[Tuck4Bama]

Peach State athlete earns Tide offer

Peach State athlete earns Tide offer
td.yspwidearticlebody { font-size: 13.5px; }By Shane Youngblood, BamaOnLine.com Staff Writer – Rivals.com

Fast, versatile athletes are at a premium for Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban, and his latest target is located east on I-20 into the Peach state. Tailback/safety Xavier Avery of Cedar Grove (Ellenwood, Ga.) High School recently received a practice visit from Saban and later found out some good news from the Tide camp.
"Coach Burns told me that I had a scholarship offer waiting, and then Coach Saban and Coach Burns both told my coach they were offering," said Avery. "They told my coach that they like my size, speed and physical play. They like my versatility too."
Avery's versatility was on display in 2006 as he rushed for over 1,100 yards, went for over 500 yards receiving and scored nine touchdowns. Defensively, Avery also features a physical style of play from his safety position.
Academically, Avery is set to be a full qualifier with a 3.8 GPA.
"I would like to go to a school that will let me play both baseball and football," said Avery, whose football career could be placed on hold if he is a high MLB draft pick. "I really haven't had a chance to talk to the Alabama coaches about that, but I would like to give both a try."
Avery batted .568 this spring as a centerfielder for his high school squad.
"With Coach Saban being at Alabama, it is a very attractive situation for me," said Avery. "I will have to take some visits first and get to know their staff. I am going to probably wait until signing day to make a decision."
Georgia may prove to be tough to beat for Avery, who has publically indicated at one point that the Bulldogs are a favorite. The race, however, may not be entirely over as Avery's family has connections to several SEC schools. Several relatives attended Tennessee while Avery's dad actually attended Alabama. Some of Avery's former classmates and good friends are students at Auburn.
Duke, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are among the programs that have officially offered Avery.

Updated on Friday, May 18, 2007 12:00 pm EDT

[Stoney]

I just got back from vacation in Florida...man oh man I wish that Miami was on our schedual. They talk a bunch of smack for punks who can't win the ACC.

[cliffbamafan]

Originally Posted by Stoney

I just got back from vacation in Florida...man oh man I wish that Miami was on our schedual. They talk a bunch of smack for punks who can't win the ACC.

Thats why they talk smack,they know they are not on our schedule!

[Stoney]

They ought to drop western Carolina and Pick up Miami.

[Tuck4Bama]

This story originally published on SuperPrep.com

Big Names At First Scout.com Elite Camp
Dee Finley
By Miller Safrit
Scout.com - Southeast
Posted May 28, 2007

The first annual Scout.com Elite Camp took place on the campus of Georgia Tech Saturday bringing in some of the top prospect throughout the Southeast region. A solid mixture of Peach State talent alongside stars from around the country opened the eyes of college scouts and media on hand for the workout.

The known stars heading into the event certainly did not disappoint with two defensive backs stealing the show in Dee Finley, a very well put-together safety from Auburn, Ala., and cornerback Robert Blanton from Butler High in Charlotte, N.C. Finley started the "oohs" and "aahs" early with several diving grabs in individual workouts and selling his body dirtying up his shirt much like he does on film. Either way, it looks like Finley set himself up for potentially five star status on June 15 when the next edition of the Scout.com National 100 rankings come out.


Robert Blanton Blanton is known as a hard-hitting cornerback, but his footwork really set him apart from all the other defensive backs early in the day. As the one-on-one period began, Blanton started up again stepping in front of a quick out and grabbing his first of four interceptions in period. A tall and rangy defensive back, Blanton also has a great swagger and instinct for a cornerback at the next level.

Alabama is as loaded this year as it has ever been, and that was very apparent with two players in addition to Finley who were dominant on the day. Scout.com National 100 member Jerrell Harris from Gadsden City High in Gadsden, Alabama looked to be a little wild rolling through the early workouts, but as the day progressed a light came on and Harris was a monster in pass coverage and with his footwork in the positional drills. Appearing to be right at 6-3 and right at 215 pounds, Harris is as good a linebacker as anybody in the Southeast and there is no wonder why everybody is offering him this year.


Ben Jones The other Alabama product who was simply dominant was a player everyone was asking why nobody is offering him this year -- Ben Jones. Jones, a center from Bibb County in Centreville, Ala., could quickly become a major prospect based on his play on the day. Besting every player he was matched up against, from Toby Jackson to A.J. Harmon, Jones showed the college coaches in attendance that he is a player to watch very closely. Watch his offer list to expand quite a bit from the current list of Air Force and Troy.


A.J. Harmon Harmon and Jackson both had solid showings on the day, with Jackson looking to be about a solid ten pounds heavier than when we last saw him in February at the Kennedy/CES combine in Atlanta. He had good moved and was able to get by nearly everybody except Jones. Corey Liuget worked out with tight ends at the Scout.com Combine in Miami two months ago, but after blowing up since the event as a defensive end, he decided to show his talent as a defensive end. Liuget certainly did not disappoint with a wide array of moves and a quick jump off the ball. There is no question he is one of the top prospects in the state of Florida this year.

Continued

[Tuck4Bama]

One of the most talked-about players on hand did not even work out. Due to a recent injury during spring practice, Keith Wells stood in street clothes but that did not keep him out of the action as he stuck around watching the defensive ends and even helping to coach a little bit. Standing in right at 6-foot-4 and about 225 pounds, the college coaches on hand still made sure to themselves within range so Wells would be able to see them.

On the other side of the ball, several offensive linemen stood out along with Ben Jones, including blue chipper Greg Shaw who made the trip up from Monsignor Pace in Miami, Fla., James McIver from nearby Riverwood High in Atlanta, and big John Michael Boswell, an Alabama commitment from Tuscaloosa County in Northport, Ala. One of the biggest splashes came from a player who had to leave early as Nick McRae looked very nimble through the positional workouts and then committed to the hosting Yellow Jackets during an unofficial visit after leaving the camp.


Ebele Okakpu The cast of linebackers on Saturday certainly did not disappoint in star power with three Southeast 150 commitments with Tennessee verbal Austin Johnson out of Hickory, N.C., Mississippi pledge Bernard Smith from Mays in Atlanta, and Oklahoma commitment Daniel Franklin coming down from Habersham Central in Mount Airy, Ga. Franklin and Johnson both looked very good for their size in the one-on-one drills and commanded attention in the seven-on-seven period while Smith looked like he picked up some speed since we saw him at the Kennedy/CES combine in February. However, the player that left college coaches talking was Ebele Okakpu out of Roswell, who was already blowing up in recruiting over the last month.

Another Butler High player had an exceptional day in quarterback Jacob Charest, who already made a huge jump into the Southeast 150 two weeks ago. With a huge arm and perfect release point, Charest is able to make all the throws without having to overthrow by much. On his last throw of the day, in the seven-on-seven period, Charest checked down to his last read and slung the ball fifty yards with little effort into the arms of a receiver racing into the end zone. Charest is as cool a customer as you could find on the day.


Braden Hanson Charest was not the only passer to impress on the day as fellow Charlotte native Braden Hanson showed as much touch as anybody on the day while still able to hit just about every route thrown at him. Tyler Bass, from Stockbridge, Ga., is a very athletic quarterback but pushed Charest for the strongest arm of the day. He spun the ball as well as any player and had a great base from which to throw the ball. Jaybo Shaw from Flowery Branch and Clemson commitment Jon Richt out of Price Avenue Christian both also had great days placing the ball, especially inside of twenty yards and making reads in the seven-on-seven period.

Big receivers ruled the day amongst the wide outs with Georgia players Jarmon Fortson out of Carver in Columbus, Georgia Tech commitment Chris Jackson out of Henry County, Tim Baker from Cartersville, Xzavian Brandon out of Northview, and the Tennessee duo of Rod Wilkes from Smyrna and Marcus Rucker out of Whitehaven. The tight ends got plenty of looks from the quarterbacks in the seven-on-seven period over the middle, and two stood out with fearless catches in Bryce Ros from Kennesaw Mountain who made a solid claim as one of the top players at his position in the country, and Ben Kopacka from Blessed Trinity who entered the event with just one offer from Air Force.


Dontavius Jackson The running backs always have a little trouble stealing the spotlight in these events, but a few really impressed during the individual workouts and footwork drills, including big-timer Dontavius Jackson from Heard County, Alex Daniel from Roswell, and speedy Jeff Demps from Southlake in Groveland, Fla.

Overall, while it was the first of its kind there was not question there was plenty of talent to watch for four hours, a great day of football, and the college coaches in attendance certainly left with a lot to talk about in their meetings next week.

Stay tuned to Scout.com as we continue to evaluate and cover the first annual Scout.com Elite Camp over the next two weeks.

[Stoney]

Can we sperate the prospects from the commitments by putting the commitments in a new thread?

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Tuck4Bama

UA offers GA road-grater

UA offers GA road-grater
td.yspwidearticlebody { font-size: 13.5px; }By Shane Youngblood, BamaOnLine.com Staff Writer – Rivals.com

Size is at a premium for college football coaches who are searching far and wide for quality offensive line prospects. Those who also excel off the field provide an added bonus, and recently the Crimson Tide coaching staff offered a massive Georgia lineman that has the complete package of size, strength and smarts.
"Coach (Kirby) Smart told my coaching staff that they were offering me then Coach Saban confirmed it with my head coach and later me," said Riverdale (Riverdale, Ga.) High School lineman Cordy Glenn. "They had been watching me at practice and I had been getting some communication from them. I was happy about the offer."
Glenn, who stands 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, is a two-way lineman who is being largely recruited on the offensive side.
With offers from Louisville, Georgia, Virginia, LSU, South Carolina and Florida, Glenn won't be hurting for opportunities post-high school.
"Virginia is the only school right now that really likes me on defense," said Glenn, who expects to be a full qualifier. "I prefer offense, but I am open to either side."
Glenn has publically maintained that the school that garners his signture will have to feature as much academically as it does athletically.
"I like Alabama because they have the football tradition and good academics," said Glenn. "Receiving a good education is extremely important to me, so academics is going to play a major role in my decision."
Glenn bench-presses 375 pounds and also moves well for an athlete his size with 5.2 40-yard dash speed.
"I plan on visiting Alabama and some of my other options this summer," said Glenn. "I want to get my decision out of the way before the school starts back this fall so I can focus on my senior year."

Updated on Friday, May 18, 2007 7:00 am EDT

This kid would be a real stud to add to the offensive line.

[Tuck4Bama]

story originally published on ScoutSouth.com

Talent Showcased at ScoutSouth.com Combine

Burton Scott
By Andrew Bone
Scout.com
Posted May 29, 2007

The ScoutSouth.com combine brought several talented prospects to Hoover, (Ala.) Sunday, May 27 to compete on Memorial Day weekend. Alabama is not lacking for talent in the class of 2008, and the class of 2009 has prospects making a name as well.


Burton Scott, Scout.com four-star wide receiver from Pritchard-Vigor, had a spectacular day in testing and during the one-on-one competition. Scott worked out with the quarterbacks and excelled.
"I thought the camp went good. I had a good time up here," Scott said following the combine.
Chris Hood, quarterback from Huffman, has a strong release on the ball and throws a nice deep pass.

Justin Rogers
Justin Rogers, from Vestavia, was the top running back in attendance. Rogers was clocked under a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash showing his blazing straight ahead speed. The times were on a very slow surface.
The South Hot 150 member stated, "I had a real good time at the combine. I think I did well out here. I am glad I came."
Grant Streams, running back from Huntsville, had a really nice combine. He did extremely well in testing and was too quick for the linebackers in the one-on-one competition.
Tuscaloosa-Central was well represented and the best overall may have been DeMario Pippen. The talented prospect stands 5-foot-9, 190-pounds, and he showcased his skills at running back, wide receiver and defensive back. Pippen perhaps has found his future position at cornerback.

Marsellos Wilder
The top two receivers of the day were Tristan Purifoy (Hanceville) and Marsellos Wilder (Tuscaloosa-Central).
Purifoy ran in the 4.5-forty range and was outstanding in the one-on-one competition. Purifoy should see scholarship offers come his way after hitting the summer camp circuit. Wilder is very athletic and has the size for a great receiver on the next level standing 6-foot-3, 190-pounds. He led the receivers in the individual drills, and you can tell he has been well coached at his position.

Greg McGrue
A very BIG surprise came from Greg McGrue an offensive lineman from Huffman. The monster talent stands 6-foot-8, 350-pounds and dominated the one-on-one competition. Alabama commitment Undra Billingsley beat him only once in the competition.
McGrue's teammate, Marcel Dareus, performed on the offensive and defensive line. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound prospect was very quick off the line and demonstrated tremendous power in his blocking skills.
According to combine offensive line coach Larry Rose, "Dareus is a kid who could be a major offensive line prospect. If he adds some weight he'll be a huge pickup for anyone."

[Tuck4Bama]

Continued

huge pickup for anyone."


Undra Billingsley
Alabama commitment Undra Billingsley (Woodlawn) had a great combine. He was in very good shape for his 6-foot-3, 260-pound frame. He was explosive off the line and outmatched all in attendance except McGrue.

Mario Goines
The linebacker group was the led by Tajh Tyler (Huntsville) and Martez Patterson (Vigor). Both had a solid day in testing and in one-on-one competition. Mario Goines, from Hot Springs, (Ark.), made the long drive to Alabama and performed great as well.
Huffman's Jason Blocker and Jason Horton did well working with the safeties. Pippen was the best cover corner of the day. Antonio Johnson (Moundville-Hale County) had a terrific day in the one-on-one competition as well.
Look for additional coverage all week from the ScoutSouth.com Combine.
A special thanks to Hoover High School for allowing ScoutSouth.com to conduct the combine at their outstanding facilities as well as thanks to Hoover head coach Rush Propst, defensive line coach Chris Davis, coach Kevin Sherrer and coach Phillip Propst.
Thanks to the other outstanding coaches who assisted with the combine including Gadsden City offensive line coach Larry Rose, Tuscaloosa-Central coach Graves and coach David Hartfield from Madison Academy, a new addition to the ScoutSouth.com staff.
A big thanks to all associated with the Scout.com team including Tim Gilbreath, Mark Murphy, Jason Caldwell, Stephen Atkinson and Adam Entrekin who were instrumental in the success of the combine along with several volunteers.

[Stoney]

Tuck are you going to do followups with these guys when they commit?

[Tuck4Bama]

You bet, I go through all prospects every day to see if anyone commits and wiill post on the commit thread as soon as I see it.

[Tuck4Bama]

Five-star Manuel jumps at chance to compete
td.yspwidearticlebody { font-size: 13.5px; }By Mike Farrell, Recruiting Analyst – Rivals.com

E.J. Manuel is a competitor.
The Virginia Beach (Va.) Bayside star quarterback isn't one to shy away from a challenge, one of the main reasons he was so active during the camp and combine season this past month. And Manuel's efforts are being rewarded with five-star status from Rivals.com.
"Wow!" said Manuel when informed he is one of 27 five star players in the country. "That pretty much says it all. To be honored by one of the best recruiting websites in the world like Rivals, it's a big deal. I'm very excited about the honor and I want to continue to work hard to prove it's accurate."
Manuel attended the Rivals.com Junior Day held in Chesapeake, Va. in March with a handful of offers. At the time he said he wanted to show everyone he was the best. Standout performances at the Elite College Combine in New Jersey and at the NIKE Camp and Elite 11 held in State College, Pa. clearly did the job.
"I went to all of these things because I love to compete," he said. "I don't know if you noticed but I did the entire NIKE Camp and the Elite 11 while some others just did one or the other. I didn't do it to be ranked as a five star or anything like that, that's just a bonus and an honor. I just can't get enough of competition."
Manuel, who named 10 finalists for his services last week, has been termed a "flawless" recruit by many college coaches because of his on field ability and off-the-field character. The humble quarterback credits his parents for his demeanor.
"My parents always told me I should be a nice person," said Manuel. "From when I was young and now, they taught me to treat people the way I want to be treated. I believe in that. They've also guarded against getting a big head on my shoulders because of all of this attention. My dad reminds me every day to stay down-to-earth."
Next up for Manuel is an unofficial visit to Florida State in mid-June. He lists the Seminoles along with Alabama, LSU, Maryland, Miami, North Carolina, Oregon, Penn State, Rutgers and Tennessee. A new team has also been added to the list after a recent visit in school.
"You can put Boston College up there as No. 11," said Manuel, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 202 pounds. "Coach Jagodzinski, Logan and Siravo were in my school this week and I'm interested in their offense. I'm still open to schools who are just starting to recruit me because I respect everyone and I have to look at all of my options."
Manuel hopes to visit Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and perhaps Boston College in addition to FSU this summer before making his decision. He's already been to Maryland once and has visited LSU, Penn State and Rutgers already.
"I think I'll be able to make my decision by the end of the summer," he said. "I'd like to focus on my senior season."

Updated on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:16 am EDT

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Tuck4Bama

Five-star Manuel jumps at chance to compete
td.yspwidearticlebody { font-size: 13.5px; }By Mike Farrell, Recruiting Analyst – Rivals.com

E.J. Manuel is a competitor.
The Virginia Beach (Va.) Bayside star quarterback isn't one to shy away from a challenge, one of the main reasons he was so active during the camp and combine season this past month. And Manuel's efforts are being rewarded with five-star status from Rivals.com.
"Wow!" said Manuel when informed he is one of 27 five star players in the country. "That pretty much says it all. To be honored by one of the best recruiting websites in the world like Rivals, it's a big deal. I'm very excited about the honor and I want to continue to work hard to prove it's accurate."
Manuel attended the Rivals.com Junior Day held in Chesapeake, Va. in March with a handful of offers. At the time he said he wanted to show everyone he was the best. Standout performances at the Elite College Combine in New Jersey and at the NIKE Camp and Elite 11 held in State College, Pa. clearly did the job.
"I went to all of these things because I love to compete," he said. "I don't know if you noticed but I did the entire NIKE Camp and the Elite 11 while some others just did one or the other. I didn't do it to be ranked as a five star or anything like that, that's just a bonus and an honor. I just can't get enough of competition."
Manuel, who named 10 finalists for his services last week, has been termed a "flawless" recruit by many college coaches because of his on field ability and off-the-field character. The humble quarterback credits his parents for his demeanor.
"My parents always told me I should be a nice person," said Manuel. "From when I was young and now, they taught me to treat people the way I want to be treated. I believe in that. They've also guarded against getting a big head on my shoulders because of all of this attention. My dad reminds me every day to stay down-to-earth."
Next up for Manuel is an unofficial visit to Florida State in mid-June. He lists the Seminoles along with Alabama, LSU, Maryland, Miami, North Carolina, Oregon, Penn State, Rutgers and Tennessee. A new team has also been added to the list after a recent visit in school.
"You can put Boston College up there as No. 11," said Manuel, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 202 pounds. "Coach Jagodzinski, Logan and Siravo were in my school this week and I'm interested in their offense. I'm still open to schools who are just starting to recruit me because I respect everyone and I have to look at all of my options."
Manuel hopes to visit Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and perhaps Boston College in addition to FSU this summer before making his decision. He's already been to Maryland once and has visited LSU, Penn State and Rutgers already.
"I think I'll be able to make my decision by the end of the summer," he said. "I'd like to focus on my senior season."

Updated on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:16 am EDT

He sounds too wishy washy for Alabama.

[Tuck4Bama]

Law and Woodson Prototype


By Allen Wallace
National Recruiting Editor
Posted May 31, 2007

"Coach (Lloyd) Carr also asked me if I was afraid to leave home," Robby Green said. "I said no, I can live anywhere and that staying close to home is not a big deal. I just want to feel comfortable and contribute. I'm looking for a place where the coaches are cool and things are laid-back and where there is good tradition and fan support..."

Robby Green, the 6-foot, 170-pound cornerback from John Curtis High School in River Ridge (La.), just received another offer last night from Michigan.
"I got a call from Coach (Fred) Jackson (running backs) at about 8 pm yesterday," Green said. "That was the first time I ever talked with him. He told me that they need cornerbacks to step in and said that I'm the guy they are looking for. He put me into the same category as Ty Law and Charles Woodson. He said he liked the way I move and my body-type. Then he said they'll send me a letter, offering me.
"Then, this morning he texted me and I called him back and spoke with Coach (Lloyd) Carr and also Coach (Vance) Bedford (defensive backs)," Green said. "Coach Carr said I could come in and really help their team. He also said I'm in the same category as Law and Woodson.
"Coach Carr also asked me if I was afraid to leave home," Green said. "I said no, I can live anywhere and that staying close to home is not a big deal. I just want to feel comfortable and contribute. I'm looking for a place where the coaches are cool and things are laid-back and where there is good tradition and fan support.
"I thanked him for their offer and told him I was interested. They said they'll keep in touch with me and that they would come hard after me.
"Now that I know they are interested, I'd say they are in my top seven schools," he said. "My top five, and this is in no particular order, would be USC, Alabama, LSU, Florida and Arizona State. If I had to pick a top three, it would be USC, LSU and Alabama, but no order. I can't give you a top two. I really can't. I couldn't rank 'em yet.
"I can say I'll go through the whole process. I don't want to decide until Letter-of-Intent Day." Green reports a 3.0 core GPA and a 17 ACT which he is retaking in June. "I'm already qualified. I'd just like to do better on my test."