3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
<font color="#b90000">Wednesday, January 12, 2005</font>
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The West - Running Backs - Scout
The West - Running Backs
By Steve Ryan**Scout.com
Date: Jan 12, 2005
The West team will boast arguably the top running back corp for the U.S. All-American bowl. The biggest distinction between the East and West groups is that for the West, size doesn't matter.
Jonathan Stewart comes in as the heaviest back at 220 pounds, while East sports two backs that weigh more than that in Toney Baker and Jason Gwaltney and the rest of the backfield for the East (Elan Lewis - Rashard Mendenhall) still comes in at, at least 205 pounds.
Conversely, the West squad has two backs under 200 lbs. in Jamaal Charles and Jerrell Wilkerson and Marlon Lucky who is the next biggest back for head coach John Barnes, weighing in at 210.
Barnes doesn't see this as a negative, but a positive as his backfield has everything they need. "Both teams have great backs that can do it all," Barnes said. "But, we definitely have some speed here, guys that make you miss and great speed when they get out into the open."
"I am really putting all of my guys even and I think we'll play them that way as well."
They may be even in how they are rated by the head coach, but each shows and showed today just what makes them pretty unique:
Jerrell Wilkerson was what you would expect of someone 5 foot, 8 inches tall and less than 180 pounds; hard to find. Wilkerson found himself able to move inside and out very effectively and running behind or close to the bigguns, it was just hard to track him down in the limited-contact drills today. Wilkerson continued to show all the gifts he possesses that garnered him over 2,600 yards and 47 touchdowns his final year of prep-ball.
Jamaal Charles continues to prove how versatile he is, working out of the backfield as a receiver and toting the ball. Charles is a player that like most running backs nowadays has the ability to play multiple positions. It's what you call "up-side" and Charles has plenty of that.
Marlon Lucky is like Charles in his versatility, but this young man is a pure running back. A nice posture in his style, not too upright or leaning too far forward and the ability to cut in a crowd.
That doesn't sound like much, but Lucky has the burst to get in the hole, but rather than put his head down and go, he has the vision to see holes that develop inside or out and can cut to get there. Lucky's best run throughout this camp thus far has been an "ISO" that he took for 26 yards. He cut no less than five times and never once got outside the hash-marks.
Jonathan Stewart is, well, Jonathan Stewart. Tremendous balance, almost impossible to knock him off of his feet and he's got the power and speed to go up, in and around anyone. The head coach likened him and this group of backs to last year's superstar Adrian Peterson. Well, to a certain extent.
"They aren't quite at that level," Barnes said. "There's not a big difference, but I look at Pederson a little different than this group. They are all outstanding and I'm telling you something, there's not one school out there that wouldn't benefit by having them on their team."
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Wilson schedules visit to Michigan - Rivals (Buckeye Sports Bulletin) PREMIUM
January 12, 2005
Wilson schedules visit to Michigan
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Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
Akron (Ohio) St. Vincent-St. Mary defensive end Lawrence Wilson will take his fifth official visit before selecting his college. Does Wilson still have Ohio State at the top of his list as he prepares to visit Michigan?
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Rea's Say: Class Focusing On Last Precious Few - Rivals (Buckeye Sports Bulletin) PREMIUM
January 12, 2005
Rea's Say: Class Focusing On Last Precious Few
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Mark Rea
BuckeyeSports.com Managing Editor *
Just three weeks from today, high school prospects from around the country will begin signing national letters of intent and faxing them to their respective schools of choice. Right now, it appears that Ohio State's final three weeks will be centered on exactly nine players ñ Maurice Wells, Rico McCoy, Jason Gwaltney, Lawrence Wilson, Walker Ashley, Kyle McCarthy, Carlos Thomas, Tavaras Kearney and Eric Sledge.
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East Notebook - Day Three - Scout (SuperPrep)
East Notebook - Day Three
By Jamie Newberg National Recruiting Analyst
Date: Jan 12, 2005
The injury bug has really hit the East squad for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. No one has gotten badly injured but there are many sprains and bruises.
Day three of the U.S. Army American Bowl for the East squad was more of the same except with less players. Many of the players watched from the sidelines as the injury bug has really hit the East squad. Defensive end Melvin Alaeze, defensive back Demetrice Morley, running back Rashard Mendenhall, and offensive tackle Eugene Monroe did not dress today while defensive lineman Earl Heyman missed the first Wednesday session while defensive lineman James McKinney missed the second. Alaeze has a sprained wrist, Morley has a sprained (right) ankle, Mendenhall has a hamstring injury and Monroe has a bruised knee. Heyman has had some vision problems while McKinney has a hip flexor injury. Safety Kenny Phillips missed most of practice with a groin injury, while cornerback Jamario O’Neal missed half of practice with an ankle injury and Alex Boone was kicked in the left calf and he was in noticeable pain the rest of practice and is now limping noticeably.
“The numbers are tough (39 players per squad),” said East Head Coach Kenny Lucas from Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga College High School. “There were about a half-dozen or so that didn’t get to go today. Physically, all these guys will be ready to go. We (the coaches) just have to make sure they are grasping the mental things we are trying to do. Plus, we need to mesh and gell. But I think we have guys that can go both ways and we should have the numbers you like to have.”
Some good news for the East in regards to wide receiver Fred Rouse and running back Elan Lewis (knee). They both returned to practice. Rouse saw limited action today coming off a foot injury on Monday. Rouse did some light running and ran some routes in the seven on seven drills.
”I feel a whole lot better,” said Rouse. “I plan on playing on Saturday and playing well.”
Speaking of the seven on seven drills, all three quarterbacks made some very nice throws, especially Jake Christensen. He threw several beautiful strikes to wide receivers Nyan Boateng, Patrick Turner and Trey Stross. The star among the receiver corps was actually tight end Tony Moeaki. Moeaki made the catch of the day, a one handed diving grab on the sidelines. He also made several other impressive catches. “Coming here I was a little rusty because I have not played since mid-November,” said Moeaki. “I am getting into the swing of things now.” It looks like Moeaki will be a focal point of the East offense for Saturday’s game.
A Few Thoughts
(Iowa commitment) wide receiver Trey Stross continues to impress by catching everything thrown in his direction. Patrick Turner has been the most impressive wide receiver this week. Nyan Boateng came alive today and appeared to shake some of the rust off. At tight end, Anthony Moeaki is appearing to be a huge weapon for the East.
Dace Richardson and Christopher Scott played very well today. Scott could be a devastating interior lineman; he delivers a blow, locks on, and drives people into the turf. Richardson practiced all day with a chip on his shoulder and he punished people.
Kicker Matthew Waldron continued to drill his kicks from all over the field. During kickoff drills, Waldron continuously kicked the ball into endzone. Waldron is very accurate, and still awaiting his first scholarship.
Three hits today were very impressive. Rico McCoy laid out Elan Lewis. Then on a screen pass TE Anthony Moeaki peeled back and blew up LB Derek Nicholson. Derek Nicholson crushed Toney Baker on an off-tackle play. Baker spun away and broke a long run down the left sideline.
The play of the day came from TE Anthony Moeaki who delivered a stiff-arm, separated from the defender, and made a one-handed circus catch.
A Few Standouts
Even though the East squad resembled a M*A*S*H unit today there were still a couple of standouts. Ryan Bain has been extremely impressive. The 6-foot-2, 260-pounder, from Bolingbrook, Illinois easily had the best day of the defensive lineman. Bain had a lot to prove coming to San Antonio. He played linebacker in high school and had to adjust to a new position this week. He looks like a seasoned veteran out there.
One linebacker stood out above the rest today. While Brian Cushing and Rico McCoy are getting most of the press, Jerome Hayes, from Bayonne, New Jersey showed some serious skills today. Hayes can flat run and he showed tremendous coverage skills and pass rushing abiliy.
The more I see Justin King, the more I like him. King is extremely quick and his coverage techniques are also very good. Just continuously frustrated wide receivers today at the line of scrimmage, there’s no doubt that Justin King will make an instant impact in Happy Valley.
Kenny Phillips, the No. 1 safety prospect in the nation, according to Scout.com, sat out of today’s practice and that meant more valuable reps for Garrett Seeger. Seeger responded by making a couple of nice plays in 7-on-7 drills as well as making a couple of good tackles in goal line defense.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is played in San Antonio, Texas., at the Alamodome on Jan. 15, 2005, and broadcast nationally on NBC at 1 p.m. Eastern. Scout.com is a sponsor, the official selection partner and exclusive on-line partner of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, as well as the associated U.S. Army Combine for underclassmen. The game features the top 78 football prospects in the country. East versus West.
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Alaeze The Scout - Scout
Alaeze The Scout
By Jamie Newberg**National Recruiting Analyst
Date: Jan 12, 2005
Melvin Alaeze turned into a scout today for Scout.com and here are his observations of offensive linemen Alex Boone, Dace Richardson, Michael Oher, Dan Doering, Chris Scott, Marques Slocum and Eugene Monroe.
Melvin Alaeze is a member of the East squad for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Alaeze, from Randallstown (Md.) High School, is a four-star recruit and the No. 8 rated defensive tackle in the country according to Scout.com. Today, Alaeze missed the East practice session because of a wrist injury. So, Scout.com asked Alaeze his thoughts on the very talented East offensive line, player by player. Here are Melvin Alaeze’s scouting observations.
Alex Boone (right tackle) Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward
“That boy is athletic and very quick. He’s got great feet. He’ll get out on you quick. He’s one of the best here if not the best that I have matched up against.”
Dace Richardson (right guard) Warrenville (Ill.) Wheaton South
“I really think this dude has what it takes. He hasn’t played that long and he should get so much better. He’s a hard worker and in great shape. He is going to be really good.”
Michael Oher (center) Memphis (Tenn.) Briarcrest
“This guy is a player that has really impressed. He’s one of the top guys here. He has great anticipation and instincts and I know he has not played football that long. I tell you what he is hard to get by.”
Dan Doering (left tackle) Barrington (Ill.)
“Doering can get low and stay low. When he does that he is really tough. He’s also a fighter that can get a little nasty. He has good feet and keeps a low center of gravity.”
Chris Scott (left tackle, guard) Lovejoy (Ga.)
“He has nice feet and is very big. He moves well and is tough to get by.”
Eugene Monroe (left tackle) Plainfield (N.J.)
“We have battled each other at camps and he knows my moves and I know his moves. He kind of knows me and that makes it a little tough. But he’s big and quick and has great feet.”
Marques Slocum (guard) Philadelphia (Pa.) West Philadelphia Catholic
“He is big, stays low and has great balance. He can move too.”
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is played in San Antonio, Texas., at the Alamodome on Jan. 15, 2005, and broadcast nationally on NBC at 1 p.m. Eastern. Scout.com is a sponsor, the official selection partner and exclusive on-line partner of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, as well as the associated U.S. Army Combine for underclassmen. The game features the top 78 football prospects in the country. East versus West.
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The West - Running Backs - Scout
The West - Running Backs
By Steve Ryan**Scout.com
Date: Jan 12, 2005
The West team will boast arguably the top running back corp for the U.S. All-American bowl. The biggest distinction between the East and West groups is that for the West, size doesn't matter.
Jonathan Stewart comes in as the heaviest back at 220 pounds, while East sports two backs that weigh more than that in Toney Baker and Jason Gwaltney and the rest of the backfield for the East (Elan Lewis - Rashard Mendenhall) still comes in at, at least 205 pounds.
Conversely, the West squad has two backs under 200 lbs. in Jamaal Charles and Jerrell Wilkerson and Marlon Lucky who is the next biggest back for head coach John Barnes, weighing in at 210.
Barnes doesn't see this as a negative, but a positive as his backfield has everything they need. "Both teams have great backs that can do it all," Barnes said. "But, we definitely have some speed here, guys that make you miss and great speed when they get out into the open."
"I am really putting all of my guys even and I think we'll play them that way as well."
They may be even in how they are rated by the head coach, but each shows and showed today just what makes them pretty unique:
Jerrell Wilkerson was what you would expect of someone 5 foot, 8 inches tall and less than 180 pounds; hard to find. Wilkerson found himself able to move inside and out very effectively and running behind or close to the bigguns, it was just hard to track him down in the limited-contact drills today. Wilkerson continued to show all the gifts he possesses that garnered him over 2,600 yards and 47 touchdowns his final year of prep-ball.
Jamaal Charles continues to prove how versatile he is, working out of the backfield as a receiver and toting the ball. Charles is a player that like most running backs nowadays has the ability to play multiple positions. It's what you call "up-side" and Charles has plenty of that.
Marlon Lucky is like Charles in his versatility, but this young man is a pure running back. A nice posture in his style, not too upright or leaning too far forward and the ability to cut in a crowd.
That doesn't sound like much, but Lucky has the burst to get in the hole, but rather than put his head down and go, he has the vision to see holes that develop inside or out and can cut to get there. Lucky's best run throughout this camp thus far has been an "ISO" that he took for 26 yards. He cut no less than five times and never once got outside the hash-marks.
Jonathan Stewart is, well, Jonathan Stewart. Tremendous balance, almost impossible to knock him off of his feet and he's got the power and speed to go up, in and around anyone. The head coach likened him and this group of backs to last year's superstar Adrian Peterson. Well, to a certain extent.
"They aren't quite at that level," Barnes said. "There's not a big difference, but I look at Pederson a little different than this group. They are all outstanding and I'm telling you something, there's not one school out there that wouldn't benefit by having them on their team."
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Wilson schedules visit to Michigan - Rivals (Buckeye Sports Bulletin) PREMIUM
January 12, 2005
Wilson schedules visit to Michigan
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Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
Akron (Ohio) St. Vincent-St. Mary defensive end Lawrence Wilson will take his fifth official visit before selecting his college. Does Wilson still have Ohio State at the top of his list as he prepares to visit Michigan?
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Rea's Say: Class Focusing On Last Precious Few - Rivals (Buckeye Sports Bulletin) PREMIUM
January 12, 2005
Rea's Say: Class Focusing On Last Precious Few
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Rea
BuckeyeSports.com Managing Editor *
Just three weeks from today, high school prospects from around the country will begin signing national letters of intent and faxing them to their respective schools of choice. Right now, it appears that Ohio State's final three weeks will be centered on exactly nine players ñ Maurice Wells, Rico McCoy, Jason Gwaltney, Lawrence Wilson, Walker Ashley, Kyle McCarthy, Carlos Thomas, Tavaras Kearney and Eric Sledge.
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East Notebook - Day Three - Scout (SuperPrep)
East Notebook - Day Three
By Jamie Newberg National Recruiting Analyst
Date: Jan 12, 2005
The injury bug has really hit the East squad for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. No one has gotten badly injured but there are many sprains and bruises.
Day three of the U.S. Army American Bowl for the East squad was more of the same except with less players. Many of the players watched from the sidelines as the injury bug has really hit the East squad. Defensive end Melvin Alaeze, defensive back Demetrice Morley, running back Rashard Mendenhall, and offensive tackle Eugene Monroe did not dress today while defensive lineman Earl Heyman missed the first Wednesday session while defensive lineman James McKinney missed the second. Alaeze has a sprained wrist, Morley has a sprained (right) ankle, Mendenhall has a hamstring injury and Monroe has a bruised knee. Heyman has had some vision problems while McKinney has a hip flexor injury. Safety Kenny Phillips missed most of practice with a groin injury, while cornerback Jamario O’Neal missed half of practice with an ankle injury and Alex Boone was kicked in the left calf and he was in noticeable pain the rest of practice and is now limping noticeably.
“The numbers are tough (39 players per squad),” said East Head Coach Kenny Lucas from Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga College High School. “There were about a half-dozen or so that didn’t get to go today. Physically, all these guys will be ready to go. We (the coaches) just have to make sure they are grasping the mental things we are trying to do. Plus, we need to mesh and gell. But I think we have guys that can go both ways and we should have the numbers you like to have.”
Some good news for the East in regards to wide receiver Fred Rouse and running back Elan Lewis (knee). They both returned to practice. Rouse saw limited action today coming off a foot injury on Monday. Rouse did some light running and ran some routes in the seven on seven drills.
”I feel a whole lot better,” said Rouse. “I plan on playing on Saturday and playing well.”
Speaking of the seven on seven drills, all three quarterbacks made some very nice throws, especially Jake Christensen. He threw several beautiful strikes to wide receivers Nyan Boateng, Patrick Turner and Trey Stross. The star among the receiver corps was actually tight end Tony Moeaki. Moeaki made the catch of the day, a one handed diving grab on the sidelines. He also made several other impressive catches. “Coming here I was a little rusty because I have not played since mid-November,” said Moeaki. “I am getting into the swing of things now.” It looks like Moeaki will be a focal point of the East offense for Saturday’s game.
A Few Thoughts
(Iowa commitment) wide receiver Trey Stross continues to impress by catching everything thrown in his direction. Patrick Turner has been the most impressive wide receiver this week. Nyan Boateng came alive today and appeared to shake some of the rust off. At tight end, Anthony Moeaki is appearing to be a huge weapon for the East.
Dace Richardson and Christopher Scott played very well today. Scott could be a devastating interior lineman; he delivers a blow, locks on, and drives people into the turf. Richardson practiced all day with a chip on his shoulder and he punished people.
Kicker Matthew Waldron continued to drill his kicks from all over the field. During kickoff drills, Waldron continuously kicked the ball into endzone. Waldron is very accurate, and still awaiting his first scholarship.
Three hits today were very impressive. Rico McCoy laid out Elan Lewis. Then on a screen pass TE Anthony Moeaki peeled back and blew up LB Derek Nicholson. Derek Nicholson crushed Toney Baker on an off-tackle play. Baker spun away and broke a long run down the left sideline.
The play of the day came from TE Anthony Moeaki who delivered a stiff-arm, separated from the defender, and made a one-handed circus catch.
A Few Standouts
Even though the East squad resembled a M*A*S*H unit today there were still a couple of standouts. Ryan Bain has been extremely impressive. The 6-foot-2, 260-pounder, from Bolingbrook, Illinois easily had the best day of the defensive lineman. Bain had a lot to prove coming to San Antonio. He played linebacker in high school and had to adjust to a new position this week. He looks like a seasoned veteran out there.
One linebacker stood out above the rest today. While Brian Cushing and Rico McCoy are getting most of the press, Jerome Hayes, from Bayonne, New Jersey showed some serious skills today. Hayes can flat run and he showed tremendous coverage skills and pass rushing abiliy.
The more I see Justin King, the more I like him. King is extremely quick and his coverage techniques are also very good. Just continuously frustrated wide receivers today at the line of scrimmage, there’s no doubt that Justin King will make an instant impact in Happy Valley.
Kenny Phillips, the No. 1 safety prospect in the nation, according to Scout.com, sat out of today’s practice and that meant more valuable reps for Garrett Seeger. Seeger responded by making a couple of nice plays in 7-on-7 drills as well as making a couple of good tackles in goal line defense.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is played in San Antonio, Texas., at the Alamodome on Jan. 15, 2005, and broadcast nationally on NBC at 1 p.m. Eastern. Scout.com is a sponsor, the official selection partner and exclusive on-line partner of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, as well as the associated U.S. Army Combine for underclassmen. The game features the top 78 football prospects in the country. East versus West.
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Alaeze The Scout - Scout
Alaeze The Scout
By Jamie Newberg**National Recruiting Analyst
Date: Jan 12, 2005
Melvin Alaeze turned into a scout today for Scout.com and here are his observations of offensive linemen Alex Boone, Dace Richardson, Michael Oher, Dan Doering, Chris Scott, Marques Slocum and Eugene Monroe.
Melvin Alaeze is a member of the East squad for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Alaeze, from Randallstown (Md.) High School, is a four-star recruit and the No. 8 rated defensive tackle in the country according to Scout.com. Today, Alaeze missed the East practice session because of a wrist injury. So, Scout.com asked Alaeze his thoughts on the very talented East offensive line, player by player. Here are Melvin Alaeze’s scouting observations.
Alex Boone (right tackle) Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward
“That boy is athletic and very quick. He’s got great feet. He’ll get out on you quick. He’s one of the best here if not the best that I have matched up against.”
Dace Richardson (right guard) Warrenville (Ill.) Wheaton South
“I really think this dude has what it takes. He hasn’t played that long and he should get so much better. He’s a hard worker and in great shape. He is going to be really good.”
Michael Oher (center) Memphis (Tenn.) Briarcrest
“This guy is a player that has really impressed. He’s one of the top guys here. He has great anticipation and instincts and I know he has not played football that long. I tell you what he is hard to get by.”
Dan Doering (left tackle) Barrington (Ill.)
“Doering can get low and stay low. When he does that he is really tough. He’s also a fighter that can get a little nasty. He has good feet and keeps a low center of gravity.”
Chris Scott (left tackle, guard) Lovejoy (Ga.)
“He has nice feet and is very big. He moves well and is tough to get by.”
Eugene Monroe (left tackle) Plainfield (N.J.)
“We have battled each other at camps and he knows my moves and I know his moves. He kind of knows me and that makes it a little tough. But he’s big and quick and has great feet.”
Marques Slocum (guard) Philadelphia (Pa.) West Philadelphia Catholic
“He is big, stays low and has great balance. He can move too.”
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is played in San Antonio, Texas., at the Alamodome on Jan. 15, 2005, and broadcast nationally on NBC at 1 p.m. Eastern. Scout.com is a sponsor, the official selection partner and exclusive on-line partner of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, as well as the associated U.S. Army Combine for underclassmen. The game features the top 78 football prospects in the country. East versus West.
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