Last week, we took a look at five prospects making a name for themselves this fall with their play on the gridiron. Today, we do the same. Six more prospects worth shining a light on with their performances through the month of September:
1. WR Stephen Denmark (6-3, 200, Tallahassee Rickards) – Rickards is off to a 4-0 start on the season, and coming off a stunning 43-42 triple overtime upset of Lincoln last week. A big reason for the Raiders' success is Denmark, who has already grabbed 20 receptions for 484 yards and six scores through four games. Denmark's stats are backed up by excellent Nike SPARQ testing numbers from the spring: a 4.70 40, 4.44 seconds in the short shuttle and a 36.5" vertical leap. Clearly a name to watch moving forward. Denmark doesn't look particularly "sudden" on film, but he does have enough size, speed and leaping ability to help stretch a defense from an outside receiver position.
2. TE Elkanah Dillon (6-5, 220, Ocala Vanguard) – With so few tight ends in the state of Florida, Dillon figures to pick up interest as he continues to pile up numbers this season. Through five games, Dillon has 22 receptions for 304 yards and six touchdowns for Vanguard. Good athlete for his size. He's a long, athletic player on film. More receiver than tight end at this point, but the frame is there. Looks like a small forward playing football, to be frank. He certainly seems to have more upside than a prospect like Moral Stephens in the Class of 2014.
3. Malik Robinson (6-7, 260, Tampa Freedom) – Robinson plays tight end and defensive end at the prep level. He's athletic for his size, but a bit lumbering to play those positions at the college level? Offensive tackle? Now that makes a lot more sense. Add 30 pounds to Robinson, and watch out! Definitely a bit of a project, but Robinson is a player with quite a bit of upside if the right team can tap into it.
4. OL R.J. Scaife (6-6, 260, Dade City Pasco) – Another Tampa-area big body who is primed to play major college football. Scaife has played tight end and on the defensive line for Pasco, but has now settled in at offensive tackle, where he projects to play on the next level. Scaife obviously has good length and moves well for his size. College recruiters are quite familiar with Pasco, so Scaife figures to see his recruitment pick up at some point in the near future.
5. DB JyQuis Thomas (6-1, 184, Plant City) – Has nice combo of size and speed (4.59 40) at the defensive back position. Has filled up the stat sheet so far this fall: 28 tackles (3.0 for loss), 1 interception, 3 PBU, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked punt and a sack on the season through four games. Plays for a program that has produced a lot of talent in recent years. He's a physical and willing tackler on film. Not on the level of a Matt Elam, for instance, but if a team is looking at him to play corner, he's well above average for what is expected out of that position in terms of tackling ability.
6. WR/TE Jordan Franks (6-4, 210, Crawfordville Wakulla) – The brother of standout 2016 QB prospect Feleipe Franks, Jordan has been impressing in his own right this fall as the brothers have made for a prolific duo through the air. Franks has 37 receptions for 669 yards and 6 scores through the first five games as Wakulla is off to a 5-0 start. Franks would obviously fit into the "move" or "joker" tight end trend that has evolved in recent years.
Showing posts with label Robinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robinson. Show all posts
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Recruiting News & Notes, 9/17
– Florida RB Dalvin Cook took a visit to Texas over the weekend. Just in time to see what could be the last vestiges of the Mack Brown era as the Longhorns dropped a 44-23 decision to Ole Miss. Both Texas and USC have continued to try and position themselves with Cook, and it appears both will end up getting official visits from the five-star back. Still, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of concern from the UF perspective with anything Cook is doing. For now, at least.
– On Sunday night, we discussed the continued role of Nick Washington and Ahmad Fulwood in the recruiting game for Florida. 2014 UF pledge Quincy Wilson has also followed in those footsteps and been an active presence in the recruitments of Ermon Lane and Chris Lammons as well. Now, C'yontai Lewis appears to be making a move on this front as well.
Lewis, has gotten to know McAdory (Ala.) lineman Cory Thomas through their shared recruitments (both have been pursued heavily by both Florida and Mississippi State.) Now, he's making an interesting prediction as to where Thomas will end up:
Long thought to be a Mississippi State lean, Thomas has since backed away from the stance. With the Bulldogs rough start to the season, perhaps Florida is looking like a much more attractive option for the 6-foot-6, 270-pound prospect?
– Last week, we took a look at offensive line recruiting for Florida, and what direction the Gators might decide to go in, in the wake of Benjamin Knox's de-commitment. The JUCO route would make a lot of sense for UF at this point, and former FSU/Notre Dame lineman Jordan Prestwood is playing out at Arizona Western C.C., apparently in position to enroll in January with three years of eligibility remaining. Prestwood was named in the above-linked piece as the #1 prospect on the list in line to get an offer. Well, guess what? The 6-foot-6, 310-pound prospect picked up tenders from Cal, Ole Miss and (gasp!) Florida State on Monday. Could the Gators be next to jump into the mix for the Plant City product?
– Going back to Tuesday's update on Florida stands with the Class of 2015, one of top corners on the board has cut his list to 10. Tyrek Cole (5-11, 170, Miramar) is one of the top three corners on the board for UF among the junior class. The Gators are clearly making him a priority, and he seems to be returning the favor at the moment:
– Lastly, a quick update on the top remaining prospects on the board for Florida. Amended to 9/17. Not many changes, although there have been a few additions (former TCU DT commit Zaycoven Henderson and Louisiana LB prospect Kenny Young among them.)
– On Sunday night, we discussed the continued role of Nick Washington and Ahmad Fulwood in the recruiting game for Florida. 2014 UF pledge Quincy Wilson has also followed in those footsteps and been an active presence in the recruitments of Ermon Lane and Chris Lammons as well. Now, C'yontai Lewis appears to be making a move on this front as well.
Lewis, has gotten to know McAdory (Ala.) lineman Cory Thomas through their shared recruitments (both have been pursued heavily by both Florida and Mississippi State.) Now, he's making an interesting prediction as to where Thomas will end up:
Cory gone be a Gator🐊 w/m watch..
— Bigg Cee (@idunklewis) September 16, 2013
Long thought to be a Mississippi State lean, Thomas has since backed away from the stance. With the Bulldogs rough start to the season, perhaps Florida is looking like a much more attractive option for the 6-foot-6, 270-pound prospect?
– Last week, we took a look at offensive line recruiting for Florida, and what direction the Gators might decide to go in, in the wake of Benjamin Knox's de-commitment. The JUCO route would make a lot of sense for UF at this point, and former FSU/Notre Dame lineman Jordan Prestwood is playing out at Arizona Western C.C., apparently in position to enroll in January with three years of eligibility remaining. Prestwood was named in the above-linked piece as the #1 prospect on the list in line to get an offer. Well, guess what? The 6-foot-6, 310-pound prospect picked up tenders from Cal, Ole Miss and (gasp!) Florida State on Monday. Could the Gators be next to jump into the mix for the Plant City product?
– Going back to Tuesday's update on Florida stands with the Class of 2015, one of top corners on the board has cut his list to 10. Tyrek Cole (5-11, 170, Miramar) is one of the top three corners on the board for UF among the junior class. The Gators are clearly making him a priority, and he seems to be returning the favor at the moment:
My top ten 1⃣0⃣😎🏈 Colleges pic.twitter.com/Ges6JNLrkW
— Tyrek cole (@Cole_island) September 17, 2013
– Lastly, a quick update on the top remaining prospects on the board for Florida. Amended to 9/17. Not many changes, although there have been a few additions (former TCU DT commit Zaycoven Henderson and Louisiana LB prospect Kenny Young among them.)
1. DB Jamal Adams
2. DE Lorenzo Carter
3. DB Adoree' Jackson
4. OL David Sharpe
4. OL David Sharpe
5. WR Travis Rudolph
6. LB Dwight Williams
7. DE Lorenzo Featherston
8. DE Cory Thomas
9. RB Bo Scarbrough (Alabama)
9. RB Bo Scarbrough (Alabama)
10. TE Deandre Goolsby
11. RB Joe Mixon
12. DB Jalen Tabor
13. OL Jordan Sims
14. WR Artavis Scott (Clemson)
15. DT Thomas Holley
12. DB Jalen Tabor
13. OL Jordan Sims
14. WR Artavis Scott (Clemson)
15. DT Thomas Holley
16. OL Damien Mama
17. LB: Raekwon McMillan
17. LB: Raekwon McMillan
18. DE Da'Shawn Hand
19. LB Clifton Garrett
20. DE Richard Yeargin (Notre Dame)
21. DT Zaycoven Henderson
20. DE Richard Yeargin (Notre Dame)
21. DT Zaycoven Henderson
22. LB Nyles Morgan
23. DE Dewayne Hendrix
24. DE Jacob Pugh (Florida State)
25. OL Trevor Darling (Miami)
26. DT Davon Godchaux
27. DE Malik McDowell
26. DT Davon Godchaux
27. DE Malik McDowell
28. WR Josh Malone
29. DT Gerald Willis
30. RB Leonard Fournette
31. WR Speedy Noil
32. DT Anthony Moten
33. LB Kenny Young
34. WR Johnnie Dixon
34. WR Johnnie Dixon
35. DB Marlon Humphrey
36. DT Jarran Reed
36. DT Jarran Reed
37. RB Tony James
38. DE Rohan Blackwood (Wisconsin)
39. TE Ravian Pierce
40. RB Cortavious Givens
41. DT Jeremy Patterson
42. TE Montez Sweat
43. DT Daniel CageThursday, September 12, 2013
UF Recruiting News & Notes, 9/12
– With this being Florida's first bye week of the fall, it should come as no surprise that the UF staff has begun to hit the recruiting trail in earnest.
Muschamp and Gators DB coach Travaris Robinson were assuredly at the game to check in on DT commit Khairi Clark, among others.
Clark, for his part, seemed to appreciate the gesture:
Muschamp later made his way to Central vs. Coral Reef, where he watched a pair of Florida commitments – 2014 RB Dalvin Cook along with 2015 WR Da'Vante Phillips:
Cook, it should be noted, finished with 162 yards and three touchdowns on just nine carries in a 49-0 win for Miami Central.
Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin was also out and about on Thursday night:
The Gators have been working hard on McMillan, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound bowling ball from Hinesville (Ga.) Liberty County. However, UF has yet to actually break his top three schools, which presently include Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State.
– Big defensive line prospect Cory Thomas out of McCalla, Ala. also has some big news from the Florida perspective ($), according to Paul Jones of 247.
"I have already set up one of my official visits, too, and that is to Florida when they play Florida State on Nov. 30th," Thomas told Jones.
Mississippi State was believed to be the leader coming out of the summer, but it appears the Bulldogs are falling back to the pack a little bit. Getting Thomas on campus for an unofficial visit as well (such as the Tennessee game next weekend), would be vital to Florida's chances of making a move for the 6-foot-6, 270-pounder.
– Thomas isn't the only big name to make a date on an official visit to Florida, as five-star Lorenzo Carter has also set his official visit for the Tennessee game.
This is certainly an interesting ploy by the Muschamp & Co. Florida had the momentum in the summer, but Carter has since backed off public comments proclaiming UF as his leader. If the Florida staff feels they can get him back on campus at least one more time – and preferably for another game – then I don't see the problem with lining up the first official visit. But this could be a critical time for the 6-foot-5, 235-pound pass-rusher, who is generally considered as one of the consensus top-three prospects on the board for Florida in the Class of 2014. He doesn't make-or-break this class, but Carter is a very critical recruit to the UF efforts, as he brings incredible athleticism and length to the position. He would be a phenomenal addition to the UF defensive end corps. The Gators are battling Alabama and Georgia for the five-star prospect.
– I posted earlier this week about how vital the Tampa-area was shaping up to be for the future, because of the presence a trio of talented 2015 prospects in LB Jaye Miner (Wiregrass Ranch), QB James Pensyl (Land O'Lakes) and RB T.J. Simmons (Lakeland Christian.) All three have had impressive starts to the season. Well, a few other names in the 2015 class have popped up in the same region.
QB Christian Alexander, a teammate of Simmons at Lakeland Christian, may prove to be the other big name at quarterback for 2015, along with Pensyl. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound prospect has thrown for 300 yards and three touchdowns against one interception through two games (58.8% comp.) Through just over two years of varsity competition, Alexander has thrown for 3,887 yards on 407 attempts (55.8% completion percentage). He's also tossed 49 touchdowns against just 16 interceptions. It should be noted that former star UF quarterback Wayne Peace coaches both Alexander and Simmons at Lakeland Christian.
Over at Tarpon Springs, RB Michael Ford (5-10, 205) has quickly emerged with a hot start to the season, rushing for 355 yards on 37 carries (9.6 avg.) and six touchdowns through just two games. Ford joins an already talented group of backs emerging in-state of next year, including the aforementioned Simmons, James Allen (Citra North Marion), Karan Higdon (Sarasota), Jacques Patrick (Orlando Timber Creek) and Jordan Scarlett (Ft. Lauderdale University School.)
Finally, although he projects as a receiver at the next level, Deon Cain of Tampa Bay Tech has gotten off to a hot start from the QB position. Cain has completed 30-of-47 passes (63.9% comp.) for 379 yards and six touchdowns against a single interception. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Cain has also contributed 185 yards on 22 carries as the Titans have gotten off to a 1-1 start.
– And while this actually applies to the 2016 class, keep an eye on Tampa Blake sophomore pass-rusher Shavar Manuel. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder has already recorded five sacks through two games. He will likely prove to be the next big-time defensive lineman to be recruited out of the Tampa area.
Will Muschamp and TROB here at Gulliver vs Chaminade. #khairiclark
— Geoff Vogt (@GeoffVogt16) September 12, 2013
Muschamp and Gators DB coach Travaris Robinson were assuredly at the game to check in on DT commit Khairi Clark, among others.
Clark, for his part, seemed to appreciate the gesture:
It felt real good to have Coach Will Muschamp and Coach Travaris Robinson at my game today watching me play #florida #gators #gatorboy 🐊🐊🐊
— Khairi Clark (@KhairiClark) September 12, 2013
Muschamp later made his way to Central vs. Coral Reef, where he watched a pair of Florida commitments – 2014 RB Dalvin Cook along with 2015 WR Da'Vante Phillips:
#UF #Gators coach Will Muschamp greeting Miami Central coaches as they head inside for halftime at Traz Powell. pic.twitter.com/HKpfK4GCk5
— David Furones (@DavidFurones90) September 13, 2013
Cook, it should be noted, finished with 162 yards and three touchdowns on just nine carries in a 49-0 win for Miami Central.
Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin was also out and about on Thursday night:
#Gators DC D.J. Durkin is out here watching 5* LB Raekwon McMillan tonight.
— Keith Niebuhr (@Niebuhr247) September 12, 2013
The Gators have been working hard on McMillan, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound bowling ball from Hinesville (Ga.) Liberty County. However, UF has yet to actually break his top three schools, which presently include Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State.
– Big defensive line prospect Cory Thomas out of McCalla, Ala. also has some big news from the Florida perspective ($), according to Paul Jones of 247.
"I have already set up one of my official visits, too, and that is to Florida when they play Florida State on Nov. 30th," Thomas told Jones.
Mississippi State was believed to be the leader coming out of the summer, but it appears the Bulldogs are falling back to the pack a little bit. Getting Thomas on campus for an unofficial visit as well (such as the Tennessee game next weekend), would be vital to Florida's chances of making a move for the 6-foot-6, 270-pounder.
– Thomas isn't the only big name to make a date on an official visit to Florida, as five-star Lorenzo Carter has also set his official visit for the Tennessee game.
Lorenzo Carter has set his #Florida official visit for the #Vols game next weekend. #Gators assumed leader but I've hunched #UGA for a bit
— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) September 11, 2013
This is certainly an interesting ploy by the Muschamp & Co. Florida had the momentum in the summer, but Carter has since backed off public comments proclaiming UF as his leader. If the Florida staff feels they can get him back on campus at least one more time – and preferably for another game – then I don't see the problem with lining up the first official visit. But this could be a critical time for the 6-foot-5, 235-pound pass-rusher, who is generally considered as one of the consensus top-three prospects on the board for Florida in the Class of 2014. He doesn't make-or-break this class, but Carter is a very critical recruit to the UF efforts, as he brings incredible athleticism and length to the position. He would be a phenomenal addition to the UF defensive end corps. The Gators are battling Alabama and Georgia for the five-star prospect.
– I posted earlier this week about how vital the Tampa-area was shaping up to be for the future, because of the presence a trio of talented 2015 prospects in LB Jaye Miner (Wiregrass Ranch), QB James Pensyl (Land O'Lakes) and RB T.J. Simmons (Lakeland Christian.) All three have had impressive starts to the season. Well, a few other names in the 2015 class have popped up in the same region.
QB Christian Alexander, a teammate of Simmons at Lakeland Christian, may prove to be the other big name at quarterback for 2015, along with Pensyl. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound prospect has thrown for 300 yards and three touchdowns against one interception through two games (58.8% comp.) Through just over two years of varsity competition, Alexander has thrown for 3,887 yards on 407 attempts (55.8% completion percentage). He's also tossed 49 touchdowns against just 16 interceptions. It should be noted that former star UF quarterback Wayne Peace coaches both Alexander and Simmons at Lakeland Christian.
Over at Tarpon Springs, RB Michael Ford (5-10, 205) has quickly emerged with a hot start to the season, rushing for 355 yards on 37 carries (9.6 avg.) and six touchdowns through just two games. Ford joins an already talented group of backs emerging in-state of next year, including the aforementioned Simmons, James Allen (Citra North Marion), Karan Higdon (Sarasota), Jacques Patrick (Orlando Timber Creek) and Jordan Scarlett (Ft. Lauderdale University School.)
Finally, although he projects as a receiver at the next level, Deon Cain of Tampa Bay Tech has gotten off to a hot start from the QB position. Cain has completed 30-of-47 passes (63.9% comp.) for 379 yards and six touchdowns against a single interception. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Cain has also contributed 185 yards on 22 carries as the Titans have gotten off to a 1-1 start.
– And while this actually applies to the 2016 class, keep an eye on Tampa Blake sophomore pass-rusher Shavar Manuel. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder has already recorded five sacks through two games. He will likely prove to be the next big-time defensive lineman to be recruited out of the Tampa area.
Friday, September 6, 2013
How much does the UF-UM game really mean to recruits?
Going into Saturday's in-state showdown between Florida and Miami, there are going to be plenty of predictable storylines over just how much this game means to the two programs as they square off over a number of prospects from around the Sunshine State (many of whom will be in attendance at Sun Life Stadium on Saturday.) But is that really the case? How much does this game ultimately mean in the decision-making prospects of the top seniors who make the trip to Miami Gardens?
The answer, in the big picture, is "probably not much."
I look back to one of the first feature articles I wrote for recruiting, entitled "A Battle for the Hearts and Minds." It's on a site I refuse to link in this blog, but a quick Google search of "battle for the hearts and minds gators" will bring it up if you wish to give it a look.
The piece centers on the Florida-Miami game in 2008, and how many key prospects that both schools were targeting planned to attend the game. Now, keep in mind, there were other recruiting battles that had already concluded (defensive tackle Curtis Porter, for instance, had already picked Miami over Florida. He will compete for the 'Canes on Saturday as a redshirt senior.) I'm also not aware how many of these prospects actually showed up to the Swamp on Sept. 6, 2008, and I have no intention of going back to research it all. However, let's use the 14 prospects featured in the article as a small cross-section of how the recruiting battles between Florida and Miami played out that year.
– Three of the 14 players (DB Ray Ray Armstrong, DE Dyron Dye and OL Jared Wheeler) signed with Miami, although it should be noted that Wheeler didn't have the option to attend UF.
The answer, in the big picture, is "probably not much."
I look back to one of the first feature articles I wrote for recruiting, entitled "A Battle for the Hearts and Minds." It's on a site I refuse to link in this blog, but a quick Google search of "battle for the hearts and minds gators" will bring it up if you wish to give it a look.
The piece centers on the Florida-Miami game in 2008, and how many key prospects that both schools were targeting planned to attend the game. Now, keep in mind, there were other recruiting battles that had already concluded (defensive tackle Curtis Porter, for instance, had already picked Miami over Florida. He will compete for the 'Canes on Saturday as a redshirt senior.) I'm also not aware how many of these prospects actually showed up to the Swamp on Sept. 6, 2008, and I have no intention of going back to research it all. However, let's use the 14 prospects featured in the article as a small cross-section of how the recruiting battles between Florida and Miami played out that year.
– Three of the 14 players (DB Ray Ray Armstrong, DE Dyron Dye and OL Jared Wheeler) signed with Miami, although it should be noted that Wheeler didn't have the option to attend UF.
– Three prospects also elected to attend Florida: LB Jon Bostic, WR Andre Debose and OL Xavier Nixon.
– Of the remaining eight players, two went to Georgia (TE Orson Charles and LB Jarvis Jones), and one each went to Alabama (RB Trent Richardson), Michigan (QB Denard Robinson), Minnesota (CB Michael Carter), North Carolina (WR Jheranie Boyd), Rutgers (DL Antwan Lowery) and South Florida (DE Ryne Giddins).
So, despite the big (although far from pretty) win by Florida, the Gators didn't appear to get any major boost from the victory. Bostic had long favored Florida. Nixon was on his official visit that weekend, and the entire experience helped deliver him to Florida, although the Gators had been trending positively before the trip. Andre Debose was sort of all over the map, but his decision seemed to come down to Florida and LSU more than Miami in the end.
A late field goal conversion to cover the spread, ordered by Urban Meyer, didn't help Miami "more than [we] will ever know." However, the loss didn't particularly harm Miami's efforts on the recruiting trail. They signed the No. 15 class in the country according to Rivals, only inking 19 a year after they signed 33. Florida, likewise, was limited on numbers and only brought in 16 that cycle, good for No. 11 in the Rivals team rankings.
In the end, it's relationships that ultimately matter in recruiting. Florida has one of the best assistant coaches in the country as it relates to establishing relationships in Travaris Robinson. The Gators will be fine, regardless of what happens on Saturday. Looking further down the line, winning this game is bigger for the Florida program because they don't want to take a huge step back from 2012. No one expects 11 victories from the Gators again this year. I think most fans would be satisfied with nine wins or more. But this tilt is a key to for Will Muschamp to make that figure happen. Dangerous trips to LSU and South Carolina loom in the distance. Georgia is a tough out in Jacksonville. Florida State will prove a tough test to close out the regular season schedule.
From the Miami perspective, this game is about trying to re-establish themselves on the national scene. A win would potentially provide a huge boost, as the only other marquee game on their slate is an November date in Tallahassee against FSU. If they lose, no big deal. The 'Canes still have a real shot at winning 10 games and competing for the ACC title. But a win ... well, a win could catapult them towards something entirely different.
One thing that strikes me when going back to reading my article from five years ago: I was guilty of propagating the exact same storyline I'm now debunking. I guess I was naive back then. There is a lot hanging on the line for what will likely be the last regular season contest in many years between the two programs – especially in terms of bragging rights for the two fanbases. But the point is, if someone tries to sell you on the idea that the decisions of 20 recruits are hanging in the balance, don't buy. In the end, all this game means to high school recruits is the opportunity to watch a big game in person, and the opportunity to check out some hot girls while they're at it.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Recruiting Roundup: The LSU meltdown edition
If you come across an LSU fan today who happens to follow recruiting – even just in passing – give him/her a hug. They're going to need it.
You see it? ROLL DAMN TIDE!!! Get with it or get rolled over 🐘🔴⚪ http://t.co/ipibrYnXrX
— Cameron D. Robinson (@crobinson_68) September 4, 2013
Cameron Robinson, a 6-foot-5, 330-pound offensive lineman out of West Monroe, La. is heading to Alabama, and this is a decision that most certainly moves the needle in recruiting circles.
A picture of Les Miles in his office
from earlier this afternoon.
Ranked by numerous recruiting services/lists as the top offensive line prospect in the country, and by 247Sports as the top overall prospect in the country, Robinson was a must-get prospect for Les Miles and LSU.
Ever since Nick Saban arrived as the new sheriff in Baton Rouge back in 2000, the Tigers have been able to close off the borders in talent-rich Louisiana to outside poachers. Florida, Miami, Michigan and Tennessee, among others, were able to come in and win big-time recruiting battles throughout the 90's, but Saban put an end to that. And for the most part, Les Miles has been able to accomplish the same since taking over for Saban after the 2005 season.
But Saban's ties in Louisiana run deep, and he was able to pull off a huge coup in Robinson. Louisiana is traditionally strong in terms of talent, but this year is simply on another level. 10 in-state prospects are considered to be among the nation's top 100 seniors. An additional five more are slotted to be among the nation's top 250. If the Bayou Bengals could just hold serve at home, they would reel in the nation's top class going away, and arguably one of the best of all-time.
That's not happening at the moment, however.
The first defection came from wide receiver Cameron Sims of Ouachita Parish. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder was the only prospect among the state's top 15 who didn't claim an offer from LSU. He announced for Alabama on Aug. 24 and may prove to be the first domino to fall that leads a talented group out of the Pelican State and to Tuscaloosa instead. Robinson, a friend and former teammate of Sims, was not far behind.
Who's next? LSU fans certainly hope it isn't this guy.
Waiting on my dude can Robinson might know where he might land at
— LeonardFournette (@_fournette) September 4, 2013
Leonard Fournette (6-1, 225, New Orleans, La./St. Augustine) is the top-ranked running back in the country, and a player almost universally thought of as the best to come out of the high school ranks at his position since Adrian Peterson. Wouldn't a top-rated running back want to follow the top-ranked offensive lineman to the same school? It makes sense. LSU didn't take a running back at all in 2013 in an effort to secure Fournette. Alabama, meanwhile, is loaded to the gills with Rivals 100 prospects at the position. (This all goes back to the notion it's better to go ahead and use every scholarship in every class instead of worrying what juniors another year down the line are thinking, but that's another post for another day.)
Despite LSU's best efforts, Alabama is now a serious contender for Fournette, who is either ranked as the No. 1 or No. 2 prospect in the country by each of the four major recruiting services (ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247.)
Despite LSU's best efforts, Alabama is now a serious contender for Fournette, who is either ranked as the No. 1 or No. 2 prospect in the country by each of the four major recruiting services (ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247.)
It should also be added that Laurence "Hootie" Jones (6-2, 210, Monroe, La./Neville) was also at the commitment ceremony for Robinson. Ranked as a consensus top-25 player in the country, he too could follow Robinson to Alabama, as the big fella has made it clear he's going to actively work to recruit his fellow Louisianans to the Crimson Tide.
Then, if all that weren't enough, two other in-state prospects decided to fire off a couple of tweets to really send LSU fans over the edge:
My real top 3 #FLORIDA #A&M #USC it's gonna be a hard choice 😩
— G.E.E (@geee_90) September 4, 2013
Me and my dude @geee_90 plan on going to the same college #U #A #F
— I am Speedy Noil (@SpeedyNoil) September 4, 2013
Top-100 teammates Gerald Willis (DT, 6-3, 275) and Speedy Noil (WR, 5-11, 180) of Edna Karr in New Orleans now claim a "top three" of Florida, Texas A&M and USC. We'll see how much legitimacy there is to those tweets in the coming weeks. However, the Gators will have a crack at these guys on Sept. 21 when Florida plays host to Tennessee in the SEC opener for both squads. The two also plan to officially visit College Station for the big showdown Alabama contest on Sept. 14. The door appears to be at least cracked in terms of a pair of fellow SEC powers getting in the mix for two prospects long thought to be headed to LSU.
None of these verbal commitments are binding and there is still five months to go until National Signing Day. Is it time for Les Miles to hit the panic button? Well, maybe not quite yet, but that moment is fast approaching. The Tigers have to regroup and find a way to get back in it with Robinson, and stem the momentum from heading the other way with Fournette, Jones and others. Otherwise, the most talented in-state crop of Louisiana players in at least a generation will be finding ways to beat the Tigers for the next few seasons, instead of suiting up to win championships for them in Baton Rouge.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Why Luther Campbell is an idiot
Luther Campbell (a.k.a. Luke Skywalker) is still famous nearly 25 years after he burst onto the rap scene as a part of the group 2 Live Crew. He's not making music these days, but Campbell is still active in Miami as a businessman, football coach, one-time mayoral candidate and as a columnist for the Miami New-Times.
Luther Campbell with Miami's favorite son, Nevin Shapiro.
– In 1940, Miami cancelled a scheduled contest with UCLA because of the presence of four African-Americans on the Bruins' roster. In a twist of fate, one of the UCLA players that caused Miami to rescind their offer to play was Jackie Robinson, the man who would later break baseball's color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
– In 1946, Penn State elected to eliminate a scheduled contest at Miami due to the same policy that forced UCLA to withdraw from the 'Canes 1940 slate of games. Halfback Wally Tripplett was one of two African-American players on the 1946 roster for the Nittany Lions. Selected 182nd overall by the Detroit Lions in 1949, he would go on to be the first African-American player to be drafted by and play in the NFL.
– Campbell points out that the University of Florida did not admit African-American students until 1962. Well, he's wrong. George Starke was the first African-American admitted to the College of Law on Sept. 15, 1958. Despite receiving police protection, Starke withdrew from the school shortly after beginning classes. W. George Allen became the first person of African-American descent to graduate from the College of Law in 1962. At the same time, the first seven UF undergraduates are admitted to UF. Campbell also conventionally forgets to leave out that the University of Miami only began the process of admitting African-American students a year earlier than that, with the Board of Trustees voting to de-segregate on January 31, 1961. This after the school was able to avoid compliance with the Brown v. Board of Education ruling for several years, due to the University of Miami being a private institution.
– Another allegation made by Campbell points out that former UF quarterback Derrick Crudup, Sr., was denied the opportunity to play quarterback at Florida because of his race. Crudup, who enrolled at UF in 1983, later transferred to Oklahoma (where he also didn't play quarterback.) Years later, his son, also a highly-touted signal-caller out of South Florida (Senior starred at Boca Raton, Derrick Crudup, Jr. played at Deerfield Beach). The younger Crudup wound up at Miami where he would himself MAKE CLAIMS OF RACISM after losing a battle for the starting job in 2003 to Brock Berlin. Shocking, right? The elder Crudup was to be passed over for the position by Wayne Peace and Kerwin Bell, two of the best quarterbacks in Florida history. Junior lost out to Brock Berlin. At least the son had a legitimate argument.
– Then of course, there was the Ryan Clement-Ryan Collins racism imbroglio that Campbell HIMSELF started in 1995. Collins, an African-American quarterback who shared the starting job with Frank Costa in 1993, was demoted to second-string in 1994 and lost the job to Clement in 1995 after getting hurt in an early-season loss to Virginia Tech, never made claims of racism against the Miami staff. But after Campbell's comments, he did seem to give off a sense of having never gotten a fair shake at the job during spring practice in 1995.
"He's one of my biggest fans, I guess," Collins said of Campbell in the above-linked article by Randall Mell of what was at the time, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. "For once, somebody's supporting me. That's unusual."
– Finally, there's the assertion that Charlie Strong was passed over for the Florida head coaching job because of his race. This one is a little trickier to navigate. Florida had two opportunities to hire Strong as the head coach. The first in 2001, when Steve Spurrier stepped down. The second, in 2004, after Ron Zook was fired. Strong served as interim coach for Florida in the Peach Bowl, where they were trounced by Miami. At neither point was Strong considered a "hot" head coaching candidate.
That would come later, when his defenses under Urban Meyer were among the best in the country and helped lead the Gators to two national championships. Timing is everything. Had Strong remained on Meyer's staff in 2010, it's entirely possible he would be the head coach at Florida right now. There are lots of theories about that abortion of a season. Some believed it was an audition of sorts for Steve Addazio. But that obviously didn't work out, and he's now at Boston College. I doubt ol' Charlie has too many regrets with the way things turned out for him at Louisville. And, yes, that does include the good old-fashioned butt-whipping he handed the Gators back in January at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
In any case, Strong's career is forever entwined with Florida. He served four stints as a coach at UF, as a graduate assistant from 1983-84 under Charley Pell (the same racist who didn't allow Derrick Crudup, Sr. to take the QB job, mind you), 1988-89 as an outside linebackers coach for Galen Hall, 1991-94 as a defensive line coach for Steve Spurrier, and finally as the defensive coordinator from 2002-09 under Ron Zook and Urban Meyer. UF fans will always have a soft spot for the guy.
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It should be noted that Miami was one of the first programs in the South to integrate their football program, when wide receiver Ray Bellamy joined the varsity football side in 1968 as a sophomore (freshmen weren't allowed to play in those days.) Nat Northington at Kentucky, who began his varsity career for the Wildcats a year earlier, was the only player in the so-called "Deep South" to help integrate a squad before Bellamy.
The University of Miami does have a great track record of helping to advance race relations since the mid-60's in many aspects. But the University of Florida has made considerable progress in those areas as well. To try and argue otherwise is foolish, and Campbell's commentary proves to be nothing more than that. Foolish.
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