academic "magic bullets" for football players than Stanford allows its coaches to use.
Well, given the huge gulf between the NCAA minimum academic standards for football players (the standards used by the vast majority of schools) and the actual entrance requirements for Stanford students at large, that's a pretty wide range of possible requirement standards.

I can't recall if Stanford prospects have to meet the same academic requirements that every other Stanford students do, but if so - I doubt Notre Dame uses requirements for their athletes that are as high.

[Karlifornia]

No shame in losing commits to places like ND and Harvard. Now, I'd start to worry if commits started ditching LSJU for places like Arizona or Oregon State.

[BishopMVP]

Well, given the huge gulf between the NCAA minimum academic standards for football players (the standards used by the vast majority of schools) and the actual entrance requirements for Stanford students at large, that's a pretty wide range of possible requirement standards.

I can't recall if Stanford prospects have to meet the same academic requirements that every other Stanford students do, but if so - I doubt Notre Dame uses requirements for their athletes that are as high.It's also hard to definitively argue because they shift over time. ND's administration and admissions reportedly turned pretty hard against the football team near the end of the Holtz era up until the early/mid-2000's when those who realized how much a bad football team was hurting prestige and alumni donations regained the upper hand in the athletic department and clergy. I also think Weis wanted promises when he took the job that he could get some players in - not ones flirting with the NCAA minimum standards, but not ones that would have a chance if a non-athlete. I also don't want to bring up race, but ND isn't the most diverse school, so how much being a minority helps and how much is the athletic potential is also up for debate.

ND isn't unique in relaxing academic standards when an athletic team starts slipping - Harvard is doing it both in lacrosse and in hockey to matchup with Yale who started doing it a couple years ago. BC's done it in hockey, and lacrosse examples are pretty much everywhere. The most egregious I knew was Brandon Corp dominating the Patriot League for Colgate when he was denied admission from multiple state schools. My friend who coached at Holy Cross would always bitch about him because the Holy Cross admissions weren't helping them at all - there they broke recruits down into tiers A, B, and C. A's would have gotten admitted regardless of being an athlete, and the coach can take as many of them as he wants, B's would normally be wait-listed and the coach could get 3 of them admitted a year while C's still had to be well above NCAA minimums but would have been rejected outright, and the coach was allowed to have 2 of them on the team at any time.

[MrBug708]

They weren't too generous with my brother. 4.6 GOA, 2310 on his SAT's, the volleyball coach wanted him badly and they didn't let him in. Stupid volleyball

[JonInMiddleGA]

I doubt Jones had much problem with admission to Stanford, with a 25 ACT score on his first try as a junior (average range at Stanford for all freshmen is 26-31) and was (reportedly) told with that score not to even worry about taking the SAT, he was high enough with his ACT attempt to get in no problem.

edit to add: While Stanford appears to be more SAT oriented (high 70's percentage submit those scores, far less for the ACT), the middle 50% of ACT scores at Notre Dame is a good bit higher than Stanford, at 32-34.

[MrBug708]

The ACT isn't a popular test in California so that might contribute to the lower ACT scores at Stanford, like you said

[Eaglesfan27]

Dillon Baxter with 7 more touchdowns tonight. 5 rushing and 2 passing. He's going to be a huge wildcat weapon for the Trojans in the near future. :)

[Crapshoot]

FWIW, UCLA/Notre Dame are nice schools, no doubt, but Stanford is an elite school - huge difference. From a major sporting perspective, Duke is the only one that comes close.

[Chief Rum]

FWIW, UCLA/Notre Dame are nice schools, no doubt, but Stanford is an elite school - huge difference. From a major sporting perspective, Duke is the only one that comes close.

Heh, Stanford elitist...

Yeah, I think everyone here pretty much acknowledged that Stanford is academically above both other schools. The original point was only really focused on that from Bug's "maybe didn't get in" comment and us noting that both UCLA and Notre Dame are not exactly pushovers either when it comes to academics.

Sorry we didn't rank them for you. ;)

[DeToxRox]

#1 QB Devin Gardner leads his Inkster team into Steubenville, Ohio, a team that had won 68 in a row at home, and pulled out a 36-29 win on a 63 yard TD pass with 40 seconds left. He had over 450 yards of total offense and was just a man amongst boys.

No doubt in my mind that should he stick his commitment out (and it sounds like he will, though UF is a threat) he will play next year and Denard Robinson will move most likely to a Percy Harvin type role in the UM offense.

[dawgfan]

The original point was only really focused on that from Bug's "maybe didn't get in" comment and us noting that both UCLA and Notre Dame are not exactly pushovers either when it comes to academics.
Or more to the point, both UCLA and Notre Dame voluntarily use higher admission standards for their recruits than the NCAA minimums. There are other Universities that are at or above UCLA and Notre Dame in terms of academic reputations that use the NCAA minimum standards (Cal and Michigan come to mind).

[BishopMVP]

Before someone gets offended and this thread veers into the inevitable academic reputation throwdown ;) Notre Dame's USC game recruits list (not complete).

5*
DE Chris Martin (soft-ish Irish commit)
OT Seantrel Henderson
WR Kyle Prater
DT Louis Nix (soft Miami commit - 2nd visit to ND)
CB Lamarcus Joyner

4*
WR Tai-ler Jones (switched commit to ND, plans to enroll in January - that could have been the problem with Stanford and admissions if there actually was one)
RB Gio Bernard (just committed to ND, from FLA, St. Thomas Aquinas, same as Joyner)
WR/S Corey Cooper (current Illinois commit)
CB Josh Shaw
S Dietrich Riley (the recruit on the receiving end of that ill-advised tweet from UCLA's Randall Carroll, possible package deal with Shaw)
RB Jordon James

Of the 5*, Joyner sounds the least likely, even less so than Henderson, although his teammate committing can only help us. While Prater would be nice, the two most important are Martin and Nix. Bernard gives us 6 of the top 111 on Scout and 8 4* to go with Martin. (Now, please rip my post apart and explain why ND doesn't have a chance for any of them ;))

[MJ4H]

Michael Dyer is supposed to announce Nov. 6th on ESPN. (5* RB from Arkansas)

Conventional wisdom is Auburn, but he's on record as saying he basically wants his recruitment to be a circus, so he may commit one place and switch on NSD or something goofy. It has definitely been a circus thus-far. I'm sure he'll keep it up.

[cartman]

Sounds like WR DeMarco Cobbs switched his commitment from one UT to the other. He changed his verbal commit from Tennessee to Texas. He's listed at #17 on the ESPNU 150 list. That gives the Longhorns 20 pledges at this point.

[Cuckoo]

Cobbs is very overrated, in my opinion. And I promise I'm not saying that because he didn't pick OU.

[Cuckoo]

USC with a big get today as Kyle Prater announced that he will be a Trojan. USC has now gotten verbals from arguably the top 2 WR's in the nation. Looking forward to seeing USC's staff develop this huge talent.

So what's the deal on Prater? First, I hear that he's only a "soft" commit and still plans on looking at OU and Illinois. Now I'm hearing rumblings that he said OU is now his leader.

[Cuckoo]

And now for a triple DOLA...

By the way cartman, do you think this means Texas is giving up on Darius White? A lot of people seem to think he's an OU lock, but Texas really wanted him, I thought. In fact, I even read something this morning that said Texas didn't even really want Cobbs.

[cartman]

To be honest, I haven't heard much one way or the other about White. He's only taken a visit so far to Utah, and hasn't announced any others as of yet.

[Eaglesfan27]

So what's the deal on Prater? First, I hear that he's only a "soft" commit and still plans on looking at OU and Illinois. Now I'm hearing rumblings that he said OU is now his leader.

Who knows. The rumor is that his family is pressuring him to stay closer to home. At least, we won't have to wait until signing day to see if he backs out on us. Also, we have the Barkley factor working for us, so I still like our chances. Prater has been extremely complimentary of Barkley in interviews.

[Blade6119]

I really hope he swaps to OU, that would seal Marcus Lucas for Mizzou

[Karlifornia]

To go back to the whole Tai-ler Jones discussion, Stanford (fans, alumni, and staff) likes to take recruiting losses and toss in the "he probably wasn't accepted" idea. This is true often enough, but I also feel that sometimes a loss is just a loss. Sometimes, kids just want to go elsewhere. It happens. I wish everyone around Stanford would stop putting on the play all the time.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Mizzou picked up a nice commit over the weekend. 4 star in-state DE.

Kony Ealy - Yahoo! Sports (http://rivals.yahoo.com/missouri/football/recruiting/player-Kony-Ealy-97249)

[MrBug708]

Apparently Darrell Scott is trying to transfer to UCLA. He is the former #1 running back in the nation who has been a complete, albeit injured, bust.

[BishopMVP]

Notre Dame gets a verbal from 3*/4* CB Toney Hurd Jr. out of Texas.

[Chief Rum]

Apparently Darrell Scott is trying to transfer to UCLA. He is the former #1 running back in the nation who has been a complete, albeit injured, bust.

Look, not that I think we should turn talent away, but I'm not sure this is the best move for UCLA.

Dean already left for Texas Tech. Knox has been grumbling about PT. Franklin is starting and just a RS freshman. Coleman is a sophomore (probably end up at fullback, but still...). Thigpen has looked terrific in his short times on the field. Malcolm Jones, one of the top backs in the country, is coming in next season, and we're still looking good for Jordan James AND Anthony Barr.

Now, really, do we need another running back? I would prefer we get more O-linemen, DTs, impact defensive ends and linebackers, myself.

[MrBug708]

I think Knox is gone after this year. We are already at the max commits for 2010 already and we still have about 6 guys who are must gets. But I agree with you about Scott, he isn't that vital.

I think Barr comes in as a RB (if he does come here), but staying there is a bigger question. He can really play 4 positions before he is going to play RB

[Poli]

Bourbon had 256 yards on 7 carries for three touchdowns last night in a 56-20 win. He didn't carry the ball in the second half.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Good news for Mizzou fans. WR Marcus Lucas will commit to the Tigers in the next week or two assuming Liberty's season ends tonight.

Marcus Lucas - Yahoo! Sports (http://rivals.yahoo.com/missouri/football/recruiting/player-Marcus-Lucas-84464)

[MrBug708]

High School football ends the first weekend in November?

[Chief Rum]

High School football ends the first weekend in November?

In Missouri, it snows in the winter.

[Blade6119]

lol, well played Chief :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

High School football ends the first weekend in November?

This week is the first weekend of playoffs..........and it snows here in the winter.

[MrBug708]

Jordon James, #13 RB in the country, commits to UCLA

[Eaglesfan27]

Jordon James, #13 RB in the country, commits to UCLA

Rumor is that UCLA told Darrell Scott thanks but no thanks on the transfer.

[DeToxRox]

Rumor is that UCLA told Darrell Scott thanks but no thanks on the transfer.

If the stuff that has been rumored is true in regards to his handlers, I'd probably stay away too.

[MrBug708]

Rumor is that UCLA told Darrell Scott thanks but no thanks on the transfer.

Yup. They didn't need another RB in that class anyhow. It's already a glut of backs

If the stuff that has been rumored is true in regards to his handlers, I'd probably stay away too.

I doubt his handlers have as much going on now with him. UCLA was his destination because it was close to home and his uncle just transferred. I think he could end up at FSU, SDSU, UNLV, or Cal

[MrBug708]

UCLA lands a pair of verbals today.

#21 TE, John Young from Loyola. His teammate is Anthony Barr and Jerry Neuheisel.

#9 OLB, Aramide Olaniyan from Virginia.

[MrBug708]

Brandon Willis, is being touted as potential decommit from the Vols and will flip is commitment to UCLA, but by the end of the year. Two fairly reliable posters are the ones leading this charge.

[mckerney]

Brandon Willis, is being touted as potential decommit from the Vols and will flip is commitment to UCLA, but by the end of the year. Two fairly reliable posters are the ones leading this charge.

Minnesota commit Kip Smith is visiting UCLA this weekend too. He's a kicker with a very strong leg and it seems like there's a decent chance he'll switch.

[Chief Rum]

While I have all the respect in the world for CRN's recruiting ability and do believe you're going to end up right, I am thinking until we see it, I'm not going to count it as news. That's not fair to Vols fans. Right now, Willis is still with them.

I'm sure it concerns them, though, that he's taking visits.

[Chief Rum]

Minnesota commit Kip Smith is visiting UCLA this weekend too. He's a kicker with a very strong leg and it seems like there's a decent chance he'll switch.

Yeah, that's been put out there, too. I don't know much about Smith and his recruitment, so I guess we'll see.

[MrBug708]

Minnesota commit Kip Smith is visiting UCLA this weekend too. He's a kicker with a very strong leg and it seems like there's a decent chance he'll switch.

UCLA has had one back kicker in the past 13 years so it's possible. Forbath is a Junior this year to the kicker would RS and be ready the following year

[MrBug708]

While I have all the respect in the world for CRN's recruiting ability and do believe you're going to end up right, I am thinking until we see it, I'm not going to count it as news. That's not fair to Vols fans. Right now, Willis is still with them.

I'm sure it concerns them, though, that he's taking visits.

Hey now, isnt most of recruiting speculation? :)

[mckerney]

BUCLA has had one back kicker in the past 13 years so it's possible. Forbath is a Junior this year to the kicker would RS and be ready the following year

Smith switched his commitment to UCLA.

[cmp]

Michigan picks up a commitment from 4 star DB recruit Cullen Christian.

[MrBug708]

Drats. Was hoping UCLA could bring him out west.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dillon Baxter with 4 more rushing and 4 more passing TD's tonight. He's got a realistic chance to set the California record for most TD's in a season.

[DeToxRox]

Dillon Baxter with 4 more rushing and 4 more passing TD's tonight. He's got a realistic chance to set the California record for most TD's in a season.

It's a long shot but he was apparently blown away by his Michigan visit. We have a wide open backfield next year and he's a December grad. A few kids who visited said he was close to committing to UM last weekend but obviously nothing came out from that.

That said one of the Michigan mods (who is also a Rivals National Analyst) has talked to two people close to Baxter who have said he won't publicly comment on his trip as to not create controversy which could be taken many different ways.

Obviously he'll be at USC this weekend and will probably seal the deal for USC but if for some reason the visit doesn't go as planned Michigan seems to have a legit chance.

Not sure if USC guys are saying much but I'd be ecstatic if true. He would probably start from day one, especially as an early enrollee. We have only 4 RB's next year and only two saw much PT.

With McKnight saying he's coming back to USC plus all their other backs, I am holding out small hope he decides Michigan is the best place for him.

Like I said, it's a small possibility but it's very intriguing after that visit last weekend.

[Eaglesfan27]

It's a long shot but he was apparently blown away by his Michigan visit. We have a wide open backfield next year and he's a December grad. A few kids who visited said he was close to committing to UM last weekend but obviously nothing came out from that.

That said one of the Michigan mods (who is also a Rivals National Analyst) has talked to two people close to Baxter who have said he won't publicly comment on his trip as to not create controversy which could be taken many different ways.

Obviously he'll be at USC this weekend and will probably seal the deal for USC but if for some reason the visit doesn't go as planned Michigan seems to have a legit chance.

Not sure if USC guys are saying much but I'd be ecstatic if true. He would probably start from day one, especially as an early enrollee. We have only 4 RB's next year and only two saw much PT.

With McKnight saying he's coming back to USC plus all their other backs, I am holding out small hope he decides Michigan is the best place for him.

Like I said, it's a small possibility but it's very intriguing after that visit last weekend.

Michigan worries me a bit, but he has been a long time Trojan fan and I'll be surprised if he doesn't end up at USC in the spring.

[DeToxRox]

Michigan worries me a bit, but he has been a long time Trojan fan and I'll be surprised if he doesn't end up at USC in the spring.

Yeah I give Michigan a 10% chance maybe. I hope McKnight coming back helps but even like you said he is an SC fan so I just don't see it.

Kid is elite though. It's a crime he isn't a 5* even though he's right on the fringe.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah I give Michigan a 10% chance maybe. I hope McKnight coming back helps but even like you said he is an SC fan so I just don't see it.

Kid is elite though. It's a crime he isn't a 5* even though he's right on the fringe.

I'm not sure McKnight is really staying. Most of the "insiders" seem to think he has one foot out the door and will turn pro despite the recent announcement. He certainly wouldn't be the first kid to change his mind between now and the end of the season.

[timmynausea]

WVU RB recruit Braylon Heard rushed for 298 yards last night in the Ohio Div 3 Semifinals. This guy might be splitting the RB job with 1 or 2 other guys next year if Devine goes pro.

[Swaggs]

Louisville fired Steve Kragthorpe today. Some names being tossed around as replacements are Charlie Strong of Florida, Mike Leach of Texas Tech (hard to believe that he would make that move, but he went through an ugly contract issue last offseason, so who knows?), and Houston's Kevin Sumlin. I have also heard that Phillip Fulmer is interested, but I'm not sure he is much of a candidate considering his age and where UofL is, as a program, right now.

Akron's JD Brookhart also got the boot.

Edit: Whoops -- Meant for this to be in the Weekly thread. :)

[Atocep]

WVU RB recruit Braylon Heard rushed for 298 yards last night in the Ohio Div 3 Semifinals. This guy might be splitting the RB job with 1 or 2 other guys next year if Devine goes pro.

The coaching staff apparently loves this guy and had him as the #1 RB target. Most schools like him more as a corner than a RB, but I've heard that our staff sees him as on par with Slaton/Devine in terms of talent.

[Eaglesfan27]

There are rumors out there that 4 star safety Tony Jefferson decommitted from UCLA tonight and committed to USC. However, who knows what will happen between now and when he signs his LOI.

[digamma]

TJ Stripling, the #1 recruit in the state of Georgia, is a Georgia commit but was a Georgia Tech visitor at the game last night. He is said to be watching the Willie Martinez situation closely, but said he hasn't decommitted at this time.

[Eaglesfan27]

No surprise, Tony Jefferson makes it official that he is not going to UCLA. He says it is down to USC and Oklahoma.

Here is the blurb from ESPN:

Five-star athlete Tony Jefferson (Chula Vista, Calif./Eastlake) decommitted from UCLA following an official visit to USC and will now decide for either the Trojans or the Oklahoma Sooners, ESPN's Greg Biggins reports.

"The UCLA players really disrespected me before the game," Jefferson said. "When they saw me, they were all cussing at me, telling me to never come around Westwood again and things like that. These were guys that I had hung out with before and it was a lot of the team. I guess I kind of see it since I was committed there and was wearing USC gear before their big game but I still didn't appreciate it."

The nation's No. 1-rated ATH will not take anymore trips. "Oklahoma is coming over Tuesday for a home visit. I'm sure USC will be coming in too but we haven't discussed it yet. Like I said, right now, the two are dead even and I really like both schools a lot. This whole recruiting thing has been crazy and I can't wait for it to end. There has been so many twists and turns but it should be over soon and I'll be glad when it is."

The ESPNU 150 prospect initially committed to Stanford as a junior. Several other programs from across the country including Arizona, Michigan, Florida, Miami-FL, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon, Tennessee, Arizona State and Oregon State also offered.

[Neuqua]

"The UCLA players really disrespected me before the game," Jefferson said. "When they saw me, they were all cussing at me, telling me to never come around Westwood again and things like that. These were guys that I had hung out with before and it was a lot of the team. I guess I kind of see it since I was committed there and was wearing USC gear before their big game but I still didn't appreciate it."

lol

[Swaggs]

Well, at least he can "kind of see it." :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Kyle Prater has said that he is completely done the recruiting process and he reaffirmed his committment to USC this weekend. He'll enroll in the spring. Huge get for SC. :)

Edit: Ditto for Dillon Baxter. He and Prater have hit it off and are going to room together next year. :)

[BishopMVP]

Chris Martin is back to being listed as open by the services. He might be back to ND, but until the new coach is hired, I'm sure there will be quite a shakeout. The way the season ended and Weis' firing is probably not coincidental with the timing of Prater reaffirming his commitment to USC.

[DeToxRox]

Chris Martin is back to being listed as open by the services. He might be back to ND, but until the new coach is hired, I'm sure there will be quite a shakeout. The way the season ended and Weis' firing is probably not coincidental with the timing of Prater reaffirming his commitment to USC.

Martin said he is done with ND and is down to UF, OU, USC and Cal.

[Atocep]

Was supposed to stay quiet until this weekend, but word leaked out fast. 4* DT Richard Ash from Pahokee committed to WVU. There were some concerns that he wasn't going to qualify and a lot of teams backed off of him early this fall, but he seems to be on track to qualify now and is a huge pickup for a team that needs DLine depth.

[BishopMVP]

Martin said he is done with ND and is down to UF, OU, USC and Cal.I've heard those reports, but it makes little sense a prospect (at DL, not QB) would go from an ND commit under Weis to not considering them, at least until the new coach is known.

Even if he's gone, the overall shakeout appears much less than the past two coaching changes, as many recruits have confirmed they still intend to sign, and ND even picking up a 4* DT - former Miami commit Louis Nix from Jacksonville.

[timmynausea]

Was supposed to stay quiet until this weekend, but word leaked out fast. 4* DT Richard Ash from Pahokee committed to WVU. There were some concerns that he wasn't going to qualify and a lot of teams backed off of him early this fall, but he seems to be on track to qualify now and is a huge pickup for a team that needs DLine depth.

Beating USC for a D-Lineman is unreal. And if Finau finally makes it in this January, WVU will have 2 of them.

[DeToxRox]

Beating USC for a D-Lineman is unreal. And if Finau finally makes it in this January, WVU will have 2 of them.

I don't put much in it, but two separate UM mods (one Rivals, one Scout) who both have great track records said as of today they have heard Ash is now visiting Michigan this weekend. He missed his OV vs OSU so it is possible but who knows.

They both said they heard Ash is a heavy WVU lean but wants to visit UM still since he has several teammates up here.

Anyway, just passing it along. Lemme know what you guys have heard.

All this info is as of today FYI.

[Eaglesfan27]

Beating USC for a D-Lineman is unreal. And if Finau finally makes it in this January, WVU will have 2 of them.

Southern Cal never pursued him that hard. He is/was a backup option to another 4 star DT who committed silently this past weekend.

As far as the ND fallout, I wouldn't be surprised to see few big names transfer closer to home or for Te'o to take his nission. I'm guessing guys will wait to see who the new coach is before deciding.

[DeToxRox]

Dola, Spencer Boyd, an ND verbal who had UM interest is visiting this weekend, and Sean Parker, a S from CA who is considered a USC silent but has been adamant in visiting UM will be in town also.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola,

To be fair part of why I think he was a backup plan was that the staff considered him almost certain to go to West Virginia earlier in the year.

[Atocep]

I don't put much in it, but two separate UM mods (one Rivals, one Scout) who both have great track records said as of today they have heard Ash is now visiting Michigan this weekend. He missed his OV vs OSU so it is possible but who knows.

They both said they heard Ash is a heavy WVU lean but wants to visit UM still since he has several teammates up here.

Anyway, just passing it along. Lemme know what you guys have heard.

All this info is as of today FYI.


Ash is visiting Rutgers this weekend. He has a visit in January set up with South Carolina, but as far as I know he has no other scheduled visits. He did tell our coaching staff he planned on taking his visits, but they're very confident in his commitment right now.

[Chief Rum]

Southern Cal never pursued him that hard. He is/was a backup option to another 4 star DT who committed silently this past weekend.

Uko?

[DeToxRox]

Ash is visiting Rutgers this weekend. He has a visit in January set up with South Carolina, but as far as I know he has no other scheduled visits. He did tell our coaching staff he planned on taking his visits, but they're very confident in his commitment right now.

They said he canceled the visit to RU and is coming up to Michigan.

[Atocep]

Dola, Spencer Boyd, an ND verbal who had UM interest is visiting this weekend, and Sean Parker, a S from CA who is considered a USC silent but has been adamant in visiting UM will be in town also.


Boyd is an interesting one. His family is from West Virginia and his uncle has posted on the WVU rivals boards forever. He never got a WVU offer, though, and his uncle said he would have taken it immediately had it received one. No explanation from anyone on why he didn't get an offer. I know he made the switch from RB to DB his junior year and ended up getting hurt and missing over half the season. Considering WVU's need for corners, it's really odd.

[bhlloy]

Uko?


That would be big news to me. I know he put USC back on top but hadn't heard anything about a silent.

[DeToxRox]

Boyd is an interesting one. His family is from West Virginia and his uncle has posted on the WVU rivals boards forever. He never got a WVU offer, though, and his uncle said he would have taken it immediately had it received one. No explanation from anyone on why he didn't get an offer. I know he made the switch from RB to DB his junior year and ended up getting hurt and missing over half the season. Considering WVU's need for corners, it's really odd.

Yeah his recruitment was odd. Favored UM but then never got to visiting and ended up going to ND and loving it.

Would love to add him as a safety to this class where we need bodies desperately.

[Chief Rum]

That would be big news to me. I know he put USC back on top but hadn't heard anything about a silent.

Not that Biggins is an end all be all on this stuff (especially out west), but he indicated after the visit this weekend, that Uko said USC now leads, but that it's close between UCLA and USC. Biggins predicted it would go down to the end.

I always felt Uko would end up at USC, with his dad pushing him. I only thought we might get into it after Uko had a great time on his visit with us last month. It wouldn't surprise me too much, though, if Uko actually did verbal this weekend.

[timmynausea]

Boyd is an interesting one. His family is from West Virginia and his uncle has posted on the WVU rivals boards forever. He never got a WVU offer, though, and his uncle said he would have taken it immediately had it received one. No explanation from anyone on why he didn't get an offer. I know he made the switch from RB to DB his junior year and ended up getting hurt and missing over half the season. Considering WVU's need for corners, it's really odd.

Spencer was also pretty good friends with Noel Devine. I remember his uncle giving us several updates about ND's recruitment as the two of them hung out fairly regularly at that point. I'm a little disappointed we didn't recruit him.

[DeToxRox]

Just for the WVU guys, a third guy who has talked to Ash says he is coming to UM and is as soft a commitment as you can get. The guy also talked to two of his teammates at UM from Pahokee and both said he is open.

By no means am I trying to rub anything in here because with recruitment who really knows?

Just wanted to give you guys the rundown as UM fans hear it.

[Eaglesfan27]

Uko?

Nope, but USC is supposedly in the lead for him as well. I agree with you that he will be a battle until the end.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

More good news on the recruiting front for Mizzou.

4 star QB Tyler Gabbert was in town over the weekend and was sporting Mizzou hat/shirt at the basketball game while talking with Mizzou football coaches. More fuel to the fire that he'll be switching his commitment to Mizzou.

Also, 4 star WR Curtis Carter has officially decommitted from Nebraska and will be taking an official visit to Mizzou. He's also considering TCU. He didn't mince words in this article about what he thought of Nebraska's offense.

Curtis Carter slams Nebraska offense and QB play (http://nebraska.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1026030)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Holy hell. Huskerland is in meltdown mode this morning. Word has trickled out that Tyler Gabbert has decommitted officially and has given a commitment to Mizzou. In addition, two more 4 star players who verbally commited to Nebraska will likely be following Gabbert to Mizzou.

They got hit with a blizzard and their recruiting class is crumbling due to another Gabbert defection all in the span of 24 hours. Rough day to be in Nebraska.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Oops

Hamilton statement expected on Times story» GoVolsXtra (http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2009/dec/09/hamilton-statement-expected-times-story/)

Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton will release a statement later today on a New York Times report that UT is under NCAA investigation for possible recruiting violations, said Tiffany Carpenter, Tennessee athletic department public relations director.

According to a New York Times report, UT is under scrutiny for the use of members of the Orange Pride group, hostesses who have proved invaluable as the school has strengthened its football recruiting under coach Lane Kiffin. The Vols had previously caught the NCAA’s eye after self-reporting six secondary violations since Kiffin was hired last December.

The Times story cites examples of hostesses traveling to high school games featuring UT recruits and holding up signs encouraging the players to sign with the program, which would be a violation of NCAA rules because Orange Pride members are representatives of the university.

Hamilton confirmed the investigation to the Times, but he didn’t elaborate on what it included.

“Typically, we do not comment on inquires that are in progress,” he told the Times on Tuesday night.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Tennessee is behind the times. The 'hostesses' at most schools do far more than hold up signs.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tennessee is behind the times. The 'hostesses' at most schools do far more than hold up signs.

Yeah but that stuff is usually a little more, discreet, shall we say. Kind of hard to maintain plausible deniability if they're holding up freakin signs in the middle of a crowd at somebody's high school. What goes on in the back seat/at the hotel/wherever at least has a shot at being denied.

I won't argue that CLK got more out of this team than I believed was possible but at the same time stuff like this doesn't surprise me even an tiny bit.

[MrBug708]

Anthony Barr is saying that he isn't deadset on playing RB. I think a lot will depend on who they hired at ND, in where he goes. But I think it would a mild surprise if he ends up anywhere but at UCLA

[MrBug708]

There are also rumors that Manti Te'o wants to transfer to USC

[Eaglesfan27]

There are also rumors that Manti Te'o wants to transfer to USC

Yep, those rumors started even before the coaching changes. I think the coaching changes may actually help ND's chances of keeping him, but there is still a decent chance that he transfers. I think this proves the rumors that were out there that he really wanted USC all along and it was his father who pushed him to ND.

[Blade6119]

Holy hell. Huskerland is in meltdown mode this morning. Word has trickled out that Tyler Gabbert has decommitted officially and has given a commitment to Mizzou. In addition, two more 4 star players who verbally commited to Nebraska will likely be following Gabbert to Mizzou.

They got hit with a blizzard and their recruiting class is crumbling due to another Gabbert defection all in the span of 24 hours. Rough day to be in Nebraska.
How many spots do we have left? I thought we were keeping spots for Sasser, Lucas, and maybe Easterly or Arndt. Do we really have spots for Gabbert, Carter, and any others?

[CU Tiger]

Tennessee is behind the times. The 'hostesses' at most schools do far more than hold up signs.


The challenge is they drove from Knoxville TN, to Spartanburg, SC and held up signs. Since they are paid to be hostessess you now have an employee of the university traveilng and oublically recruiting.

And yeah, hostessess have special recruiting skills.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

How many spots do we have left? I thought we were keeping spots for Sasser, Lucas, and maybe Easterly or Arndt. Do we really have spots for Gabbert, Carter, and any others?

I don't believe that Easterly and Arndt are guaranteed at this point. Either way, we have three available spots for sure and all three will likely go to the Nebraska defectors. Gabbert will likely commit after this weekend's visit.

[BishopMVP]

Yep, those rumors started even before the coaching changes. I think the coaching changes may actually help ND's chances of keeping him, but there is still a decent chance that he transfers.Do the rumors on your end have him taking a 1-year mission during the transfer year or going straight there and sitting out the year?

[MacroGuru]

Do the rumors on your end have him taking a 1-year mission during the transfer year or going straight there and sitting out the year?

Well, unless he kept his nose clean at ND he won't be able to serve his mission...it was part of the reason BYU and he parted ways...he attended a party while he was in Provo and got caught along with several other players and recruits.

The rumor Mill was flying off the charts as he chose ND...and still is...as those in the know aren't talking to a lot of sources.

[Eaglesfan27]

Do the rumors on your end have him taking a 1-year mission during the transfer year or going straight there and sitting out the year?

I've heard rumors with both options.

[MJ4H]

Arkansas has been VERY quiet in recruiting this year, but it is starting to heat up right now, including several players that are currently "committed" elsewhere. Petrino plays things much closer to the vest than the last regime did, and based on the previous two classes, it is obvious he closes VERY strongly. Look for a little noise out of Fayetteville in the next week or so.

Incidentally, even though our current group of commits won't rank very highly, it is extremely needs-based (recruiting defense and size with specific skills) and is actually dead-on perfect for what we need. The last 10 spots will happen with a roar, too, so the ranking thing may happen, too. Based on what I'm starting to hear, I'm getting pretty excited. Good stuff ahead.

[MrBug708]

Malcolm Jones was named the Gatorade Football POTY, which is mildly surprising

[Eaglesfan27]

Rumors on Te'o to USC are really heating up today. I wouldn't be surprised if there was an announcement soon.

Also, in a mild surprise, Stafon Johnson announced he is going pro rather than apply for a medical redshirt year.

[DeToxRox]

Rumors on Te'o to USC are really heating up today. I wouldn't be surprised if there was an announcement soon.

Also, in a mild surprise, Stafon Johnson announced he is going pro rather than apply for a medical redshirt year.

EF - I have read elsewhere Shaq Evans might be going to USC also. Any truth to that?

[Eaglesfan27]

EF - I have read elsewhere Shaq Evans might be going to USC also. Any truth to that?

I've heard he and one or two of his friends such as Cierre Woods want to get out of ND and head back west, but I'd be surprised if he ended up at USC.

[bhlloy]

I don't think ND is going to let any kid go to SC if they have a say in the matter. Manti can essentially become a "free agent" if he plays the mission card but I don't see any way that anybody else ends up at SC.

I would welcome him with open arms though, especially if Damian Williams jumps to the NFL.

[Chief Rum]

Interesting. If ND restricts their players from transferring to USC (understandable, since they are a rival) and if Teo doesn't go on his mission, the next choice for Teo (originally) was UCLA. I don't recall UCLA being in it much for Shaq Evans, so not sure where he would end up. And Cierre Woods chose Notre Dame over UCLA, but now that UCLA has so many backs (they already reportedly turned done the possibility of CU back Darrell Scott coming), I wouldn't think they would take Woods either.

They would certainly take Teo if they had a choice, although my guess is he'll go on his mission and then go to USC (or simply re-open his recruitment in a year).

[Chief Rum]

Actually, someone on one of my UCLA sites pointed out the Robby Toma thing. Given that, my guess is Teo wouldn't come to UCLA, because no matter what the truth of what happened is, Teo will believe Toma. If Toma harbors any resentment (publically he says UCLA did right by him, contrary to rumors), then Teo will probably share that as well.

In any case, I think Teo either goes on his mission and then comes back to Notre Dame, stays at Notre Dame (no mission), or goes on his mission and then goes to USC.

[bhlloy]

I would have thought if ND restricts USC, they will restrict UCLA for the same reasons, even if UCLA isn't as huge of a rival they still play you guys every year and UCLA is on the rise.

[MacroGuru]

In any case, I think Teo either goes on his mission and then comes back to Notre Dame, stays at Notre Dame (no mission), or goes on his mission and then goes to USC.

Right now...the rumors in the family circle is that he is going on his mission if that is the case he becomes a free agent 18 months into it (Leaving 6 months left on his mission). At that point in time, I see him going to USC.

He has cleaned up his act from what has been stated to my contacts.

[MrBug708]

I would have thought if ND restricts USC, they will restrict UCLA for the same reasons, even if UCLA isn't as huge of a rival they still play you guys every year and UCLA is on the rise.

I dont think Notre Dame has much issue with UCLA and since there is a coaching change, administration would be a little bit more lenient to accepting transfers.

While Te'o at UCLA would be wonderful, I think we have a better chance of seeing Pete Carroll bolting for the NFL then this happening.

[MacroGuru]

I dont think Notre Dame has much issue with UCLA and since there is a coaching change, administration would be a little bit more lenient to accepting transfers.

While Te'o at UCLA would be wonderful, I think we have a better chance of seeing Pete Carroll bolting for the NFL then this happening.

BTWW...Chow is putting a big time press on some of our polynesian DL that are returning from their missions. He has appointments set up and is doing his best to get them to switch over....I think we might lose 1 of them.

[MrBug708]

Which guys?

[Eaglesfan27]

BTWW...Chow is putting a big time press on some of our polynesian DL that are returning from their missions. He has appointments set up and is doing his best to get them to switch over....I think we might lose 1 of them.

It'll be interesting to see if Chow is still at UCLA next year.

[MrBug708]

Is he retiring?

[Chief Rum]

It'll be interesting to see if Chow is still at UCLA next year.

Next year, as in the 2010 season? Chow's been getting hit with a lot of rumors of leaving (San Jose State, the NFL) but he has insisted himself and sources inside the program back this up as well, that he's perfectly fine where he is, and has no interest in leaving at this time.

Nothing set in stone, of course, until after the "coach change season" wraps up through January, but that's what's out there.

And, regardless, I am sure it will be repeatedly re-visited every season.

[MacroGuru]

Which guys?

Eathyn Manumaleuna was the one I have heard that gets home this month for it...I don't remember the other players name.

[BYU 14]

Eathyn Manumaleuna was the one I have heard that gets home this month for it...I don't remember the other players name.

He is still supposed to be pretty solid according to some sources that claim to know his relatives. I think it would be a mistake as good as BYU's last two recruiting classes have been, plus the fact that he will be line to start next year, but who knows.

[Eaglesfan27]

Next year, as in the 2010 season?
And, regardless, I am sure it will be repeatedly re-visited every season.

Yes, I wouldn't be surprised to see Chow leave UCLA this offseason. His reputation is taking a hit there with the offensive difficulties, and it would make sense for him to leave if a better opportunity came along (which the San Jose HC job does not qualify as.)

[MrBug708]

Yes, I wouldn't be surprised to see Chow leave UCLA this offseason. His reputation is taking a hit there with the offensive difficulties, and it would make sense for him to leave if a better opportunity came along (which the San Jose HC job does not qualify as.)

Chow wont make more money anywhere else as an OC (I dont blame Chow for leaving for a HC spot), but unless the rumors of Rick and Chow dont like each other are true, I dont see him leaving.

[MacroGuru]

He is still supposed to be pretty solid according to some sources that claim to know his relatives. I think it would be a mistake as good as BYU's last two recruiting classes have been, plus the fact that he will be line to start next year, but who knows.

Yeah...from all accounts my friends have said he is solid but they did tell me about Te'o today...so I am more apt to think he has cleaned up his act. and in 2 years we might get a shot...LOL...

Fingers crossed this upcoming class sticks! :D

[Chief Rum]

He is still supposed to be pretty solid according to some sources that claim to know his relatives. I think it would be a mistake as good as BYU's last two recruiting classes have been, plus the fact that he will be line to start next year, but who knows.

I would always think it's best for any player to stay where they are unless it's a bad situation for them (and I haven't heard anything bad out BYU).

That said, if the mission thing allows them to transfer and play right away and they aren't assured of starting in September, a DL would have to consider looking at UCLA. The Bruins are going to be very thin up front, with Price almost certainly going pro, and losing another SR starter besides at DT. A guy can literally transfer and go start if he has any ability, and being older will mean he's much more ready to compete as a starter than the freshman DTs UCLA's currently targetting.

[Chief Rum]

Yes, I wouldn't be surprised to see Chow leave UCLA this offseason. His reputation is taking a hit there with the offensive difficulties, and it would make sense for him to leave if a better opportunity came along (which the San Jose HC job does not qualify as.)

Plus, on top of what Bug said, given the possible rep hits he has taken, he wouldn't want to leave now, not with a QB who already has 9 starts who is just a RS Soph, and a bunch of freshmen and soph talent all throughout the offense. It's pretty likely the offense takes a very strong step forward next year (it will probably be the stronger unit on the team for the first time since 2005).

[BYU 14]

I would always think it's best for any player to stay where they are unless it's a bad situation for them (and I haven't heard anything bad out BYU).

That said, if the mission thing allows them to transfer and play right away and they aren't assured of starting in September, a DL would have to consider looking at UCLA. The Bruins are going to be very thin up front, with Price almost certainly going pro, and losing another SR starter besides at DT. A guy can literally transfer and go start if he has any ability, and being older will mean he's much more ready to compete as a starter than the freshman DTs UCLA's currently targetting.

Thats what is so baffling, we lose our entire starting D-Line and he played a lot (quite well) before his mission so he is practically pencilled in. The wildcard though is some see starting for a mid-level Pac 10 team better than starting for a top tier MWC team, which is understandable.

Macro, it would be great to get Teo if he has his shit together, but I think he may have burned that bridge, wven if he is interested.

[dawgfan]

Yes, I wouldn't be surprised to see Chow leave UCLA this offseason. His reputation is taking a hit there with the offensive difficulties, and it would make sense for him to leave if a better opportunity came along (which the San Jose HC job does not qualify as.)
Given Chow's age, I think he'd consider taking a low-prestige HC job if he really has a strong desire to be a HC. Not too many places that are willing to make a 63 year old man a first-time HC.

[MrBug708]

Given Chow's age, I think he'd consider taking a low-prestige HC job if he really has a strong desire to be a HC. Not too many places that are willing to make a 63 year old man a first-time HC.

Exactly. I can understand the desire to want a HC job, the window gets smaller every year. The NFL wouldnt be so bad, I think he needs two more years to qualify for their retirement program. But another college job? I don't think that is likely. UCLA backloaded his contract so they could pay him more these years.

[dawgfan]

Exactly. I can understand the desire to want a HC job, the window gets smaller every year. The NFL wouldnt be so bad, I think he needs two more years to qualify for their retirement program. But another college job? I don't think that is likely. UCLA backloaded his contract so they could pay him more these years.
Yeah, unless he and Neuheisel really aren't getting along, I would guess Chow sticks around UCLA unless he opts for a head coaching deal or jumping back to the NFL to qualify for a pension.

[BYU 14]

Yeah, unless he and Neuheisel really aren't getting along, I would guess Chow sticks around UCLA unless he opts for a head coaching deal or jumping back to the NFL to qualify for a pension.

Chow is not known for his people skills, he was bypassed for the BYU job after Lavell retired because of concerns he would not do well with the "face" part of the job. I think he is just one of those career coordinator types, which has provided a nice living for him, without the HC BS.

[dawgfan]

Chow is not known for his people skills, he was bypassed for the BYU job after Lavell retired because of concerns he would not do well with the "face" part of the job. I think he is just one of those career coordinator types, which has provided a nice living for him, without the HC BS.
Yep, I've heard that before. That said, if a school offers him a HC position, I'd guess he'd think long and hard about it. I've heard that he wanted to be a HC, though who knows if that's still the case.

[BishopMVP]

I would have thought if ND restricts USC, they will restrict UCLA for the same reasons, even if UCLA isn't as huge of a rival they still play you guys every year and UCLA is on the rise.Denying a transfer to USC would not be because they are a rival but because they are on our schedule the next couple years. It's the standard practice. Places on the web have conflicting reports, but as far as I know UCLA is not on our schedule in the near future (USC is every year and BYU is as well for the next 4 years according to at least one site.)

Either way I hope Te'o (and Evans/Wood) stay, but we'll see what kind of shake out occurs now that Kelly was named head coach. Final exams are Dec 14-18th and grades come out between then and Christmas, so I doubt any plans would be finalized this coming week.

[bhlloy]

Denying a transfer to USC would not be because they are a rival but because they are on our schedule the next couple years. It's the standard practice. Places on the web have conflicting reports, but as far as I know UCLA is not on our schedule in the near future (USC is every year and BYU is as well for the next 4 years according to at least one site.)


That was exactly my point :p Obviously there would be a little more motivation to deny a transfer to your biggest rival but typically you never allow a transfer to a team in your conference. For ND it's a little different obviously but the concept is the same.

I just thought that UCLA played ND every year and it was set in stone for some reason.

I don't know really how the process works but I know Jamere Holland forced a transfer from SC to Oregon by appealing to the school president (maybe the AD instead?) and basically threatening further action if he wasn't allowed to go wherever he wanted. I wonder if this would stick in court if a player did decide to go that route.

[Blade6119]

Arizona State picked up 3 O-Line recruits this past week, two of them JUCOs, along with a D-line recruit and a verbal from an interesting little CB. Tidy little week, with some more prospects deciding this weekend we are hoping for.

[mckerney]

2009 Tennessee signee and then non-qualifier James Green has committed to Minnesota.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dillon Baxter has 300 yards and 5 TD's on 14 carries at the beginning of the 2nd half in his school's Championship Game. He's had a 91 yard TD run and a 87 yard TD run. I can't wait to see him in Cardinal and Gold next year.

[DeToxRox]

Dillon Baxter has 300 yards and 5 TD's on 14 carries at the beginning of the 2nd half in his school's Championship Game. He's had a 91 yard TD run and a 87 yard TD run. I can't wait to see him in Cardinal and Gold next year.

Damn you getting him, and potentially Seastrunk as well. Lache should just commit now and Baxter should stick with his HS colors ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dillon Baxter set the record for TD's in a season for California last night. He was pulled early, but still finished with almost 500 yards of offense and 6 TD's (rushing, passing, and receiving.) Here are some good quality highlights of his game last night (which was against a 11-1 team) including a ridiculous move at about 2 minutes:

http://video.maxpreps.com/video/zTQqtPefukm8sw1qlnGO_A/athlete/0ILuBs0axE-ABacgJGB-jA/football/dillon-baxter/dillon-baxter-highlights---mission-bay,-ca.htm

[MrBug708]

The better Baxter does, the better UCLA's chances for the Black Mamba are

[Eaglesfan27]

The better Baxter does, the better UCLA's chances for the Black Mamba are

UCLA has a ton of backs too, so I think the depth chart will be a negative factor for both schools. Speaking of Slick Rick, I hear he feels that going 6-6 is "meeting the goal" he set for the team. ;)

[MrBug708]

Bowl game was the goal. Last time I checked, he met that goal. he sold a bunch of kids on a 4-8 team and the result was a top 25 class last year. I can't imagine how good the class will be this year if he can point to a 3 win improvement from year 1 to year 2 :)

As for DeAnthony, I think UCLA will have an advantage over SC being he's a 'shaw kid

[bhlloy]

SC is just never destined to get a Crenshaw kid and the depth chart won't be looking good with Morgan, Baxter and hopefully Seastrunk this year. I don't know if that automatically means he's a UCLA lock but I don't see him at SC.

Anybody want to go out on a limb and predict their class for this year? USC should have around 23 rides and I see it shaking out like this (* means current commit)

1. Kyle Prater, WR * 5
2. Robert Woods, WR * 5
3. Xavier Grimble, TE * 5
4. Jackson Jeffcoat, DE 5
5. Lache Seastrunk, RB 5
6. George Uko, DT 5
7. Dillon Baxter, ATH * 5
8. Matt Darr, P * 4
9. Tony Jefferson, ATH 4
10. Jesse Scroggins, QB * 4
11. DJ Morgan, RB * 4
12. Josh Shirley, OLB 4
13. Demetrius Wright, CB 4
14. Gabe King, DE 4
15. Dion Bailey, S * 4
16. Randall Telfer, TE * 4
17. Giovanni Di Paolo, OL * 4
18. Brice Schwab, OL * 4 (JC)
19. Trajuan Briggs, RB * 3
20. Shaydon Akuna, S 3
21. Anthony Brown, ATH * 3
22. Dak Smith, DT * 2
23. a transfer because I can't really see anybody else that I'm confident enough about

Other notables:
S. Henderson - OSU
R. Powell - Florida
C. Martin - Florida
D. Riley - Florida
H. Pullard - UCLA
K. Stills - Oklahoma
A. Jefferson - UCLA
R. Heimuli - BYU
S. Parker - Michigan
C. Thomas - Miami
M. Flowers - Zona
O. Owa - Oregon

Cue getting ripped by UCLA fans in 3...2....1..... :D

At least I'll have something to come back and laugh about on NSD

[Eaglesfan27]

I agree with most of your list, bhlloy, but I think we are getting Henderson even though he reportedly wasn't thrilled about our crowd's response during his visit. I think he rightfully sees an immediate opportunity to start (heck, he could have that almost anywhere if he is as good as advertised), and a chance to play with some great playmakers around him. I also haven't completely written off Powell to Florida. He's been having some second thoughts, so I'm hopeful locals will get him to stay home.

[DeToxRox]

I hope we land Parker but I have no idea what happens there. We need safety help badly though.

[JPhillips]

I agree with most of your list, bhlloy, but I think we are getting Henderson even though he reportedly wasn't thrilled about our crowd's response during his visit. I think he rightfully sees an immediate opportunity to start (heck, he could have that almost anywhere if he is as good as advertised), and a chance to play with some great playmakers around him. I also haven't completely written off Powell to Florida. He's been having some second thoughts, so I'm hopeful locals will get him to stay home.

He'd almost certainly start for OSU as well.

[Chief Rum]

SC is just never destined to get a Crenshaw kid and the depth chart won't be looking good with Morgan, Baxter and hopefully Seastrunk this year. I don't know if that automatically means he's a UCLA lock but I don't see him at SC.

Anybody want to go out on a limb and predict their class for this year? USC should have around 23 rides and I see it shaking out like this (* means current commit)

1. Kyle Prater, WR * 5
2. Robert Woods, WR * 5
3. Xavier Grimble, TE * 5
4. Jackson Jeffcoat, DE 5
5. Lache Seastrunk, RB 5
6. George Uko, DT 5
7. Dillon Baxter, ATH * 5
8. Matt Darr, P * 4
9. Tony Jefferson, ATH 4
10. Jesse Scroggins, QB * 4
11. DJ Morgan, RB * 4
12. Josh Shirley, OLB 4
13. Demetrius Wright, CB 4
14. Gabe King, DE 4
15. Dion Bailey, S * 4
16. Randall Telfer, TE * 4
17. Giovanni Di Paolo, OL * 4
18. Brice Schwab, OL * 4 (JC)
19. Trajuan Briggs, RB * 3
20. Shaydon Akuna, S 3
21. Anthony Brown, ATH * 3
22. Dak Smith, DT * 2
23. a transfer because I can't really see anybody else that I'm confident enough about

Other notables:
S. Henderson - OSU
R. Powell - Florida
C. Martin - Florida
D. Riley - Florida
H. Pullard - UCLA
K. Stills - Oklahoma
A. Jefferson - UCLA
R. Heimuli - BYU
S. Parker - Michigan
C. Thomas - Miami
M. Flowers - Zona
O. Owa - Oregon

Cue getting ripped by UCLA fans in 3...2....1..... :D

At least I'll have something to come back and laugh about on NSD

The players I am familiar with, for the most part I agree with your list. I don't know why USC is confident on Seastrunk, though. I am pretty sure he's staying in the South or Texas. In fact, I think you guys have a better shot at both Henderson and Powell than you do Seastrunk, who will not have failed to notice Baxter coming in. I also think if McKnight does come back as he says (although I think he's going to end up going), it's even more certain Seastrunk's not coming.

I also think Riley gives a very strong look at UCLA, and the loss of Tony Jefferson to the dark side makes UCLA much more attractive to Riley.

[dawgfan]

12. Josh Shirley, OLB 4
The last report I saw from Biggins says the Huskies are right there with USC and UCLA for Shirley. Here's what he had to say:

• The talk since last spring regarding Josh Shirley (Fontana, Calif./Kaiser) was that his signature would come down to a UCLA-USC battle. Even Shirley said as recently as October that the two L.A schools were his leaders. Saying that, the school I'm hearing that is making a big move for Shirley is Washington.

Shirley loved his visit to Seattle back in September and still talks about it. Rumors persist that UCLA may be moving in a different direction and USC is always tough to beat for any player, but especially a local one but the Huskies have a real shot here.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4710797&name=West_Recruiting

That was a few weeks ago, so things may have changed, but it's the latest report on him via ESPN or Scout.com.

Part of the appeal I suspect is the fact that Washington can best offer him early playing time - we lose both of our starting DE's.

[Chief Rum]

The last report I saw from Biggins says the Huskies are right there with USC and UCLA for Shirley. Here's what he had to say:

• The talk since last spring regarding Josh Shirley (Fontana, Calif./Kaiser) was that his signature would come down to a UCLA-USC battle. Even Shirley said as recently as October that the two L.A schools were his leaders. Saying that, the school I'm hearing that is making a big move for Shirley is Washington.

Shirley loved his visit to Seattle back in September and still talks about it. Rumors persist that UCLA may be moving in a different direction and USC is always tough to beat for any player, but especially a local one but the Huskies have a real shot here.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4710797&name=West_Recruiting

That was a few weeks ago, so things may have changed, but it's the latest report on him via ESPN or Scout.com.

Part of the appeal I suspect is the fact that Washington can best offer him early playing time - we lose both of our starting DE's.

Actually, if Washington is up on him, they might be #2 or even #1 now (since I haven't actually head of all that much love between Shirley and USC, at least not enough to say they're definitely on top, just in the mix).

UCLA has apparently cooled on Shirley. They already have Olaniyan and Kendricks at LB, Pullard is practically considered a silent, and they have the definite inside track on Barr as well. Shirley played DE in HS, and there have been whispers that he may not be able to make a successful transition to a 4-3 OLB, and he's not big enough to play DE in college (at least not at the BCS level). So UCLA, given their other options, have cooled on him, from the reports I have seen.

Personally, I think the whispers stuff is overblown and Shirley will be fine, and a player to be reckoned with, at USC or UDub or wherever. But it seems unlikely UCLA's really trying much with him right now.

[DeToxRox]

So EF or Bhlloy, have either of you heard anything about Parker? All we have heard is he liked the visit and he might be a USC silent.

[Chief Rum]

So EF or Bhlloy, have either of you heard anything about Parker? All we have heard is he liked the visit and he might be a USC silent.

I'm neither of those guys, but I have seen the USC silent stuff on the Interwebs, too. It has been so long, though, that I no longer believe it. He would have come out by now; the silent rumors have been around since something like last spring at the USC camps. Instead, I lean toward something that might as well be a silent--he's a super SUC lean.

[Eaglesfan27]

So EF or Bhlloy, have either of you heard anything about Parker? All we have heard is he liked the visit and he might be a USC silent.

I've heard that he really likes USC, but USC has a glut of players at the position between the current roster and players they are recruiting. As a result, they probably aren't going to be able to take them all. Should be interesting to see how it pans out over the next 2 months.

[DeToxRox]

Thanks EF and CR, it's basically what I thought.

I have heard he wants to leave California and at one time he was a ND fan but that he was dropping them because of the change. Still, who knows if Kelly can get him. Certainly though no one needs him more then Michigan. I will stake my life on that.

[bhlloy]

I think Parker definitely ends up out of state, my guess is Michigan or ND. There doesn't seem to be a lot of love between him and USC or UCLA right now. Absolutely 0% chance he's a silent, he's a local kid, he's not THAT good and he plays a position we are pretty loaded at in the last few classes including this one.

I have heard very good things about SC and Shirley but his offer is on the table to play linebacker. If Sark offers him at DE and that's the position he wants to play then that might be something for you guys to be hopeful about. But Sark would be lying, like CR said he's just not going to be an end at the next level, not big or strong enough.

[MrBug708]

SC is just never destined to get a Crenshaw kid and the depth chart won't be looking good with Morgan, Baxter and hopefully Seastrunk this year. I don't know if that automatically means he's a UCLA lock but I don't see him at SC.

Anybody want to go out on a limb and predict their class for this year? USC should have around 23 rides and I see it shaking out like this (* means current commit)

1. Kyle Prater, WR * 5
2. Robert Woods, WR * 5
3. Xavier Grimble, TE * 5
4. Jackson Jeffcoat, DE 5
5. Lache Seastrunk, RB 5
6. George Uko, DT 5
7. Dillon Baxter, ATH * 5
8. Matt Darr, P * 4
9. Tony Jefferson, ATH 4
10. Jesse Scroggins, QB * 4
11. DJ Morgan, RB * 4
12. Josh Shirley, OLB 4
13. Demetrius Wright, CB 4
14. Gabe King, DE 4
15. Dion Bailey, S * 4
16. Randall Telfer, TE * 4
17. Giovanni Di Paolo, OL * 4
18. Brice Schwab, OL * 4 (JC)
19. Trajuan Briggs, RB * 3
20. Shaydon Akuna, S 3
21. Anthony Brown, ATH * 3
22. Dak Smith, DT * 2
23. a transfer because I can't really see anybody else that I'm confident enough about

Other notables:
S. Henderson - OSU
R. Powell - Florida
C. Martin - Florida
D. Riley - Florida
H. Pullard - UCLA
K. Stills - Oklahoma
A. Jefferson - UCLA
R. Heimuli - BYU
S. Parker - Michigan
C. Thomas - Miami
M. Flowers - Zona
O. Owa - Oregon

Cue getting ripped by UCLA fans in 3...2....1..... :D

At least I'll have something to come back and laugh about on NSD

Dont have a problem with that list. Before, I would have thought that Uko was a virtual lock, but UCLA has closed the gap. I think he will still end up with you, but it's sad that UCLA botched his recruitment so badly early on. He was begging for a UCLA offer back in the early spring.

I don't know why we are recruiting Anthony Jefferson, but whatever. That's Rick's fetish with the DB/WR combo's. I want Dargan, but I'll take Riley as well. He seems close to R. Carroll with the whole Chow/Nigga/tweet thing so maybe that's a plus. Shirley is going to be at USC and that's fine with me. He'll make a hell of a PAC-10 DE if he decides to stay there. USC is better off without Demetirus Wright IMO, he's a cancer. Christian Thomas could very well end up at a JC so that sucks for Miami.

[MrBug708]

I think Parker definitely ends up out of state, my guess is Michigan or ND. There doesn't seem to be a lot of love between him and USC or UCLA right now. Absolutely 0% chance he's a silent, he's a local kid, he's not THAT good and he plays a position we are pretty loaded at in the last few classes including this one.

I have heard very good things about SC and Shirley but his offer is on the table to play linebacker. If Sark offers him at DE and that's the position he wants to play then that might be something for you guys to be hopeful about. But Sark would be lying, like CR said he's just not going to be an end at the next level, not big or strong enough.

Parker's stock dropped tremendously since the beginning of the season, which is odd.

[DeToxRox]

Looks like Chris Martin has committed to Cal. Florida was just eliminated when Billy Gonzales left for LSU and UF fans were told he'd be committing elsewhere shortly. Cal fans are now hearing its them.

[bhlloy]

Parker's stock dropped tremendously since the beginning of the season, which is odd.

Agreed 100%. His problem is he's kind of small (5'10 on a good day) and he just hasn't had the dominant kind of season to suggest that his ball skills make up for that fact. I don't know if he's quick enough to play corner but his size/skillset would make him more of a corner than a safety IMO.

What a pickup for Cal - who incidentally are the other major player for Parker that I forgot earlier. Far enough from LA if he does want to get out of town but can still play in the Pac-10. They might have a slight lead over Michigan and ND IIRC.

[DeToxRox]

Agreed 100%. His problem is he's kind of small (5'10 on a good day) and he just hasn't had the dominant kind of season to suggest that his ball skills make up for that fact. I don't know if he's quick enough to play corner but his size/skillset would make him more of a corner than a safety IMO.

What a pickup for Cal - who incidentally are the other major player for Parker that I forgot earlier. Far enough from LA if he does want to get out of town but can still play in the Pac-10. They might have a slight lead over Michigan and ND IIRC.

Yeah I could see that.

A guy on one Michigan board just posted he talked to 3 people close to Parker's commitment (not sure how legit the guy is but hes mentioned him in the past) and all 3 said the kid is going to go to USC. With that said, he won't announce anything for a month, at which point USC will have Jefferson and Flowers most likely. I'd assume if that's the case he is going to left in the cold there.

I agree his ranking it too high but I love his potential. The size is a question mark but I think he is the kind of guy Greg Robinson will get a lot of in his defense. We'll see though.

[Chief Rum]

I think Flowers is going to Arizona.

[MrBug708]

Detox, is there any thought on Derrick Bryant, the DE committed to UCLA? Im sure he's not a big enough of a known entity, but wasn't sure if you heard anything? He just took a surprise visit to UNC

[MrBug708]

I think Flowers is going to Arizona.

The Arizona board is confident that he is but they also feel that if Shirley wants to get into the NFL, Arizona is also the place to go

[DeToxRox]

Detox, is there any thought on Derrick Bryant, the DE committed to UCLA? Im sure he's not a big enough of a known entity, but wasn't sure if you heard anything? He just took a surprise visit to UNC

Early on he was high on Michigan but the position he projected to (our DE/OLB hybrid) was filled before he would commit. Then later on UM got back on him but he said he didn't want to play in the Big 10 because it didn't fit his game, whatever that means.

A OhioVarsity guy who posts on our site regularly said Bryant is a physical specimen but the production doesn't match his raw ability and he's going to likely be good but is going to need some time.

As far as UNC, early on UM and UNC seemed to be his top two but then he fell in love with UCLA after visiting there and that's the last I ever heard about him. It could be something but I dunno, this guy seemed to think as of like two months ago he was in love with UCLA and was solid but as we all know, with these kids nothing is a given.

[bhlloy]

I also think Flowers will also end up at Arizona although he apparently loved the trip to SC, it's not a hard decision to make - sitting on the bench for 2-3 years vs likely starting for your home school as a true freshman.

As for Shirley, I have no idea where they are getting that from. If it's not USC or UCLA it's Washington, I haven't heard anything about Arizona at all.

[bhlloy]

DOLA - Martin is a complete headcase. Sounds to me like he had a relationship with the DC at Florida who left and made another snap decision that he wasn't going there anymore and Cal was the only other school left. Still wouldn't surprise me to see him at UF once the dust settles if Urbie gets involved. Of course UF could also be slow playing him to make sure they get Powell.

[DeToxRox]

Michigan is in a weird place. We have 23 commits with Josh Furman and Richard Ash allegedly being silent commits. Furman announces next week at the Crab Bowl in Maryland and Ash might announce soon after. If so we're at 25. We can oversign by 3 in the Big 10, but there is some questions if back logging kicks to the prior class (up to 3) is allowed. It was last year but might not be this year. If that's the case we can sign 28 still but only 25 can enroll meaning 3 would gray shirt.

What is confusing is the fact that the staff is constantly offering new kids and it sure seems like some current commits will be cut loose now that the significance for D is being realized.

We have 7 kids enrolling in January, and a few others who will not have worries, but there are a few who might lose their offers will suck but its the harsh realities of it all I guess.

[DeToxRox]

DOLA - Martin is a complete headcase. Sounds to me like he had a relationship with the DC at Florida who left and made another snap decision that he wasn't going there anymore and Cal was the only other school left. Still wouldn't surprise me to see him at UF once the dust settles if Urbie gets involved. Of course UF could also be slow playing him to make sure they get Powell.

What I heard is it was partly Strong, but moreso Gonzales, the UF WR coach who recruited him. He went to LSU. What is odd is you know Gonzales won't be your coach anyway so what's it matter?

[BishopMVP]

Anybody want to go out on a limb and predict their class for this year?No. :) Maybe once Kelly has a staff in place. (Losing Iannello to Akron was a blow there for the short term - hopefully Corwin Brown and Tony Alford stick around.)

The good news is after Martin's decommit there are only 1-2 who appear to be wavering at all. We only have 1 OL committed, so there'll be a couple targets there (Henderson obviously our favorite, but everyone else's too - Matt James is a name out of Ohio that had both ND and Cincy high on his list). Safety is another area of need, so at least one out of Dietrich Riley, Marquis Flowers, Corey Cooper and Sean Parker is a must. Barr's the potential LB from Cali getting all the attention, but I really like Hayes Pullard too.

[MrBug708]

Whats the feeling on Barr to ND?

[BishopMVP]

Whats the feeling on Barr to ND?Down to UCLA and ND, didn't drop ND when they fired Weis and is probably waiting to see how the coaching staff shakes out. Brian Polian was/is in charge of all the California recruiting and has done a pretty decent job of that in recent years, but I think he sucks as a position coach so I don't know if he'll be retained by Kelly. Kelly is clearly a much better "politician" than Weis, but Weis did clean up on the recruiting trail and his players really seemed to like him, so I don't know how that will translate. I don't think Kelly will have a problem recruiting, but he really doesn't have a track record with high-profile recruits. Closing on a couple high-profile kids like Barr and convincing the Cali contingent not to transfer would assuage a lot of fears there.

[Eaglesfan27]

Speaking of bhlloy's list, there are rumors out there that Trajuan Briggs took a trip to Cal this weekend after telling the staff that he wasn't taking any more trips. There are also rumors floating out there that he committed to Cal this weekend. Would be a disappointing loss, as I think he is better than his 3 stars would indicate, but wouldn't be that surprising with the depth chart and number of other quality backs that USC could be getting this year.

[Matthean]

Michigan is in a weird place. We have 23 commits with Josh Furman and Richard Ash allegedly being silent commits. Furman announces next week at the Crab Bowl in Maryland and Ash might announce soon after. If so we're at 25. We can oversign by 3 in the Big 10, but there is some questions if back logging kicks to the prior class (up to 3) is allowed. It was last year but might not be this year. If that's the case we can sign 28 still but only 25 can enroll meaning 3 would gray shirt.

What is confusing is the fact that the staff is constantly offering new kids and it sure seems like some current commits will be cut loose now that the significance for D is being realized.

We have 7 kids enrolling in January, and a few others who will not have worries, but there are a few who might lose their offers will suck but its the harsh realities of it all I guess.

I looked up Michigan's class on Rivals and the recruits are vastly 3 star players at this point. Michigan is getting a #15 ranking in part due to the numbers of players committed so far, and yes, they do need help. It's just discouraging to see no 5 star players, and just a handful of 4 star players so far committing to Michigan. At least 3 of the 4 four star players are on defense. Granted, PSU has twice that number and one is from Michigan. Michigan can't afford to be losing out on in state talent on the need side of the ball.
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[DeToxRox]

I looked up Michigan's class on Rivals and the recruits are vastly 3 star players at this point. Michigan is getting a #15 ranking in part due to the numbers of players committed so far, and yes, they do need help. It's just discouraging to see no 5 star players, and just a handful of 4 star players so far committing to Michigan. At least 3 of the 4 four star players are on defense. Granted, PSU has twice that number and one is from Michigan. Michigan can't afford to be losing out on in state talent on the need side of the ball.
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Well, in regards to CJ Olaniyan who is the kid going to PSU, he isn't from Michigan. He's lived here for a few years but has no real ties to the state.

UM had no chance on Gholston. He actually lives with one of his coaches who went to MSU. It just wasn't in the cards.

That said I agree. A few kids are guys who after committing to UM have been getting a lot of offers from big schools but not all of them. It'll be really interesting to see how everything pans out.

[Blade6119]

With the rivals position re-ranking Mizzou is at #17 in the nation with a few 4 stars expected to sign in the next two weeks still. This is with us being only able to sign about 18-19 players, so this is really Pinkel's best class yet at Mizzou

[MrBug708]

Owamagbe Odighizuwa is rumored to be a UCLA lean. He's a 4* DE out of Oregon. If UCLA does manage to pull him, that would be a huge coup considering the seasons both of the Oregon schools had. Would also explain the Bryant wavering

[Eaglesfan27]

Speaking of bhlloy's list, there are rumors out there that Trajuan Briggs took a trip to Cal this weekend after telling the staff that he wasn't taking any more trips. There are also rumors floating out there that he committed to Cal this weekend. Would be a disappointing loss, as I think he is better than his 3 stars would indicate, but wouldn't be that surprising with the depth chart and number of other quality backs that USC could be getting this year.


As a follow-up, Briggs officially decommitted from USC last night and is likely to commit to Cal in the next few days. While it is disappointing, I can't blame him, there is only so much playing time to go around and USC should be loaded at running back for the next few years.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

With the rivals position re-ranking Mizzou is at #17 in the nation with a few 4 stars expected to sign in the next two weeks still. This is with us being only able to sign about 18-19 players, so this is really Pinkel's best class yet at Mizzou

I saw that Mizzou's going to have to turn down a 4-star WR recruit because we don't have enough spots available. Speaks volumes about what Justin Gage, Jeremy Maclin, and Denario Alexander have done for the reputation of this program to turn out NFL-caliber WR's.

[DeToxRox]

Sounds like DE Richard Ash, who had recruited to WVU last week, might be changing his commitment to Michigan tonight. At least that's the scuttlebutt from a Florida insider on one of the UM sites.

Sure hope this is the case, we could use some more DL bodies in this class.

Also, I saw WVU might lose another FL kid in Clark. Florida offered and UF guys seem pretty certain he's committing.

Are either of them Doc guys? I know he's a Florida recruiter but I thought I read elsewhere they were recruited by another coach.

[timmynausea]

Sounds like DE Richard Ash, who had recruited to WVU last week, might be changing his commitment to Michigan tonight. At least that's the scuttlebutt from a Florida insider on one of the UM sites.

Sure hope this is the case, we could use some more DL bodies in this class.

Also, I saw WVU might lose another FL kid in Clark. Florida offered and UF guys seem pretty certain he's committing.

Are either of them Doc guys? I know he's a Florida recruiter but I thought I read elsewhere they were recruited by another coach.

Clark got an offer from Florida a week or two ago, and it's seemed pretty clear that he'd likely wind up there. This is a really deep WR class for us (though we may lose WR/DB Travis Bell as well now) so we can afford to lose Clark and seemed to be planning for the possibility.

Doc was likely involved with all of our FL recruits, but WR Coach Lonnie Galloway and GA Jajuan Seider seemed to have a lot more to do with our commits down there this year, as opposed to last year when Doc was the main guy in landing Geno Smith and co.

[dawgfan]

As a follow-up, Briggs officially decommitted from USC last night and is likely to commit to Cal in the next few days. While it is disappointing, I can't blame him, there is only so much playing time to go around and USC should be loaded at running back for the next few years.
Yeah, seems like USC's ability to stockpile elite RB recruits may be dimming. Even with teams going to a model of playing 2-3 RB's and injuries, there's only so many carries to go around.

What's the word on Marc Tyler - will he get a shot at RB, or is he slated for LB?

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, seems like USC's ability to stockpile elite RB recruits may be dimming. Even with teams going to a model of playing 2-3 RB's and injuries, there's only so many carries to go around.

What's the word on Marc Tyler - will he get a shot at RB, or is he slated for LB?

I think he'll get a shot at RB as long as he is willing to continue waiting his turn, or if Bradford decided to leave early, he could get it next year as the "power back." I've heard zero plans to move him to LB.

[DeToxRox]

Richard Ash officially switches to Michigan though nothing is for certain with this kid till he's signed and cleared. Still, he will be a nice addition to the 3 technique DT spot we use.

[MrBug708]

Paul Richardson, the one time Junior verbal to UCLA, re-upps back with UCLA. His cousin committed last week so it was only a matter of time. I think that UCLA didn't need him, they should have shot for the stars this year because the class next year is great and they have Josh Smith coming eligible to play this next year.

[Cuckoo]

Apparently, Stills and Jefferson are going to announce together on Friday. The buzz is that it's OU. Of course, I think much of that conjecture is based on the fact that they're announcing together and Oklahoma is really the only team they have in common. I guess Brennan Clay has also been recruiting them too.

[MrBug708]

It would be a shock if it was anything other then Oklahoma