Team Recruiting Countdown: No. 16 Oregon Ducks

No. 16 Oregon Ducks (Pac-10 No. 3)

2008 haul: 20 signees, 0 Athlon Consensus 100

Scouting Report:

Offensive skill positions were likely the top focus of the Oregon Duck coaching staff this recruiting season. They certainly have options now. Chris Harper (Wichita, Kan.) is one of the most versatile prospects in the entire nation. He has the body of a tight end or linebacker but the skill set of a quarterback or wide receiver. Look for him to have the ball in his hands. Lack of depth at the wide receiver spot, combined with three graduating seniors will push Harper into a pass catching role of some sort.

The running back spot, however, is now a loaded position for the Ducks. JUCO freight train LaGarrette Blount (Scooba, Miss.) will come in right away and press for time. Backing him up will be the speedy LaMichael James (Texarkana, Texas). James’ 180 pounds are the lighting to Blount’s 230 pounds of thunder. Watch out for return specialist and open field dynamo Kenjon Barner (Riverside, Calif.).

Dion Jordan (Chandler, Ariz.) will need work as a blocker but is ready to step in and be a contributor in the passing attack.

Bellotti only landed two offensive line prospects but they are good ones. Nick Cody (Brush Prairie, Wash.) has one of the most remarkable stories to tell and is an incredibly grounded young man. He has great size and killer instinct in the trenches. Hamani Stevens (Hemet, Calif.) is arguably the best center prospect in the nation.

On defense, JUCO tackle Justin Thompson (Torrance, CA) and linebacker DeWitt Stuckey (Stockton, Calif.) could both see playing time in their first seasons in Eugene.

What is so impressive about this class is the ability to recruit nationally. The Ducks landed four kids from Texas and one each from Kansas, Mississippi, Arizona, and Georgia. Don’t forget, Oregon is still a player in the Terrelle Pryor sweepstakes. Although its unlikely the Ducks land Pryor, it is still a testament to Mike Bellotti and his staff for even being involved with the top player in the nation, who is nearly 3,000 miles away in Pennsylvania.

As usual, Oregon did well in California, landing 10 prospects from the west coast state. Oregon landed only one prospect from its home state: Scott Grady (Tigard, Ore.).

Top Prospect: Darron Thomas – ATH – Aldine, Texas (6-4, 195)

This could have been Chris Harper. The two will likely battle for playing time at the quarterback position with the loser moving to another position. The edge goes to Thomas due to the fact that he is a better passer and is already on campus working in the Chip Kelly system.

Thomas is a difference maker on the ground from the quarterback position. He is a thicker version of Dennis Dixon and is a perfect fit in the spread-zone-read-option offense. He has incredibly fast feet and gets from 0-60 in no time at all. He does not have a strong arm but does show nice accuracy and touch on his passes.

Best of the Rest:

Chris Harper – ATH – Wichita, Kan. (6-2, 230)
Dion Jordan – TE – Chandler, Ariz. (6-6, 220)
Nick Cody – OL – Brush Prairie, Wash. (6-5, 290)
Hamani Stevens – OL – Hemet, Calif. (6-4, 285)
LeMichael James – RB – Texarkana, Texas (5-9, 185)

Sleeper: Kenjon Barner – RB – Riverside, Calif. (5-10, 170)

If LaGarrette Blount is Owen Schmidt and LaMichael James is Steve Slaton, then Barner is Oregon’s version of Noel Devine. He may be small but he is impossible to catch, much less tackle. He will be an immediate impact performer in the return game and in garbage time. He is a home run threat anytime he touches ball. His feet are lighting quick and can accelerate to full speed very quickly.

Terrelle Pryor: Ohio St, Penn St, Michigan

I will be very happy when Terrelle Pryor finally ends this nonsense that has been his recruitment process. Yes, it is the most important decision he will likely make in his life but it is time to end the suspense.

There is only one thing that really matters: where will Terrelle Pryor go to college?

Two words: Ohio State.

The Buckeyes have been the leading candidate for Mr. Pryor since day one. Not only that but it is a perfect fit. He will be used in exactly the same fashion as Timmy Tebow was used his freshman year in Gainesville. Expect Pryor to get 75-100 snaps next season as Todd Boeckman finishes his career at OSU in Chris Leak like fashion. The Buckeyes kept some very talented defensive players from leaving early and will be loaded on defense, much like the Gators of two years ago. He will have a chance at a national title in year No. 1.

Lets consider the hoops angle. Yes, he says basketball will not even be an option. But you know, just in case, a recent No. 1 overall pick and national championship appearance isn't bad to have in your back pocket.

Not to mention Mike Adams, one of the best offensive line prospects in the nation, said during a Signing Day interview that Pryor will be headed to Columbus. The quarterback's coach at Jeannette High has too, in fact, given his "endorsement" of The Ohio State.

National title chance. Top-flight hoops program. Great rushing attack to back you up. OSU has been the leader since the beginning. His coach says its the Buckeyes. His friends and fellow recruit say OSU.

Terrelle Pryor is going to play football at The Ohio State University.

I would personally like to see him at Oregon - for a variety of reasons, some of which will remain unspoken - but it will not happen. Unfortunately, he would have been a blast to watch play in that Chip Kelly offense, but its not likely.

Terrelle, I have already figured it out. You can go ahead and sign now, lets end this thing and make it official.

Having said all of that, something is up. That fact that a father and son had not sat down one time in the last two years and compared college choices is unfathomable. You mean to tell me, the first time the No. 1 prospect in the nation and his father ever spoke about where they wanted him to go was the night before Signing Day? Something isn't right. I have no proof of anything; I have no inside information. But the logical train of thought is pretty clear. We will have to wait and see.

Hey, THE Reggie Bush just lost a settlement case with a former financier. He had to pay him back his money.

2008 Sleepers

The term role player has long been regarded as one with negative connotations. On a basketball court, it’s a scrappy, less-talented ball player who can do a little bit of everything. On a baseball diamond, it’s the utility infielder who will play any position you ask him to.

In recruiting classes, the “role players” can end up being stars.

Yes, the top-notch, five-star type players are needed if one expects to win a national championship in college football these days. But staying competitive in today’s NCAA landscape means developing talent better than the next guy. That is where the two-and three-star players come in. They are the underlying foundation of depth on conference championship teams.

Just ask Oklahoma, Ohio State, Alabama, West Virginia or Wisconsin.



The Buckeyes and Crimson Tide both had linebackers recently who were not only high draft picks but are now NFL stars: A.J. Hawk and DeMeco Ryans. Both were three-star prospects coming out of high school.

Oklahoma’s record-setting freshman quarterback, Sam Bradford, was not a big-time recruit.

Pat White and Steve Slaton were both asked to play other positions – by LSU and Maryland respectively –  coming out of high school until Rich Rodriguez and WVU gave them a shot in the backfield. Next season, White is likely to become the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher from the quarterback position.

Wisconsin’s bruising tailback P.J. Hill was a two-star fullback and nine defensive starters for the Badgers were ranked three-stars or lower coming out of the prep ranks.

So who are those sleepers this season? Here are some mid-level prospects who might have a chance at being stars for their school of choice:

Darius Ashley        Cincinnati, OH    RB    5’9” 190    Louisville

This kid also was the leader and main factor on a state championship football team. This was the highest division of play in Ohio, though, so no small feat. He is tough. He is fast and he wins. Steve Kragthorpe and company got a nice player in Ashley.

Willie Bohannon        Mobile, AL        DE    6’3” 240    Tennessee

Bohannon has the size/speed combination that is so valuable to defensive coordinators. He has great pass rush ability as well as lateral quickness in the run game. He played very physical football in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. Now all John Chavis has to figure out is where to play him.

Cody Bruns            Prosser, WA        WR    5’11” 185    Washington

This little over-achiever is going to be a great receiving option for Husky quarterback Jake Locker. He is just a bit too short and just a bit too slow, right? Well, Bruns simply gets the job done. He set national high school career receiving records with 304 career receptions for 5,080 yards and 72 touchdowns. He is too smart a player not to be successful.

Alfred Jenkins        Jacksonville, FL    WR    6’ 178        Illinois

There is no secret that freshmen will be given the shot to play at Illinois. Jenkins is no exception. He has great speed and will make things happen with the ball in his hands. Juice Williams will need another receiving option next season across from Arrelious Benn, and Jenkins could be the guy.

Wes Kemp            St. Louis, MO    WR    6’4” 226    Missouri

Originally headed to Wisconsin, Kemp recently switched to the Tigers. He might be moved to tight end, and in Gary Pinkel’s system, he is a perfect fit. His size and athleticism make him an ideal piece to the Pinkel offensive puzzle. He will be a faster, slightly smaller version of Martin Rucker.

D’anton Lynn        Celina, TX        S    6’1” 180    Penn State

Penn State dipped into Texas to pull an underrated defensive back prospect. Lynn will be very good against the run. His aggressive, attacking style of play allows him to play down in the box. His speed and athleticism give him the ability to play sideline-to-sideline.

Kyle Parker            Jacksonville, FL    QB    6’ 192”    Clemson

This Todd Reesing look-alike played very well at the Under Armour All-American Game. He has such a natural feel for the game, that it might be hard to keep him off the field. He goes through his progressions very quickly and accurately. Watch out Willy Korn!

Curt Phillips            Kingsport, TN    QB    6’3” 218    Wisconsin

This kid is the complete package of physical ability at the quarterback position. He has nice height and a well-built, muscular frame. His arm strength is more than adequate. It is his athleticism that makes him so intriguing. He has the ability to be a run option from out of the backfield. Phillips gained 9,206 total yards and was responsible for 115 touchdowns over three seasons.

James Vandenberg        Keokuk, IA        QB    6’2” 185    Iowa

Vandenberg leaves Keokuk High with almost sole possession of the Iowa state passing record book. He also led his team to the 3A state championship. On film, he shows nice footwork and nice fundamentals. He is productive, he is a winner and he has nice technique. That is all I need to know.

Rod Wilks            Smyrna, TN        WR    6’2” 205    Tennessee

Wilks has been compared to Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. He is not quite that physically gifted but he certainly plays a similar brand of football. In fact, Wilks might even be a touch faster than Mr. Fitzgerald. He likes the contact and will make the tough catch. Wilks will be a playmaker in Knoxville.

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Here are some guys who are not so much sleepers as they are underrated. These five names are all outside of the top-125 in the Athlon Consensus 100, but all should be in the top-100.

Nick Cody            Brush Prairie, WA    OL    6’5” 290    Oregon

This young offensive tackle may be the most underrated prospect in the nation. Cody has a great story and a great head on his shoulders. He is a well-grounded, hard-working mauler along the offensive line. He looks to bury defenders on every play and with his size could be an all-Pac-10 type player. I had a chance to interview him during his live commitment.

Listen Here

Jarmon Fortson        Columbus, GA    WR    6’3” 218    Florida State

Fortson put on a show in the Georgia Dome during the 3A state semi-finals. He led his team to 20 unanswered points in the final six minutes of play to pull off the miraculous comeback 26-24. He made spectacular catch after spectacular catch. The big, physical receiver will be a threat in all levels of the passing game.

Max Tuioti-Mariner        Corona, CA        OL    6’4” 300    Colorado

This kid is a beast. He, like Cody, looks to bury defenders on every play. It is this killer instinct that transforms physically limited solid players into all-conference type bruisers. Stick him next to true freshman starter Ryan Miller and the left side of the Colorado offensive line is set for years to come.

Darron Thomas        Aldine, TX        ATH    6’4” 205    Oregon

The Ducks are getting a dynamic playmaker in Mr. Thomas. He has lightning-quick footwork and his acceleration is second to none. I would like to see him get a shot at quarterback as the Chip Kelly system would fit his skills perfectly. He does lack the arm strength coaches like, but he has good touch and accuracy.

MarQueis Gray        Indianapolis, IN    QB    6’4” 220    Minnesota

Arguably the second-best dual-threat quarterback behind Terrelle Pryor, Gray is a dynamic playmaker. This kid has the speed to get downfield in a hurry. He will be a great fit in the spread offense that Tim Brewster is trying to install. He has great acceleration, size and arm strength. Gray is a much more polished passer than a guy like Darron Thomas.

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.

Oregon Ducks Soar Into Signing Day

Things are good in Eugene, OR. The Ducks pulled a surprise mauling of the South Florida Bulls in the Sun Bowl out of their pocket. The nations top prospect, Terrelle Pryor, adds the Pac-10 team to his list of suitors. Then head coach Mike Bellotti choose Oregon over UCLA by turning down a less-than-flattering offer from the Bruins. To me, that last one is all that really matters.

Just look at the Big East and West Virginia. Two very similar programs - aside from the fact they run the same offense. Both programs were on the edge of greatness this season and injuries to their dynamic quarterbacks sealed their national championship fates. Since then they have gone in different directions. WVU lost their head coach and subsequently Pryor while Oregon is now poised to move forward. The next step?

Signing a great - and very underrated - recruiting class. This week Bellotti and Co. set the groundwork for potentially the best class in Oregon history. That, of course, hinges on Mr. Pryor heading west.

But this class is still very solid even without Pryor. Chris Harper, a Wichita, KS native, finally put his soap opera recruitment to an end, at least for now. The 6-2, 230-pound athlete committed to the Ducks. Harper had been headed to Kansas St but decommitted when there was a shake-up on the coaching staff.

Chris Harper is a very fluid smooth athlete who plays quarterback for his high school squad. He is the definition of 'athlete.' He has so many possibilities. He could bulk up and play tight end or H-back. He could stay where he is at size and play wideout. He might even be able to play safety or weakside linebacker. I do not see him on defense though.

He is a gifted, pure athlete with the ball in his hands. He would be very raw at wide receiver but will be best suited in that position. He is just too athletic to move to tight end. He would be solid after the catch as he is comfortable running with the ball. Oregon got a great prospect. Now they just need to figure out where to play him.

Something tells me that Chip Kelly might just give him a shot at quarterback. Darron Thomas, who I am very high on, has a head start in the potential QB battle as he is already on campus. Thomas is from Aldine, TX.

Speaking of Texas, the Ducks also yanked a talented little running back out of Texarkana this week. 5-8, 180-pound LeMichael James decided to head to the great northwest. James will be a nice speedy compliment to the bigger, JUCO signee LeGarratte Blount. A solid running back class could not have come at a better time for Oregon now that Jonathan Stewart has left for the NFL.

All and all, this is a really nice class. The offense adds plenty of playmakers. Nick Cody will be a name to watch. He has a great story and has a great head on his shoulders. He plays with great attitude and tenacity along the offensive line. He is a top-100 type player.

USC will win the Pac-10 recruiting crown but Oregon is making a strong case for No. 2.

Photo by Athlon Sports

Terrelle Pryor heading to LSU?

Life for the top prospect in the nation is hectic to say the least.

The Oregon Ducks paid the young QB a visit a few weeks ago and they ended up on his short list of favorites. Then RichRod took the Michigan job and the Wolverines took the place of the West Virginia Mountaineers on his favorites list. Texas then got kicked to the curb. Tennessee followed when offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe left for Duke.

Then Pryor showed the nation at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl why he is the No. 1 prospect in the nation. He dominated the game winning the MVP for the game as well as the U.S. Army National Player of the Year award.

There is no doubt that he is inundated with phone calls, text messages and visitors.

Pryor, however, can only visit five schools officially. He visited Columbus and the Buckeyes on Nov. 2nd. He is slated to be at Michigan this weekend - he was supposed to be at Penn St but instead is headed to Ann Arbor. That is not a good sign for JoePa.

That leaves three more officials. PSU, Oregon, Florida and maybe even Duke might get a visit. Oregon and Florida are my prediction. He has been to Penn St so many times they may not get an official visit. So that leaves one more visit date.

Who gets it? There is a new player in the Pryor sweepstakes.

Les Miles and the LSU Tigers might end up with one of those visits. The main reason Pryor is interested in Oregon is the style of offense that they run. Gary Crowton was the OC in Eugene and worked with Dennis Dixon. Crowton is now at LSU. They have been supposedly pitching Pryor on the implementation of the zone-read offense in Baton Rouge. Music to young Mr. Pryor's ears.

Will Pryor end up at or even visit LSU? Who knows. All I know is that when a player visits the Bayou, they don't forget it. It is a fabulous place to hang out in and certainly an unforgettable football experience.

The question about LSU is the QB situation. It is the most clogged of all the favorites. The controversial Ryan Perrilloux and young Jarrett Lee both would be ahead of Pryor on the depth chart.

Pryor is on record as stating that playing time is not necessarily the important issue so LSU's depth chart may not matter. Either way, LSU is a very easy sell. Great culture, great football, great women, great weather, defending National Champs and a newly designed offensive system put in place just for him.

It sounds pretty tantalizing to me. The Bayou Bengals may have something to say about this thing before its all said and done.

What about Pittsburgh? In a word, no.

The young Western PA quarterback has developed a friendship and mentor in Pittsburgh Steelers QB Charlie Batch. He was seen with Batch at the Pitt-GTown basketball game recently. Rumors about Pitt's chances at Pryor are unfounded and ridiculous. He is not headed to Pitt. The Stache has done a great job on the recruiting trail, however.

NEWLY UPDATED TERRELLE PRYOR PERCENTAGES:

Mich: 35%
OSU: 35%
Oregon: 10%
Florida: 10%
LSU: 10%
Duke: 0%
Pitt: 0%
PSU: 0%

Early Enrollee Tracker:

As time progresses, the list of spring enrollments will get larger and larger. In this first edition of the Early Enrollee Tracker, three southern powers, the Oregon Ducks, Sly Croom and Mack Brown will be reaping the benefits of kids getting into school early. Learning the campus, getting used to the schedule and starting a college level weight program all will dramatically aid in developing prospects.


Clemson Tigers:

DaQuan Bowers - DE - Bamberg, SC
Kyle Parker - QB - Jacksonville, FL
Tarik Rollins - LB - Hollywood, FL
Spencer Benton - K - Myrtle Beach, SC
Stanley Hunter - Duncan, SC (2007 signee)

Clemson has to be happy to see Bowers and Parker show up early. Parker, a quarterback, can never work too much on his game and Bowers is arguably the best defensive prospect in the entire nation. This Clemson team should already be really good next season, adding Bowers could make this defense very dangerous.


Florida State Seminoles:

Nigel Bradham - LB - Crawfordville, FL
Terrance Parks - CB - Creekside, GA
Vincent Williams - LB - Davenport, FL

FSU DC Mickey Andrews should be happy to see these three prospects step on campus early this spring. Like Bowers at defensive end, Bradham is arguably the best as his position nationally. Parks is also a very solid prospect.


Florida Gators:

Janoris Jenkins - CB - Pahokee, FL
Brendan Beal - LB - Bethlehem, PA
Matt Patchan - OT - Tampa, FL
Jeremy Brown - CB - Orlando, FL
Earl Okine - DE - Gainesville, FL
Caleb Sturgis - K - St. Augustine, FL

Florida's group is sick. Jenkins, Beal and Patchan are all top-100 type players. Beal and Patchan are both in the top-50 of the Athlon Consensus 100. They also enroll the top offensive JUCO player in the nation, 6-4, 220-pound wide receiver Carl Moore.

JUCOS:
Carl Moore - WR - Roseville, CA
Troy Epps - DT - Union, SC


Oregon Ducks:

The Ducks bring in one of my favorite players in the nation: Darron Thomas. Thomas is a lighting quick Dennis Dixon clone with 20 more pounds of weight. Among the other early signees/enrollees are three JUCO kids as well. Bruising running back LaGarrette Blount could be an immediate fix to a running game that could lose Jonathan Stewart. Don't let Blount's power and size fool you, he can really move well in space too. Blount decommitted from FSU and signed with Oregon on JUCO Signing Day.

Darron Thomas - QB/ATH - Aldine, TX
John Boyatt - S - Napa, CA
Carson York - OL - Coeur d’Alene, ID

JUCO signees:
LaGarrett Blount - RB - Perry, FL
Lonnell Rice - DT - Palm Desert, CA
Justin Thompson - DT - Los Angeles, CA

Texas Longhorns:

Dan Buckner - WR - Allen, TX
Mark Buchanan - OL - Austin, TX
Tre Newton - RB - Southlake, TX
David Snow - OL - Gilmer, TX
Dravannti Johnson - Nederland, TX
Brock Fitzhenry - WR - Giddings, TX
Blake Gideon - S - Leander, TX
Justin Tucker - K - Austin, TX

Just another huge group of early enrollees. Buckner had a nice game in San Antonio in the U.S. Army AA Bowl. Snow, Buchanan, Newton and Johnson are all promising prospects.


Mississippi State Bulldogs:

Phillip Freeman - OT - Wesson, MS (JUCO)
O'Neal Wilder - WR - Carthage, MS (2007)
Mike Hunt - S - Meadville, MS (2007)
Nelson Hurst - TE - Plainfield, IN

Hurst is technically the only actual early enrollee but I am sure that Sly is happy to have them on campus this spring.

Stayed tuned to The Unofficial Visitor for more of the Early Enrollee Tracker.

Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz

This week's edition of the Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz is up on the site...

Athlon Sports Podcasts

Mitch Light and I break down prospects 61-80 from the Athlon Consensus 100 as well as give our analysis of all the high school all-star games. Florida, Clemson, Miami, Minnesota and Oregon all came up in discussion also.

National Recruiting Blitz

USA Today...Today...Today Today Today

Offensive/Defensive Players's of the Year along with the annual USA Today High SChool All-American Teams were released today.

Shocking. Terrelle Pryor was named Off. POY while current Miami-FL commit and Florida Gator lean Patrick Johnson was given Def. POY honors.

They interviewed both. Pryor's best answer was to the question, 'Who is in your five?' He responded with "Mom, Dad, friends Jason and Ted, coach Ray Reitz and coach Roy Hall."

1, 2, 3, 4...yeah that is definitely six people. For Pyror's academic tutor's sake, I hope someone is sharing a line.

He also said "Someone tried to land a helicopter on our field."

Hmmmm? Jim Tressel and his championship teams and his fancy sweater vest? Maybe. How about the guy who jet-sets in the offseason with Bill Belichick? Nah, not Urban Meyer. There are just so many logical candidates: Steve Spurrier, Nick Saban, Pete Carroll, Bobby Petrino. Who is my guess though?

Rich Rodriguez. He has not only got the clout but also the balls to do it. The brashness helps too.

FSU-Mia: The Battle Continues

JUCO signing day began last Wednesday, December 19th. Florida St has arguably the best JUCO class in the nation. With names like Tavares Pressley and Corey Surrency, FSU will be bringing in a solid core of skill position players next season. Pressley is the real deal and might compete for playing time immediately in the backfield. He is very similar to Darren McFadden, 6'1" - 215 with blinding speed.

On Dec. 19th, however, FSU lost one of its prized JUCO recruits. LaGarrett Blount signed instead with Oregon. The East Miss CC prospect would have been a nice compliment to the speedy Pressley. Blount is roughly 6'2" - 230 lbs. He would have been the thunder to Pressley's lightning. Now he is headed to Oregon. A nice pick-up for the Ducks as Blount is much in the mold of Jonathan Stewart, although not quite as fast.

Late last week FSU took another hit. And I don't mean of the peace pipe. That was the 34 suspended players. Actually it was academics not drugs that got them suspended, but they had to have been smoking something...I digress...

Crawfordville defensive back C.J. Holton decommitted from the local Seminoles and instead pledged to play for Miami.

Holton is much in the mold of a Miami safety. Names like Brandon Merriweather, Kenny Phillips and the late Sean Taylor have made The-U an attractive place for safeties to come. Holton has a very similar game to that of Merriweather and Phillips. Holton possesses the speed and agility to cover like Merriweather and Phillips but can also come up and fill lanes against the run.

Holton is comfortable in all situations making him a very versatile player for coordinators. Randy Shannon will be able to drop him into the box when needed, play him in a 2-deep zone or blitz everyone and stick him in a man-to-man situation on the outside. The 6-2, 200 lb safety will be a solid player for Miami.

To a defensive class that might already be the best in the nation, Miami added another stud. Arthur Brown and Co. make the LB class tops in the nation. Now with Holton and Patrick Johnson (at least for now), the DB class is up there as well.

If Miami can add Tommy Streeter, Ben Jones, Brandon Harris and Matt Patchan they will be pushing for the top class in the nation. They would need to keep Johnson as well but that looks like a long shot. (FLA Gators)

How he ranks:

Rivals: #6 safety, #124 overall
Scout: #11 safety, #153 overall
ESPN: #6 safety, #104 overall

Terrelle Pryor Update and more...

I just got off the phone with my contacts in Ann Arbor and he gave me his thoughts on the new hire and Michigan's chances at Terrelle Pryor.

My unnamed source at TheWolverine.com first told me that there is more energy around the Michigan program in one day under Rich Rod than in the past five years combined. This is not shocking.

First things first, Terrelle Pryor has officially added Michigan to his list of schools. And they move right to the top. My contact tells me that the % chance Terrelle Pryor goes to Michigan is at 50%. West Virginia, Tennessee and Texas have all bit the dust in the last few weeks. Florida is on its death bed. That leaves Michigan, Ohio St and Oregon.

So, hypothetically, if Pryor goes to Michigan that raises intersting questions about the current depth chart. Pryor has told Michigan that he does not have to play right away. Redshirting is an option or use him like Florida used Timmy Teabags when he was behind Chris Leak on the depth chart: get some time under center in special circumstances.

So this leaves me with one burning question. What happens to Ryan Mallet? Well, apparently he is a jerk. That is a quote that has been cleaned up for children. Will he transfer? Will he stick it out? What about Ga. Tech transfer/recruit Steve Threet? Only time will tell.

The 50% number would mean that Michigan is leading and I do not believe that...yet. I would guess its closer to...

Michigan 40%
Ohio St 40%
Oregon 20%

We shall see what happens.

Also, huge commitments coming today from Arthur Brown and Chris Harper today from Wichita, KS. I have been saying Brown to USC but rumors are swirling about North Carolina.

Championship Weekend

Its championship weekend. At least in some states. Ohio crowned their title winners last weekend with an upset by Coldwater over Youngstown Cardinal Mooney despite PSU commit Brandon Beachum's 191 yards. The biggest star of the Ohio state title weekend was running back Darius Ashley, a running back headed to Louisville. Ashley set an Ohio record for rushing in a title game rushing for 271 yards and two scores in the 27-0 Class-1 victory. Ashley is DRAMATICALLY underrated.

The nation's top player, Terrelle Pryor, had another game for the ages in his title game this weekend. Jeannette HS beat Dunmore in the Class-AA PIAA title game this weekend 49-21. Jeannette was not really tested at all in their run to the title. Pryor threw for 83 yards, one touchdown, rushed for 209 yards and three scores and to top it all off he caught a 28 yard touchdown pass. Run, pass and catch. This kid just about does it all. (He had a 100-yard INT return for touchdown last week)

With the move David Cutcliffe makes, Tennessee has been eliminated by Pryor. That leaves FLA, PSU, OSU, WVU and Oregon. PSU and FLA seem to trailing the other three. With rumors swirling about Rich Rodriguez heading to Michigan, WVU might be on tenuous ground. The Oregon Ducks are slowly moving up the list.

The nation's top running back lived up to his hype as well. St. Bonnie's Darrell Scott rushed for 150 yards on 17 carries (8.8 ypc) and two scores with only one leg. Scott played the entire CIF State Division III Bowl Championship win over Central Catholic (35-21) with a badly injured ankle.

South Carolina posted a 31-24 victory over North Carolina Saturday in the 71st annual Shrine Bowl. I will be speaking with Tony Morrell of GamecockCentral.com on Monday so look for more Shrine Bowl coverage. Many players raised their stock significantly, linebacker Sterling Lucas for one.

Not Pryor, Next Best Thing for Oregon

Oregon Duck fans have been captivated by the recruiting world since top prospect Terrelle Pryor added Oregon to his list of suitors. Pryor has not committed but I believe Oregon got the next best thing.

A few weeks ago I did a story about Aldine, TX duel-threat quarterback Darron Thomas decommiting from LSU and most likely heading to Oregon.

Thomas committed this week to Oregon.

I have been infatuated with Darron Thomas. Thomas, other than maybe Will HIll up in Jersey, has the quickest feet in the nation. His acceleration and explosion is unreal. He goes from standing in the pocket to full speed as fast as anyone I have seen in years. 6-3, 190 pounds, can run like crazy, going to Oregon. Sound familiar Dennis Dixon fans? Unlike Dixon, Thomas has the frame to put weight on. Dixon was incredibly wiry and I think it cost him with the injury. Thomas is much thicker.

Thomas has one major flaw. He does not have a strong arm. He does, however, have great touch. Many people think that this kid will not be a quarterback and that may be true but I want to see him run the Chip Kelly spread. Pat White, Charlie Ward, Tommie Frazier, Eric Crouch. The list of running quarterbacks that didn't have strong arms that went on to be incredibly successful is long.

Put Thomas at QB!

Oregon also added a big-time JUCO defensive tackle Justin Thompson. The 6-5, 280 lb DT ranks as the #5 JUCO prospect in the nation by JCGridiron.com.

Photo by Sarah Toor/Portland Tribune

Terrelle Pryor headed to Oregon?

Good friend Mike Farrell of Rivals.com, is reporting that Terrelle Pryor has added the Oregon Ducks to his list of suitors. Apparently Mike Bellotti and Dennis Dixon paid him a bit of a visit when traveling to New York for an awards ceremony.

I have been saying since day one that his decision will come down to what type of offense he will be running. West Virginia and Florida would fit his desired style the best. However, no matter how good Terrelle Pryor is, he will never be more popular than Timmy Teabags in Gainesville.

Ohio State has proven that it can adapt. But is Tressell to conservative?

Was Michael Robinson's season enough for Penn St to prove that JoePa has not let the game pass him by?

Tennessee. Manning? Claussen? Ainge? That is twelve years of no chance.

With Dennis Dixon's play this season and no quarterback in sight on that campus, Eugene becomes an interesting option for Mr. Pryor. If it is the system he wants, there might be no better option than Oregon and Chip Kelly's offense.

Prior to Dixon's injury, West Virginia and Oregon were the two most explosive and most difficult to stop offenses of the 2007 season. Would love to see him go to Oregon.

Additionally, Pryor eliminated Texas. Shocking. They were never a serious player.

Photo by Pittsburgh Post Gazette

The Jeffersons Move On Up

A little over a month ago, LSU had no quarterback commitments for the 2008 class. In the past few weeks, Les Miles and Gary Crowton dove deep into the heart of Texas for an explosive duel-threat QB named Darron Thomas. Then they added a JaMarcus Russell look-a-like D.C. Jefferson from Winter Haven, FL. To top it all off, local star Jordan Jefferson of Destrehan, LA boarded the LSU ship.

Only one problem. Mr. Darron Thomas felt a bit claustrophobic. He decommitted Friday. He will visit Oregon and the Ducks lead for his services.

Its no surprise that Oregon is where Thomas would turn. Thomas is a game-breaker at the quarterback position. The Aldine high (Aldine, TX) prospect can really run. The 6-3, 200 lb athlete has a similar style to that of current - albeit injured - quarterback Dennis Dixon.

Thomas goes from 0-60 as quick as anyone in the nation. His feet are Will Hill-esque. When he decides to take off and run, the defense better be prepared to chase because he will be going full speed in two steps.

As a passer, Thomas is underrated. He has touch. The ability Thomas has to hit the open man down the middle of the field is a refined art. He also does a great job of keeping his eyes down field looking for the open man while scrambling.

Thomas does not possess elite arm-strength though.

Look for Oregon and Florida to be the finalists here. Thomas is a superb athlete and LSU fans will be sorry that he jumped ship. LSU will settle for a pair of very talented Jeffersons. By the way, at 6-foot-6 235 lbs, D.C. Jefferson is also underrated by the recruiting services.

What is interesting about this decommitment is that it had nothing to do with with Les Miles leaving for Michigan. Texas A&M has already seen Markelle Martin jump ship for Oklahoma because of a coaching change. One positive note for LSU fans is that this class has yet to become a group that would be desirably "poachable" by other teams. Now, the coaching issues might negatively impact decisions made by players like Deion Walker, Julio Jones, Arthur Brown and Chris Tolliver, to name a few, but it doesn't look like anyone will come in and steal away players.