MrSEC.com » Recruiting

South Carolina Offers Florida Lineman

Josh Ward — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:46:20 +0000

South Carolina has offered a scholarship to offensive lineman Zach DeBell from Tarpon Springs (Fla.) High School.

DeBell already has offers from Minnesota, Iowa State, Central Florida and Florida International. He’s also received interest from Florida State and Georgia Tech.

DeBell told TheBigSpur.com he will likely wait to choose his college.

“I will probably make it after my season is over with or maybe midway through,” he told the Web site. “I’m open to everything right now.”

Three SEC Schools Among Linebacker’s Top Five

Josh Ward — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:42:10 +0000

Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee appear to be in good shape with linebacker Rodney Coe from Edwardsville (Ill.) High School.

Coe told CallingTheHogs.com that his top five consists of Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Iowa and Oklahoma.

Coe has an impressive offer list, which includes Notre Dame, Clemson, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Missouri.

Kentucky Offers Indiana Lineman

Josh Ward — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:39:31 +0000

Kentucky has offered a scholarship to defensive lineman Joel Hale, according to KentuckyInk.com.

Hale, who attends Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Ind., already has offers from Indiana, Purdue, Michigan State, Georgia Tech and Cincinnati.

Kentucky is the first SEC to make an offer to Hale.

“The SEC is the best conference in America,” Hale told KentuckyInk.com. “Kentucky is a good school, they’re a good academic school and they’re coming up. They’re on the rise.”

Tight End Chooses North Carolina

Josh Ward — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:35:21 +0000

Tight end Eric Ebron from Greensboro, N.C., has committed to North Carolina.

Ebron chose the Tar Heels over offers from several schools, including Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Duke, North Carolina State and West Virginia.

Georgia Fighting Off Out-Of-State Schools

Josh Ward — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:06:29 +0000

There is a growing concern among Georgia fans than the Bulldogs coaching staff isn’t putting in the necessary work to hold onto talent in the southern part of the state.

Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal Constitution explains in this story.

You can point to talented players from Valdosta, such as Greg Reid, Gerald Demps and Telvin Smith, all of whom signed with Florida State in the last two years. The Seminoles also just picked up a commitment from defensive back Tyler Hunter.

“They’ve lost their stronghold,” former Georgia quarterback Buck Belue said of Georgia’s southern state recruiting. “Once Ray Goff lost his job I’ve heard more complaining about the Georgia coaches just not working that area as hard.”

Alabama Leads For Orlando Safety

Josh Ward — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:05:06 +0000

Safety Hasean Clinton-Dix from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Fla., is favoring Alabama.

Clinton-Dix told CrimsonConfidential.com he favors Alabama over a list of offers that includes Florida, Notre Dame, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State and Michigan.

“Alabama is standing at the top,” he told the Web site. “I’m still wide open, but, as of right now, Alabama is No. 1.”

Receiver Chooses Oklahoma Over SEC Schools

Josh Ward — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:02:35 +0000

Oklahoma has received a commitment from wide receiver Trey Metoyer from Whitehouse (Texas) High School.

Metoyer chose the Sooners over LSU and Ole Miss.

“I just feel like OU is a perfect fit,” Metoyer said during a press conference.

Mobile Receiver Chooses Alabama

Josh Ward — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:54:25 +0000

Alabama has received a commitment from wide receiver Danny Woodson Jr. from LeFlore Magnet High School in Mobile, Ala.

Woodson made the commitment after visiting Alabama during the weekend.

“I just had to see for myself and see if I fit in at Alabama,” Woodson told the Mobile Press-Register.

Woodson also had offers from Auburn, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Louisville, Texas Tech and Memphis.

Woodson said he won’t change his mind before National Signing Day.

“I’m all Roll Tide,” he said.

Running Back Hart Considering Several Options

Josh Ward — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:06:26 +0000

Reports have surfaced that Dee Hart has narrowed his list of schools to Auburn and Florida.

The running back from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Fla., does like those two schools, but he’s considering several others. Hart has also been impressed by Alabama and Michigan.

Hart’s list of schools could certainly change over the next few weeks and months.

“Honestly, I don’t know how much it’ll change but the more I visit schools the more it will change,” Hart told the Orlando Sentinel. “It always seems good when you look at one thing, but then the more you see, the more things start to fall in place.”

Here are some highlights from Hart at Dr. Phillips High. (Beware the video includes some music from OutKast)

Boo! Malcome Ready To Run For Georgia

Josh Ward — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:58:37 +0000

Georgia fans are familiar with Ken Malcome, the running back from Southwest DeKalb High School who signed with Georgia in February.

Malcome plans to make an impact at Georgia this fall, and he plans to do it under a new moniker.

Malcome told the Atlanta Journal Constitution he will go by the nickname he received several years ago, “Boo.”

“I just like that name,” Malcome said. “My family calls me that and people at school and in my neighborhood call me that. I feel like it kind of gives me some swag and kind of motivates me to do better.”

Here’s a look at Malcome’s running ability. (Beware of music with video)

Alabama, Florida Among Contenders For Defensive End Pagan

Josh Ward — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:50:42 +0000

Defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan from Asheville (N.C.) High School will be able to attend any school he wants to in the country.

Pagan’s offer list includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Florida State, Ohio State and Southern California.

Asheville coach Danny Wilkins said Pagan isn’t favoring a school early in the process.

“He’s trying to stay open,” Wilkins told CrimsonConfidential.com. “Alabama and Florida are probably two schools that will end up in his final five. He’s said all along that distance is not a factor.”

Vols, Vandy Offer In-State Athlete

Josh Ward — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:44:36 +0000

Tennessee and Vanderbilt have both offered scholarships to athlete Derek King from Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy.

The interest from the two SEC schools has caused King’s recruiting to pick up momentum.

“It’s getting there as more schools seem to draw interest,” he told the Knoxville News Sentinel. “Schools are inviting me to junior day and stuff so it’s starting to go.”

King has already visited UT, Vanderbilt, Alabama, Auburn and Georgia.

King said he’s unsure which other schools plan to offer him a scholarship. He said he will remember the fact UT and Vanderbilt were the first schools to make offers.

“I think it means a lot for the schools that offered me before all the other schools because it shows me how bad they really want me,” he said.

Kentucky Offers Florida Prospect Walk-On Spot

Josh Ward — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:23:32 +0000

Wide receiver Brett Thiesen from Jensen Beach, Fla., will play football at Kentucky this fall.

Thiesen hasn’t been an offered a scholarship, but Kentucky coach Joker Phillips has promised Thiesen a roster spot this fall.

“It’s considered a walk-on, but they’ve told me I have a roster spot and I don’t have to try out,” Thiesen told the Palm Beach Post.

Thiesen said he was told by Kentucky’s staff the chances of earning a scholarship in 2011 are “very high.”

Safety Faulkner Commits To Kentucky

Josh Ward — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:47:25 +0000

Safety Glen Faulkner East Saint Louis (Ill.) High School has committed to Kentucky.

Faulkner, who is Kentucky’s third commitment for 2011, had also received interest from Illinois, Minnesota and Kansas.

Faulkner had seven interceptions and returned two for touchdowns in 2009.

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2011 Under Armour All-American List Taking Shape

Josh Ward — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:34:13 +0000

There have been 23 prospects selected already to play in the 2011 Under Armour All-American game.

A list can be found here.

LSU is the only school in the SEC to have commitments on the roster. Those players are offensive tackle La’El Collins, running back Kenny Hilliard, defensive tackle Anthony Johnson and wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

Other SEC prospects on the roster include athlete Quan Bray, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, quarterback Jeff Driskel and tight end Jay Rome.

Offensive Line Prospect Uses Tennis To Train

Josh Ward — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:27:47 +0000

High school football prospects have to find different ways to stay active during the spring when football season isn’t in progress.

Most athletes look to basketball or track to stay in shape. Watts Dantzler plays tennis to keep himself going.

The offensive lineman from Dalton (Ga.) High School is playing on the junior varsity team but hopes to make varsity soon.

Dantzler also holds an impressive list of scholarship offers. He told the Atlanta Journal Constitution the top five schools he’s considering are Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee and Vanderbilt.

Check out the link above to read the story by Chip Towers. Dantzler will surely be one of the more interesting top prospects to follow for the 2011 class.

Tennessee Offers Florida Receiver

Josh Ward — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:22:38 +0000

Tennessee is among three schools that have offered a scholarship to wide receiver Devin Clarke from Sebring (Fla.) High School.

North Carolina and South Florida have also made offers to Clarke.

“I’m just open-minded right now,” Clarke told InsideTheU.com. “I’m just keeping my eyes open, I have to look into it more.”

SEC Schools Battling Clemson For Georgia LB

Josh Ward — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:18:16 +0000

Clemson is probably the favorite to land Terrance Smith, but plenty of SEC schools will try to convince him to look elsewhere.

The parents of the linebacker from Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Ga., both attended Clemson. His father, Terry Smith, played football for Clemson.

But Smith also has offers from such schools as Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Ohio State and Georgia Tech. Smith has maintained that Clemson doesn’t lead and that he is “wide open” in his recruitment.

“It’s not a lock whatsoever,” Southwest DeKalb assistant coach Randy Starks told CrimsonConfidential.com. “And Terrance will tell you that.”

Recruiting Creativity Can Pay Off

Josh Ward — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:41:05 +0000

Coaches are constantly thinking of different ways to impress recruits and hold their attention.

Auburn did that last year with its Big Cat Weekend, which helped land offensive lineman Eric Mack from St. Matthews, S.C.

Auburn committed secondary violations during that weekend last year, but it was unintentional, according to Auburn’s staff, and it appeared to pay off in the long run.

Mike Herndon of the Mobile Press-Register looks at the importance of creativity when it comes to recruiting. Check it out here.

Auburn will hold another Big Cat Weekend this year on May 28. The Tigers will hope to have similar success to last year’s event.

“It was a stress-free weekend,” said Auburn signee LaDarius Owens, who attended last year’s event.”

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Dual-Threat QB Receiving Plenty Of Attention

Josh Ward — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:37:47 +0000

Quarterback Jeff Driskel from Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Fla., is starting to see his scholarship list grow.

Driskel already has offers from Florida, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Clemson.

Driskel is an intriguing prospect because of his versatility on the field.

“I feel like I can make all the throws on the field in the pocket or on the run,” Driskel said. “I can make some plays with my legs because I’ve got some speed.”

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Driskel has even been compared to former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, which Driskel doesn’t mind.

“I like being compared to Tim Tebow,” Driskel said. “That’s a guy that has a great competitive mentality.”

Receiver Conley Dealing With Recruiting Attention

Josh Ward — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:32:15 +0000

Christian Conley didn’t expect the recruiting attention that has come his way.

The wide receiver from North Paulding High School in Dallas, Ga., has received scholarship offers from such schools as Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Clemson and Georgia Tech.

Conley said he wasn’t much of a football fan before he began playing the sport his freshman year.

“I didn’t even watch college football,” he said. “So I didn’t really expect any of this to happen and when it did it sort of took me by surprise.”

Conley will take his time before he decides on a school to attend.

“I’m trying to get a good feel and sense for these schools and their priorities and seeing if they match up with mine,” he said.

Memphis Running Back Hopes For Alabama Offer

Josh Ward — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:23:34 +0000

Artaves Gibson has started to receive scholarship offers from SEC schools, but he hasn’t gotten the one he wants the most.

The running back from Memphis (Tenn.) Melrose High School holds offers from LSU, Kentucky and Memphis. Gibson told CrimsonConfidential.com he has another SEC school in mind.

“I have always hoped for that Bama offer,” Gibson said. “If it is meant to be then it will happen. I have always liked how Alabama used their running backs in their system and have been following them a lot more ever since Coach (Nick) Saban took over as head coach.”

Ocala Safety Likes SEC Schools

Josh Ward — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:19:47 +0000

Safety Chris Johnson from Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala, Fla., currently holds scholarship offers from South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Louisville.

Johnson told DuckTerritory.com he also has strong interest in Florida and Oregon. He told the Web site the three schools he favors are South Carolina, Florida and Oregon.

Johnson said he’s also received interest in LSU, Florida State, Miami and South Florida.

Valdosta Tight End Strongly Considering SEC

Josh Ward — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:40:03 +0000

Five of Jay Rome’s top six teams are from the SEC.

The tight end from Valdosta (Ga.) High School told NoleInsider.com he’s most strongly considering Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Clemson.

“They are in no order, and I am still open at this time,” Rome told the Web site. “These are just the top six teams I have at this time.”

Rome said Georgia and Clemson have been recruiting him the hardest. His father played football and basketball at Clemson.

Quarterback LeMay Likes Georgia Visit

Josh Ward — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:31:46 +0000

Quarterback Christian LeMay from Butler High School in Matthews, N.C., is starting to get used to visiting Georgia.

Butler visited Georgia for its Junior Day on Saturday. It was LeMay’s fourth trip to Athens since last summer.

LeMay said he spent time with Georgia’s coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Mike Bobo.

“I got more time with Coach Bobo personally,” LeMay told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “We went to the basketball game, which I enjoyed. I was able to get more in-depth with some of the coaching staff personally and to have a good time and enjoy the campus with my family and let them see a place where I could possibly go.”

LeMay is up to 21 scholarship offers. His “flexible” top 10 includes Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi State, Clemson, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma.

Davis ‘About 50 Percent’ Committed To Florida State

Josh Ward — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:43:27 +0000

Cortez Davis appears to be in an open relationship with Florida State.

The athlete from Mainland High School in Daytona, Fla., committed to the Seminoles during his Junior Day visit. That commitment came after he originally pledged to Clemson.

“I’m still looking at other schools, but right now I’m committed to Florida State,” Davis told the Orlando Sentinel.

Davis said that commitment is “about 50 percent.” Florida State will have an advantage because his uncle played for Florida State.

Davis said Alabama, Florida and Southern California are also in the running with Florida State and Clemson.

“That’s all I’m going to talk to,” he said.

Tennessee Junior Day Recap

Josh Ward — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:35:07 +0000

Tennessee hosted several highly-touted prospects during its Junior Day on Saturday.

That list included Brian Randolph, a safety from Kell High School in Marietta, Ga. He has offers from UT, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Mississippi State.

Randolph said he’s developing a nice relationship with UT’s coaching staff, which is led by head coach Derek Dooley.

That was the response from several prospects, including former UT commit Eric MacLean. The tight end from Fayetteville, N.C., decommitted from the Vols last month after not hearing from UT’s new staff.

“We didn’t really address that too much,” MacLain said. “We just focused on the future.”

UT offered a scholarship to offensive lineman Alan Posey from Clarke Central High School in Athens, Ga. The Vols joined South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Cincinnati and Illinois as schools to offer Posey.

Dooley and assistant coach Chuck Smith both attended Clarke Central High School. Posey said the two coaches are legends at the schools.

“I was pretty excited to meet them,” Posey said.

Georgia Pair Could Be Packaged Deal

Josh Ward — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:16:47 +0000

Defensive lineman Gabe Wright and running back Isaiah Crowell are two of the nation’s top prospects.

They also might be a solid pair to sign with the same school for the 2011 class.

“I think we gonna be a package deal,” Wright told NoleInsider.com. “You will be getting two if you get either one of us probably.”

The teammates from Carver High School in Columbus, Ga., already hold offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Florida State.

California RB Receiving Plenty Of Interest

Josh Ward — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:11:43 +0000

Running back Shon Carson from Lake City High School in Scranton, Calif., is starting to receive scholarship offers from some of the nation’s top programs.

Carson told NoleInsider.com his offer list includes Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky, Southern California, Florida State and UCLA.

“I’m looking for a school that uses the running back a lot,” Carson told the Web site. “That is something I will look hard at. I’m also looking for a good education as well.”

Arkansas Pursuing In-State Talent

Josh Ward — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:03:14 +0000

Arkansas is making in-state recruiting a priority for 2011.

The Razorbacks have already offered scholarships to eight players in Arkansas, including athlete Artez Brown from Newport High School.

“I’m real excited, I’m ready to go take a visit next weekend,” Brown said. “I want to meet the rest of the coaching staff and look at their facilities.”

Brown also has an offer from Memphis. He said Ole Miss is close to offering.

“So far it’s Arkansas and Ole Miss,” Brown said of his leaders.

Athlete Commits To Mississippi State

Josh Ward — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:53:49 +0000

Athlete Devante Scott from Ferriday (La.) High School has committed to Mississippi State, according to ESPN.com.

Scott had also received interest from LSU, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe and Louisiana-Lafayette.

Running Back Looking For First SEC Offer

Josh Ward — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:49:35 +0000

Jeremiah Bryson has received offers from schools in the ACC and Big Ten.

The running back from Smyrna (Tenn.) High School is hoping to pick up an official invitation from a school in the SEC.

Bryson will attend Tennessee’s Junior Day this weekend. It will be his first trip to UT.

Bryson has received interest from UT, Georgia, Auburn, Arkansas, Vanderbilt and Virginia. He said he’s impressed with the leadership of Georgia coach Mark Richt.

“He seems like a good coach,” Bryson said. “He keeps God close to him. He’s really serious about what he does and I really respect that.”

South Carolina Junior Day Recap

Josh Ward — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:17:42 +0000

South Carolina held its Junior Day in Columbia this past weekend.

Defensive lineman Roderick Byers left South Carolina favoring the Gamecocks. South Carolina has been the only school to offer Byers.

South Carolina received visits from Gerald Dixon and his brother, also named Gerald. Both prospects play on the defensive line.

South Carolina continues to recruit defensive back Patrick Martin, who recently picked up an offer from Arkansas.

Defensive back Kadetrix Martin picked up an offer from South Carolina during the weekend.

The Gamecocks also offered a scholarship to defensive back Ra’Chard Pippens from McDonough, Ga., according to The State in Columbia.

Quarterback Sam Spence is still waiting on an offer after visiting South Carolina during the weekend.

Florida Schools Fighting To Keep Their Prospects

Josh Ward — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:04:33 +0000

Schools from the SEC, ACC and elsewhere will continue to travel to Florida looking for the nation’s top prospects.

The schools inside the state of Florida are doing their best to make sure those prospects don’t leave. That’s especially the goal of Florida State and new head coach Jimbo Fisher.

Dave Hooker of the Knoxville News Sentinel writes that Fisher is trying to regain stability at Florida State.

“What people want is clarity,” Fisher said. “They don’t want any indecision. They don’t want any confusion.”

Linebacker Brown Talks Alabama Commitment

Josh Ward — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:59:02 +0000

Linebacker Shannon Brown committed to Alabama during the weekend.

The prospect from Cook High School in Adel, Ga., could play linebacker or defensive end in college. Brown said he expects to play inside linebacker.

“They’ve got four inside linebackers but everybody knows Don’ta Hightower is gonna leave after next season,” Brown said. “So it’ll be me and three lettermen competing for playing time.”

Brown said he’ll have to take care of his off-field business if he wants to see playing time at Alabama.

“They’re real strict on their players and academics,” Brown said. “They give each player two or three tutors if they need them. They kind of have one hand on your back pushing you all the time. I don’t feel like Alabama will let you slip up.”

Arkansas First SEC School To Offer Greenville Safety

Josh Ward — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:46:37 +0000

Arkansas has offered a scholarship to safety Patrick Martin from JL Mann High School in Greenville, S.C., according to ESPN’s JC Shurburtt.

Martin also has offers from UCLA, Duke and Minnesota. He has received interest from South Carolina, Clemson and Georgia Tech.

Auburn Commit Region Will Look Around

Josh Ward — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:27:09 +0000

Spencer Region is still committed to Auburn but plans to consider other schools.

Region is an offensive lineman who committed to Auburn earlier this month. Region said he still plans to take a look at other schools while he remains committed to the Tigers.

Region recently received an offer from Tennessee and plans to visit the Vols.

Region did say his “heart is still down here on the Plains.”

AJC’s ‘Tentative Top 10′ For Georgia

Josh Ward — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:47:05 +0000

Chip Towers is in the middle of formulating the top 50 players in the state of Georgia for the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

He’s put together a tentative top 10 for the state. See the list here.

In-State Offensive Lineman Chooses Georgia

Josh Ward — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:40:31 +0000

Offensive lineman David Andrews from Wesleyan High School in Norcross, Ga., has committed to Georgia.

Andrews committed after receiving a scholarship offer last week.

“Georgia is always where I wanted to go, so there was not much to think about when I got the offer,” Andrews told Scout.com.

Andrews chose Georgia over an offer from Michigan State.

LSU Picks Up Two Commitments During Weekend

Josh Ward — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:33:47 +0000

LSU received commitments from two prospects during its Junior Day weekend.

Wide receiver Alonzo Lewis from Saint James (La.) High School and linebacker Trevon Randle from Clear Springs High School in League City, Texas, both committed to the Tigers.

LSU had seven commitments entering the weekend. Several of those players helped convince Lewis to join the group.

“Some of the other commitments were talking to me, telling me I needed to help complete the class,” Lewis told the Baton Rouge Advocate. “I just felt like this is where I needed to be. This is home.”

Linebacker Commits To Alabama

Josh Ward — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:28:00 +0000

Alabama has received a commitment from linebacker Shannon Brown from Cook High School in Adel, Ga.

Brown chose Alabama over Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Brown could play several positions in college, according to Scout.com analyst Chad Simmons.

“Brown is a hard-hitting athlete who could end up at middle linebacker or on the defensive line in college,” Simmons said.

Guard Selby Has Kentucky In Final Four

Josh Ward — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:42:06 +0000

Point guard Josh Selby is less than two months away from being able to sign with a school on April 14.

The Baltimore standout is down to Kentucky, Connecticut, Kansas and Arizona, according to his mother, Maeshon Witherspoon.

Click this link for more on Selby’s recruitment.

Here’s a mixtape of Selby’s skills. Beware of music and lyrics.

LSU Commits Looking Around

Josh Ward — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:24:57 +0000

LSU was happy to pick up early commitments for 2011, but the Tigers staff knew that wouldn’t ease their efforts for next February.

Two of LSU’s 2011 commitments have already announced they will look at other schools: wide receiver Jarvis Landry from Lutcher (La.) High School and running back Jeremy Hill from Redemptorist High School in Baton Rouge, La.

Landry is now considering Auburn, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Florida State, Oklahoma and Tulsa.

“I opened up my recruiting and now I am just open to everybody,” Landry told AuburnUndercover.com.

Hill said he will take a look at Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida State, Miami and Oregon.

“I’m still committed to LSU right now,” Hill told CrimsonConfidential.com. “I’m visiting a few other schools to see if there is a better situation out there.”

JUCO Forward Could Help Donovan’s Gators

Josh Ward — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:16:47 +0000

Florida is making a strong push for Ricardo Ratliffe, a power forward from Central Florida Community College.

Ratliffe told the Gainesville Sun he’s most strongly considering Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, South Carolina, Clemson and Missouri.

Ratliffe told the Gainesville Sun Florida was slow to recruit him early in the process but has come on strong recently.

“When I first got (to CFCC), Florida was recruiting me, but then they kind of backedd off for awhile because they thought they had what they needed inside,” Ratliffe said. “They thought they had the toughness and overall good play inside, but as the season went on they realized they needed tougher players and players who would go after rebounds.”

Ratliffe can’t sign with a school until April 14, the first day of the second signing period.

2011 Prospect Decommits From Tennessee

Josh Ward — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:09:26 +0000

Eric MacLain is no longer committed to Tennessee.

The tight end from Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, N.C., made the decision because of a lack of interest from UT’s new staff.

“This is not an ego stroke,” Michael MacLain, Eric’s father, told the Knoxville News Sentinel. “This is where Coach Dooley will have to talk to Eric. If Coach Dooley wants Eric, he’ll have to talk to him. We are not by any means, even remotely done with Tennessee, but it will take Coach Dooley recruiting Eric.”

So far that hasn’t happened. The MacLain family has reached out to UT’s staff but hasn’t heard back. MacLain had been committed to the Vols since he was a sophomore.

MacLain’s coach, Richard Bailey, said his top prospect had received about 15 scholarship offers between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

A few schools to call with offers include South Carolina, Clemson, Virginia Tech, North Carolina State and Duke. Bailey said Alabama and Florida called showing interest.

This doesn’t mean MacLain is done with UT. He could still sign with the Vols. As Dave Hooker of the Knoxville News Sentinel writes, the two sides still have time to work things out.

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Vanderbilt Signee Bennett Tragically Shot And Killed

Josh Ward — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:12:55 +0000

Vanderbilt signee Rajaan Bennett was shot and killed early Thursday morning.

Bennett, who played running back at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga., had signed to play football at Vanderbilt on Feb. 3.

Bennett was killed in an apparent murder-suicide at his family’s home. The Atlanta Journal Constitution has a detailed report on the tragic incident. Read it here.

Bennett’s high school coach, Kyle Hockman, was unable to give details on the incident that led to Bennett’s death. When asked to describe Bennett, Hockman said Bennett was “just one of the best ever.”

This is what Hockman told Vanderbilt officials when Bennett signed with the Commodores earlier this month:

“I’m sure you want to talk about Rajaan on the football field, but I promise he’s a better person than is player. He has a great head on his shoulders, a guy that has been the man in his household for quite a while, yet still worked to maintain a solid GPA in class and become such a great player. Rajaan is both humble and hard working. He’s a guy that is very respected by his teammates and the McEachern community. I think the world of this young man.”

Bennett was described as “the man of the house” by a number of people. Often the words “good person” can be used too easily to describe someone who has passed. This is not one of those times. Bennett, by all accounts, was a fine young man with a bright future. We send our condolences to Bennett’s family and friends during this very difficult time.

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2011 Safety Could Be Key For Georgia’s Recruiting

Josh Ward — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:10:58 +0000

Georgia was happy to receive a commitment earlier this month from Tucker (Ga.) High School safety Chris Sanders.

Now Sanders is focused on making Georgia’s 2011 class one of the best in the nation.

Sanders plans to help do that by luring teammate James Vaughters to Georgia. Vaughters is one of the nation’s top linebackers for 2011.

“I believe we will win a championship up there if we get all the best players from Georgia to come,” Sanders told the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

That answer from Sanders was part of his Q&A with the AJC. Hit this link for the entire conversation.

Linebacker Landrum Picks Up Impressive SEC Offer

Josh Ward — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:03:56 +0000

Linebacker Chris Landrum from Sweet Water (Ala.) High School has received a scholarship offer from Alabama, according to CrimsonConfidential.com.

The Crimson Tide joins Auburn as two offers for Landrum.

Arkansas Making Run At Texas Talent

Josh Ward — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:00:29 +0000

Coach Bobby Petrino needs to upgrade the talent if he hopes to have long-term success at Arkansas.

That’s why Arkansas is turning part of its recruiting focus to the state of Texas, which produces some of the nation’s top talent every year.

One of the Texas targets for Arkansas is linebacker Rob Hankins, who attends Parish Episcopal High School in Dallas.

“From a defensive standpoint, he’s the most explosive player I’ve ever coached,” Parish Episcopal coach Scott Nady said.

Nady said Arkansas has a strong chance of landing Hankins.

“I think their chances are great,” Nady said. “They’re close to home. I really think their chances are really good.”

Talented Richardson Has New Focus

Josh Ward — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:52:40 +0000

Sheldon Richardson was arguably the best defensive prospect in the nation in 2008.

Unfortunately, Richardson was very aware of the hype. That caused him to focus only on football and not what would allow him to play college football – academics.

Richardson has changed his attitude and is working to make his way to one of the top programs in the nation.

“My main focus is school right now,” said Richardson, who now attends College of the Sequoias in California.

Richardson has interest in Arkansas if the Razorbacks have a mutual feeling. Arkansas sophomore running back Ronnie Wingo Jr. could be an influence in Richardson’s decision.

“The day Ronnie Wingo found out I was going to JUCO, he texted me and told me I needed to come to Arkansas,” Richardson said. “He told me I needed to go and see it for myself.”