While I fully support Rivals in its effort to do a ranking of the top prospects in the country, I do have my own version of the Rivals100, updated.
So here goes the 615Report100:
1. Robert Woods (ATH)- Gardena (Cal.) Junipero Serra [Committed to USC]
2. Sharrif Floyd (DT)- Philadelphia (Pa.) George Washington
3. Seantrel Henderson (OL)- Saint Paul (Minn.) Cretin-Derham Hall
4. Jackson Jeffcoat (DE)- Plano (TX) Plano West
5. Michael Dyer (RB)- Little Rock (Ark.) Little Rock Christian
6. Ronald Powell (DE)- Moreno Valley (Cal.) Rancho Verde
7. Matt Elam (Ath)- West Palm Beach (Fla.) Dwyer [Committed to Florida]
8. James Hurst (OL)- Indianapolis (Ind) Plainfield [Committed to N.Carolina]
9. Chris Martin (DE)- Princeton (NJ) Hun School [Committed to Notre Dame]
10. DeMarcus Milliner (DB)- Millbrook (Ala.) Stanhope Elmore [Committed to Alabama]
11. Lache Seastrunk (RB)- Temple (TX)
12. D.J. Morgan (RB)- Woodland Hills (Cal) Taft [Committed to USC]
13. Jonathan Dowling (DB)- Bradenton (Fla.) Southeast
14. Darius White (WR)- Fort Worth (TX) Dunbar
15. Jordan Hicks (LB)- West Chester (OH) Lakota West
16. Brennan Clay (RB)- San Diego (Cal) Scripps Ranch [Committed to Oklahoma]
17. Latwan Anderson (DB)- Cleveland (OH) Glenville Academic
18. Brent Benedict (OL)- Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles [Committed to Georgia]
19. Alec Ogletree (DB)- Newnan (Ga.) [Committed to Georgia]
20. Anthony Barr (Ath)- Los Angeles (Cal.) Loyola
21. Lamarcus Joyner (DB)- Ft.Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
22. J.R. Ferguson (DE)- Chatham (Va.) Hargrave Military
23. T.J. Stripling- Decatur (Ga.) Southwest Dekalb [Committed to Georgia]
24. Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE) - Portland (Ore.) David Douglas
25. Martavis Bryant (WR)- Anderson (SC) TL Hanna [Committed to Clemson]
26. Kyle Prater (WR)- Hillside (Ill.) Proviso West [Committed to USC]
27. Robert Crisp (OL)- Chapel Hill (NC) [Committed to N.C. State]
28. Da'Rick Rogers (WR)- Calhoun (Ga.) [Committed to Georgia]
29. Marcus Lattimore (RB)- Duncan (SC) Byrnes
30. Josh Shirley (LB)- Fontana (Cal.) Kaiser
31. Malcolm Jones (Ath)- Westlake Village (Cal) Oaks Christian [Committed to UCLA]
32. Khairi Fortt (LB)- Stamford (CT) [Committed to Penn State]
33. Dillon Baxter (RB)- San Diego (Cal.) Mission Bay [Committed to USC]
34. Cody Riggs (DB)- Ft.Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
35. Jeff Luc (LB)- Port St.Lucie (Fla.) Treasure Coast
36. Ivan McCartney (WR)- Miramar (Fla.)
37. Corey Nelson (LB)- Dallas (TX) Skyline [Committed to Texas A&M]
38. Corey Miller (DE)- Duncan (SC) Byrnes [Committed to Tennessee]
39. Reggie Wilson (DE)- Haltom City (TX) [Committed to Texas]
40. Christian Green (Ath)- Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Catholic
41. Andrew Norwell (OL)- Cincinnati (OL) Anderson [Committed to Ohio State]
42. Eduardo Clements (RB)- Miami (Fla.) BT Washington
43. Jaylen Watkins (DB)- Cape Coral (Fla.) [Committed to Florida]
44. Gabe King- Greensboro (NC) Page
45. Mack Brown- Lithonia (Ga.) M.L. King [Committed to Florida]
46. Kelcy Quarles (DT)- Greenwood (SC) [Committed to S.Carolina]
47. Garrison Smith (DL)- Atlanta (Ga.) Douglass [Committed to Georgia]
48. Markeith Ambles (WR)- McDonough (Ga.) Henry County [Committed to Tennessee]
49. Phillip Sims (QB)- Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith [Committed to Alabama]
50. Michaelee Harris (WR)- Miami (Fla.) Northwestern
51. Keenan Allen (Ath)- Greensboro (NC) Northern Guilford
52. Trovon Reed (WR)- Thibodaux (La.)
53. Nick Forbes (LB)- Frederick (MD) Thomas Johnson [Committed to California]
54. Brett Nottingham (QB)- Danville (Cal) Monte Vista [Committed to UCLA]
55. John Fulton (DB)- Manning (SC)
56. Eric Reid (DB)- Geismar (La.) Dutchtown [Committed to LSU]
57. Brandon Willis (DE)- Duncan (SC) Byrnes [Committed to Tennessee]
58. Xavier Grimble (TE)- Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman [Committed to USC]
59. Joshua Shaw (DB)- Palmdale (Cal)
60. Cullen Christian (DB)- Pittsburgh (PA) Penn Hills
61. Damien Robinson (OL) Olive Branch (Miss.)
62. Tony Jefferson (LB)- Chula Vista (Cal) Eastlake [Committed to UCLA]
63. Dion Bailey (DB)- Lakewood (Cal.) [Committed to USC]
64. Jake Matthews (OL)- Missouri City (TX) Elkins [Committed to Texas A&M]
65. Justin McCay (Ath)- Shawnee (Kansas) Bishop Miege [Committed to Oklahoma]
66. William Gholston (DE)- Detroit (Mich.) Southwestern [Committed to Michigan State]
67. Trey Hopkins (OL)- Galena Park (TX) North Shore [Committed to Texas]
68. Christian Jones (LB)- Winter Park (Fla.) Lake Howell
69. Jacques Smith (DE)- Ooltewah (TN) [Committed to Tennessee]
69. Bronson Kaufusi (DE)- Provo (UT) Timpview [Committed to BYU]
70. C.J. Fiedorowicz (TE)- Johnsburg (Ill.) [Committed to Illinois]
71. Austin Hinder (QB)- Steamboat Springs (Colo.) [Committed to California]
72. Marquis Flowers (Ath)- Goodyear (Az) Millennium
73. Nick Demien (OL)- Wentzville (Mo.) Timberland [Committed to Missouri]
74. Chris Jones (WR)- Daingerfield (TX) [Committed to Texas]
75. Roderick Smith (RB)- Fort Wayne (Ind.) Harding [Committed to Ohio State]
76. Matt James (OL)- Cincinnati (OH) St.Xavier
77. Ian Silberman (OL)- Fleming Island (Fla.) [Committed to Florida]
78. George Uko (DT)- Chino (Cal) Don Lugo
79. Silas Redd (Ath)- Stamford (CT) KL Heywood Thomas [Committed to Penn State]
80. LaDarius Owens (LB)- Bessemer (Ala.) Jess Lanier [Committed to Auburn]
81. Chris Dunkley (WR)- Pahokee (Fla.)
82. Terrence Mitchell (DB)- Tampa (Fla.) Hillsborough
83. Corey Lemonier (DE)- Hialeah (Fla.)
84. Zack McCray (DE)- Lynchburg (Va.) Brookville [Committed to Virginia Tech]
85. Cecil Whiteside (LB)- Newport Beach (Cal.) [Committed to California]
86. Tevin Jackson (LB)- Garland (TX) [Committed to Texas]
87. Chaz Green (OL)- Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Catholic
88. James Stone (OL)- Nashville (TN) Maplewood
89. Alfy Hill (DE)- Shallotte (NC) West Brunswick [Committed to Alabama]
90. Spencer Ware (Ath.)- Cincinnati (OH) Princeton [Committed to LSU]
91. Marcus Lucas (WR)- Liberty (Mo.)
92. Devin Gardner (QB)- Detroit (Mich.) Inkster [Committed to Michigan]
93. Jawuan James (OL)- Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett
94. Ashton Dorsey (DT)- Tyler (TX) John Tyler [Committed to Texas]
95. Evan Washington (OL)- DeSoto (TX) [Committed to LSU]
96. Louis Nix (DT)- Jacksonville (FL) Raines [Committed to Miami]
97. Andrew Donnal (OL)- Whitehouse (OH) Anthony Wayne [Committed to Iowa]
98. DeAndre Hopkins (Ath.)- Central (SC) D.W.Daniel [Committed to Clemson]
99. Lynden Trail (DE)- Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington [Committed to Florida]
100. Dominic Espinosa (OL)- Cedar Park (TX) [Committed to Texas]
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
With the long layoff..let's look at some not so long shots...
It's been a long time since I've updated this blog and for that, I apologize. Things outside of the site had taken a lot more of my time than they did during the summer when I started the blog. Anyway, I'm back with the blog now and ready to share some thoughts about recruiting as well.
First, in the next couple of days, Rivals.com will release another updated version of its Rivals100 and Rivals250. While that's always fun, I would like to take some time to look at some recruits that won't be on either of those lists and come signing day, will probably not be even mentioned by numerous recruiting analysts, recruiting fans or even blogs such as this one. Still, I personally think these are some recruits than in a couple of years, will be guys you'll hear or read about when you pick up your Athlon, Blue Ribbon or Phil Steele Yearbooks. Here's some, starting with the offense.
Quarterbacks
Parker Bridwell- Hereford, Texas
6-foot-4, 190-pounds
Here's a "under the radar" signal caller who can throw on the run, has good touch and seems to have a good feel to the game. The one thing he has working against him really is his delivery, he kinds of slings it sidearm, and that's something that probably has other major schools not looking at him. He's got an offer from New Mexico State though and I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up with offers from the likes of UTEP, Rice or North Texas as well. I think if someone gets him into their spread-type system and gets to work with him on the delivery for a year or two, he could emerge as one of the better QBs in his future conference. I know the sidearmers are not great in college football, but there's just something about him when I watch him that reminds me of someone like a Colt Brennan or a Nathan Dick. He's got D1-A talent and I think it will show if he gets his opportunity.
Henry Hunter- Sachse, Texas
6-foot-1, 200-pounds
Classic dual-threat, option style QB, but with a better than average arm for those offenses. He'll probably end up in a triple option, double slot type offense. Has offers from Army and Navy and he'd probably fit real well into those systems, but I also think he could fit in a tradition power-I as well. Could be a solid cornerback in the BCS level, but I think his arm will take him some places, so QB should probably be a better bet. Hunter reminds me of Syvelle Newton a little. Not the same overall speed and quickness, but still good for the QB position and again, would probably translate even better as a physical corner. Has nice touch on his deep passes and his release point looks to be prototypical as well. When he pulls it down, he takes off quickly and seems to have an extra burst at the second level. I think he'd be great at Georgia Tech, but they've already got some QB's, so someone at the non-BCS level is probably going to get them a future playmaking quarterback.
Marshyl Rothman- Jupiter Christian, Fla.
5-foot-9, 175-pounds
Rothman is a classic kid that is unfortunately too short to be a major college QB but the kid has the arm to be one. I had a chance to see him at one of Vanderbilt's camps this summer and the arm and overall athleticism was there. Problem is, he wasn't even taller than me and I'm 5-foot-9, so I'm not sure if 5-9 is his accurate height. His arm motion and release point are extremely high, so he seems like he wouldn't get that many balls batted down at the high school level but any 6-foot-4 defensive lineman should be able to do so in major college football. He seems to do a lot of jump throws on his video to also make up for this. Still, in person, I thought he had all of the tools just from a technical stand point. He'll end up at a Division 1-AA school and probably have a good career and maybe you'll see him on ESPN during it's coverage of the FCS playoffs. He's a good athlete too, so I could see him being a slotback for someone as well.
Running Backs
LeVeon Bell- Reynoldsburg, Ohio
6-foot-1, 208-pounds
Seems like a classic Mid-American power running back to me. Has those strong ankles, kind of a tweener between a tailback and fullback. Runs down hill, doesn't have great speed, but enough quickness in his feet to get where he wants to go without coming to a complete stop like most fullbacks. He could probably be a good linebacker for someone too. Seems to be well-built and shows constant drive and relentlessness. He reportedly has offers from Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan and Marshall and I'd expect him to end up at one of those schools and eventually become their feature back with some time. Kind of reminds me of former Marshall running back Butchie Wallace, just a little taller.
Michael Perkins- Valparasio, Indiana
6-foot, 180-pounds
What's not to like about this guy besides maybe his high running style. He's quick, fast, seems to have a real solid burst and just looks so smooth running with the football. He seems to shift gears like he's hitting the turbo button on playstation. Reminds me in a way of former Memphis prep turned Miami Hurricane Graig Cooper. Probably because of his style and his talent in space, he's getting looks at receiver and I think he could be a weapon there, especially as possibly a flanker. I like him at running back too though. Either way, someone is going to get a good player and it's a little surprising that only MAC programs are offering at this point. After watching a Indiana Hoosiers game earlier this year, against Eastern Kentucky, I would think they would be knocking down Perkins door, but for whatever reason, they haven't offered. Regardless, I think he's going to end up being a guy that we hear about years from now as a good solid college standout.
Wide Receivers
Chuck Tillery- Starkville, Miss.
5-foot-11, 180-pounds
First thought in watching his video is velcro hands. Seems to have great hand-eye coordinaton. Also has that slick look to him, running very well with speed and balance. Changes directions pretty well and has strong looking angles. Seems almost ideal for the spread or pistol offenses. Stays on his feet very well, catches the ball in stride, and even with a defender on him, he will keep his feet going, trying to get into the end zone on every play. Seems to transition his feet pretty well, though you don't see a lot of different routes on his film. He apparently got injured this year, so I don't know what that will do with his recruitment. Arkansas State had offered and some SEC teams and Southern Miss are interested. While he probably wouldn't be a No.1 or even No.2 guy at most places, I do think he could be productive anywhere that runs a spread and uses a lot of receivers. If he goes to Ark State or maybe Troy or somewhere like that, I think he could end up being all-conference at some point.
First, in the next couple of days, Rivals.com will release another updated version of its Rivals100 and Rivals250. While that's always fun, I would like to take some time to look at some recruits that won't be on either of those lists and come signing day, will probably not be even mentioned by numerous recruiting analysts, recruiting fans or even blogs such as this one. Still, I personally think these are some recruits than in a couple of years, will be guys you'll hear or read about when you pick up your Athlon, Blue Ribbon or Phil Steele Yearbooks. Here's some, starting with the offense.
Quarterbacks
Parker Bridwell- Hereford, Texas
6-foot-4, 190-pounds
Here's a "under the radar" signal caller who can throw on the run, has good touch and seems to have a good feel to the game. The one thing he has working against him really is his delivery, he kinds of slings it sidearm, and that's something that probably has other major schools not looking at him. He's got an offer from New Mexico State though and I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up with offers from the likes of UTEP, Rice or North Texas as well. I think if someone gets him into their spread-type system and gets to work with him on the delivery for a year or two, he could emerge as one of the better QBs in his future conference. I know the sidearmers are not great in college football, but there's just something about him when I watch him that reminds me of someone like a Colt Brennan or a Nathan Dick. He's got D1-A talent and I think it will show if he gets his opportunity.
Henry Hunter- Sachse, Texas
6-foot-1, 200-pounds
Classic dual-threat, option style QB, but with a better than average arm for those offenses. He'll probably end up in a triple option, double slot type offense. Has offers from Army and Navy and he'd probably fit real well into those systems, but I also think he could fit in a tradition power-I as well. Could be a solid cornerback in the BCS level, but I think his arm will take him some places, so QB should probably be a better bet. Hunter reminds me of Syvelle Newton a little. Not the same overall speed and quickness, but still good for the QB position and again, would probably translate even better as a physical corner. Has nice touch on his deep passes and his release point looks to be prototypical as well. When he pulls it down, he takes off quickly and seems to have an extra burst at the second level. I think he'd be great at Georgia Tech, but they've already got some QB's, so someone at the non-BCS level is probably going to get them a future playmaking quarterback.
Marshyl Rothman- Jupiter Christian, Fla.
5-foot-9, 175-pounds
Rothman is a classic kid that is unfortunately too short to be a major college QB but the kid has the arm to be one. I had a chance to see him at one of Vanderbilt's camps this summer and the arm and overall athleticism was there. Problem is, he wasn't even taller than me and I'm 5-foot-9, so I'm not sure if 5-9 is his accurate height. His arm motion and release point are extremely high, so he seems like he wouldn't get that many balls batted down at the high school level but any 6-foot-4 defensive lineman should be able to do so in major college football. He seems to do a lot of jump throws on his video to also make up for this. Still, in person, I thought he had all of the tools just from a technical stand point. He'll end up at a Division 1-AA school and probably have a good career and maybe you'll see him on ESPN during it's coverage of the FCS playoffs. He's a good athlete too, so I could see him being a slotback for someone as well.
Running Backs
LeVeon Bell- Reynoldsburg, Ohio
6-foot-1, 208-pounds
Seems like a classic Mid-American power running back to me. Has those strong ankles, kind of a tweener between a tailback and fullback. Runs down hill, doesn't have great speed, but enough quickness in his feet to get where he wants to go without coming to a complete stop like most fullbacks. He could probably be a good linebacker for someone too. Seems to be well-built and shows constant drive and relentlessness. He reportedly has offers from Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan and Marshall and I'd expect him to end up at one of those schools and eventually become their feature back with some time. Kind of reminds me of former Marshall running back Butchie Wallace, just a little taller.
Michael Perkins- Valparasio, Indiana
6-foot, 180-pounds
What's not to like about this guy besides maybe his high running style. He's quick, fast, seems to have a real solid burst and just looks so smooth running with the football. He seems to shift gears like he's hitting the turbo button on playstation. Reminds me in a way of former Memphis prep turned Miami Hurricane Graig Cooper. Probably because of his style and his talent in space, he's getting looks at receiver and I think he could be a weapon there, especially as possibly a flanker. I like him at running back too though. Either way, someone is going to get a good player and it's a little surprising that only MAC programs are offering at this point. After watching a Indiana Hoosiers game earlier this year, against Eastern Kentucky, I would think they would be knocking down Perkins door, but for whatever reason, they haven't offered. Regardless, I think he's going to end up being a guy that we hear about years from now as a good solid college standout.
Wide Receivers
Chuck Tillery- Starkville, Miss.
5-foot-11, 180-pounds
First thought in watching his video is velcro hands. Seems to have great hand-eye coordinaton. Also has that slick look to him, running very well with speed and balance. Changes directions pretty well and has strong looking angles. Seems almost ideal for the spread or pistol offenses. Stays on his feet very well, catches the ball in stride, and even with a defender on him, he will keep his feet going, trying to get into the end zone on every play. Seems to transition his feet pretty well, though you don't see a lot of different routes on his film. He apparently got injured this year, so I don't know what that will do with his recruitment. Arkansas State had offered and some SEC teams and Southern Miss are interested. While he probably wouldn't be a No.1 or even No.2 guy at most places, I do think he could be productive anywhere that runs a spread and uses a lot of receivers. If he goes to Ark State or maybe Troy or somewhere like that, I think he could end up being all-conference at some point.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Following the local 2011 class
The 2010 recruiting period still has nearly 6 months to go, but it's never too early to look at the 2011 pool of talent, and I have already had my eyes on a number of 2011 prospects in the middle/west Tennessee area. I've broke it down to a few positions and what they've done so far this season.
QUARTERBACKS
Jake Overbey- University School of Jackson
Info: Passed for 255 yards and three touchdowns in season opener against Trinity Christian. He did throw one INT that was returned by fellow junior Jabriel Washington for a 24 yard TD.
Landon Grooms- LaVergne (6-foot-2, 205 pounds)
Info: Has completed 27-of-44 passes for 457 yards and 5 TDs through the first two games. He's also ran for 39 yards and a score on 5 carries.
Blake Mitchell- Ezell-Harding (5-foot-11, 180 pounds)
Info: Has thrown for 330 yards and 3 TDs while completing 22-of-30 passes with just one INT. He's also rushed for 187 yards and 3 TDs on 25 carries while leading the Eagles to a 2-0 start.
RUNNING BACKS
Stanley Hagan- Maplewood (6-foot-1, 175 pounds)
Info: Had 162 yards and 2 TDs on 18 carries against Hillsboro in Week Zero. However, he missed Maplewood's game against MBA.
Tez Humphreys- Overton (5-foot-11, 205 pounds)
Info: Has rushed for 325 yards and seven touchdowns on 59 carries in Overton's 2-0 start over Father Ryan and Stratford.
Justin Williams- Davidson Academy (5-foot-9, 185 pounds)
Info: Rushed for 271 yards and 4 TDs on 25 carries in Week Zero.
Markeise Lockeridge- Page (6-foot-1, 165 pounds)
Info: Has rushed for 352 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries in the first two games. Also had a 97 yard kick return for a TD against David Lipscomb in Week Zero.
DeAnte Hughes- MBA (5-foot-8, 175 pounds)
Info: 18 carries for 129 yards and 2 tds.
Derek King- Brentwood Academy (5-foot-10, 177 pounds)
Info: Had 106 yards and two touchdowns on six carries in the Eagles season opener.
D'Anthony Hall- Pearl-Cohn (5-foot-9, 173 pounds)
Info: Has rushed for 58 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and also had a 97-yard touchdown return on a kickoff against MBA.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Vaughn Cornelia- Mt. Juliet (6-foot-1, 185 pounds)
Info: 3 catches for 125 yards in Mt.Juliet's win over McGavock.
Nick Hill- Pearl-Cohn (6-foot-1, 185 pounds)
Info: Had 6 catches for 97 yards against Clarksville NE.
Joshua Pleasant- Brentwood Academy (5-foot-11, 175 pounds)
Info: 1 catch for 56 yards and a touchdown against Southwind.
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Jeremy Cole- Whites Creek (DE/LB, 6-foot-2, 230 pounds)
Info: 17 tackles and two sacks during WC's 2-0 start.
QUARTERBACKS
Jake Overbey- University School of Jackson
Info: Passed for 255 yards and three touchdowns in season opener against Trinity Christian. He did throw one INT that was returned by fellow junior Jabriel Washington for a 24 yard TD.
Landon Grooms- LaVergne (6-foot-2, 205 pounds)
Info: Has completed 27-of-44 passes for 457 yards and 5 TDs through the first two games. He's also ran for 39 yards and a score on 5 carries.
Blake Mitchell- Ezell-Harding (5-foot-11, 180 pounds)
Info: Has thrown for 330 yards and 3 TDs while completing 22-of-30 passes with just one INT. He's also rushed for 187 yards and 3 TDs on 25 carries while leading the Eagles to a 2-0 start.
RUNNING BACKS
Stanley Hagan- Maplewood (6-foot-1, 175 pounds)
Info: Had 162 yards and 2 TDs on 18 carries against Hillsboro in Week Zero. However, he missed Maplewood's game against MBA.
Tez Humphreys- Overton (5-foot-11, 205 pounds)
Info: Has rushed for 325 yards and seven touchdowns on 59 carries in Overton's 2-0 start over Father Ryan and Stratford.
Justin Williams- Davidson Academy (5-foot-9, 185 pounds)
Info: Rushed for 271 yards and 4 TDs on 25 carries in Week Zero.
Markeise Lockeridge- Page (6-foot-1, 165 pounds)
Info: Has rushed for 352 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries in the first two games. Also had a 97 yard kick return for a TD against David Lipscomb in Week Zero.
DeAnte Hughes- MBA (5-foot-8, 175 pounds)
Info: 18 carries for 129 yards and 2 tds.
Derek King- Brentwood Academy (5-foot-10, 177 pounds)
Info: Had 106 yards and two touchdowns on six carries in the Eagles season opener.
D'Anthony Hall- Pearl-Cohn (5-foot-9, 173 pounds)
Info: Has rushed for 58 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and also had a 97-yard touchdown return on a kickoff against MBA.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Vaughn Cornelia- Mt. Juliet (6-foot-1, 185 pounds)
Info: 3 catches for 125 yards in Mt.Juliet's win over McGavock.
Nick Hill- Pearl-Cohn (6-foot-1, 185 pounds)
Info: Had 6 catches for 97 yards against Clarksville NE.
Joshua Pleasant- Brentwood Academy (5-foot-11, 175 pounds)
Info: 1 catch for 56 yards and a touchdown against Southwind.
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Jeremy Cole- Whites Creek (DE/LB, 6-foot-2, 230 pounds)
Info: 17 tackles and two sacks during WC's 2-0 start.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Southern Cal lands the nation's top athlete
Why does it seem as though the term "the rich get richer" seem to always apply to the Southern Cal Trojans? Well, because they land some utterly impressive high school prospects such as Robert Woods every year, that's why.
Woods, a multiple position athlete from Gardena, California's Junipero Serra High, is one of those "no-brainer" recruits that comes along every few years that just absolutely jumps out at you as a likely future NFL player. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound sleek performer chose the Trojans recently over offers from virtually every college program in the nation. The elite level prospect is seriously dangerous with the football in his hand, whether as a versatile playmaking receiver or a game-changing defensive back. Woods caught 19 touchdowns and averaged over 17 yards per catch last year as a receiver for Serra while also picking off seven passes as a safety and racking up nearly 90 tackles. At almost any program next year, Woods could line up at either receiver or safety and likely start as a true freshman. He's that good.
However, at USC, Woods is going to come in and likely back up the outstanding Damian Williams as the Trojans "Z-receiver" next year and he could even possibly redshirt. Though most Southeastern Conference and Southern Cal fans will often get into debates and arguments over what would happen if the Trojans had to play a SEC schedule every year, there is no argument that Pete Carroll gets some seriously talented players every year. The fact that Woods could possibly not play next year, even at USC, is just eye-popping to me as I have him rated as the second best overall player in the 2010 class. For all the talk about Tennessee's Eric Berry being a amazing safety and overall athlete, Woods is taller and possibly quicker and is going to go into a world class training program next year to boot. He will likely be a name we hear in the coming years in terms of All-American status unless the Trojans bring in another amazing athlete to beat him out. And judging by the way they recruit, that just might happen.
Time will tell if the Trojans ever win another national championship under Carroll, but one thing is for sure, Southern Cal is going to continue to win conference titles and put lots of guys into the pros with the kind of elite talent they bring in every year.
Woods, a multiple position athlete from Gardena, California's Junipero Serra High, is one of those "no-brainer" recruits that comes along every few years that just absolutely jumps out at you as a likely future NFL player. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound sleek performer chose the Trojans recently over offers from virtually every college program in the nation. The elite level prospect is seriously dangerous with the football in his hand, whether as a versatile playmaking receiver or a game-changing defensive back. Woods caught 19 touchdowns and averaged over 17 yards per catch last year as a receiver for Serra while also picking off seven passes as a safety and racking up nearly 90 tackles. At almost any program next year, Woods could line up at either receiver or safety and likely start as a true freshman. He's that good.
However, at USC, Woods is going to come in and likely back up the outstanding Damian Williams as the Trojans "Z-receiver" next year and he could even possibly redshirt. Though most Southeastern Conference and Southern Cal fans will often get into debates and arguments over what would happen if the Trojans had to play a SEC schedule every year, there is no argument that Pete Carroll gets some seriously talented players every year. The fact that Woods could possibly not play next year, even at USC, is just eye-popping to me as I have him rated as the second best overall player in the 2010 class. For all the talk about Tennessee's Eric Berry being a amazing safety and overall athlete, Woods is taller and possibly quicker and is going to go into a world class training program next year to boot. He will likely be a name we hear in the coming years in terms of All-American status unless the Trojans bring in another amazing athlete to beat him out. And judging by the way they recruit, that just might happen.
Time will tell if the Trojans ever win another national championship under Carroll, but one thing is for sure, Southern Cal is going to continue to win conference titles and put lots of guys into the pros with the kind of elite talent they bring in every year.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
615 Report Team Rankings
Rivals.com recently started up its Team Rankings and based off of the 615 Top 100 I did last week, I wanted to do the same. I eventually plan to do a Top 300 player ranking, and after I do that, I'll have these team rankings updated. Here's what I've got out in terms of team rankings based off of the 615 100:
1. Georgia [5 top 50 commits]
2. Florida [5 in the 100]
3. USC [4 in the 100]
4. Texas [4 in the 100]
5. Alabama [3 in the 100]
6. LSU [3 in the 100]
7. Texas A&M [2 in the 100]
8. Tennessee [2 in the 100]
9. Oklahoma [2 in the 100]
10. UCLA [2 in the 100]
11. Ohio State [2 in the 100]
12. Clemson [2 in the 100]
13. North Carolina [1]
14. Notre Dame [1]
15. N.C. State [1]
16. Florida State [1]
17. South Carolina [1]
18. Michigan State [1]
19. BYU [1]
20. Illinois [1]
21. Penn State [1]
22. Iowa [1]
1. Georgia [5 top 50 commits]
2. Florida [5 in the 100]
3. USC [4 in the 100]
4. Texas [4 in the 100]
5. Alabama [3 in the 100]
6. LSU [3 in the 100]
7. Texas A&M [2 in the 100]
8. Tennessee [2 in the 100]
9. Oklahoma [2 in the 100]
10. UCLA [2 in the 100]
11. Ohio State [2 in the 100]
12. Clemson [2 in the 100]
13. North Carolina [1]
14. Notre Dame [1]
15. N.C. State [1]
16. Florida State [1]
17. South Carolina [1]
18. Michigan State [1]
19. BYU [1]
20. Illinois [1]
21. Penn State [1]
22. Iowa [1]
Sunday, July 26, 2009
My own version of the Rivals100...
While I fully support Rivals in its effort to do a ranking of the top prospects in the country, I do have my own version of the Rivals100.
So here goes the 615Report100:
1. Sharrif Floyd (DT)- Philadelphia (Pa.) George Washington High
2. Robert Woods (ATH)- Gardena (Cal.) Junipero Serra
3. Seantrel Henderson (OL)- Saint Paul (Minn.) Cretin-Derham Hall
4. Jackson Jeffcoat (DE)- Plano (TX) Plano West
5. Michael Dyer (RB)- Little Rock (Ark.) Little Rock Christian
6. Ronald Powell (DE)- Moreno Valley (Cal.) Rancho Verde
7. Matt Elam (Ath)- West Palm Beach (Fla.) Dwyer
8. Darius White (WR)- Fort Worth (TX) Dunbar
9. James Hurst (OL)- Indianapolis (Ind) Plainfield
10. DeMarcus Milliner (DB)- Millbrook (Ala.) Stanhope Elmore
11. Lache Seastrunk (RB)- Temple (TX)
12. D.J. Morgan (RB)- Woodland Hills (Cal) Taft
13. Chris Martin (DE)- Princeton (NJ) Hun School
14. Jonathan Dowling (DB)- Bradenton (Fla.) Southeast
15. Jordan Hicks (LB)- West Chester (OH) Lakota West
16. Brennan Clay (RB)- San Diego (Cal) Scripps Ranch
17. Latwan Anderson (DB)- Cleveland (OH) Glenville Academic
18. Brent Benedict (OL)- Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles
19. J.R. Ferguson (DE)- Chatham (Va.) Hargrave Military
20. Alec Ogletree (DB)- Newnan (Ga.)
21. Jeff Luc (LB)- Port St.Lucie (Fla.) Treasure Coast
22. T.J. Stripling- Decatur (Ga.) Southwest Dekalb
23. Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE) - Portland (Ore.) David Douglas
24. Anthony Barr (Ath)- Los Angeles (Cal.) Loyola
25. Martavis Bryant (WR)- Anderson (SC) TL Hanna
26. Kyle Prater (WR)- Hillside (Ill.) Proviso West
27. Robert Crisp (OL)- Chapel Hill (NC)
28. Da'Rick Rogers (WR)- Calhoun (Ga.)
29. Marcus Lattimore (RB)- Duncan (SC) Byrnes
30. Lamarcus Joyner (DB)- Ft.Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
31. Malcolm Jones (Ath)- Westlake Village (Cal) Oaks Christian
32. Khairi Fortt (LB)- Stamford (CT)
33. Brandon Willis (DE)- Duncan (SC) Byrnes
34. Dillon Baxter (RB)- San Diego (Cal.) Mission Bay
35. Cody Riggs (DB)- Ft.Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
36. Ivan McCartney (WR)- Miramar (Fla.)
37. Corey Nelson (LB)- Dallas (TX) Skyline
38. Corey Miller (DE)- Duncan (SC) Byrnes
39. Reggie Wilson (DE)- Haltom City (TX)
40. Christian Green (Ath)- Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Catholic
41. Andrew Norwell (OL)- Cincinnati (OL) Anderson
42. James Stone (OL)- Nashville (TN) Maplewood
43. Eduardo Clements (RB)- Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington
44. Gabe King- Greensboro (NC) Page
45. Mack Brown- Lithonia (Ga.) M.L. King
46. Kelcy Quarles (DT)- Greenwood (SC)
47. Garrison Smith (DL)- Atlanta (Ga.) Douglass
48. Markeith Ambles (WR)- McDonough (Ga.) Henry County
49. Phillip Sims (QB)- Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith
50. Jaylen Watkins (DB)- Cape Coral (Fla.)
51. Keenan Allen (Ath)- Greensboro (NC) Northern Guilford
52. Jacques Smith (DE)- Ooltewah (TN)
53. Nick Forbes (LB)- Frederick (MD) Thomas Johnson
54. Brett Nottingham (QB)- Danville (Cal) Monte Vista
55. John Fulton (DB)- Manning (SC)
56. Eric Reid (DB)- Geismar (La.) Dutchtown
57. Trovon Reed (WR)- Thibodaux (La.)
58. Xavier Grimble (TE)- Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman
59. Joshua Shaw (DB)- Palmdale (Cal)
60. Cullen Christian (DB)- Pittsburgh (PA) Penn Hills
61. Damien Robinson (OL) Olive Branch (Miss.)
62. Tony Jefferson (LB)- Chula Vista (Cal) Eastlake
63. Dion Bailey (DB)- Lakewood (Cal.)
64. Jake Matthews (OL)- Missouri City (TX) Elkins
65. Justin McCay (Ath)- Shawnee (Kansas) Bishop Miege
66. William Gholston (DE)- Detroit (Mich.) Southwestern
67. Trey Hopkins (OL)- Galena Park (TX) North Shore
68. Christian Jones (LB)- Winter Park (Fla.) Lake Howell
69. Bronson Kaufusi (DE)- Provo (UT) Timpview
70. C.J. Fiedorowicz (TE)- Johnsburg (Ill.)
71. Austin Hinder (QB)- Steamboat Springs (Colo.)
72. Marquis Flowers (Ath)- Goodyear (Az) Millennium
73. Nick Demien (OL)- Wentzville (Mo.) Timberland
74. Chris Jones (WR)- Daingerfield (TX)
75. Roderick Smith (RB)- Fort Wayne (Ind.) Harding
76. Matt James (OL)- Cincinnati (OH) St.Xavier
77. Ian Silberman (OL)- Fleming Island (Fla.)
78. George Uko (DT)- Chino (Cal) Don Lugo
79. Silas Redd (Ath)- Stamford (CT) King & Low Heywood Thomas
80. LaDarius Owens (LB)- Bessemer (Ala.) Jess Lanier
81. Chris Dunkley (WR)- Pahokee (Fla.)
82. Terrence Mitchell (DB)- Tampa (Fla.) Hillsborough
83. Corey Lemonier (DE)- Hialeah (Fla.)
84. Jarrick Williams (DB)- Eight Mile (Ala.) Blount
85. DeMarco Cobbs (Ath.)- Tulsa (OK) Tulsa Central
86. Michaelee Harris (WR)- Miami (Fla.) Northwestern
87. Chaz Green (OL)- Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Catholic
88. Carlos Thompson (DE)- Hollandale (Miss.) Simmons School
89. Shakim Phillips (WR)- Wayne (NJ) DePaul Catholic
90. Andrew Donnal (OL)- Whitehouse (OH) Anthony Wayne
91. Marcus Lucas (WR)- Liberty (Mo.)
92. Jordan Allen (DE)- West Monroe (La.)
93. Jawuan James (OL)- Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett
94. Ashton Dorsey (DT)- Tyler (TX) John Tyler
95. Evan Washington (OL)- DeSoto (TX)
96. Roy Finch (RB)- Niceville (Fla.)
97. Josh Shirley (LB)- Fontana (Cal) Kaiser
98. DeAndre Hopkins (Ath.)- Central (SC) D.W.Daniel
99. Dominique Easley (DE)- Staten Island (NY) Curtis
100. Lynden Trail (DE)- Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington
Obviously, my biggest change was at QB where I had the two guys I was most high about in Brett Nottingham and Austin Hinder, not only in the 100 like they deserve, but higher. I think both are going to have pretty solid college careers. I also think my ranking of James Stone is more indictive of how good he really is. It's kind of laughable that he dropped because of one workout. The guy is a true Top 50 player, and top lineman and that's where he should be.
I think my top 100 here is closer to be the top 100 players in 3-5 years than the one Rivals currently has, though again, it's hard to rank so many prospects.
Also, my No.1 was Sharrif Floyd. Ranked only 9th by Rivals right now, I think Floyd is a DT that you can build a program around, moreso than Henderson is at OT.
Also, my No.2, Robert Woods, who's only ranked 16th by Rivals, is a guy that we could see on the cover of magazines and on ESPN in a couple of years. He's a two-way threat that is kind of like a bigger Eric Berry. Whoever gets him, is getting a superstar in the making in my opinion.
So here goes the 615Report100:
1. Sharrif Floyd (DT)- Philadelphia (Pa.) George Washington High
2. Robert Woods (ATH)- Gardena (Cal.) Junipero Serra
3. Seantrel Henderson (OL)- Saint Paul (Minn.) Cretin-Derham Hall
4. Jackson Jeffcoat (DE)- Plano (TX) Plano West
5. Michael Dyer (RB)- Little Rock (Ark.) Little Rock Christian
6. Ronald Powell (DE)- Moreno Valley (Cal.) Rancho Verde
7. Matt Elam (Ath)- West Palm Beach (Fla.) Dwyer
8. Darius White (WR)- Fort Worth (TX) Dunbar
9. James Hurst (OL)- Indianapolis (Ind) Plainfield
10. DeMarcus Milliner (DB)- Millbrook (Ala.) Stanhope Elmore
11. Lache Seastrunk (RB)- Temple (TX)
12. D.J. Morgan (RB)- Woodland Hills (Cal) Taft
13. Chris Martin (DE)- Princeton (NJ) Hun School
14. Jonathan Dowling (DB)- Bradenton (Fla.) Southeast
15. Jordan Hicks (LB)- West Chester (OH) Lakota West
16. Brennan Clay (RB)- San Diego (Cal) Scripps Ranch
17. Latwan Anderson (DB)- Cleveland (OH) Glenville Academic
18. Brent Benedict (OL)- Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles
19. J.R. Ferguson (DE)- Chatham (Va.) Hargrave Military
20. Alec Ogletree (DB)- Newnan (Ga.)
21. Jeff Luc (LB)- Port St.Lucie (Fla.) Treasure Coast
22. T.J. Stripling- Decatur (Ga.) Southwest Dekalb
23. Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE) - Portland (Ore.) David Douglas
24. Anthony Barr (Ath)- Los Angeles (Cal.) Loyola
25. Martavis Bryant (WR)- Anderson (SC) TL Hanna
26. Kyle Prater (WR)- Hillside (Ill.) Proviso West
27. Robert Crisp (OL)- Chapel Hill (NC)
28. Da'Rick Rogers (WR)- Calhoun (Ga.)
29. Marcus Lattimore (RB)- Duncan (SC) Byrnes
30. Lamarcus Joyner (DB)- Ft.Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
31. Malcolm Jones (Ath)- Westlake Village (Cal) Oaks Christian
32. Khairi Fortt (LB)- Stamford (CT)
33. Brandon Willis (DE)- Duncan (SC) Byrnes
34. Dillon Baxter (RB)- San Diego (Cal.) Mission Bay
35. Cody Riggs (DB)- Ft.Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
36. Ivan McCartney (WR)- Miramar (Fla.)
37. Corey Nelson (LB)- Dallas (TX) Skyline
38. Corey Miller (DE)- Duncan (SC) Byrnes
39. Reggie Wilson (DE)- Haltom City (TX)
40. Christian Green (Ath)- Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Catholic
41. Andrew Norwell (OL)- Cincinnati (OL) Anderson
42. James Stone (OL)- Nashville (TN) Maplewood
43. Eduardo Clements (RB)- Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington
44. Gabe King- Greensboro (NC) Page
45. Mack Brown- Lithonia (Ga.) M.L. King
46. Kelcy Quarles (DT)- Greenwood (SC)
47. Garrison Smith (DL)- Atlanta (Ga.) Douglass
48. Markeith Ambles (WR)- McDonough (Ga.) Henry County
49. Phillip Sims (QB)- Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith
50. Jaylen Watkins (DB)- Cape Coral (Fla.)
51. Keenan Allen (Ath)- Greensboro (NC) Northern Guilford
52. Jacques Smith (DE)- Ooltewah (TN)
53. Nick Forbes (LB)- Frederick (MD) Thomas Johnson
54. Brett Nottingham (QB)- Danville (Cal) Monte Vista
55. John Fulton (DB)- Manning (SC)
56. Eric Reid (DB)- Geismar (La.) Dutchtown
57. Trovon Reed (WR)- Thibodaux (La.)
58. Xavier Grimble (TE)- Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman
59. Joshua Shaw (DB)- Palmdale (Cal)
60. Cullen Christian (DB)- Pittsburgh (PA) Penn Hills
61. Damien Robinson (OL) Olive Branch (Miss.)
62. Tony Jefferson (LB)- Chula Vista (Cal) Eastlake
63. Dion Bailey (DB)- Lakewood (Cal.)
64. Jake Matthews (OL)- Missouri City (TX) Elkins
65. Justin McCay (Ath)- Shawnee (Kansas) Bishop Miege
66. William Gholston (DE)- Detroit (Mich.) Southwestern
67. Trey Hopkins (OL)- Galena Park (TX) North Shore
68. Christian Jones (LB)- Winter Park (Fla.) Lake Howell
69. Bronson Kaufusi (DE)- Provo (UT) Timpview
70. C.J. Fiedorowicz (TE)- Johnsburg (Ill.)
71. Austin Hinder (QB)- Steamboat Springs (Colo.)
72. Marquis Flowers (Ath)- Goodyear (Az) Millennium
73. Nick Demien (OL)- Wentzville (Mo.) Timberland
74. Chris Jones (WR)- Daingerfield (TX)
75. Roderick Smith (RB)- Fort Wayne (Ind.) Harding
76. Matt James (OL)- Cincinnati (OH) St.Xavier
77. Ian Silberman (OL)- Fleming Island (Fla.)
78. George Uko (DT)- Chino (Cal) Don Lugo
79. Silas Redd (Ath)- Stamford (CT) King & Low Heywood Thomas
80. LaDarius Owens (LB)- Bessemer (Ala.) Jess Lanier
81. Chris Dunkley (WR)- Pahokee (Fla.)
82. Terrence Mitchell (DB)- Tampa (Fla.) Hillsborough
83. Corey Lemonier (DE)- Hialeah (Fla.)
84. Jarrick Williams (DB)- Eight Mile (Ala.) Blount
85. DeMarco Cobbs (Ath.)- Tulsa (OK) Tulsa Central
86. Michaelee Harris (WR)- Miami (Fla.) Northwestern
87. Chaz Green (OL)- Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Catholic
88. Carlos Thompson (DE)- Hollandale (Miss.) Simmons School
89. Shakim Phillips (WR)- Wayne (NJ) DePaul Catholic
90. Andrew Donnal (OL)- Whitehouse (OH) Anthony Wayne
91. Marcus Lucas (WR)- Liberty (Mo.)
92. Jordan Allen (DE)- West Monroe (La.)
93. Jawuan James (OL)- Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett
94. Ashton Dorsey (DT)- Tyler (TX) John Tyler
95. Evan Washington (OL)- DeSoto (TX)
96. Roy Finch (RB)- Niceville (Fla.)
97. Josh Shirley (LB)- Fontana (Cal) Kaiser
98. DeAndre Hopkins (Ath.)- Central (SC) D.W.Daniel
99. Dominique Easley (DE)- Staten Island (NY) Curtis
100. Lynden Trail (DE)- Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington
Obviously, my biggest change was at QB where I had the two guys I was most high about in Brett Nottingham and Austin Hinder, not only in the 100 like they deserve, but higher. I think both are going to have pretty solid college careers. I also think my ranking of James Stone is more indictive of how good he really is. It's kind of laughable that he dropped because of one workout. The guy is a true Top 50 player, and top lineman and that's where he should be.
I think my top 100 here is closer to be the top 100 players in 3-5 years than the one Rivals currently has, though again, it's hard to rank so many prospects.
Also, my No.1 was Sharrif Floyd. Ranked only 9th by Rivals right now, I think Floyd is a DT that you can build a program around, moreso than Henderson is at OT.
Also, my No.2, Robert Woods, who's only ranked 16th by Rivals, is a guy that we could see on the cover of magazines and on ESPN in a couple of years. He's a two-way threat that is kind of like a bigger Eric Berry. Whoever gets him, is getting a superstar in the making in my opinion.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Linebackers, Survivor style
The linebacker position has always been an important one for the Vanderbilt football program and heading into this recruiting period, it would certainly be important to find the "right" type of linebacker that Vanderbilt needs.
Top in-state recruits such as Fred Harvey, Ferlando Bohanna and Jonathan Brown might have the look of definite BCS level prospects, but for Vandy, they don't exactly fit the mold of what Vandy needs.
In the Commodores 4-3 base defense, VU needs more linebackers with speed and quickness. More linebackers that can get to the edge and make plays on the perimeter. In short, VU's looking for overall athletes for the position.
For this, linebackers like Florida's Vinnie Mauro and Indiana's Joe Gilliam are considered 1 and 2 in terms of need. Both have the overall athleticism, the speed, the quickness, that Vanderbilt feels they must get this recruiting period.
Mauro and Gilliam both have Vanderbilt in their top group and they plan to visit Vanderbilt next week. The Commodores will try their best to impress both to join the fold. Mauro could fit as either a MIKE or WILL linebacker for the Dores, where as Gilliam looks like the prototypical WILL. Another prospect with an offer who could fit into the WILL mold is Michigan's Ishmael Thomas. So far, the Detroit resident hasn't visited VU, so it remains to be seen as to if he'll really fit into VU's recruitment come September.
Should VU not secure commits from some of these talents, there are others to watch. Milan (Tenn.)'s Avery Williamson had a strong showing at VU's first camp in June and has now picked up an offer from Kentucky. He may be the next in line for an offer. Local products Brad Bars and Fitz Lassing also appear to be possibilities, while the true darkhorse could be Birmingham (Ala.)'s Zeke Walters. The brother of current Mississippi State linebacker Bo Walters and former teammate of incoming freshman Walker May, Zeke impressed the VU coaches when he camped at the school during it's rising stars camp in June. Though known more for his exploits at receiver, the staff really seemed to like his 6-foot-3 frame and overall quickness he brings to the position.
Other guys who might be worth watching include Josh Harrison of Wayne High in Ohio, Cortez Brown of Memphis Trezevant, Andre Whitemire of Spartanburg (S.C.), Jordan Poole of Wilson Central in Lebanon, Lawrence Peterson of Memphis Melrose, Mitch Osborne of Southlake Carroll in Texas and DeVaghn Millington of Ridgefield, Conn. All appear to be on the radar and may move up as things progress.
Two other prospects to watch could be Virginia's Aramide Olaniyan and New Jersey's Cleo Robinson.
Olaniyan's long been on Vandy's radar but the staff has made a stance that it will not offer until he comes to campus. He may be in town at some time this month. The biggest news with the current Duke soft commitment is that he is not likely to add a Notre Dame offer to his portfolio.
Robinson has not officially been linked to VU before, but that could change as he appers to have the speed and quickness that would fit with VU's approach at WILL, so we may see his name surface soon.
Vanderbilt is likely to take only two linebackers this year, but if they get a hybrid end/linebacker like a Holmes Onwukaife or a Prince Shembo to visit and make a commitment, they may just take three.
Top in-state recruits such as Fred Harvey, Ferlando Bohanna and Jonathan Brown might have the look of definite BCS level prospects, but for Vandy, they don't exactly fit the mold of what Vandy needs.
In the Commodores 4-3 base defense, VU needs more linebackers with speed and quickness. More linebackers that can get to the edge and make plays on the perimeter. In short, VU's looking for overall athletes for the position.
For this, linebackers like Florida's Vinnie Mauro and Indiana's Joe Gilliam are considered 1 and 2 in terms of need. Both have the overall athleticism, the speed, the quickness, that Vanderbilt feels they must get this recruiting period.
Mauro and Gilliam both have Vanderbilt in their top group and they plan to visit Vanderbilt next week. The Commodores will try their best to impress both to join the fold. Mauro could fit as either a MIKE or WILL linebacker for the Dores, where as Gilliam looks like the prototypical WILL. Another prospect with an offer who could fit into the WILL mold is Michigan's Ishmael Thomas. So far, the Detroit resident hasn't visited VU, so it remains to be seen as to if he'll really fit into VU's recruitment come September.
Should VU not secure commits from some of these talents, there are others to watch. Milan (Tenn.)'s Avery Williamson had a strong showing at VU's first camp in June and has now picked up an offer from Kentucky. He may be the next in line for an offer. Local products Brad Bars and Fitz Lassing also appear to be possibilities, while the true darkhorse could be Birmingham (Ala.)'s Zeke Walters. The brother of current Mississippi State linebacker Bo Walters and former teammate of incoming freshman Walker May, Zeke impressed the VU coaches when he camped at the school during it's rising stars camp in June. Though known more for his exploits at receiver, the staff really seemed to like his 6-foot-3 frame and overall quickness he brings to the position.
Other guys who might be worth watching include Josh Harrison of Wayne High in Ohio, Cortez Brown of Memphis Trezevant, Andre Whitemire of Spartanburg (S.C.), Jordan Poole of Wilson Central in Lebanon, Lawrence Peterson of Memphis Melrose, Mitch Osborne of Southlake Carroll in Texas and DeVaghn Millington of Ridgefield, Conn. All appear to be on the radar and may move up as things progress.
Two other prospects to watch could be Virginia's Aramide Olaniyan and New Jersey's Cleo Robinson.
Olaniyan's long been on Vandy's radar but the staff has made a stance that it will not offer until he comes to campus. He may be in town at some time this month. The biggest news with the current Duke soft commitment is that he is not likely to add a Notre Dame offer to his portfolio.
Robinson has not officially been linked to VU before, but that could change as he appers to have the speed and quickness that would fit with VU's approach at WILL, so we may see his name surface soon.
Vanderbilt is likely to take only two linebackers this year, but if they get a hybrid end/linebacker like a Holmes Onwukaife or a Prince Shembo to visit and make a commitment, they may just take three.
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