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.

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.

Darrell Scott Goes Buffalo!!!

In what might be the biggest land in Colorado history, the No. 1 running back in the nation Darrell Scott from Ventura, CA has decided to head to Boulder, CO.

Darrell Scott is the most complete running back prospect in the nation. He has not only the durability, size and power to run between the tackles 20-25 times a game but also has the speed and agility to get to the outside and beat defenders to the edge. He shows exceptional feet for a bigger back and has great balance and power for a guy who can play in the open field. He has great vision and patience while allowing his blocks to develop. Scott is also one of the better receivers out of the backfield in this class.

Scott rushed for 3,194 yards and 45 touchdowns his junior year.

Scott has lived in Florida, Texas and California, so he has played against top-flight competition his entire career. Colorado freshman wide receiver Josh Smith is Scott’s uncle but is more like his brother as they lived together in Ventura. This relationship will be a key factor in where Scott ends up.

This puts the Colorado class in rarefied air. The Hawk is really doing a great job.

Julio! Julio! Julio!

Its over! Julio Jones, the top prospect in the south and the arguably the best player in the nation has finally ended his recruiting process.

And the winner is...Alabama!

Shocking.

Jones is the most physically gifted wide receiver in this year’s class of pass catchers. That is a monster statement as the 2008 wide receiver class might be the best and deepest group of wideouts ever.

He has a rare blend of size, speed, agility and natural instincts. He can do it all. As a deep threat, he has great leaping ability and ball-tracking skills. Over the middle he has the size and toughness to make the catch and take the big hit. At the line of scrimmage, his long arms and quick feet make him very difficult to jam. In the open field he has the elusiveness to make people miss and accelerate quickly for extra yards. In the running game, Jones can be a dominate blocker, using his big frame and long arms to shield defenders from the ball-carrier.

He is mentally tough as well. In a game against rival high school Daphne, Jones hurt his ankle in the first half and came out in the second half and played through the pain and caught a bomb to win the game. He is a leader on the field.

This is the most talented player on the outside that Alabama has probably ever signed - at least in 10 years. Julio Jones automatically makes Alabama dangerous on the edge and in the vertical passing game.

If Bama lands Jerrell Harris they will lock up the top class in the SEC and maybe the nation.

Clemson Dominates on Signing Day

Clemson has made a wonderful push for the top classin the ACC - in fact if Miami hadnt made a similar push they might have just passed them for tops in the ACC. But with Jacksonville, FL running back Jamie Harper and Anniston, AL offesnive lineman Antoine McClain, this class is turning inot one of the best in the nation.

I love Jamie Harper. I think he is the No. 3 RB in the nation.

There might not be a running back in the nation with Harper’s skill set. He is too quick and elusive to be considered a power back, but that is his style of play. He is very physical, playing behind his pads with textbook precision. He will hit most holes with low, square pad level and deliver the blow as he falls forward. He will pick up the tough yards.

At almost 220 pounds, Harper shows the ability to maneuver in small spaces, run away from defenders and impact the passing game in a way no power back can. He is surprisingly light on his feet and shows remarkable quickness in the open field for a prospect of his size. Harper is the most polished pass catcher from the pure running back position.

Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart is a solid comparison. Harper’s one area of weakness is his top-end speed. Stewart returns kicks for the Ducks; Harper does not have burner speed like that. Otherwise, Harper is a four-down running back and will be used in 3rd-and-long, as well as along the goal line.
Harper is an outstanding prospect and has NFL stamped on his forehead.

McClain is a solid pick-up as well.

What is scary about how big McClain is that he will get bigger. His massive 300-plus pound frame actually affords him room to grow. His size and power are two of his main strengths. Once this young lineman gets his hands on defenders they normally go for a ride. His solid hand technique and quick feet allow him to swing and move well once engaged with defenders.

His motor is always running, as are his feet. He carries his weight well using those active feet to recover nicely from mistakes. Those mistakes come primarily with speedy edge pass-rushers. He has trouble opening his stance up and giving the outside to defensive ends.

One great thing about McClain’s weaknesses is that there is a concerted effort on his part to address mistakes. This means he is studying his game and working hard to improve.

Oh yeah, and the Tigers stole a really nice tight end prospect from Tight End-U in Georgia's Dwayne Allen. Just a great day for the Clemson Tigers.