College Football Recruiting (2011 Class) Discussion

[DeToxRox]

Michigan has two commitments, both of which are DB's. Greg Brown from Ohio and Delonte Hollowell from MI. Brown is probably a high 3* and Hollowell a high 3 to low 4.

Michigan is also expected go get commitments from DE Brennan Beyer and OL Anthony Zettel within the next month or so. Both will be top 5 kids in Michigan next year.

[cschex]

As posted in other thread, LSU has 7 verbals for 2011
OT La'el Collins (considered to be in contention for top overall prospect for 2011)
DT Anthony Johnson
WR Jarvis Landry
RB Kenny Hilliard
RB Jeremy Hill
RB Terrance Magee
OL Corey White

Collins and Johnson are 5* locks, Landry and Hilliard could be 5* players, the rest will most likely end up as 4*. LSU should get 4-5 more verbal commits from in state players in the next month, all who would be 4* candidates.

[DaddyTorgo]

2011 already? really? sillyness

[Eaglesfan27]

USC got their first 2011 commit yesterday, DT Antuwan Woods.

[dawgfan]

Washington got a commit from a California speedster by the name of Brandon Bigelow last month. He's coming off of a knee injury, and since Washington was the first school to step up with an offer despite his injury, he committed.

The big fish in-state for 2011 is a WR by the name of Kasen Williams, a kid who was the top target of QB Jake Heaps this year. Williams is the son of a former UW WR from the early '80's and his mom is a former UW athlete as well, so there are high expectations he'll continue the family tradition. He's likely going to end up being considered one of the top-10, if not top-5 WR's in the country.

[Chief Rum]

The big fish in-state for 2011 is a WR by the name of Kasen Williams, a kid who was the top target of QB Jake Heaps this year. Williams is the son of a former UW WR from the early '80's and his mom is a former UW athlete as well, so there are high expectations he'll continue the family tradition. He's likely going to end up being considered one of the top-10, if not top-5 WR's in the country.

I figure he's UW's to lose but I know Williams has been talked up a ton on the UCLA boards, too. It's thought Neuheisel's going to go strong after him.

[MrBug708]

Williams has fallen off a bit since his sophmore year, but he'll still be ranked in the Top 10 in WR though, as dawgfan said

[Logan]

2011 NJ class is loaded, there's gonna be a lot of national recruits.

[Eaglesfan27]

FWIW, multiple people close to him report George Farmer is a USC lock. He is expected to compete for the #1 WR in the nation slot this upcoming year.

[dawgfan]

I figure he's UW's to lose but I know Williams has been talked up a ton on the UCLA boards, too. It's thought Neuheisel's going to go strong after him.
No doubt he will - Williams is a national recruit, with offers from places like Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, LSU, Tennessee, pretty much all of the Pac-10. Expect Williams to be the primary in-state focus of Sark.

The other premier recruit in-state is TE Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, but he's clearly enamored with the national attention he's getting and doesn't seem to have any strong connections in-state, so Husky fans are not going to be shocked if he doesn't commit to the UW. Williams on the other hand - if he doesn't sign with Washington, it will be a major let-down.

[MrBug708]

FWIW, multiple people close to him report George Farmer is a USC lock. He is expected to compete for the #1 WR in the nation slot this upcoming year.

If he doesn't, are we going to hear the "afraid to compete"? :]

[CU Tiger]

Clemson claims 7 commits currently for 2011
Shaq Anthony OL
Cortez Davis DB
Brandon Ellerbee ATH
Marlin Lane RB
Tony McNeal QB
Robert Smith ATH
Deshaun Williams DT

Both Davis and Lane are probable 5 stars

With Lane having an outside chance at #1 RB and top 10 overall....

Now to hold onto them....what with a Number 1 rated class last year before xCTB's firing and all turning into a 12 man class.

Additionally 2 team members announced their leave today, both at the strong request of the coaching staff. Gotta make room for the schollies somehow.

[CU Tiger]

And maxpreps releases their first class rankings, LOL

http://www.maxpreps.com/news/rVW_dxDoEd-UswAcxJTdpg/early-top-10-recruiting-classes-for-2011.htm

[cartman]

True to form, Texas gets a boatload of commitments after their first Junior Days this weekend. They landed 13 players, all of whom are in the top 40 of the Inside Texas Top 100 list.

Brownwood receiver Jaxon Shipley (Jordan Shipley's brother)
Cedar Park linebacker Chet Moss
Lake Travis offensive lineman Taylor Doyle
Arlington receiver Miles Onyegbule
Belton quarterback David Ash
North Mesquite running back Joe Bergeron
Hallsville offensive lineman Josh Cochran
Spring Westfield defensive tackle Desmond Jackson
San Antonio Stevens athlete Mykkele Thompson
South Houston defensive back Leroy Scott
El Paso El Dorado tight end M.J. McFarland
Sugar Land Dulles safety Sheroid Evans
DeSoto offensive lineman Marcus Hutchins

There is one more Junior Day next weekend, and after that Texas will have the bulk of their recruiting done.

[Eaglesfan27]

Although I suppose this should start a new thread, I'm going to cheat and put in here. USC got a committment from current sophomore WR Jordan Payton who will be in the class of 2012. He's already 6'2 195 and runs in the low 4.4 range and has been productive in H.S (Last season, Payton had 45 receptions for 1,088 yards and 18 touchdowns in a competitive league.) He says he's a lifelong Trojan fan and he loves to compete and doesn't care who is on the depth chart.

[MrBug708]

The more WR's the better for USC

[Logan]

Rutgers picked up their 1st verbal for 2011 in LB Andrew Campolatanno, who is also one of the best wrestlers in the history of the state. Hoping he does what he can to pull in some more of this awesome NJ class.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC lands another excellent Mater Dei QB today as Max Wittek has committed to the Trojans:

Santa Ana Mater Dei quarterback Max Wittek commits to USC - ESPN Los Angeles (http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=5134746)

[MrBug708]

They'll likely land his WR too, which is just as well. :) It also means that they'll land the top CB in the country, the Black Mamba

[Eaglesfan27]

USC gets another big recruit in DE Jalen Grimble who wanted to announce it at the spring game today which starts in about 20 minutes. Grimble had offers from over 20 schools including many of the traditional powers.

[MrBug708]

USC is gonna have a nice DL class this year

[Eaglesfan27]

WR Victor Blackwell committed to USC last night (within days of being offered.) Besides being one of the top WR's in the nation, he is good friends with the Black Mamba and QB Max Wittek. Looks like the 3 amigos will all be attending USC. Love this quote from Victor: "When the offer came, it was like, 'Who doesn't want to go to USC'? Getting to play with all of those great players is a dream come true."

[MrBug708]

The more WR, the better

[MrBug708]

Hey MJ4H, whats the scoop on Kiehl Frazier? UCLA has made him their top QB prospect. Any chance he leaves the state?

[Eaglesfan27]

The Black Mamba committed to USC today! :)

[MrBug708]

Yup. He's gonna be a good WR for you guys

[Eaglesfan27]

Commits are coming in at a nice pace now. Linebacker Tre Madden who projects as a weakside linebacker commits to USC today. This was the linebacker from California that I most wanted USC to get. Very happy with how the linebacker class appears it is going to shape up, although I'm still disappointed that James Vaughter from Tucker in Georgia appears to have eliminated USC from consideration. USC should have a few more commits later this week.

[MrBug708]

Odd pickup. USC needs help and he'll be good depth but isn't an answer. I would imagine the higher ranked LB from Serra, Gibson, will likely end up at USC.

[bhlloy]

Couldn't disagree more. Watched a bunch of Mission Viejo games last year and he's a playmaker although undersized. Would much rather get him than Greer, Gibson, Waller or any of the other Cali LB on the board that we have a great shot at. And even if he is only good depth and a special teams guy, we are desperate in that department anyway.

[Eaglesfan27]

Couldn't disagree more. Watched a bunch of Mission Viejo games last year and he's a playmaker although undersized. Would much rather get him than Greer, Gibson, Waller or any of the other Cali LB on the board that we have a great shot at. And even if he is only good depth and a special teams guy, we are desperate in that department anyway.

Agree. From everything I've seen, Madden is the #1 LB in California and the one I wanted the most. I think Gibson will be another good one and I don't think Madden's committment will stop USC from getting him as well.

[MrBug708]

So when UCLA pulls in a 3 star OL, I can expect him to be labeled with the underrated tag? :)

[bhlloy]

If he's a 3 star OL with an early invitation to the Army all star game, probably

[MrBug708]

He was invited? I thought they only offered 19 kids an invitation so far for the game That seems rather surprising but I'll defer to you since he's an SC kid

[bhlloy]

Looks like you might be correct, I can only find the 19 officially but I had read somewhere he was an early invitee. My bad...

Regardless, watch some of the MV games from last year. I think I've been pretty honest about most of the recruits SC has lost to UCLA on this board, and I think he's a player.

[Eaglesfan27]

Looks like you might be correct, I can only find the 19 officially but I had read somewhere he was an early invitee. My bad...

Regardless, watch some of the MV games from last year. I think I've been pretty honest about most of the recruits SC has lost to UCLA on this board, and I think he's a player.


I've seen several articles refer to him as being invited to the game. It's possible they are wrong though.

[cartman]

Here's a pretty cool story about one of the incoming Texas recruits. He grew up in the same neighborhood I did in Haltom City.

UT football recruit found way from African refugee camp (http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/ut-football-recruit-found-way-from-african-refugee-703717.html?srcTrk=RTR_95649)

[MrBug708]

I've seen several articles refer to him as being invited to the game. It's possible they are wrong though.

The only thing I saw was that he was nominated for the game, not invited

U.S. Army All-America Game candidates … - OC Varsity : OC Varsity (http://ocvarsity.freedomblogging.com/2010/05/05/u-s-army-all-america-game-candidates/107035/)

[Eaglesfan27]

Here's a pretty cool story about one of the incoming Texas recruits. He grew up in the same neighborhood I did in Haltom City.

UT football recruit found way from African refugee camp (http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/ut-football-recruit-found-way-from-african-refugee-703717.html?srcTrk=RTR_95649)

Very cool story.

[Eaglesfan27]

Not that it matters, but Madden definitely has been invited to the Army All-American Game. Here is an excerpt of an article (would post but it is from a premium board - if you google search other team's boards also discuss him being invited to the game) with a quote with him talking about the game. He was offered after he was the positional MVP of a recent Nike Camp:

Although Madden plays MIKE linebacker for the Diablos, he projects in college as a weakside linebacker. At 6-foot-1, 215-pounds, Madden won the positional MVP award at the Los Angeles NIKE Camp last month. It was then he was offered an invitation to the Army All-American Bowl.

Rivals.com Recruiting Analyst Jeremy Crabtree broke down Madden's NIKE Camp performance as the following.

"There were plenty of questions about Madden coming into the camp," said Crabtree. "Was he really 6-foot-1? Is he an athlete really as he shows on his film clips, or a linebacker? Is he an instinctual enough defender to be a star college linebacker?

"The answers: Yes, he is 6-foot-1. Yes, he's got amazing athleticism and speed, but he's a linebacker. And yes, he does have some tremendous instincts that were on display both in drill work and in one-on-ones. Madden definitely projects as a WILL linebacker in college and he'll be a perfect fit for a scheme that allows him to use his speed to react and read the plays."

As a junior, Madden had 113 tackles and three sacks on his way to All-CIF honors. As of late, the honors have been overwhelming for Madden.

"I'm happy and I'm very honored with everything," said Madden. "I know the Army game is where a lot of great players have gone to and made their names. I just want to go down there and represent my school and city and have fun with it."

[MrBug708]

FWIW - The link I posted seems to post date the info from the Nike game

[MrBug708]

Apparently Sefrairian-Jenkins was a silent verbal to UCLA last year. I think he ends up at UCLA still, but thought it was pretty interesting. That makes sense since Grimble younger wasn't it

[dawgfan]

ASJ also nearly committed to Florida on his unofficial visit there, but has backed off.

I think he'll come around to realizing he doesn't need to leave the state to get great coaching and have success on the field and pick the Huskies, but of all the in-state Washington studs for the 2011 class, ASJ seems the most likely to go elsewhere.

[MrBug708]

Apparently Rick is a family friend from back in UW. Was that where Rick coached post UW? (High School?)

[dawgfan]

Apparently Rick is a family friend from back in UW. Was that where Rick coached post UW? (High School?)
No, he was a volunteer with Rainier Beach H.S. in Seattle. ASJ is over in Gig Harbor, which is across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge from Tacoma.

I'll say this about his recruitment - while he's definitely enjoying the attention of being a true national recruit (and has publicly admitted he let himself get a big-head about it) and has been eager to travel to various spots to see them in-person, he's also been a fixture at UW games and practices. He's giving every impression that he's giving the local school a serious look, and in general the safest bet is with the local school.

That said (and as I mentioned before), he seems the most likely of the big-time in-state guys for 2011 to be interested in leaving the state. Reportedly his mom wants him to stay home while his dad is encouraging him to consider experiencing a different part of the country.

I certainly can't blame a kid for being interested in UCLA - sunny weather, warm water beaches, surfing, beautiful girls, nice campus, great academics.

[MrBug708]

What's the word on Kasen? Silent verbal to UW? Hopkins seems like a player and he has an offer from Stanford, always hard to walk away from too.

[dawgfan]

What's the word on Kasen? Silent verbal to UW? Hopkins seems like a player and he has an offer from Stanford, always hard to walk away from too.
Kasen is considered a strong lean to the UW, but he's publicly maintaining that he's still open to a number of schools. Given that he's a UW athletic legacy from both of his parents and that he's a great fit for Sark's offense, it would be a major shock if he didn't commit to the Huskies.

Hopkins seems to be focusing on Stanford and the UW. Battles with Stanford are always tough - if a kid is capable of getting into Stanford, he's usually someone that really values a Stanford education. But, the advantage the UW has is (obviously) location - Seattle is a much more manageable drive for his parents to see him play than Palo Alto.

[DeToxRox]

Michigan added #5 today with DE Chris Rock. And before anyone asks, he is white.

[tarcone]

6"3' 230 lb RB Rodney Coe out of Edwardsville, IL. is high on a lot of peoples lists. Iowa is in the battle for this kid. And what a battle it will be.
4.54 40
Bench 295
Squat 370

He has received offers from most Big10, Big 12, SEC schools and ND.
It looks like Iowa, K-State and Missouri are in the lead.

[dawgfan]

TE/DE Charlie Hopkins has committed to Stanford over Washington. Not a huge surprise - Stanford is a big draw anyway for kids that have the grades to get in, and even more so now that Harbaugh has that program on the rise. Washington is more local, but considering it's still a 5-6 hour drive away, it's not a huge advantage over Stanford, especially if his parents can afford the flights to San Jose (looks like about $250 to fly from Spokane).

Rumors are thick that QB Cody Kessler is going to pick USC today over Washington, going with his heart over his head. Kessler was all set to pick the Huskies a couple weeks back, but then Kiffin offered him. He grew up a USC fan and considered them his "dream" school, so despite Sark's outstanding track record for developing QB's and the fact that USC already has Max Wittek committed, it appears likely that Kessler is picking the Trojans.

And to complete the day of bad news for the Huskies, it sounds like RB Brandon Bigelow is now considering himself a "soft" commit to Washington. He committed very early to them, as they were his first offer and he's coming off of knee surgery. But his stock is rising fast and with a ton of offers from top programs, it was easy to predict that he would re-consider his early decision.

[MrBug708]

Rivals releases their list of 250 top kids. Kasen Williams falls at #246

[Logan]

I was really surprised to only see 6 NJ kids in the top 250 being that it's considered one of the best classes in the state's history. Savon Huggins being only #50 or whatever is insane.

[Eaglesfan27]

Rumors are thick that QB Cody Kessler is going to pick USC today over Washington, going with his heart over his head. Kessler was all set to pick the Huskies a couple weeks back, but then Kiffin offered him. He grew up a USC fan and considered them his "dream" school, so despite Sark's outstanding track record for developing QB's and the fact that USC already has Max Wittek committed, it appears likely that Kessler is picking the Trojans.

And to complete the day of bad news for the Huskies, it sounds like RB Brandon Bigelow is now considering himself a "soft" commit to Washington. He committed very early to them, as they were his first offer and he's coming off of knee surgery. But his stock is rising fast and with a ton of offers from top programs, it was easy to predict that he would re-consider his early decision.

Word is that USC looks good for both Kessler and Bigelow. Personally, I think Kessler is better than Wittek and want him more. Bigelow is coming back well from his injury and if he wasn't injured would be a contender for #1 back in the nation, IMO.

[Eaglesfan27]

Cody Kessler just announced that he is going to USC! Rivals rated him 64th overall, #1 rated QB in California (#4 QB overall) and looks like a baller at the recent camps. Hopefully, he doesn't cause Wittek to decommit, but if we can only have 1, I'd rather have Kessler.

[dawgfan]

Cody Kessler just announced that he is going to USC! Rivals rated him 64th overall, #1 rated QB in California (#4 QB overall) and looks like a baller at the recent camps. Hopefully, he doesn't cause Wittek to decommit, but if we can only have 1, I'd rather have Kessler.
How about you guys take just one, and we'll take the other one. Deal?

[bhlloy]

I think there's about a 0.1% chance we end up with both. Very rare you get 2 such similar QB's in the same class, once Wittek has a chance to reconsider I expect him to open his recruitment back up.

[MJ4H]

Arkansas has had a pretty good week for linemen, getting commit #7 (Mitch Smothers, #5 G nationally) and #8 (OL Marcus Danenhauer) for the class. Top rated prospect in the state, Brey Cook (OL) remains uncommitted, though, and is thought to have strong interest in Oklahoma and possibly Bama (along with Arkansas, of course). He sure seems to favor Arkansas in every interview I've seen, but some people seem to think we have a decent chance of losing him to OU or Bama. Sure hope not.

Earlier, we lost QB Kiehl Frazier to Auburn (who was recruited since 9th grade by Gus Malzahn, so it is understandable), but it still hurts a bit.

All in all, this is looking to be a very strong class for us. Seems to be a heavy emphasis on linemen, but I think a big reason for that (besides that we need linemen) is that there are a lot of really good homegrown linemen nearby.

Pretty happy with how things are going so far.

[dawgfan]

It might not end up making a big difference, but a nice bit of "turn about is fair play" today with the news that USC commit DeAnthony "The Black Mamba" Thomas will be making an official visit to Washington on September 18th for the game against Nebraska.

[MrBug708]

UCLA is running out of QB target's.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think there's about a 0.1% chance we end up with both. Very rare you get 2 such similar QB's in the same class, once Wittek has a chance to reconsider I expect him to open his recruitment back up.

Normally, I'd agree with you, but his friendship with the rest of the amigos should help us. Also, that job is going to be wide open after Barkley leaves (probably after his junior year.) So, I think there is a better chance than that they both stick and compete for the job, although I'd expect whoever loses out to transfer down the road.

[dawgfan]

If USC gets hit with scholarship reductions, I wonder if Kiffin will still have the luxury of adding 2 QB's in this class...

[MrBug708]

USC only has 19 to give (I think anyways) so that is 6 scholarships out the window there. Scholarship reductions are a joke because it dosnt affect yoru ability to have 85 kids

[DeToxRox]

USC only has 19 to give (I think anyways) so that is 6 scholarships out the window there. Scholarship reductions are a joke because it dosnt affect yoru ability to have 85 kids

Eh, I do agree in a way but kids these days are so concerned with being able to say they got a schollie that they will take that offer at a lesser school rather then walk on a place like USC. Obviously a coupe well to do kids who love SC will sacrifice that schollie to walk on but you won't see truly great, what would be considered SC talent doing that I don't think.

[dawgfan]

USC only has 19 to give (I think anyways) so that is 6 scholarships out the window there. Scholarship reductions are a joke because it dosnt affect yoru ability to have 85 kids
Do you mean ability to field 85 because of walk-ons filling those spots? Because I'm pretty sure scholarship reductions are not just limits on a per-year basis, but on the overall number of scholarship players. Maybe I'm not understanding your point?

[MrBug708]

When you lose scholarships, it reduces your ability to give out scholarships per year. USC only loses 19 (I think) players this year and would only be able to give out 19 scholarships anyhow, to stay at the 85 maximum. USC isn't giving out 6 scholarships this year because they dont have any to give. They'll just use that 6 that they cant give out and count it to the overall reduction.

Another example ist hat UCLA loses 10 kids this year. If we lost 15 scholarships for whatever reason, we could just count all 15 to this year and still not worry about actually losing any of our 85 scholarships that we are allowed to give out.

[dawgfan]

When you lose scholarships, it reduces your ability to give out scholarships per year. USC only loses 19 (I think) players this year and would only be able to give out 19 scholarships anyhow, to stay at the 85 maximum. USC isn't giving out 6 scholarships this year because they dont have any to give. They'll just use that 6 that they cant give out and count it to the overall reduction.

Another example ist hat UCLA loses 10 kids this year. If we lost 15 scholarships for whatever reason, we could just count all 15 to this year and still not worry about actually losing any of our 85 scholarships that we are allowed to give out.
If (for the sake of argument) USC were reduced from 85 scholarships to 80, then if they only have 19 guys leaving it would mean they could only bring in 14 new players, because they're not restocking to 85, they're restocking to 80.

Now, maybe I'm wrong on how the NCAA would rule on scholarship reductions, but I'm pretty sure (for the reasons you outlined above) that the reductions would be to the overall number, not necessarily limited to the yearly number.

[MrBug708]

If (for the sake of argument) USC were reduced from 85 scholarships to 80, then if they only have 19 guys leaving it would mean they could only bring in 14 new players, because they're not restocking to 85, they're restocking to 80.

Now, maybe I'm wrong on how the NCAA would rule on scholarship reductions, but I'm pretty sure (for the reasons you outlined above) that the reductions would be to the overall number, not necessarily limited to the yearly number.

I believe it is from the amount you can give out. You are allowed to give out a max of 25 a year and if it was 17 over three years, this is a good year to space it

[dawgfan]

I believe it is from the amount you can give out. You are allowed to give out a max of 25 a year and if it was 17 over three years, this is a good year to space it
Looking back at past sanctions, that appears to be the case, that the reduction is on yearly limits.

That said, the committee could certainly look at the Trojans current roster situation and specifically tailor the reductions to that, i.e. knowing that the Trojans have 19 seniors on the roster, they could say "We're cutting your scholarship limits for the 2011 class to 16 total".

They probably won't though.

[Ksyrup]

I don't follow this stuff too closely, but I did just read this on ESPN's ACC blog:

The first ESPNU 150 has been revealed (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/espnu150?&season=2011) for the recruiting class of 2011. And Florida State already has five of these guys (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/school?schoolId=52) on its list of verbals. Texas and Oklahoma are the only other programs in the nation with more ESPNU 150 commits than Florida State right now.

[MrBug708]

ESPN likes WR, S, and ATH

[cartman]

ESPN likes WR, S, and ATH

The top four is comprised of 3 DL and 1 OL

[DeToxRox]

A new rule has been passed where a school cannot give a player a written offer until August 1st of his Senior year. The rule had been September 1st of his Junior season. Seems stupid to me.

[dawgfan]

A new rule has been passed where a school cannot give a player a written offer until August 1st of his Senior year. The rule had been September 1st of his Junior season. Seems stupid to me.
Yeah, stupid and pointless. It's not going to stop the trend of earlier and earlier commitments - coaches are still going to extend "unofficial" offers whenever they feel inclined, just like they currently do.

[MrBug708]

The top four is comprised of 3 DL and 1 OL

16 athletes
24 WR's

I misspoke on the S's :)

[MrBug708]

The Black Mamba visited Rick after the UCLA camp yesterday. While I think he still ends up a Trogan, I dont think his recruitment is over yet

[dawgfan]

The Black Mamba visited Rick after the UCLA camp yesterday. While I think he still ends up a Trogan, I dont think his recruitment is over yet
He's officially visiting Washington, so he's not 100% committed to the Trojans yet...

[Atocep]

Yeah, stupid and pointless. It's not going to stop the trend of earlier and earlier commitments - coaches are still going to extend "unofficial" offers whenever they feel inclined, just like they currently do.

I wouldn't say pointless. It won't change much for the top 250 or so, but it does push back the evaluation period for most other kids. Most coaches (outside of Texas, Florida, USC, ect) are probably loving this change.

[dawgfan]

I wouldn't say pointless. It won't change much for the top 250 or so, but it does push back the evaluation period for most other kids. Most coaches (outside of Texas, Florida, USC, ect) are probably loving this change.
I guess I don't see what actually changes. If a kid impresses a coach enough, he'll still get an offer - it's just that the offer will be verbal instead of a letter in the mail.

[Eaglesfan27]

I guess I don't see what actually changes. If a kid impresses a coach enough, he'll still get an offer - it's just that the offer will be verbal instead of a letter in the mail.

I'm with you. I don't see this rule changing anything at all.

[BishopMVP]

ND doesn't have a lot of skill position players yet, but some good, big, athletes.

OT Matt Hegarty
TE Ben Koyack (both top 75 across the board)
OL Jordan Prestwood (top 130 in all but Rivals)
OL Connor Hanratty (67 on Scout, not on others)
DL Tony Springmann (127 on Scout, not on others)
DL Brad Carrico (no ranking)
LB Jarrett Grace (197 on Scout)
CB Matthias Farley (NR)
K Kyle Brindza (interesting they signed another K)

5*ish guys I've heard we're in on

QB Bubba Starling (supposedly down to us and Nebraska)
RB's Malcolm Brown, Aaron Green, Mike Bellamy, Savon Huggins and Rodney Coe
WR's Charone Peaks, Kasen Williams, DeAnthony Arnett, and about 8 others that are on 2 or 3 of the lists (ESPNU, MaxPreps, Rivals, Scout) - does there seem to be more variation between lists this year, or is it just early?
TE's Jay Rome and A S-J
OL's Kouandjio, Antonio Richardson, Brey Cook, Cyrus Hobbi
DL Ray Drew, Jermaurio Rasco, Ishaq Williams, Greg Townsend, Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt, Giorgio Newberry
LB's Stephone Anthony, Trey DePriest, James Vaughter, Anthony Wallace - I don't think we've offered James Wilder yet.
DB's Wayne Lyons, Doran Grant, Josh Turner, George Atkinson

[Atocep]

I guess I don't see what actually changes. If a kid impresses a coach enough, he'll still get an offer - it's just that the offer will be verbal instead of a letter in the mail.

Getting a committable offer and getting an offer are two different things. A verbal offer is pointless. All you're doing is telling the kid you're interested. What this change does is allow more evaluation time on kids before you have to give them an offer than can commit to. This is a major reason why almost all college football coaches are against an early signing period like basketball has. The further back you push your evaluations the more info you'll have when it's time to hand out the real offers.

As I said, this doesn't change much for the consensus top players in the country, but it's incredibly difficult to scout and get a good read on the players you're interested in, determine whether or not you're going to give them a verbal offer, give them a committable offer, or not offer them at all.

[dawgfan]

Getting a committable offer and getting an offer are two different things. A verbal offer is pointless. All you're doing is telling the kid you're interested. What this change does is allow more evaluation time on kids before you have to give them an offer than can commit to. This is a major reason why almost all college football coaches are against an early signing period like basketball has. The further back you push your evaluations the more info you'll have when it's time to hand out the real offers.

As I said, this doesn't change much for the consensus top players in the country, but it's incredibly difficult to scout and get a good read on the players you're interested in, determine whether or not you're going to give them a verbal offer, give them a committable offer, or not offer them at all.
Except the point you're missing is that it's just an offer - there's nothing forcing the school to have to honor that offer, written or verbal. If the school decides not to send an LOI form to the kid, he's not coming. And really, it's not going to get to that point anyway - if a school offers and then decides later to rescind that offer, they'll tell the kid and the two will part ways. No kid is going to try to force a staff to take him on scholarship if they've told him they no longer are interested.

Again, I don't see this changing anything. It's just a feel-good thing that administrators can pass to claim they're doing something about the trend of earlier and earlier commitments, yet in reality changes nothing.

[Eaglesfan27]

Marcus Martin, a massive (6'5 350 plus) guard from Crenshaw, committed to USC today.

[MrBug708]

Good long term pickup for USC. Probably not a kid who would have normally ended up at USC, but recent events have made certain positions a bit more vital.

[Eaglesfan27]

Good long term pickup for USC. Probably not a kid who would have normally ended up at USC, but recent events have made certain positions a bit more vital.


UCLA desperately wanted him as he would have been an impact player right away there. I agree that at USC, he'll have time to get into a bit better shape and develop into a player and probably won't play for 2-3 years barring injuries.

[MrBug708]

UCLA desperately wanted him as he would have been an impact player right away there. I agree that at USC, he'll have time to get into a bit better shape and develop into a player and probably won't play for 2-3 years barring injuries.

UCLA wanted him, I wouldn't say desperately wanted him though since they offered him just a month ago. And it's hard to be an impact player on the scout team :)

Since you wanted to go this way over it, I'll add a quote that really doesnt need anything else said

“They’ve been on me a lot,” said Martin. “Coach TMac (Todd McNair) and I are establishing a relationship and I could tell things of that nature are coming because he said ‘We’re real close to offering you.’

[MrBug708]

Lane with another violation

“I went up against Greg Townsend, Charles Burkes, Todd Barr and a few others and I thought I did pretty well. Towards the end of the camp, one of the coaches told me Lane Kiffin wanted me to go up to his office after the camp was over. So I went up and talked with Coach Kiffin and he offered me a scholarship.”

NCAA rules prohibit coaches from offering during a camp

[mckerney]

Recently Minnesota has landed the QB for this class in Max Shortell from Kansas that Rivals has ranked the #19 pro style QB for 2011 (who it looks like they moved onto with Brock Berglund sounding like he's probably UCLA bound). They also picked up Sam Rohr from WI who looks like he has the build to be a decent #2/3 TE and it's not quite 2011 move but Brendan Beal is transferring in from Florida. Hopefully he'll have recovered from injuries well come 2011 and have 3 years to play from medical redshirt.

[Eaglesfan27]

It looks like Jalen Grimble will be the first decommit from USC. Sounds like he is going to look at either UCLA or Nebraska.

[MrBug708]

Interesting. I wonder if his cousin has any interest as well :)

[Poli]

RB Tom Smith, 3 star out of Apopka, FL commits to Tennessee. Watched some video on him. His HS ran the single wing last year. Gave me two ideas for the upcoming fall.

He's the 5th commitment so far...Four 3 stars and a 2 star JUCO TE. So far, this class doesn't have much ummph.

[Poli]

Didn't realize one of the 3 stars listed on scout as a commit had just committed today as well.

3-star S Brian Randolph out of Marietta, GA.

[MrBug708]

Pretty strong rumor going around that Henderson is going to a prep school

[JonInMiddleGA]

Top LB in Georgia, top recruit from Atlanta, LB James Vaughters of Tucker HS picks Stanford over GT, Ohio State, UGA, and Alabama.

James Vaughters picks Stanford over UGA, Tech, others (UPDATED) | AJC College Sports Recruiting (http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2010/06/17/james-vaughters-prepares-to-go-public-with-his-commitment-to/)

[cartman]

Texas lands the top recruit in Oklahoma, and Rivals #2 cornerback, Josh Turner.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC gets another commitment. This one is from kicker Andre Heidari. 59 of his 70 kicks were for touchbacks. Most importantly, he plans on being an early enrollee and won't count against next year's scholarship count.

[Poli]

I'm a little confused as to where early enrollees count then. They have to count to somewhere. At this point, I'll assume they count to this year's class.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm a little confused as to where early enrollees count then. They have to count to somewhere. At this point, I'll assume they count to this year's class.

Schools can count them towards this incoming class (2010) if they get there by January.

[Logan]

Rutgers picked up a big commit from FL RB Chevelle Buie tonight.

[CU Tiger]

Rutgers picked up a big commit from FL RB Chevelle Buie tonight.


darn a FL RB who isnt going to be a Tiger....Oh well 9 RBs on scholarship is a crowded back field....

[MrBug708]

UCLA snagged the #10 TE in the nation, Junior Pomee. More of a west coast recruited kid, but was also offered by Florida.

[Chief Rum]

Nice. I wonder what Sefarian-Jenkins is thinking about today?

[dawgfan]

Nice. I wonder what Sefarian-Jenkins is thinking about today?
Hopefully how much fun it will be for his family to be able to see him play his home games in Husky Stadium...

[MrBug708]

Recently Minnesota has landed the QB for this class in Max Shortell from Kansas that Rivals has ranked the #19 pro style QB for 2011 (who it looks like they moved onto with Brock Berglund sounding like he's probably UCLA bound). They also picked up Sam Rohr from WI who looks like he has the build to be a decent #2/3 TE and it's not quite 2011 move but Brendan Beal is transferring in from Florida. Hopefully he'll have recovered from injuries well come 2011 and have 3 years to play from medical redshirt.

Berglund committed to Colorado today, which hopefully means the staff is confident in grabbing Hundley

[Blade6119]

Berglund committed to Colorado today, which hopefully means the staff is confident in grabbing Hundley

I still dont get why UofA played Hundley the way they did. They slow-played a guy who was in love with their program so they could land an inferior QB, then when the other top teams inevitably came calling suddenly they wanted him really badly. I may hate UofA, but stoops is a solid coach which is why im perplexed at how badly they screwed the pooch on Hundley.

[dawgfan]

Berglund committed to Colorado today, which hopefully means the staff is confident in grabbing Hundley
Or maybe Berglund got tired of waiting.

[MrBug708]

Or maybe Berglund got tired of waiting.

Could also be, but I like to think of it the other way. After getting screwed last year by a QB, we need some good news

[dawgfan]

Could also be, but I like to think of it the other way. After getting screwed last year by a QB, we need some good news
I think we can both agree it would be stupid of Hundley to pick Oregon...

[MrBug708]

I think we can both agree it would be stupid of Hundley to pick Oregon...

At this point yes. I think TAMU is the biggest challenge for UCLA and Hundley. Oregon still is recruiting him still, especially since they look to lose one of their QB's to the Huskies

[dawgfan]

At this point yes. I think TAMU is the biggest challenge for UCLA and Hundley. Oregon still is recruiting him still, especially since they look to lose one of their QB's to the Huskies
You're reading different info than me then. Biggins seems to think Oregon, Washington and UCLA are the major players for him, and the local Scout.com guys seem to think similarly. As for Oregon and their mutual QB recruits with Washington, Mariota is the guy that many thought was going to switch commitments from Oregon to Washington; instead, he just re-affirmed his commitment to the Ducks.

Given Hundley's comments about the possible Pac-10 expansion with Big-12 teams and how that might impact his recruitment (essentially, a Pac-16 that put the Arizona schools in an Eastern division would hamper the chances of the West Coast schools recruiting him) lead me to believe that Hundley is going to choose a Pac-10 team over Texas A&M.

[Poli]

QB Justin Worley commits to Tennessee over Notre Dame and LSU.

In 2009, he threw for 4,366 yards and 42 touchdowns. As a sophomore, he had 3,641 yards and 50 TDs.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC gets their 10th committment today as Long Snapper Peter McBride from Arizona commits to the Trojans. Interesting that LK has signed as many special team scholarship players in 6 months as Pete did in 9 years. I love the new attention to detail. Hopefully, McBride will be successful in his plans to be an early enrollee.

[dawgfan]

DT Antwaun Woods has scheduled an official visit to Washington for their game against Nebraska on September 18th, so his commitment to USC appears to be of the "soft" variety.

[Eaglesfan27]

DT Antwaun Woods has scheduled an official visit to Washington for their game against Nebraska on September 18th, so his commitment to USC appears to be of the "soft" variety.

Interesting. He put a very pro USC message on his facebook account today.. talking about 11 months until he was at USC and how he was going to help recruit a strong class to USC.

[dawgfan]

Interesting. He put a very pro USC message on his facebook account today.. talking about 11 months until he was at USC and how he was going to help recruit a strong class to USC.
Might be just a free trip to see some old friends, but he has visited already unofficially, and you never know when a kid might change his mind after an official visit.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC gets their 10th committment today as Long Snapper Peter McBride from Arizona commits to the Trojans. Interesting that LK has signed as many special team scholarship players in 6 months as Pete did in 9 years. I love the new attention to detail. Hopefully, McBride will be successful in his plans to be an early enrollee.


Smart move by the coaching staff. Apparently, this scholarship offer is contingent on his ability to graduate by December and be an early enrollee so he doesn't count against the limit. Seems like he is a good student who shouldn't have a problem meeting this condition.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC gets committment #11 from 4 star LB Kent Turene from Florida. He had a very good camp recently and was a priority for Monte Kiffin. He chose USC despite offers from over 40 other schools. Just as exciting is that he will be another early enrollee who will count towards the 2010 class.

[MJ4H]

Big announcement for local 4* Brey Cook tomorrow. Apparently it will be Arkansas or Oklahoma. I hear good things about this announcement, but I'm nervous as hell. We need this guy bad. If we lose him to Oklahoma I will be :sadmonkey:

[MrBug708]

USC gets committment #11 from 4 star LB Kent Turene from Florida. He had a very good camp recently and was a priority for Monte Kiffin. He chose USC despite offers from over 40 other schools. Just as exciting is that he will be another early enrollee who will count towards the 2010 class.

The three-star linebacker was concerned about the impact of the NCAA sanctions when they were first announced, but had all of his concerns put at ease after his parents spoke with Lane Kiffin.

“At first, me and my family were worried about the sanctions,” he said. “But after that we got on the phone with Coach Kiffin and my mom and dad talked to him to get everything clarified.”

Im not sure what he was worried about exactly?!?

[MJ4H]

Big announcement for local 4* Brey Cook tomorrow. Apparently it will be Arkansas or Oklahoma. I hear good things about this announcement, but I'm nervous as hell. We need this guy bad. If we lose him to Oklahoma I will be :sadmonkey:

Committed to Arkansas!!

[Atocep]

Didn't see the point in bumping last year's recruiting thread, but Spencer Boyd ends up at WVU. Strange journey to get there, but considering his family connections to the program and everything and I don't think many are surprised.

[dawgfan]

At this point yes. I think TAMU is the biggest challenge for UCLA and Hundley. Oregon still is recruiting him still, especially since they look to lose one of their QB's to the Huskies
Scout.com's Brandon Huffman is reporting that Hundley is down to UCLA and Washington, with Washington in the "pole position". Apparently this is a change from before Hundley went to Maui for the Steve Clarkson QB showcase - at that point, he was favoring Oregon. Now, it appears that Oregon has dropped back, if not completely out of the mix.

Sounds like someone (Clarkson?) had a little talk with Hundley about his NFL prospects and what going to Oregon would do to those prospects...

[MrBug708]

Yup, seems like Hundley had a good time up at UW. Not sure if he has visitied UCLA unofficially yet but if he's close to committing and hasnt visited UCLA, I cant imagine that's very good.

If UCLA strikes out on Hundley, they have some serious issues with the QB spot. They havent taken one in 2 years and Hundley is the last elite QB on their radar for this season. Of course, if he doesnt beat out Montana, he's sitting for four years while he'd be a RS Sophmore and have the most experience at UCLA

[MrBug708]

UCLa brings in its 4th OL verbal of the class in the form of Jacob Brendel, the #6 C in the nation. Not an elite kid, but does have offers from Cal, Stanford, Arkansas, and Kansas, among other schools

[Atocep]

Didn't see the point in bumping last year's recruiting thread, but Spencer Boyd ends up at WVU. Strange journey to get there, but considering his family connections to the program and everything and I don't think many are surprised.

This one got weird. Long story short he's at USF. WVU would only take him if he could get a hardship and play immediately and it wasn't going to happen.

In other news, Braylon Heard is already out at Nebraska.

[Logan]

So now USF under Holtz doesn't even need to exploit the hardship waiver process to get players they shouldn't?

[Atocep]

So now USF under Holtz doesn't even need to exploit the hardship waiver process to get players they shouldn't?

He should be able to get a hardship to USF. The long story part is his grandmother is very sick and the family thought she would be moving back to West Virginia and Spencer would enroll at WVU and be able to spend time with her and other family in the area. She's apparently decided to stay in Florida, though, which means he had no shot at getting a hardship at WVU.

His uncle is a long time poster on the WVU rivals board and has been keeping everyone up to date on Spencer since he was a sophomore in HS. I think most people there feel an odd attachment to the kid. Wish him the best.

[Swaggs]

WVU was not willing to give Boyd a scholarship for the Fall semester unless the hardship waiver was granted (he would have been in line to earn one in January if he stayed in good standing). USF was willing to offer him a scholarship regardless.

I would have liked to take the kid, but (at the risk of sounding like the fan of an entitled program) I really don't think the WVU coaches were crazy about him. They didn't go after him too hard last season (reportedly because he wanted to play CB and they saw him as more of a slot guy) and it appears that they could have had him now if they wanted to extend a scholarship. I'm not sure why (or that I agree with them), but they seem to think that they can make better use of their scholarships.

[Atocep]

I would have liked to take the kid, but (at the risk of sounding like the fan of an entitled program) I really don't think the WVU coaches were crazy about him. They didn't go after him too hard last season (reportedly because he wanted to play CB and they saw him as more of a slot guy) and it appears that they could have had him now if they wanted to extend a scholarship. I'm not sure why (or that I agree with them), but they seem to think that they can make better use of their scholarships.

This is correct. It's a touchy subject on Rivals because of his uncle's status there, but the coaches just weren't very high on him. They didn't see him as corner. They saw him as a slot receiver, which WVU has plenty of.

[Swaggs]

Looks like UNC is under investigation and may be in some hot water. The latest selection from Joe Schad:

- The NCAA asked UNC players this week about agents and possible gifts or extra benefits

- One person said the questions from the NCAA to UNC players were intended to "make sure no Reggie Bush stuff is going on."

- One person said UNC's star football players such as Marvin Austin were among those interviewed by the NCAA

- UNC football players were asked by the NCAA to provide phone records to prove which agents they had spoken with.

- Marvin Austin was asked by the NCAA who paid for his recent trip to Miami. And players were asked about travel

- UNC players were asked by the NCAA who was paying for their rent.

- Two sources described the amount of agent activity in Chapel Hill this offseason as "hectic."

- UNC DL Marvin Austin was asked why he was seen driving the vehicle of 49er Kentwan Balmer and if he stayed at Balmer's apartment

[Logan]

I hope UNC self imposes some suspensions for the five projected 1st round defensive starters that covers the Rutgers game.

[Ksyrup]

Bad timing for UNC as they are a hot pick for dark horse contender this year. Personally, I'm hoping this team performs as well as Mack Brown's "great" UNC teams did when push came to shove.

[CU Tiger]

been away for a week but nice to see cortez davis re-commit to Clemson...this could be a special class if we keep it together and add the 2 or 3 rumored big names..

[dawgfan]

Well, the depth chart is looking more open for ASJ at Washington now... ;)

[MrBug708]

ASJ?

[Ksyrup]

been away for a week but nice to see cortez davis re-commit to Clemson...this could be a special class if we keep it together and add the 2 or 3 rumored big names..

Is that the kid who de-committed from FSU? I'm not quite sure he understands what a "commitment" is. Either after he committed to Clemson the first time or committed to FSU, he said something like, "I'm committed here, but there are still 1 or 2 schools higher on my list." Um...what?

[dawgfan]

ASJ?
Austin Seferian-Jenkins

[MrBug708]

Ah, I actually knew that...lol

[CU Tiger]

Is that the kid who de-committed from FSU? I'm not quite sure he understands what a "commitment" is. Either after he committed to Clemson the first time or committed to FSU, he said something like, "I'm committed here, but there are still 1 or 2 schools higher on my list." Um...what?

yeah....kinda my thoughts as well... it was after he switched to FSU that he said Cleemson was higher on his list. Supposedly jimbo made it a condition to be committed or he wouldnt let him partake in the Seminole's summer camp. Which he went to along with a HS team mate that is not being recruited nearly as heavily...once the camp was over he reaffirmed with Clemson....but nothing wil shock me with this kid. He is pretty immature from all involved, but damn talented.

[tarcone]

Iowa has a nice class forming:

Austin Blythe 4* OL Williamsburg, IA
Ray Hamilton 4* TE Strongsville, OH
JaCorey Shepherd 3* WR Mesquite, TX
Marcus Grant 3* WR Groton, MA
Henry Krieger-Coble 3* TE Mt. Pleasant, IA
Jake Ruddock 3* QB Ft Lauderdale, FL
Riley McMinn 3* DE Rochester, IL
Jake Duzy 3* WR Troy, MI
Austin Vincent NR WR DeSoto, TX
John Raymon NR DE Newton, PA

WR was an area that was in need. I like the group we picked up.
Iowa is quickly becoming TE U. The past 7 starting TEs were all drafted.
Jake Ruddock is the heir apparent. He looks like a good one.

[MrBug708]

Lot of smoke that Hundley is heading to UW.

[dawgfan]

Lot of smoke that Hundley is heading to UW.
The talk is that he's been telling fellow recruits he's headed to Washington, but officially he still claims he's uncommitted:

http://twitter.com/Hopkins_Justin

Scout.com's SW recruiting guy Jason Jewell is reporting the same thing, that Hundley is claiming he hasn't committed anywhere.

I'm optimistic, but I'm holding off any celebration.

[BishopMVP]

Notre Dame adds 4

RB Justice Hayes MI
DE Aaron Lynch FL
OLB Anthony Rabasa FL
CB Jalen Brown TX

Hayes is a small, fast RB. Both commits from Florida had offers from the in-state big 3, Lynch in particular is top 100 across the board while Rabasa fits in a 3-4 much better than a 4-3.

[MrBug708]

Harvey Langi posted his Top 5
Stanford
UCLA
Washington
BYU
Utah

Raymond Nelson verballed to UCLA. Probably ends any chance UCLA had with ASJ and isn't that great for getting Pomee back as a verbal. He's also the brother of UCLA basketball player Reeves Nelson

[dawgfan]

Harvey Langi posted his Top 5
Stanford
UCLA
Washington
BYU
Utah
Langi sounds very high on the Cardinal - if he's accepted there, hard to see him turning that down from the interviews I've seen with him.

Raymond Nelson verballed to UCLA. Probably ends any chance UCLA had with ASJ and isn't that great for getting Pomee back as a verbal. He's also the brother of UCLA basketball player Reeves Nelson
Unless ASJ is still doing some kind of "secret verbal" thing, UCLA has been out of it for a while now. He said last weekend that if he stays on the West Coast, he'll sign with the UW. If not, he's looking hard at Texas (though he doesn't have an offer yet) and Florida.

He'll probably get his Texas offer this weekend as he unofficially visits the campus...

[MrBug708]

Oh, I agree the chances of ASJ was basically nil, but they were still in a top 5 and Rick has pulled some rabbits out of his hat in the past two years.

There is some unofficial word on Hundley is that UCLA is back in the lead, but UW will have the last unofficial and I think UCLA is hoping he decides to hold off on committing til later

[dawgfan]

There is some unofficial word on Hundley is that UCLA is back in the lead, but UW will have the last unofficial and I think UCLA is hoping he decides to hold off on committing til later
My read on Hundley:

- Someone got in his ear when he went to Maui for Clarkson's QB camp, perhaps Clarkson himself. Before that he seemed to favor Oregon; after, they weren't in the picture anymore, and two schools with coaches noted for putting QB's in the NFL were at the top - UW and UCLA. Maybe it was Clarkson himself. I'm not sure what kind of relationship Chow and Neuheisel have with Clarkson, but he's tight with Sarkisian, and I'm guessing that a lot of Hundley's attraction to Washington is the idea that Sark is going to be an excellent mentor for him to get him prepped for the NFL.

I think he also values Chow & Neuheisel's reputations with QB's (though he might be wary of UCLA dabbling with the Pistol offense), but I think the edge UCLA has (if they have any) is weather. He's noted multiple times that he likes the weather at UCLA, and being a kid from Arizona, he may feel that he will like the weather better there than up in Seattle.

So I'm reading it like this: slight edge to UW in terms of coaching staff (based on the Clarkson connection and UCLA flirting with the Pistol offense), definite edge to UCLA in terms of weather. Academically, hard to imagine either school has an edge. The question will be how much he values the coaching factor vs. weather.

It's interesting - lots of chatter a week or two ago from multiple sources that he's been telling other recruits he's headed to Washington, and Huffman and Biggins seemed to think he'd pick the UW. I'm curious where and from who you're hearing that he may now be favoring UCLA...

[Chief Rum]

I think it's likely Nelson ends up at DE, so I don't think UCLA's out of it for Pomee.

I have been figuring for a while now that ASJ wasn't coming.

[Chief Rum]

My read on Hundley:

- Someone got in his ear when he went to Maui for Clarkson's QB camp, perhaps Clarkson himself. Before that he seemed to favor Oregon; after, they weren't in the picture anymore, and two schools with coaches noted for putting QB's in the NFL were at the top - UW and UCLA. Maybe it was Clarkson himself. I'm not sure what kind of relationship Chow and Neuheisel have with Clarkson, but he's tight with Sarkisian, and I'm guessing that a lot of Hundley's attraction to Washington is the idea that Sark is going to be an excellent mentor for him to get him prepped for the NFL.

I think he also values Chow & Neuheisel's reputations with QB's (though he might be wary of UCLA dabbling with the Pistol offense), but I think the edge UCLA has (if they have any) is weather. He's noted multiple times that he likes the weather at UCLA, and being a kid from Arizona, he may feel that he will like the weather better there than up in Seattle.

So I'm reading it like this: slight edge to UW in terms of coaching staff (based on the Clarkson connection and UCLA flirting with the Pistol offense), definite edge to UCLA in terms of weather. Academically, hard to imagine either school has an edge. The question will be how much he values the coaching factor vs. weather.

It's interesting - lots of chatter a week or two ago from multiple sources that he's been telling other recruits he's headed to Washington, and Huffman and Biggins seemed to think he'd pick the UW. I'm curious where and from who you're hearing that he may now be favoring UCLA...

Same level of sources you have, I am sure.

I think you overrate the Pistol aspect of this recruitment. Hundley's almost perfect for that offense, and UCLA has given every indication publically that they will be running a mix of the Pistol at times and reverting to the former under center offense they have been running at other times. Chow has said that the Pistol and the offense they ran before are actually just about exactly the same with respect to passing, the reads, the routes of the receivers, etc. The difference is in the running game and the positioning of the backfield players (QB and RB and the HB hybrid that replaces the FB in the Pistol).

Hundley would get plenty of conventional time in a pro style offense at UCLA, and I am sure Coaches Rick and Norm are letting him know that.

[dawgfan]

Same level of sources you have, I am sure.
I'm not trying to discount Bug. My only point here is that I haven't seen any chatter on the UW boards indicating UCLA may now be leading. Has Huffman changed his stance? I'm just curious where Bug is hearing UCLA may be leading now, and from who.

I think you overrate the Pistol aspect of this recruitment. Hundley's almost perfect for that offense, and UCLA has given every indication publically that they will be running a mix of the Pistol at times and reverting to the former under center offense they have been running at other times. Chow has said that the Pistol and the offense they ran before are actually just about exactly the same with respect to passing, the reads, the routes of the receivers, etc. The difference is in the running game and the positioning of the backfield players (QB and RB and the HB hybrid that replaces the FB in the Pistol).

Hundley would get plenty of conventional time in a pro style offense at UCLA, and I am sure Coaches Rick and Norm are letting him know that.
My reason for discussing the pistol comes from what Hundley himself has said (via Biggins):

"I don't know much about the Pistol offense they run and I need to do more research on that and see if it's a fit for me."

That tells me that he's not sure if it's a plus or minus for him, but that it is (or was at least) a factor he was considering.

It certainly wouldn't surprise me if he picked UCLA.

[MrBug708]

Tracy mentioned that he thought UCLA lead for Hundley at best, and tied for at worst at this point. He also mentioned that Hundley is one of those kids who picks a school based on who he talked with last. In this case, it could have been that Tracy (In reality Huffman), happened to speak with Hundley.

And while he is unsure of the pistol, I think once he reads up on it, will see that it was built for a kid with some running ability.

[dawgfan]

And while he is unsure of the pistol, I think once he reads up on it, will see that it was built for a kid with some running ability.
Sure. But it seems like, based on the way his recruitment has evolved, that he values a system and staff that will best prep him for the NFL. And maybe he's unsure at this point how much UCLA is going to use the Pistol, and how that will affect his development.

There's no question that in a pro-style offense, Chow has terrific track record of developing NFL QB's (as does Sark).

Speculation I know, but it seems telling to me that he eliminated Oregon from consideration after his camp with Clarkson, when before they were in the lead.

[MrBug708]

Im just scared that UCLA will strike out on him because Rick's son is considered a evrbal, but will greyshirt. It's hard to recruit when the prevailing notion will be that the QB won't get a fair shake

[dawgfan]

Im just scared that UCLA will strike out on him because Rick's son is considered a evrbal, but will greyshirt. It's hard to recruit when the prevailing notion will be that the QB won't get a fair shake
I think the example of Hawkins at Colorado should be a warning to any coach considering recruiting their son to play QB...

Not saying he shouldn't take Jerry, but he has to be aware that it might put off other QB recruits as you point out.

[MrBug708]

And I dont think JErry will ever be considered "good enough" for the program. Cody Hawkins was considered a Top 25 QB so it's not like it was a stretch that he started. Dan just couldnt switch away so easily because he "believed" in his son. I almost expect Leach to be coaching Colorado next year, if ASU doesn't beat them to it.

Jerry Neuheisel isn't even considered a top 100 prospect so I would imagine that likely means he'll never be more then a walk-on

[MrBug708]

Texas supposedly offered ASJ today

[dawgfan]

Texas supposedly offered ASJ today
Word from one of the Texas boards is that ASJ tipped the scales on his visit to Austin at 276, and the 'Horns coaching staff had a frank conversation with him about the probability that he'd outgrow TE and they'd want to move him to OT. Which means he's highly likely to pick Washington when he announces this coming Monday.

[MrBug708]

276 is huuuge for a TE, but he'll probably end up on the line at UW either way

[dawgfan]

276 is huuuge for a TE, but he'll probably end up on the line at UW either way
I'm guessing Sark has told ASJ that he will get a shot at TE, but I'd be surprised if he's promised him he'll stay at that position without putting some conditions on him. I can't imagine that any of the staffs recruiting him haven't discussed the possibility of him moving to OT down the road.

All that said, he seems dead-set on playing TE, even knowing that LT's make a lot more money in the NFL.

[Poli]

OL Kyler Kerbyson commits to the Vols. When Alabama and Florida got in the mix for him before the Vols did, I figured Kyler would be gone. I'm more than happy he's staying in Knoxville.

[MrBug708]

Hundley is visiting UCLA next weekend and will visit UW the following weekend and should decide shortly

[dawgfan]

Hundley is visiting UCLA next weekend and will visit UW the following weekend and should decide shortly
That will mean that he'll know whether Austin Sefarian-Jenkins (Aug. 16th) and Kasen Williams (Aug. 27th) have picked the Huskies or not. Probably won't be a major factor, but if they both pick Washington, it certainly won't hurt their cause with Hundley...

[Poli]

Top defensive back Patrick Martin of J.L. Mann (Greenville, S.C.) has announced his Class of 2011 decision for Tennessee.

Martin also considered South Carolina, LSU, UCLA and Oklahoma.

He has other offers from Arkansas, Cincinnati, Duke, East Carolina, Louisville, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi State, North Carolina State and Wisconsin.

Martin registered 112 tackles, 12 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) as a junior.

He posted a 4.65 40-yard dash, 4.28 20-yard shuttle and 30.5-inch vertical on the combine circuit.

[Poli]

I was happy to see UT pull Kerbyson away from Alabama and Florida.

I'm even happier to see them pick up Martin.

Dooley has been slow starting but appears to be picking up steam.

[MrBug708]

Huffman says he would be shocked if ASJ picks anyone other that the Huskies

[dawgfan]

Huffman says he would be shocked if ASJ picks anyone other that the Huskies
There's a guy writing about high school football in Washington for Scout.com (Jake Worthen) who has been in regular contact with ASJ throughout his recruitment, and he's flat-out guaranteed that he's picking the Huskies, and says he already conducted the commitment interview with him and wrote it up last night.

It would be a monumental shocker at this point if he doesn't pick Washington.

[dawgfan]

It's official - Austin Sefrarian-Jenkins to Washington. He says he's had his mind made up since June 1st and has been busy working the phones with other recruits.

This is the first of what is expected to be three high-profile commits to Washington this month on the offensive side of the football.

[MrBug708]

Is Hundley an expected commit now?

[dawgfan]

Is Hundley an expected commit now?
Just heard on the radio he's planning to attend Kasen's announcement while he's up here in a couple weekends.

And yeah, the buzz around here is Kasen will be a Dawg and Hundley is likely as well.

[MrBug708]

Interesting. I think Huffman said that he feels UCLA is ahead right now, but that UW having the last visit is huge as he tends to waiver after each visit

[dawgfan]

After further clarification, the info about Hundley attending Kasen's announcement may have been someone getting carried away. That's not to say it might not happen - he'll be in town that weekend - but it doesn't appear that he's actually planning on being there. Which makes sense, because Kasen is announcing at a private, team (and family) only event.

[MrBug708]

I always thought Kasen was the biggest lock for UW

[MrBug708]

Looks like the loser of the Brett Hundley sweepstakes will offer Adam Pittser

[cartman]

RB Malcom Brown, the top rated player in Texas, and a consensus top 10 player in the country (#6 Scout, #8 Rivals, #7 ESPN, #4 PrepStar), picked the Longhorns. The 2011 class for Texas is shaping up to possibly be the top one of Mack Brown's time in Austin.

[Ksyrup]

James Wilder Jr. committed to FSU. Pretty much a shock - everyone had him for UF. #19 overall rated player in the country. That's 7 ESPNU 150 commits for FSU already.

[MrBug708]

Hundley is on his visit here soon. Hows the weather up in Seattle dawgfan? Biggins had an update that looks nice for UCLA as the key mention is that Hundley and his family drove out to Los Angeles. I hope that he and his family enjoyed the fact that they are able to drive out and see him play :)

[dawgfan]

Hundley is on his visit here soon. Hows the weather up in Seattle dawgfan? Biggins had an update that looks nice for UCLA as the key mention is that Hundley and his family drove out to Los Angeles. I hope that he and his family enjoyed the fact that they are able to drive out and see him play :)
Sure, they can drive 6.5 hours to see him play, or get on a plane and be doorstep to hotel in Seattle in less than 4 hours ;)

Weather is going to be on the cool side - we've got our first fall system coming through, so it'll be in the mid to low 60's, small chance of rain. Which is fine - I know much is made of him noting the great weather at UCLA, but I really doubt he'd have the UW in his final two if he was truly concerned about weather. And it's not like he can't spend 5 minutes researching weather in Seattle on his computer. Besides, playing in Seattle weather will be better prep for his NFL career...

I think this one is a coin flip. Lots of pros either way he goes, and I tend to believe him when he says that the biggest thing will be where he feels the most comfortable. And that's next to impossible for any of us to predict...

[Chief Rum]

I disagree on the weather. Knowing what the weather is like intellectually isn't the same as feeling it and living in it. That sort of thing can have a big impact.

That said, I am speaking in generalities here; I would hope that weather isn't Hundley's primary consideration (and would agree it must not be if Washington made his Final Two).

[dawgfan]

In what I'm sure is shocking news, WR Kasen Williams announces his commitment tonight to...

...Washington. Go Huskies!

[MrBug708]

Sure, they can drive 6.5 hours to see him play, or get on a plane and be doorstep to hotel in Seattle in less than 4 hours ;)

No doubt. But i's also an hour to LA by plane cheaper and closer for his gf to visit :)

Weather is going to be on the cool side - we've got our first fall system coming through, so it'll be in the mid to low 60's, small chance of rain. Which is fine - I know much is made of him noting the great weather at UCLA, but I really doubt he'd have the UW in his final two if he was truly concerned about weather. And it's not like he can't spend 5 minutes researching weather in Seattle on his computer. Besides, playing in Seattle weather will be better prep for his NFL career...

If weather helps you prep, he would be headed to Pullman, not Seattle or LA

I think this one is a coin flip. Lots of pros either way he goes, and I tend to believe him when he says that the biggest thing will be where he feels the most comfortable. And that's next to impossible for any of us to predict...

I agree

[dawgfan]

If weather helps you prep, he would be headed to Pullman, not Seattle or LA
Yeah, but then he'd have to play for the Cougars, and who wants to do that?

;)

[BishopMVP]

James Wilder Jr. committed to FSU. Pretty much a shock - everyone had him for UF. #19 overall rated player in the country. That's 7 ESPNU 150 commits for FSU already.I know, i know.... it's HS football, and he'll probably end up at LB by his 3rd year, but ... holy shit Plant got smoked tonight. (And the articles about him aren't too encouraging... he really didn't know he needed his academics up because he was going to be a big recruit until his JR year? even though he was the son of an NFL running back and 1st team all-state in 9th grade?)

[Ksyrup]

Did they? We were at a restaurant and saw the first 5 minutes, which was basically an 80 yard TD by the OTHER guy in their backfield.

[BishopMVP]

That play was pretty much it for Plant. 48-10 final. Manatee's RB Blakely ran for 3 td's and threw 1. ESPN RISE High School Football Kickoff - ESPN RISE (http://rise.espn.go.com/football/articles/2010/08/27-Plant-Manatee-recap.aspx)

[MrBug708]

Yeah, but then he'd have to play for the Cougars, and who wants to do that?

;)

I was reading dawgman and some of your brethren are a pretty confidence bunch. They seem to think that Hundley, McClure, Hobbi, Black Mamba, Woods, and Moala will end up at UW. If Sark pulls all of those off, I would be totally impressed and never say a negative word about UW other than that Sark is cheating :)

[MrBug708]

I'll take the moral victory. I guess this ends any speculation that Hundley was a Washington "silent verbal"

[dawgfan]

I'll take the moral victory. I guess this ends any speculation that Hundley was a Washington "silent verbal"
?

You mean because he was bumped from his flight and didn't make it up to Seattle today?

[MrBug708]

?

You mean because he was bumped from his flight and didn't make it up to Seattle today?

Yes. If he was a silent verbal, he would have most likely announced before the season anyways. Now he's going to see much more recruiting for the two teams and possibly other schools. It does hurt UCLA and UW in the sense that they cannot look to other prospects if they were on the losing end.

So much for being only a 4.5 hour flight away though :)

[dawgfan]

I was reading dawgman and some of your brethren are a pretty confidence bunch. They seem to think that Hundley, McClure, Hobbi, Black Mamba, Woods, and Moala will end up at UW. If Sark pulls all of those off, I would be totally impressed and never say a negative word about UW other than that Sark is cheating :)
Are you talking the free boards? I don't pay any attention to that - way too many idiots and trolls on those boards. I can give a general synopsis of opinions from the pay boards:

- We're feeling reasonably confident about Hundley; there had been some talk about a month ago from various sources that Hundley had been telling other recruits he was going to Washington, but that talk has quieted down. A few people are freaking out that he missed his flight today, but most are assuming he'll reschedule. The latest report from Biggins seemed to indicate he's still torn and wants to see both schools before making his decision.

- Thomas and Woods are longshots, but they are coming up for the Nebraska game, so there's some hope one or both could be turned. There was a rumor going around a few weeks ago that Thomas was actually favoring UCLA and Washington over USC, but I haven't seen any quotes from him verifying that. Husky commit Matthew Lyons is apparently good friends with Thomas and has been in his ear, and it sounds like ASJ has also been doing a lot of recruiting too.

- Any confidence about Moala stems from two things - he's visiting for the Nebraska game and his teammate James Sample is high on the Huskies. Personally, I doubt we get him, but if he has a good visit it's possible.

- McClure sounds pretty high on Washington and is visiting for the Syracuse game, but given his quotes about growing up liking UCLA and noting their proximity and how hard they're recruiting him, I'm guessing the Bruins will probably end up getting him.

- Hobbi is coming up for the Syracuse game, so we're still in the mix, but if I had to guess I'd say Nebraska is probably the favorite for him.

I know you're half-joking about Sark and cheating (USC, Pete Carroll), but if you ever had a chance to see him and his staff working a room you'd gain a new appreciation for how appealing they are to recruits - especially guys like Demetrice Martin and Johnny Nansen. Those guys are ace recruiters with off-the-charts enthusiasm, energy and the ability to connect with these kids.

[dawgfan]

Yes. If he was a silent verbal, he would have most likely announced before the season anyways. Now he's going to see much more recruiting for the two teams and possibly other schools. It does hurt UCLA and UW in the sense that they cannot look to other prospects if they were on the losing end.
Well, we'll see what (if anything) he says after missing this flight. It's possible that he favored one over the other and might decide he doesn't need to make up the visit.

On the other hand, if he does decide to re-schedule for Washington, does that mean he'll feel compelled to visit UCLA again during a game week just to get a fair comparison? Especially considering he can probably get his UW visit turned into an "official" visit now.

So much for being only a 4.5 hour flight away though :)
I'd forgotten he had family that worked for the airlines. Good and bad I guess - mostly good in that they can probably fly free or at greatly reduced rates, bad that flying that way puts them at significant risk of getting bumped.

[MrBug708]

Well, we'll see what (if anything) he says after missing this flight. It's possible that he favored one over the other and might decide he doesn't need to make up the visit.

On the other hand, if he does decide to re-schedule for Washington, does that mean he'll feel compelled to visit UCLA again during a game week just to get a fair comparison? Especially considering he can probably get his UW visit turned into an "official" visit now.

I think it's always been said (at least on BRO) that if he couldnt decide after the unofficials, he would take officials to both schools

I'd forgotten he had family that worked for the airlines. Good and bad I guess - mostly good in that they can probably fly free or at greatly reduced rates, bad that flying that way puts them at significant risk of getting bumped.

True. Can't risk getting bumped for their son's football games at Seattle and can't drive there on a Friday night and be there by noon on Saturday :)

[MrBug708]

Rumor is that according to his facebook, Hundley is deciding on the 6th of September

[dawgfan]

Rumor is that according to his facebook, Hundley is deciding on the 6th of September
Yep, I saw that. Guess he saw all he needed last weekend at UCLA, and it either was enough for him to pick the Bruins, or he realized that he still liked Washington better.

If I'm betting, I'd put slight odds on the Bruins - more certainty on when he'd likely become the starter and closer to his family.

[MrBug708]

Your board (Well the free board on dawgman) seems to be pretty split down the middle. Half thinks that he's headed to UCLA, why visit UW at this point, while the other half thinks that since Kasen just committed, he knows that UW has the talent surrounding him, why bother coming to UW.

FWIW - one of the "In the know" guys on the UCLA premium board said that he's coming to UCLA.

[Ksyrup]

Anybody watch the Ohio HS football game last night? WAY more interesting (and better) than the Den/Pitt game. Braxton Miller, an OSU commit, was the QB for Wayne OH and in the f irst half, he looked like a freaking video game character. He had just under 250 yards of total offense, and they had a 28-14 lead over Moeller at half. Second half, he got completely shut down and Moeller scored a last second TD to win 35-28. The RB for Moeller pretty much stole the show - he ran for 5 TDs and looked like a Gerhart/Alstott clone, dragging tacklers and bouncing off hits all night.

Great game.

[dawgfan]

Your board (Well the free board on dawgman) seems to be pretty split down the middle. Half thinks that he's headed to UCLA, why visit UW at this point, while the other half thinks that since Kasen just committed, he knows that UW has the talent surrounding him, why bother coming to UW.

FWIW - one of the "In the know" guys on the UCLA premium board said that he's coming to UCLA.
I think Biggins nailed it - by itself, his decision to not make up his canceled flight to Seattle and to announce a commitment date of September 6th could be read either way as a positive for UCLA or a positive for Washington.

But, I've been hearing the same chatter of Hundley to UCLA. Huffman seems to think so, and the local guy that had the inside scoop with ASJ seems to agree, which suggests that ASJ has talked to Hundley and Hundley gave him the scoop.

What gives Husky fans a glimmer of hope is that in Biggins' report, Hundley claims he's only told his family what his decision is. Like I said earlier, my guess is UCLA - closer to home, weather more similar to what he's used to, and a more predictable, less risky QB pecking order on when could expect to become a starter. If he chooses Washington, he risks being on the bench for 4 years behind Montana if he can't beat him out. Assuming that Brehaut never redshirts, Hundley is looking at probably no worse than 2013 as when he'd become a starter at UCLA.

I guess we'll find out in a week, and then the spurned team can turn their attention to Pittser (or try to poach Wittek from USC)...

[MrBug708]

I dont think UCLA will get involved with Pittser, I think they go after Eubanks and hit the trail hard for 2012 QB's.

As for Biggin's take, I think it's sold logic. But as for as how thigns turned out, they seemed to get worse for UW as the weekend progressed. First the word was he wanted to be at Kasen's announcement. Then it was he wanted to be here for Raise the Woof and then it was he wanted to be here for the same weekend as the announcement. After he missed his flight, everyone said that Sark wanted him here for an official on the weekend of the 'Cuse game. Then he announced that he was going to do it the 6th and now it seems like that Hundley didn't need to visit Washington afterall and that he already knows that Washington is the place for him. It just seems like a lot of changes and if Sark really wanted to get him out there for an official, it seems like he probably didn't like his chances as they stood now.

This might seem odd, but is there any pictures of Hundley with UW gear?

[dawgfan]

I dont think UCLA will get involved with Pittser, I think they go after Eubanks and hit the trail hard for 2012 QB's.

As for Biggin's take, I think it's sold logic. But as for as how thigns turned out, they seemed to get worse for UW as the weekend progressed. First the word was he wanted to be at Kasen's announcement.
That was never going to happen - Hundley's first game was this past Friday night, which is when Kasen had long ago said he was going to make his announcement. The rumor about Hundley coming up for Kasen's announcement was never anything more than wild conjecture started by a local sports radio guy.

Then it was he wanted to be here for Raise the Woof...
Again, never was going to happen since he had his first game Friday night.

...and then it was he wanted to be here for the same weekend as the announcement.
That seemed logical, but still highly speculative. It was based on the premise that ASJ, Kasen and Hundley have all been talking and all were on board with not only committing to the Huskies, but building up the hype around their commitments.

After he missed his flight, everyone said that Sark wanted him here for an official on the weekend of the 'Cuse game.
Not sure how that rumor started - from what I understand, you can't take an official visit until you've taken your SAT test, and he won't do so until October.

Then he announced that he was going to do it the 6th and now it seems like that Hundley didn't need to visit Washington afterall and that he already knows that Washington is the place for him. It just seems like a lot of changes and if Sark really wanted to get him out there for an official, it seems like he probably didn't like his chances as they stood now.
Unless Sark talked with him and knew that he was committing to Washington, of course he'd be worried about Hundley not making it up here and not re-scheduling another visit. Coaches always love to get the last word in when it comes to recruiting.

FWIW, Biggins has apparently commented on his Hundley post from today saying his impression after talking with him after the UCLA visit was that he's going to be a Bruin. Maybe Hundley is trying really hard to mess with people and put out false rumors, but things are definitely looking good for the Bruins in this one.

[MrBug708]

Based on what everyone has said about Hundley (UCLA, Washington fans), he doesnt seem like someone to mess with a particular school

[dawgfan]

Based on what everyone has said about Hundley (UCLA, Washington fans), he doesnt seem like someone to mess with a particular school
Yeah, I wouldn't think so either.

[dawgfan]

Congrats to the Bruins in advance for getting Hundley. Getting word today from an insider that Hundley has informed Sark he's not coming to Washington. This wasn't a critical year to get a top-flight QB with Price being a RS-Fr and Montana a true Freshman, but we do need a QB since those two are the only scholarship QB's on the roster for 2011. I would guess Pittser will now become a target for Washington...

[MrBug708]

UCLA it is

[BishopMVP]

ND picks up 3 commitments. Rivals #22 and previous GT lean DE Stephon Tuitt out of Georgia and twins George and Josh Atkinson out of Cali. One of the Atkinsons is in the top 100, giving ND 6 now.

[illinifan999]

Just a fun fact. Adam Pittser goes to the high school I went to. It's incredible that we have a QB so highly rated, when we've always been a run first, second, and third team. Not to mention our high school isn't a breeding ground for D1 athletes. Guess I'll have to go watch a game sometime.

[BishopMVP]

Just a fun fact. Adam Pittser goes to the high school I went to. It's incredible that we have a QB so highly rated, when we've always been a run first, second, and third team. Not to mention our high school isn't a breeding ground for D1 athletes. Guess I'll have to go watch a game sometime.There's a JR QB/S at the High School next to me (Nick LaSpada) allegedly with offers from Florida State, Notre Dame, Boston College, etc already. I'm looking forward to going to a game - most of the top 100 prospects from this area recently have been TE's and OL.

[MrBug708]

Lane Kiffin is outdoing himself of late. He's managed to have landed two WR's for the class of 2012. Good to see him working on the weaknesses of the team.

In other news, he graced us with this gem a bit ago

Trojans Coach Lane Kiffin said that in the three years since he last recruited for USC, not much had changed in the players that choose the Bruins over the Trojans.

"I watched it over the weekend, just to see if it's the same, and it's really still the same," he said. "I guess we waste time continuing to recruit them. We know within the first 10 minutes whether they're the type of guys that want to play here or there."

What's funny is that he's doing his best to try and flip a lot of UCLA recruits lately.

[Chief Rum]

"I watched it over the weekend, just to see if it's the same, and it's really still the same," he said. "I guess we waste time continuing to recruit them. We know within the first 10 minutes whether they're the type of guys that want to play here or there."

lol, I swear to heaven, the punchlines just write themselves, don't they?

[Poli]

Tennessee has had a few recruits pop in lately. Last year's commit, AJ Johnson, decommitted when Kiffin left. He recently recommitted to the Vols.

RB Devrin Young was once a Stanford commit but has since committed to the Vols. Young is a mighty mite, it'll be interesting to see how he fits.

[BishopMVP]

Notre Dame adds another verbal from 4* Devaris Daniels, WR from Illinois and son of NFL (and former UGA) DE Phillip Daniels. Reportedly was a silent verbal since the spring who needed to work on grades or test scores.

[DeToxRox]

Does RR finally get the RB he needs to add in to his offense? We all sure as hell hope so as Rivals #1 All Purpose Back Demetrius Hart commits to Michigan tonight. Kid is an amazing pass catcher and very elusive in the open field. He is a huge get for us and could very well start the opener next year as he is an early enrollee.

[Swaggs]

Does RR finally get the RB he needs to add in to his offense? We all sure as hell hope so as Rivals #1 All Purpose Back Demetrius Hart commits to Michigan tonight. Kid is an amazing pass catcher and very elusive in the open field. He is a huge get for us and could very well start the opener next year as he is an early enrollee.

I think this will be huge for Robinson and Rodriguez. If this kid is durable enough (and already in good enough size/shape), he could have a huge impact on that offense.

[DeToxRox]

I think this will be huge for Robinson and Rodriguez. If this kid is durable enough (and already in good enough size/shape), he could have a huge impact on that offense.

Yep. Our lack of solid RB play is limiting this offense. Right now it's all Denard, but if a guy could emerge it'd really stress opposing D's.

[Matthean]

Michigan State has chance to sign top-ranked trio | freep.com | Detroit Free Press (http://www.freep.com/article/20101022/SPORTS07/101022002/1055/sports)

MSU in line for 3 top ranked Midwest players in their respective positions.

[Eaglesfan27]

DL Steve Dillon became USC's 14th committment last night. Also, there are some rumors out there that Sheldon Richardson told the locker room he will be a Trojan as well.

[MrBug708]

I'm surprised USC moved with the Dillion verbal so soon. Everything I saw on him was that he wasn't a lock to get in at all, much less early?

[Chief Rum]

I'm surprised USC moved with the Dillion verbal so soon. Everything I saw on him was that he wasn't a lock to get in at all, much less early?

Where does it say he's trying to get in early?

[bhlloy]

He's not an early enrollee, and had a UCLA offer along with most of the Pac-10. If you guys thought he would get in, I'm sure he'll be just fine at USC

[dawgfan]

I'm just hoping this means spots are filling up at USC, especially at DE, and that Washington has an improved shot at landing Townsend. He certainly would have every opportunity for early playing time with the Huskies...

[Chief Rum]

He's not an early enrollee, and had a UCLA offer along with most of the Pac-10. If you guys thought he would get in, I'm sure he'll be just fine at USC

Oh, I wouldn't say that's true. UCLA offers plenty of questionable academic athletes now under Neu, they just hope they can get them in. They stay away from the bottom guys, of course--clearly Gibson is not that. But plenty of guys UCLA has offered have not made it into any D1 school (like the Jackson DE last year, for instance).

But, yeah, I didn't see him listed as an early enrollee.

[MrBug708]

I wasnt sure if he was since UCLA wasn't really recruiting him

[MrBug708]

Speaking of lower rated DE's, UCLA picked up one from Nevada, Sam Tai. He's a cousin of former Duck and current NFL player Haloti Ngata. Looks like he'll be enrolling early

[Poli]

DeAnthony Arnett, a 4 star out of Michigan, commits to the Vols.

[BishopMVP]

Notre Dame has 3 decommits, all from Florida. Aaron Lynch, Jordan Prestwood and Clay Burton. A little odd that they would even bother committing this fall only to decommit 1-2 months later, but that's what you get when you go into SEC territory I guess.

[DeToxRox]

Notre Dame has 3 decommits, all from Florida. Aaron Lynch, Jordan Prestwood and Clay Burton. A little odd that they would even bother committing this fall only to decommit 1-2 months later, but that's what you get when you go into SEC territory I guess.

You get used to it.

[Matthean]

DeAnthony Arnett, a 4 star out of Michigan, commits to the Vols.

I read in the paper that MSU was #2 for him, but ironically enough he picked Tenn. due to a former MSU player who has worked with a number of name WRs being a coach at Tenn..

[Blade6119]

Looks like USC stole Mizzou commit and former 5 star DT Sheldon Richardson, who we sent out to JUCO out in cali to get his grades in order. They told him they cant get him to the pros after one year at USC, which sealed the deal. You stay classy USC

[MrBug708]

Looks like USC stole Mizzou commit and former 5 star DT Sheldon Richardson, who we sent out to JUCO out in cali to get his grades in order. They told him they cant get him to the pros after one year at USC, which sealed the deal. You stay classy USC

What did USC tell him that wasn't classy?

[Blade6119]

What did USC tell him that wasn't classy?

How many players go from JUCO to pros in one year at USC? If its a lot, ill apologize...but I imagine most stay the full 2-3 years and this is just a lie to hook him :(

[MrBug708]

How many players go from JUCO to pros in one year at USC? If its a lot, ill apologize...but I imagine most stay the full 2-3 years and this is just a lie to hook him :(

USC doesnt take that many JC transfers, but I fail to see how it's relevant. It's part of recruiting and every program does it. I fail to see what they did that wasn't class. Unless there is more to the story that you havent shared?

[Blade6119]

USC doesnt take that many JC transfers, but I fail to see how it's relevant. It's part of recruiting and every program does it. I fail to see what they did that wasn't class. Unless there is more to the story that you havent shared?

Well we went through something very similar with USC when he was a senior in HS, so there is a lot of back story, but no, I dont believe every program guarantees they can turn someone into a pro in one year. A lot of things I do believe, not that one

[MrBug708]

Well we went through something very similar with USC when he was a senior in HS, so there is a lot of back story, but no, I dont believe every program guarantees they can turn someone into a pro in one year. A lot of things I do believe, not that one

Why? All he has to do is declare for the draft after one year. I haven't even seen where he's verbal, much less said that USC can him to the NFL after just one year, much less see how that makes them classless? And you should know how biased I am with USC :) Trust me, just another recruiting tale, nothing more, nothing bad. I mean, you "sent" him to California

[bhlloy]

Yeah, because USC was the only team that had offered him this year... when you get Bug defending SC you know your point is ridiculous :D

[Eaglesfan27]

Coach O is one of the best D-Line coaches in the country. USC sold Richardson on that and Coach O may have him ready for the league in 1 year. Very good pick-up that was much needed as Jurrell Casey has said he is definitely leaving early this year and the DT position needs some guys to hold down the fort while young guys like Woods and Uko develop.

[Eaglesfan27]

Every day it's looking like USC thinks they are going to win their appeal or get the penalties delayed by the appeal being decided after signing day. They just took their 16th commit, lineman Cody Temple who they are expecting to have focus on guard or center.

[Chief Rum]

Every day it's looking like USC thinks they are going to win their appeal or get the penalties delayed by the appeal being decided after signing day. They just took their 16th commit, lineman Cody Temple who they are expecting to have focus on guard or center.

I thought they were just going to have them all enroll early. :lol:

[MrBug708]

Every day it's looking like USC thinks they are going to win their appeal or get the penalties delayed by the appeal being decided after signing day. They just took their 16th commit, lineman Cody Temple who they are expecting to have focus on guard or center.

This is truly a headscratcher. The kid was a backup option on the lines for UCLA, if most of their targets fell through. His only big offer was WSU and wasn't in danger of going anywhere soon. Lane has been making a lot of Karl Dorrell moves in the sense that he's going to offer every "sleeper" kid and hope they blow up

[Eaglesfan27]

This is truly a headscratcher. The kid was a backup option on the lines for UCLA, if most of their targets fell through. His only big offer was WSU and wasn't in danger of going anywhere soon. Lane has been making a lot of Karl Dorrell moves in the sense that he's going to offer every "sleeper" kid and hope they blow up

I agree on the surface it appears like a very odd move, but I'm giving this staff the benefit of the doubt that their talent evaluation abilities are better than the general "experts." And CR, they still will have at least a half dozen early enrollees, but there are signs that USC is going to take a 25 plus kids counting EE's this year.

[MrBug708]

Well we went through something very similar with USC when he was a senior in HS, so there is a lot of back story, but no, I dont believe every program guarantees they can turn someone into a pro in one year. A lot of things I do believe, not that one

Richardson to Coaching staff: “They can have me NFL ready in two years. I just can’t wait to get there.”

[MrBug708]

I agree on the surface it appears like a very odd move, but I'm giving this staff the benefit of the doubt that their talent evaluation abilities are better than the general "experts." And CR, they still will have at least a half dozen early enrollees, but there are signs that USC is going to take a 25 plus kids counting EE's this year.

That's what we thought at UCLA :)

[Chief Rum]

I agree on the surface it appears like a very odd move, but I'm giving this staff the benefit of the doubt that their talent evaluation abilities are better than the general "experts." And CR, they still will have at least a half dozen early enrollees, but there are signs that USC is going to take a 25 plus kids counting EE's this year.

Well, I was mostly pulling your leg, but actually, they just about can, if they actually get eight early enrollees (their remaining room under the 2010 class). If they do, they can get that 8 and then the 15 they're allowed for this class, to get to 23. But 23 is their limit unless penalties appeals change things (and I don't think they will, at least not on the first penalty year scholies). They could certainly greyshirt a player or two on the far side, but that's getting dangerous since that class is scholie-limited, too. Plus, kids don't generally like to greyshirt.

Speaking of early enrollees, it's November already and these guys would have to wrap up their HS credits by the holiday season here. Is there eight already lined up and ready to go?

USC desperately needs O-line help. Temple makes sense from that perspective, as well as the rumors they are doing well with talking Torian White into backing off of his UCLA commit. You could go to USC and play right away. I don't know if that's actually a good idea for USC (three star true frosh OL rarely play well), but I can see why the kids would like it.

[bhlloy]

To be honest, the O-line situation is so dire I have no problem with taking a few 3 star guys for depth. Next year will be the make or break with a lot of good west coast based OL, but for now the priority has to just be get some bodies that can contribute after the current group is gone.

I actually like that Kiffin is taking some local guys with upside rather than subscribing to Pete Carroll's "we only take future first round NFL draft picks" and missing out on a lot of mid-level local talent as a result. To my mind, his regime started going downhill once he would pass on a 3-4 star local guy trying to get a 5 star guy out of Florida or Ohio. Oregon's defense alone has 3-4 guys who weren't "good enough" to play for PC.

[bhlloy]

There are 5 EE currently for USC. None of the recent commitments are on that list, although I don't know which category Richardson would fall into as JC has to enroll next month as far as I know.

[Eaglesfan27]

There are 5 EE currently for USC. None of the recent commitments are on that list, although I don't know which category Richardson would fall into as JC has to enroll next month as far as I know.

Richardson is supposed to be enrolled in December, but from what I've read doesn't count as an EE. I don't get how he doesn't, but that is what I've read.

[Eaglesfan27]

To be honest, the O-line situation is so dire I have no problem with taking a few 3 star guys for depth. Next year will be the make or break with a lot of good west coast based OL, but for now the priority has to just be get some bodies that can contribute after the current group is gone.

I actually like that Kiffin is taking some local guys with upside rather than subscribing to Pete Carroll's "we only take future first round NFL draft picks" and missing out on a lot of mid-level local talent as a result. To my mind, his regime started going downhill once he would pass on a 3-4 star local guy trying to get a 5 star guy out of Florida or Ohio. Oregon's defense alone has 3-4 guys who weren't "good enough" to play for PC.

Completely agreed. Glad to see the staff building some critical depth.

[dawgfan]

USC is playing a dangerous game here with all of their offers and commitments - what happens if the NCAA doesn't rule on their appeal by signing day? Has Kiffin talked to any of his current commits to warn them of a worst-case scenario, i.e. he has more commits than he can take LOI's from?

And greyshirting doesn't necessarily seem like a great option either, since the scholarship limits are for 3 seasons and they'll only have 15 or 20 spots for the 2012 and 2013 classes too.

[I. J. Reilly]

Do any of you UCLA guys know what the story is with Darryl Jackson?

It looks like he was set to greyshirt, but then switched to the Beavs. Did you guys run out of schollies and cut him loose, or did he just change his mind?

[Ksyrup]

Notre Dame has 3 decommits, all from Florida. Aaron Lynch, Jordan Prestwood and Clay Burton. A little odd that they would even bother committing this fall only to decommit 1-2 months later, but that's what you get when you go into SEC territory I guess.

Lynch and Prestwood both committed to FSU in the last week. That's now 19 commitments and 10 in the ESPNU150. Jimbo is doing a great job.

[MrBug708]

Jackson didn't make it into...SMU(?) last year due to academics. He committed to UCLA for the C/O 2011, but he kinda fell off the radar since then, so it's not really a surprise that he's moved on.

In other news, January 4th can't come soon enough for UCLA (and Brett Hundley)

[DeToxRox]

CU Tigers would know maybe better than I but a lot of smoke is coming out from trusted UM recruiting guys that FL WR Sammy Watkins could be announcing soon and his choice will be Michigan.

He is a top 30 player in the nation and would be a huge get. UM just got a commitment from his best friend and teammate Dallas Crawford last week and the talk is they want to play together.

Until lately though the talk was Clemson was ahead for Watkins but now people saying stuff has changed and Michigan may be the leaders.

[CU Tiger]

I expect him to be a Wolverine.
We refused to offer Crawford, reportedly because we knew Crawford couldnt get past our AARC and did the "noble" thing instead of banishing him to prep school.
Based on this alone we lost Sammy...he is a heck of a player and will be a good one for UM *IF* he can keep his nose (literally) clean.

[DeToxRox]

I expect him to be a Wolverine.
We refused to offer Crawford, reportedly because we knew Crawford couldnt get past our AARC and did the "noble" thing instead of banishing him to prep school.
Based on this alone we lost Sammy...he is a heck of a player and will be a good one for UM *IF* he can keep his nose (literally) clean.

Yeah I've heard some rumors on Crawford. Kid is a player, really surprised how underrated he is.

It was tragic though. He announced for Michigan last Friday which was his birthday. Should have been one of the best days of his life and then later that day his dad died.