3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
<font color="#b90000">Tuesday, February 8, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 02/08/05
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Early commitment a coup for Tressel and Buckeyes - NN of Central Ohio (Mansfield News Journal)
Early commitment a coup for Tressel and Buckeyes
By Larry Phillips, [email protected]
NEWS JOURNAL
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Everything seems to happen early for Chris Wells. The best recruiting news seems to happen early for Ohio State.
Perhaps the two were destined for each other.
The Akron Garfield running back is only 16 years old. He's only a junior in high school.
Already he's projected as the best prep running back in the nation in the Class of 2006. Already Wells has been offered scholarships by Oklahoma and Michigan. The Sooners' staff said Wells could be the next Adrian Peterson.
If Wells lives up to that kind of hype, he's going to do it at Ohio State.
The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Wells offered a verbal commitment to the Buckeyes on Sunday, after returning home from Junior Day festivities.
Wells is related to former Michigan standout Billy Taylor, and reportedly grew up a Wolverine fan. His first trip to the Horseshoe included a 37-21 pounding of Michigan. On Saturday, Wells watched the basketball team administer a similar beating to the Wolverines and heard the students chant "Just like football."
For an Ohio youngster, whose mother wanted him to stay close to home, Wells said that was all it took. He was done with recruiting.
"I'm 100 percent sure about Ohio State," Wells told Bucknuts.com on Sunday. "I haven't called the other coaches, but I will call them (Monday) and let them know about my decision. I couldn't be happier and my mother couldn't be happier. I couldn't put into words how I am about this decision."
Wells is rated the seventh-best overall prospect in the nation by Rivals.com, and the No. 1 running back.
As a junior (playing at the same school that sent Antoine Winfield to Ohio State), Wells rushed for 1,939 yards and 20 touchdowns. He averaged 9.1 yards a carry while flashing a punishing style and surprising speed.
Scout.com recruiting analyst Duane Long describes Wells as the state's best running back since Maurice Clarett -- without the baggage.
Wells is also the big back that hammers a defense, and that doesn't exist on the OSU roster.
Finally, for Ohio State, the Wells commitment continues an interesting trend. Jim Tressel has absorbed more than his share of abuse for being unable to land a big fish on or about National Signing Day.
Such criticism arrived over the past three years as Ohio State lost nationally-rated prospects including Shawn Crable (Michigan), Stanley McClover (Auburn), Dwayne Jarrett (USC) and Jason Gwaltney (West Virginia) at the very end of the process.
Those scenarios led some to question Tressel's ability as a closer. However, no one can question Tressel's ability as a starter.
Ohio State's strong recruiting classes in the Tressel Era have traditionally been bolstered by early commitments, including Clarett, Justin Zwick and Jamario O'Neal. In fact, O'Neal committed as a sophomore at Mansfield Senior and went on to play in the Army All-American Bowl last month. Clarett and Zwick both committed as juniors. Clarett pulled the trigger shortly after Tressel was hired as the OSU coach. Zwick followed suit a couple of months later and lured other stars in the 2002 class, which was rated No. 2 in the nation.
According to Long, Wells has a similar mindset that could draw others to next year's Buckeye recruiting haul.
No matter who else OSU lands on National Signing Day 2006, the key recruit for the class is already on board, and he won't turn 17 until August.
It's an early bonanza for both.
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Coldwater’s Homan verbally commits to Ohio State - Lima News
Coldwater’s Homan verbally commits to Ohio State
• From staff reports •
***COLDWATER —Coldwater High School junior linebacker Ross Homan verbally committed on Monday to sign with Ohio State next year.
***Homan, a 6-1, 233-pound two-way player for the Cavaliers, is rated one of the top juniors in the state by several recruiting analysts.
***“I just couldn’t see myself going anywhere else. That was pretty much it,” Homan said.
***Homan had 165 tackles and was named first-team All-Ohio in Division IV last season when Coldwater went 13-1 and reached the state semifinals.
***Ohio State offered him a scholarship last Wednesday around 9 a.m. on the day it signed its recruits for this season.
***Besides growing up an Ohio State fan, Homan had another connection to the Buckeyes. He is a first cousin of former OSU quarterbacks Bob Hoying and Tom Hoying.
***Notre Dame, Michigan, Iowa and Virginia were among the other schools recruiting him
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Groza award was no prize (Chris Wells, Rob Schoenhoft, Lawrence Wilson) - Dayton Daily News
Big back commits
The Buckeyes lassoed the big running back they've been seeking, but he won't suit up until 2006.
Junior Chris Wells of Akron Garfield made a verbal commitment over the weekend. The 6-foot-1, 227-pound bruiser rushed for 1,939 yards last season with 20 touchdowns and a 9.1-yard average.
He is the top-rated junior in Ohio and turned down offers from Michigan, Oklahoma and Penn State.
"He's the best back from Ohio since Maurice Clarett and probably the No. 1 back in the country," Scout.com recruiting analyst Duane Long said. "He's unbelievable."
Having been spurned by coveted big back Jason Gwaltney in the 2005 class, landing Wells was considered a must for the Buckeyes.
"He's a big, slashing runner," Long said. "People want to compare him to Eddie George, and he does run with great power. But he can make you miss just as much as run over top of you."
Wells made a trip to Columbus on Saturday for junior-day festivities.
"I never thought I would fall in love with a school like I fell in love with Ohio State," he told Bucknuts.com. "I couldn't be happier and my mother couldn't be happier."
Ohio is expected to produce a bumper crop of recruits in the 2006 class, and Wells plans to make numerous phone calls to get as many players on board as possible.
Schoenhoft lauded
Incoming freshman Rob Schoenhoft passed for just 1,159 yards as a senior, but there are plenty of reasons the Cincinnati St. Xavier product had colleges salivating.
The 6-foot-6, 225-pound quarterback has such a strong arm that his coaches had to teach him to ease up so his receivers could handle his throws.
"Robbie Schoenhoft is special," OSU coach Jim Tressel said. "He's a competitor. He's a big, strong guy, and everyone knows he has a rocket arm.
"But what I appreciate even more is that he moves better than some might anticipate, and I like the way he managed his team."
Wilson gets attention
Tressel couldn't help chuckling over the lengths to which his staff resorted in order to land defensive end Lawrence Wilson of Akron.
After hearing Note Dame visited the player with a seven-coach brigade, OSU sent a posse of six assistants to the Wilson home a few days later.
"Sometimes you have to show guys some love — as much as other teams do," Tressel said.
"It was just a response that if that's going to make a difference, we'll send six or seven."
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Illinois junior RB talks latest suitors - Rivals PREMIUM
February 8, 2005
Illinois junior RB talks latest suitors
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Tim O'Halloran
Rivals100.com Recruiting Analyst *
Gurnee (Ill.) junior running back prospect Mitchell Moore (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) from Warren Township High School has been enjoying the Blue Devils success on the hardwood this winter, yet Moore is also keeping an eye on his football recruiting. Moore fills us in on his latest suitors as well as his college junior day plans in this recruiting update.
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Texas QB looking toward the Big 10 - Rivals PREMIUM
February 7, 2005
Texas QB looking toward the Big 10
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Brian Gates
Rivals100.com Recruiting Analyst *
Ft. Worth (Texas) Nolan quarterback Sean Hakes has already been on the road a lot in his life having moved from Ohio to Texas and back. Then to the Lone Star State again. Now, he's looking to make the move back to Big 10 country, one more time.
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Erb named among top recruiters in the nation (Top 25 Recruiters) - Rivals
February 8, 2005
Erb named among top recruiters in the nation
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Rivals.com
HawkeyeReport.com *
Lester Erb is among the top 25 recruiters in the nation.It's easy to say that the head coaches are the reasons why a team has a successful recruiting class. Yet any true college football connoisseur knows that the backbone is the assistant coach that spends countless hours making calls, making in-home visits and wooing his program's top recruits.
There is an elite group of assistant coaches that have separated themselves as the best in the business. Florida State assistant Kevin Steele has been named Rivals.com National Recruiter of the Year. Rivals.com also honors the top 25 recruiters in the game today with the list below.
Rivals.com Top 25 Recruiters
Eric Bieniemy, UCLA
A two-time Rivals.com top-25 selection, Bieniemy is on the fast track in the coaching community.
John Blake, Nebraska
Landed super running back Marlon Lucky and was the closer on almost all of NU's four-star recruits.
Mike Cassity, Louisville
Was the closer on The Ville's top recruits like Earl Heyman and Zach Anderson and was a prime factor in getting several highly ranked kids in for visits.
Mario Christobal, Miami
Landed two of the 'Canes top recruits in the ultra-competitive state of Texas when he hooked Reggie Youngblood and Dejleon Farr.
Bob Connelly, Alabama
Connelly quickly gained a reputation in Florida by landing Roy Upchurch and Michael Johnson, and he reached into California for two more top players.
Mark D'Onofrio, Virginia
Recruited Eugene Monroe, Mike Brown and Rashawn Jackson to UVa out of New Jersey and is making a name for himself as one of the best in the East.
Stan Eggen, Texas A&M
A two-time selection by Rivals.com, Eggen is still considered the Aggies best recruiter and a big reason why they finished with a top 10 class.
Lester Erb, Iowa
Any other year would be recruiter of the year, landing five of the top seven players in Illinois' top talent pool in 10 years.
James Franklin, Maryland
Another two-time selection by Rivals.com, Franklin helped the Terps land another top 25 class and reeled in Melvin Alaeze.
Rodney Garner, Georgia
Considered the dean of recruiters in the Southeast, Garner is the top Dawg for UGA and a two time selection as a top 25 recruiter.
Ron Gould, California
Gould had already been established as one of the best recruiters in the game, but he took his game to the next level, helping the Bears land a third-straight top 20 recruiting class.
Mark Hagen, Purdue
Signed all nine of Purdue's players from Indiana, including four-star prospects Selwyn Lymon and J.B. Paxson.
Doc Holliday, Florida
Holliday's move to Florida from N.C. State didn't allow him to be in the spotlight as much as in the past, but this two-time selection is among the best.
Rob Ianello, Notre Dame
A two-time selection, Ianello recently moved to Notre Dame after causing plenty of damage for the Wisconsin Badgers.
David Kelly, Duke
After stints at LSU, Georgia Tech and Stanford, he's reeled in some of Duke's biggest recruits ever, including six in this class.
Lane Kiffin, Southern Cal
Landed Fred Davis and Dwayne Jarrett last year and was the key recruiter on Patrick Turner, the nation's No. 2 player, this year.
Tim Kish, Arizona
Any time a team finishes with a losing record and signs a top 25 class, somebody is responsible, and Kish was a huge part of it by owning the Valley of the Sun.
Mike Locksley, Illinois
Was on his way to helping Florida put together a top class until was wooed away to Illinois with Ron Zook, and is a two-time selection.
Terry Malone, Michigan
Landed three Rivals 100 players from Michigan and has snagged the top in-state prospect every year since 2001.
Kevin Steele, Florida State
Named the Rivals.com National Recruiter of the Year. The Noles top recruiter, most trusted closer and a two-time selection by Rivals.com.
Rick Stockstill, South Carolina
A huge reason why Steve Spurrier's class started to pick up momentum late in the recruiting process.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
Signed nine players in 2003 and matched that number again this year with strong efforts in Alabama, Northern Florida and South Carolina.
Trooper Taylor, Tennessee
Making a name for himself as one of the best recruiters in the Southeast and the main reason why many of South Florida's best looked at UT.
Charlie Wiles, Virginia Tech
Made some real inroads in North Carolina and pulled Stephan Virgil away from UNC and N.C. State.
Darrell Wyatt, Oklahoma
After landing Adrian Peterson last season, Wyatt landed five-star DeMarcus Granger and four four-star players in class of 2005. Has never landed a recruit lower than four stars.
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Video: Schlichter carries on family tradition - Rivals PREMIUM
February 8, 2005
Video: Schlichter carries on family tradition
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Rivals.com
*
Miami Trace quarterback Miles Schlichter is out to prove that there is more to him than just a famous last name. Check out exclusive video of the 6-foot-2 signal caller and see why several top programs are all high on him.
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Top Lineman Wants To Get Early Start - Rivals PREMIUM
February 8, 2005
Top Lineman Wants To Get Early Start
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Mark Rea
BuckeyeSports.com Managing Editor *
Offensive line prospect Justin Boren of Pickerington (Ohio) North isn't sure which school is going to get his verbal commitment just yet, but he is positive that the recruiting process won't take long. The 6-4, 305-pound offensive guard prospect is expected to touch off the latest recruiting war between archrivals Ohio State and Michigan although several other schools are expected to get in on the chase as well.
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Homan commits to Ohio State - Rivals PREMIUM
February 7, 2005
Homan commits to Ohio State
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Bill Kurelic and Mark Rea
BuckeyeSports.com Staff *
Coldwater, Ohio, linebacker Ross Homan became the second member of Ohio State's recruiting class of 2006 when he gave the OSU coaching staff the good word just moments ago. Homan becomes the second top-rated Ohioan in just the past 36 hours to issue his commitment, following Akron Garfield running back Chris Wells.
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Focus '06 - Carl Fisher (WR) - Scout PREMIUM
Focus '06 - Carl Fisher (WR)
By Chris Pool
Date: Feb 8, 2005
Carl Fisher is one of the top junior wide receiver prospects in the Midwest. He received his first scholarship offer last April from Utah and several schools since then have contacted him via-mail. Fisher talks about his early contacts and which schools are at the top of his wish list.
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Schlichter Hopes To Decide During Summer - Scout PREMIUM
Schlichter Hopes To Decide During Summer
By Dave Biddle
Date: Feb 8, 2005
Quarterback Miles Schlichter hopes to make his decision sometime before his senior season. Schlichter attended Ohio State's Junior Day over the weekend and enjoyed the trip. Bucknuts.com caught up with him for the latest.
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Video Interview - Jamario O'Neal - Scout PREMIUM
Video Interview - Jamario O'Neal
By Steve Helwagen
Date: Feb 8, 2005
Defensive back Jamario O'Neal of Cleveland Glenville is coming to OSU with plenty of talent. He can play multiple positions, but defensive back appears to be his destination. Steve Helwagen caught up with O'Neal last week to talk about his future as a Buckeye, and we have O'Neal's thoughts for you in a special video interview.
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Gibson Talks About OSU Offer, Recruiting - Scout PREMIUM
Gibson Talks About OSU Offer, Recruiting
By Duane Long
Date: Feb 7, 2005
One linebacker committed today -- what about the other who was offered? We caught up with Thaddeus Gibson of Euclid, Ohio to find out his thoughts on his recruiting situation.
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Ohio State Adds Second Commitment - Bucknuts
Ohio State Adds Second Commitment
By Duane Long
Date: Feb 7, 2005
OSU's recruiting momentum for 2006 continued to gain today as Coldwater linebacker Ross Homan became the second player to commit to the Buckeyes. Homan is one of the state's top ten prospects. Duane Long has more.
A second player in the Class of 2006 bas decided he would like to be a Buckeye. Linebacker Ross Homan of Coldwater, Ohio said he committed to the Buckeyes today. He did not talk to Jim Tressel but did commit to linebackers coach Luke Fickell.
"I spoke to my coach in his office and we called Coach Fickell," Homan said. "I committed to him."
What prompted Homan to make the decision?
"We sat down and looked over the situation," Homan said. "It's where I want to be and the situation is right for me. I will be coming in as a Will linebacker."
Homan also plans on heading to OSU for camp this summer.
"I will be going to Ohio State camp though," he said. "It's an opportunity to get better."
Homan stands at 6-1, has been clocked at 4.57 in the 40 and currently lists his weight at 233. He is one of two linebackers in Ohio OSU has extended an offer to, the other being Euclid's Thaddeus Gibson, who is being recruited as a Sam linebacker.
Homan, an All-Ohio performer, has had over 500 tackles in his first three seasons in high school. He also is a standout at running back and returned two kicks for touchdowns last year.
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Coldwater linebacker makes early commitment for 2006 - Columbus Dispatch$
Coldwater linebacker makes early commitment for 2006
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio State would have it made if attracting football players was always as easy as winning the nod from Ross Homan.
The junior linebacker from Coldwater, in western Ohio’s Mercer County, took in the sights and sounds of OSU’s junior day Saturday, and last night committed to the class of 2006.
But then, OSU had an in.
"I can’t see myself going anywhere else," said Homan, a cousin of former Buckeyes Bob and Tom Hoying.
And just like that, the class of 2006 is two strong. The Buckeyes picked up a commitment Sunday from running back Chris Wells of Akron Garfield.
"I think that just says we’re trying to get something going with this class," Homan said.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Homan led Division IV state semifinalist Coldwater in tackles with 189 last season. But he had gained OSU’s attention even before that by popping a 4.5-second 40-yard dash in the Buckeyes’ summer camp.
"He is the No. 1 linebacker in the state for 2006," said Bill Kurelic of OhioState.rivals-.com. "Linebacker is going to be a big priority in this recruiting class (with the Buckeyes scheduled to lose their top four after the season). So getting Homan is very big from that standpoint."
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2006 Offensive Recruiting Needs and Names (Tim Tebow) - Scout
2006 Offensive Recruiting Needs and Names
By Dave Peters**
Date: Feb 5, 2005
This is an early look at what some of Florida State’s needs on the offensive side of the ball for the 2006 recruiting class. Check out a few names of prospects that will most likely get an early look by the Seminole coaching staff.
Quarterback:
Needs: With Florida State missing out on two of their targets in 2005, look for the Noles to sign one quarterback in the class of 2006.
Possible Targets:
Matt Stafford of Dallas (TX) Highland Park is School Sports.com Preseason No.1 ranked junior in the country. The 6-foot-3 and 210 pound standout list Florida State, Georgia and Oklahoma as his three. His parents are both graduates of Florida State. As a sophomore, he passed for 3,180 and 38 touchdowns with only five interceptions. In July, Stafford will attend the Florida State camp and he will most likely make a decision by the end of summer.
Tim Tebow of St. Augustine (Fla.) Nease is also a national recruit and he’s considered the top junior quarterback in the state of Florida. Some of the schools he’s considering are Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Michigan Ohio State, Notre Dame and Tennessee. Both of his parents are graduates of Florida and his brother also attends Florida. As a junior, he set a state record by passing for 4,286 yards and 46 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,266 yards and 24 touchdowns ...
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Early commitment a coup for Tressel and Buckeyes - NN of Central Ohio (Mansfield News Journal)
Early commitment a coup for Tressel and Buckeyes
By Larry Phillips, [email protected]
NEWS JOURNAL
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Everything seems to happen early for Chris Wells. The best recruiting news seems to happen early for Ohio State.
Perhaps the two were destined for each other.
The Akron Garfield running back is only 16 years old. He's only a junior in high school.
Already he's projected as the best prep running back in the nation in the Class of 2006. Already Wells has been offered scholarships by Oklahoma and Michigan. The Sooners' staff said Wells could be the next Adrian Peterson.
If Wells lives up to that kind of hype, he's going to do it at Ohio State.
The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Wells offered a verbal commitment to the Buckeyes on Sunday, after returning home from Junior Day festivities.
Wells is related to former Michigan standout Billy Taylor, and reportedly grew up a Wolverine fan. His first trip to the Horseshoe included a 37-21 pounding of Michigan. On Saturday, Wells watched the basketball team administer a similar beating to the Wolverines and heard the students chant "Just like football."
For an Ohio youngster, whose mother wanted him to stay close to home, Wells said that was all it took. He was done with recruiting.
"I'm 100 percent sure about Ohio State," Wells told Bucknuts.com on Sunday. "I haven't called the other coaches, but I will call them (Monday) and let them know about my decision. I couldn't be happier and my mother couldn't be happier. I couldn't put into words how I am about this decision."
Wells is rated the seventh-best overall prospect in the nation by Rivals.com, and the No. 1 running back.
As a junior (playing at the same school that sent Antoine Winfield to Ohio State), Wells rushed for 1,939 yards and 20 touchdowns. He averaged 9.1 yards a carry while flashing a punishing style and surprising speed.
Scout.com recruiting analyst Duane Long describes Wells as the state's best running back since Maurice Clarett -- without the baggage.
Wells is also the big back that hammers a defense, and that doesn't exist on the OSU roster.
Finally, for Ohio State, the Wells commitment continues an interesting trend. Jim Tressel has absorbed more than his share of abuse for being unable to land a big fish on or about National Signing Day.
Such criticism arrived over the past three years as Ohio State lost nationally-rated prospects including Shawn Crable (Michigan), Stanley McClover (Auburn), Dwayne Jarrett (USC) and Jason Gwaltney (West Virginia) at the very end of the process.
Those scenarios led some to question Tressel's ability as a closer. However, no one can question Tressel's ability as a starter.
Ohio State's strong recruiting classes in the Tressel Era have traditionally been bolstered by early commitments, including Clarett, Justin Zwick and Jamario O'Neal. In fact, O'Neal committed as a sophomore at Mansfield Senior and went on to play in the Army All-American Bowl last month. Clarett and Zwick both committed as juniors. Clarett pulled the trigger shortly after Tressel was hired as the OSU coach. Zwick followed suit a couple of months later and lured other stars in the 2002 class, which was rated No. 2 in the nation.
According to Long, Wells has a similar mindset that could draw others to next year's Buckeye recruiting haul.
No matter who else OSU lands on National Signing Day 2006, the key recruit for the class is already on board, and he won't turn 17 until August.
It's an early bonanza for both.
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Coldwater’s Homan verbally commits to Ohio State - Lima News
Coldwater’s Homan verbally commits to Ohio State
• From staff reports •
***COLDWATER —Coldwater High School junior linebacker Ross Homan verbally committed on Monday to sign with Ohio State next year.
***Homan, a 6-1, 233-pound two-way player for the Cavaliers, is rated one of the top juniors in the state by several recruiting analysts.
***“I just couldn’t see myself going anywhere else. That was pretty much it,” Homan said.
***Homan had 165 tackles and was named first-team All-Ohio in Division IV last season when Coldwater went 13-1 and reached the state semifinals.
***Ohio State offered him a scholarship last Wednesday around 9 a.m. on the day it signed its recruits for this season.
***Besides growing up an Ohio State fan, Homan had another connection to the Buckeyes. He is a first cousin of former OSU quarterbacks Bob Hoying and Tom Hoying.
***Notre Dame, Michigan, Iowa and Virginia were among the other schools recruiting him
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Groza award was no prize (Chris Wells, Rob Schoenhoft, Lawrence Wilson) - Dayton Daily News
Big back commits
The Buckeyes lassoed the big running back they've been seeking, but he won't suit up until 2006.
Junior Chris Wells of Akron Garfield made a verbal commitment over the weekend. The 6-foot-1, 227-pound bruiser rushed for 1,939 yards last season with 20 touchdowns and a 9.1-yard average.
He is the top-rated junior in Ohio and turned down offers from Michigan, Oklahoma and Penn State.
"He's the best back from Ohio since Maurice Clarett and probably the No. 1 back in the country," Scout.com recruiting analyst Duane Long said. "He's unbelievable."
Having been spurned by coveted big back Jason Gwaltney in the 2005 class, landing Wells was considered a must for the Buckeyes.
"He's a big, slashing runner," Long said. "People want to compare him to Eddie George, and he does run with great power. But he can make you miss just as much as run over top of you."
Wells made a trip to Columbus on Saturday for junior-day festivities.
"I never thought I would fall in love with a school like I fell in love with Ohio State," he told Bucknuts.com. "I couldn't be happier and my mother couldn't be happier."
Ohio is expected to produce a bumper crop of recruits in the 2006 class, and Wells plans to make numerous phone calls to get as many players on board as possible.
Schoenhoft lauded
Incoming freshman Rob Schoenhoft passed for just 1,159 yards as a senior, but there are plenty of reasons the Cincinnati St. Xavier product had colleges salivating.
The 6-foot-6, 225-pound quarterback has such a strong arm that his coaches had to teach him to ease up so his receivers could handle his throws.
"Robbie Schoenhoft is special," OSU coach Jim Tressel said. "He's a competitor. He's a big, strong guy, and everyone knows he has a rocket arm.
"But what I appreciate even more is that he moves better than some might anticipate, and I like the way he managed his team."
Wilson gets attention
Tressel couldn't help chuckling over the lengths to which his staff resorted in order to land defensive end Lawrence Wilson of Akron.
After hearing Note Dame visited the player with a seven-coach brigade, OSU sent a posse of six assistants to the Wilson home a few days later.
"Sometimes you have to show guys some love — as much as other teams do," Tressel said.
"It was just a response that if that's going to make a difference, we'll send six or seven."
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Illinois junior RB talks latest suitors - Rivals PREMIUM
February 8, 2005
Illinois junior RB talks latest suitors
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Tim O'Halloran
Rivals100.com Recruiting Analyst *
Gurnee (Ill.) junior running back prospect Mitchell Moore (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) from Warren Township High School has been enjoying the Blue Devils success on the hardwood this winter, yet Moore is also keeping an eye on his football recruiting. Moore fills us in on his latest suitors as well as his college junior day plans in this recruiting update.
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Texas QB looking toward the Big 10 - Rivals PREMIUM
February 7, 2005
Texas QB looking toward the Big 10
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Brian Gates
Rivals100.com Recruiting Analyst *
Ft. Worth (Texas) Nolan quarterback Sean Hakes has already been on the road a lot in his life having moved from Ohio to Texas and back. Then to the Lone Star State again. Now, he's looking to make the move back to Big 10 country, one more time.
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Erb named among top recruiters in the nation (Top 25 Recruiters) - Rivals
February 8, 2005
Erb named among top recruiters in the nation
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Rivals.com
HawkeyeReport.com *
Lester Erb is among the top 25 recruiters in the nation.It's easy to say that the head coaches are the reasons why a team has a successful recruiting class. Yet any true college football connoisseur knows that the backbone is the assistant coach that spends countless hours making calls, making in-home visits and wooing his program's top recruits.
There is an elite group of assistant coaches that have separated themselves as the best in the business. Florida State assistant Kevin Steele has been named Rivals.com National Recruiter of the Year. Rivals.com also honors the top 25 recruiters in the game today with the list below.
Rivals.com Top 25 Recruiters
Eric Bieniemy, UCLA
A two-time Rivals.com top-25 selection, Bieniemy is on the fast track in the coaching community.
John Blake, Nebraska
Landed super running back Marlon Lucky and was the closer on almost all of NU's four-star recruits.
Mike Cassity, Louisville
Was the closer on The Ville's top recruits like Earl Heyman and Zach Anderson and was a prime factor in getting several highly ranked kids in for visits.
Mario Christobal, Miami
Landed two of the 'Canes top recruits in the ultra-competitive state of Texas when he hooked Reggie Youngblood and Dejleon Farr.
Bob Connelly, Alabama
Connelly quickly gained a reputation in Florida by landing Roy Upchurch and Michael Johnson, and he reached into California for two more top players.
Mark D'Onofrio, Virginia
Recruited Eugene Monroe, Mike Brown and Rashawn Jackson to UVa out of New Jersey and is making a name for himself as one of the best in the East.
Stan Eggen, Texas A&M
A two-time selection by Rivals.com, Eggen is still considered the Aggies best recruiter and a big reason why they finished with a top 10 class.
Lester Erb, Iowa
Any other year would be recruiter of the year, landing five of the top seven players in Illinois' top talent pool in 10 years.
James Franklin, Maryland
Another two-time selection by Rivals.com, Franklin helped the Terps land another top 25 class and reeled in Melvin Alaeze.
Rodney Garner, Georgia
Considered the dean of recruiters in the Southeast, Garner is the top Dawg for UGA and a two time selection as a top 25 recruiter.
Ron Gould, California
Gould had already been established as one of the best recruiters in the game, but he took his game to the next level, helping the Bears land a third-straight top 20 recruiting class.
Mark Hagen, Purdue
Signed all nine of Purdue's players from Indiana, including four-star prospects Selwyn Lymon and J.B. Paxson.
Doc Holliday, Florida
Holliday's move to Florida from N.C. State didn't allow him to be in the spotlight as much as in the past, but this two-time selection is among the best.
Rob Ianello, Notre Dame
A two-time selection, Ianello recently moved to Notre Dame after causing plenty of damage for the Wisconsin Badgers.
David Kelly, Duke
After stints at LSU, Georgia Tech and Stanford, he's reeled in some of Duke's biggest recruits ever, including six in this class.
Lane Kiffin, Southern Cal
Landed Fred Davis and Dwayne Jarrett last year and was the key recruiter on Patrick Turner, the nation's No. 2 player, this year.
Tim Kish, Arizona
Any time a team finishes with a losing record and signs a top 25 class, somebody is responsible, and Kish was a huge part of it by owning the Valley of the Sun.
Mike Locksley, Illinois
Was on his way to helping Florida put together a top class until was wooed away to Illinois with Ron Zook, and is a two-time selection.
Terry Malone, Michigan
Landed three Rivals 100 players from Michigan and has snagged the top in-state prospect every year since 2001.
Kevin Steele, Florida State
Named the Rivals.com National Recruiter of the Year. The Noles top recruiter, most trusted closer and a two-time selection by Rivals.com.
Rick Stockstill, South Carolina
A huge reason why Steve Spurrier's class started to pick up momentum late in the recruiting process.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
Signed nine players in 2003 and matched that number again this year with strong efforts in Alabama, Northern Florida and South Carolina.
Trooper Taylor, Tennessee
Making a name for himself as one of the best recruiters in the Southeast and the main reason why many of South Florida's best looked at UT.
Charlie Wiles, Virginia Tech
Made some real inroads in North Carolina and pulled Stephan Virgil away from UNC and N.C. State.
Darrell Wyatt, Oklahoma
After landing Adrian Peterson last season, Wyatt landed five-star DeMarcus Granger and four four-star players in class of 2005. Has never landed a recruit lower than four stars.
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Video: Schlichter carries on family tradition - Rivals PREMIUM
February 8, 2005
Video: Schlichter carries on family tradition
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Rivals.com
*
Miami Trace quarterback Miles Schlichter is out to prove that there is more to him than just a famous last name. Check out exclusive video of the 6-foot-2 signal caller and see why several top programs are all high on him.
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Top Lineman Wants To Get Early Start - Rivals PREMIUM
February 8, 2005
Top Lineman Wants To Get Early Start
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Mark Rea
BuckeyeSports.com Managing Editor *
Offensive line prospect Justin Boren of Pickerington (Ohio) North isn't sure which school is going to get his verbal commitment just yet, but he is positive that the recruiting process won't take long. The 6-4, 305-pound offensive guard prospect is expected to touch off the latest recruiting war between archrivals Ohio State and Michigan although several other schools are expected to get in on the chase as well.
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Homan commits to Ohio State - Rivals PREMIUM
February 7, 2005
Homan commits to Ohio State
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Bill Kurelic and Mark Rea
BuckeyeSports.com Staff *
Coldwater, Ohio, linebacker Ross Homan became the second member of Ohio State's recruiting class of 2006 when he gave the OSU coaching staff the good word just moments ago. Homan becomes the second top-rated Ohioan in just the past 36 hours to issue his commitment, following Akron Garfield running back Chris Wells.
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Focus '06 - Carl Fisher (WR) - Scout PREMIUM
Focus '06 - Carl Fisher (WR)
By Chris Pool
Date: Feb 8, 2005
Carl Fisher is one of the top junior wide receiver prospects in the Midwest. He received his first scholarship offer last April from Utah and several schools since then have contacted him via-mail. Fisher talks about his early contacts and which schools are at the top of his wish list.
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Schlichter Hopes To Decide During Summer - Scout PREMIUM
Schlichter Hopes To Decide During Summer
By Dave Biddle
Date: Feb 8, 2005
Quarterback Miles Schlichter hopes to make his decision sometime before his senior season. Schlichter attended Ohio State's Junior Day over the weekend and enjoyed the trip. Bucknuts.com caught up with him for the latest.
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Video Interview - Jamario O'Neal - Scout PREMIUM
Video Interview - Jamario O'Neal
By Steve Helwagen
Date: Feb 8, 2005
Defensive back Jamario O'Neal of Cleveland Glenville is coming to OSU with plenty of talent. He can play multiple positions, but defensive back appears to be his destination. Steve Helwagen caught up with O'Neal last week to talk about his future as a Buckeye, and we have O'Neal's thoughts for you in a special video interview.
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Gibson Talks About OSU Offer, Recruiting - Scout PREMIUM
Gibson Talks About OSU Offer, Recruiting
By Duane Long
Date: Feb 7, 2005
One linebacker committed today -- what about the other who was offered? We caught up with Thaddeus Gibson of Euclid, Ohio to find out his thoughts on his recruiting situation.
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Ohio State Adds Second Commitment - Bucknuts
Ohio State Adds Second Commitment
By Duane Long
Date: Feb 7, 2005
OSU's recruiting momentum for 2006 continued to gain today as Coldwater linebacker Ross Homan became the second player to commit to the Buckeyes. Homan is one of the state's top ten prospects. Duane Long has more.
A second player in the Class of 2006 bas decided he would like to be a Buckeye. Linebacker Ross Homan of Coldwater, Ohio said he committed to the Buckeyes today. He did not talk to Jim Tressel but did commit to linebackers coach Luke Fickell.
"I spoke to my coach in his office and we called Coach Fickell," Homan said. "I committed to him."
What prompted Homan to make the decision?
"We sat down and looked over the situation," Homan said. "It's where I want to be and the situation is right for me. I will be coming in as a Will linebacker."
Homan also plans on heading to OSU for camp this summer.
"I will be going to Ohio State camp though," he said. "It's an opportunity to get better."
Homan stands at 6-1, has been clocked at 4.57 in the 40 and currently lists his weight at 233. He is one of two linebackers in Ohio OSU has extended an offer to, the other being Euclid's Thaddeus Gibson, who is being recruited as a Sam linebacker.
Homan, an All-Ohio performer, has had over 500 tackles in his first three seasons in high school. He also is a standout at running back and returned two kicks for touchdowns last year.
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Coldwater linebacker makes early commitment for 2006 - Columbus Dispatch$
Coldwater linebacker makes early commitment for 2006
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio State would have it made if attracting football players was always as easy as winning the nod from Ross Homan.
The junior linebacker from Coldwater, in western Ohio’s Mercer County, took in the sights and sounds of OSU’s junior day Saturday, and last night committed to the class of 2006.
But then, OSU had an in.
"I can’t see myself going anywhere else," said Homan, a cousin of former Buckeyes Bob and Tom Hoying.
And just like that, the class of 2006 is two strong. The Buckeyes picked up a commitment Sunday from running back Chris Wells of Akron Garfield.
"I think that just says we’re trying to get something going with this class," Homan said.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Homan led Division IV state semifinalist Coldwater in tackles with 189 last season. But he had gained OSU’s attention even before that by popping a 4.5-second 40-yard dash in the Buckeyes’ summer camp.
"He is the No. 1 linebacker in the state for 2006," said Bill Kurelic of OhioState.rivals-.com. "Linebacker is going to be a big priority in this recruiting class (with the Buckeyes scheduled to lose their top four after the season). So getting Homan is very big from that standpoint."
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2006 Offensive Recruiting Needs and Names (Tim Tebow) - Scout
2006 Offensive Recruiting Needs and Names
By Dave Peters**
Date: Feb 5, 2005
This is an early look at what some of Florida State’s needs on the offensive side of the ball for the 2006 recruiting class. Check out a few names of prospects that will most likely get an early look by the Seminole coaching staff.
Quarterback:
Needs: With Florida State missing out on two of their targets in 2005, look for the Noles to sign one quarterback in the class of 2006.
Possible Targets:
Matt Stafford of Dallas (TX) Highland Park is School Sports.com Preseason No.1 ranked junior in the country. The 6-foot-3 and 210 pound standout list Florida State, Georgia and Oklahoma as his three. His parents are both graduates of Florida State. As a sophomore, he passed for 3,180 and 38 touchdowns with only five interceptions. In July, Stafford will attend the Florida State camp and he will most likely make a decision by the end of summer.
Tim Tebow of St. Augustine (Fla.) Nease is also a national recruit and he’s considered the top junior quarterback in the state of Florida. Some of the schools he’s considering are Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Michigan Ohio State, Notre Dame and Tennessee. Both of his parents are graduates of Florida and his brother also attends Florida. As a junior, he set a state record by passing for 4,286 yards and 46 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,266 yards and 24 touchdowns ...
