3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
<font color="#b90000">Wednesday, March 02, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 03/02/05
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Darlington to coach at Plainfield North (Jamie Cumbie) - Chicago Sun Times
Darlington to coach at Plainfield North
March 2, 2005
BY STEVE TUCKER Staff Reporter
One of the state's legendary high school football coaches is starting over.
... He also leaves a team with four Division I prospects for next season, including 6-7, 270-pound tight end-defensive lineman Jamie Cumbie, who is regarded as the best prospect in the state and was offered a scholarship by Notre Dame last weekend...
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
OSU Ready To Return To Mission Viejo - Rivals PREMIUM
March 2, 2005
OSU Ready To Return To Mission Viejo
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Nida
BuckeyeSports.com Staff Writer *
To the surprise of no one, it appears that the Mission Viejo, Calif., football program is once again loaded with Division I-A caliber prospects. One year after sending Ryan Williams to Ohio State and featuring other highly rated prospects such as quarterback Mark Sanchez (USC) and offensive lineman Kevin Bemoll (California), it appears that college coaches will once again be regular visitors to the Diablos program.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Video: Ohio lineman Tilley helpin' out (Lee Tilley Video) - Rivals
March 2, 2005
Video: Ohio lineman Tilley helpin' out
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rivals.com
Rivals.com PREMIUM
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Tackle talks ND (Lee Tilley) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 2, 2005
Tackle talks ND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Hare
BlueandGold.com *
Lee Tilley, a 6-foot-7, 297-pound tackle from Springfield, Ohio, was very impressed by head coach Charlie Weis and all that Notre Dame had to offer during his recent stop at junior day in South Bend. So why are the Irish ranked fifth on his list of favorites?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Parris says Michigan tops his list (Robby Parris) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 2, 2005
Parris says Michigan tops his list
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Kurelic
Rivals100.com *
Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius wide receiver Robby Parris names his top five and says Michigan heads that list. Parris has attended a couple junior days and will likely attend at least one more.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Big Time Ohio Prospect Excited About NU Offer (Lee Tilley) - Scout PREMIUM
Big Time Ohio Prospect Excited About NU Offer
By Brandon Cavanaugh
Date: Mar 2, 2005
In solidifying any offense, you want to have as many versatile big men on the offensive line as possible. Nebraska has identified one such prospect out of Ohio who was very excited to receive an offer from the Cornhuskers. Learn more about this athletic prospect and his already growing list of offers inside.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Kicker/punter likes the Bucks - Rivals PREMIUM
March 2, 2005
Kicker/punter likes the Bucks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
This kicker and punter is one of the top specialists in the state of Ohio, and says Ohio State is his favorite school. But are the Buckeyes interested in him?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Hudson's Nagy Eager To See Ohio State - Scout PREMIUM
Hudson's Nagy Eager To See Ohio State
By Steve Helwagen
Date: Mar 2, 2005
Hudson, Ohio, two-way lineman Bill Nagy could be one of the state's top 10 prospects in the Class of 2006. Click here for a look at this versatile athlete and his thoughts on schools he is considering.
<font color="#b90000">Tuesday, March 01, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 03/01/05
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Eagles perch at Statehouse (Knowshon Moreno) - Indepndent PREMIUM
Eagles perch at Statehouse
12-0 South football team honored by governor in Trenton
BY DAN NEWMAN
Staff Writer
DAN NEWMAN From left to right, state Assemblymen Sam Thompson (with glasses), Joe Azzolina and senior co-captain Rob Kelly in front of the state Assembly while receiving a proclamation celebrating Middletown High School Southís 12-0 perfect record and state championship from the 2004 season. TRENTON ó At this point in the year, most football players are trying to rest and recuperate from a long and grueling season.
The same goes for the team from Middletown High School South, following another undefeated campaign, which was capped by a state title. While the games are over, the accolades keep rolling in, and this time the 12-0 Eagles took a trip to the Statehouse, where they were given a proclamation by assemblymen Sam Thompson and Joe Azzolina. The team also had the chance to meet with acting Gov. Richard Codey prior to going onto the Statehouse floor.
Although the team has won state titles previous to 2004, this is the first time they have been to Trenton.
"We're all real excited to be here today and have this opportunity to come down for the day," head coach Steve Antonucci said. "It's nice to give the kids an opportunity to see how things work at this level of government."
Originally, the team was supposed to have gone over a month ago to Trenton, but as the result of an area snowstorm, the big day was pushed back.
"We were told about this right after the season was over and we were really excited about it," Antonucci said. "We knew we'd get down here eventually."
"This is all thanks to Joe Azzolina. He's great for us and really is a big fan of ours. He's a huge supporter of our program."
By the time the team left to go back home on this day, Mother Nature was once again dumping a few inches of snow on the ground. For Knowshon Moreno and the rest of his teammates, it did not matter what the weather was.
"We're just glad to have made it down here finally and get a chance to spend the day at the Statehouse," Moreno said. "It was cool to meet the governor and have him show us how everything works. It was nice of him to take time out of his busy day and show us how things work down here."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Top WR claims top offers (David Ausberry) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
Top WR claims top offers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gerard Martinez
USCFootball.com *
Lemoore (Calif.) wide receiver David Ausberry is a major talent with major offers. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior had 37 receptions for 738 yards and seven touchdowns last season, while playing with a high-ankle sprain. Ausberry has listed offers from Nebraska and Fresno State for the past month, but recently, another school stepped up their recruiting efforts.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
AMP: Running back is in Javarris James' blood (Video) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
AMP: Running back is in Javarris James' blood
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rivals.com AMP
Rivals100.com
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Lineman thinking Big Ten (Greg Karlowsky) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
Lineman thinking Big Ten
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Kurelic
Rivals100.com *
Charleroi (Pa.) Area offensive lineman Greg Karlowsky is drawing interest from many recruiters. Which Big Ten schools in particular does he mention?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Woodland Hills Athlete On WVU's Target List (Darrin Walls) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
Woodland Hills Athlete On WVU's Target List
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim Laise
WVSports.com *
West Virginia is hitting the greater Pittsburgh area hard in terms of football recruiting, keeping up with above-average athletes with better-than-normal grades.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Callahan targets Ohio offensive tackle (Lee Tilley) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
Callahan targets Ohio offensive tackle
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sean Callahan
HuskersIllustrated.com *
Heading into the 2006 recruiting cycle, no position is more highly targeted for Nebraska than offensive tackle. The Huskers have already placed several offers out to top offensive tackle prospects across the countryóall 6-foot-6 or taller. On Monday, NU head coach Bill Callahan and his staff targeted yet another bookend tackle in Springfield (Ohio) South standout Lee Tilley.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
RB Javarris James recruiting update - Scout PREMIUM
RB Javarris James recruiting update
By Garry Paskwietz
Date: Mar 1, 2005
One of the top running backs in the country is expected to be Javarris James from 2A state champion Immokalee Indians in Florida. James (6-1, 205) is the cousin of former Miami star Edgerrin James but that doesn't mean Javarris will automatically head to the Canes. Click below for more information.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Tilley Impressed With Irish Coaching Staff - Scout PREMIUM
Tilley Impressed With Irish Coaching Staff
By Mike Frank
Date: Mar 1, 2005
Springfield, Ohio is home to offensive lineman Lee Tilley. The 6-7, 310-pound Tilley has seen his stock skyrocket recently picking up four offers in the last few days. Tilley also visited South Bend this past weekend for Notre Dame's junior day. We spoke with Tilley on Monday night to get his thoughts on his Irish visit.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Buckeyes Serious About Mining Minnesota (Kimuel Royston) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
Buckeyes Serious About Mining Minnesota
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Nida
BuckeyeSports.com Staff Writer *
Over the years, Cretin-Derham High School in Minneapolis has turned itself into one of the nation's top prep football programs. Future professional quarterbacks Steve Walsh and Chris Weinke are among the alums, as is Joe Mauer, a standout high school quarterback who now is set to begin this season as the Minnesota Twins' starting catcher. Despite all the success, Ohio State hasn't made much effort to recruit Cretin-Derham strongly, but that could change this year with Kimuel Royston.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
St. Ignatius WR attended OSU junior day (Rob Parris) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
St. Ignatius WR attended OSU junior day
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
This standout wide receiver from Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius was one of the many prospects to attend the Buckeyes junior day in early February. He has several scholarship offers on the table. Is Ohio State one of the offers and who are his top five?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
St. Ignatius Prospects Getting Offers (John Ryan, Rob Parris, and Rudy Kirbus) - Scout PREMIUM
St. Ignatius Prospects Getting Offers
By Matt Natali
Date: Mar 1, 2005
This year, Cleveland St. Ignatius will have one of the top teams in the state. The Wildcats will be led by three top seniors -- defensive end/tight end John Ryan, wide receiver Rob Parris, and quarterback Rudy Kirbus. Click on the link to read more about these players in an article reprinted from JJHuddle.com.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Top Ohio Recruits, Prospects Compete in Track Meet - JJHuddle
Top Ohio Recruits, Prospects Compete in Track Meet
by Bill Greene, JJHuddle Contributor
Mount Union college hosted an indoor track meet Friday night that featured the return of Brian Hartline of Canton GlenOak to competitive action. Hartline, who broke his leg playing football in the fall, competed in the 55 meter sprint.
Hartline, who will play football for Ohio State next season, is one of the top hurdlers in the state, but competed in the sprint event only.
"I'm not looking to put up a great time," Hartline said. "I just want to get out here and test my leg against some other great athletes. I'm just glad to be competing against other people. I'm tired of running the halls at GlenOak."
In the sprint event, Hartline was matched with some of the top football players in the state according to Ohio High magazine. Canton McKinley's Brad Jones, who signed to play football at Cincinnati next fall and is one of the top track athletes in Ohio, also ran in the sprint. Other notables were Alliance Marlington junior Troy Pascley, Canton South sophomore Devon Torrence, and Massillon freshman K.J. Herring, all among the top football players in Ohio in their respective classes.
Brian Hartline won his semifinal heat, but failed to qualify for the finals. In the 55 meter sprint, knowing how to get out of the blocks and maintaining proper form are keys to success. It was clear that Brian had not run this event much, but it was just as evident that he can fly. He showed no effects of his injury, and his performance was impressive to everybody watching him. There's no doubt he'll be ready to go this fall when practice starts at Ohio State. Hartline, who will play in the Big-33 All Star game in July, will be looked at as one of the top hurdlers in Ohio this spring.
Brad Jones showed why Cincinnati is counting on him to crack the two-deep this fall. He won the sprint final with a time of 6.32. Jones, now at 200 pounds, helped lead McKinley to the championship game last fall. There are no plans to redshirt at Cincinnati.
"The coaches want to see me play right away. There is a great opportunity at safety if I work hard and pick up their schemes right away. My goal is to make the traveling squad," Jones said. "I was thinking of enrolling early but I decided against it. I'll be going to Cincinnati early this summer to start working out."
Devon Torrence might have been the most impressive athlete at the meet. Torrence plays baseball in the spring, so he wasn't used to getting off to a great start, nor did he have great technique, but he has speed to burn. He won his semifinal heat and advanced to the final round. In the final, his lack of technique caught up to him and he finished an impressive fourth -- impressive to all but Torrence. Without proper training and coaching, this flyer still ran a credible 6.6. He was so disappointed in not winning the final, he asked his older brother to take him to work out at 10:00 that evening. While most of the athletes were headed for pizza, Torrence was looking to get better.
Torrence is hoping to be able to run track on the nights there is no baseball. Devon is one of the top rated football players in the state, being one of the only sophomores invited to a game by Ohio State last season. Torrence is working out four nights a week and should have a huge season next year for the Wildcats.
Pascley was also disappointed in his showing and not making the finals. Troy was invited to Ohio State's Junior Day and will be going to Wisconsin to visit the campus in two weeks. He also competed in the long jump at Mount Union and is a super looking athlete.
Freshman K. J. Herring is a name many football fans might not be aware of. He is hoping to get varsity time next year at Massillon. In his heat in the 55 meter sprint, he ran stride for stride with Troy Pascley, an impressive feat. While he didn't qualify for the finals, this youngster showed tremendous burst and has a great frame. At 5' 11" and 180 pounds, he is someone to keep an eye on. His father, Keith Herring, is a former star athlete with the Tigers.
Another impressive performer was junior Mike Hartline of GlenOak, one of the top quarterbacks in Ohio. Hartline finished third in the 55 meter hurdles, running a time of 7.8. Mike also competed in the high jump, where last year he jumped 6' 6" for GlenOak. At 6-6, you might not think of him as an athlete, but that would be a mistake. Mike is a tremendous athlete, exhibiting great speed, quickness and jumping ability.
When asked how football recruiting is going, Mike replied, "It's going great. I'm going to Purdue on Saturday and over to Notre Dame on Sunday. I was up at Michigan last weekend, and I've spent a lot of time at Ohio State. I'm enjoying all the visits, and my top three schools are Ohio State, Purdue and Michigan, in no particular order.
"I'm planning to see Michigan State at some point. Their coaches told me they're offering me a scholarship now. They said my offer, in writing, was being mailed to my house. I've also been offered by Kent State."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Brian Hartline Returns To Action At Indoor Meet - Bucknuts
Brian Hartline Returns To Action At Indoor Meet
By Bill Greene Ohio High Scout/Contributor
Date: Mar 1, 2005
After months of rehab, incoming OSU wide receiver Brian Hartline had a chance to test his leg last night as he ran in indoor track competition. Bill Greene was in attendance and reports on Hartline's results as well as several other top football prospects.
Mount Union college hosted an indoor track meet Friday night that featured the return of Brian Hartline of Canton GlenOak to competitive action. Hartline, who broke his leg playing football in the fall, competed in the 55 meter sprint.
Hartline, who will play football for Ohio State next season, is one of the top hurdlers in the state, but competed in the sprint event only.
"I'm not looking to put up a great time," Hartline said. "I just want to get out here and test my leg against some other great athletes. I'm just glad to be competing against other people. I'm tired of running the halls at GlenOak."
In the sprint event, Hartline was matched with some of the top football players in the state according to Ohio High magazine. Canton McKinley's Brad Jones, who signed to play football at Cincinnati next fall and is one of the top track athletes in Ohio, also ran in the sprint. Other notables were Alliance Marlington junior Troy Pascley, Canton South sophomore Devon Torrence, and Massillon freshman K.J. Herring, all among the top football players in Ohio in their respective classes.
Brian Hartline won his semifinal heat, but failed to qualify for the finals. In the 55 meter sprint, knowing how to get out of the blocks and maintaining proper form are keys to success. It was clear that Brian had not run this event much, but it was just as evident that he can fly. He showed no effects of his injury, and his performance was impressive to everybody watching him. There's no doubt he'll be ready to go this fall when practice starts at Ohio State. Hartline, who will play in the Big-33 All Star game in July, will be looked at as one of the top hurdlers in Ohio this spring.
Brad Jones showed why Cincinnati is counting on him to crack the two-deep this fall. He won the sprint final with a time of 6.32. Jones, now at 200 pounds, helped lead McKinley to the championship game last fall. There are no plans to redshirt at Cincinnati.
"The coaches want to see me play right away. There is a great opportunity at safety if I work hard and pick up their schemes right away. My goal is to make the traveling squad," Jones said. "I was thinking of enrolling early but I decided against it. I'll be going to Cincinnati early this summer to start working out."
Devon Torrence might have been the most impressive athlete at the meet. Torrence plays baseball in the spring, so he wasn't used to getting off to a great start, nor did he have great technique, but he has speed to burn. He won his semifinal heat and advanced to the final round. In the final, his lack of technique caught up to him and he finished an impressive fourth -- impressive to all but Torrence. Without proper training and coaching, this flyer still ran a credible 6.6. He was so disappointed in not winning the final, he asked his older brother to take him to work out at 10:00 that evening. While most of the athletes were headed for pizza, Torrence was looking to get better.
Torrence is hoping to be able to run track on the nights there is no baseball. Devon is one of the top rated football players in the state, being one of the only sophomores invited to a game by Ohio State last season. Torrence is working out four nights a week and should have a huge season next year for the Wildcats.
Pascley was also disappointed in his showing and not making the finals. Troy was invited to Ohio State's Junior Day and will be going to Wisconsin to visit the campus in two weeks. He also competed in the long jump at Mount Union and is a super looking athlete.
Freshman K. J. Herring is a name many football fans might not be aware of. He is hoping to get varsity time next year at Massillon. In his heat in the 55 meter sprint, he ran stride for stride with Troy Pascley, an impressive feat. While he didn't qualify for the finals, this youngster showed tremendous burst and has a great frame. At 5' 11" and 180 pounds, he is someone to keep an eye on. His father, Keith Herring, is a former star athlete with the Tigers.
Another impressive performer was junior Mike Hartline of GlenOak, one of the top quarterbacks in Ohio. Hartline finished third in the 55 meter hurdles, running a time of 7.8. Mike also competed in the high jump, where last year he jumped 6' 6" for GlenOak. At 6-6, you might not think of him as an athlete, but that would be a mistake. Mike is a tremendous athlete, exhibiting great speed, quickness and jumping ability.
When asked how football recruiting is going, Mike replied, "It's going great. I'm going to Purdue on Saturday and over to Notre Dame on Sunday. I was up at Michigan last weekend, and I've spent a lot of time at Ohio State. I'm enjoying all the visits, and my top three schools are Ohio State, Purdue and Michigan, in no particular order.
"I'm planning to see Michigan State at some point. Their coaches told me they're offering me a scholarship now. They said my offer, in writing, was being mailed to my house. I've also been offered by Kent State."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
<font color="#b90000">Monday, February 28, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 02/28/05
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Michigan, West Virginia Top Hunter's List (Jeremiha Hunter) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Michigan, West Virginia Top Hunter's List
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Josh Helmholdt
TheWolverine.com *
The state of Pennsylvania regularly boasts some of the top talent in the country every year, but 2006 looks to be one of their better offerings in recent memory. Five prospects made Rivals.com's pre-evaluation top 100 from the Keystone state and another dozen could make legitimate cases for that honor over the next couple months, including Manheim Central linebacker Jeremiha Hunter.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Video: Florida junior RB flyin' by (Javarris*James) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Video: Florida junior RB flyin' by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rivals.com
Rivals.com
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Illini have some catching up to do with Mullen (Paddy Mullen) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Illini have some catching up to do with Mullen
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ryan Snyder
OrangeandBlueNews.com *
Every year there is a large majority of players who like to play the recruiting game extremely close to the vest. That is not the case with 6-foot-5, 265-pound St. Louis DeSmet tight end/defensive end Paddy Mullen. He has one school that he is very interested in and it seems the Illini will have to do a lot of work to catch up for him. Get the latest on Mullen's recruitment in this Ryan Snyder update.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Top RB has a new leader (James*Aldridge) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Top RB has a new leader
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff Johnson
OState.com *
Oklahoma State has at least a legitimate claim to a share of the title "Tailback U" with talents like Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas, Tatum Bell and Vernand Morency coming out of Stillwater in the last 20 years. Since Bell signed with the class of 2000, the Cowboys haven't signed many highly-regarded RB prospects. They're out to change that with the 2006 class, and their top target comes from an unlikely place.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Two Ohio prospects have high interest in Arizona (Lee Tilley and Brennen Glass) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Two Ohio prospects have high interest in Arizona
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Josh Gershon
GOAZCATS.com *
Arizona just finished wrapping up its best class in school history, but it doesn't mean that UA coaching staff has taken a break from recruiting. Last year's class got off to an early start when several big time recruits committed before the school year started. With any luck for Arizona's coaches, the 2006 class will start filling early as well. Two recruits who are already interested in Arizona include Lee Tilley and Brennen Glass, both out of Springfield H.S. in Ohio.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Cumbie Lands Fifth Offer from Irish - Scout PREMIUM
Cumbie Lands Fifth Offer from Irish
By Mike Frank
Date: Feb 28, 2005
Morris, Ill. defensive end/tight end Jamie Cumbie picked up his fifth official offer over the weekend from Notre Dame. The 6-7, 255-pound two-way player attended Notre Dame's junior day on Sunday and picked up his Irish offer. We spoke with Cumbie on Sunday evening to find out all the latest on his Irish visit and offer.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Lineman's Stock Is On The Rise (Lee Tilley) - Scout PREMIUM
Lineman's Stock Is On The Rise
By Bob Lichtenfels
Date: Feb 28, 2005
The “Buckeye State” appears to be loaded with offensive linemen this season. One of the most impressive linemen I have seen on tape regardless of his native state is Springfield South (Ohio.) Offensive tackle Lee Tilley. He has the frame, footwork, and wingspan that all college recruiters crave. He is now receiving the offers to back up his play.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Mike Hartline Reflects On Busy Weekend - Scout PREMIUM
Mike Hartline Reflects On Busy Weekend
By Gary Housteau
Date: Feb 28, 2005
One of Ohio's top quarterback prospects was expecting a lot from one school and got little and was expecting little from another school and got a lot. Mike Hartline talks about his junior day stops at Purdue and Notre Dame this past weekend, why he didn't go to Ohio State's junior day and what he thinks about Michigan in general.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Pennsylvania lineman likes Ohio State - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Pennsylvania lineman likes Ohio State
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
This fine lineman from the Keystone State says he likes the Big Ten and doesn't want to go too far from home to play his college football. Ohio State is one of the schools he mentions in particular.
<font color="#b90000">Sunday, February 27, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 02/27/05
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Georgia Offers Massive Ohio OL (Lee Tilley) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 27, 2005
Georgia Offers Massive Ohio OL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Simmons
UGASports.com *
Earlier this month, Georgia signed nineteen student-athletes to football scholarships. One thing was a little different -- only eight of those were from the Peach State. The other eleven signees were out of Florida (5), South Carolina (2), North Carolina (2), New Jersey (1), and one resigned with the Dawgs out of prep school. It is early in this recruiting year, but it looks like Georgia is again looking out of state for football recruiting. Friday, Georgia offered a scholarship to Lee Tilley out of Springfield, Ohio. Is Georgia the early leader for this huge OL out of the Midwest?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
RECRUITING: Virginia receiver has OU in top 4 (Brandon Caleb) - Scout PREMIUM
RECRUITING: Virginia receiver has OU in top 4
By James Hale
Date: Feb 27, 2005
Fork Union, Va. wide receiver Brandon Caleb update.
<font color="#b90000">Saturday, February 26, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 02/26/05
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Already thinking of 2006 (LeSean McCoy) - South Bend Tribune PREMIUM
Already thinking of 2006
Next recruiting class key for new Notre Dame staff
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
By BOB WIENEKE
Tribune Staff Writer
Already, LeSean McCoy says, four shoeboxes worth of recruiting letters have arrived at his Harrisburg, Pa., home. And, yes, Irish fans, some of those letters to the star running back are stamped with a Joyce Center return address.
Already, according to McCoy, one of the nation's top high school juniors and one of five Div. I-A prospects at Bishop McDevitt High School, he and his teammates have taken note of Charlie Weis. Not only that Weis is the new Irish head coach, but also where he's coming from.
And already, Bishop McDevitt coach Jeff Weachter says he's received calls from Irish assistants John Latina and David Cutcliffe, including an in-school visit from Latina.
"So far, it's only been a month," Weachter said, "but they seem pretty aggressive."
Believe it or not, junior recruiting is already in full swing. Officially, the recruiting class of 2006 will be Weis' second. Unofficially, however, nobody is holding the low ranking handed the 2005 class against him.
"Everybody's going to give him a waiver on this one, regardless of whether it was really good or whether it was really bad," recruiting analyst Allen Wallace said. "It'll be almost irrelevant."
However, a similar ranking near the bottom of the top 25 -- or worse -- next year won't be as easily dismissed.
Much of that has to do with how Year Two went at other once-fallen powerhouses.
Pete Carroll's first class at USC was ranked 19th, followed by groups rated seventh, first and first. Oklahoma's Bob Stoops recruited a class ranked 36th in his first year, followed by one ranked 19th before four straight top 10 classes. And Nick Saban's first class at LSU was rated 26th, before three out of his next four fell in the top three.
The recent success of those elite football schools, all of which had fallen on hard times, proves how important a recruiting rebound can be -- especially considering each is now again looked upon as a powerhouse.
"It's very important, no question about it," said Wallace, publisher of SuperPrep Magazine and national recruiting editor for scout.com. "It's really important that (Weis) prove to the college football world again that Notre Dame is a team that's expected to recruit top 10 recruiting classes and that Notre Dame will do that.
"Notre Dame should not be recruiting classes that are ranked in the 20s."
But that's what happened last year, and it happened again this year. Weis can use those ratings to make sure it doesn't happen next year.
"They'll sell playing time," Wallace said. "Now it's kind of like you get to go into the car lot and get a great buy."
And it appears to be a buyer's market.
"There's talent all over the country," said recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, publisher of the Prep Football Report.
A good starting spot might be Bishop McDevitt, where already Notre Dame is recruiting four players. The headliner is McCoy, who rushed for 2,821 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior, including a five-game stretch in which he averaged 343 yards per game.
In addition, the Irish have their eyes on lineman Jason Kates, defensive back Aaron Berry and quarterback Jeremy Ricker.
Ricker has even mentioned the role of Cutcliffe, who worked at Tennessee and Mississippi before landing at Notre Dame, in developing Peyton and Eli Manning into No. 1 draft choices. Professional pigskin, it seems, ranks right there with earning a sheepskin.
"Everybody thinks about that," McCoy said.
Much like Weis was thinking ahead to the class of 2006 long before the fax machine had delivered the letters-of-intent from the 2005 group.
During one of Weis' first sessions with reporters, he was posed a recruiting question, specifically how he planned to turn around recruiting.
"Just give me until next recruiting season," Weis said.
It's here. Already.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
De Smet Jesuit Prospect Eyes Nation's Best (Paddy Mullen) - Scout PREMIUM
De Smet Jesuit Prospect Eyes Nation's Best
By Brandon Cavanaugh
Date: Feb 26, 2005
De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis is already producing a top prospect in Munir “Primetime” Prince, but another prospect has recently come up on Nebraska’s radar. This new top prospect is big, versatile and even stars at more than one position. Just who is this speedy big man and what are Nebraska’s chances to reel him in?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Darlington to coach at Plainfield North (Jamie Cumbie) - Chicago Sun Times
Darlington to coach at Plainfield North
March 2, 2005
BY STEVE TUCKER Staff Reporter
One of the state's legendary high school football coaches is starting over.
... He also leaves a team with four Division I prospects for next season, including 6-7, 270-pound tight end-defensive lineman Jamie Cumbie, who is regarded as the best prospect in the state and was offered a scholarship by Notre Dame last weekend...
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
OSU Ready To Return To Mission Viejo - Rivals PREMIUM
March 2, 2005
OSU Ready To Return To Mission Viejo
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Nida
BuckeyeSports.com Staff Writer *
To the surprise of no one, it appears that the Mission Viejo, Calif., football program is once again loaded with Division I-A caliber prospects. One year after sending Ryan Williams to Ohio State and featuring other highly rated prospects such as quarterback Mark Sanchez (USC) and offensive lineman Kevin Bemoll (California), it appears that college coaches will once again be regular visitors to the Diablos program.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Video: Ohio lineman Tilley helpin' out (Lee Tilley Video) - Rivals
March 2, 2005
Video: Ohio lineman Tilley helpin' out
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rivals.com
Rivals.com PREMIUM
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Tackle talks ND (Lee Tilley) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 2, 2005
Tackle talks ND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Hare
BlueandGold.com *
Lee Tilley, a 6-foot-7, 297-pound tackle from Springfield, Ohio, was very impressed by head coach Charlie Weis and all that Notre Dame had to offer during his recent stop at junior day in South Bend. So why are the Irish ranked fifth on his list of favorites?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Parris says Michigan tops his list (Robby Parris) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 2, 2005
Parris says Michigan tops his list
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Kurelic
Rivals100.com *
Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius wide receiver Robby Parris names his top five and says Michigan heads that list. Parris has attended a couple junior days and will likely attend at least one more.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Big Time Ohio Prospect Excited About NU Offer (Lee Tilley) - Scout PREMIUM
Big Time Ohio Prospect Excited About NU Offer
By Brandon Cavanaugh
Date: Mar 2, 2005
In solidifying any offense, you want to have as many versatile big men on the offensive line as possible. Nebraska has identified one such prospect out of Ohio who was very excited to receive an offer from the Cornhuskers. Learn more about this athletic prospect and his already growing list of offers inside.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Kicker/punter likes the Bucks - Rivals PREMIUM
March 2, 2005
Kicker/punter likes the Bucks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
This kicker and punter is one of the top specialists in the state of Ohio, and says Ohio State is his favorite school. But are the Buckeyes interested in him?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Hudson's Nagy Eager To See Ohio State - Scout PREMIUM
Hudson's Nagy Eager To See Ohio State
By Steve Helwagen
Date: Mar 2, 2005
Hudson, Ohio, two-way lineman Bill Nagy could be one of the state's top 10 prospects in the Class of 2006. Click here for a look at this versatile athlete and his thoughts on schools he is considering.
<font color="#b90000">Tuesday, March 01, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 03/01/05
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Eagles perch at Statehouse (Knowshon Moreno) - Indepndent PREMIUM
Eagles perch at Statehouse
12-0 South football team honored by governor in Trenton
BY DAN NEWMAN
Staff Writer
DAN NEWMAN From left to right, state Assemblymen Sam Thompson (with glasses), Joe Azzolina and senior co-captain Rob Kelly in front of the state Assembly while receiving a proclamation celebrating Middletown High School Southís 12-0 perfect record and state championship from the 2004 season. TRENTON ó At this point in the year, most football players are trying to rest and recuperate from a long and grueling season.
The same goes for the team from Middletown High School South, following another undefeated campaign, which was capped by a state title. While the games are over, the accolades keep rolling in, and this time the 12-0 Eagles took a trip to the Statehouse, where they were given a proclamation by assemblymen Sam Thompson and Joe Azzolina. The team also had the chance to meet with acting Gov. Richard Codey prior to going onto the Statehouse floor.
Although the team has won state titles previous to 2004, this is the first time they have been to Trenton.
"We're all real excited to be here today and have this opportunity to come down for the day," head coach Steve Antonucci said. "It's nice to give the kids an opportunity to see how things work at this level of government."
Originally, the team was supposed to have gone over a month ago to Trenton, but as the result of an area snowstorm, the big day was pushed back.
"We were told about this right after the season was over and we were really excited about it," Antonucci said. "We knew we'd get down here eventually."
"This is all thanks to Joe Azzolina. He's great for us and really is a big fan of ours. He's a huge supporter of our program."
By the time the team left to go back home on this day, Mother Nature was once again dumping a few inches of snow on the ground. For Knowshon Moreno and the rest of his teammates, it did not matter what the weather was.
"We're just glad to have made it down here finally and get a chance to spend the day at the Statehouse," Moreno said. "It was cool to meet the governor and have him show us how everything works. It was nice of him to take time out of his busy day and show us how things work down here."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Top WR claims top offers (David Ausberry) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
Top WR claims top offers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gerard Martinez
USCFootball.com *
Lemoore (Calif.) wide receiver David Ausberry is a major talent with major offers. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior had 37 receptions for 738 yards and seven touchdowns last season, while playing with a high-ankle sprain. Ausberry has listed offers from Nebraska and Fresno State for the past month, but recently, another school stepped up their recruiting efforts.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
AMP: Running back is in Javarris James' blood (Video) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
AMP: Running back is in Javarris James' blood
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rivals.com AMP
Rivals100.com
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Lineman thinking Big Ten (Greg Karlowsky) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
Lineman thinking Big Ten
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Kurelic
Rivals100.com *
Charleroi (Pa.) Area offensive lineman Greg Karlowsky is drawing interest from many recruiters. Which Big Ten schools in particular does he mention?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Woodland Hills Athlete On WVU's Target List (Darrin Walls) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
Woodland Hills Athlete On WVU's Target List
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim Laise
WVSports.com *
West Virginia is hitting the greater Pittsburgh area hard in terms of football recruiting, keeping up with above-average athletes with better-than-normal grades.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Callahan targets Ohio offensive tackle (Lee Tilley) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
Callahan targets Ohio offensive tackle
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sean Callahan
HuskersIllustrated.com *
Heading into the 2006 recruiting cycle, no position is more highly targeted for Nebraska than offensive tackle. The Huskers have already placed several offers out to top offensive tackle prospects across the countryóall 6-foot-6 or taller. On Monday, NU head coach Bill Callahan and his staff targeted yet another bookend tackle in Springfield (Ohio) South standout Lee Tilley.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
RB Javarris James recruiting update - Scout PREMIUM
RB Javarris James recruiting update
By Garry Paskwietz
Date: Mar 1, 2005
One of the top running backs in the country is expected to be Javarris James from 2A state champion Immokalee Indians in Florida. James (6-1, 205) is the cousin of former Miami star Edgerrin James but that doesn't mean Javarris will automatically head to the Canes. Click below for more information.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Tilley Impressed With Irish Coaching Staff - Scout PREMIUM
Tilley Impressed With Irish Coaching Staff
By Mike Frank
Date: Mar 1, 2005
Springfield, Ohio is home to offensive lineman Lee Tilley. The 6-7, 310-pound Tilley has seen his stock skyrocket recently picking up four offers in the last few days. Tilley also visited South Bend this past weekend for Notre Dame's junior day. We spoke with Tilley on Monday night to get his thoughts on his Irish visit.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Buckeyes Serious About Mining Minnesota (Kimuel Royston) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
Buckeyes Serious About Mining Minnesota
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Nida
BuckeyeSports.com Staff Writer *
Over the years, Cretin-Derham High School in Minneapolis has turned itself into one of the nation's top prep football programs. Future professional quarterbacks Steve Walsh and Chris Weinke are among the alums, as is Joe Mauer, a standout high school quarterback who now is set to begin this season as the Minnesota Twins' starting catcher. Despite all the success, Ohio State hasn't made much effort to recruit Cretin-Derham strongly, but that could change this year with Kimuel Royston.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
St. Ignatius WR attended OSU junior day (Rob Parris) - Rivals PREMIUM
March 1, 2005
St. Ignatius WR attended OSU junior day
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
This standout wide receiver from Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius was one of the many prospects to attend the Buckeyes junior day in early February. He has several scholarship offers on the table. Is Ohio State one of the offers and who are his top five?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
St. Ignatius Prospects Getting Offers (John Ryan, Rob Parris, and Rudy Kirbus) - Scout PREMIUM
St. Ignatius Prospects Getting Offers
By Matt Natali
Date: Mar 1, 2005
This year, Cleveland St. Ignatius will have one of the top teams in the state. The Wildcats will be led by three top seniors -- defensive end/tight end John Ryan, wide receiver Rob Parris, and quarterback Rudy Kirbus. Click on the link to read more about these players in an article reprinted from JJHuddle.com.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Top Ohio Recruits, Prospects Compete in Track Meet - JJHuddle
Top Ohio Recruits, Prospects Compete in Track Meet
by Bill Greene, JJHuddle Contributor
Mount Union college hosted an indoor track meet Friday night that featured the return of Brian Hartline of Canton GlenOak to competitive action. Hartline, who broke his leg playing football in the fall, competed in the 55 meter sprint.
Hartline, who will play football for Ohio State next season, is one of the top hurdlers in the state, but competed in the sprint event only.
"I'm not looking to put up a great time," Hartline said. "I just want to get out here and test my leg against some other great athletes. I'm just glad to be competing against other people. I'm tired of running the halls at GlenOak."
In the sprint event, Hartline was matched with some of the top football players in the state according to Ohio High magazine. Canton McKinley's Brad Jones, who signed to play football at Cincinnati next fall and is one of the top track athletes in Ohio, also ran in the sprint. Other notables were Alliance Marlington junior Troy Pascley, Canton South sophomore Devon Torrence, and Massillon freshman K.J. Herring, all among the top football players in Ohio in their respective classes.
Brian Hartline won his semifinal heat, but failed to qualify for the finals. In the 55 meter sprint, knowing how to get out of the blocks and maintaining proper form are keys to success. It was clear that Brian had not run this event much, but it was just as evident that he can fly. He showed no effects of his injury, and his performance was impressive to everybody watching him. There's no doubt he'll be ready to go this fall when practice starts at Ohio State. Hartline, who will play in the Big-33 All Star game in July, will be looked at as one of the top hurdlers in Ohio this spring.
Brad Jones showed why Cincinnati is counting on him to crack the two-deep this fall. He won the sprint final with a time of 6.32. Jones, now at 200 pounds, helped lead McKinley to the championship game last fall. There are no plans to redshirt at Cincinnati.
"The coaches want to see me play right away. There is a great opportunity at safety if I work hard and pick up their schemes right away. My goal is to make the traveling squad," Jones said. "I was thinking of enrolling early but I decided against it. I'll be going to Cincinnati early this summer to start working out."
Devon Torrence might have been the most impressive athlete at the meet. Torrence plays baseball in the spring, so he wasn't used to getting off to a great start, nor did he have great technique, but he has speed to burn. He won his semifinal heat and advanced to the final round. In the final, his lack of technique caught up to him and he finished an impressive fourth -- impressive to all but Torrence. Without proper training and coaching, this flyer still ran a credible 6.6. He was so disappointed in not winning the final, he asked his older brother to take him to work out at 10:00 that evening. While most of the athletes were headed for pizza, Torrence was looking to get better.
Torrence is hoping to be able to run track on the nights there is no baseball. Devon is one of the top rated football players in the state, being one of the only sophomores invited to a game by Ohio State last season. Torrence is working out four nights a week and should have a huge season next year for the Wildcats.
Pascley was also disappointed in his showing and not making the finals. Troy was invited to Ohio State's Junior Day and will be going to Wisconsin to visit the campus in two weeks. He also competed in the long jump at Mount Union and is a super looking athlete.
Freshman K. J. Herring is a name many football fans might not be aware of. He is hoping to get varsity time next year at Massillon. In his heat in the 55 meter sprint, he ran stride for stride with Troy Pascley, an impressive feat. While he didn't qualify for the finals, this youngster showed tremendous burst and has a great frame. At 5' 11" and 180 pounds, he is someone to keep an eye on. His father, Keith Herring, is a former star athlete with the Tigers.
Another impressive performer was junior Mike Hartline of GlenOak, one of the top quarterbacks in Ohio. Hartline finished third in the 55 meter hurdles, running a time of 7.8. Mike also competed in the high jump, where last year he jumped 6' 6" for GlenOak. At 6-6, you might not think of him as an athlete, but that would be a mistake. Mike is a tremendous athlete, exhibiting great speed, quickness and jumping ability.
When asked how football recruiting is going, Mike replied, "It's going great. I'm going to Purdue on Saturday and over to Notre Dame on Sunday. I was up at Michigan last weekend, and I've spent a lot of time at Ohio State. I'm enjoying all the visits, and my top three schools are Ohio State, Purdue and Michigan, in no particular order.
"I'm planning to see Michigan State at some point. Their coaches told me they're offering me a scholarship now. They said my offer, in writing, was being mailed to my house. I've also been offered by Kent State."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Brian Hartline Returns To Action At Indoor Meet - Bucknuts
Brian Hartline Returns To Action At Indoor Meet
By Bill Greene Ohio High Scout/Contributor
Date: Mar 1, 2005
After months of rehab, incoming OSU wide receiver Brian Hartline had a chance to test his leg last night as he ran in indoor track competition. Bill Greene was in attendance and reports on Hartline's results as well as several other top football prospects.
Mount Union college hosted an indoor track meet Friday night that featured the return of Brian Hartline of Canton GlenOak to competitive action. Hartline, who broke his leg playing football in the fall, competed in the 55 meter sprint.
Hartline, who will play football for Ohio State next season, is one of the top hurdlers in the state, but competed in the sprint event only.
"I'm not looking to put up a great time," Hartline said. "I just want to get out here and test my leg against some other great athletes. I'm just glad to be competing against other people. I'm tired of running the halls at GlenOak."
In the sprint event, Hartline was matched with some of the top football players in the state according to Ohio High magazine. Canton McKinley's Brad Jones, who signed to play football at Cincinnati next fall and is one of the top track athletes in Ohio, also ran in the sprint. Other notables were Alliance Marlington junior Troy Pascley, Canton South sophomore Devon Torrence, and Massillon freshman K.J. Herring, all among the top football players in Ohio in their respective classes.
Brian Hartline won his semifinal heat, but failed to qualify for the finals. In the 55 meter sprint, knowing how to get out of the blocks and maintaining proper form are keys to success. It was clear that Brian had not run this event much, but it was just as evident that he can fly. He showed no effects of his injury, and his performance was impressive to everybody watching him. There's no doubt he'll be ready to go this fall when practice starts at Ohio State. Hartline, who will play in the Big-33 All Star game in July, will be looked at as one of the top hurdlers in Ohio this spring.
Brad Jones showed why Cincinnati is counting on him to crack the two-deep this fall. He won the sprint final with a time of 6.32. Jones, now at 200 pounds, helped lead McKinley to the championship game last fall. There are no plans to redshirt at Cincinnati.
"The coaches want to see me play right away. There is a great opportunity at safety if I work hard and pick up their schemes right away. My goal is to make the traveling squad," Jones said. "I was thinking of enrolling early but I decided against it. I'll be going to Cincinnati early this summer to start working out."
Devon Torrence might have been the most impressive athlete at the meet. Torrence plays baseball in the spring, so he wasn't used to getting off to a great start, nor did he have great technique, but he has speed to burn. He won his semifinal heat and advanced to the final round. In the final, his lack of technique caught up to him and he finished an impressive fourth -- impressive to all but Torrence. Without proper training and coaching, this flyer still ran a credible 6.6. He was so disappointed in not winning the final, he asked his older brother to take him to work out at 10:00 that evening. While most of the athletes were headed for pizza, Torrence was looking to get better.
Torrence is hoping to be able to run track on the nights there is no baseball. Devon is one of the top rated football players in the state, being one of the only sophomores invited to a game by Ohio State last season. Torrence is working out four nights a week and should have a huge season next year for the Wildcats.
Pascley was also disappointed in his showing and not making the finals. Troy was invited to Ohio State's Junior Day and will be going to Wisconsin to visit the campus in two weeks. He also competed in the long jump at Mount Union and is a super looking athlete.
Freshman K. J. Herring is a name many football fans might not be aware of. He is hoping to get varsity time next year at Massillon. In his heat in the 55 meter sprint, he ran stride for stride with Troy Pascley, an impressive feat. While he didn't qualify for the finals, this youngster showed tremendous burst and has a great frame. At 5' 11" and 180 pounds, he is someone to keep an eye on. His father, Keith Herring, is a former star athlete with the Tigers.
Another impressive performer was junior Mike Hartline of GlenOak, one of the top quarterbacks in Ohio. Hartline finished third in the 55 meter hurdles, running a time of 7.8. Mike also competed in the high jump, where last year he jumped 6' 6" for GlenOak. At 6-6, you might not think of him as an athlete, but that would be a mistake. Mike is a tremendous athlete, exhibiting great speed, quickness and jumping ability.
When asked how football recruiting is going, Mike replied, "It's going great. I'm going to Purdue on Saturday and over to Notre Dame on Sunday. I was up at Michigan last weekend, and I've spent a lot of time at Ohio State. I'm enjoying all the visits, and my top three schools are Ohio State, Purdue and Michigan, in no particular order.
"I'm planning to see Michigan State at some point. Their coaches told me they're offering me a scholarship now. They said my offer, in writing, was being mailed to my house. I've also been offered by Kent State."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
<font color="#b90000">Monday, February 28, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 02/28/05
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Michigan, West Virginia Top Hunter's List (Jeremiha Hunter) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Michigan, West Virginia Top Hunter's List
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Josh Helmholdt
TheWolverine.com *
The state of Pennsylvania regularly boasts some of the top talent in the country every year, but 2006 looks to be one of their better offerings in recent memory. Five prospects made Rivals.com's pre-evaluation top 100 from the Keystone state and another dozen could make legitimate cases for that honor over the next couple months, including Manheim Central linebacker Jeremiha Hunter.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Video: Florida junior RB flyin' by (Javarris*James) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Video: Florida junior RB flyin' by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rivals.com
Rivals.com
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Illini have some catching up to do with Mullen (Paddy Mullen) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Illini have some catching up to do with Mullen
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ryan Snyder
OrangeandBlueNews.com *
Every year there is a large majority of players who like to play the recruiting game extremely close to the vest. That is not the case with 6-foot-5, 265-pound St. Louis DeSmet tight end/defensive end Paddy Mullen. He has one school that he is very interested in and it seems the Illini will have to do a lot of work to catch up for him. Get the latest on Mullen's recruitment in this Ryan Snyder update.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Top RB has a new leader (James*Aldridge) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Top RB has a new leader
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff Johnson
OState.com *
Oklahoma State has at least a legitimate claim to a share of the title "Tailback U" with talents like Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas, Tatum Bell and Vernand Morency coming out of Stillwater in the last 20 years. Since Bell signed with the class of 2000, the Cowboys haven't signed many highly-regarded RB prospects. They're out to change that with the 2006 class, and their top target comes from an unlikely place.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Two Ohio prospects have high interest in Arizona (Lee Tilley and Brennen Glass) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Two Ohio prospects have high interest in Arizona
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Josh Gershon
GOAZCATS.com *
Arizona just finished wrapping up its best class in school history, but it doesn't mean that UA coaching staff has taken a break from recruiting. Last year's class got off to an early start when several big time recruits committed before the school year started. With any luck for Arizona's coaches, the 2006 class will start filling early as well. Two recruits who are already interested in Arizona include Lee Tilley and Brennen Glass, both out of Springfield H.S. in Ohio.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Cumbie Lands Fifth Offer from Irish - Scout PREMIUM
Cumbie Lands Fifth Offer from Irish
By Mike Frank
Date: Feb 28, 2005
Morris, Ill. defensive end/tight end Jamie Cumbie picked up his fifth official offer over the weekend from Notre Dame. The 6-7, 255-pound two-way player attended Notre Dame's junior day on Sunday and picked up his Irish offer. We spoke with Cumbie on Sunday evening to find out all the latest on his Irish visit and offer.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Lineman's Stock Is On The Rise (Lee Tilley) - Scout PREMIUM
Lineman's Stock Is On The Rise
By Bob Lichtenfels
Date: Feb 28, 2005
The “Buckeye State” appears to be loaded with offensive linemen this season. One of the most impressive linemen I have seen on tape regardless of his native state is Springfield South (Ohio.) Offensive tackle Lee Tilley. He has the frame, footwork, and wingspan that all college recruiters crave. He is now receiving the offers to back up his play.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Mike Hartline Reflects On Busy Weekend - Scout PREMIUM
Mike Hartline Reflects On Busy Weekend
By Gary Housteau
Date: Feb 28, 2005
One of Ohio's top quarterback prospects was expecting a lot from one school and got little and was expecting little from another school and got a lot. Mike Hartline talks about his junior day stops at Purdue and Notre Dame this past weekend, why he didn't go to Ohio State's junior day and what he thinks about Michigan in general.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Pennsylvania lineman likes Ohio State - Rivals PREMIUM
February 28, 2005
Pennsylvania lineman likes Ohio State
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Kurelic
BuckeyeSports.com Recruiting Analyst *
This fine lineman from the Keystone State says he likes the Big Ten and doesn't want to go too far from home to play his college football. Ohio State is one of the schools he mentions in particular.
<font color="#b90000">Sunday, February 27, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 02/27/05
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Georgia Offers Massive Ohio OL (Lee Tilley) - Rivals PREMIUM
February 27, 2005
Georgia Offers Massive Ohio OL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chad Simmons
UGASports.com *
Earlier this month, Georgia signed nineteen student-athletes to football scholarships. One thing was a little different -- only eight of those were from the Peach State. The other eleven signees were out of Florida (5), South Carolina (2), North Carolina (2), New Jersey (1), and one resigned with the Dawgs out of prep school. It is early in this recruiting year, but it looks like Georgia is again looking out of state for football recruiting. Friday, Georgia offered a scholarship to Lee Tilley out of Springfield, Ohio. Is Georgia the early leader for this huge OL out of the Midwest?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
RECRUITING: Virginia receiver has OU in top 4 (Brandon Caleb) - Scout PREMIUM
RECRUITING: Virginia receiver has OU in top 4
By James Hale
Date: Feb 27, 2005
Fork Union, Va. wide receiver Brandon Caleb update.
<font color="#b90000">Saturday, February 26, 2005</font> Recruiting News - 02/26/05
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Already thinking of 2006 (LeSean McCoy) - South Bend Tribune PREMIUM
Already thinking of 2006
Next recruiting class key for new Notre Dame staff
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
By BOB WIENEKE
Tribune Staff Writer
Already, LeSean McCoy says, four shoeboxes worth of recruiting letters have arrived at his Harrisburg, Pa., home. And, yes, Irish fans, some of those letters to the star running back are stamped with a Joyce Center return address.
Already, according to McCoy, one of the nation's top high school juniors and one of five Div. I-A prospects at Bishop McDevitt High School, he and his teammates have taken note of Charlie Weis. Not only that Weis is the new Irish head coach, but also where he's coming from.
And already, Bishop McDevitt coach Jeff Weachter says he's received calls from Irish assistants John Latina and David Cutcliffe, including an in-school visit from Latina.
"So far, it's only been a month," Weachter said, "but they seem pretty aggressive."
Believe it or not, junior recruiting is already in full swing. Officially, the recruiting class of 2006 will be Weis' second. Unofficially, however, nobody is holding the low ranking handed the 2005 class against him.
"Everybody's going to give him a waiver on this one, regardless of whether it was really good or whether it was really bad," recruiting analyst Allen Wallace said. "It'll be almost irrelevant."
However, a similar ranking near the bottom of the top 25 -- or worse -- next year won't be as easily dismissed.
Much of that has to do with how Year Two went at other once-fallen powerhouses.
Pete Carroll's first class at USC was ranked 19th, followed by groups rated seventh, first and first. Oklahoma's Bob Stoops recruited a class ranked 36th in his first year, followed by one ranked 19th before four straight top 10 classes. And Nick Saban's first class at LSU was rated 26th, before three out of his next four fell in the top three.
The recent success of those elite football schools, all of which had fallen on hard times, proves how important a recruiting rebound can be -- especially considering each is now again looked upon as a powerhouse.
"It's very important, no question about it," said Wallace, publisher of SuperPrep Magazine and national recruiting editor for scout.com. "It's really important that (Weis) prove to the college football world again that Notre Dame is a team that's expected to recruit top 10 recruiting classes and that Notre Dame will do that.
"Notre Dame should not be recruiting classes that are ranked in the 20s."
But that's what happened last year, and it happened again this year. Weis can use those ratings to make sure it doesn't happen next year.
"They'll sell playing time," Wallace said. "Now it's kind of like you get to go into the car lot and get a great buy."
And it appears to be a buyer's market.
"There's talent all over the country," said recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, publisher of the Prep Football Report.
A good starting spot might be Bishop McDevitt, where already Notre Dame is recruiting four players. The headliner is McCoy, who rushed for 2,821 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior, including a five-game stretch in which he averaged 343 yards per game.
In addition, the Irish have their eyes on lineman Jason Kates, defensive back Aaron Berry and quarterback Jeremy Ricker.
Ricker has even mentioned the role of Cutcliffe, who worked at Tennessee and Mississippi before landing at Notre Dame, in developing Peyton and Eli Manning into No. 1 draft choices. Professional pigskin, it seems, ranks right there with earning a sheepskin.
"Everybody thinks about that," McCoy said.
Much like Weis was thinking ahead to the class of 2006 long before the fax machine had delivered the letters-of-intent from the 2005 group.
During one of Weis' first sessions with reporters, he was posed a recruiting question, specifically how he planned to turn around recruiting.
"Just give me until next recruiting season," Weis said.
It's here. Already.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
De Smet Jesuit Prospect Eyes Nation's Best (Paddy Mullen) - Scout PREMIUM
De Smet Jesuit Prospect Eyes Nation's Best
By Brandon Cavanaugh
Date: Feb 26, 2005
De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis is already producing a top prospect in Munir “Primetime” Prince, but another prospect has recently come up on Nebraska’s radar. This new top prospect is big, versatile and even stars at more than one position. Just who is this speedy big man and what are Nebraska’s chances to reel him in?