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Recruiting News - 01/13/05

3yardsandacloud

Administrator Emeritus
<font color="#b90000">Thursday, January 13, 2005</font>



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Gwaltney's form is turning heads - Newsday

Gwaltney's form is turning heads
BY CHUCK CULPEPPER
STAFF CORRESPONDENT

January 13, 2005
SAN ANTONIO -- Although Jason Gwaltney says the East team's offensive approach might not quite suit him Saturday in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl -- and says that's fine by him -- others here swoon anyway over the North Babylon halfback.

As Gwaltney dealt bruises all over Long Island and dealt the record books heavy editing during his high school years, he did so as a "north-south" runner more about full-on punishment than weaving elusiveness.

Now, beginning his next football phase with three days of two-a-day practices so far, he's living a dream and feeling as if he belongs -- a mild inner question beforehand -- even if the East team's offense "is set up for guys 170 pounds moving side to side." "But it's for the fans," he said. "I have no problem with that."

Neither do the swooners, who have taken notice of the form and ferocity of Gwaltney's 230 pounds, anyway.

"He's as good or better than all the running backs here," said Tom Lemming, a 27-year talent scout who helps the game choose its 78 players. Having previously pegged Gwaltney as maybe No. 6 or No. 7, Lemming mentioned him alongside Nashville, Tenn., receiver Patrick Turner as players receiving the most practice buzz.

"He's got power and speed and great vision and balance, which I didn't know he had," Lemming said. "When I saw him on Long Island, I knew he was a tough-nosed back, but I thought he was more of a fullback. Now, I see."

The head coach, Kenny Lucas from Gonzaga High in Washington, D.C., apparently sees also.

"Oh, I tell you, he's a world of talent," Lucas said. "I wish I could put him on the plane and take him back to D.C. with me ... You watch him go through stretching, going through drills, and you can tell if a young man is into it or not."

No surprise to the bruised across Long Island, but Gwaltney's very much into it, even as he tries to decide between Southern California, Ohio State and West Virginia for a next address.

"Just the respect you get from coaches because they know what you've done to get here," he raved about this week. "The way they speak to you. The things they say."



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Report V from San Antonio - Scout (SuperPrep)

Report V from San Antonio
By Scout.com Staff**
Date: Jan 13, 2005

All the top stories and video features from the fifth day of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl week.



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Thursday Practice Photos - Scout (US Army All-American Bowl)

Thursday Practice Photos
By Glenn Nelson Scout.com Editor-in-Chief
Date: Jan 13, 2005

A look at the fourth day of practice for the East and West U.S. Army All-American Bowl teams in San Antonio.



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Wells hopes to make most of opportunity - Rivals 100 PREMIUM

January 13, 2005
Wells hopes to make most of opportunity
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Jeremy Patterson
Rivals100.com Recruiting Analyst *
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - All of the talk this week at the all-star game in San Antonio has circled around the wide receivers and defensive backs. One position that has not been talked about as much is the running backs. Guys like Patrick Turner have stole the show all week, but Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood running back Maurice Wells has proven that he is one of the nation's best.


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Cushing highlights Thursday practice - Rivals 100 PREMIUM

January 13, 2005
Cushing highlights Thursday practice
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Mike Farrell
Rivals100.com Recruiting Analyst *
SAN ANTONIO, Texas ñ The last day of public practice for the East squad was held on Thursday as the coaching staff starts to finalize a starting roster and develop a gameplan that will fit around the strengths of the team. Some of the usual suspects impressed on the cold morning, but others like Brian Cushing (right) are beginning to hit their stride.



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Kurelic Chat Transcript: Jan. 13 - Rivals (Buckeye Sports Bulletin)

January 13, 2005
Kurelic Chat Transcript: Jan. 13
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BuckeyeSports.com Staff Reports

BuckeyeSports.com recruiting analyst Bill Kurelic stopped by The Horseshoe Lounge on Thursday afternoon for his weekly recruiting chat with premium Internet subscribers.Rivals.com

Rico McCoyWith less than three weeks until national signing day, the conversation was a lively one as the Buckeyes concentrate on their final few prospects. A lot of the discussion centered around running back Maurice Wells and linebacker Rico McCoy, both of whom are expected to announce their college decisions Saturday at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio. But there was plenty of other talk as well. Here is a transcript of the chat:

Orlando Buckeye got things under way with a series of questions:

1. Maurice Wells and Rico McCoy announce on Saturday where they are headed. Give us your best guess as to who these two select.

Kurelic: I think Wells goes to Ohio State. McCoy I don't have a real good gut feeling on. But if I absolutely had to predict I would go with OSU.

2. Conredge Collins said OSU has the two RBs they want and backed off of him. Would you speculate as to who you think the two RBs are?

Kurelic: I think one of the RBs is Wells. My gut feeling as I said above, is he goes with OSU. The other could be either Jason Gwaltney or Freddie Lenix (who they already have).

3. Lawrence Wilson chose Notre Dame and said it was a very tough decision and that Ohio State was real close. Now he drops ND and feels necessary to visit other schools. It appears from the outside that OSU really wasn't that close to ND and he is not all that excited about OSU. Agree or disagree?

Kurelic: I disagree on Wilson. I think he likes OSU a lot, but wants to completely check out all his options.

4. Eric Sledge did an interview awhile back and was outspoken on how he felt about Ohio State and this was before he supposedly had an offer. Do you think we have a great shot at him?

Kurelic: As far as Sledge, I think OSU has a legit shot, but I would not say a great one at this time.

MariettaBuckeye: Walker Ashley is visiting PSU, Wilson is visiting Michigan. Which of these two do you think the Bucks have a better shot at or will land? I'm leaning to Wilson though I wouldn't bet on it.

Kurelic: Of the two, I think OSU has the best shot at Wilson.Rivals.com

MariettaBuckeye: Jamie Newberg and Chris Pool are saying Rico McCoy to UT. Jeremy Crabtree said, "Rico to OSU" on Nashville Radio. Tom Lemming says Rico to OSU. What's your gut feeling on this one, Bill? Also, did Tavares Kearney get the Ohio State offer? I had a hunch his offer was contingent on Rico's plans. Then again, someone said OSU was talking to Kearney about safety.

Kurelic: I don't have a strong gut feeling on McCoy, but if I absolutely had to predict I would say Ohio State. Kearney does have an OSU offer.

TheTXBuckeye: Any chance of a true freshman starting in the backfield next year? Antonio Pittman has experience, Erik Haw has hype Ö could a Gwaltney or Wells take over?

Kurelic: I think either Wells or Gwaltney would have a legit shot at playing time as true freshman if either or both selected OSU.

RabidDog: Bill, how many scholarships are we going to have available in your estimation? Does kicker Aaron Pettrey count against this class or last? Is there anyone being discussed as a grayshirt this year?

Kurelic: OSU will sign approximately 20 players if they get the right ones. I anticipate somewhere between 17 and 20 depending on who they get. Nobody has told me they may go the grayshirt route.

TheTXBuckeye: I know this has been covered in the past, but is there anything new that has occurred that would give us a replacement for Kevin Bemoll? I see a big need for OL.

Kurelic: No, there is no other OL to replace Bemoll.
Johnny_Buckeye: Regarding Javon Ringer. Do you think there is any way we/he change his mind and he commits here? I just think we are going to regret not getting him.

Kurelic: No, he is not going to OSU.

RabidDog: Besides Wilson who are the Buckeyes recruiting at TE? Is Austin Spitler an option at TE? Thanks.

Kurelic: Wilson and Spitler could be options, though both have been recruited for defense first. Other than those two, there is nobody else this year.

MariettaBuckeye: Regarding Jason Gwaltney, I agree with the sentiment that he's headed to USC. But I do think he likes OSU a lot and it seems OSU is the only school that has all the things that he's looking for ñ big-time tradition, big-time running backs and close enough for mom to come. Any chance at all for OSU?

Kurelic: Yes, I think OSU has a chance.

jdoncbus: Do you think Doug Worthington will stick with Ohio State? 50-50? 60-40 he commits to OSU?

Kurelic: I think Worthington signs with the Buckeyes unless something else comes up between now and signing day.Rivals.com

MariettaBuckeye: Jamario O'Neal said he thinks he's talked James McKinney into visiting officially. Smart money still says Michigan, but he'd be a great surprise pickup on the defensive line. He has one visit left to fill.

Kurelic: I would be surprised if he ends up in this OSU class.

AnotherBuck: Do we have a shot at Carlos Thomas? When is he going to decide? Is he going to qualify academically?

Kurelic: Yes, OSU has a shot at Thomas. I think he announces at the end of January or early February.

BuckeyeDawg: We have Pittman and Haw. Is Dennis Kennedy still on the team? He was in last year's class? Is he an option at RB? If we get Wells, that gives us at least 4 RB/TB, not to mention, the guys we fill in at FB ñ Dionte Johnson, Brandon Schnittker, etc. Is there a true need for two running backs? (Yes, I know, if you've got an opportunity to get a kid like Gwaltney, you don't turn him down.)

Kurelic: Yes, there is definitely a need for one and two RBs if OSU can get them. (Editor's note: Kennedy was not admitted to Ohio State. He redshirted at Akron this past season.)

MariettaBuckeye: Bill, there is lots of speculation on why OSU dropped Collins. I'm curious as to why Florida State dropped him. Do you have anything you can share on that? He lost two big offers in like 24 hours. Also, I'm in the boat that believes his revoked offer has little to do with the staff's feeling on Gwaltney.

Kurelic: Grades and other potential issues. I think OSU feels good about at least getting one other running back they have a shot at.

AlanPl: Do you have a sleeper player in the 2005 class? Someone that is not in San Antonio this week, but will light it up on fall Saturdays? I think Ryan Williams. Your thoughts?

Kurelic: I think Ryan Williams would be a candidate, and I also like James Laurinaitis.

MariettaBuckeye: Chris Wells is perhaps the top junior in the state and some feel he will be a LB in college. But as a RB, how do you compare Chris to Jason Gwaltney?

Kurelic: They are both very good backs, with good size. But if I could only take one I would go with Gwaltney. I think he could really be something special at the next level, a true difference-maker.

BUCKEYEBW: If Eric Sledge is going to pick a school because of its facilities and will commit to the team with the best, then we will have a new Buckeye next weekend.

Kurelic: Time will tell if you are right.



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It's definite now, Florida star to visit OSU - Rivals (Buckeye Sports Bulletin) PREMIUM

January 13, 2005
It's definite now, Florida star to visit OSU
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Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
Apopka, Fla., standout Eric Sledge recently said he would visit South Carolina, then decide whether or not he would take any other trips. Sledge now says he definitely plans to take additional visits including one to Ohio State.
 
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