Team Recruiting Countdown: No. 24 Auburn Tigers

No. 24 Auburn Tigers (SEC No. 5)

29 signees, 0 Athlon Consensus 100, 2 JUCOS


Scouting Report:

The biggest change for this football team could be in the offensive design. Auburn hired former Troy offensive coordinator Tony Franklin in order to implement the spread offense. Does the current roster give him the pieces needed to do that? At quarterback, Kodi Burns could be that guy, but if not, athlete Deron Furr (Columbus, GA) could fill that roll. He is lightning quick from out of the backfield. The only major question is can he throw the ball in high division-1 football?

Upgrading the depth in the defensive backfield was also a must in this class and Tommy Tuberville certainly accomplished that. He and his staff landed six potential defensive backs. T’Sharvan Bell (Kissimmee, FL) plays a great high point safety. Add Christian Thompson (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Marcus Jemison (McCalla, AL) and the safety position is well stocked. At corner, D’Antoine Hood (Phenix City, AL) and Neiko Lipscomb (Tucker, GA) add needed depth on the outside. Lipscomb could turn out to be the best player in this class.

After losing three out of four starters along the defensive line, Tuberville added two potential stars in Raven Gray (Wesson, MS) and Cameron Henderson (Birmingham, AL).

Auburn also did a great job of adding depth to the backfield with three talented prospects. This running back class is very balanced; Onatario McCalebb (Ft. Meade, FL) is the shifty speedster while Eric Smith (Seffner, FL) will be the bruising short yardage guy. Reggie Hunt (Daphne, AL) is also a nice looking player.

Top Prospect:

Ontario McCalebb – RB – Ft. Meade, FL (5-10, 170)

This was a tough call as this class lacks the clear elite prospect. Furr, Henderson and Bell were also options here. Make no mistake, this little running back prospect is a versatile athlete. Defense is a possibility but it is most likely that he will have the ball in his hands. McCalebb is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. He uses effortless open field moves and great speed to get to the edge and make people miss.

He obviously is going to need some bulk and weight if he expects to be a full-time running back in the SEC. However, in the new Tony Franklin spread, McCalebb will be a perfect fit. He will be used a lot out of the backfield in the passing game. His dynamic athletic ability in space is ideal for the quick, short passing game.

Best of the Rest:

Raven Gray – DE – Wesson, MS (6-4, 260)*
Jermaine Johnson – OT – Chatham, VA (6-6, 305)**
Deron Furr – ATH – Columbus, GA (6-3, 212)
Cameron Henderson – DE – Irondale, AL (6-5, 235)
T’Sharvan Bell – ATH – Kissimmee, FL (6, 175)

Sleeper:

Neiko Lipscomb – DB – Tucker, GA (6-2, 180)

This tall, lanky prospect has legitimate potential for three positions (WR, CB, S). Team needs will likely push him to the defensive perimeter. His size is more of that of a safety but he has that rare fluidity for a taller prospect. He is comfortable in press situations as well as zone schemes. He could be a future star for the Tigers.

* - Copiah-Lincoln Community College (JUCO)
** - Hargrave Military Academy (Prep School)

Alabama Crimson Tide: 2008 Recruiting Champions

The phrase “Roll Tide” has never been more appropriate than today. After a very late flurry on the part of Nick Saban and his staff -- including landing six prospects in the last week -- congratulations are due to the Alabama Crimson Tide and their 2008 Athlon Sports Recruiting National Championship.

This whole process started back in February of 2007 when Reform, AL defensive end Michael Williams became the first to join the Crimson Tide’s 2008 class. Nearly one full year later, the reform was complete at 3 pm ET today when Gadsden, AL linebacker Jerrell Harris announced his intentions to play for Alabama.

In between, 30 prospects decided that Tuscaloosa would be where they would play their college ball. This class is easily the most balanced class in the nation but it really begins and ends with one young wide receiver from Foley, Alabama: Julio Jones. Jones, No. 2 in the AC100, is a mythical blend of size, speed, toughness and natural instincts. He has a chance to be an immediate impact threat on the outside.

Jones is not the only playmaker in this class, though. Burton Scott, Mark Barron, Mark Ingram and Chris Jordan all have the ability to make things happen with the ball in their hands. All four are listed as athletes and could make instant impacts at a number of positions.

More importantly for Tide fans, however, was the excellent job Nick Saban did addressing the obvious lack of talent in the defensive front seven. Potentially five linebackers (including the incredibly talented Harris), four defensive tackles and five defensive ends clearly add needed depth to the defensive front for Kevin Steele and Co.

Saban and Steele did not stop there. They also landed four, possibly five, defensive backs. With names like Alonzo Lawrence – who actually shut down Julio Jones in the Ala-Miss All-Star Classic – and Robby Green, the Tide did a masterful job of reaching into surrounding states and pulling talent. Green is from Louisiana and Lawrence hails from Mississippi.

Last but certainly not least is the new star quarterback, literally. Lake Worth, Florida product Star Jackson signed his letter of intent today to play for Alabama. Jackson is a 6-3, 190 pound scrambling dynamo that could find himself pushing John Parker Wilson for the starting job.


Signing Day Winners:

Clemson Tigers

The Tigers had a great day today, closing very strong with some expected names and a few surprises. Jacksonville running back Jamie Harper is an outstanding prospect and will likely continue the recent trend of very talented ball carriers for Clemson. They also added a big offensive lineman from Alabama in Antoine McClain. Tommy Bowden was not satisfied, however, as he dipped in the Georgia Bulldogs’ class and stole tight end Dwayne Allen from Mark Richt and Co.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Bobby Petrino is known for his offensive prowess and he made strong moves on signing day to ensure that there will be firepower in Fayetteville. Already with top in-state runner DeAnthony Curtis in the fold, Petrino stole two other talented prospects that could help rebuild his offense. Jerico Nelson, formerly a Purdue commit, and Joe Adams, formerly a USC Trojan pledge, both switched today and are headed to Arkansas.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Last season Butch davis did a masterful job of putting together a crazy talented recruiting class. Until today, the 2008 version could have been considered a complete bust. Snagging four very talented kids – Christian Wilson, Robert Quinn, Herman Davidson and Quinton Coples -- really boosted an average class today.

Miami Hurricanes

The flag planting that was south Florida recruiting this season for the Hurricanes came to fruition today. Lineman Ben Jones and wide receiver Tommy Streeter completed the sweep of Miami-Northwestern High, giving Randy Shannon seven signees from one local high school. They were not done, however. The U also landed arguably the most ready-to-play corner in the nation, Brandon Harris, and then stuck it to Urban Meyer and the Gators when they stole back Ramon “Cookie” Buchanan. Cookie had been committed to Miami, then switched to Florida before finally signing with the Hurricanes.

Losers:

Anyone involved in the Terrelle Pryor sweepstakes not named Oregon

The most important letter of intent still remains unsigned. Jeannette, PA quarterback Terrelle Pryor held his noon press conference today just as he planned, but it left everyone wanting more. He announced today that he was not ready to announce. A supposed trip out west to Eugene and the Oregon Duck campus is in the works for this weekend. This is not good news for Ohio St, Michigan and Penn State who all felt they had a chance at the record-breaking athlete. Ohio State is still the team to beat but the Pryor saga will continue for a few more days… at least.

Purdue Boilermakers

It has been a rough couple of weeks for Joe Tiller’s program. Arguably the top two prospects in their class jumped ship today. Wide receiver Roy Roundtree and athlete Jerico Nelson both made 13th hour switches and headed elsewhere. The hits just keep on coming for a coach who was basically told that he is finished after this season.

The Big East

With the obvious exception of Pittsburgh, every team in the Big East underachieved in recruiting this season. Cincinnati could not capitalize on success during the season, nor could UConn The big three -- WVU, Rutgers, and Louisville – didn’t come close. WVU lost nearly every top prospect (although they did get good news with Josh Jenkins’s commitment today) once Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan. Rutgers lost most of the top in-state talent to bigger, more prestigious programs. Louisville’s class is loaded with JUCO talent, which can be a very dangerous proposition.

Auburn Tigers

This one is more of a compilation of issues. Five-star running back Enrique Davis, who signed with Auburn last season, scorned the Tigers for divisional rival Ole Miss. Not only that but new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin lost out on one his would-be future weapons in Jarmon Fortson. He signed with Florida State today and will be a star in Tallahassee. Last but not least is the story written above: the Crimson Tide dominated inside the state this year, landing nearly every major prospect in Alabama.

Early Theme in Signing Day: SWITCHES

Florida has already lost two prospects in LB/S Ramon Buchanan and C Ricky Barnum.

Now Auburn has lost one of its top playmakers: wide receiver Jarmon Fortson from Columbus, GA has signed with FSU. Fortson is a great looking pass catcher. He is built like a tank and had a stellar performance in the Georgia Dome in the state semis this season. Auburn will miss Mr. Fortson.

It does not end there, however. Georgia lost one its top players in tight end Dwayne Allen. Allen signed with the Clemson Tigers.

That is four top SEC targets that have left the league.

Purdue also lost one of its top targets too. Troutwood, OH wide receiver Ray Roundtree signed today with the Michigan Wolverines. Rich Rod and Co. are making a very strong push on Signing Day.

Signing Day Watch List:

There will be fans of every school in America wasting many man (or woman) hours at the office Wednesday.

That is because tomorrow is college football’s National Signing Day. It is the first opportunity for head coaches to officially claim players as their own. It is also the first time head coaches can publicly comment on recruits.

Needless to say, it is an exciting time for everyone involved. Fans, coaches, players and recruiting junkies everywhere will be glued to a medium of choice waiting for those faxed letters of intent to come in.

This season, more so than in recent years, the names left yet to commit are extraordinarily talented. The top quarterback, running back and wide receiver have yet to pick a school. The 2008 recruiting national championship, very much so, still hangs in the balance.

The big three are obvious:

Terrelle Pryor - QB - Jeannette, PA
Finalists: OSU, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, LSU, PSU
Prediction: if it happens tomorrow...OHIO STATE

Julio Jones - WR - Foley, AL
Finalists: Alabama, FSU, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas Tech
Prediction: ALABAMA

Darrell Scott - RB - Ventura, CA
Finalists: Colorado, Texas
Prediction: COLORADO

Pryor is set to announce on ESPNU at 12:05 pm ET. Pryor has hinted at taking a visit to Oregon this upcoming weekend, which would push back his announcement past Signing Day. Jones is set to announce at 12:30 pm ET on ESPNU. Scott is set to announce at 12:50 pm ET on ESPNU.

Here is a list of some of the other big names announcing Wednesday, my prediction is in bold:

E.J. Abrams-Ward - ATH - Thomasville, NC
Finalists: Tennessee, North Carolina

Aaron Boyd - WR - Lexington, KY (10:30 am)
Finalists: Kentucky, Oregon

T.J. Bryant - CB - Tallahassee, FL
Finalists: USC, FSU, Miami, Florida, Alabama, LSU

Quinton Coples - DE - Chatham, VA (10:45 am)
Finalists: North Carolina, Tenn, NC St, FSU

Enrique Davis - RB - Chatham, VA
Finalists: Maryland, Oregon, Auburn, Ole Miss, Tenn

Roderick Davis - DT - Aldine, TX
Finalists: Texas A&M, Texas, Florida

J.B. Fitzgerald - LB - Princeton Junction, NJ
Finalists: Michigan, Rutgers

Jarmon Fortson - ATH - Columbus, GA (12:45 pm)
Finalists: Florida St, Auburn

Jamie Harper - RB - Jacksonville, FL (12:20 pm)
Finalists: Clemson, FSU, Florida, Miami

Brandon Harris - CB - Miami, FL
Finalists: Florida, Miami, Ohio State

Jerrell Harris - LB - Gadsden, AL (3 pm)
Finalists: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Tenn, USC

Josh Jenkins - G - Vienna, WV (9 am)
Finalists: Ohio St, WVU, Florida State

Ben Jones - OL - Miami, FL
Finalists: Clemson, Miami

Datone Jones - DE - Compton, CA
Finalists: Oregon, UCLA

T.J. Lawrence - WR - Lakeland, FL
Finalists: S. Car, Va. Tech, Florida, Michigan

Antoine McClain - OL - Anniston, AL
Finalists: Tenn, LSU, Clemson

Charles Mitchell - S - Clarksdale, MS
Finalists: Southern Miss, Nebraska, Miss St

Nick Perry - DE - Detroit, MI (3 pm)
Finalists: Michigan, USC, Mich St, Miami

Robert Quinn - DE - North Charleston, SC (10:30 am)
Finalists: Auburn, Alabama, North Carolina

Hamani Stevens - C - Hemet, CA (3 pm)
Finalists: UCLA, BYU, Oregon

Tommy Streeter - WR - Miami, FL
Finalists: Miami, Oregon, S. Car, USF

Note: Time = Player's expected announcement. All times Eastern.

New Year's Decommitments: Hunter/Johnson

Two major names celebrated their New Year's with two not-so-surprising resolutions. Both of these kids have had rumors swirling around their recruitment for some time now. They both just made it official this week.

Buford, GA defensive tackle prospect Omar Hunter has decommitted from Notre Dame and Ely High (Fla.) standout Patrick Johnson broke off his ties with Miami. Neither is a shock. Johnson has been rumored to have been decommitted for a long time and stories about Hunter had surfaced a few weeks ago.

Both of these players are considered top-100 type players. Both will be featured soon on the Athlon Consensus 100.

The Hunter loss hurts Notre Dame just a bit more however. Notre Dame's top priority this season in recruiting was defensive and offensive line play. Charlie Weis has done a great job of addressing those issues with names like Trevor Robinson, Ethan Johnson and many others. Hunter was a linchpin of the D-Line class though. With the new 3-4 scheme, it is imperitive that a big, versitile tackle can play head-up on the center. It is just a tough task to find guys like that and Hunter is one of them.

Miami is still loaded on the defensive side of the ball in this class. The-U has the best linebacking class in the nation and recently added top-flight safety and former FSU commit C.J. Holton. Plus, I think Patrick Johnson was a bit overrated. When a kid brings this much turmoil upon himself so early in his career, I back off.

Hunter's finalists: Auburn, Florida, USC (my guess is Auburn)
Johnson's finalists: Florida, Florida St, LSU (my guess is Florida)

National Recruiting Blitz: 12.18.07

This week's national recruiting blitz is up on the site.

AthlonSports.com

This week I am joined by Gary Ferman of CaneSport.com.

Ferman breaks down the Arthur Brown commitment. Tells us where Patrick Johnson and Matt Patchan will be headed. And dissects the Northwestern-7.

The Shrine Bowl, Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, Trevor Robinson and much more!!

Athlon Sports Recruiting Blitz 12.18.07

Decommitment Party Coming to a Town Near You

Working for Rivals.com, one realizes that a 'verbal commitment' is just that. A spoken agreement between two parties. In the past a 'commitment' meant more. Realistically, roughly 90% of commitments stick and hold true.

Its seems recently that with all the major coaching moves, the word 'decommitted' has come up more and more often....

It all started with Nebraska and Bill Callahan getting axed...
Blaine Gabbert - QB (Ballwin, MO) Nebraska --> Missouri
Jonas Gray - RB (Detroit, MI) Nebraska --> Notre Dame
Trevor Robinson - OL (Elkhorn, NE) Nebraska --> ???
Sean Mohler - LB (Newport Beach, CA) Nebraska --> Colorado
D.J. Woods - WR (Strongville, OH) Nebraska --> West Virginia

This, on the same day that WVU lands another wide receiver named J.D. Woods from Naples, FL. So DJ Woods and JD Woods both wideouts, both commit to same school on the same day? Am I the only one who finds that weird?

Nebraska stopped the bleeding a bit when Bo Pelini hired Barney Cotton...
Ben Cotton - TE (Ames, IA) Louisville --> Nebraska

Then Dennis Franchione got lopped and Oklahoma got lucky...
Markelle Martin - S (Wichita Falls, TX) Texas A&M --> Oklahoma

But then Mike Sherman and the Aggies returned the favor...
Jeff Fuller - WR (McKinney, TX) Oklahoma --> Texas A&M

UCLA, Arkansas, and Georgia Tech have removed their HC's and it cost them...
Kemonte Bateman - WR (Los Angeles, CA) UCLA --> Arizona St
Sean Renfree - QB (Scottsdale, AZ) Georgia Tech --> ???
Jarius Wright - WR (Warren, AR) Arkansas --> ???

Keep an eye on E.J. Woods and Aundre Dean as well as their commitments to UCLA still hang in the balance.

Miami recently lost one of its fine linebacker commits...
Lerentee McCray - LB (Dunnellon, FL) Miami --> ???

This makes the tenuous commitment of Patrick Johnson even that more fragile.

Bret Bielema and Wisconsin have been poaching a bit...
Brandon Kelly - DE (Eden Prairie, MN) Minnesota --> Wisconsin
Anthony Mains - DE (Naples, FL) South Florida --> Wisconsin

A 6-6, 250 lb quarterback was not satisfied with one decommitment, he had to go for two...
D.C. Jefferson - QB (Winterhaven, FL) Rutgers --> LSU --> Rutgers

LSU has lost two QB commits in the last two weeks (Darron Thomas).

Now there is a rumor that Lynn Katoa is uneasy with his commitment to Colorado. Oklahoma looks to be a player.

Just a few more...
London Davis - TE (Cahokia, IL) Missouri --> Illinois
D.J. Marshall - DE (Mesquite, TX) Iowa State --> Kansas
Blair Irvin - DB (Patterson, LA) Auburn --> West Virginia

Auburn Commit Shines in Georgia Dome

Carver High (Columbus, GA) wide receiver/athlete Jarmon Fortson committed to the Auburn Tigers in late September. Friday, Auburn fans got a taste of what to expect from the big 6-3, 220 playmaker.

Fortson put on a show in Atlanta during a Class-AAA state semifinal match between Carver and Chamblee.

Jarmon Fortson and Carver scored 20 unanswered points in the final six minutes of play to pull off an unimaginable comeback victory 26-24. Fortson caught two touchdowns, recovered an key onside kick and hauled in a bomb on the final drive setting up the game-winning touchdown.

Auburn fans will be very happy when this kid gets to campus. Fortson is as natural a pass-catcher as I have seen in this class. He makes spectacular catch after spectacular catch. Get the ball near him and there is a good chance he will come down with it. He is a big, physical speciman that loves playing in traffic. Although not a game breaker in the open field with the ball in his hands, he is very hard to bring down. He will fight all the way to the ground.

This kid will be a steal for Auburn. He has a very rare blend of speed, size, strength and fluidity.

Another Auburn commit, 6-2 210 lb quarterback at Carver Deron Furr is probably the main reason that Fortson is so underrated. Furr is an incredibly gifted athlete, especially in the open field. A quarterback he is not. Fortson's numbers and recruitment would have been off the charts if he had a QB that could throw him the ball in stride more consistently.

Photo by Atlanta Journal Constitution