SEC East Football Recruiting Battles heat up

[jbcarol]

NOLA.com Prep Sports ‏@nolaprep 18h18 hours ago

Ehret QB, Missouri commit Ca'Ron Baham out for season following surgery on torn ACL http://bit.ly/1itzH32

[jbcarol]

SportsTalk ‏@sportstalksc 1h1 hour ago

#STRecruiting: USC lands commitment from OL Pete Leota of Asheville http://sportstalksc.com/index.php/2015/09/17/strecruiring-usc-lands-commitment-from-ol-pete-leota-of-asheville/ ...

6-4, 3 bills, 3-star

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 3h3 hours ago

Which major UGA target also plans to be a silent commit? http://trib.al/M9KS4N3

If he tells them, it won't be a silent commit.

[jbcarol]

'16 3-star Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin TE Albert Okwuegbunam gave a verbal to Mizzou.

[jbcarol]

Nate McBride, who is rated as the nation's No. 1 inside linebacker for next year, is already as fast as UGA Heisman Trophy candidate Nick Chubb was in high school.

The 5-star prospect is rated as the No. 1 inside linebacker for 2017 according to Rivals, along with the nation's No. 10 overall prospect. He really likes UGA, but also places Alabama at the thick of his college decision.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 11h11 hours ago

Jacob Eason wants to be like former UGA QB Matt Stafford http://trib.al/FKraID2

[jbcarol]

Courtney Cronin ‏@CourtneyRCronin 8h8 hours ago

Courtney Cronin retweeted Zaire Jones

Meridian safety Zaire Jones

https://twitter.com/_Zaire5/status/646891523045371904

[jbcarol]

Courtney Cronin ‏@CourtneyRCronin 8h8 hours ago

Quick story: Hard-hitting Meridian safety Zaire Jones committed to Vanderbilt on Sat. night http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/recruitingreport/2015/09/27/meridian-safety-zaire-jones-commits-vanderbilt/72916668/ ...

Was a one-time Mississippi State commit.


247 4-star, 247 composite 3-star

Zaire Jones
‏@_Zaire5

It's time to jump on the boat and Anchor Down ⚓️⬇️I have verbally committed to Vanderbilt University.

[jbcarol]

Kelvin Harmon, a '16 6-3, 3-star Palmyra, NJ WR gave a verbal to the Gamecocks.

[jbcarol]

David Morrison ‏@DavidCMorrison  4h4 hours ago
Here is Tyreic Martin's http://Hudl.com  profile- http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3087430/tyreic-martin .... He's MU's 15th commit for the class of 2016.

With Martin's commitment, MU's class of 2016 midpoint moves just off Smithdale Road, about 6 miles southwest of Earle, Ark.

[jbcarol]

'16 3-star Pahokee All Purpose Back, McArthur Burnett gave a verbal to Florida.

[jbcarol]

David Morrison ‏@DavidCMorrison 4h4 hours ago

On the blog: S DeMarkus Acy makes 16 commits for MU's recruiting class of 2016- http://bit.ly/1LtmdB7 .

Acy, a 6-1/172-pound safety from Dallas' Wilmer-Hutchins

Acy is a 3-star recruit on all 4 major services. Has offers from Arizona St., Iowa St., Kansas, KSU., Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech per Rivals

DeMarkus Acy's commitment moves MU's class of '16 midpoint outside of Colt, Ark.

[jbcarol]

SportsTalk ‏@sportstalksc  2h2 hours ago
SportsTalk Retweeted Tyrek Tisdale ⚡❗
#STRecruiting:  RB Tyrek Tisdale decommits from Florida, USC one of the schools he's now considering.   

https://twitter.com/TyrekTisdale/status/651144837685575681

[jbcarol]

Zach Abolverdi ‏@ZachAbolverdi  22h22 hours ago
#UF lands four-star WR Freddie Swain, who commits to #Gators over LSU, Miami, South Carolina, Tennessee and USC.

Gators now have 21 commits. Outside of one or two linemen, every 2016 recruit UF lands moving forward will be rated four-stars or better.

[jbcarol]

USA TODAY HSS ‏@USATODAYhss 11h11 hours ago

Recruits react to Steve Spurrier's retirement, including one de-commitment https://shar.es/1uqwym  #Spurrier #Gamecocks

South Carolina did lose one player Monday night as P.J. Blue, a safety from Park Crossing in Alabama, announced he was de-committing. Blue is a four-star prospect

[jbcarol]

Thomas Goldkamp ‏@ThomasGoldkamp 22h22 hours ago

#Gators saw 13.3% YoY increase in football recruiting spending. UF very competitive in SEC. http://florida.247sports.com/Bolt/UF-football-recruiting-spending-jumps-133-year-over-year-40275256 ...

Florida's spending on football recruiting continues to increase, with the Gators shelling out about $88,000 more in 2014-15 to ensure a successful recruiting class.

According to a year-end financial statement on Florida's team website, the Gators spent $754,942 on recruiting in the 2014-15 fiscal year, which ended June 30. That was up from $666,160 in the 2013-14 fiscal year.

It's also worth noting that Florida listed 2014-15 expenditures of $18,500 on recruiting software.

A February 2015 piece by USA Today looked at the five-year recruiting spending from 2008-13 and found that Florida ranked fourth in the SEC in football recruiting spending, behind only Auburn, Tennessee and Alabama.

[jbcarol]

4-star '18 Coffey County Central Dual-Threat QB Alontae Taylor gave a verbal to Vandy.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 3h3 hours ago

Nation's No. 2 athlete explains why he didn't show up for the UGA game http://trib.al/w7xWX2S

Demetris Robertson, the nation's No. 2 athlete and 4-star prospect from Savannah (Ga.) Christian, has made it clear during his recruitment that he's looking for a perfect fit as a student and as an athlete. He has kept Stanford as his leader. He's already taken official visits to Cal and Notre Dame and has said Georgia Tech will get his last official visit out of respect for being the first program to offer him.

UGA and Alabama are also in his top group.

"My last official slot could come down to Ohio State, LSU or Northwestern," he said.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 12h12 hours ago

UGA's support for Devon Gales leaves big impression on top recruit http://trib.al/FO637j4

EW ORLEANS – One of UGA's top remaining targets in this year's recruiting class has been impressed with how the Bulldogs have rallied around Devon Gales.

Gales is the player from Southern University who suffered a spinal injury while playing against UGA last month. He remains in a treatment facility today, and it's unknown if he will walk again.

UGA's coaches and players have visited Gales at the hospital, and the Bulldogs have helped raised money to pay for medical bills.

The outpouring of love from the UGA community has left an impression on Willie Allen, a 4-star offensive tackle from Louisiana that is high on UGA's recruiting board.

"When they played Southern, the guy that got hurt, the whole town of Athens donated money to him, sent him letters, visited him in the hospital, and that says a lot about coach (Mark) Richt and the Georgia staff," Allen said. "It sharpened up my opinion a lot because knowing if that was me on the opposing team or on Georgia's team, I know they would have my back. It's not all about football. It's about family and faith."

[jbcarol]

Richard Davenport ‏@ArRecruitingGuy 5h5 hours ago

Recruits react to Auburn game: Several Arkansas recruits react to the Hogs' 54-46 four overtime victory over A... http://bit.ly/1GArUuR

Vandarius Cowan told the AJC shortly after UGA's Dawg Night prospect camp in July that the only way he would de-commit from Florida State was if "the school burned down." Well, even after the shocking loss Saturday night to Georgia Tech, the school is still standing and isn't burned to ashes, but Cowan is no longer a Seminoles commit.

Cowan, a 2017 4-star outside linebacker from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., reopened his commitment Sunday afternoon.

The 6-foot-3, 221-pounder told the AJC that UGA was his No. 2 school...

[jbcarol]

Campus Insiders ‏@CampusInsiders 12h12 hours ago

Campus Insiders Retweeted USA TODAY Sports

It will be interesting to see if Florida & Florida State reap the benefits of Miami's current coaching situation.

USA TODAY Sports Verified account
‏@USATODAYsports

Four-star receiver de-commits after Al Golden's firing at #Miami: http://bit.ly/1S55d3b 

Four-star wide receiver Ahmonn Richards became the first Miami recruit to de-commit after the firing of coach Al Golden.

Richards from Wellington in West Palm Beach, Fla...

[jbcarol]

247 3-star Houston Christian OT Braden Kopp gave a verbal to Vandy.

[jbcarol]

Zach Abolverdi ‏@ZachAbolverdi Oct 28

Zach Abolverdi Retweeted び BIG-10 び

#Gators LB commit Vosean Joseph


び BIG-10 び
‏@gloryboy_Sean

Tore My MCL 😪But trust me imma come back faster then ever🏃🏿 ,stronger than ever💪🏿, and wiser than ever 🙇🏿God Knows what he's doing



5.6-rated 3-star from Miami Norland

[jbcarol]

Zach Abolverdi ‏@ZachAbolverdi 1m1 minute ago

FWIW, Georgia QB commit Jacob Eason's most recent follow on Twitter is #Gators offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.

[jbcarol]

SportsTalk ‏@sportstalksc 4h4 hours ago

SportsTalk Retweeted Keith Niebuhr

#STRecruiting:  DB Marlon Character of Atlanta decommitted from USC and committed to Auburn.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 12m12 minutes ago

Recruiting Rewind: Jacob Eason's father has answers for UGA fans http://trib.al/Zc0beeG

What would happen to the 5-star quarterback's commitment to UGA, if the school parts ways with coach Richt?

"If things fell apart and things that are out of our control happen, you have to have relationships with other people as a backup or a 'Plan B' or whatever you want to call it," Tony Eason said. "A contingency plan even. It would be stupid not to."

What's the "Plan B" scenario? The only plausible one is if Richt does not return and the next UGA coach runs an offense that's counter to what the pocket passer is looking for at the next level. That should put UGA fans at ease.

"You hit it right on the head there," Tony Eason said. "If they brought in a Georgia Tech-style system where they don't want a quarterback like Jake, then no he's not going to go there. He wants to go to Georgia. I don't have any indication (a coaching change) is going to happen. First of all, I don't think this coaching staff is going anywhere and I think they would bring in another Pro-Style guy even if that did happen. But I have faith that things are going to work out."

Jacob turned a lot of heads this week when he followed Florida offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier on Twitter.

Tony Eason played for Notre Dame.

[jbcarol]

Derek Tyson Verified account
‏@DerekTysonESPN

#ESPN300 WR and #Auburn commit Eli Stove plans to visit Florida this weekend with his parents. #Gators

[jbcarol]

David Morrison ‏@DavidCMorrison 3h3 hours ago

On the blog: Hogan Prep athlete DaRon Davis is MU's 1st commit for the recruiting class of 2017- http://bit.ly/1L1DI4G .

DaRon Davis, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound athlete from Kansas City's Hogan Prep, pledged for the Tigers on Friday after taking a visit during Missouri's 31-13 loss to Mississippi State on Thursday night.

Davis plays mostly running back and safety for the Rams, but he projects as a wide receiver at the college level. Scout.com rates Davis a four-star prospect and the No. 18 receiver prospect in his class, while Rivals.com rates him a three-star and the No. 3 player from the state of Missouri for the class of 2017.

He also has an offer from Kansas, according to Rivals, and interest from schools such as Arkansas, Florida State, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Purdue.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 28m28 minutes ago

Prototype 5-star offensive tackle lists four SEC teams among his Top 8 http://trib.al/Ig2QH8o

Isaiah Wilson, a 5-star offensive tackle from New York, released a list of his Top 8 via his Twitter account Thursday. There's a heavy SEC feel among his favorites.

The 6-foot-7, 322-pounder narrowed down his 26 reported offers to UGA, Alabama, Clemson, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State and Rutgers.

Wilson is ranked as the nation's No. 5 offensive tackle and the No. 21 overall prospect for the Class of 2017.

[jbcarol]

 GoGamecocks.com ‏@gogamecocks 15h15 hours ago

South Carolina's Tanner, Elliott deny report of halting recruiting http://scne.ws/Cl8Gc8

Would know.

Alex Marvez reported South Carolina's assistant coaches were told to "stop pursuing commitments from high school players" in the aim of leaving them open for the next coaching staff. The report used anonymous sources and did not name who ordered the assistants to not take any pledges.

Elliott said he has not told his staff to slow recruiting efforts.

"I don't think anybody has called up and tried to commit in the last week," Elliott said. "So that's not accurate."

After the team's postgame press conference, Gamecocks athletics director Ray Tanner also said he did not give any such order when pressed by reporters.

USC expected to host around 100 recruits Saturday and will have another large prospect turnout Nov. 28 against Clemson.

[jbcarol]

Mark Richt Verified account
‏@MarkRicht

Having breakfast in Snohomish Washington in Jakes Cafe with Jacob and Tony Eason. Go Dawgs!

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 6h6 hours ago

Has this major UGA target made his silent commitment? http://trib.al/kCjqGsw

evwah Whaley took his official visit to UGA more than 60 days ago. The four-star running back loved it then and still loves it now. But he's made no silent commitment at this point. That's contrary to insider talk and even broadcaster Andre Ware's color commentary during a telecast this season.

Whaley said UGA, Arkansas and Texas are the schools he's considering the most, but added Texas A&M was "still kind of in it." He's concerned that the Aggies already have commitments from two backs in the 2016 class.

"Georgia is still up there high for me and with me hearing the rumors about coach (Mark) Richt and him being gone I don't think that's true," Whaley said. "I've still got Georgia pretty high."

His official visit to Arkansas will be this weekend. Whaley plans to study kinesiology. He said UGA, Arkansas and Texas are all recruiting him the hardest.

"Just the whole weekend experience sticks out for me with Georgia," Whaley said. "I think about that weekend still. Just the atmosphere, the vibe, the environment and the feel I got from it."

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 2h2 hours ago

300-pound Vanderbilt football recruit plays piano, former orchestra member http://trib.al/4q6k25U

Vanderbilt commit Devin Cochran is a man of many talents.

In addition to being a 3-star offensive lineman committed to an SEC school, Cochran also knows his way around a couple of musical instruments.

"I've played the piano for the last nine years, and then from fifth grade to about tenth grade I played the upright bass," Cochran told SEC Country.

6-foot-7, 305-pound senior continues to play recreationally at home...

[jbcarol]

Tobias Little, a 3-star linebacker from Mays High School (Atlanta), announced that he has de-committed from Missouri.

[jbcarol]

 Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 3m3 minutes ago

UGA sends out an offer to a Texas Tech commitment http://trib.al/Lltu30Z

Trinity Valley Community College head coach Brad Smiley told DawgNation that he believes UGA has offered 6-foot-4 receiver Derrick Willies from his program.Willies is currently committed to Texas Tech.

[jbcarol]

Zach Abolverdi ‏@ZachAbolverdi 1h1 hour ago

Randy Shannon's key to recruiting: "Be honest. ... That's one thing (high school) coaches respect about me."

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC  2h2 hours ago
BREAKING: UGA sees one of its recruits de-commit and flip to Texas http://trib.al/wb9lS3Q

UGA lost out to Florida for 3-star target Grant Holloway earlier in the day.

An even bigger loss was to follow. Temple High School (Tex.) wide receiver Davion Curtis announced via his Twitter account that he has not only de-committed from UGA, but had also flipped to Texas.

That drops UGA down to 16 commitments for the Class of 2016.

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com ‏@gogamecocks 9m9 minutes ago

Ray Tanner calling South Carolina's football commitments http://scne.ws/Cnzzv2 

South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner was an excellent recruiter during his days as a baseball coach at N.C. State and USC. He's now putting those skills back to work on two fronts.

Tanner is recruiting a new head football coach and is asking the current 2016 Gamecocks commitments to hold to their pledges.

Two of those commitments, offensive lineman Lloyd Cushenberry and quarterback Brandon McIlwain, confirmed they had received calls from Tanner updating them on the search and encouraging them to be patient while it plays out...

[jbcarol]

Gatorsports.com ‏@Gator_sports 16h16 hours ago

Two football commits are officially Gators http://bit.ly/1N6xORh

Two of Florida's top verbal commitments in its 2016 recruiting class are officially Gators.

Cocoa cornerback Chauncey Gardner, a Rivals100 member, and consensus four-star wide receiver Freddie Swain of Citra North Marion both signed their written offer of admissions Tuesday for early enrollment.

[jbcarol]

3-star Montgomery Carver CB Antonio Nelson gave a verbal to Florida.

Zach Abolverdi ‏@ZachAbolverdi 13h13 hours ago

ICYMI: #UF landed its 4th Alabama recruit & his teammate could be No. 5 | http://bit.ly/1lG7gQE  via @Gator_sports

[jbcarol]

'16 Santa Margarita Catholic punter Sam Loy gave a verbal to Vandy.  He reportedly had offers from the service academies.

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/devwah_whaley/status/670030598627418112

[jbcarol]

'17 Lake Braddock 3-star All Purpose Back Lamont Atkins gave a verbal to Vandy.

[jbcarol]

 Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 12h12 hours ago

Elijah Holyfield on new UGA RB commit: "I think we can be great" http://trib.al/2eBAWGM

Devwah Whaley, a 4-star running back from Beaumont, Texas, announced his commitment to UGA, which was shocking because he was expected to make his announcement on Jan. 2 at the Under Armour All-American game.

The Bulldogs already have a running back commit in 4-star Elijah Holyfield, but the son of boxing legend Evander Holyfield couldn't be more excited to have a running mate...

[jbcarol]

Marc Weiszer ‏@marcweiszer 30m30 minutes ago

Mark Richt says he has no indication on his future at Georgia. Planning to go on road recruiting.

[jbcarol]

Adam Sparks ‏@AdamSparks 2m2 minutes ago

Derek Mason: "We are going to recruit our tails off. We are going to make sure we close the gap as fast as we can."

[jbcarol]

Chris Kirschner ‏@ChrisK_AJC 8h8 hours ago

4-star recruit says Florida fans are super disrespectful --> http://on-ajc.com/1kZMFXK  #FSUTwitter

Vandarius Cowan was one of many recruits visiting for the Florida-Florida State game, but he left with a sour taste in his mouth.

Cowan, a 4-star outside linebacker from Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) High School, was a one-time Florida State commit...

He did clarify in a later tweet that the fans that allegedly tried to fight him were Florida fans.

The visit didn't start off so well to begin with. Cowan tweeted that Gators staff members would not allow him into the stadium because he was wearing FSU gear.

Cowan holds a scholarship offer from Florida but told SEC Country that he was never considering the Gators. After Saturday's game, that's clear to see.

He is ranked as the nation's No. 6 outside linebacker in the class of 2017.

[jbcarol]

Zach Abolverdi ‏@ZachAbolverdi 5h5 hours ago

Zach Abolverdi Retweeted Drè Massey1⃣

#Gators land explosive junior college athlete Dre Massey, who is officially visiting #UF this weekend.

Zach Abolverdi ‏@ZachAbolverdi 5h5 hours ago

Zach Abolverdi Retweeted Jawaan M. Taylor7⃣4⃣

#Gators flip OL Jawaan Taylor from Miami. Commit No. 2 for #UF today.

[jbcarol]

Kevin Brockway ‏@gatorhoops 17h17 hours ago Florida, USA

McElwain on kicking struggles -- "We'll find a kicker, And he'll be a good one. That's our responsibility."

https://twitter.com/eddypineiro1/status/671028744585404416


Just kicking around Gainesville

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 1h1 hour ago

Florida lands commitment from ex-LSU QB commit http://trib.al/uzRBldF

Four-star QB Feleipe Franks announced his commitment to Florida late Sunday evening, a week after backing away from his pledge to LSU.

6-foot-5, 220-pound senior from Crawfordville, Fla., becomes the fifth recruit to commit to Florida in November and the 26th overall in next year's recruiting cycle.