USC Recruiting News

[pc72687]

Well, as long as we can get some more talented lineman, recievers, and linebackers with the remaining slots I'll be happy with this class. It seems to be a class with alot of underrated players, who may later be properly rated after reevaluation, but still good players.

[raptorcox]

Below are the guys I can see us signing. We'll sign more than 22, but since you want 6, I'll put the 6 most likely in bold.

RB Martin Ward
WR Tommy Streeter
WR T.J. Lawrence
ATH Brandon Smith
ATH T'Sharvan Bell
OL Elliot Williams
OL B.J. Brand
OL Kenneth Page
OL R.J. Mattes
DE Taylor Loftley
DE Robert Quinn
DE Markus White
DE/TE Devin Taylor
LB T.J. Pridemore

Those 6 are the ones most likely to join USC? The other 8 I am assuming we have a good shot at?

[Williams-Brice]

I'm saying that if you are putting the cap at 22 signees, then I could see us ending up with those 6. There are several other combinations that are possible.

[DELTOR]

Wow, WB. You really see us stealing Streeter from Miami?

[Wynnco.com]

December 06, 2007
Coaches Visiting Freeman
By Phil Kornblut

Shrine Bowl OL Dalton Freeman (6-6 265) of Pelion has had several recruiters come by his school this week for meetings. Feeman was visited by Clemson's Brad Scott who made an in home visit and had dinner with the family. Jimbo Fisher of Florida State visited the school Wednesday along with coaches from Penn State and Michigan State. USC's Steve Spurrier is the only head coach to have had his in home visit with Freeman thus far. He has taken official visits to Penn State, Colorado and Florida State and will visit Clemson January 11th. He'll also set a date with Tennessee and will make a weekend unofficial visit to USC at some point.

[Wynnco.com]

December 06, 2007
USC Keeping In Touch With Paulk
By Phil Kornblut

DB Leonard Paulk (5-11 185) of Richland Northeast committed to East Carolina about miday thru the season but USC has remained in touch and is evaluating him for a possible offer. Paulk said he's also hearing some from Georgia. He also has offers from Wofford and South Carolina State. Paulk is the brother of USC linebacker Rodney Paulk and would like re-evalute his committment if offered by the Gamecocks. He will play Saturday in the SCADA North-South All Star Game.

[Wynnco.com]

December 06, 2007
USC Makes Move On JC Defensive Line
By Phil Kornblut

USC recruited DL Markus White (6-4 245) of Coffeyville JC, KS a couple of seasons ago when he was a senior at Leonard High School of Lake Worth, FL when they signed his teammate Kenrick Ellis. White didn't qualify for a scholarship then, but he does now, and USC is back involved. White said he has offers from USC, Florida State, Miami, Arkansas, West Virginia, North Carolina and NC State. "Florida State, that's my leader," White said. "Then, I'm even with all the other schools. I've been interested in South Carolina since high school since my boy Kenrick Ellis goes there." He plans to set official visits with USC and Florida State. He will graduate in May and will have three years to play three.

[Wynnco.com]

December 06, 2007
Loftley Has USC Visit Set
By Phil Kornblut

DL Taylor Loftley (6-2 255) of Chamblee, GA is still involved with his season as his team will play in a state semi final game this weekend at the Georgia Dome. He was visited Wednesday by USC recruiter Ron Cooper along with recruiters from NC State and Vanderbilt. Loftley said Cooper told him he would make his in home visit once the season is over. Loftley has scheduled his official visit to USC for January 11th and will visit Vanderbilt the following weekend. He said the Gamecocks and Commodores remain his two favorites.

[Wynnco.com]

December 06, 2007
Thomas Has Meeting Set With Cooper
By Phil Kornblut

LB Jacoby Thomas (6-0 232) of Mobile, AL said Thursday night he has an in home visit scheduled with USC recruiter Ron Cooper for December 11th. Thomas said he remains very interested in USC and Cooper is strongly interested in him. He has not set any official visits yet because he first has to pass what he called a "history grad" exam Friday to be in a position to graduate. He said he will set visits with USC, Alabama and Purdue. Thomas does not claim a favorite.

[raptorcox]

Below are the guys I can see us signing. We'll sign more than 22, but since you want 6, I'll put the 6 most likely in bold.

RB Martin Ward
WR Tommy Streeter
WR T.J. Lawrence
ATH Brandon Smith
ATH T'Sharvan Bell
OL Elliot Williams
OL B.J. Brand
OL Kenneth Page
OL R.J. Mattes
DE Taylor Loftley
DE Robert Quinn
DE Markus White
DE/TE Devin Taylor
LB T.J. Pridemore

Good call W-B as Elliott Williams just pulled the trigger without even making his visit to US(C) this weekend.

[Williams-Brice]

Wow, WB. You really see us stealing Streeter from Miami?

Miami hasn't contacted Streeter in weeks. At this point, Streeter signing with anyone other than Carolina would be a steal in the other team's favor . . . and he hasn't even been to Columbia, yet. Carolina is way out in front.

[lacene]

Miami hasn't contacted Streeter in weeks. At this point, Streeter signing with anyone other than Carolina would be a steal in the other team's favor . . . and he hasn't even been to Columbia, yet. Carolina is way out in front.

maybe Streeter hasn't had an official or unofficial visit, but didn't he come down during last spring and watch a practice or two??

[Williams-Brice]

maybe Streeter hasn't had an official or unofficial visit, but didn't he come down during last spring and watch a practice or two??

Coming for a practice or two would be an unofficial visit. That may have happened, but I've been told he hasn't been here before. I could be wrong.

[WayzUp]

Anyone gots any Kenneth Page updates to share?

[Wynnco.com]

December 08, 2007
Williams Commits To USC
By Phil Kornblut

OL Elliott Williams (6-5 270) of Woodstock, GA committed to USC Saturday picking the Gamecocks over Auburn. "I just felt like it was the right place," Williams said Saturday night after playing in a basketball game. "The stadium is huge, the crowd is great. I loved the atmosphere." Williams was on hand when the Gameoccks play Florida at Williams-Brice Stadium last month. Williams said his commitment is solid and won't visit any other schools. He will make his official visit to USC January 11th. He's the 17 verbal commitment for the Gamecocks and plans to play offensive tackle.

[Wynnco.com]

December 09, 2007
Mains Makes A Switch
By Phil Kornblut

DE Anthony Mains ( 6-6 220) of Naples, FL has switched his commitment from South Florida to Wisconsin according to an internet report, and Mains said he's closed down his recruiting. Mains was scheduled to visit USC January 11th.

[Wynnco.com]

December 09, 2007
Moore Plans Decision This Week
By Phil Kornblut

WR D.L. Moore (6-5 188) of Bowling Green, KY plans to announce a decision this week from among USC, Colorado and Purdue. Moore said he would "just let the coaches know" Thursday or Friday. He said there's no lean towards any of the three right now. "It's up to me and my family because they are moving to where ever I go," Moore said. USC recruiters Steve Spurrier Jr. and John Hunt visited Moore last week. Purdue head coach Joe Tiller is scheduled for an in home visit Monday. No other head coaches are expected to visit before his announcement Moore said. This season Moore caught 60 passes for 1300 yards and 14 touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

December 09, 2007
Brown Says Clemson Leads
By Phil Kornblut

WR Jaron Brown (6-3 190) of Cheraw said Sunday night Clemson is out front of USC right now as he tries to sort out his recruiting. "I'm leaning more towards the in state schools right now," Brown said. "And I'm leaning more towards Clemson right now but I have to see how the whole thing turns out. I'm looking at receiver depth and the chance to play early." Brown was visited last week by recruiters from Clemson, USC, Tennessee and West Virginia. Clemson recruiter Dabo Swinney plans to visit with his parents Tuesday while Brown is in Spartanburg with the Shrine Bowl team. Brown plans to make official visits to USC January 11th, Clemson on the 18th and Tennessee on the 25th and is working to set up a visit to West Virginia.

[Wynnco.com]

December 09, 2007
Quinn Makes Visit To 'Bama
By Phil Kornblut

LB Robert Quinn (6-6 255) of Fort Dorchester made an official visit to Alabama over the weekend along with his parents and sister. "I went fine," Quinn said Sunday night. "I was there this past summer. I know some of the players and some of the signing players coming up. I got a feel for the town and the people around there. I was with coach (Burton) burns most of the time. I went to coach Saban's house Sunday and I talked to him on Saturday. He's a coach I can be around." Quinn said he will schedule official visits with Auburn and North Carolina. He's not sure about an official visit to USC. "It's right up the road and I've been there enough," he said. "I know what they have to offer." Quinn said he does not have a favorite. He was picked for the Shrine Bowl but can't play due to the brain surgery he underwent in late October. He does plan to attend the game Saturday.

[Williams-Brice]

Anyone gots any Kenneth Page updates to share?

He would sign with Tennessee if today was signing day.

[lacene]

He would sign with Tennessee if today was signing day.

This may be bad news for us, because the word out is he will announce today...

[raptorcox]

December 09, 2007
Moore Plans Decision This Week
By Phil Kornblut

WR D.L. Moore (6-5 188) of Bowling Green, KY plans to announce a decision this week from among USC, Colorado and Purdue. Moore said he would "just let the coaches know" Thursday or Friday. He said there's no lean towards any of the three right now. "It's up to me and my family because they are moving to where ever I go," Moore said. USC recruiters Steve Spurrier Jr. and John Hunt visited Moore last week. Purdue head coach Joe Tiller is scheduled for an in home visit Monday. No other head coaches are expected to visit before his announcement Moore said. This season Moore caught 60 passes for 1300 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Gamecocks????

[Williams-Brice]

Gamecocks????

Definitely.

[lacene]

DE Markus White committed to FSU today..........sux.

[Williams-Brice]

DE Markus White committed to FSU today..........sux.

F$U is his dream school, so it's hard to be upset. F$U didn't want him out of high school. We did, but he couldn't qualify anywhere. F$U offered him during his JUCO year, and no matter how hard we recruited him, he just couldn't turn down his dream school.

[WayzUp]

He would sign with Tennessee if today was signing day.

Has he made an official visit to us or does he plan to? I haven't been following recruiting as closely this year so excuse me if this has already been said.

[Wynnco.com]

December 10, 2007
USC A Finalist For Abrams-Ward
By Phil Kornblut

ATH E.J. Abrams-Ward (6-5 215) of Thomasville, NC said Monday after Shrine Bowl practice he has narrowed his list to USC, North Carolina, Tennessee and Boston College. Ward said he will visit North Carolina Janury 11th, Tennessee on the 18th, either USC or Boston College during the middle of the next week, and the other one he will visit the weekend of January 25th. Ward is playing outside linebacker for the Tar Heels this week. He also can play quarterback or receiver and he said the Gamecocks are recruiting him for both of those spots. Tennessee and North Carolina like him as a receiver and Boston College is recruiting him strictly as a quarterback. Abrams-Ward said he would make his decision soon after his final visit.

[Wynnco.com]

December 10, 2007
Moore Having More Meetings This Week
By Phil Kornblut

WR D.L. Moore (6-5 188) of Bowling Green, KY was not able to meet with Purdue head coach Joe Tiller Monday because fog prevented the coach from flying in. And Moore said Monday he will meet with recruiters from all three of his finalists this week before making a decision either Friday or Monday. Coaches from Colorado will visit Wednesday. Purdue will be in Thursday. And USC recruiters John Hunt and Steve Spurrier Jr. will visit Friday. "These meetings will have an impact on my decision," Moore said. Moore took official visits to each of his finalists.

[Wynnco.com]

December 10, 2007
Spurrier Meets With Big Georgia Lineman
By Phil Kornblut

USC coach Steve Spurrier had an person visit last Thursday with DL Ronald Byrd (6-7 260) of Hogansville, GA Byrd's coach Pete Wiggins said Monday. "If he came by the school he's must be pretty interested," Wiggins said of Spurrier. "Ronald was excited about that visit. He's excited about all the schools that have offered." USC has not officially offered because they are waiting on Byrd's test results. And Byrd won't set his official visits until the scores are back. Wiggins said Byrd does have offers from Arkansas, Louisville, Purdue, Indiana, Marshall, Troy and Georgia Southern.

[Wynnco.com]

December 10, 2007
Lawrence To Meet Spurrier
By Phil Kornblut

USC head coach Steve Spurrier will have his in person meeting with WR T.J. Lawrence (6-2 190) of Lakeland, FL Wednesday. Lawrence said the meeting will take place at his school. Lawrence has taken an official visit to Virginia Tech. He will visit Florida January 11th and USC January 18th. He does not claim a favorite. This season Lawrence had 70 receptions for 800 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.

[lacene]

Well, apparently the word on the street about Page announcing yesterday was bogus....

[WayzUp]

Well, apparently the word on the street about Page announcing yesterday was bogus....
Guess so....even yesterday or the few days before i heard it was Monday DECEMBER 17 that he was going to announce anyway so maybe some peeps got their Monday's mixed up. :wacko:

[Wynnco.com]

December 12, 2007
McAdoo Set On Four Visits
By Phil Kornblut

DE Michael McAdoo (6-7 218) of Antioch, TN has set four official visits with the first this weekend at Kentucky. He will visit North Carolina January 11th, USC on the 18th and Vanderbilt January 25th. He's unsure about his fifth visit. Coaches from USC, Vanderbilt, Louisville, Kentucky and North Carolina have been in to visit McAdoo. He calls Vanderbilt his favorite followed by USC, Kentucky and North Carolina. "It's because of their education, their degree, and how easy it would be for me to find a job," McAdoo said.

[Wynnco.com]

December 12, 2007
Lucas Lands First Major Offer
By Phil Kornblut

LB Sterling Lucas (6-2 220) of Orangeburg-Wilkinson has been one of the rising stars of Shrine Bowl Week in Spartanburg, and his work has paid off with an offer from Michigan State. That's his first major offer. He also has one from SC State while Clemson, USC, NC State and Maryland appear close to offering according to Lucas. He has not set any official visits. This season Lucas had 161 total tackles with 5 sacks.

[Wynnco.com]

December 12, 2007
Coaches Dropping In On Lewis
By Phil Kornblut

DB Carlton Lewis (6-3 190) of St. Augustine, FL will play in a state championship game this weekend. Mixed in with his game preparations have been several visits from college recruiters. Clemson's Dabo Swinney was in for a visit Monday and last Thursday. USC's Steve Spurrier Jr. visited him Monday of last week. And coaches from Vanderbilt, Florida International and South Florida also have been by. Lewis will take an official visit to Clemson January 11th and USC January 18th. Those are his two favorites. "They are kind of neck and neck right now," Lewis said. "Clemson is recruiting me as a safety and South Carolina as a receiver. I like playing both." Lewis said he will set an official visit with South Florida. He said Tommy Bowden and Steve Spurrier will make their in home visits in January.

[Wynnco.com]

December 12, 2007
Spurrier Visits Highly Recruited Linebacker
By Phil Kornblut

The courtship of LB Lerentee McCray (6-2 208) of Dunnellon, FL by Miami is over, and so is his commitment to the Hurricanes, and other schools are moving in including USC. Gamecock head coach Steve Spurrier and recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. met with McCray Wednesday at his school. "We just talked about the season from this year," McCray said. "He (Spurrier) just elaborated on coach Nix leaving and hiring a new defensive coordinator. He said he probably won't be able to hire one until after the season because the one he probably hires is in a bowl game. He said he would be a real good defensive coordinator. He also talked about their linebackers overall and Jasper Brinkley coming back." McCray has taken official visits to LSU and Tennessee and will visit Florida State January 11th. He also will set visits with USC and Florida. Coaches from LSU, Florida and Florida State also have been in to see him. McCray, who has an aunt living in Columbia, committed to Miami in July but ended that relationship last week. "They recruited a couple of more linebackers than I thought they were," he said. "When they kept recruiting linebackers I just felt like I need to take some more visits and we just came to that understanding that we're going to part ways." McCray had 178 tackles and 7 sacks this season. He does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

December 12, 2007
Georgia Tech WR Considering USC Transfer
By Phil Kornblut

WR D.J. Donley (6-4 203), redshirted as a freshman at Georgia Tech this season, is considering transferring to USC according to a source familiar with his situation. With new coach Paul Johnson coming to Tech with his wishbone style of offense, Donley is looking for a program with a passing offense according to the source, and USC was one of his final three teams along with Florida before he signed with Georgia Tech last February. Donley played at Charlton County High School in Folkston, GA and for his career there had 88 catches for 1490 yards and 15 touchdowns. If Donley transfers to USC, he would have to sit out next season and would have three years to play three.

[pc72687]

When the whole DC thing is finalized I'm sure things will settle a little more and flow easier. Since that will be around the time recruiting heats up real big it could be the nudge we need to land some of these fence sitters.

[Williams-Brice]

Has he made an official visit to us or does he plan to? I haven't been following recruiting as closely this year so excuse me if this has already been said.

Yes, he took his official visit the weekend after the Clemson game.

[Wynnco.com]

December 13, 2007
Cooper Back In Mobile Thursday
By Phil Kornblut

Mobile, AL has been good to USC recruiter Ron Cooper in recent years and the Gamecocks' assistant head coach was back in that Gulf Coast city Thursday to meet with DE Glenn Harbin (6-5 245). "It went well," Harbin said of the meeting at his home. "We talked about the school and how the football program works there." Harbin also has had visits this week from North Carolina's Butch Davis and Alabama's Nick Saban. Harbin has all five of his visits set. He will go to Alabama on the 11th, North Carolina on the 18th, USC on the 21st, LSU on the 25th and Florida February 1st. He does not have a favorite. This season Harbin had 60 tackles with 9.5 sacks.

[Wynnco.com]

December 13, 2007
Green Gets Visit From USC Recruiter
By Phil Kornblut

RB Franklin Green (5-11 208) of Savannah received a visit last Friday from USC recruiter John Hunt. "He said they have two running backs committed and he was talking about the commitment thing," Green said. "I told him I was interested but I was going to take my time and evaluate things." Green has been committed to Florida since July and was visited by his Gator recruiter about two weeks ago. "I'm still committed to Florida but they are evaluating my transcripts," Green said. He has not scheduled his official visits. This season Green rushed for 1650 yards and 21 touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

December 13, 2007
Moore Holding Final Meetings
By Phil Kornblut

WR D.L. Moore (6-5 188) of Bowling Green, KY met Thursday at his school with Purdue head coach Joe Tiller and a Boilermaker assistant coach. "Everything went well," Moore said. They told me most of their receivers hold NCAA and Big Ten records." Friday Moore will be visited at school by USC receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr. as well as his recruiter from Colorado. Moore hopes to make a decision soon after Friday's meetings, possibly by Monday. "That will give me time to think about things over the weekend," Moore said. As of Thursday night, Moore said he did not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

December 14, 2007
Bell Commits To Auburn
By Phil Kornblut

USC and Clemson target DB T'Sharvan Bell (6-1 170) of Seminole, FL committed Friday to Auburn according to internet reports from sites which cover Auburn. Bell made official visits to all three schools.

[Wynnco.com]

December 14, 2007
Donley Considering Transfer Options
By Phil Kornblut

Georgia Tech WR D.J. Donley (6-4 203) continues to consider his options regarding a possible transfer due to the coaching change with the Yellow Jackets. "We've been talking on and off the last few days and he's not decided yet," said Donley's high school coach Rich McWhorter. "As of today he's still at Georgia Tech. Hopefully he'll decide real soon and go for there." Donley said Friday he has not yet asked for his release from Georgia Tech. Should Donley decide to transfer, USC is expected to be one of the schools he considers. His decision last year came down to Tech, USC and Florida. Donley was redshirted as a freshman this season.

[raptorcox]

OK, if the Virginia papers are correct, then Bud Foster contacted Spurrier and said he was staying put.

There are some other very strong candidates out there, but I admit I wanted Bud at USC.

Who else would yall like to see?

Also,wasn't Moore supposed to announce last week?

[Wynnco.com]

December 16, 2007
USC Out With Sanders
By Phil Kornblut

OL Zebrie Sanders (6-6 273) of Clayton, OH made an official visit to Louisville over the weekend. That was his fourth official visit. The others were to Florida, Georgia and LSU. Sanders said his fifth visit will be either UCLA or Florida State. USC had been recruiting him but Sanders said he's not longer considering the Gamecocks. He said Florida and Georgia remain his favorites.

[Wynnco.com]

December 16, 2007
Robinson Sets USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

OL Steven Robinson (6-3 305) of Tallahassee has scheduled his official visit with USC for January 16th. He has taken an official visit to Minnesota and is scheduled to visit South Florida January 11th. Robinson made an unofficial visit to USC in November and has had the Gamecocks at the top of his list.

[Wynnco.com]

December 16, 2007
Lucas Gains A Second Major Offer
By Phil Kornblut

Shrine Bowl Defensive MVP LB Sterling Lucas (6-2 220) of Orangeburg-Wilkinson has picked up a second major offer from NC State. He earlier received an offer from Michigan State. He also has an offer from SC State. Lucas said he will schedule official visits with NC State and Michigan State. USC also has been showing interest but has not yet offered.

[Wynnco.com]

December 16, 2007
Becton Makes His Decision
By Phil Kornblut

DL Nic Becton (6-6 291) of Wilmington, NC committed Sunday to Virginia Tech. "On my official visit (last weekend) I felt like it was the right place for me," Becton said. "I took a week to think about it and called the coaches today." Becton was an offensive lineman in the Shrine Bowl but said the Hokies recruited him for defense. He also took an official visit to NC State and had visits planned for USC and North Carolina. He said he will not take any more visits and is firm with his commitment.

[Wynnco.com]

December 16, 2007
Moore Will Announce Monday
By Phil Kornblut

WR D.L. Moore (6-5 188) of Bowling Green, KY said Sunday night he will make his college decision Monday between USC, Colorado and Purdue. Moore said he had not made his decision as of Sunday night and he did not indicate a leader. However, according to a USC source, the Gamecocks feel good about their chances. Moore said he talked to his Purdue recruiter Sunday and missed a call from USC head coach Steve Spurrier. He said he would just simply call the coaches sometime Monday night after his basketball practice to tell them of his decision.

[Wynnco.com]

December 17, 2007
USC Offers Junior Athlete
By Phil Kornblut

USC has offered junior ATH David Sims (6-0 208) of Calhoun County. USC likes him as a strong safety. He also has an offer from Kentucky and is drawing strong interest from Notre Dame. This past season Sims accounted for 2700 yards and 36 total touchdowns. And he intercepted six passes.

[Wynnco.com]

December 17, 2007
Moore Appears USC Bound
By Phil Kornblut

WR D.L. Moore (6-5 188) of Bowling Green, KY will announce his college choice tonight and as of Monday afternoon it looks like he will pick USC according to his coach. "I think D.L. was comfortable on h is visit to South Carolina and enjoyed his time at camp there this past summer," Kevin Wallace said. "He's felt that way for a long time. Every indication he's given us is he's going to commit to South Carolina." Moore also has been been considering Colorado and Purdue with the Buffaloes the other major factor according to Wallace. Moore caught 45 passes this season for 1047 yards and 18 touchdowns. He would become the Gamecocks' 18th commitment for the 2008 class.

[lacene]

December 17, 2007
Moore Commits To USC
By Phil Kornblut

WR D.L. Moore (6-5 188) of Bowling Green, KY has committed to USC over Colorado and Purdue. "I like coach Spurrier's energy and I like all the coaches," Moore said after his basketball practice Monday night. "I want to play in the SEC. I have good hands and the like to throw the ball to their receivers." Moore caught 63 passes for 1350 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. He becomes the 18th commitment for the Gamecocks.

[pc72687]

Well, hopefully this class has the big time reciever we haven't found since Rice left. McKinely is good but he needs someone else to compliment him or he'll never reach his full potential.

[scfan5338]

Well, hopefully this class has the big time reciever we haven't found since Rice left. McKinely is good but he needs someone else to compliment him or he'll never reach his full potential.

I think we found it in last year's class. I think Dion Lecron will be a stud, as will Chris Culliver. From this year's class, Charles Whitlock is going to be the Troy Williamson, except more reliable.

[raptorcox]

Yeah, WR is the one position I am VERY confident in right now.

I am more concerned with the defense and with who will throw the ball to those WR's.

[WayzUp]

Yeah, WR is the one position I am VERY confident in right now.

I am more concerned with the defense and with who will throw the ball to those WR's.
As long as our OL doesn't take half the year to figure out how to stop shouting "O'le!", Smelley, Beecher or Garcia should be more than adequate. McKinley & Lecorn I think have locked down the top WR spots and we don't lose any others so depth & experience should help in the receiving corp as a whole.

The defense should be ready to come into their own as we return most everyone so depth and experience should finally be on our side for once.

[lacene]

We're also still in the hunt for Tommy Streeter (6-5 200) and T. L. Lawrence (6-2 190). And don't forget about Jason Barnes (6-3 203) and Joe Hills (6-4 194), who's already on our team. Adding Moore (6-5 188) to the mix will give us one of the deepest WR lines in the nation......especially if McKinley returns for his senior season.....

[raptorcox]

don't forget Culliver......

[larryt4111]

We're also still in the hunt for Tommy Streeter (6-5 200) and T. L. Lawrence (6-2 190). And don't forget about Jason Barnes (6-3 203) and Joe Hills (6-4 194), who's already on our team. Adding Moore (6-5 188) to the mix will give us one of the deepest WR lines in the nation......especially if McKinley returns for his senior season.....
IF they can learn to catch the ball. We will be in good shape. With all the recievers that we had, it took us all year to establish a second WR in 07!:brick:

[Wynnco.com]

December 18, 2007
Top Junior Watches Tigers Practice
By Phil Kornblut

Junior ATH Stephon Gilmore (6-1 180) of South Pointe was at Clemson Saturday to watch the Tigers' bowl practice. Gilmore is regarded as one of the state's top juniors and already sports offers from Clemson, USC, NC State and Tennessee. He's also drawing early interest from Alabama and Florida. Playing quarterback this season Gilmore accounted for over 2100 yards and 24 touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

December 18, 2007
Savage Holding With Three Visits
By Phil Kornblut

DE Jamarcus Savage (6-3 262) of Huntsville, AL played Monday in the Alabama-Mississippi All Star Game and will now turn his attention to recruiting after the holidays. Savage still has USC on his list and said Gamecock recruiter Ron Cooper watched his all star game though he didn't get the chance to talk to him. Savage has not firmed up his official visit with the Gamecocks but is looking at January 25th for that trip. He will visit Auburn January 11th and Tennessee on the 18th. He does not plan to take any other visits though he said Mississippi State has started to show interest.

[Wynnco.com]

December 18, 2007
Quinn Returns To Action Wednesday
By Phil Kornblut

Fort Dorchester LB Robert Quinn (6-6 255) has not participated in a sporting event since undergoing emergency brain surgery for a benign tumor in late October. But Wednesday, he makes his return, in wrestling. Quinn said he will particpiate in his first wrestling practice that day, his first step toward getting back in condition towards continuing his football career. Quinn will continue his recruiting odyssey in January. He will take an official visit to Auburn on the 11th and one to North Carolina on the 18th. And he's talking about making a visit to USC as well but nothing has been set. Quinn took an officil visit to Alabama earlier this month. USC, Auburn, Alabama and North Carolina are his favorite four with no leader. Quinn was visited the end of last week by USC recruiter Shane Beamer. He was selected for the US Army All American Game and will attend but will not play.

[Wynnco.com]

December 18, 2007
Allen Trims List By Two
By Phil Kornblut

TE Dwayne Allen (6-4 240) of Fayetteville, NC has cut two teams from his list and he works on his plans for January official visits. Off his board are Florida and Virginia. That leaves USC, Clemson, North Carolina, Florida State and Virginia Tech vieing for his four January visits. Allen has visited Georgia and said he remains committed to the Bulldogs. Allen will play in the Under Armour All Star Game in Orlando and might decide on his other official visits during that week.

[Williams-Brice]

I think we found it in last year's class. I think Dion Lecron will be a stud, as will Chris Culliver. From this year's class, Charles Whitlock is going to be the Troy Williamson, except more reliable.

After hearing how he looked at the Shrine Bowl, I would be shocked if Whitlock ended up anywhere other than cornerback. He'll get a shot at WR, but I really think he'll find a home on defense and returning kicks.

[Williams-Brice]

Carolina leads for both Tommy Streeter and T.J. Lawrence. We've got some really good OL talent already on campus. We just need them to grow up and develop this off season.

[scfan5338]

After hearing how he looked at the Shrine Bowl, I would be shocked if Whitlock ended up anywhere other than cornerback. He'll get a shot at WR, but I really think he'll find a home on defense and returning kicks.

I thought we offered him the scholarship to play WR? Wasn't that the position that Spurrier wanted because he is so fast and we lack that? But ofcourse he wouldn't be a bad corner either. Either way, we got a stud in Whitlock.

December 18, 2007
Top Junior Watches Tigers Practice
By Phil Kornblut

Junior ATH Stephon Gilmore (6-1 180) of South Pointe was at Clemson Saturday to watch the Tigers' bowl practice. Gilmore is regarded as one of the state's top juniors and already sports offers from Clemson, USC, NC State and Tennessee. He's also drawing early interest from Alabama and Florida. Playing quarterback this season Gilmore accounted for over 2100 yards and 24 touchdowns.

I've seen this kid play last year as a sophomore as he was something special, I just can't imagine how good he is right now. Hopefully we can get this kid, he looks like clemson bound though.

[Williams-Brice]

I thought we offered him the scholarship to play WR? Wasn't that the position that Spurrier wanted because he is so fast and we lack that? But ofcourse he wouldn't be a bad corner either. Either way, we got a stud in Whitlock.

Yep, that's what we offered him as, and he'll start out there. However, I ultimately see him moving to corner. It really may depend on how far along guys like Hills, Culliver, and Jason Barnes come along in the spring. If you're looking at a receiving corps with 6 or 7 guys you can count on, and with guys like Streeter and Lawrence waiting in the wings, then you can afford to move some guys over to the defense, which is where I think you'll end up seeing Mark Barnes and Charles Whitlock.

[lacene]

Yep, that's what we offered him as, and he'll start out there. However, I ultimately see him moving to corner. It really may depend on how far along guys like Hills, Culliver, and Jason Barnes come along in the spring. If you're looking at a receiving corps with 6 or 7 guys you can count on, and with guys like Streeter and Lawrence waiting in the wings, then you can afford to move some guys over to the defense, which is where I think you'll end up seeing Mark Barnes and Charles Whitlock.

And Whitlock may not have an issue with that, if he sees it as the best way for him to get playing time. And don't forget, both Rivals and Scout has him as a top-10 ranked DB, nationally, so he couldn't possibly hurt us there.

Back to our OL growing up, and the Shrine Bowl: it was a bad break (literally) for T.J. Johnson getting injured during the game, but I'm getting more and more excited about him the more I read about him. Quite a lot of people (HS coaches, scouts, etc.) have been raving about him during his time at the game, and several have said Johnson was the standout OL there. Says he looks to be an excellent run blocker, with a great motor, and was making friends and showing himself as a future leader. Looks like our coaches found a diamond in the rough, once again!!

[pc72687]

IF they can learn to catch the ball. We will be in good shape. With all the recievers that we had, it took us all year to establish a second WR in 07!:brick:

Thanks Larry for seeing the same thing I was talking about. We have some of the best potential in WRs in the nation. Except for McKinley and Lecorn as of late (remember before midpoint of the season he was a "lock" for a redshirt) we have no consistent performers. The rest are on and off too much. Hopefully they can capitalize on their talent.

[raptorcox]

I still say it was more of a QB situation than it was a WR situation. Heck, it could even be an O-Line problem for not giving the WR's enough time.

Personally, I think we have several future NFL WR's on this team.

[FLgamecockJAX]

Now that we have hired BVG, will we be able to use his experience and aggressive defensive style of play to attract LB's Robert Quinn and Lerentee McCray?

[lacene]

I don't see how it could hurt us.....

[Wynnco.com]

December 19, 2007
Lyles Awaiting First Major Offer
By Phil Kornblut

Shrine Bowl WR Jordan Lyles (6-4 195) of Hartsville has joined the Red Foxes basketball team, and this spring will toe the rubber for the baseball team. The three sport standout caught 81 passes this season for 1400 yards and 24 touchdowns. He has received football offers from Presbyterian, The Citadel, Coastal Carolina and Elon. He has basketball offers from The College of Charleston, Francis Marion and The Citadel. And his baseball offers are from USC, Clemson, College of Charleston, Presbyterian, Wofford and Spartanburg Methodist JC. But Lyles is hoping for a football offer from a major college before moving forward with his plans. USC showed interest in him during the season but he's not heard from the Gamecocks since before the Shrine Bowl. He does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

December 19, 2007
Loftley Might Add Two More Visits
By Phil Kornblut

DL Taylor Loftley (6-2 255) of Chamblee, GA has official visits set with USC January 11th and Vanderbilt January 18th, and he's considering Central Florida and NC State for two more January visits. Loftley continues to favor USC and Vandy with no leader between them. He talked recently with recruiter Ron Cooper and was told defensive line coach Brad Lawing would make an in home visit after the dead period. He's not sure when Steve Spurrier will make his in home visit. This season Loftley had 50 tackles and 7 sacks.

[Wynnco.com]

December 19, 2007
USC Commitment Has Surgery
By Phil Kornblut

USC commitment OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor had surgery Wednesday in Conway for an injury he suffered in the first half ot the Shrine Bowl. Johnson broke the distal fibula in his left leg. "I was blocking and someone came in from the side and rolled over it," Johnson said. "I had surgery today (Wednesday). It went real well. The put screws and a plate in it. The doctors said there's a 100% success rate. I'll have hard cast on for four weeks and then have rehab." Johnson has set his official visit with USC for January 18th.

[scfan5338]

Are any of our commitments going to enroll early?

[Wynnco.com]

Are any of our commitments going to enroll early?

I read about several coming in next month. The ones I remember that are coming early were Whitlock, Wilson, and I think Hillary. May have been others. Merry Christmas!

[pc72687]

Can someone get us full list of early enrollments?

[lacene]

I also was understanding that McCollum was an early enrollee.....

[scfan5338]

It would be awesome if Whitlock and Hillary enrolled early. I hope Spurrier uses Hillary in the running style next year beacuse we need that.

[pc72687]

Hillary could be the ingredient we are missing. I think he is very underrated!

[Wynnco.com]

December 20, 2007
Crowder Sets USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

Shrine Bowl DE Allen Crowder (6-3 250) of Mebane, NC has set an official visit with USC for January 18th. He made two unofficial visits to see the Gamecocks during the season. He also has a visit set with East Carolina for January 11th and is also looking at Tennessee and Virginia Tech. "I'm still waiting it out and I want to take all my visits before I decide," Crowder said. "South Carolina says they really want me bad. They want me to come down and take an official visit and pick them. Virginia Tech said they have one more spot open and they want to look at my video. My coach says they are going to offer." Crowder also is hearing from Colorado. Of his favorites, USC and East Carolina are his only offers.

[Wynnco.com]

December 20, 2007
Reddick Eyeing Four For January
By Phil Kornblut

Shrine Bowl LB Kevin Reddick (6-2 215) of New Bern, NC has scheduled official visits with North Carolina January 11th and USC January 18th. He also will set dates with East Carolina and Tennessee. Those are the four schools he will focus on in January, and he does not have a favorite. "I'm going to choose where I feel at home and have a good relationship with the coaches," Reddick said. "I feel close to some of the South Carolina and North Carolina coaches." USC head coach Steve Spurrier made his in home visit with Reddick earlier this month. "I just started liking the school more after meeting with him," Reddick said. This season Reddick had 170 tackles and 12.5 sacks.

[Wynnco.com]

December 20, 2007
Offer List Grows For Lucas
By Phil Kornblut

Two more ACC programs have jumped in with offers for Shrine Bowl LB Sterling Lucas (6-2 220) of Orangeburg-Wilkinson. North Carolina and Maryland offered him in the past few days to join NC State and Michigan State as official offers. And he talked earlier this week with USC recruiter Shane Beamer. "He told me to hold on for a minute because they're getting a new defensive coordinator and he wants him to check me out," Lucas said. Lucas has scheduled official visits to NC State for January 11th, North Carolina January 18th and Michigan State January 25th. He does not claim a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

December 21, 2007
Bohannon Headed To SEC
By Phil Kornblut

DE Willie Bohannon (6-3 230) of Mobile, AL committed Friday night to Kentucky. "It seemed like the best place for me," Bohannon said. "Everyone else seemed to be dragging their feet." Bohannon drew spring time interest from Clemson but nothing from the Tigers during the season. And he said USC scouted him at the recent all star game but had not talked to him directly.

[pc72687]

Has anyone figured out for certain who are January enrollees?

[pc72687]

Found an answer to my own question. For all that are interested here they are:

Charles Whitlock
Shaq Wilson
Jay Spearman
Reid McCollum
Antonio Allen
Akeem Auguste
Eric Baker

[Williams-Brice]

Found an answer to my own question. For all that are interested here they are:

Charles Whitlock
Shaq Wilson
Jay Spearman
Reid McCollum
Antonio Allen
Akeem Auguste
Eric Baker

I don't know that any of these guys have qualified yet.

[Wynnco.com]

December 24, 2007
Mack Hoping For More Offers
By Phil Kornblut

Shrine Bowl DB Tony Mack (6-2 175) of Fort Dorchester was closely watched by recruiters during his practice week. He has offers from Rutgers, Maryland and Presbyterian and has heard from USC. "Coach Beamer said he wanted to watch me at the Shrine Bowl before deciding on an offer," Mack said. "I talked to Rutgers and they said they still want me to play cornerback and I would be a good fit." He plans to set an official visit with the Scarlet Knights. This season he had 45 tackles and 5 interceptions.

[Wynnco.com]

December 24, 2007
Page Recognized By Newspaper
By Phil Kornblut

AC Flora OL Kenneth Page (6-3 290) was selected by the Tampa Tribune for its Best of the South High School Football Team. The players will be featured in the paper's Christmas Day edition. Page has taken official visits to Notre Dame, Tennessee and South Carolina. He will visit Clemson January 11th and North Carolina on the 18th. "Everything is still the same," he said. "I talked to (Clemson assistant) coach Scott after a Shrine Bowl practice. I'm just looking at the academics and the coaching stabilty of the schools." Page said he does not have a favorite and does not have an announcement time set.

[Wynnco.com]

December 24, 2007
Another Big Offer For Jeffery
By Phil Kornblut

Columbia High junior DB Damrio Jeffery (6-3 195) has picked up his third major college offer from North Carolina. The Tar Heels join USC and Clemson has major offers for Jeffery who is expected to be one of the top players in South Carolina for 2008.

Caps senior Shrin Bowl ATH Justin Payne (5-9 160) has been offered by Georgia Southern and Liberty. This season Payne totaled 2300 yards and 23 touchdowns playing mostly quarterback for the Capitals.

Shrine Bowl LB Brian Harrison (5-11 187) of Orangeburg-Wilkinson has offers from Coastal Carolina and Mars Hill. He also is hearing from Winston-Salem Satse, North Carolina A&T, Georgia Southern and SC State.

[LSU PRIDE]

Those recruits were sold on Notre Dame. A coach goes out and sells the university to the recruit. That's part of the job. Those recruits along with Mr. Willingham were cheated. With so much parity in college football now, people don't go to a certain school because of tradition anymore. They wanna go to a place to win and get exposure so they can make a leap at the NFL.

:thumpsup: great points made

[lacene]

:thumpsup: great points made

wow, that's probably the oldest post here to be high-fived.....

:laugh:

[GatorBait15]

What page is that Neo post on so I can see how old it is haha, I love old post!

[lacene]

What page is that Neo post on so I can see how old it is haha, I love old post!

move your cursor over the little black arrow beside Neo's name in the quoted post, and click on it...it's a link back to the post it was quoted from.


Hint: it's on the very first page of this thread..... :ohmy:

[Williams-Brice]

I don't know that any of these guys have qualified yet.

Well, it looks like those guys have all qualified and will be able to enroll in January. I should have waited a few hours to post! It was looking like only 1 of those 3 would be able to enroll in January, but that has changed now.

[uscrules]

Great news, I think it shows a lot about a kid that goes out and does what he's supposed to do to get back on track.

[geechee]

I've always loved this thread. Over 10,000 posts and almost 350,000 views. Keep it up guys:thumpsup:

[GatorBait15]

it was from 04!

[geechee]

it was from 04!
That's the best part of following it. It's like the oldest thread on here that is updated on a regular basis.

[GatorBait15]

Yeah I see it all the time, I just never looked on how old it was wow! I don't think I was born yet !!!!

[Wynnco.com]

December 26, 2007
Streeter Hears From Gillespie
By Phil Kornblut

WR Tommy Streeter (6-5 200) of Miami talked with his USC recruiter Robert Gillespie on Christmas Day. "It was just a holiday call," Streeter said. He will make official visits to South Florida January 11th and USC January 18th. He has visited Boston College and is looking at Oregon and Connecticut for possible visits. Streeter said he has no favorite. He hinted he might be ready to make a decision after the USC visit. "I'll be close but I don't know if I'll be 100%," he said. Streeter's Northwestern High School team was named the #1 team in the country in the final USA Today ranking of high school teams.

[Wynnco.com]

December 26, 2007
Thompson Gets A Date With The Vols
By Phil Kornblut

DL Brandon Thompson (6-2 275) of Thomasville, GA has been planning to take a January official visit to Tennessee, and now he has a date set with the Vols. He will visit Knoxville January 11th. "I'm just going to check out the school and get a feel for everything," Thompson said. "I'll make my decision a week or two after the visit." It won't be his first trip to Knoxville. He made an unofficial visit to see the Vols play USC this season. Thompson has officially visited Clemson, LSU, Georgia Tech and Ohio State and said all four are still on his mind. He hasn't heard from Clemson since the start of the dead period, but "Clemson is still strong," he said.

[Wynnco.com]

December 26, 2007
Brown Makes Visit Adjustments
By Phil Kornblut

WR Jaron Brown (6-3 190) of Cheraw has added USC to his official visit calendar for January while temporarily removing Tennessee. Brown has set a visit to USC for January 11th. He will go to Clemson the following weekend. He plans to reset his visit to Tennessee and he might schedule a visit to Michigan. He spoke with new Michigan head coch Rich Rodriguez last week. "He seems pretty happy in Ann Arbor," Brown said of Rodriquez who had recruited him while he was at West Virginia. "He was just moving in and telling me about the coaching staff. He said he wanted to give me an opportunity to look at things Michigan and come up for an official visit. I'm still leaning towards Clemson but I have to see how things work out with my official visits. But I'm mainly looking at USC and Clemson."

[raptorcox]

Any more news on Tommy Streeter W-B? He is saying publicly that he has no favorite.

[GetEmGamecocks]

Why does it seem like we lose so many recruits to Clemson? Why would these high school guys want to smell the cow turds in Pickens County, and not experience all of the wonderful things the historical USC campus has to offer? I forgot to mention USC has SPURRIER, THE LORD OF COLLEGE COACHES AND CROWNED SAVIOR OF (the state of) SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL!

Does Clemson have better dorm rooms or something? Better facilities? Or just better overall recruiting? Or am I just missing something here? It's probably the latter, so please, someone, fill me in!

[Williams-Brice]

Any more news on Tommy Streeter W-B? He is saying publicly that he has no favorite.

The key word there is "publicly". Carolina is his favorite

[scfan5338]

Why does it seem like we lose so many recruits to Clemson? Why would these high school guys want to smell the cow turds in Pickens County, and not experience all of the wonderful things the historical USC campus has to offer? I forgot to mention USC has SPURRIER, THE LORD OF COLLEGE COACHES AND CROWNED SAVIOR OF (the state of) SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL!

Does Clemson have better dorm rooms or something? Better facilities? Or just better overall recruiting? Or am I just missing something here? It's probably the latter, so please, someone, fill me in!

I think the same exact thing! Look at the Top 100 this year and Clemson is a choice for A LOT of them, way way more so than USC. Clemson is more nationally recognized name then USC right now, or so it seems. Clemson is taking guys from FL and Bama. USC hasn't been able to get a lot of guys from Bama and LA area, where there is insane amount of talent. I hope we can change this, and it happen soon.

[raptorcox]

Then how do y'all explain our class last year being ranked way ahead of theirs?

How about the fact that in recent history our recruiting classes have typically been very close to theirs?

Clemson gets more instate players generally, but USC, not Clemson, gets more from Florida and the other goldmine states IMHO.

[scfan5338]

Then how do y'all explain our class last year being ranked way ahead of theirs?

How about the fact that in recent history our recruiting classes have typically been very close to theirs?

Clemson gets more instate players generally, but USC, not Clemson, gets more from Florida and the other goldmine states IMHO.

Now that Spurrier is here we will start to get better athletes than then no doubt. I hate that we can't recruit in the state of SC because we are missing out on Bowers, Ellington among others. Clemson's been able to recruit Bama really well and they got Spiller out of florida couple years ago.

It's not a matter of the classes being ranked higher than the other, but its that more athletes are intersted in Clemson than in USC. If you look up on Rivals top 100 or for that matter the rivals 250, you'll see that there are way more athletes intersted in Clemson than in USC. We have to fix that, start recruting nationally.

[Williams-Brice]

Most of those guys who have Clemson listed on their Rivals profile aren't deeply interested in Clemson. Their coaching staff really throws out scholarships as feelers, and then they go after the ones that are interested. A lot of those guys were offered by Clemson very early. Most of those guys on Rivals have Clemson in their top 8, but nothing more. Our staff scouts players deeply, and they do so with greater depth than Clemson's. You would have never seen Clemson going after a guys like Captain Munnerlyn et al. Our coaches take more time to scout a player before they offer a scholarship. Clemson is more interested in throwing the scholarship out there to get their name in the hat and then scouting the player.

Our staff has been playing catch up ever since they got here. They had two months to put their first class together, had a solid class the next year, and had a great class last year. This year is a bit unique in that most of the top kids in the state have pre-existing feelings towards certain schools. AJ Green grew up loving UGA. Dalton Freeman and the Bowers kid grew up loving Clemson. Those kids weren't coming to USC or any other school, regardless of the efforts of any other coaching staff.

As we prepare for 2009 recruiting to start, it appears as though USC has finally caught up in the recruiting game. The staff was in place to scout these kids for their entire high school career, and they are offering kids earlier than they have since arriving here. On top of that, it appears as these kids aren't life-long Clemson fans. Carolina has a very real chance of signing a Top 10 class next year. Last year was great. This year is solid. Next year has a chance to be like last year.

[Williams-Brice]

Also, let me point out that while our coaches have had to play catch up with top prospects, it has allowed Carolina to sign some real diamonds in the rough, like Munnerlyn and Darian Stewart. On the other hand, Clemson has taken and will take several overrated players because they extended committable offers to players before scouting players in depth. For example, Branden Ford and Andre Ellington looked average at best at the Shrine Bowl. Both looked nowhere near 4-star players, and Carolina backed off both of them considerably after watching them recently.

[uscrules]

I agree WB, too many times a kid gets the stars because he was in the right place at the right time. Say he was at a school that needed a LB and he was the best of the school as a sophmore, gets the start and is never pushed for the job until he graduates. Rivals looks at this as, this guy is got to be grreat, he started three years, bang he is a shrine bowl player and gets his stars. On the other hand, say a school is loaded with athletes and he has to wait his turn or is slow developing, he maybe only starts his senior season, but has a tremendous year, chances are he won't have the stars but often times is the better athlete than the kid that started. Scouting the players is so important in recruiting, I have seen too many 4 star players that never lived up to their stars. Sidney Rice and Ko Simpson, both in the pros, neither were highly recruited out of high school. I trust Spurrier to make the right decisions.

[lacene]

I agree WB, too many times a kid gets the stars because he was in the right place at the right time. Say he was at a school that needed a LB and he was the best of the school as a sophmore, gets the start and is never pushed for the job until he graduates. Rivals looks at this as, this guy is got to be grreat, he started three years, bang he is a shrine bowl player and gets his stars. On the other hand, say a school is loaded with athletes and he has to wait his turn or is slow developing, he maybe only starts his senior season, but has a tremendous year, chances are he won't have the stars but often times is the better athlete than the kid that started. Scouting the players is so important in recruiting, I have seen too many 4 star players that never lived up to their stars. Sidney Rice and Ko Simpson, both in the pros, neither were highly recruited out of high school. I trust Spurrier to make the right decisions.

It doesn't matter if your school's team is low on talent at your position, allowing you to start earlier. If you play against the competition well enough to warrant playing in the Shrine Bowl, or earning other individual honors, then you're a great talent, and probably worthy of your star rating. If you're simply just the "lesser of various evils" that your HS team has at your position, you'll get to start every year, but also will probably get your butt beat on the field of endeavor, which won't win you much attention from top programs....

Rivals and Scout interview coaches and recruiters, find out who their top prospects and "must have" blue-chippers are, and make lists. They establish a top list of the most commonly mentioned prospects, and even contact those prospects to find out who's offered them or recruiting them. Then any teams they hadn't already contacted, they do that and compile more data to their lists.

The prospects that are the most highly recruited and regarded by the top-level programs get rated the highest. You won't find any 2* or 3* recruits with a long list of top-25 teams that offered, and you won't find any 4* or 5* prospects that only have 2 or 3 division 1A schools offering. Every year, there'll be a 2* or 3* recruit who'll rise up out of nowhere, and become a star. And likewise, there'll be 5* studs that will wind up duds. Even Div. 1A HC's make mistakes, sometimes.......

[raptorcox]

However they do it, it has been repeatedly proven that the star rankings are little more than a GUESS and mean absolutely nothing at the college level.

[Wynnco.com]

December 28, 2007
Taylor Sticking With Virginia Tech
By Phil Kornblut

Shrine Bowl LB Bruce Taylor (6-2 230) of Myrtle Beach says he remains firmly committed to Virginia Tech and will not take any other visits in January other than the one to Blacksburg on the 18th. Taylor had considered a visit to USC but he says now that won't happen. "My committment to Virginia Tech is 100% solid," Taylor said. Taylor finished the season with 188 tackles and 30 tackles for loss.

[Wynnco.com]

December 28, 2007
Harbin Unchanged With Visit Plans
By Phil Kornblut

DE Glenn Harbin (6-5 245) of Mobile, AL is sticking with his official visit schedule as set out prior to the holidays. He will go to Alabama January 11th, North Carolina on the 18th, USC on the 21st, LSU on the 25th and Florida February 1st. Harbin said he's not heard from any coaches since the break and he doesn't have a favorite. Harbin said he'll base his decision on a couple of factors. "I'll be looking at the area and how well I like it," Harbin said, "and I'll be looking at the coaches. I think I have a good relationship with (USC recruiter) coach Cooper." This season Harbin had 60 tackles and 9.5 sacks.

[lacene]

However they do it, it has been repeatedly proven that the star rankings are little more than a GUESS and mean absolutely nothing at the college level.

when was that proven?

[scfan5338]

However they do it, it has been repeatedly proven that the star rankings are little more than a GUESS and mean absolutely nothing at the college level.

If you look at the Top 10 or Top 20 players, a lot of them succed at the college level and become great pros.

[Williams-Brice]

However they do it, it has been repeatedly proven that the star rankings are little more than a GUESS and mean absolutely nothing at the college level.

Hmmmm . . . seems to me that schools like Southern Cal, Texas, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, and Ohio State are usually in the Top 10 in both season polls and recruiting polls. There's as close to a direct correlation between traditional Top 10 recruiting classes and Top 10 on the field ranking as you can get.

[raptorcox]

Hmmmm . . . seems to me that schools like Southern Cal, Texas, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, and Ohio State are usually in the Top 10 in both season polls and recruiting polls. There's as close to a direct correlation between traditional Top 10 recruiting classes and Top 10 on the field ranking as you can get.

If that correlation was precise, then the teams you named would win the National Championship every year and teams that recruit 3 star athletes would never win or have great seasons.

For that matter, if the star system were so precise, then there wouldn't even be a need to play the games. Heck, just compare the two teams recruiting rankings over the past 4 years and the one with the higher star average would be the winner.

Simply put, given the chance to recruit a class full of 5 star recruits versus the chance to recruit a class full of 3 star recruits, then anyone would rather have the class of 5 star recruits, but it is not an exact science and as mentioned before, is an educated GUESS, nothing more.

[raptorcox]

In 2006 the Gators won the National Championship.

2005 Recruiting Class = ranked 15th
2004 Recruiting Class = ranked 7th
2003 Recruiting Class = ranked 2nd
2002 Recruiting Class = ranked 20th

Average Ranking for the team = 11th


So my point is that it obviously takes great recruiting to succeed, but if recruiting were an exact science, then the 10 teams that averaged better recruiting over that 4 year period would have finished ahead of the Gators instead of them winning the Title.

For the record, that OSU team that they CRUSHED in the 2006 Title Game:

2005 Recruiting Class = ranked 12th
2004 Recruiting Class = ranked 9th
2003 Recruiting Class = ranked 41st
2002 Recruiting Class = ranked 5th

Average Ranking for the team = ranked 17th


Now, obviously averaging 11th ranked is better than averaging 17th ranked, but the numbers are also skewed by the one year that OSU was ranked very low. Simply put, OSU's class was ranked higher than Florida's 2 of the 4 years, yet the game wasn't even close.

[lacene]

In 2006 the Gators won the National Championship.

2005 Recruiting Class = ranked 15th
2004 Recruiting Class = ranked 7th
2003 Recruiting Class = ranked 2nd
2002 Recruiting Class = ranked 20th

Average Ranking for the team = 11th


So my point is that it obviously takes great recruiting to succeed, but if recruiting were an exact science, then the 10 teams that averaged better recruiting over that 4 year period would have finished ahead of the Gators instead of them winning the Title.

For the record, that OSU team that they CRUSHED in the 2006 Title Game:

2005 Recruiting Class = ranked 12th
2004 Recruiting Class = ranked 9th
2003 Recruiting Class = ranked 41st
2002 Recruiting Class = ranked 5th

Average Ranking for the team = ranked 17th


Now, obviously averaging 11th ranked is better than averaging 17th ranked, but the numbers are also skewed by the one year that OSU was ranked very low. Simply put, OSU's class was ranked higher than Florida's 2 of the 4 years, yet the game wasn't even close.

But the problem is, one minute you're saying that star ratings mean NOTHING, then you make a case against star ratings by saying it's not a "precise science". You're making two entirely different arguments to prove one point. I don't think anyone is saying that star ratings are 100% precise, or even that they mean EVERYTHING. But just that they represent a fairly accurate enough indication of a prospect's potential to be used as a reference for us fans.

Check this out: the top 15 draft picks by the NFL last draft, and their star ratings by Rivals:

01. QB JaMarcus Russell(JR) - Oakland Raiders - 4*
02. WR Calvin Johnson(JR) - Detroit Lions - 4*
03. OT Joe Thomas(SR) - Cleveland Browns - 4*
04. DE Gaines Adams(RS.SR) - Tampa Bay Bucs - 3*
05. OT Levi Brown(RS.SR) - Arizona Cardinals - 4*
06. S LaRon Landry(SR) - Washington Redskins - 4*
07. RB Adrian Peterson(JR) - Minnesota Vikings - 5*
08. DE Jamaal Anderson(JR) - Atlanta Falcons - 2*
09. WR Ted Ginn Jr.(JR) - Miami Dolphins - 5*
10. DT Amobi Okoye(SR) - Houston Texans - 2*
11. LB Patrick Willis(SR) - San Francisco 49ers - 3*
12. RB Marshawn Lynch(JR) - Buffalo Bills - 4*
13. DE Adam Carriker(RS.SR) - St. Louis Rams - 3*
14. CB Darrelle Revis(JR) - New York Jets - 3*
15. LB Lawrence Timmons(JR) - Pittsburgh Steelers - 4*

That's 9 players drafted, or 60%, that was rated 4* or higher as prep players. You'll find other top NFL draft picks for previous seasons with even better % than this one. Once again, Rivals and Scout don't spend much time sending their own evaluators to scout players and rate them. They base their ratings mostly on the opinions of coaches and recruiters that scout them, who are employed by the programs that typically field the teams ranked in the top 25, and who usually have the more successful seasons. The vast % of the ratings are based on what coaches like our Steve Spurrier think of them. That's the closest we'll get to "expert" opinions on these players. No, not an exact science by any means, but the star ratings do mean SOMETHING......

[Williams-Brice]

If that correlation was precise, then the teams you named would win the National Championship every year and teams that recruit 3 star athletes would never win or have great seasons.

Since the turn of the century, the teams I listed have won the championship each year. The only team I didn't include was Miami. Also, those teams all had several 3-star players. Just because a team has a high recruiting ranking doesn't mean they don't have 3-star players in their class.

2006 - Florida
2005 - Texas
2004 - Southern California
2003 - LSU
2002 - Ohio State
2001 - Miami
2000 - Oklahoma

For that matter, if the star system were so precise, then there wouldn't even be a need to play the games. Heck, just compare the two teams recruiting rankings over the past 4 years and the one with the higher star average would be the winner.

I never said it was precise. I said it was as close to a direct correlation as you could get. There are 5-star guys who never amount to anything, and there are 2-star guys who shock the football world. However, teams that traditionally have high recruiting rankings end up having better teams.

[raptorcox]

Good replies.

Sure they mean "something" as I likely overspoke to make my point, but even in your replies you showed how many 2 and 3 star players made the pros. We could also list how many 4 star players did NOT make the pros, but that would take way too much research and the main points have already been proven IMHO.

So yes, they do mean "something," but not nearly as much as us fans pretend that they do. The star rankings are more for our discussion and something fun to look at, but we have all mentioned that trusting your coach and letting them get who they want regardless of their star rankings is what matters.

They could completely do away with those star rankings and all it would affect is "us fans." The coaches still know who they want and would still recruit those guys.

These star rankings are a way to make sites like rivals and scout a lot of money as fans on message boards flock to them taking what they say as the gospel.

[Williams-Brice]

Good replies.

Sure they mean "something" as I likely overspoke to make my point, but even in your replies you showed how many 2 and 3 star players made the pros. We could also list how many 4 star players did NOT make the pros, but that would take way too much research and the main points have already been proven IMHO.

So yes, they do mean "something," but not nearly as much as us fans pretend that they do. The star rankings are more for our discussion and something fun to look at, but we have all mentioned that trusting your coach and letting them get who they want regardless of their star rankings is what matters.

Right. I'm more concerned with a staff's ability to scout players and get the guys they want. Rivals wasn't very high on the two quarterbacks we're going to sign this year, but those are the only two quarterbacks Spurrier went after this year. That means something to me. Also, we're going to sign the majority of the other skill players we have been on from the beginning. All of the offensive linemen we'll sign are guys that we've been on from the beginning, as well. We've had targets pick other schools along the way, but we haven't had to start recruiting "Plan B" players because "Plan A" got away.

That being said, the rankings do mean something, as you said. While Rivals may miss on guys and overrate others, I'm not concerned with one kid's rating. Bringing in a whole class of highly rated guys increases the chance that you're getting a group of really good football players. Having said that, Spurrier and VanGorder's opinion trumps that of Rivals, and that's what I really care about.

They could completely do away with those star rankings and all it would affect is "us fans." The coaches still know who they want and would still recruit those guys.

It would affect the fans and Charlie Weis. Jaba recruits based on star ratings.

These star rankings are a way to make sites like rivals and scout a lot of money as fans on message boards flock to them taking what they say as the gospel.

Right again. Anything to make a buck.

[uscrules]

Bottom line on all of the recruiting, whether he is a 4 star or a 2 star, they are all kids and the last time I checked they have to continue to grow and mature. They are people, not machines and if they have speed, quickness, size, and any other things necessary to achieve their goals, through hard work they can become that football player at the next level. If they loaf, and have an attitude then they probably won't make it. That being said, I will take the 4 star over the 2 star, because somebody has took the time to look at the kid and knows he has the talent to make a difference.

[gamecockvic]

But the problem is, one minute you're saying that star ratings mean NOTHING, then you make a case against star ratings by saying it's not a "precise science". You're making two entirely different arguments to prove one point. I don't think anyone is saying that star ratings are 100% precise, or even that they mean EVERYTHING. But just that they represent a fairly accurate enough indication of a prospect's potential to be used as a reference for us fans.

Check this out: the top 15 draft picks by the NFL last draft, and their star ratings by Rivals:

01. QB JaMarcus Russell(JR) - Oakland Raiders - 4*
02. WR Calvin Johnson(JR) - Detroit Lions - 4*
03. OT Joe Thomas(SR) - Cleveland Browns - 4*
04. DE Gaines Adams(RS.SR) - Tampa Bay Bucs - 3*
05. OT Levi Brown(RS.SR) - Arizona Cardinals - 4*
06. S LaRon Landry(SR) - Washington Redskins - 4*
07. RB Adrian Peterson(JR) - Minnesota Vikings - 5*
08. DE Jamaal Anderson(JR) - Atlanta Falcons - 2*
09. WR Ted Ginn Jr.(JR) - Miami Dolphins - 5*
10. DT Amobi Okoye(SR) - Houston Texans - 2*
11. LB Patrick Willis(SR) - San Francisco 49ers - 3*
12. RB Marshawn Lynch(JR) - Buffalo Bills - 4*
13. DE Adam Carriker(RS.SR) - St. Louis Rams - 3*
14. CB Darrelle Revis(JR) - New York Jets - 3*
15. LB Lawrence Timmons(JR) - Pittsburgh Steelers - 4*

That's 9 players drafted, or 60%, that was rated 4* or higher as prep players. You'll find other top NFL draft picks for previous seasons with even better % than this one. Once again, Rivals and Scout don't spend much time sending their own evaluators to scout players and rate them. They base their ratings mostly on the opinions of coaches and recruiters that scout them, who are employed by the programs that typically field the teams ranked in the top 25, and who usually have the more successful seasons. The vast % of the ratings are based on what coaches like our Steve Spurrier think of them. That's the closest we'll get to "expert" opinions on these players. No, not an exact science by any means, but the star ratings do mean SOMETHING......

I can't disagree totally with anything that has been said. But, I think you hit it when you said POTENTIAL is what is being measured. Just like life, some people overachieve and others underachieve. Some coaches, and bosses, get more out of their people. And there is also the factor of who calls better plays and utilizes the talent they have. We do need to recruit those with the potential to be great and hope HBC can motivate them to succeed.

Go Cocks!

[Wynnco.com]

December 30, 2007
Lucas Hears Again From Beamer
By Phil Kornblut

Shrine Bowl LB Sterling Lucas (6-2 220) of Orangeburg-Wilkinson heard earlier this week from USC recruiter Shane Beamer and the Gamecock assistant continued to express his interest in Lucas. "They have a new defensive coordinator and they are going to evaluate things and get back to me," Lucas said. "They don't want to offer any more defensive players until they get with him." Lucas has set official visits with NC State January 11th, North Carolina January 18th and Michigan State January 25th. He's also looking at Maryland for a visit and will take one to USC if one is offered.

[Wynnco.com]

December 30, 2007
Hunt Picks Up Mattes For USC
By Phil Kornblut

USC offensive line coach John Hunt has taken over the recruiting of Shrine Bowl OL R.J. Mattes (6-7 285) of Concord, NC in place of former Gamecock recruiter Fred Chatham. Mattes said he talked to Hunt last week. He also talked with Clemson recruiter Billy Napier as well as recruiters from his other finalists...Virginia, NC State and North Carolina. Mattes has official visits left with Clemson January 11th and USC January 18th. He plans to make his decision "as soon as possible" after his USC visit. "I'm looking at the coaches and at which school I get along best with the players," Mattes said. "Every one rolls out the red carpet so I really can't judge a favorite so far because each is so different." Mattes was a late invite to the US All American All Star Game but turned it down because of other commitments.

[roosterbooster]

In 2006 the Gators won the National Championship.

2005 Recruiting Class = ranked 15th
2004 Recruiting Class = ranked 7th
2003 Recruiting Class = ranked 2nd
2002 Recruiting Class = ranked 20th

Average Ranking for the team = 11th


So my point is that it obviously takes great recruiting to succeed, but if recruiting were an exact science, then the 10 teams that averaged better recruiting over that 4 year period would have finished ahead of the Gators instead of them winning the Title.

For the record, that OSU team that they CRUSHED in the 2006 Title Game:

2005 Recruiting Class = ranked 12th
2004 Recruiting Class = ranked 9th
2003 Recruiting Class = ranked 41st
2002 Recruiting Class = ranked 5th

Average Ranking for the team = ranked 17th


Now, obviously averaging 11th ranked is better than averaging 17th ranked, but the numbers are also skewed by the one year that OSU was ranked very low. Simply put, OSU's class was ranked higher than Florida's 2 of the 4 years, yet the game wasn't even close.

Add to that the fact that over those 4 years our average rank was 19 and you can really have something to talk about.

[raptorcox]

Athlete Brandon Smith (4 star).....

I know some have said they feel confident he will be a Gamecock in the past, but what about now?

He is allegedly making his pick known this coming Saturday and Michigan just won and made a statement IMHO.

Add to that the fact that Nix is no longer at USC.

Will he still be a Gamecock?

[Williams-Brice]

Athlete Brandon Smith (4 star).....

I know some have said they feel confident he will be a Gamecock in the past, but what about now?

He is allegedly making his pick known this coming Saturday and Michigan just won and made a statement IMHO.

Add to that the fact that Nix is no longer at USC.

Will he still be a Gamecock?

Nix is no longer at USC, but Michigan doesn't even have a defensive coordinator or a linebackers coach as of yet. I'm confident USC will land him, but there are just as many people saying he's going to pick Michigan as there are people saying he'll pick USC. I'm just going to wait until Saturday to call this one because he seems to be telling different people different stories.

[nellanaesp]

Nix is no longer at USC, but Michigan doesn't even have a defensive coordinator or a linebackers coach as of yet. I'm confident USC will land him, but there are just as many people saying he's going to pick Michigan as there are people saying he'll pick USC. I'm just going to wait until Saturday to call this one because he seems to be telling different people different stories.

What are you talking about? A defensive coordinator for USC? We've already got one . . .

[Williams-Brice]

Raptorcox was asking if Nix no longer being at USC would have an impact on Brandon Smith and would, in turn, sway Smith to Michigan. I was saying that I doubt that could have an effect on Smith because Michigan doesn't have a defensive coordinator or a linebackers coach at this point.

[lacene]

What are you talking about? A defensive coordinator for USC? We've already got one . . .

read it again, this time slooowly.....

[Wynnco.com]

December 31, 2007
Smith To Announce Saturday
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Brandon Smith (6-3 210) of New Brunswick, NJ plans to make his college announcement Saturday during the telecast of the U.S. Army All America Game in San Antonio his grandmother said Monday. Smith took official visits to USC, Rutgers, Michigan and Colorado. Sources close to USC indicate the Gamecocks feel good about their chances to land Smith. "They are recruiting me as a true athlete," Smith said of the Gamecocks following his November official visit. "They just want me to come in and play."

[pc72687]

When does this quite period end, I know its close at hand but not certain on the actual date?

[WayzUp]

When does this quite period end, I know its close at hand but not certain on the actual date?

August 1 - November 25, 2006 - Quiet Period

September - October, 2006 - Evaluation Period

For six days, selected at the discretion of the university, during the month of September to the last Saturday in November an authorized off-campus recruiter may visit a prospective student-athletes education institution once.

November 26 - February 3, 2007 - Contact Period

Six in-person off-campus contacts per prospective student-athlete are permitted during this time period, except for A-E below. Only one contact per calendar week per student-athlete is permitted. Once a calendar week is up, the student can be contacted again.

A. December 17, 2006 - Quiet Period

The last day to make in-person recruiting contacts, evaluate student athletes on or off campus and permit official or unofficial visits for one week.

B. December 19 - January 4, 2007 - Dead Period

In person contacts on university campus are only permitted.

C. January 5-7, 2007 - Quiet Period

D. January 8-11, 2007 - Dead Period

Institutional staff members may have contact with a prospect who has been admitted for mid-year enrollment, provided the prospect has signed a National Letter of Intent or other offer of admission and/or financial aid to attend the institution and is required to be on campus to attend institutional orientation sessions for all students.

E. January 12-13, 2007 - Quiet Period

February 4, 2007 - Quiet Period
February 5-8, 2007 - Dead Period

February 2, 2007 - Letter of Intent Day

Student athletes from around the nation fax and/or send their letter of intent to the school of their choice.

February 9 - April 14, 2007 - Quiet Period

April 15 - May 31, 2007 - Evaluation Period

Four weeks (excluding Memorial Day and Sundays) are selected at the discretion of the university for an authorized off-campus recruiter to assess a prospective student-athlete's athletic and academic ability. One evaluation may be used to asses the student's athletic ability and one evaluation period may be used to assess the student's academic qualification. The two tasks may not be combined.

These weeks must be in writing per NCAA rules.

A. Non-Evaluation Days - Quiet Period

The days in April/May of 2006 not designated for evaluation opportunities.

June 1 - July 31, 2007 - Quiet Period

The last day to make in-person recruiting contacts, evaluate student athletes on or off campus and permit official or unofficial visits until September.

[nellanaesp]

Ah . . I get it :happy: I guess I should keep up with the thread before I try to figure out what it's talking about :laugh:

[Wynnco.com]

January 02, 2008
Hatcker Might Take More Visits
By Phil Kornblut

DB Karnell Hatcher (6-2 190) of Delray Beach, FL has been committed to LSU since November, but USC and Clemson have been in touch recently and he's considering taking visits with both this month though no dates have been set. "I feel like I'm firm with LSU," Hatcher said. "I probably won't take any more visits. But I don't know, I might change my mind." Hatcher said he talked with USC recruiter Robert Gillespie around Christmas and Clemson recruiter Ron West a couple of days ago. Both encouraged him to take official visits to check out their programs. Hatcher has taken official visits to LSU, Michigan and South Florida. This season at safety Hatcher totaled 65 tackles and 3 interceptions.

[Williams-Brice]

An update on Smith . . .

Whether he picks USC or Michigan is a toss up. When he was here for his visit and when he has talked with the coaches since then, he has given our coaches every indication that he will announce in our favor this weekend. However, some recent comments have a lot of people thinking he is headed to Ann Arbor

Right now, I'm still fairly confident that he's going to be choosing Carolina, but keep in mind that Carlos Dunlap told our coaches the exact same thing during the final month of his recruitment. We'll see. Saturday is almost here, and I'm more concerned with Jacksonville beating the Steelers than I am with prospects who tell different coaches different stories. I'm not stressing over him right now.

[Williams-Brice]

It looks like Kenneth Page will choose between Tennessee and USC, and I don't have any kind of feel for it. Clemson is still a factor, and UNC is getting his final official visit. I don't buy into the "final visit is the best visit" philosophy, as I've said here many times. However, Page has been floored by just about every visit he has taken. He'll visit UNC on January 18, so there will still be 2 weeks between the visit and NSD.

I mentally wrote Page off several months ago, so based on that I'm kind of surprised we're still hanging in there. I think deep down he wants to stay in-state, but on the surface he wants to get away from home. He's another wait and see guy, and he may draw it out until NSD.

[Wynnco.com]

January 03, 2008
Donley Still Considering Transferring
By Phil Kornblut

Georgia Tech WR D.J. Donley (6-4 203) is still pondering his future which includes a possible transfer to USC. Donley's mother said Thursday her son is "close to a decision." Donley contacted USC about a transfer shortly after the coaching change and was told the Gamecocks could not talk to him until he received his release. That release has not been granted by new coach Paul Johnson and Donley will have to go thru an appeal to gain his release. Once that is done he is expected to be recruited by the Gamecocks. Donley played this season as a true fresman. If he transfers, he would have to sit out next season and would have three years to play three.

[Wynnco.com]

January 03, 2008
Byrd Will Visit USC
By Phil Kornblut

DL Ronald Byrd (6-7 260) of Hogansville, GA has scheduled an official visit with USC for later this month according to his coach Pete Wiggins, but the coach wasn't sure of the date. The coach said he believes Byrd also has a visit set with Louisville. He has not talked to Byrd since the holiday break and will get with him next week to firm up his plans. USC head coach Steve Spurrier visited Byrd at school prior to the break. "He (Byrd) seems interested in South Carolina and they like him," Wiggins said.

[Wynnco.com]

January 03, 2008
Thomas Sets USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

LB Jacoby Thomas (6-0 232) of Mobile, AL has set an official visit with USC for January 11th. That's the first visit he has scheduled. He also plans to set a visit with Alabama.

[Wynnco.com]

January 03, 2008
USC Trailing For Quinn
By Phil Kornblut

Fort Dorchester LB Robert Quinn (6-6 255) will be in San Antonio this weekend for the U.S. Army All American Game as a spectator. Quinn was selected for the game but because of the emergency brain surgery he underwent in October he is not playing in the game. Quinn has taken an official visit to Alabama and has two visits scheduled for January. He goes to Auburn January 11th and North Carolina January 18th. USC continues to recruit Quinn hard. Recruiter Shane Beamer met with him just before the holiday break and has kept in touch. But right now Quinn doesn't have the Gamecocks in his top three. "I'm not trying to cancel them out," Quinn said of USC. "When I went to Alabama, and Auburn, and North Carolina, it felt like home to me and I felt comfortable there. That's what I'm looking for. I just feel like I belong there at those three places." Quinn made several unofficial visits to USC for games and did not absolutely rule out the Gamecocks for a visit. He has talked recently with Beamer along with his recruiters from his other favorites.

[Wynnco.com]

January 03, 2008
Two Team Decision For Smith
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Brandon Smith (6-3 210) of New Brunswick, NJ will announce his college decision Saturday during the U.S. Army All American Game in San Antonio, and his decision will come down to two schools according to his mother. "I know it's between South Carolina and Michigan," Cheryl Smith said Thursday night after arriving at her hotel in San Antonio. "He hasn't talked about it a lot. It doesn't matter to me. I'll be happy wherever he goes." Smith took official visits to USC, Michigan, Rutgers and Colorado. He also considered Boston College, West Virginia and Michigan State.

[waldo]

Who is this Sleeper tight end that I am hearing about WB? They have an article on the scout.com under the gamecock site.

[JerryBeeds]

January 03, 2008
Two Team Decision For Smith
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Brandon Smith (6-3 210) of New Brunswick, NJ will announce his college decision Saturday during the U.S. Army All American Game in San Antonio, and his decision will come down to two schools according to his mother. "I know it's between South Carolina and Michigan," Cheryl Smith said Thursday night after arriving at her hotel in San Antonio. "He hasn't talked about it a lot. It doesn't matter to me. I'll be happy wherever he goes." Smith took official visits to USC, Michigan, Rutgers and Colorado. He also considered Boston College, West Virginia and Michigan State.

I would love to land this kid but I think he's going to Michigan.:brick:

[Williams-Brice]

Who is this Sleeper tight end that I am hearing about WB? They have an article on the scout.com under the gamecock site.

His name is Bo Reliford. I believe Carolina offered him a few weeks ago. He has offers from Carolina, Miami, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Georgia Tech. He's 6'6" 235 and runs a 4.8. I think academics are a concern, as he hasn't taken the SAT or ACT at this point. He sounds like a sign and place to me.

[CarolinaGrad07]

January 03, 2008
Two Team Decision For Smith
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Brandon Smith (6-3 210) of New Brunswick, NJ will announce his college decision Saturday during the U.S. Army All American Game in San Antonio, and his decision will come down to two schools according to his mother. "I know it's between South Carolina and Michigan," Cheryl Smith said Thursday night after arriving at her hotel in San Antonio. "He hasn't talked about it a lot. It doesn't matter to me. I'll be happy wherever he goes." Smith took official visits to USC, Michigan, Rutgers and Colorado. He also considered Boston College, West Virginia and Michigan State.

I cant seem to find this kid anywhere in the databases, (rivals or scout) why is that?

[lacene]

I cant seem to find this kid anywhere in the databases, (rivals or scout) why is that?


Brandon Smith - Football Recruiting (http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=54880)

Scout.com: Brandon Smith Profile (http://southcarolina.scout.com/a.z?s=184&p=8&c=1&nid=1964639)

[lacene]

Posted on Sat, Jan. 05, 2008

USC seeks late push in recruiting

Gamecocks barely in top 30 with a month to go before signing day

By JOSEPH PERSON - jperson@thestate.com


South Carolina hopes to finish recruiting season stronger than it closed the regular season.

With about a month remaining before National Signing Day on Feb. 6, USC is ranked outside the top 25 by both of the chief recruiting services. The Gamecocks, with 18 nonbinding, oral commitments, are rated 29th by Rivals.com and 30th by Scout.com.

Recruiting experts say USC, which dropped its final five games after a 6-1 start, is not likely to crack the top 20. Steve Spurrier and his staff landed a top-10 class a year ago, the highest-rated in school history.

“Overall, it’s a good group. They should close pretty well,” Scout.com national recruiting director Jamie Newberg said. “Finishing the year the way they did certainly is not going to help.”

USC expects to sign 24 players, including four who signed with the Gamecocks previously but did not qualify. That group includes three members of the 2007 recruiting class who played at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy this past fall — tailback Eric Baker and defensive backs Akeem Auguste and Antonio Allen.

Rivals rates all three among its top 23 prep-school prospects. Fork Union coach John Shuman said Friday the players hope to enroll at USC this month, but they have yet to be cleared academically.

Georgia Military defensive end Jarriel King, part of Spurrier’s first USC class in 2005, was dismissed from his junior-college team in August after stealing $5 from a teammate. Georgia Military coach Bert Williams said King is on track to finish his two-year degree in March and remains committed to the Gamecocks.

Williams believes the incident “woke up” King, a North Charleston native who is not ranked by Rivals because he sat out during the fall.

“He’s a freaky talent. He’s 6-6, 290, maybe taller than that. He can run like crazy,” Williams said. “I think he was the top-rated D-line prospect in the country going into the season.”

The Gamecocks’ highest-rated high school recruit is Chester cornerback Charles Whitlock, a four-star prospect who turned heads during practices for today’s Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando, Fla.

“Whitlock has looked really good,” Newberg said. “He’s consistently been one of the top two or three corners here, and there’s some good talent here.”

Newberg also likes linebacker Shaq Wilson, a USC commitment from Jacksonville, Fla.; Scout.com national recruiting analyst Jeremy Crabtree believes Atlanta-area tailback Kenneth Miles could be the sleeper of the Gamecocks’ class.

Other notable recruits USC is in the running for include A.C. Flora offensive lineman Kenneth Page, receivers T.J. Lawrence and Tommy Streeter of Florida, and New Jersey athlete Brandon Smith, who will announce his choice between USC and Michigan during today’s telecast of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

But Newberg said the Gamecocks’ biggest commitment could prove to be new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder. Newberg lived in Atlanta when VanGorder ran Georgia’s defense from 2001 to 2004 and believes players will be excited about playing in VanGorder’s 4-3 scheme.

“I think you’re really going to see that boost their recruiting in the future,” Newberg said. “Now, these kids might not remember what he did at Georgia, but after one year they’ll know.”

In the meantime, Spurrier hopes the Gamecocks will have a strong finishing kick.

“It seems like most schools are almost filled up. But there are still a lot of players that haven’t done anything,” Spurrier said recently. “There are still a whole bunch of good players out there that want to go through the visits in January.”

Though six SEC schools — not to mention Clemson — currently are ranked higher than the Gamecocks, Rivals’ Crabtree does not view that as a reason for USC fans to mope.

“You can finish seventh in the SEC and still have a top-30 recruiting class,” Crabtree said. “If you’re in that range that means you’re signing a good group of kids, and I have no doubts that they’re going to have a good class come signing day.”

The State | 01/05/2008 | USC seeks late push in recruiting (http://www.thestate.com/gamecocks/story/275521.html)

[Wynnco.com]

January 04, 2008
Smith Keeping All In Suspense
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Brandon Smith (6-3 210) of New Brunswick, NJ is one of seven major prospects expected to announce their college decision Saturday during the telecast of the U.S. Army All American Game on NBC. The exact point in the game when he'll make his announcement between USC and Michigan has not been determined. "We're all going to find out at the same time," Smith's mother, Cheryl, said Friday afternoon. "I have a clue but I can't pick it. I think he really likes South Carolina. I wouldn't be blown over if he picks South Carolina tomorrow. I wouldn't be blown over at all. But, he hasn't told me. I really like coach Reaves and coach Spurrier. Coach Reaves has done a great recruiting job."

[pc72687]

Well at least we have something to keep us on the edge of our seat today because today's and tommorrows college football games are a joke!

[Williams-Brice]

Smith picked Michigan. Forgive me for thinking the kid is classless. He told our coaches he was coming to Carolina.

[Wynnco.com]

NBC brings bad news to USC, Tigers

Phil Kornblut
Recruiting Buzz


SATURDAY’S TELECAST of the U.S. Army All American Game in San Antonio brought nothing but bad news to USC and Clemson fans. Besides showcasing some of the top players in the country, the NBC telecast is set up to allow players to go public with their college choice. Eight players took advantage of the air time.

Defensive back Brandon Smith (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) of New Brunswick, N.J., was the second to announce.

“Next year I’ll be a Wolverine, baby,” Smith said, choosing Michigan over USC and Rutgers. USC had felt good about their chances with Smith, and his mother said Friday: “I think he really likes South Carolina. I wouldn’t be blown over if he picks South Carolina.”

Gamecock recruiter David Reaves is expected to continue to work Smith in an effort to turn him.

Early in the third quarter, defensive lineman A.J. Harmon (6-5, 325) of Louisville, Ga., a longtime Clemson commitment, stood before the cameras, and to the dismay of Tiger fans everywhere, put on a Georgia cap exclaiming, “I’m doing this for my city.”

Of course, a few weeks ago when Harmon talked about his commitment to Clemson differently.

“I know where my heart is at, and it’s 100-percent Clemson,” Harmon said then. “I’m not considering Georgia or anybody else at all. I’m 100-percent solid with Clemson.”

Later Saturday, Harmon told the Augusta Chronicle: “After I talked to Clemson and let them know