SEC East Football Recruiting Battles heat up

[jbcarol]

Keith Niebuhr @Keith247Sports  ·  20 hours ago
#Gators are now No. 47 in the recruiting team rankings after the latest de-commit. http://florida.247sports.com

[jbcarol]

Georgia fan Evander Holyfield happy his son received UGA offer

Running back Elijah Holyfield is a four-star prospect in the Class of 2016...

"I was happy about that offer because I'm a Georgia fan," Evander said in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "And then I found out that he liked Georgia, so that offer was a good thing."

Elijah Holyfield is reportedly considering Michigan as a top choice...

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  20 hours ago
Florida's Will Muschamp loses second recruit in a week http://on-ajc.com/1D4pahK

Adonis Thomas, a 4-star linebacker from Central Gwinnett High School, backed off his pledge to Florida via Twitter on Thursday night.

Thomas initially committed to Florida over Alabama last August. His first trip to Florida this season for a game was last weekend's 42-13 loss to Missouri.

It appeared only a matter of time that Thomas would re-open his recruitment after recently expressing concerns due to rampant speculation about Muschamp's future at Florida.
Alabama is now the school to beat for Thomas, who also will take official visits with the Crimson Tide, Oregon and LSU. UGA is also back in the hunt for Thomas, who will likely switch out his Oregon trip to go visit with the Bulldogs.

[jbcarol]

David Cloninger @DCTheState  ·  12 hours ago
USC commit. RT @JustinBarneyTU First Coast LB Sherrod Pittman broke his leg tonight in W vs. West Port.

#3 ILB in nation from Jacksonville

[jbcarol]

2-star Gallatin Station Camp Pro-Style QB Kyle Anderton has given a verbal to Vandy.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  23 hours ago
LB Roquan Smith will take official visits to #UGA #Gators #LSU & UCLA:

Florida #Gators coach Will Muschamp tells recruit to "ignore the rumors"

[jbcarol]

2-star Gallatin Station Camp Pro-Style QB Kyle Anderton has given a verbal to Vandy.

Chris Smith @ChrisSmithVU247  ·  7 hours ago
Vanderbilt's latest commitment Kyle Anderton has been re-rated by 247Sports as a TE (3-star-81) #VU247

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  8 hours ago

Opinion: UGA should change recruiting policy for Florida game http://on-ajc.com/1p4I1sd

NCAA and SEC amended the rules to allow home teams in football games at neutral locations to bring in recruits on tickets. Whenever Alabama or Auburn or other SEC teams play in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic, they seize the opportunity and location to invite prospects from the fertile recruiting grounds of the Atlanta area (including kids who might not otherwise make a trip to Alabama or Auburn) to come watch them to play in person in the Georgia Dome. (Same thing for Texas A&M in Dallas)

Nobody in college football is set up better to take advantage of this recruiting loophole than UGA every Halloween. The state of Florida produces more than double the amount of D1 prospects than Georgia, and UGA has enjoyed a lot of recruiting success in Florida in recent years.

So why wouldn't UGA want to invite Florida's superstar prospects one of the Southeast's biggest games every season? Jacksonville is more than five hours away from Athens, so it's clearly easier for most Florida kids to see the Bulldogs play in Jacksonville rather than make the long journey to Athens on a weekend during the school year.

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·  Oct 28

How one struggling season affects South Carolina's 2015 recruiting class http://scne.ws/7Lgzhh  #gg

"When you don't do as well, people say maybe you'll lose some guys you got," said Steve Spurrier Jr., the team's recruiting coordinator. "No, we've been recruiting these guys a long time. It's a strong group of guys. We feel good about all of them getting here in January and May and being the future of our program."

The relationships built with the 28-member class are the strongest element that will help keep the class together, according to Spurrier Jr., recruiting analysts and the prospects themselves.

Where fans see challenges and struggles, players might see opportunity. That's the case with as cornerback commitment Mark Fields.

"I want to come in and be the difference maker," said Fields, from Cornelius, N.C. "We've got some difference makers there now but I feel like I can come in and be that spark because I know what I bring to the table. I want to go in and help. I'm not looking to go anywhere else."

The Gamecocks' 2015 group had four commitments before the year 2013 was over and was nearly full when the 2014 season started. It remains a top five class with more than three months until National Signing Day.

USC lost a key linebacker commitment last week when junior college standout Davon Durant, originally from Greenwood, flipped his pledge to Arizona State. Durant did not cite wins and losses as a factor in his decision, saying he saw a better opportunity with the Sun Devils.

South Carolina could still add two to four more players to the class...

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  3 hours ago

5-star DB picks #FSU over #UGA --> http://on-ajc.com/1Dw6dVb

McFadden is scheduled to visit UGa next week.

[jbcarol]

Riley Blevins @Riley_Blevins  ·  54 minutes ago
ICYMI: 3-star DB Johnathan Abram committed to Georgia last night over Ole Miss, Kentucky and Louisville http://www.clarionledger.com/story/recruitingreport/2014/10/31/east-marions-abram-commits-to-long-time-dream-school/18256475/ ...

[jbcarol]

Boosie W. 4⃣9⃣ @BoosieWhitlow  ·  35 minutes ago
My visit was great, can't wait to get back onto campus! #GamecockNation #WeCocky 🐔🐔

Opelika DE is an SC commit who is scheduled to visit UofL in January and some possibility with Auburn and UK.

[jbcarol]

Adam Sparks @AdamSparks  ·  13 hours ago

#Vandy's Derek Mason said on Friday night he rode a helicopter to see a recruit and it was 2 mins shy of running out of fuel, per the pilot

#Vandy coach Derek Mason (Phoenix native) said an asst coach told him to take his hands out of his pockets during cold game Saturday night

[jbcarol]

Dave Matter @Dave_Matter  ·  5 hours ago
Story nugget: Drew Lock is solidly committed to Mizzou. No wavering. But Notre Dame & Penn State have called a lot this fall.

[mizzouman]

Dave Matter @Dave_Matter  ·  5 hours ago
Story nugget: Drew Lock is solidly committed to Mizzou. No wavering. But Notre Dame & Penn State have called a lot this fall.

I think Lock feels that legacy players at Mizzou have done well in the last few years.

[jbcarol]

Laura Warren @LauraWRDW  ·  6 hours ago

Sheriff Richard Roundtree's son, Rashad Roundtree to don the silver britches next season. #GoDawgs

Who got the Shaft?

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  6 hours ago

Rashad Roundtree: UGA beats Ohio State for 5-star DB http://on-ajc.com/1Aycm78

[jbcarol]

They call me Tree @Rashad_Tr33  ·  Nov 7
So with much prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided to verbally commit to play college football at the University of Georgia🐾

Trendsmap USA @TrendsmapUSA  ·  Nov 7
They Call Me Tree, @rashad_tr33 is now trending in United States http://trendsmap.com/us

[jbcarol]

Steve Walentik @Steve_Walentik  ·  12 hours ago
From @DavidCMorrison: Even as recruiting priorities change, MU wants to keep a foothold in Texas http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/mu_football/even-as-recruiting-priorities-change-mu-wants-to-keep-a/article_15b5a810-76cd-5929-859a-2c293108d8bb.html ...

[jbcarol]

SportsTalk @sportstalksc  ·  1 hour ago

#STRecruiting: 6-5 WR Christian Owens announces a flip from UGA to USC. Plans to visit next weekend.

3-star Griffin, GA WR

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  8 hours ago

Lots of coaching changes coming in next month. That's why if you're 2015 commit, I'd advise keeping "open communication" with other colleges

... "Open communication" doesn't mean schedule an official visit or de-commit. No. You just maintain cordial relations w other schools

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  7 hours ago

Ben Cleveland's coach says 5-star plays DE & not OL (where's he ranked No. 2 in USA) because of team needs: http://on-ajc.com/1ygxCcm

Not uncommon for 5-stars to NOT play their "projected college position" in high school. Got to play where they need you to win

Eric Berry, nation's No. 1 CB by Rivals in 2007, played almost entirely at QB in HS. Rivals got it right as Berry is #NFL All-Pro DB

"What (UGA offensive line coach) Will Friend needs from Ben Cleveland is for Ben just to play hard," Barden said. "Will Friend could care less where Ben Cleveland plays in high school. Because Will Friend will play Ben Cleveland where he needs him in college. It may be center, it may guard, or it may be tackle.

"But Will will teach him what he needs to know about being an offensive lineman at the University of Georgia..."

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·   21 hours ago
USC working on large defensive tackle http://scne.ws/7ZVl6q  #gg

DL Rashan Gary (6-5 290) of Paramus, NJ is a national recruit with over 40 offers to date. Those offers include Clemson, USC, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Virginia Tech. He will trim his list some after his season and right now none really stand out.

"I'll take some visits and then identify some schools," Gary said. He's never been to Clemson or USC but wants to visit both. He also wants to see other schools in the SEC area. He has been to Maryland and Penn State.

Gary has some family in South Carolina and has interest in the Tigers and Gamecocks.

"I like what Clemson does on defense," he said. "South Carolina, I like what they do with their defensive linemen and how they make them better."

[jbcarol]

6-5, 320 Snellville Shiloh OT Darion DeBrossard gave a verbal to Vandy.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  22 hours ago

1) Not to pick on this kid specifically, but watch this film to see how to NOT do a highlight tape: http://bit.ly/1FmwF4C

2) His film is way too long & his best plays are not at the front of the tape. Two biggest mistakes you can make period.

3) I've been in room when college coaches watch HS film. You've got about 3-5 plays to "wow" them or it's on to the next film

4) Rank all of your plays on scale 1-10, and put best plays (9's & 10's) at very beginning. Fill out tape with 6, 7 & 8's. Delete the rest

5) then as far as length of highlight tape, no more than 25-30 plays ever. If a college wants more film, they will ask you for it

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  17 hours ago

Marietta running back is commit No. 22 for Georgia Tech http://on-ajc.com/1xYTXi7

KirVonte Benson, a 2-star running back from Marietta High School...

The 5-foot-8, 185-pounder is commitment No. 22 for Georgia Tech's 2015 recruiting class.

[jbcarol]

Makaveli® @jarviswilson0_7  · 12 hours ago
I am now committed to the University of Georgia! #CommitedToTheG

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  11 hours ago
3-star DB flips from Mississippi State to UGA http://on-ajc.com/1z0FVJX

Makaveli® @jarviswilson0_7  ·  3 hours ago
I hope everybody have a great Thanksgiving!

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  Nov 27
Several of Georgia's top 25 college prospects left off All-State HS football nominations. Not surprised. It happens every year ...

(1) Prospect either took off senior year of HS (happens more than you think) or (2) in rare cases HS coach was jealous of attention

[jbcarol]

3-star Nashville Father Ryan safety Andrew Rector (the silent commit?) has given a verbal to Vandy.

[jbcarol]

3-star Arizona Western CC LB Chuks Amaechi gave a verbal to UGa.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  2 hours ago
#UGA has lost two recruits to other schools & flipped 5 its way: http://on-ajc.com/1wtloQH

Lourde-Quincy Vasser @LQVasser
Just got off the phone with @Strong_TexasFB & it's official I've committed to University of Texas #HookEmHorns 🐂
1:04 PM - 3 Dec 2014

Lourde-Quincy Vasser @LQVasser
Georgia has me so disappointed I'm at a lost for words..
3:44 PM - 29 Nov 2014

Even before the de-commitment, Vasser had an unusual recruiting courtship with UGA. He committed last April without ever visiting the state of Georgia, without ever talking (even on the phone) with Mark Richt, and without ever meeting face-to-face with any UGA assistants.

However, Vasser solidified his situation with UGA after taking an official visit with the Bulldogs for last July's Dawg Night prospect camp.

UGA now has 24 commits for 2015, and it will likely sign between 29-31 in February.

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·  3 hours ago

Gamecocks recruiting: 5 things to watch for 2015 class http://scne.ws/7kGNnL  #gg

USC is on track to sign a historically large class. Currently at 28 members, the group could swell to 32...

If 32 is the final number, it would be the largest USC class since 2011 and the second time over 30 in the Steve Spurrier era.

The team would then be around 10 over the scholarship limit of 85 (just like with the 2014 class) and would need player attrition to even things out before the full class arrives in June.

The numbers would work out.  They always do.

[jbcarol]

Gentry Estes @GentryEstes247  ·  13 hours ago
Four-star WR Darius Slayton makes a surprise announcement of a commitment to #UGA (FREE) ... http://bit.ly/1vQwGNl

[jbcarol]

AL.com sports @aldotcomSports  ·  36m 36 minutes ago

Vandy, Louisville, Boise St. among schools looking to sign RB Jordan Howard after UAB football program shutdown http://s.al.com/8OsEMOX

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·  19 hours ago
Linebacker Daniel Fennell (6-2, 220) of Loganville, Ga., has committed to USC for the Class of 2015.

Daniel Fennell @danielfennell35  ·  20 hours ago
Extremely happy to say that I am committed to the University of South Carolina !!

[jbcarol]

Adam Sparks @AdamSparks  ·  2 hours ago
Congrats to #Vandy commit OL @Ean_Pfeifer56 on winning 2nd straight state title today for Bentonville HS (Ark.).

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  12 hours ago
3) I think new #UGA WR commit Darius Slayton will bid for 5-star status this wkd at Georgia Dome & in all-star game. Totally underrated imho


DSlay

[jbcarol]

David Morrison @DavidCMorrison  ·  Dec 8

Malik Cuellar, a 6-5/290 OT from City College of San Francisco, has committed to MU, http://PowerMizzou.com  and @btaustin report.

Cuellar would be the 13th commit for the Tigers' Class of 2015 and their 1st in 2 months. He's a 3-star on 247Sports, Rivals and Scout.

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·  12 hours ago

Paris Palmer decommits; USC recruiting class under seige http://www.gogamecocks.com/2014/12/11/655617/gamecocks-reportedly-lose-big.html ...

Paris Palmer decommitment = four lost pledges for #Gamecocks in this class. All four were to be January enrollees. Two big O-tackles.

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·  2 hours ago
O-lineman Jozie Milton of Clinton, La., has flipped his commitment from USC to TCU. He is USC's 5th decommitment

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·  2 hours ago
Of South Carolina's five decommitments, three are offensive linemen. Zack Bailey and Christian Pellage remain committed.

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·  19 hours ago

Junior college LB Ernest Hawkins (6-2, 225) of Baltimore, Md., has committed to South Carolina for 2015. http://www.gogamecocks.com/2014/12/14/656835_gamecocks-add-juco-linebacker.html ...

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  5 hours ago

U.S. Army All-America Bowl kicker commits to UGA http://on-ajc.com/1xlezB9

Rodrigo Blankenship, an All-American kicker from Sprayberry, committed to UGa on Monday.

[jbcarol]

kyle phillips#72 @K72_Phillips  ·  Dec 15

Applying to LSU, Ole Miss, and UT and why does UT app have to difficult LSU and ole miss is so simple 😒

'15 4-star DE at Nashville Hillsboro

[jbcarol]

Dave Matter @Dave_Matter  ·  3 hours ago

City College of San Francisco OL Malik Cuellar confirms that he's signing his midyear transfer papers with Missouri today.

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·  18 hours ago

Four-star CB Mark Fields confirms that he has decommitted from the #Gamecocks. He's USC's 6th decommitment in recent months.

Michael Haney @Haney1075  ·  17 hours ago

Rival schools have used Spurrier's age against him for a while now. By him publicly stating a timeframe under 4 yrs, they have bigger ammo.

[jbcarol]

Seth Emerson @SethEmerson  ·  4 minutes ago

Georgia says it has received a signed financial aid agreement from Chuks Amaechi, a junior college linebacker. He will enroll for the spring

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  18 hours ago
RT @bartonsimmons #UGA DC Jeremy Pruitt extended an offer to #Vandy LB commit Josh Smith today

[jbcarol]

GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·  18 hours ago

Four-star CB Mark Fields confirms that he has decommitted from the #Gamecocks. He's USC's 6th decommitment in recent months.

Michael Haney @Haney1075  ·  17 hours ago

Rival schools have used Spurrier's age against him for a while now. By him publicly stating a timeframe under 4 yrs, they have bigger ammo.

Michael Carvell @Carvell_AJC  ·  18 hours ago
RT @GamecockCentral: Spurrier regrets 2-3 year comment. Should have stuck to 4-5 years.

[jbcarol]

Seth Emerson @SethEmerson  ·  3 hours ago
Addendum to story on UAB transfer: Ganus will count towards Georgia's signing limit this year, like any transfer.
http://www.macon.com/2014/12/19/3489036/former-uab-linebacker-will-transfer.html ...

[jbcarol]

SportsTalk @sportstalksc  ·  Dec 19
#STRecruiting: USC will get another chance to bring Fields back into the class http://goo.gl/fb/vAXWGS

When he decommitted from USC earlier this week because of concern about coaching staff stability, DB Mark Fields Jr. of Cornelius, NC didn't close the door completely on the Gamecocks.  Friday, he pushed the door a little more open tweeting that he will make an official visits with the Gamecocks January 24th.  He will also visit Clemson January 17th.  Texas was the other school Fields mentioned earlier in the week as a possible official visit.

"Just too much uncertainty and stuff like that," is how Fields put it on Tuesday when he announced his decommitment.  "I thought I'd let that play out and while that does I'll continue to look elsewhere.  South Carolina was a good situation for me but there are other good situations out there for me."

Fields was concerned over Steve Spurrier's comment made December 1st to Josh Kendall of The State that he was now working on a 2-3 years plan.  After seeing four decommitments fall from the class in the days following that remark, Spurrier revised his plans saying on Wednesday that athletics director Ray Tanner was going to add another year to the four years he has left on his contact and that he's now back on the 4-5 years plan.

Of the six decommitments overall the Gamecocks have suffered since October, Fields appears to be the only one that is still salvageable for the Gamecocks...