Gridironstuds.com Blog

July 2nd

St. Mary’s Prep H.S. (Michigan) safety and Gridironstuds.com member Earnest Thomas has chosen UCLA over Stanford, Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn St., Missouri and Louisville.

Big time running back Harding H.S. (Indiana) recruit Roderick Smith has committed to Ohio St.  over Michigan, Iowa and Michigan St.

June 30th

Gridironstuds.com member Cody Riggs (St. Thomas Aquinas H.S., Florida) is closer to making a decision. Notre Dame, Georgia, Tennessee are the front runners. More on this later.

Gridironstuds.com member Chris Dunkley (Pahokee H.S., Florida) says he’s not committing any time soon so we should all just cool our heels.

Gridironstuds.com member Aramide Oliniyan is in Notre Dame today. You have to wonder if his Duke commit will hold up after this trip.

Gridironstuds.com member Jeff Luc (Treasure Coast H.S., Florida) has planned a second college tour with Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss and Southern Miss being among the schools he will visit.

Timpview H.S. (Utah) safety and Gridironstuds.com member Chris Badger has switched his commitment from Stanford to Notre Dame after being “blown away” by his visit to South Bend.

Stanford soothed their pain from the Chris Badger loss to Notre Dame by securing a commitment from Hamilton H.S. (Arizona) safety Devon Carrington. Carrington also has offers from California, Arizona, Arizona St., Washington, Washington St., Oregon, Notre Dame and Northwestern.

Notre Dame commit and Gridironstuds.com member Lo Wood plans to graduate in December and arrive in South Bend in time for spring football.

Recruits, prospects, let this be a lesson to you. Grade troubles leads to release from scholarship for 2009 USF signee Kamran Joyner. Full story.

Less than one week after securing a commitment from Gulliver Prep (Florida) QB Michael Strauss, Tulane has secured a second QB commitment from New Iberia H.S. (Louisiana) Taylor Bullock. Bullock is a dual threat QB with a 4.6 forty yard dash to his credit. The three year starter was not concerned with Strauss’ commitment “There’s going to be competition wherever you go,” he said.

June 29th

Evan Berry 13 year old brother of Eric Berry has committed to wait for it…. wait for it.. . Tennessee. Go ahead and tell me you are stunned by this.

Rumors and Wires Aramide Olaniyan, chris badger, chris dunkley, college football, college football recruiting, high school football, high school football recruiting, jeff luc, lo wood, top 2010 recruits

Once again, Lane Kiffin and the Tennesse Volunteers have remained relevant and in the news. I reported on their inordinate amount of offers out to 2010 prospects and now Kiffin and Co. are the first to go out and secure a commitment for, get this, Class of 2013.

Yes, you heard me, the Tennessee Volunteers have nailed down a commitment from a 13 year old. Now before you go willy nilly on Lane Kiffin, I am going to give some blame to the media on this one (I guess that’s going to involve me too!). I am sure there are many 13 year olds in the country that think they have a firm idea as to where they want to play college football. However, I am sure that this particular 13 year old’s declaration has been made public because it’s Tennessee and makes for a good news story. Kiffin gets some blame here because he wanted an atmosphere where the Vols are constantly on the tip of everyone’s tongue and by golly, that’s what he’s getting.

It should be noted that the 13 year old named Evan Berry is brother of current Tennessee Volunteer defensive back Eric Berry. It’s only natural that younger brother would want to go where older brother and father played. Evan Berry also has a fraternal twin that is also a talented football player and looks to be a future division I prospect. Does he want to go to Tennessee also? No, according to father James Berry. Elliot Berry is partial to LSU and that’s where his heart lies at the moment. Evan, the Volunteer commit, is 5’8″ 145 while Elliot is 5’11″.

Perhaps Tennessee did some things to make Evan’s declaration a media event. If so, once again, Kiffin has kept Tennessee football in the limelight. I hope Kiffin can keep it there when there’s actual football being played this Fall. If Kiffin’s staff happens to range into the area of 187 offers put out to 2013 prospects some time this summer, you can bet that I will be all over that story.

General eric berry, evan berry, lane kiffen, tennessee football

Dr. Dre cranked out one of the best rap flows in history with “Keep Their Heads Ringin”, Michael Carlisle has made that his motto. Playing against Jonesboro H.S. in 2009? Take 2 aspirin before the game, because Carlisle’s out there…. you’ll thank me later. The first clip on his highlight video is a car wreck. It’s the reason some kids just don’t come out for football in high school. It doesn’t stop there. Carlisle patrols around the field checking head gear and chin straps. He gets to the ball in a hurry and does things when he gets there. A very impressive piece of prep linebacker video. Carlisle totaled 125 tackles as a junior in 2008. He has received interest from a lot of major division I schools but is only holding offers from Mississippi St., Toledo, Southern Miss and Middle Tennessee St. There’s no doubt more school will follow with their offers. View Michael Carlisle’s video.

Video of the Day 2010 linebackers, Michael Carlisle, top 2010 recruits

Rumors and Wires

June 26

Apopka H.S. cornerback and Gridironstuds.com member Lo Wood has chosen Notre Dame as his school. Wood also has offers from Michigan, Georgia Tech, Mississippi, North Carolina St., Central Florida and Stanford.

Gulliver Prep H.S. (Miami) Quarterback Marc Strauss has committed to Tulane.

USC has offered Lakewood H.S. (California) and Gridironstuds.com member Jesse Scroggins.  Scroggins has offers from all over the country including Florida,  Arizona St., North Carolina, LSU and,  wait for it….  wait for it….  Tennessee!

University of Miami has offered DeMatha Catholic H.S. (Maryland) safety Lorenzo Waters.

Gridironstuds.com member LB Deon Rogers from Treasure Coast High School has chosen Georgia over Buffalo, FIU and Western Michigan.

East Central H.S. (Texas) Defensive Tackle Torrea Peterson has chosen Oklahoma over USC, LSU, Oklahoma St. and Baylor.

June 25

Bishop McDeavit H.S.WR and Gridironstuds.com member Salath Williams has committed to Pittsburgh, the first major D-I to make him an offer. Williams also has offers from Iowa, Michigan St., Maryland, Purdue, Rutgers and Syracuse.

Top QB recruit from Moeller H.S. (Ohio) Andrew Hendrix has chosen Notre Dame as his school.

June 24

Rumor: Gridironstuds.com member Chris Martin still an Irish commit but thinking he needs to take a few trips to be sure (LSU and North Carolina to be exact.)

Highly touted Wheaton North H.S. (Illinois) QB Taylor Graham has committed to Ohio St. Graham is also being recruited by Iowa, Wisconsin, UCLA, Michigan St. and Colorado.

June 23

Another Pahokee player has committed to Florida St. Cornerback Merrill Noel has also chosen FSU over Georgia, Mcihigan, Tennessee, West Virginia, Auburn and Florida amongst others.

Highly touted Southwest DeKalb (Georgia) cornerback Jonathan Mincy has chosen Auburns over Georgia Tech, LSU and Tennessee.

Florida St. received a commitment from First Coast H.S. (Florida) defensive end Tavaris Barnes. Barnes is also being recruited by North Carolina and South Carolina amongst others.

Miami Pace H.S. quarterback Stephen Morris has been offered by the Virginia Cavaliers. Morris also has offers from Northwestern, Purdue, Central Florida, Central Michigan and FIU.

June 22

Pahokee H.S. (Florida) WR and Gridironstuds.com member DeJoshua Johnson has chosen Florida St. Johnson was also considering Oklahoma St., Miami, Tennesse and Georgia amongst others.

Rumors and Wires

Thanks to Tyler Mugar of Melbourne High School (Florida) for posting video of the Randy Shannon football camp. Tyler has good reason for being on video. He tore the camp up and surprised a lot of people. Mugar is an undersized cornerback / wide receiver that would lead people to ignore him in this setting. Once the whistle blew, there was no ignoring Mugar and his skills.

To begin with, Mugar ripped off a high 4.4, low 4.5 forty yard dash. He bounced around the 3 cone and shuttle drills like a super ball out of one of those gumball machines at the Supermarket. Mugar’s athleticism transferred to 1-on-1 and 7-on-7 drills as he stuck to receivers like gum on a shoe. Mugar competed well and not only that, hung right in there with some of the top athletes in talent rich South Florida.

Check out Mugar’s exploits and you will also see other athletes from the camp on the film during drills. Thank’s to Steve Mugar, Tyler’s father for submitting this video to Gridironstuds.com.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RANDY SHANNON CAMP VIDEO.

High School Football 2010 defensive back, tyler mugar

Despite the weather, the Terry Hanratty camp was a great success on June 14th at Montclair University in New Jersey. It was a rain soaked weekend but several hard working future college football players ignored the elements and displayed their talents. Hanratty received a lot of compliments for his work with the players, teaching style and organization of the event run in conjunction with Mike Fenske of MJF-collegefootballrecruiting.com.

Below are a list of just some of the athletes that made a strong impact and put themselves on the radar of Division I, I-AA and Division-II coaches. The camp staff sent information on the camp out to several college football programs.

QB’s
1- Jeremi Doyon-Roch (GRIDIRONSTUDS.COM MEMBER), 2010- Vanier College Prep( H.S) Montreal Quebec, Canada 6’3 1/2 195 4.8 forty
-Unknown prospect because of where he’s goes to high school. He was the best QB at camp- Terry Hanratty rates him as without a doubt a major Division 1 Prospect. Great size – with room to fill out and get up to 215-220 easily. Throws a great ball, very accurate, mobility excellent, sound mechanics, footwork and vision very good. Smart- was able to pre read different defenses. We did about 10 different pass patters with WR’s- was on the money on all of them. Good speed after 3 hours of non stop work-probably threw 100 balls- ran a 4.85 forty. He is 17 yrs old.

2- Colin Macri- 2012- North Hunterdon H,S, NJ. 6’2 1/2 205- 4.8 forty.
“Cant miss prospect” is a phrase not throw around lightly- but thats pretty much how Hanratty views him. Huge kid- should be 6’4 225 or so by Sr year- cannon for an arm, was accurate on all the routes, smart QB for a kid who is just finishing his freshman year of H.S. Shows excellent athletic ability and mobility, good footwork and fast, again after all the work he ran as sub 4.9 forty. Should be one of the top 2012 QB prospects in country

3. Brandon Young- 2010 5’11 170- Montclair H.S, NJ.
Good arm, solid mechanics, excellent athlete, ran a 4.68 forty after camp

4. Andrew Casten- 2011- Red Bank Catholic H.S, NJ- 6’1 185 4.5 forty.
Has a strong arm, great athleticism and speed, can probably be an equally if not better prospect at other positions- RB,WR,DB,LB. He ran a 4.54 forty after camp

WR’s
1 Dyshawn Davis (GRIDIRONSTUDS.COM MEMBER)- 2010- Woodbury H.S., Woodbury NJ. 6’3 195 4.5 forty.
Major D-1 prospect. After watching him play hard to believe he has no offers to date- hes a solid student as well. Great size, speed, quickness, very physical off the line, ran excellent routes- very good hands, great leaping ability. I watched his high light tape and my opinion is as good as a WR as he is he’s a better Saftey prospect- who could possibly grow into a OLB. Hits, attacks run, very aggressive,play maker. Worked very hard at camp-very tough kid

2. Mike Warshany 2010- 6’0 172 4.65 forty.
Best hands by far at camp- just outstanding -literally did not drop a pass all day. Runs great crisp routes, deceptive speed

3. Taylor Rodgers- 2011- Middletown South H.S, NJ 6’0 180 4.55 forty.
Like Warshany caught everything throw his way, great hands, good routes, smart and tough – ran a 4.62 forty after 3 hours of camp and non stop reps. Great upside

………………………….. . . ………………. . . ……………………

This is definitely a must do event next year for up and coming prospects in the Northeast region of the U.S. and Canada.

General

Found these sayings about Jeff Luc online and found them to be funny. I thought I would share them with our readers. Kudos to the person that put these together:

- Jeff Luc ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got one.

- Jeff Luc doesn’t bowl strikes, he just knocks down one pin and the other nine faint.

- The Bermuda Triangle used to be the Bermuda Square, until Jeff Luc knocked one of the corners off.

- There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Jeff Luc lives in Florida.

- Some people wear Superman pajamas. Superman wears Jeff Luc pajamas.

- Simply by pulling on both ends, Jeff Luc can stretch diamonds back into coal.

- When Jeff Luc does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.

- There is no such thing as global warming. Jeff Luc was cold, so he turned the sun up.

- The last thing you hear before Jeff Luc hits you? No one knows because dead men tell no tales.

- Jeff Luc uses a night light. Not because he is afraid of the dark, but the dark is afraid of Jeff Luc.

- When the Boogeyman goes to sleep at night, he checks his closet for Jeff Luc.

- Jeff Luc once got into a knife fight…the knife lost.

- Jeff Luc has never forced a fumble, he just strongly recommends it and they always comply.

High School Football 2010 linebackers, jeff luc, top 2010 recruits

IN The PIT – 2009 Third Edition:

In the RED CORNER: Brandon Linder – OT – St. Thomas Aquinas H.S. (Florida)
vs.

IN THE BLUE CORNER: Josh Shirley – DE – Kaiser High School (California)

In our two previous IN the PIT segments we had a running back go up against a linebacker. Then we had a wide receiver take on a defensive back. It seems only fitting now that we let the big boys have some fun. Afterall, this is called “IN the PIT” which means you have to get some big boys in this thing.

This time we have some East Coast vs. West Coast action. St. Thomas Aquinas’ Brandon Linder is the anchor of the offense for the #1 team in the country, Ft. Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas. Linder swats defensive linemen like flies. Don’t believe me, check the eye in the sky. A big part of the success enjoyed by St. Thomas’ offense that seemed to put up 45 points every game was Linder opening holes for the backs and keeping the QB upright. Linder will be a 3 year starter this fall and is on his way to whatever school he wants come signing day. However, the question is, for 48 minutes on a hot Friday Night, can Linder keep the Beast Josh Shirley off of his quarterback? Can he stop him from penetrating in the backfield and smashing the running back?

Fontana’s Kaiser High School has a one man wrecking crew. If you are a thirty something, you remember Tecmo Bowl and all the curse words you used when Lawerence Taylor kept jumping on your QB’s back and ruining your plays. That’s Josh Shirley. Few, if any players at the defensive end position are as explosive as Shirley. He shoots off the line like water out of fireman’s hose and runs down quarterbacks like special presentations on the National Geographic channel. Shirley recorded 17 sacks in 2008 playing against some good California talent. Shirley has the speed to play linebacker but he would much rather terrorize the front line with his array of moves and skilled position speed.

So, the question is, if we put them IN the PIT, could Brandon Linder keep Josh Shirley off his quarterback? Would he dominate Shirley like he has so many other defensive linemen? Would Shirley’s quickness be a nightmare for Linder or would Shirley be neutralized by Linder strength and technique?

Watch Brandon Linder’s Video ……………… Watch Josh Shirley’s Video

Who would win this matchup? Brandon Linder or Josh Shirley. We want to know. Tell us here…..

In the Pit

Today’s video of the Day comes from the state of Florida and Everglades High School. Every summer, college football hopefuls go out to campuses and attend college coach’s camps looking to make an impression. Two weeks ago, Courtney Lester did that end then some. Competing against some of the top talent in South Florida at The Randy Shannon Football Camp at the University of Miami, Courtney Lester stood out. The 6’0″ 165 lb. 2010 prospect went off. I watched this with my own two eyes. Lester ran precise routes, caught everything coming his way whether he was covered or uncovered and showed great moves after the catch. Lester’s offense at Everglades High School does not boast a sophisticated passing attack so his production is handcuffed. For the 2nd straight year, the Gators will be breaking in a new quarterback so Lester’s numbers may be limited however he’s definitely a Division-I prospect. Check out his highlight video and certainly keep an eye on this prospect this upcoming season. View Courtney Lester’s highlight video.

Video of the Day 2010 prospects, 2010 wide recievers, courtney lester

June 21st.

Highly recruited Glenville H.S. defensive back and Gridironstuds.com member Latwan Anderson has announced his Top 5 of: #1 West Virginia, #2 Michigan, #3 Georgia, #4 North Carolina and #5 Miami, FL.   Anderson says this list is final “no more changes”  Check out his 7-on-7 film from Michigan Camp, click here.

June 20th

Thomas Johnson H.S. (Maryland) Linebacker Nick Forbes has committed to California after spurning offers from Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Duke and Wake Forest.

Cal also added Cathedral Catholic H.S. (San Diego) Offensive Tackle Alex Corsthwaite. Crsowaithe also has offers from Washignton St., Arizona, Arizona St., Colorado, Duke, Minnesota, Nebrakska, Syracuse and Wake Forest. Cal is quietly putting together a pretty good class.

Top rated South Paulding H.S. cornerback Ryan Ayers has chosen Georgia Tech over Georgia and Alabama.

Defensive back Courtney Avery has switched his commit from Stanford to Michigan.

June 18th

Highly rated St. Thomas Aquinas H.S. defensive back and Gridironstuds.com member Lamarcus Joyner has narrowed down the field to Florida, Florida St., Georgia, Ohio St., Alabama, USC and Tennessee.

Huntsville H.S. athlete Justin Gilbert has chosen Oklahoma St. over Oklahoma, Baylor and Texas A&M.

Top rated OLB prospect Demetre Baker (Orange Park, FL) has chosen Georgia over Miami, South Carolina, Michigan St. and Indiana

June 17th

Apparently Booker T. Washington H.S. (Miami) standout running back Eduardo Clements got a big bug put in his ear when he got to Michigan on Tuesday. Clements reportedly has dropped FSU as his top team and has put Michigan at the head of the class. Clements cited the contrast in styles as his primary reason for this.

June 16th

Top rated defensive end and Gridironstuds.com member William Gholston has committed to Michigan St. Gholston has a ton of offers most notably, Alabama, Florida, Florida St., LSU, Miami , Michigan, Ohio St., Oklahoma, USC and wait for it, wait for it….. Tennessee.

Highly sought after Booker T. Washington H.S. (Miami,FL) Eduardo Clements took part in the Randy Shannon football camp at the University of Miami on Monday. Clements was recently at the University of Georgia football camp this past week. I will have more on the University of Miami camp posted tonight.

#1 rated Dual QB Barry Brunetti has committed to West Virginia. Brunetti has offers from Penn St., Duke, Mississippi St., Purdue and wait for it, wait for it…. Tennessee.

Top rated McKinney H.S. QB Zach Lee has committed to LSU. McKinney has offers from Mississippi, Nebraska, Vanderbilt, Alabama and Texas Tech. Lee has thrown 50 TD’s and for over 4,800 yards the last two seasons.

Top rated Palmetto H.S. (Miami, FL) DE prospect Delvin Jones has named his top three as Alabama, USC and Tennessee.

Rumors and Wires