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.)

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.

John Brantley, and why he's (kinda sorta) to blame for Texas not offering Jameis Winston

There's been considerable discussion in the media since Monday night when Florida State redshirt quarterback Jameis Winston, fresh off perhaps the most impressive debut by a quarterback in college football history, dropped the bomb in post-game interviews that he had originally wanted to attend Texas. Had Mack Brown and the Longhorns offered the gifted two-sport athlete out of Hueytown, Ala., he would likely be suiting up for both Mack Brown and Augie Garrido in Austin right now, as opposed to being a weapon for Jimbo Fisher and Mike Martin's squads in Tallahassee.

Jameis Winston wanted to go to Texas but was never offered: "Dang, I'm good enough for Alabama & Auburn but not good enough for Texas"
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) September 3, 2013

Jameis Winston: "I'm an OU fan but I always wanted to go to Texas. If I'd gotten offer from Texas I'd be going to Texas right now"
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) September 3, 2013

It should be pointed out, however, that there is probably a bit of revisionist history here. It's easy for an athlete to say "well, I wanted to go to ________ University, but they didn't offer/show much interest in me," after the fact. Had Texas offered and recruited Winston, perhaps they would have landed him, maybe they wouldn't have. There's so many things that can go right or wrong when a team pursues a player, that we don't know if a team could or would have signed a given prospect unless they actually go after him. That clearly didn't happen in this instance. It becomes a hypothetical situation for which we will never know the answer to.

Of course, this revelation plays right into the "Mack Brown is losing touch" storyline that sportswriters have been harping on in recent years. Winston is just the latest dynamic, dual-threat quarterback that the Longhorns missed on. Before him, Texas decided to recruit Heisman Trophy-winning signal-callers Robert Griffin III and Johnny Manziel to play safety. Oops.

But the "miss" of Winston by the University of Texas staff can likely be tied to a pair of players who left the Longhorns at the altar several years before, and caused Mack Brown to alter his approach to the way he recruited top-shelf quarterback prospects moving forward.

Texas missed on a pair of highly-rated gunslingers in quick succession back in the mid-aughts. Ryan Perriloux (2005) and John Brantley (2007) were top-50 prospects from Louisiana and Florida, respectively. Both got caught up in the (sometimes) high-pressure tactics Mack Brown employs on in-state prospects to great success. Each player made an early commitment to the Longhorns. However, Perriloux was in a region known as a traditional LSU stronghold for recruiting. Likewise for Brantley, who was also a well-known UF legacy. Both ended up flipping relatively late in the process, despite LSU going through a transition from Nick Saban to Les Miles, and Urban Meyer already having a top QB prospect committed to the Gators in future No. 1-overall draft pick Cam Newton. Obviously, those losses on the recruiting trail stung Mack Brown – a man not used to losing much for prospects he really wanted – right to his core.

In an effort to prevent that from happening in the future, Texas started instituting a new policy on out-of-state recruits. With few exceptions, those players didn't get offers until they made a visit to Austin on their own dime. Winston would have fallen under that policy, since he hails from Alabama, and the Crimson Tide has done an excellent job locking down the state for players they really wanted in recent years.

On one hand, that idea does make sense, as it is a great way to test the interest of a prospect. But once again, it can also limit the size of the net the program casts on potential prospects. The philosophy gives less margin for error. Plus, top high school players often employ the same tactic. They won't visit a school using their money until the program extends an offer. The potential stalemate likely killed any chance the Longhorns had of recruiting Winston.

It should also be noted that Bryan Harsin, who had been recently hired from Boise State to become the new offensive coordinator at Texas, hand-picked Connor Brewer out of Arizona to be his quarterback in the Class of 2012. Brewer committed on Feb. 7, 2011 and enrolled the following January at UT. With Harsin now the head coach at Arkansas State, Brewer has since transferred back home to play at the University of Arizona.

Recruiting is ultimately a crapshoot. Mack Brown really shouldn't be blamed for failing to sign any of the three QB's individually. And it should be noted that the oversight of Winston is much different than Griffin and Manziel. The latter two were Texas natives playing at a time when the Longhorns had their pick of almost any player in a state (which is no longer the case, with the recent emergence of A&M.) Winston hails from Alabama – not exactly a recruiting hotbed over the years for the UT. There's also an element of luck involved in the game of recruiting. But as Ernest Hemingway once said, "you make your own luck." With Texas now on the decline, and a trio of potential star UT quarterbacks playing or having played somewhere other than Austin over the past five years, the whispers around Brown's future will only continue to get louder.

UF Recruiting Roundup

Hope everybody is enjoying their Labor Day weekend. Here's a trio of Florida-related recruiting notes for your perusal:

– Florida State lost a commitment in Orlando Timber Creek wide receiver Javonte Seabury this weekend.  Seabury (5-9, 170) is an ultra-quick option as a slot option, return man and/or potential defensive back at the next level. He has not been all that productive at the prep level to date, but his level of speed obviously cannot be coached. Seabury turned around gave another pledge to FIU, within 24 hours of dropping FSU, although his recruitment may not be completely over. Time will tell.

How does this affect Florida? Well, his brother is teammate and highly-regarded 2015 RB prospect Jacques Patrick. The big back is one of the early targets that has emerged for UF on the board at the position along with Lakeland Christian speedster T.J. Simmons, University School star Jordan Scarlett, James Allen out of Citra North Marion and Kieran Higdon of Sarasota Riverview. Many observers figured that with Seabury poised to go to Florida State, that the Seminoles figured to be the odds-on favorite to land Patrick as well. Now that the recruitment of both players no longer appear tied to one another, the race for Patrick is wide-open once again. It's still early, and the Gators still appear to be evaluating their 2015 options, but Patrick figures to be a name floating around near the top of the board as it stands.

– Nothing particularly new here, but Top-100 safety Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Tex./Hebron) once again reaffirmed his intention to make a decision by the end of the season:

I will officially make my College decision in November 😁
— Jamal Adams (@ThaJudgeKO) September 2, 2013

As noted last week, the move of Valdez Showers to offense has gives the Florida defense one less body to work with at the safety position. Adams is still a bit of a luxury item in this recruiting cycle for UF, but one for whom there might be a bit more urgency to land at this point. The Gators still appear to be in good shape here, as they tussle with Ole Miss, Texas and A&M for the signature of Adams.

– Five-star OL David Sharpe (Jacksonville/Providence) visited Clemson this past weekend for a classic between the Tigers and border rival Georgia, a Saturday night showdown on ABC. Now Sharpe will see UGA once again, as he heads to Athens this weekend to watch the 'Dawgs host South Carolina in one of this weekend's key matchups.

Georgia and Sc Next week maybe?? :)
— David Sharpe (@SHARPECITYY) September 2, 2013

The Gators have positioned themselves well early for Sharpe, but we're only about halfway through the race to land his signature. As of now, I think Clemson and Georgia have primed themselves to be the other major contenders. Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and USC are in the mix as well, although to a lesser extent from where I'm standing.

Although Florida has already received several visits from Sharpe since the beginning of the year, they need to get him on campus as much as possible this fall, in light of the fact he's said he doesn't plan to use an official visit to UF since he's so familiar with the campus already. After going to Clemson and UGA in back-to-back weeks, I expect the Gators to make a real push to get Sharpe on campus for the SEC opener against Tennessee on Sept. 21 to keep pace with the two teams that presently seem to have the most momentum going for them with the 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive tackle prospect.

2013 Preseason Florida All-State Team (All Classes)

Just a fun little exercise here with the first full weekend of real games coming up for Florida high schools. This is the my humble little submission for a preseason All-State team. This is an all-classification team, with only seniors being eligible for inclusion. 24 members total – 12 each on offense and defense. We'll revisit this group in December once all the games have been played.

Offense

QB Treon Harris (5-11, 185, Ft. Lauderdale/University School) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– Alright, so I cheated. Originally my pick was slated to be Sean White. But after watching both guys this weekend, I switched my pick to Harris. Yes, I realize that Harris will very likely play another position in college. But, hey, if Russell Wilson can succeed at less-than-ideal size in the NFL, why can't Harris at the college level? Son of a coach, will put up big numbers and is very likely to lead his team to a second-consecutive state title. This is not a bad pick here. But then again, White wouldn't be either.

RB Dalvin Cook (5-11, 196, Miami/Central) – Committed to FLORIDA

– I decided to go with the more explosive of the Central duo. Barring injury, the presence of both Cook and Yearby will limit the amount of carries each back gets. Regardless, they will still put up big numbers on the way to what should amount to be yet another season which ends at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

RB Sony Michel (5-11, 205, American Heritage-Plantation) – Committed to GEORGIA

– Now a full two years removed from reconstructive knee surgery, I expect Michel to put on a show this fall. When he's fully healthy and on, Michel is the best back in the state of Florida. That ability should be on full display in 2013.

WR Ermon Lane (6-2, 196, Homestead) – Committed to FLORIDA

– A year after nearly putting up a 1,000-yard season for Homestead, Lane will now have Georgia commitment Gilbert Johnson on the other side to help loosen up the defensive focus on his abilities as a big-play receiver.

WR Travis Rudolph (6-1, 190, West Palm Beach/Cardinal Newman)

– Over the last three years, Rudolph has amassed over 3,100 yards and 43 touchdowns from scrimmage. He should prove to be a threat on the ground and through the air once again for Cardinal Newman.

WR Artavis Scott (5-11, 180, Tarpon Springs/East Lake) – Committed to CLEMSON

– The numbers are going to be ridiculous once again. Scott should end his career as one of the most prolific receivers in the history of Florida high school football. Having a nice running-mate like George Campbell will also keep defenses from focusing too many double teams on Scott.

OL David Sharpe (6-7, 280, Jacksonville/Providence)

– This is more of an upside pick than anything. But even with so much development ahead of him, I can't imagine there wouldn't be too many coaches around the state of Florida that would turn down the opportunity to have this guy protecting their quarterback's blind side.

OL Trevor Darling (6-5, 330, Miami/Central) – Committed to MIAMI

– Although he can do it all at the high school level, expect Darling to excel at guard on the next level for the 'Canes. It will be another ho-hum season for the big man, as he helps pave the way for a pair of 1,000-yard backs at Central.

OL Isaiah Wynn (6-2, 275, St. Petersburg/Lakewood) – Committed to GEORGIA

– He's a little undersized, which has to be a slight concern in looking ahead to the next level. But Wynn is a dominant offensive lineman at the prep level who deserves mention here. Although he plays tackle for Lakewood, Wynn represents the pivot for this line, as he is likely to kick inside to guard or center at Georgia. Wynn's long arms do compensate for his lack of ideal height, but Wynn needs to add a few pounds once he arrives in Athens as well.

OL Montel McBride (6-4, 350, Plant City) – Committed to ALABAMA

– Yeah, he needs to drop some weight. But McBride is a force on both sides of the ball for Plant City. Perhaps the most destructive force at the guard position in the state this fall. Think a (slightly bigger) Ira Denson.

OL Kc McDermott (6-7, 300, Wellington/Palm Beach Central) Committed to MIAMI

– All things considered, McDermott is probably the best offensive lineman in the state of Florida right now. He is the cornerstone for Central's hope of making the playoffs for the second consecutive year (and second time in school history.) I expect the big man to battle for a starting job right of the bat when he arrives in Coral Gables.

AP Bo Scarbrough (6-2, 220, Bradenton/IMG Academy) Committed to ALABAMA

– The newest addition to a start-up program at the IMG Academy, Scarbrough is a five-star prospect who moves to the Florida after previously competing in the Yellowhammer State. Scarbrough will be primarily tasked with running the football at IMG. But he could also develop into a big-time linebacker at the college level as well.

Defense

DL Khairi Clark (6-2, 330, Hollywood/Chaminade-Madonna) – Committed to FLORIDA

– Clark is quite a load to handle in the middle of the line. He needs to drop some weight before he heads to Gainesville, but I'm sure there won't be too many offensive linemen excited to take on this big load during Friday nights this fall.

DL Rohan Blackwood (6-5, 220, Brooksville/Nature Coast)

– Blackwood put on 15 pounds after recording 15 sacks last fall. Now fully committed to football after moonlighting as a power forward on the hardwood (where he averaged 15 and 11 as a junior on a 25-4 squad for Nature Coast), expect Blackwood to put up some huge numbers this fall.

DL Jacob Pugh (6-4, 225, Tallahassee/Godby) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– There's a number of big-time pass-rushers in the state of Florida for the Class of 2014 (Keyon Brown, Trent Harris, Justus Reed, Denzel Ware, Richard Yeargin, etc.) I'm not sure I'd take any of them over Pugh.

DL Travonte Valentine (6-3, 290, Hialeah/Champagnat Catholic) Committed to MIAMI

– Like Clark, Valentine is another dominating presence in the middle of the defensive line. The best football is well out in front of Valentine, who transferred to Champagnat Catholic from Palm Bay Bayside in the spring.

LB Dillon Bates (6-3, 210, Ponte Vedra Beach/Ponte Vedra) – Committed to TENNESSEE

– The son of former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro Bill Bates, Dillon is blessed with an intriguing blend of size and speed. He recorded over 100 tackles at Ponte Vedra in 2010.

LB Kain Daub (6-3, 240, Jacksonville/Sandalwood) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– Daub excels as a pass-rusher for Sandalwood. A mid-season transfer last year, it will be interesting to see what he can do playing alongside Blake McClain for an entire fall.

LB Darrion Owens (6-3, 215, Orange Park/Oakleaf) – Committed to MIAMI

– Owens played safety last fall for Oakleaf and recorded over 100 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Now at linebacker – the position he will play in college – he should put up even bigger numbers as a senior.

LB Sharieff Rhaheed (6-2, 205, Ft. Pierce/Central)

– A hand injury will keep Rhaheed out for the first couple of weeks. His return will immediately improve a strong Cobras defense which also claims highly regarded defensive end Rashawn Shaw.

DB Duke Dawson (5-11, 195, Cross City/Dixie County) – Committed to FLORIDA

– Dawson hopes to carve a similar path as that of former Dixie County star Nick Collins – a player for whom Dawson has many similarities to. He recorded 43 tackles and a pair of interceptions for Dixie County a season ago.

DB Kendall Gant (6-2, 185, Lakeland/Lake Gibson) – Committed to GEORGIA

– After recording 62 tackles and five interceptions in 2012, the rangy Gant was a really nice pick-up for the Bulldogs earlier this summer. His length gives opposing offenses fits.

DB Trey Marshall (5-11, 196, Lake City/Columbia) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– The speedy Marshall was one of the top performers over the summer at Nike's eliete prospect camp, The Opening.

DB Quincy Wilson (6-1, 196, Ft. Lauderdale/University School) – Committed to FLORIDA

– Wilson's size could allow him to play either cornerback or make a smooth transition to safety at the next level. As it stands, Wilson will be a lockdown corner for the Suns as they make a run at a second-consecutive state championship. He recorded 34 tackles and an interception for the Suns a season ago.