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While the recruiting process for the Class of 2007 is winding down by the day, it’s never too early to look ahead to what the Class of 2008 will hold.
And FlaVarsity.com and Rivals.com have done just that, unveiling the Top 100 junior prospects (pre-evaluation) in Florida. And to no surprise, Hillsborough County is well represented.
At the top of the list - county-wide speaking - is Armwood RB Eric Smith, who is listed at No. 3.
Smith missed eight weeks last season after dislocating his left elbow in Armwood’s season-opener against Hillsborough, but he recovered in time to help the Hawks during their playoff run - and nearly carried them to the state semifinals for a fourth consecutive year.
Smith, a Tribune All-Hillsborough County second-team selection this season, had 161 yards and three touchdowns in the Hawks’ region final loss to to eventual Class 4A state champion Plant. And had it not been for some costly Armwood turnovers - including a Smith fumble - the Hawks might have had a chance to win, especially the way Smith was running.
While schools can’t officially offer Smith a scholarship yet, Armwood coach Sean Callahan said Tuesday we can expect the state’s Big 3 - Florida, Miami and Florida State - to officially extend their hand when allowed. That’s not to mention several other big-time college programs, probably a few from the Big Ten, where Smith’s bruising-style of running would fit perfectly.
Riverview’s Jahleel Addae is the next county player to make the list, coming in at No. 28. The brother of former West Virginia standout Jahmile Addae, the younger Addae topped the 1,000-yard mark for the second consecutive season with the Sharks and also was a dangerous punt returner. He was a Tribune All-Hillsborough County second-team selection.
Lineman Matt Patchan, a Tribune All-Hillsborough County first-team selection as a junior at Freedom but who may transfer due to his family moving, is No. 30, while Armwood DL Sergio Joyner is No. 34.
Plant teammates WR Derek Winter and LB Patrick Carter also made the list. Winter, who set a Hillsborough County record with 90 receptions this season and was on the receiving end of Robert Marve’s state-title winning touchdown pass against Ponte Vedra Beach Nease, is No. 69. Meanwhile, Carter, who made the last tackle the state championship game, is No. 93.
Ridgewood RB Byronell Arline, a Tribune All-Pasco County first-team selection, is No. 89.
TAMPA - There is a right way to recruit Plant quarterback Robert Marve and a wrong way.
Alabama may have figured out the wrong way.
The Crimson Tide picked up a verbal commitment from San Antonio Churchill quarterback Nick Fanuzzi, who had previously committed to Miami, on Monday. Fanuzzi visited Alabama last weekend and left believing Alabama would be the perfect fit for him.
However, Alabama also was actively recruiting Marve, who is committed to the same school, but coach Nick Saban did not tell Marve he was looking for another quarterback. In fact, Marve was never informed about Fanuzzi’s commitment from a member of Alabama’s staff. The customary respectful gesture is for a college to tell a committed recruit when it plans to bring in another player who will compete for their position.
“Everybody does thing differently in terms of recruiting and that’s the way they [Alabama] chose to play it. I probably would have played it different than that, and certainly would have done it in a more tactful way, but that was their choice,” Plant football coach Robert Weiner said. “A lot of things happen during the pressure situations of recruiting, and the one thing I’ve tried to teach Robert through this process is this a a cut-throat business, and people don’t always do things with honesty and integrity, but from our end, we will always be up front.
“I don’t see it [Marve visiting other schools] as breach of commitment. There was no flux for what he was going to do. He was committed to Alabama and Mike Shula, and he never looked at another school, but they are no longer there. He was still committed to Alabama. He was going to the dance and planned to dance with the girl he bought there, but things changed.”
Freedom senior and former wide receiver Alex Carr committed to The Citadel on Sunday.
“I took a look at the schedule. They play Wisconsin next year. I’m looking at a lot of showcasing,” Carr said.
Carr chose The Citadel, a military academy in South Carolina, over Charleston Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
“The football team was really close. Beautiful campus right there on the river. Basically an opportunity to play my freshman year,” he said.
Carr’s teammate, running back Louis Bonnet, is also entertaining interest from The Citadel as well as Tulane and Youngstown. Bonnet visited FAMU this weekend but said the coaching staff is interested in another back.
Newsome senior and former offensive lineman Chaz Hine said his official visit to Florida Atlantic over the weekend went better than expected. Hine said the head coach was “very impressed” and would know whether they will offer him a scholarship by Wednesday.
Though he played guard and tackle for the Wolves this season, Hine said the coaches at FAU would want him to play center.
by ANWAR S. RICHARDSON
TAMPA – The University of Miami might be a late entry in the sweepstakes for Plant quarterback Robert Marve, but the Hurricanes seem to be right on time.
Marve returned to Tampa from a weekend visit to Coral Gables thoroughly impressed with the campus, athletic facilities, and Miami’s academic program. He stopped short of saying Miami was his No.1 choice, but would like to visit the campus again.
“It was a great school. Great academics. You’re down in Miami, so you can’t really run out of stuff to do outside of football,” Marve said. “When my five years are up, I will have to get a job. Miami is a nice spot to settle down, and to get your name out there by staying in state, that could be pretty cool.
“With me being a finalist for Mr. [Florida] Football, it could be pretty big [to play for Miami].”
Marve committed to Alabama over the summer, but coach Mike Shula was fired after the season. He visited Alabama last week and met coach Nick Saban, and even though Marve remains committed to the Crimson Tide, he is examining other options.
Miami coach Randy Shannon served as a defensive coordinator for the last six years before replacing Larry Coker last month, and Marve has quickly developed a good relationship with the new coach.
“It was more than I expected from the coaches. We established a good friendship, and I was very comfortable. I got to talk to them about whatever was on my mind, I could be up front with them and they could be up front with me,” Marve said. “Miami is right there with Alabama. I have to sit down with my family so more. We need to do some more research, make sure everything is right, and give them the same shot as we did Alabama.”
Marve said he intends to visit the University of Hawaii this weekend, but does not intend to use the final two visits he is allotted by the NCAA.
JEFFERSON TRIO COMMITS: Jefferson senior offensive/defensive lineman Mike Williams, defensive lineman Demarcus Cleveland and tight end Byron McLeod verbally committed to play for Middle Tennessee State University after weekend visits.
The Dragons join Armwood running back Marquise Branton, Armwood receiver Deondre Kyles, Berkeley Prep offensive lineman Colin Boss and Kathleen quarterback Dominique Davis as Bay area athletes who have decided to play for the Blue Raiders.
Williams, who recently received the Jimbo Kynes Award, given to the top lineman in Hillsborough County, chose MTSU over Indiana, N.C. State and Florida A&M. Even though he plays on both sides of the line, Williams is being recruited to play offense.
“I’ve been talking to them for past year and I really liked the coaching staff. I thought I would go there if it was as good as they made it sound, but after my visit, it was better than they made it sound,” Williams said. “I’m done taking visits. That is my school.”
ARMWOOD LB COMMITS: Armwood seniors Derrall Anderson and Deondre Kyles made verbal commitments over the weekend, coach Sean Callahan said Sunday.
Anderson, a linebacker and a Tribune All-Hillsborough County honorable mention selection this season, has committed to Arizona State. Anderson was scheduled to visit Iowa State this weekend but chose to cancel after committing to the Sun Devils, Callahan said.
Kyles, one of the top returners in the area, is headed to Middle Tennessee State. Kyles will join teammate Marquise Branton, who also has committed to the Blue Raiders. Kyles was a Tribune second-team selection.
Meanwhile, quarterback Justin Hickman is still in the process of making a decision to committ to either VMI or Morehead (Ky.) State. A decision could come as early as today, Callahan said.
Hickman visited Morehead State, which is recruiting him as a running back/receiver, this weekend. He visited VMI, which will give him the chance at quarterback and runs the same offense as the Hawks, the previous weekend.
With kicker Darren deRochemont (Tulane) and defensive lineman Torrey Davis (Florida), the Hawks will have six seniors from this season’s team sign college scholarships. The Hawks had a program-best seven twice (in 2000 and 2003), Callahan said.
THE BOSS CHOSES MTSU: Berkeley Prep senior offensive lineman Colin Boss verbally committed to Middle Tennessee State prior to his recent visit, choosing the Blue Raiders over Murray State, Charleston Southern and Central Michigan.
“I’ve been up there a couple of times and really enjoyed the campus. I’m looking to major in criminal justice and liked the programs they offered,” Boss said. “With all the guys from around here going there, it’s going to be a great four years.”
NEARLY COMMITTED: Jefferson receiver Evan Cromer is leaning heavily toward attending Eastern Kentucky after a weekend visit, while Newsome offensive lineman Chaz Hine may verbally commit to Florida Atlantic University this week.
Cromer fell in love with the campus, but still intends to visit the Air Force Academy and Middle Tennessee State. However, each school needs top his Eastern Kentucky visit.
“I really liked it. It was a great school, and everything about the facility and coaches were top notch,” Cromer said. “If I had to make a decision right now, I would go to Eastern Kentucky.”
Hine said he enjoyed a weekend visit to Florida Atlantic, but Owls coach Howard Schnellenberger said he would contact the Newsome standout by Wednesday. FAU has not offered Hine a scholarship yet, but if it happens, he will accept. If not, Hine will visit Southern Illinois, which has offered him a scholarship, this weekend.
Reporter Adam Adkins contributed to this report.
Armwood seniors Derrall Anderson and Deondre Kyles made verbal commitments over the weekend, Coach Sean Callahan said Sunday.
Anderson, a linebacker and a Tribune All-Hillsborough County honorable mention selection this season, has committed to Arizona State. Anderson was scheduled to visit Iowa State this weekend but chose to cancel after committing to the Sun Devils, Callahan said.
Kyles, one of the top kick returners in the area, is headed to Middle Tennessee State. Kyles will join teammate Marquise Branton, who also has committed to the Blue Raiders. Kyles was a Tribune second-team selection.
Meanwhile, quarterback Justin Hickman is still in the process of making a decision to commit to either VMI or Morehead (Ky.) State. A decision could come as early as today, Callahan said.
Hickman visited Morehead State, which is recruiting him as a running back/receiver, this weekend. He visited VMI, which will give him the chance at quarterback and runs the same offense as the Hawks, the previous weekend.
With kicker Darren deRochemont (Tulane) and defensive lineman Torrey Davis (Florida), the Hawks will have six seniors from this season’s team sign college scholarships. The Hawks had a program-best seven twice (in 2000 and 2003), Callahan said.
Here’s a list of local prospects and where they’re headed for visits this weekend (Jan. 19-21):
Player; Pos.; School; Will Visit
Derrall Anderson LB Armwood Iowa State
Mike Antonakakis P Hillsborough Army
Louis Bonnet RB Freedom Florida A&M
Colin Boss OL Berkeley Prep Middle Tennessee State
Marquise Branton RB Armwood Middle Tennessee State
Kevin Brown DB Jefferson Middle Tennessee State
Alex Carr WR Freedom Charleston Southern
Demarcus Cleveland DL Jefferson Middle Tennessee State
Evan Cromer WR Jefferson Eastern Kentucky
Dino Cox DL Wharton Florida A&M
Torrey Davis DL Armwood Florida
Jermaine Doster RB Robinson Vanderbilt
Greg Ellingson WR Robinson Florida Atlantic
Jarrold Gunn OL Middleton University at Albany
Justin Hickman QB Armwood Morehead (Ky.) State
Chaz Hine OL Newsome Florida Atlantic
John Jean-Baptiste DB Gaither Murray State
Jamere Johnson DL Wharton Hampton
Matt Johnson TE Sickles Murray State
Josh Lee DB Freedom Charleston Southern
Javarous Martin WR/DB Middleton University at Albany
Darrell Meckley OL Hillsborough VMI
Joel Miller RB Wharton The Citadel
Kevin Valenti RB Jesuit Union College (N.Y.)
Joe White OL Middleton University at Albany
Mike Williams OL Jefferson Middle Tennessee State
TAMPA - Former Middleton High standout defensive back Sherod Murdock seems to be leaning a little bit more toward Pittsburgh after cancelling his scheduled official visit to Alabama this weekend. He intends to make a final decision sometime next week.
Murdock’s situation become complicated last month after Alabama coach Mike Shula was fired. Shula heavily recruited Murdock, but the longer Alabama waited to replace its coach, committed players began to explore other schools. Even though Nick Saban eventually replaced Shula, Murdock still entertained his options.
Last weekend, Murdock visited the University of Pittsburgh and fell in love with the school. Murdock had not spoken much with Saban, but conversely, Chris Ball was named Pittsburgh’s new secondary coach after spending the last four seasons with Alabama. Ball actively recruited Murdock prior to Saban’s arrival, and their familiarity could sway the athlete’s decision.
Murdock said despite not visiting Alabama, the Crimson Tide is still in contention.
“I’ve been to the campus twice, and I think Coach Saban is supposed to call me sometime this weekend,” Murdock said. “I can make a decision [without ever meeting Saban] because I’ve done my research, and I’ve talked to people who have played for him and know him. They say he’s a good guy, a defensive guy, and I trust their opinion ... I will think about it this weekend and come to a decision hopefully by the middle of next week.”
TAMPA - Berkeley Prep standout offensive lineman Colin Boss has verbally committed to play for Middle Tennessee State University.
Boss (6-foot-4 and 315 pounds) was a Class 2B all-state selection and is currently is on an official visit at his future school.
“He really likes that small town atmosphere. He’s a country boy from Temple Terrace, and that is a program he fits into very well,” Berkeley Prep football coach Frank Sullivan said.
Tampa Catholic senior and former quarterback Dickie de Lama said Thursday he and his dad will visit the University of Miami next weekend.
“If they’re trying to recruit Marve and he doesn’t go there, there my be an opening,” de Lama said.
de Lama said it is not an official visit and that he and his dad are just “popping in” to tour the campus and talk with some of the coaches.
Dickie said he wants to stay in Florida, which is why he’ll also see what Florida International has to offer. On the other hand, he also has received interest from a few Ivy League schools.
TAMPA - Barring the unforeseen, Jefferson offensive/defensive lineman Mike Williams will probably commit to play for Middle Tennessee State.
Williams will make an official visit to MTS this weekend, but does not plan to visit any other schools. If all goes well, Williams, who was previously entertaining a scholarship offer to Kansas, will commit to that school.
When all is said and done in the high school football recruiting season, Hillsborough County’s most successful program in recent years will again produce its share of college football players.
Armwood coach Sean Callahan said Wednesday that LB Derrall Anderson, RB/WR Deondre Kyles and QB Justin Hickman all should make up their minds this weekend about where they’ll play next season, which will give the Hawks six seniors headed to the next level.
Anderson is headed to Iowa State for a visit this weekend, but it will take a lot to dissuade him from committing to frontrunner Arizona State among his return home, Callahan said. Hickman is headed to Morehead (Ky.) State this weekend and should make a decision between that school and VMI.
Meanwhile, Kyles, who underwent knee surgery earlier this week and won’t make any more visits, is “very close” to committing to Middle Tennessee State, Callahan said. That would give the Hawks two players heading to the Blue Raiders next season. RB Marquise Branton already gave a verbal commitment to Middle Tennessee State, and he’s taking is official visit to the campus this weekend.
Also, DL Torrey Davis, one of the nation’s top prospects who verbally committed to the University of Florida at the start of the season, is heading to Gainesville this weekend for his official visit. Davis’ commitment is solid to the Gators and he won’t make any other official visits, Callahan said.
The sixth member of the Super 6, PK Darren deRochemont (Tulane commitment), won’t make any more official trips either after visiting the New Orleans-based school last weekend.
Middleton senior receiver Andres Harris verbally committed to Bethune-Cookman College following his visit to the Division I-AA school over the weekend, football coach Harry Hubbard said on Tuesday.
Harris was selected a Tampa Tribune All-Hillsborough County honorable mention.
“He’s only 5-foot, 7,” Hubbard said. “Most schools want the ideal player, right height and right size, but you’re not always going to get that. He performed well enough to receive a scholarship.”
Hubbard added that senior offensive lineman Joe White and Jarrold Gunn and receiver/defensive back Javarous Martin will all visit the University at Albany this weekend.
Freedom senior quarterback Andrew Carr and senior defensive back/running back Josh Lee visited Charleston Southern over the weekend, while senior receiver Alex Carr made a visit to The Citadel, former interim coach Leon Brockmeier said.
Alex plans on visiting Charleston Southern this weekend and Eastern Kentucky the following weekend. He has also considered walking on at UCF.
Running back Louis Bonnet will visit FAMU this weekend and has also received interest from Northern Illinois, Toledo and Akron. Linebacker Charles Griffin has received interest from Georgia Southern, a Division I-AA program.
Tampa Catholic senior and former standout quarterback Dickie de Lama has not made any official visits as of yet, but said he is considering Harvard and Florida International.
de Lama was selected to The Tampa Tribune’s All-Hillsborough County second-team, and nominated for the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 2A Player of the Year.
Former King High School football coach Joe Severino said defensive lineman Kevin Donaldson, who was selected to The Tampa Tribune’s All-Hillsborough County second-team, is considering North Carolina A&T, but has yet to make an official visit.
TAMPA – Former Middleton standout defensive back Sherod Murdock said the University of Pittsburgh has moved ahead of Alabama as he moves closer to making a final college decision.
Murdock visited Pittsburgh last weekend, and despite have little expectations of the program, he left with a much different view.
“I really didn’t expect a lot going in, but it was great. The city was really nice. We had a tour of the campus, we went to downtown Pittsburgh, and we got to eat lunch Heinz Field. I really liked it,” Murdock said.
Murdock verbally committed to Alabama over the summer, but after Mike Shula was fired recently, he began examining other options. Even though Nick Saban replaced Shula, Murdock has not spoken much with Alabama’s new coach.
Conversely, Chris Ball was named Pittsburgh’s new secondary coach after spending the last four seasons with Alabama. Ball actively recruited Murdock prior to Saban’s arrival, and their familiarity could sway the athlete’s decision.
“I’ve had a two-year relationship with him, which is definitely another thing to consider,” Murdock said.
Murdock visited Kansas two weeks ago and will make his official trip to Alabama this weekend. He expects to decide between Alabama and Pittsburgh before signing day.
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