On Thursday, Jan. 25, ESPN.com recruiting analyst Tom Lemming returned to chat to update users on prospects' upcoming campus visits, who's
recently committed, and which schools are en route to a top
10 class.
Lemming, editor of Prep Football Report, is considered one of the nation's most
respected and knowledgeable recruiting analysts. Throughout his 20-plus years of covering the
national high school football recruiting scene, he has made it a point to visit hundreds of the
nation's top prospects every spring and summer, traveling thousands of miles through most of the
50 states. This firsthand perspective allows him to provide users with expert evaluation of each
prospect's potential for college and NFL greatness.
Here's an edited transcript of the chat:
| |  | | Top DL Shaun Cody is deciding between Notre Dame and UCLA. |
bksg: Do you feel the UCLA Bruins have any chance of having a top 5 recruiting class in the
nation this year?
Tom Lemming:
Yes, I do. I think they'll land Michael Craven and have a good shot at Kevin Simon. I talked to
both Craven and Simon yesterday. Right now it's between UCLA and Notre Dame for
Defensive Player of the Year Shaun Cody; he visits USC this weekend.
SJWolverineFan: What's the latest on Charles Rush and Tyler Reed? Does Michigan have a chance at one or
both of them?
Tom Lemming:
Rush may announce tomorrow, but it's not definite. Lloyd Carr gets the last home visit tonight.
It's between Michigan, Penn State and Notre Dame.
Tyler Reed has also finished visiting and says he's dead-even between Michigan, Pittsburgh,
Penn State and Tennessee.
ryan: Where is your Reebok/ESPN HS All American Team?
Tom Lemming:
It'll be posted in the Recruiting section immediately after the chat.
Hurricanes1:
How about Orien Harris? Do we have a shot at him?
Tom Lemming: Yes, Miami is right there. It looks like he's heading south. Miami, FSU and Tennessee are his
top three schools.
djc998: So, what do you think of Kevin Jones's decision to go to VT?
Tom Lemming:
I was surprised. I thought he'd wind up at Penn State. However, Kevin has always talked more
about Virginia Tech while his father was always pushing for Penn State.
Flavious:
How would you evaluate the chances of a Batman (Ahmad Carroll) and Robin(son) twin signing for
the Seminoles?
Tom Lemming:
FSU is in the top two with both Carroll and Dominic Robinson, so the chances are good that the Seminoles will land
both.
VOLS2001: Where do you see Jabari Davis going?
Tom Lemming:
It looks like it's still between Tennessee and Georgia, with LSU also in the mix.
AUSeattle:
How do you think Auburn's recruiting class is
stacking up compared to the rest of the SEC and the nation?
Tom Lemming:
I think Auburn is steadily climbing up the ranks and has a shot at the top 10 for the first time in a
while. But they need to land three or four more blue-chippers. Lemarcus Rowell is their best
recruit to date, but they also have a shot at Carnell Williams, who would become the class's
best recruit if he switches from Tennessee.
Huskerfan:
What is your best guess as to whether Matt Roth, LeKevin Smith, and Marques Simmons will
commit to the Huskers?
Tom Lemming: Nebraska has excellent shots at all three. Roth is deciding between Nebraska and Iowa, while
Simmons is considering Iowa State and Nebraska. The last time I talked to Smith, Nebraska
was the leader.
NittanyLionsFan:
Why in the world would Kevin Jones committ to VT with a guy like Lee Suggs hanging around
for two more years? He won't (or at least shouldn't) start until he's a junior.
Tom Lemming:
I agree with you that Kevin would have probably started sooner at Penn State, but there's just
no telling what all figures into these prospects' decisions. Normally decisions at the end of the
recruiting process are made based on the school that has gotten the player's ear. The last time I
talked to Kevin and his father, they told me that the weight room at Virginia Tech was one of
the main deciding factors.
cobyrsooners#1:
What do you think of Oklahoma's recruiting class? Are they a top 5 class now that they have
Tommie Harris?
Tom Lemming:
Harris certainly enhances their class. They definitely have a top 10 class, but it's way too early
to say that they'll sign a top 5 class, considering the number of top-ranked players still
uncommitted. However, my first top-classes ranking of the year will be posted on Monday,
immediately after the 3 p.m. ET chat.
FSU:
Where is Jerome Carter going?
Tom Lemming:
He's visiting Florida this weekend, and it looks like it'll be a Florida-FSU battle with Miami a
distant third.
He told me this past June that he grew up a Seminoles fan. However, not every player winds up
signing with their childhood favorite.
BCEagle12:
Where do you think LB Willie Jones of Miami will end up?
Tom Lemming:
Ohio State's new coach, Jim Tressel, came to see Jones in Miami this week. FSU and N.C.
State are recruiting him along with Miami and B.C. However, his visit to Boston was four
months ago, so the Eagles have their work cut out for them to remind him what a great city
Boston is. A commitment from Jones would enhance an already great class for B.C.
Nits:
Anything new on Leon Williams?
Tom Lemming:
It was my opinion that he was completely sold on Penn State before the assistant coach
recruiting him, Al Golden, left to become defensive coordinator at Virginia. Now, they're
battling Miami, Michigan State and possibly Syracuse for Williams' signature. However, my
guess would be that he will end up in State College.
H.W.O.:
What do you think of Fred Lee's commitment to VT this afternoon?
Tom Lemming:
It was a surprise to me. I thought he was going to either Michigan State or N.C. State. But he's
a super catch for the Hokies and one that could help, along with Jones, to make this class
Tech's best in years.
Volsfan:
What's the word around Knoxville; how do their recent commitments help their class and is
anyone else close to committing to the Vols in the next couple of days?
Tom Lemming:
I think the recent commitments of Michael Collins and Jason Mitchell really help the class a lot.
Collins is one of the nation's premier WRs and a basketball standout; he should see playing time
as a true freshman. Mitchell was one of the best LBs I'd seen on film all year and is as good as
his brother Brandon (now a Patriots standout) was as a high school senior. Tennessee will finish
strong as they always do and will definitely be a candidate for a top 5 slot at the end.
Big John:
Do you think Miami has a chance at Roscoe Crosby?
Tom Lemming: Yes, they have a shot, but right now it looks like a major battle between Clemson and Georgia
Tech for the two-sport superstar.
JK:
where is Michael Robinson going? By any chance to the Hokies?
Tom Lemming:
My guess would be that he's still leaning to VT over Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Penn State.
Bill:
What are the Noles' chances of landing Joe Mauer?
Tom Lemming:
The chances are good. Arizona just got a commitment from Nic Costa and also have John
Rattay, who transferred from Tennessee. Minnesota lost ground when Glen Mason was a
candidate for the Ohio State job. Of course, FSU lost ground when Mark Richt, who was
recruiting Mauer, left for Georgia. The only school that has remained a constant in this battle has
been Miami. The way things are going this year, Mauer will probably choose the least likely
school on Signing Day.
Sooner Champs:
Any word on Quan Cosby?
Tom Lemming: I recently talked to him. It's still looking like a Texas/FSU/Texas A&M/Oklahoma battle that's
too close to call.
hogfan:
Where do you think De'Arrius Howard will play next year? What are his top choices?
Tom Lemming:
Until a month ago, Tennessee was his favorite and the Vols are still in the race. Right now
Arkansas and Auburn are coming on strong.
jim:
Is Rich Rodriguez improving the recruiting at West Va.?
Tom Lemming:
Right now, the Mountaineers are having an okay year, but I would expect that, given a full year
with him at the helm, next year should be something special.
Sic'emDawgs:
What about Georgia? Any big commitments coming up? Batman, Airese Curry, Jabari Davis, Russ
Tanner?
Tom Lemming:
I believe that Georgia has a great shot at all four players, particularly Tanner and Carroll.
BigMac:
Where is Lionel Bolen going?
Tom Lemming:
He should decide in the next day or so between Virginia Tech and Notre Dame. Frank Beamer
had the last home visit Wednesday night.
gatorfan:
Where are Eric Shelton and Fred Gibson going?
Tom Lemming:
I think Gibson is even between Florida and Georgia while Shelton, who received a visit from
Ohio State recently, is deciding between the Buckeyes, FSU, Tennessee, Florida and Texas
and claims no favorite.
stevieorange:
Do you think Carnell Williams wavering on his commitment is hurting the Vols in terms of Jabari Davis
and De'Arrius Howard making a decision?
Tom Lemming:
Yes, the sooner he makes up his mind, the better for all concerned at Tennessee.
SpartanGreen:
What's the latest on Adrian McPherson? Will he wear green and white?
Tom Lemming:
Michigan State is one of the favorite schools for him, but it's way too early. He may wait until
after Signing Day to actually sign, since he definitely wants to play both football and basketball
in college.
BucksFan:
Will J.R. Lemon end up at OSU?
Tom Lemming:
The Buckeyes having been coming hard after him for the past week and are trying to make up
ground on Georgia Tech, Stanford and Miami. They're hoping it's not too late.
cybe:
How's Washington's recruits look? Are they top 10, top 5 material?
Tom Lemming:
Washington has a definite top 10 class and a possible top 5 if they could land a couple more
blue-chippers, such as Shaun Cody and Michael Craven.
dawgfan: What's new with Carlos Campbell?
Tom Lemming: Campbell, who gave a soft commitment to Georgia, visits South Bend this weekend and will
decide between the Bulldogs and Notre Dame next week.
|
ABOUT TOM LEMMING
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Tom Lemming is editor of Prep Football Report. For information on how to subscribe to Prep Football Report's three yearly magazines and five newsletters, fax your request to 847-842-1313 or write to P.O. Box 59113, Schaumburg, Ill. 60159. Attention new subscribers: You'll receive Lemming's Class of 2001 wrap-up issue FREE if you subscribe for the upcoming season. For year-round recruiting updates, call Tom Lemming's Prep Football Hotline at 900-860-9888. Calls are $1.79 per minute, and callers must be 18 years old or have parents' permission. |
HepVol:
Any truth to the rumors about Charles Frederick wavering on his commitment to Washington?
Tom Lemming:
When anyone asks whether a prospect is wavering on a commitment, I would say that it's
probably 90 percent true, this year in particular, since just about every top player committed
has taken other visits after the commitment. There's been talk about Frederick being concerned
about all the attention Reggie Williams has been getting since his commitment to the Huskies.
greg:
What about Jim Tressel's efforts at Ohio State; are any commits going to start coming his way?
Tom Lemming:
Good question. Tressel is working hard and is presently in Florida trying to get commitments
from eight players who had previously visited. The staff is also working to get a commitment
from Eric Shelton and a visit from J.R. Lemon. In-state, it looks like the Buckeyes will be
keeping all their prior commitments. I'm looking for OSU to finish with an average class, which,
given all that's happened in the past month in Columbus, is a definite plus for Tressel.
ess:
How is Oregon State's class shaping up? Haven't heard much about them.
Tom Lemming:
They've recruited the junior colleges well, but they seem to be coming in second to other
Pac-10 schools in recruiting elite high school players. However, Derek Anderson is probably
their best recruit in years, and they also have a rising star in DL William Swancutt of Salem,
Ore.
USC 2001:
How do you feel Lou Holtz is doing recruiting for S.C.?
Tom Lemming:
Excellent. South Carolina is putting together a banner class that includes All-American DL
George Gause, RB Thez Robinson, and two junior-college All-Americans, QB Corey Jenkins
of Garden City, Kan., and the nation's premier JC cornerback, Isaac Stackhouse of Jones
County, Miss.
Boilers2001:
What are your thoughts on Purdue's future? Who will be their next QB -- Kyle Orton or Brandon Hance?
Tom Lemming:
I believe Brandon Hance will be their next QB and has the potential to be as good as Drew
Brees. Orton has the height and arm strength advantage over Hance, but it'll take him at least
two years to learn the system and become as developed as Hance is right now.
BigPSUfan:
Is Paterno losing his recuiting touch? Does Penn State have a chance of landing a top 10
recruiting class?
Tom Lemming:
Paterno isn't losing his touch; in fact, I thought Penn State did a great job this year. They were
one-two with several of the nation's premier players. It's reminiscent of Michigan's situation last
January in which the Wolverines came in second with a number of top players. I think Penn
State is setting itself up for a great recruiting class next year.
j p:
How do the Bruins stand with Shaun Cody and Kevin Simon?
Tom Lemming:
UCLA is in the top two with both players. Cody is also considering Notre Dame and USC and
Simon is looking at Texas A&M, Miami, and Tennessee (the Vols are in his top two).
Ole Miss Fan:
How does the Ole Miss Rebels class look so far?
Tom Lemming:
Fantastic. This is a breakthrough year for the Rebels, and it all started with the same-day
commitment of three teammates from Madison (Miss.) Central High School: WR Mike Espy,
RB Sylvester Brown and OL Chris Spencer.
Thanks for joining us. I'll be back to chat again on Monday at 3 p.m. ET. And look for my
Reebok/ESPN All-Americans team, which will be posted shortly in the Recruiting section.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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ALSO SEE
Recruiting: Lemming's revised top 100
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