2012 Recruiting Thread

[Papa LoneStar]

[espnu150] [5star] MLB Chauncey Dukes
6'0" 241
Kingwood, TX
#12 overall, #1 MLB
B+: injury
B: tackle, strength, finesse moves
B-: speed, acceleration, block shedding, pursuit
C+: hit power, power moves, jumping, stamina
Other offers: n/a (2-10: Penn State, Alabama, USC, Miami, TCU, Michigan, Florida State, Wisconsin, Ohio State)

Along with this week 1 instant commit....the Longhorns have added 5 more quality recruits so far this season....

[espnu150] [5star] DT Lorenzo Watkins
6'3'' 274
Madeira, OH
#6 overall, #1 DT
A-: Pursuit
B+: Power/Finesse Moves, Block Shedding
B: Injry
B-: Hit Power
C+: Strength, Tackle
Other Offers: Penn State

[espnu150] [5star] OT Cory Nelson
6'5'' 287
Plano, TX
#12 overall, #1 OT
A-: Acceleration
B+: Injury
B: Strength, Pass Footwork
B-: Run Footwork/Strength, Pass Strength
C+: Run/Pass Block
Other Interest: USC, TCU (no offers, but visits were scheduled)

[espnu150] [5star] SS Brian Branch
6'2'' 187
Pecos, TX
#18 overall, #1 SS
B+: Speed, Acceleration, Tackle
B: Man Coverage, Stamina, Injury
B-: Agility, Zone/Press Coverage, Hit Power, Jumping
Other Offers: Wisconsin, USC

[espnu150] [5star] DE Ron Robinson
6'1'' 236
Warren, AR
#26 overall, #1 DE
B+: Pursuit
B: Strength, Tackle, Finesse, Moves
B-: Block Shedding, Injury
C+: Acceleration, Power Moves, Hit Power, Stamina
Other Offers: TCU

[espnu150] [5star] DE Mark Mason
6'3'' 238
The Colony, TX
#39 overall, #4 DE
A: Pursuit
B+: Acceleration
B: Finesse Moves, Block Shedding, Injury
C+: Strength
Other Offers: Miami

[espnu150] [4star] OG Ralph Campbell
6'4'' 283
Athens, TX
#71 overall, #6 OG
A: Acceleration
B+: Strength
B-: Pass/Run Block, Injury
C+: Awareness, Run Footwork/Strength, Pass Footwork/Strength
Other Offers: TCU

[psuexv]

That 5 star HB I signed last year was a JUCO. I redshirted him but I could have sworn he was on my depth chart before I did my redshirts.

[gschwendt]

That 5 star HB I signed last year was a JUCO. I redshirted him but I could have sworn he was on my depth chart before I did my redshirts.

Yeah... JUCOs don't have to sit out.

[JeffHCross]

Yeah that is what Jeff was telling me. My starting RDE had to sit last year, I beat out PSU for him the year before. He's the only JUCO I've has thus far however.

Yep. I definitely played my one JUCO HB as a junior. I remember having a JUCO QB that I redshirted ... I think those are the only JUCOs I've had. I tried to recruit another one last year, but he didn't sign.

[JeffHCross]

Since we had a lot of movement with recruits this week, I thought now would be a good time to look at the Powerhouse teams in the Top 25 classes:
1. Texas (shocker)
3. Florida State
5. Penn State
6. Ohio State
7. Miami
12. USC
17. Virginia Tech
23. Oklahoma

[psusnoop]

And here the Trojans were jumping all over my poor class last year. This staff has a plan..........shhh though it could fall apart at any moment.

[psuexv]

And here the Trojans were jumping all over my poor class last year. This staff has a plan..........shhh though it could fall apart at any moment.

Let's just wait and see what the next few weeks bring. We'll see where PSU is compared to the Trojans.

[psusnoop]

Sounds good, but we all know that the Lions are slaying the Trojans where it really counts, this would be an added bonus.

[JeffHCross]

Donnie Nickey (né Garin Barrett)
#3 CB [4star] [espnu150] #53 OVR
East Cleveland, OH
6'1" 192 lbs
Balanced

Donnie surprised Buckeye coaches by committing as soon as they made their weekly phone call. Nickey expressed interest in the Buckeyes early in the season, having them as a clear #1 (+320) before first contact. No other teams even chased the young man, such was the Buckeye advantage. Though most recruiting services expected that Nickey would line up opposite earlier signee Nate Clements, the Buckeyes staff was most impressed by the recruit's zone coverage capabilities, and so are expected to move him to a Free Safety role. He may play corner in nickel situations as his experience grows.

( In real life, Donnie Nickey was a running back and defensive back in high school. He first committed to Ohio University, but changed to the Buckeyes after being offered a scholarship. Nickey would go on to be a four year letterman and four year starter. Nickey was one of the stars of the 2002 national championship team and is still playing a role on the Tennessee Titans. )

By the way, this signee gives me confirmation that when you get an instant when the call starts, you get time - 10 minutes back.

[gschwendt]

Jeff Everson
#6 WR | #17 OVR
[5star] [espnu150]
6'0" 178 lbs
Bloomingdale, FL

Jeff was attracted to Wisconsin due to their emergence as a passing school this season. His skills will translate into him seeing immediate time on the field, particularly his ability to make unbelievable acrobatic catches. Everson chose the Badgers over an offer from Clemson.


Jeremy McCloud
#5 T | #56 OVR
[4star] [espnu150]
6'6" 286 lbs
Williamsburg, KY

Offensive Lineman was a definite need for Wisconsin this season and McCloud was a big signing at that position. With his developed pass blocking skills, he'll contribute immediately. Jeremy chose Wisconsin over offers from Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, and Florida.

[psuexv]

Jeff Clifford
G #4
6'3"
333
Irvine, CA

Strength B+
Pass Block B
Run Block B-
Impact Block C+
Speed C
Acceleration A+

Other offers Texas, TCU

Demarcus Kennedy
OLB #2
6'0"
213
Shelbyville, TN

Speed B
Tackle B
Man Coverage C+
Zone Coverage C+

Demarcus should see playing time immediately and is coming in to fill in a much needed position on the depth chart

[Kingpin32]

I can't wait until next year when hopefully some of these 5 stars will be back interested in the Ducks.

[Oneback]

I am really interested in this weeks advance as it concerns the #1 WR. He is soft to Papa who has a bye week this week while I am -1 point and I played a rival in MSU who I beat 35-7.

[Papa LoneStar]

Nice pickup, PsuExv....I really liked that guard.... :-(

[psuexv]

Nice pickup, PsuExv....I really liked that guard.... :-(

He looks like he could be a stud. I was worried with the late push you put on.

[fsuprime]

[espnu150][5star]OG (#3) Mitchell Price 6'5 308 Lbs Grenada, MS

Mitchell chose FSU over Alabama and Michigan

Spd C
ACC A
AGI C
PB/RB/IB/STR C+

RBF/RBS B
PBF/PBS B-

[espnu150][4star] HB (#11) Juco Jr. Joey Taylor 6'1 215 Lbs Long Beach, MS
Joey chose FSU over Alabama

He is a bull who will look to compete for the starting job from day one.

SPD/ACC B
AGI B+
CAR B+
TRK B-
ELU B-
STR C+
STFARM B+

[Oneback]

Congrats Papa on landing the #1 WR. WR depth is going to be poor at Michigan next season as I only have 3 WR's returning and haven't been able to sign a one yet.

[Oneback]

Ratings:
SPD C+, STR B-, RBS B-, RBF B

Evaluation:
Love has fullback size, H-back hands and shows flashes of one-back running skill. A versatile offensive back who may get used in a variety of ways. Has a great frame with good thickness but is not overly compact to hinder athleticism and movement skills in space. As a runner, he is a North-South guy. Displays good downhill strength and running power. Lowers his shoulders through traffic and keeps his strong lower-body churning. Breaks through a lot of initial contact and shows good core and overall strength moving the pile. Difficult to tackle high and can ward off blockers with a good stiff-arm. Flashes more-than-adequate lateral footwork and quickness for his size; can stretch the ball outside or cut it back and make the first defender miss. Hands and receiving skills out of the backfield may be his best assets. Has soft hands, catches the ball smoothly in stride and has a bit of shake in the openfield. Savvy setting up the screen game and can find the soft spots in zone. However, he lacks great top-end speed and an extra gear to pull away. Overall is not very explosive and lacks great burst out of his cuts. To continue earning the tough yards on the ground and avoid getting tripped up we would like to see him get his knees up and pumping through traffic more consistently. Balance is adequate but not a great attribute. Love is an accomplished blocker but the physical tools are certainly there to develop into a devastating blocker. Overall, Love is a physical back with good athleticism and versatility. Would be very useful in a pro-style offense.



Ratings:
SPD C, ACC A, STR B, RBS B, RBF B, PBS B-, PBF B-, IBL B-

Evaluation:
Keyes possesses the playing strength to dominate as a run blocker. Has the size and athleticism for the offensive guard position at the major level of competition. Shows good flexibility, agility and balance; comes off the ball low and hard with the explosion to knock defenders off the line of scrimmage. His initial fit and pad level allow him to straighten up and put defensive linemen back on their heels; sustains well with a very good base and leg drive; displays the foot quickness to zone block with the balance to play on his feet in space. Demonstrates good pull / trap technique with the quickness to get out in front and up-field; can locate defenders at the 2nd level and finishes with explosive results. This guy has all the tools to be a dominant run blocker at the next level of play. His nimble feet and quick hands will be an asset in pass protection; shows good short set ability; can anchor and play stout against the power rush which is necessary for the guard position. Demonstrates the ability to bend, slide and play flat footed while adjusting to inside change of direction moves. We like his hand use; arm length is good while flashing good initial punch, location and extension. This prospect flashes the dominant finishing attitude necessary to compete at the major level of competition. Keyes has the athleticism and playing strength necessary for a long and productive career. Early playing time is a possibility if a red shirt year is not deemed necessary.



Ratings:
SPD C+, CTH C-, CIT C, RTE C-, RBS C+, RBF C-, IBL C-, AGI C+, REL C+

Evaluation:

Brown is a good looking tight end prospect as he possesses the size and ability to be a well-rounded and productive college player at the position. Right off the bat he impresses you physically as he has good height and bulk. For a kid at about 250-260 pounds he carries his weight well and looks to have the build to add more good size with time in a college weight program. With his size you would first assume he is like an extra offensive lineman, but he can be a productive target in the passing game. He has good hands and when possible he displays the ability to catch the ball away from his body. His size presents a nice target and a bit of a tough match-up. Displays the ability to extend his arms to make the grab and also go up for the ball. He displays good body control and concentration to adjust to the ball. He needs to keep developing as a route runner, but displays good speed for his size. He may not possess great straight-line speed that makes him a field stretching threat, but he runs well and also gets out of his stance and into his route quickly which can make him a little dangerous. You would not label him as elusive after the catch, but he is a big body to try and bring down and has good balance to stay on his feet and fight through arm tackles. He is a good target in the passing game, but could be a real asset as a blocker with some more development. He has the size and displays the toughness to contribute as an in-line blocker. He can quickly get into a defender and deliver a good initial pop. Needs to work on placement, but will get hands on. He is a physical kid who displays good strength and can bully opponents around some at the high school level, but in college will need to work to keep his pads down and do a better job of generating power from his lower body. Does a good job of getting up to second level and getting a piece of moving targets due in part because he can get moving quickly. Brown is a promising prospect and a bit of sleeper at the tight end position.



Ratings:
SPD D, ACC A, RBS C+, RBF B-, PBS B, PBF B, IBL B-, STR B

Evaluation:
Williams has great size along with enough explosion and playing strength to dominate defenders at his present level of play. Has the height and weight we like to see for the offensive tackle spot at the major level of competition. Possesses enough flexibility to work out of both a two and three point stance showing the agility and balance to block quick on the line movement. Flashes explosion off the ball with good pad level and fit for his height; brings his hips with a good base and the leg drive necessary to sustain contact. Does a nice job when asked to reach front side with a quick up field first step. Can play on his feet in space however quick flow linebackers could present problems. We see the quickness and technique to be a good trap blocker, showing explosion at the point of attack. This prospect demonstrates quick set ability from a two point stance; flashes good bend for his size, can slide and play flat footed to the deep set point without leaning in or crossing his feet. Will need to work on all aspects of punch, location and extension however his arm length and quick hands should be an asset; does a nice job working to get his hands back inside the frame. This is a tough guy with an aggressive finishing attitude. Williams may not be ready to step in an start immediately however his size and overall playing attitude should get him early playing time if a red shirt year is not deemed necessary



Ratings:
SPD C-, CIT B-, RBS B-, BTK C-

Evaluation:
McKeon is a big and physical tight end. He looks to be about what he is listed at with a thick and powerful lower body. He is a tight end / H-Back, but we would not at all be surprised if in time he has a jersey with a number in the 50's or 60's hanging in his locker. He is a good blocker. He has the size and displays a tenacious attitude. He makes good contact and while he needs to work on placement he will get hands on. He needs to be sure to stay under control and keep his hips under him, but he displays the ability to be able to get into a defender and derive power from the hips, move his feet, and drive a defender back. He displays good feet and does a good job of quickly getting up to second level and getting a piece of moving targets. He will likely mainly contribute as a blocker, but can be a solid short-range target in the passing game. He has solid hands though can seem to catch the ball into his body. Displays adequate speed. He is a physical and big kid and can be tough to bring down after the catch, but will not make many defenders miss. McKeon is a physical kid who should be a productive blocking tight end.

[psuexv]

Nick McPherson
QB #4
6'3"
221 lbs
Erwin, NC

Throw Power - B
Throw Accuracy - C
Speed - B

Nick is a physical specimen at 6'3", 221 and has speed to go along with it. He will likely redshirt a year to learn the playbook and then be in full running for the starting job. Nick could also be used in spot duty as a Tebowesk style of player early in his career. Surprising no other school had offered Nick a scholarship, which he plans to use as motivation in the future.

[psuexv]

Andrew Sims
G #1
6'2"
299
Detroit, MI

Strength - B+
Pass Block B-
Run Block - B-
Impact Block B
Speed D
Acceleration

Andrew comes in as the nations top G per rivals.com and helps to fill out a great guard class for the Trojans joining Jeff Clifford. With some depth at guard Andrew will be able to take advantage of a redshirt season and look to get significant playing time as a Redshirt Freshman

Other offers Alabama, Oklahoma

Chuck Boyd
CB #5
5'10"
190 lbs
Anaheim, CA

Speed - A
Man Coverage - C+
Zone Coverage - B+
Press - C
Tackle - D

Chuck comes in to fill some holes in the secondary for the Trojans. He will probably see time in the dime package his Freshman year. Chuck has blazing speed but tends to play out of control at times weakening his man coverage skills. Hopefully a year of on the job training is just what Chuck needs.

Other offers - Nebraska