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| Wednesday, July 16 |
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| Football recruiting buzz By Jeff Goodman SchoolSports.com | ||||||
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The frenetic pace on the football recruiting trail picked up in the past few days as the nation's top running back, wide receiver and defensive lineman all announced their future destinations. While Lakes High (Wash.) wide receiver Reggie Williams surprised few when he committed to the University of Washington, Cardinal O'Hara High (Pa.) running back Kevin Jones and Killeen Ellison High (Texas) defensive lineman Tommie Harris created a stir with their announcements.
Jones opted to leave the state of Pennsylvania, turning down Joe Paterno and Penn State in favor of Virginia Tech. "I felt most comfortable at Virginia Tech," said Jones, who told Hokies coach Frank Beamer during his in-home visit on Tuesday night and then made the decision public during a news conference at his school on Wednesday. "I just thought it was the best place for me. They said I'll be playing next season." Harris, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive lineman, chose national champion University of Oklahoma over the University of Texas and Florida State. "I liked the place academic-wise, the coaching staff and their defense fits my style of play," said Harris. "I was going to commit to FSU, but I didn't like my visit." Unlike Jones and Williams, whose announcement was televised on Fox Sports Northwest, Harris was low key in divulging which school he'd be attending. "I don't want all of that stuff," said Harris. "I don't care too much for the spotlight." Williams was the first of the trio to commit when the 6-foot-4, 215-pound senior chose the in-state Huskies over UCLA, Michigan and Notre Dame on Monday night. "I can't imagine anyone better," said Lakes head football coach Dave Miller. "What makes (Williams) so great is his change of direction. A lot of big guys can run straight ahead. Reggie can stop and cut on a dime, and you just don't expect big guys to do that."
Slim Signals Aloha High (Ore.) senior Nic Costa was unsure of his decision and was debating between Arizona, Purdue, Notre Dame, UCLA and Arizona State -- until new Arizona head coach John Mackovic arrived for a visit on Tuesday night. Costa committed to Arizona, which was his leader prior to the coaching change, because of a variety of factors, including the weather and the fact that Mackovic is a former quarterbacks coach. "The coaching staff really did their homework," said the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Costa, who was also recruited by Oregon as an athlete. "And they called me as soon as they got in there." Costa had already visited Purdue and Notre Dame and was scheduled to visit UCLA and ASU in the next week. "He's very mobile, and his biggest strength is probably his field of vision," said Aloha coach Rob Castillo. "He's got good arm strength and is very fast if he gets going." Meanwhile, Montgomery Bell Academy (Tenn.) senior Ingle Martin was the other quarterback taken off the board when he decided to play for University of Florida coach Steve Spurrier. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Martin rushed for 1,038 yards and threw for 964 yards last season. He chose the Gators over Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama and LSU. "He always wanted to go to warm weather and wanted to play for a national championship," said Montgomery Bell head coach Ricky Bowers. "That restricted his options." Martin is a multi-faceted quarterback who also handled punting, kickoff and field goal duties in high school. "He's explosive, has great speed and strength and a great arm," added Bowers. "He's a tremendous all-around athlete who can really do it all."
Cros-ing Off the List The 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior has already visited Florida State, Clemson and South Carolina and is scheduled to visit Georgia Tech this weekend and Auburn next weekend. "I like all the atmospheres of the schools I've been to so far," said Crosby. "I'm looking for somewhere where I can fit in and play as a true freshman." Crosby, who made 76 catches this past season and 84 during his junior campaign, added that the colleges where he would have the best chance of getting immediate playing time are the two in-state schools, along with FSU. "He's a difference-maker," said Union coach Mike Anthony. "He's a threat to go all the way at any time. Not only is he big, but his first steps are so quick."
Done Deals Oklahoma secured the commitments of two more Texas linemen: Jonathan Jackson of Galena Park North Shore High and Vince Carter of Waco High. Jackson chose the Sooners over Notre Dame, Texas and Texas A&M. ... Midland Lee High (Texas) defensive lineman Fred Thrweatt changed his commitment from SMU to Texas Tech. ... Villanova received commitments from Rancocas Valley High (N.J.) lineman David Reid and Holy Cross (N.J.) running back Julius Davis. ... St. Louis High (Hawaii) defensive tackle Lyle Maiava pledged to Oregon over Arizona, USC, Wisconsin, Hawaii and Utah. ... Philadelphia High (Miss.) RB/DB Marquez Dupree, the son of former Mississippi high school and University of Oklahoma standout runner Marcus Dupree, orally committed to Alabama. ... South Dade High (Fla.) defensive back Antrel Rolle will remain in state and play for the University of Miami next season. Rolle chose the Hurricanes over Florida and Notre Dame. ... Princess Anne High (Va.) 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback C.J. Fayton, who has been compared to Virginia Tech's Michael Vick, opted for Tennessee over North Carolina and Virginia Tech. He may play wide receiver for the Vols. ... St. Bonaventure High (Calif.) linebacker Bobby Otani committed to USC. ... Gaither High (Fla.) running back Lydell Ross will attend Notre Dame next season. He chose the Irish over Florida and Auburn. ... Erie Cathedral Prep (Pa.) linebacker Joe Dipre chose to stay close to home and play at Pittsburgh instead of heading to Big Ten land with Iowa, Ohio State, Michigan or Michigan State. ... St. Augustine High (La.) defensive tackle Sylvester McGrew committed to Florida over Michigan. ... Barrington High (Ill.) offensive lineman Dan Stevenson pledged to Notre Dame. ... East St. Louis High (Ill.) running back Damien Nash picked Missouri over Nebraska and Illinois. ... Penn State secured Daytona Beach-Mainland High (Fla.) 315-pound offensive lineman John Wilson. ... Encinitas-La Costa Canyon (Calif.) tight end Joe Toledo committed to Washington over USC, Arizona, California and Colorado. ... Temple High (Texas) linebacker DeWayne Brandon chose Texas Tech, but he is still considering Texas. ... Troy-Henderson High (Ala.) offensive lineman Von Ewing opted for Alabama over Georgia.
Still Debating La Quinta High (Calif.) linebacker Michael Craven is looking at UCLA and Stanford. He has pretty much ruled out Washington, FSU and Miami. ... Kuhuku High's (Hawaii) Chris Kemoeatu has narrowed his choices to Nebraska, Utah and Washington. ... Bishop McDevitt High's (Pa.) Fred Lee is debating between Michigan State, Virginia Tech and N.C. State. ... West Memphis High (Ark.) tailback De'Arrius Howard may follow fellow Arkansas runner Cedric Houston to Tennessee. Howard is also looking at Miami. ... Etowah High (Ala.) running back Carnell Williams committed to Tennessee, but he is visiting Alabama this weekend and may change his mind and follow his friend, quarterback Brodie Croyle, to the Crimson Tide. ... Tucker High (Ga.) running back Jabari Davis is deciding between Tennessee and Georgia.
Material from SchoolSports.com.Visit their web site at www.schoolsports.com | |
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