• Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
  • Consider registering! Fewer and higher quality ads, no emails you don't want, access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Even if you just want to lurk, there are a lot of good reasons to register!

Recruiting News - 01/15/05 - Army All American Game - EAST STORIES - Part I

3yardsandacloud

Administrator Emeritus
<font color="#b90000">Saturday, January 15, 2005</font> Army All American Game - EAST STORIES



•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
East All-American MVP - Scout

East All-American MVP
By Stacey Dean/Dave Peters Scout.com
Date: Jan 15, 2005

With the conclusion of the 2005 U.S. Army All-American game, Scout.com selected an East MVP, recognizing one of many standouts as having the best overall performance and that honor goes to Derek Nicholson of Winston Salem, North Carolina.

The talk around the East practices this week had Winston-Salem Mount Trabor LB Derek Nicholson rated as the No. 3 linebacker on the East squad and before the game today, Nicholson told The Territory's Dave Peters, "Don't believe the hype." In other words, Nicholson never doubted his abilities despite reports indicating that he was behind Brian Cushing and Rico McCoy in terms of projecting to make the biggest impact in the NBC-nationally televised U.S. Army All-American East-West clash. Fact is, Nicholson not only showed that he belonged in the argument for top 'backer honors, but he also carries the distinction of being named the Scout.com East MVP.

In the first half alone, the 6-0, 228-pound All-American recorded 5 tackles and 2 QB pressures, displaying instictive play that will definitely come in handy when he graduates to the next level. When the unofficial game stats were tallied, Nicholson totaled 9 tackles and 3 QB pressures. Moreover, in his career as a prep, the 4-star prospect has registered well over 500 tackles.

Rated extremely high on the board of several college coaching staffs because of his penchant for finding the ball, when the ink dries on his LOI, just one school will be lucky enough to land a commitment from the play-making MLB.

So who is the odds-on favorite to land the Mount Tabor linebacker?

Several insiders believe that he'll be joining his oldest brother A.J. Nicholson in Tallahassee next fall.

Remaining official visits: Miami (1/21) and FSU (1/28).


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
ScoutTV: Baker Knew In December (Video) - Scout PREMIUM

ScoutTV: Baker Knew In December
By Miller Safrit**Special to Pack Pride
Date: Jan 15, 2005

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- Jamestown (NC) Ragsdale Tailback Toney Baker talks with ScoutTV after committing to NC State at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

NC State added the number one player in the state when Toney Baker put on the Wolfpack hat today during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The Jamestown (N.C.) Ragsdale running back said he had it in mind for over a month where he would end up.


One on One with Toney Baker

------------------------------------------------------------------------

To watch this video, you will need Microsoft Media Player. Click here to here download the most recent version of Media Player.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The US Army All-American Bowl has become a stopping off point of sorts for running backs headed to NC State. The annual event, generally recognized as the nation’s most prestigious high school all-star game, boasted NC State-bound backs three of the last four years.

On Saturday, all-american RB Toney Baker of Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, NC made it three out of four when he announced his verbal commitment to the Wolfpack.

"Well, I have decided to take my talents to NC State," said Baker.

When asked whether the departure of RB TA McLendon was a factor in his decision, Baker said, "Not much at all. I wanted to go to NC State whether he had stayed or not."

Recruited by NC State QB coach and recruiting coordinator Curt Cignetti, Baker is almost a shoo-in to become the fourth Parade All-American RB to occupy a spot on the Wolfpack’s roster in 2005, joining Andre Brown, Bobby Washington and Darrell Blackman.

*

Rankings

-5-star prospect and No. 5 RB in the nation by Scout.com

-No. 1 player in NC by Scout.com

-No. 22 player in nation regardless of position by Scout.com

-SuperPrep All-American

-No. 2 RB in the nation by Tom Lemming

Awards

-US Army All-American Bowl selection

-Shrine Bowl selection

-national high school player of the year nominee

-all-conference

-all-state

Season stats

-rushed for 2,007 yards as a sophomore

-rushed for 3,411 yards as a junior

-rushed for 3,030 yards as a senior

Career accomplishments

-North Carolina career rushing leader with 10,241 yards, surpassing TA McLendon as the state’s all-time rusher

-Boasts the No. 2 (3,411 yards) and No. 7 (3,030 yards) single season rushing totals in NC football history

Shrine Bowl Combine Measurables

-Height 5-10, Weight 217 pounds

-Hand-timed 40-yard dash 1st try- 4.4-seconds, 2nd try- 4.38-seconds

-Bench pressed 23 reps of 205 pounds

-Vertical leap- 32-inches

Film Session: Toney Baker
#22 Toney Baker Video 1

#22 Toney Baker Video 2

#22 Toney Baker Video 3

#22 Toney Baker Video 4

#22 Toney Baker Sophomore Video 1

#22 Toney Baker Sophomore Video 2



•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
ScoutTV: Melvin Alaeze (Video) - Scout

ScoutTV: Melvin Alaeze
By Miller Safrit East Coast Recruiting Analyst
Date: Jan 15, 2005

Having teammates certainly helps a school, and in the case of Melvin Alaeze it was nearly everything. The big athlete committed to Maryland today in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl after teammate Jamar McCollough and former teammate Chris Varner also became Terps.


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Bain: Fire Still Burned Weeks After Iowa Visit - Scout PREMIUM

Bain: Fire Still Burned Weeks After Iowa Visit
By Jon Miller**Publisher
Date: Jan 15, 2005

Ryan Bain might not be your next television studio host, but he knows how to make Iowa fans happy. His announcement for Iowa on national TV was short, yet succinct. The most important aspect of it all? Bain is a Hawkeye, and he will bring his toughness and killer instinct with him to Iowa City for the next four or five seasons. Read why Bain committed to Iowa on Saturday.

Ryan Bain

What were the reasons behind your selecting Iowa?

This is the place for me, bottom line. It is a great opportunity. They have great people there. I want to be coached by the best. Coach Doyle, Coach Ferentz, Coach Aiken, all of those guys are the best at what they do. Plus, I would choose Iowa even if I were not playing football.

How long have you known where you were going to school?

When I went to Wisconsin on my official, I really liked them. About a week later I calmed down from the visit. Iowa was always in the picture for me, and then my visit there made me realize that there was just no other place for me. Even a week after my Iowa visit, I had not calmed down from that visit the way that I did from my Wisconsin visit. I have known for two months now.

Was it hard to keep the secret for so long?

I would have rather announced a long time ago, just to get it over with, because other schools were still calling me. But Iowa knew. As long as they knew I was coming, that is all that mattered. And I am glad that I was able to announce on National TV because I hope that helps the program down the road.

How much fun was it on Saturday, with all of you committing to Iowa?

It was a lot of fun. We came out a lot more flat. We did not have the hitting in practice like the West team.

For me, it was great playing with these guys. The talent was great. I was going up against great offensive linemen all week. I have a lot to learn on defensive line. This was really my first week of practice at the position. They put me down (on the line) when we played against Jake, but that has been it. I am still learning. I felt that I got pressure and created some havoc back there. I could be happier, like always. But I am going to stay hungry.

You played both inside and out today. Is there an area that you prefer to play, and what has Iowa told you about how you will be used at the next level?

They told me that I will play both. I think my size will put me at defensive tackle, primarily. I felt that I could have bull rushed those guys today. If I learn technique, as I play low to the ground, I think that D tackle will be where I play. I can put on some weight and size, because I have room to grow. But at Iowa, they will play me inside and outside, depending on the situation.

Jon Miller's Thoughts from his week in San Antonio

Ryan seems like a quiet man, and he might be. But when you get him away from the crowds and the lights, he can provide great insight. Though every one of his words seems to come with significant thought, he comes at you with the bare honesty, something that Iowa reporters will enjoy during his time in Iowa City.

Some people want to compare him to Matt Roth. Though he is two inches shorter than Roth, and perhaps a half step slower (let’s be honest, you don’t come across a Matt Roth every four years), Bain’s low center of gravity and his killer instinct will serve him well at Iowa. I expect him to be 20 to 30 pounds heavier when he makes his way into the defensive line rotation, and he is going to be a fireplug on the defensive line. Mark this down; Ryan Bain will have a very good career at Iowa, if he stays healthy.



•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
ScoutTV: Toney Baker (Video) - Scout

ScoutTV: Toney Baker
By Miller Safrit East Coast Recruiting Analyst
Date: Jan 15, 2005

NC State added the number one player in the state when Toney Baker put on the Wolfpack hat today during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The Jamestown (N.C.) Ragsdale running back said he had it in mind for over a month where he would end up.


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Richardson: Unlimited Potential - Scout PREMIUM

Richardson: Unlimited Potential
By Jon Miller**Publisher
Date: Jan 15, 2005

Dace Richardson is 'The Thinker'. When you speak to him, he soaks in all of your questions, offering no body language or facial expression. But when it's his turn to talk, he reminds you of former Hawkeye offensive lineman David Porter; he is bright, courteous and engaging. Read what Richardson had to say about his commitment to Iowa.

Dace Richardson

Why did you choose Iowa over Tennessee?

I felt comfortable there. I have been looking at the people that they were recruiting, and the people that they had received commitments from. It came down to Iowa and Tennessee. In the end, I just told myself that whomever I felt most comfortable with, I was going to pick. That wound up being Iowa.

How much fun was it today, with the recruiting momentum that you guys had with so many of you announcing for Iowa?

It was fun. I was not thinking about that as much, as I was trying to win the game. But it’s fun to think about what we might be able to do together one day. We have a lot of work to do, and this game shows it. This is my third year of playing football, and I have a lot to learn. But I am ready to go to work.

There has been a lot of talk out of your fellow commitments that you guys are going to play for a national title while you are at Iowa. Being an All American makes no guarantee, but do you think this is more than just talk?

I think with the people we are bringing in and the people that are already at Iowa, plus the hard work that Kirk Ferentz and his staff put in, that yes, I think we will win one or maybe two national championships while we are there.

Jon Miller's Thoughts from his week in San Antonio

Richardson is a player who admittedly has some work to do. But that has been known for quite some time. What he is, is a player who has unlimited potential with very good athletic ability. He has played football for just three years, yet he has ascended the recruiting rankings of nearly every major service as one of the best offensive linemen in the country. He also has a similar disposition to former Hawkeye lineman David Porter. He is a high character guy and the type of player that you want in your program.


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Moeaki: Iowa Headed in the Right Direction - Scout PREMIUM

Moeaki: Iowa Headed in the Right Direction
By Jon Miller**Publisher
Date: Jan 15, 2005

Tony Moeaki's pledge to Iowa on Saturday made everyone in the Hawkeye Nation stand and take notice. For the past several years, Iowa has gone after some of the best tight end prospects in the nation, only to come up empty handed. But in landing Moeaki, the Hawks might have landed one of the best tight end prospects in their football history. Moeaki talks about why he committed to Iowa, as well as his thoughts on playing as a true freshman.

Tony Moeaki

In the end, why did you chose Iowa?

The people in Iowa City, the coaches; they are headed in the right direction. They have been doing great year in and year out.

With BYU, Tennessee and Iowa, you really couldn’t go wrong from a tight end’s perspective.

Right. Iowa had Dallas Clark, and hopefully I can do some of the things that he did. I know their offense was at its best when they had Dallas Clark at tight end.

You told me before that you have run the waggle quite a bit in high school…have you noticed how much Iowa runs that play, and does that excite you?

We did that a lot when I was a junior with a different quarterback. I really like that play.

Has Iowa talked with you about competing for time next year, as a true freshman? You are as big and fast as Dallas Clark was when he was in his third year at Iowa.

They have talked about it during the recruitment, but nothing is for sure. They have told me that they feel that I can make an impact soon. It will be a challenge of course, as I am not going to say that I know everything that I need to know right now, but I am ready for that challenge and I look forward to it.

Jon Miller's Thoughts from his week in San Antonio

I wrote a column for FoxSports.com tonight, as they asked me which of Iowa's All American's that I felt was the best prospect.

That was a very, very tough decision. But after watching practice this week, and just seeing Tony carry himself and the type of athlete that he is, Moeaki was my choice.

On of the reasons that he looked so good was the rocket arm of Jake Christensen. Jake told me this week that when he was in doubt in the pocket in practice, he found Tony.

I know that recruiting is rife with hyperbole...it's impossible to escape. But Moeaki is on par with Dallas Clark. If he stays healthy, I think Moeaki has a chance to go down as the best tight end in Iowa history.



•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Christensen High on Hawkeyes Future - Scout PREMIUM

Christensen High on Hawkeyes Future
By Jon Miller**Publisher
Date: Jan 15, 2005

Jake Christensen's East Squad did not pull out a victory in Saturday's US Army All American Bowl, but Christensen did not allow the loss to dampen his spirits, as he knows that his Hawkeye future became much brighter on Saturday, as four players committed to Iowa on National TV. Jake talks about that, as well as how he and his future Hawkeye teammates have been working on another All American who is considering Iowa; David Nelson.

Even though your team lost today, you still won, because the Iowa Hawkeyes had a historic day, from a recruiting and exposure front. How much fun was it seeing and hearing all of those guys declaring for Iowa on national TV?

It is awesome. We pretty much knew it was going to happen. We did not know for sure with Tony, but we had a good feeling he was going to come with us, too. He made this a near perfect class for us. Hopefully we can get David (Nelson) and we can round it out and go to work.

When did Tony Moeaki tell you he was committing to Iowa?

He did not tell us. We were not in the loop, so we found out when the rest of the country found out. We had a pretty good idea. At least there was one surprise for us, and that makes it even sweeter.

Have you been able to rat pack enough with David Nelson this week to leave a good impression, in your opinion?

Yeah. I think right now, if he had to make his decision right now, he would be going to Iowa. But he is taking a visit to Florida. But hopefully, he ends up coming here with us. He belongs with us, because we feel like he is one of us.

Jon Miller's Thoughts from his week in San Antonio

All Star games rarely allow the majority of players to showcase their talents. Don't let the East squad's poor performance sour you on Christensen. He has one of the biggest arms an Iowa quarterback prospect has had in a long time. He is also a very cerebral prospect who knows the game of football like few others his own age.

Once the smoke clears on the Class of 2005 for Iowa, Christensen and his father Jeff, will be owed a debt of thanks from every Iowa fan for their recruiting efforts behind the scene. Due to his June commitment, Christensen became the epicenter of this recruiting class.

It's a common role for a quarterback once they get on campus, and it's a role that Christensen has already filled before he ever set foot on campus.



•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Tech Commit Enjoys Stay In Texas - Scout PREMIUM

Tech Commit Enjoys Stay In Texas
By Spencer Cagle**
Date: Jan 15, 2005

Although the East squad suffered a 35-3 loss to the West in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Virginia Tech commit Victor Harris was able to accomplish his goal for the week – he enjoyed his time in the Longhorn State.

“It went well – well I shouldn’t say it went well – but it was fun, put it like that,” Victor Harris said of the game on Saturday. “The object of an All-Star game is to go out here and have fun. All it is is bragging rights between the East and the West, but we had fun. It didn’t turn out good, but all I can say is that I had fun.”

“That’s the main thing I wanted to do, just have fun,” he continued. “I wasn’t going to play at first because of my arm, but I’m blessed [to be able to play and] not to get hurt. That’s all I needed.”

Harris, a Tech commit who will come into Blacksburg to workout this summer, admits that though the result of the game was not what was expected, he did well except one play, a 39-yard West touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez to the man he was defending, David Gettis.

“I think I played pretty well,” Harris said. “There was a time that I missed an assignment, but that happens. I take it as a learning lesson. That’s what I think it was.”

With his high school career over as well as the Army All-American game, Harris still plans to continue to work to be ready to be at Tech. “I’m going to go back home, work hard, lift weights and stuff like that, and get ready for Virginia Tech. I’m going to relax a little bit but keep working out hard.”



•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
ScoutTV: Nyan Boateng (Video) - Scout

ScoutTV: Nyan Boateng
By Miller Safrit East Coast Recruiting Analyst
Date: Jan 15, 2005

Nyan Boateng decided last weekend that he was going to be a Gator, but the four-star wide receiver wanted to wait until today's U.S. Army All-Star Bowl to announce.


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Well At Least Nicholson Represented - Scout

Well At Least Nicholson Represented
By Don Callahan**- NC Prep Report
Date: Jan 15, 2005

In a 35-3 thrashing, two-thirds of North Carolina's finest were kept quiet by the East coaching staff and West defense. Derek Nicholson, however, was one of the few bright spots on the East squad.

SAN ANTONIO -- While QB Jonathan Crompton and TB Toney Baker never got into the groove of the East offense, LB Derek Nicholson was one of the dominating players on the defensive side of the ball.

In a 35-3 spanking at the hands of the West All-Stars, Nicholson of Winston-Salem Mount Tabor recorded 9 total tackles including two for a loss. The Scout.com four-star recruit also hurried the quarterback twice, and recovered two squib kicks on special teams.

Despite starting the game, Baker of Jamestown Ragsdale was reduced to blocking duties for most of the All-American Bowl. He rushed only once for no yards. The Scout.com five-star recruit did have the lime light late in the fourth quarter when he announced his pledge to N.C. State.

Crompton, on the other hand, received a solid amount of reps, but the defensive pressure of the West and the constant shuffling of quarterbacks by the East coaches, never allowed the four-star Tennessee verbal to get into the flow of the game.

Crompton’s first snap was sent almost 15 yards behind him giving a good indication of how the day would go for the gunslinger. Only connecting on two screen passes, Crompton ended the day by completing 2-of-5 passes for -9 yards. He did rush four times for 16 yards.

Baker and Crompton now shift their focus to their future schools, while Nicholson concentrates on the remainder of his recruitment. Nicholson heads to Florida State this weekend and Miami the following weekend for official visits.


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Toney Baker to the Pack! (Video Links Included) - Scout

Toney Baker to the Pack!
By Steve Williams**Football Recruiting Analyst
Date: Jan 15, 2005

On Saturday, RB Toney Baker ended weeks of speculation and cast his lot with NC State.

The US Army All-American Bowl has become a stopping off point of sorts for running backs headed to NC State. The annual event, generally recognized as the nation’s most prestigious high school all-star game, boasted NC State-bound backs two of the last three years.

On Saturday, all-american RB Toney Baker of Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, NC made it three out of four when he announced his verbal commitment to the Wolfpack.

"Well, I have decided to take my talents to NC State," said Baker.

When asked whether the departure of RB TA McLendon was a factor in his decision, Baker said, "Not much at all. I wanted to go to NC State whether he had stayed or not."

Recruited by NC State QB coach and recruiting coordinator Curt Cignetti, Baker is almost a shoo-in to become the fourth Parade All-American RB to occupy a spot on the Wolfpack’s roster in 2005, joining Andre Brown, Bobby Washington and Darrell Blackman.

*

Rankings

-5-star prospect and No. 5 RB in the nation by Scout.com

-No. 1 player in NC by Scout.com

-No. 22 player in nation regardless of position by Scout.com

-SuperPrep All-American

-No. 2 RB in the nation by Tom Lemming

Awards

-US Army All-American Bowl selection

-Shrine Bowl selection

-national high school player of the year nominee

-all-conference

-all-state

Season stats

-rushed for 2,007 yards as a sophomore

-rushed for 3,411 yards as a junior

-rushed for 3,030 yards as a senior

Career accomplishments

-North Carolina career rushing leader with 10,241 yards, surpassing TA McLendon as the state’s all-time rusher

-Boasts the No. 2 (3,411 yards) and No. 7 (3,030 yards) single season rushing totals in NC football history

Shrine Bowl Combine Measurables

-Height 5-10, Weight 217 pounds

-Hand-timed 40-yard dash 1st try- 4.4-seconds, 2nd try- 4.38-seconds

-Bench pressed 23 reps of 205 pounds

-Vertical leap- 32-inches

Film Session: Toney Baker
#22 Toney Baker Video 1

#22 Toney Baker Video 2

#22 Toney Baker Video 3

#22 Toney Baker Video 4

#22 Toney Baker Sophomore Video 1

#22 Toney Baker Sophomore Video 2
 
Last edited:
Back
Top