Saturday, January 31, 2009

10 Big Questions For 2009

The end of the 2008 season left me with many questions for the upcoming 2009 season. I will try to answer some of these questions. Here are my 10 biggest questions for the 2009 season.

10. Will The Big East Improve its name in the BCS? 

tony-pike-nc-thumbCincinnati QB Tony Pike

The Big East had another year of mediocrity in 2008. Cincinnati won the 2008 Big East title, going 6-1 in conference play and 11-3 overall (counting the 2009 Orange Bowl loss to Va. Tech). Cincinnati’s losses were Va. Tech, Oklahoma, and Connecticut. Cincinnati should be equally as good in 2009 with the return of QB Tony Pike. They will be losing some seniors on defensive, but have some good under-classmen moving up the ranks.

As far as the rest of the Big East, South Florida, Louisville, and Syracuse will remain at the bottom of the conference, while Pittsburgh and West Virginia may struggle a bit because of losing key players to the NFL (West Virginia’s Pat White and Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy).

Unfortunately for The Big East, I don’t really see any team that will stick out in 2009. Expect more of the same for this eight-team conference in 2009.

9. Will Ohio State cure its big game blues in 2009?

Ohio State has had a dismal record in big games recently. In 2008, the Buckeyes played six ranked teams total, losing to three of them (then #1 USC, then #3 Penn State, and then #3 Texas).

Ohio State’s bowl record has been even worse losing to Texas, 24-21 in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl, losing to LSU 38-24 in the 2008 BCS National Championship,and losing to Florida 41-14 in the 2007 BCS National Championship. The last bowl game victory for Ohio State was the 2006 Fiesta Bowl, in which they beat Notre Dame 34-20.

After gaining quite a bit of experience in 2008, look for Terrelle Pryor to be a vital weapon in 2009. “Beanie” Wells will be headed for the NFL, which will hurt the Buckeye’s offense. Look for Daniel Herron to probably emerge as the #1 RB in 2009.

Although Ohio State will be losing some key players, I believe 2009 is the year they right the ship in the big games.

jim_tresselOhio State Head Coach Jim Tressel

 

8. Will the ACC improve in 2009?

There has been much criticism of the ACC in recent years on whether they belong in the BCS. Virginia Tech has been the most successful team in the ACC since joining just before the 2004 season, winning the ACC title in 2004, 2007, and 2008.

Saying that Virginia Tech has been good isn’t exactly true, considering the Hokies were 9-4 during regular season play in 2008. Many college football fans were livid that a 9-4 team had an automatic Orange Bowl berth. Some experts and analysts were saying some non-BCS teams, such as an undefeated Utah deserved that spot more than Virginia Tech.

There was much parity in the ACC in 2008. Let’s face it, the ACC teams just whooped each other to death. One of the biggest problems facing ACC teams is stiff recruiting competition between the schools and from other conferences. Florida State, Miami, Georgia Tech, and Clemson have to fight the SEC schools for recruits. Boston College, Maryland, Virginia, and Virginia Tech must battle Big East and Big Ten schools for players. Not to mention that North Carolina, Duke, N.C. State, and Wake Forest are all in the same state, with three of the schools within a 25 mile radius of each other.

Another problem for the ACC teams is recent inconsistent play, especially at the QB position. It has been a long time since any ACC team had a profound player at QB. Don’t get me wrong, the ACC has had some very good QBs, such as Philip Rivers and Charlie Whitehurst.

A positive for the ACC is that it sent a record 10 teams to bowls games in 2008, and got its first BCS bowl win since 2000 (when Florida State won the national championship over then Big East Va. Tech).

I believe the ACC will be better in 2009, with North Carolina, Miami, and Georgia Tech improving. Virginia Tech will be hard to beat again next season, and will start the 2009 season probably ranked in the Top 10. There will still be hard fought battles in the ACC, and the ACC teams will still be kicking each others’ butts. It should make for an interesting year for the conference.

7. Will anyone in the SEC de-thrown Florida?

Florida had another excellent year, winning the SEC Championship Game versus Alabama and going on to win the National Championship versus Oklahoma in 2008. Florida has All-American QB Tim Tebow returning, but All-American WR Percy Harvin is heading to the NFL Draft. Still the Gators are loaded with talent for 2009.

The team that I see competing with Florida for SEC supremacy in 2009 is Alabama. Alabama is guided by head coach Nick Saban, and he knows how to win big games and championships.

LSU will be another front-runner in the SEC for 2009. The Tigers will give Florida a handful when they play October 10, 2009 in Baton Rouge. That will be a game to watch as it will probably have national title implications.

NickSabanCHS Alabama Crimson Tide Head Coach Nick Saban

Teams that will be rebuilding in 2009 are Tennessee with new coach Lane Kiffin, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, and Mississippi State. The teams you want to watch are Ole Miss, Auburn with new coach Gene Chizik, and Arkansas.

It will be tough for the other nine SEC schools to hang with Florida in 2009. The Gators’ 2009 schedule looks promising for them: Sept. 5 – Charleston Southern, Sept. 12 – Troy, Sept. 19 - Tennessee, Sept. 26 - @Kentucky, Oct. 10 - @LSU, Oct. 17 – Arkansas, Oct. 24 – @ Mississippi State, Oct. 31 – Georgia, Nov. 7 – Vanderbilt, Nov. 14 - @South Carolina, Nov. 21 – Florida International, and Nov. 28 – FSU. As I stated before, the game at LSU looks to be their toughest in 2009.

Barring injuries or bad luck, expect to see Florida on top of the SEC again in 2009. It is a very good possibility to see them on the national championship stage again.

6. Who will win the Bowden-Paterno race?

Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno are two of college football’s most successful head coaches. They also have the longest tenures in college football history.

alg_paterno Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno

Joe Paterno, 82, has been head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions since 1966. Paterno’s record is 383-127-3, with the most wins all-time in Division 1. Paterno also has the most wins in bowl games going 23-11-1. JoePa, as he is affectionately known as, has two national championships (1982 and 1986), three Big Ten Championships (1994, 2005 and 2008), and five perfect seasons (1968, 1969, 1973, 1986 and 1994).

Bobby Bowden, 79, has been at the helm of the Florida State Seminoles since 1976. Bowden has also been the head coach most notably at West Virginia (1970-1975) and Howard College (1959-1962).  Bowden’s record is 382-123-4, second all-time to Paterno. Bowden also has a bowl record of 21-10-1, again second all-time to Paterno. Bowden has two national championships (1993 and 1999) and twelve conference titles.

150px-Bobby_Bowden Florida State Head Coach Bobby Bowden

Bowden recently signed a one-year contract extension with Florida State, keeping him there until January 4, 2010. Paterno recently signed a three-year extension with Penn State.

It is my speculation that Joe Paterno’s injured leg may be the deciding factor of when he decides to give up the whistle and call it quits. During the 2008 season, he mainly coached from the coach’s box, which he says he doesn’t care for. He has stated that if he can’t be on the sidelines, he doesn’t want to coach.

It will be interesting in the next couple years to see which of these two legendary coaches comes up on top of the all-time wins list.

5. Will a non-BCS team get some respect in 2009?

Utah once again shook up the BCS in 2009. The Utes went undefeated and beat a powerful Alabama team in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. It is very hard for a non-BCS team or conference to get respect from the college football media. If you are labeled “mid-major” in college football, you are pretty much doomed at any chance of  a national title.

But let’s face it, teams like Utah, Boise St., or TCU really do not have tough schedules. They rarely play any ranked teams. So it is very difficult to accurately gauge how good they really are.

On the other hand, when these teams do play a nationally-ranked team, they have been successful. The 2005 Fiesta Bowl had non-BCS Utah, which defeated Pitt 35-7.  In the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, Boise State defeated powerhouse Oklahoma, 43-42. Like mentioned before, Utah defeated Alabama 31-17 in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl.

So, will the non-BCS teams/conferences get any respect in 2009? Probably not. If Utah can continue having undefeated seasons, and teams like TCU, BYU, and Boise State improve, then getting that respect may come over time. I think one thing that would really help the non-BCS schools is improving their out of conference schedules. They should try to schedule teams like USC, Ohio State, Florida, LSU, or perhaps Oklahoma to their future schedules.

Imagine if Utah beat a #2 Florida at The Swamp? That would go a long way towards gaining that respect.

4. Will anyone in the PAC 10 step up and challenge USC… or should the conference be called the PAC 1(plus 9)?

USC had another stellar year in 2008. The Trojans finished the 2008 season 12-1, defeating Penn State in the 2009 Rose Bowl 38-24. The Men of Troy’s lone loss last year was at Oregon State on September 25th.

USC’s biggest challenge in 2009 will be who to start. After QB Mark Sanchez’s announcement to enter the NFL Draft, it looks as if Mitch Mustain is the likely candidate for his replacement. USC has a very deep team. Most of the 3rd and 4th string players could start at just about any other Division 1 team.

As far as the rest of the PAC 10 goes, look for UCLA to improve with second-year head coach Rick Neuheisel. Washington should also be more of a challenge in the PAC 10 with new head coach Steve Sarkisian.

All in all, it will be more of the same for the PAC 10 in 2009. USC could end up with a surprise loss, like last year to Oregon State or in 2007 with Stanford. USC will end up on top in the PAC 10 and be a viable contender for the national championship in 2009.

3. How will the Big 12 do in 2009 after a mediocre bowl season?

The Big 12 went three-for-three in bowl games for the 2008 season. Missouri won the Alamo Bowl, Nebraska won the Gator Bowl, and Texas won the Fiesta Bowl. At the same time, Oklahoma State lost the Holiday Bowl, Texas Tech lost the Cotton Bowl, and Oklahoma lost the National Championship.

Baylor, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Iowa State, Kansas, and Colorado will probably still make up the bottom half of the Big 12 in 2009. But how will the top half fair?

Texas Tech will lose playmaker QB Graham Harrell, and Missouri will lose QB Chase Daniels. This will hurt the teams’ offense in 2009, but will get better as the season goes. Oklahoma State will fair about the same in 2009 as they did in 2008. Nebraska should be much improved after another year with head coach Bo Pelini.

PeliniNebraska Cornhuskers’ Head Coach Bo Pelini 

Watch for Texas to have the stronghold on the Big 12 in 2009.

2. Will Rich Rodriguez turn Michigan around in 2009?

After the Michigan Wolverines finished their worst season in history in 2008, Rodriguez better hope things get better in 2009. With losses to Utah, Notre Dame, Toledo, Northwestern, and Purdue (to name a few) things were looking ugly. The folks in Ann Arbor can be patient, but it can also run out real quick.

umgolf RODRIGUEZ 1 LT Michigan Head Coach Rich Rodriguez looking for all the help he can get in 2009

The Wolverines will be better in 2009, but Penn State and arch-rival Ohio State look to be quite a challenge for Big Blue next season.

One thing is for sure, if Rodriguez does not right the ship fast at Michigan, he might be trying to call West Virginia and apologize come December.

1. How much longer will the Fighting Irish tolerate Charlie Weis?

Since being hired as the head coach of Notre Dame on December 4, 2004, Charlie Weis’ relationship with Fighting Irish faithful has gone from elation to suspicion.

After Weis was hired at Notre Dame, it was reported that he told players that they would have a “decided schematic advantage”, meaning that he felt his plays were more than the rest of college football could handle.

t1_weis Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis might be house hunting in December

Weis’ overall record at Notre Dame is 29-21 since the 2005 season. Notre Dame went 9-3 in 2005 including a 2006 Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State. 2006 was slightly better with a 10-3 record and a Sugar Bowl loss to LSU. In 2007, the Irish sank to 3-9, ranking near the bottom in Division 1 in nearly every offensive category. Notre Dame improved somewhat in 2008, going 7-6 which includes winning the Hawaii Bowl versus Hawaii, 49-21, snapping a nine-game bowl losing streak.

A 7-6 record might bring celebration at some programs, but at Notre Dame 7-6 isn’t quite good enough. Weis has argued that the program is heading in the right direction, improving from 3-9 to 7-6. I believe most Irish fans aren’t sold, since they expect nothing less than national title contention.

If Charlie Weis doesn’t get the Fighting Irish back into BCS prominence in 2009, you can expect Weis to be hunting a real estate agent.

These are just a few questions coming into the 2009 college football season. It will be interesting to see how these topics play out after the season begins.

Stay tuned to College Football Blabber for more recruiting info as it gets closer to National Signing Day!

 

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Friday, January 30, 2009

Recruiting Roundup

National Signing Day is just around the corner, so I thought that I would post a rundown of who is winning the recruiting battle. This is a list of the Top 25 Recruiting Leaderboard by school from Scout.com.

Rank School Commits Conf Top 100 5-Star 4- Star 3-Star Off. Def. Sp.T
1. Ohio St. 24 Big 10 6 3 14 7 11 13 0
2. LSU 21 SEC 6 4 9 8 10 10 1
3. UNC 29 ACC 4 1 10 12 14 14 1
4. Texas 20 Big 12 6 4 8 7 9 11 0
5. USC 18 PAC 10 8 5 8 5 6 11 1
6. Oklahoma 22 Big 12 4 3 8 10 9 13 0
7. Georgia 18 SEC 5 2 11 5 8 10 0
8. Texas A&M 26 Big 12 1 1 7 13 10 16 0
9. Alabama 21 SEC 2 2 7 12 11 10 0
10. Penn St. 25 Big 10 2 1 6 15 14 10 1
11. Stanford 22 PAC 10 2 1 9 10 14 8 0
12 Arkansas 31 SEC 1 1 5 14 16 15 0
13. Miami (Fla) 20 ACC 4 1 8 10 10 10 0
14. Florida 16 SEC 6 3 7 6 10 6 0
15. South Carolina 26 SEC 2 1 5 15 10 16 0
16. West Virginia 23 Big East 2 1 6 12 15 8 0
17. Michigan 20 Big 10 3 2 5 12 8 11 1
18. Tennessee 18 SEC 1 0 10 8 8 10 0
19. UCLA 22 PAC 10 3 1 5 14 12 10 0
20. Miss. St. 24 SEC 0 0 8 13 11 11 2
21. Auburn 24 SEC 1 1 6 9 13 11 0
22. Florida St 17 ACC 3 1 7 9 8 8 1
23. Ole Miss 26 SEC 1 1 1 20 10 14 2
24. South Florida 26 Big East 1 1 2 16 12 14 0
25. Notre Dame 16 Ind. 2 1 7 7 9 5 2

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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Recruiting Roundup

I think it is a good time to start talking recruiting with National Signing Day about a week away. That's right.... National Signing Day is February 4, 2009. There are quite a lot of college football fans that get deep into recruiting. I must admit though, I am not one that gets too heavily involved in recruiting news. I will try my best to keep College Football Blabber updated on recruiting information. Today, I will post Tom Flemming's Top 100 Recruits.

RNK NAME POS HT/WT SCHOOLS
1. Matt Barkley
Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)
QB 6-4/221 Committed to USC

Future Trojan earned Gatorade National Player of the Year honors as a junior.
2. Bryce Brown
East (Wichita, KS)
RB 6-1/215 Committed to Miami

Finished high school career with 6,809 rushing yards.
3. Aaron Murray
Plant (Tampa, FL)
QB, P 6-1/205 Committed to Georgia

Injury ended what was shaping up to be incredible senior season.
4. Devon Kennard
Desert Vista (Phoenix, AZ)
DE, RB 6-3/245 Committed to USC

MaxPreps All-American as a junior after piling up 24 sacks.
5. Craig Loston
Eisenhower (Houston, TX)
DB 6-2/210 Committed LSU


6. D'Andre Kirkpatrick
Gadsden City (Gadsden, AL)
DB 6-4/185

Has his pick of major SEC powers.
7. Russell Shepard
Cypress Ridge (Houston, TX)
QB 6-2/195 Committed to LSU

Ability to make plays with feet should make him a candidate for playing time in Baton Rouge immediately.
8. Donte Moss
Northside (Jacksonville, NC)
DE, TE 6-4/235 Committed to North Carolina

Great athlete has played a lot of running back for Monarchs.
9. Jarvis Jones
Carver (Columbus, GA)
LB 6-3/215

Racked up 147 tackles, 26 tackles for loss as junior.
10. Garrett Gilbert
Lake Travis (Austin, TX)
QB 6-4/210 Committed to Texas

Posting national player of the year-type numbers as a senior
11. Jamarkus McFarland
Lufkin (TX)
DL 6-3/280 Committed to Oklahoma

Program-changing prospect, on and off the field.
12. Manti Te'o
Punahou (Honolulu, HI)
OLB 6-2/233 BYU, Notre Dame, Stanford, UCLA, USC

One of the most highly-touted players ever from Hawaii.
13. Chris Whaley
Madisonville (TX)
RB, OLB 6-3/230 Committed to Texas

Averaging over 10 yards per carry as a senior.
14. Marlon Brown
Harding Academy (Memphis, TN)
DB, WR 6-5/210 Florida, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Ohio State

Plays as many as six different positions for Harding Academy.
15. Cierre Wood
Santa Clara (Oxnard, CA)
DB, RB 6-1/210 Committed to Notre Dame

Was among California's top rushers as a junior with over 2,600 yards.
16. Patrick Patterson
Noxubee County (Macon, MS)
WR 6-3/215

Exploded on the scene as junior by hauling in 72 passes for over 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns.
17. Chris Davenport
Mansfield (LA)
DT, T 6-4/340 Committed to LSU

Already features SEC-sized frame.
18. Nico Johnson
Andalusia (AL)
WR, RB 6-3/225 Committed to Alabama

First team All-State selection as a junior and also a standout basketball player.
19. Tyrik Rollison
Sulphur Springs (TX)
QB 6-3/185

Quietly having monster senior season.
20. Xavier Nixon
Britt (Fayetteville, NC)
OL, DE 6-6/275 Committed to Florida


21. Jacobbi McDaniel
Madison County (Madison, FL)
G, DL 6-1/265 Committed to Florida State

High school team hasn't lost in two years.
22. Gabe Lynn
Jenks (OK)
DB 6-2/185 Committed to Oklahoma


23. Tom Savage
Cardinal O'Hara (Springfield, PA)
QB 6-5/225 Committed to Rutgers

Early commitment helped Greg Schiano land very talented recruiting class.
24. Kendrick Hardy
Lawrence County (Monticello, MS)
RB 6-0/210 Mississippi, Mississippi State, Southern Mississippi

Topped 2,000 yards as a junior for high-scoring Lawrence County outfit.
25. Rolando Jefferson
Edison (Fresno, CA)
WR 6-2/195

One-third of Edison's Top 100 trio.
26. Rueben Randle
Bastrop (LA)
QB, WR 6-3/195

After an All-State junior year at wide receiver, playing QB as a senior.
27. Dorian Bell
Gateway (Monroeville, PA)
RB, LB 6-1/220 Committed to Ohio State

Has added running back to his duties as a senior.
28. Alshon Jeffrey
Calhoun County (St. Matthews, SC)
WR, DB 6-3/215 Committed to USC

Class A state player of the year in basketball as a junior.
29. Sam Montgomery
Greenwood (SC)
DE 6-4/230

South Carolina's 2008 version of DaQuan Bowers.
30. John Simon
Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown, OH)
OL, DL 6-3/280 Committed to Ohio State

Cardinal Mooney continues to pump out high-level college prospects.
31. Edwin Baker
Oak Park (MI)
RB, DB 5-11/215 Committed to Michigan State

Just what Sparty needs with the coming departure of Javon Ringer.
32. Chris Norman
Renaissance (Detroit, MI)
OL, LB 6-2/215 Committed to Michigan State

MSU taking advantage of Michigan's national approach to recruiting.
33. Jelani Jenkins
Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, MD)
RB, LB 6-1/210

Powering a talented Good Counsel team at running back and linebacker.
34. Trent Richardson
Escambia (Pensacola, FL)
RB 5-11/205 Committed to Alabama

From the same school that produced NFL rushing king Emmitt Smith.
35. Tajh Boyd
Phoebus (Hampton, VA)
QB 6-1/205 Committed to Tennessee

Hanging in despite injuries on powerful Phoebus team.
36. Craig Drummond
Morgan Park (Chicago, IL)
DE 6-5/260 Committed to Illinois

Ron Zook in on several Top 100 prospects, as usual.
38. Aravious Armstrong
Seminole (Sanford, FL)
WR, DB 6-4/215 Committed to Miami


39. Logan Heastie
Great Bridge (Chesapeake, VA)
WR 6-2/190 Committed to West Virginia

Still looking around despite commitment to Mountaineers.
40. Thomas Ashcraft
Cedar Hill (TX)
OT 6-5/290 Committed to Texas

Cedar Hill squad features as many as 10 major college prospects.
41. Fletcher Cox
Yazoo City (MS)
DE 6-4/235 Committed to Mississippi State

Sylvester Croom reeling in serious talent.
42. William Campbell
Cass Tech (Detroit, MI)
DL 6-5/315 Committed to Michigan


43. Devonte Holloman
South Pointe (Rock Hill, SC)
S 6-2/214 Committed to South Carolina


44. Darius Winston
Central (West Helena, AR)
CB, WR 6-1/180 Committed to Arkansas

Will be the jewel of Bobby Petrino's first full recruiting class.
45. Patrick Hall
St. Bonaventure (Ventura, CA)
DB, RB 6-1/185 Committed to USC

A two-way star as a senior for one of California's top programs.
46. Keenan Graham
Silverado (Las Vegas, NV)
DE, RB 6-3/231 Committed to UCLA

Rick Neuheisel prevailed in a national recruiting battle for his services.
47. Mason Walters
Frenship (Wolfforth, TX)
OL 6-6/290 Committed to Texas

One of four highly-rated Texas linemen headed to Austin.
48. Allan Bridgford
Mission Viejo (CA)
QB, P 6-4/215 Committed to California

The latest from QBHS.
49. Jarvis Giles
Gaither (Tampa, FL)
RB 5-11/175 Committed to Tennessee

Looking around after news of Phillip Fulmer's departure.
50. Ra'shede Hageman
Washburn (Minneapolis, MN)
TE, DE 6-6/262 Committed to Minnesota

Tim Brewster getting it done on and off the field at Minnesota.
51. Ryne Giddens
Armwood (Seffner, FL)
DL 6-4/233 Committed to South Florida

The centerpiece of one of the nation's top high school defenses.
52. Willie Ferrell
Florida A&M (Tallahassee, FL)
LB 6-0/221 Committed to LSU

Programs looking for linebackers headed to Tallahassee this year.
53. Damario Jeffery
Columbia (SC)
OLB, WR 6-3/215 Committed to South Carolina

Could play anywhere from safety to defensive end.
54. Donavan Tate
Cartersville (GA)
DB 6-2/205 Committed to North Carolina

Father Lars Tate played running back in the NFL; also a highly-touted baseball prospect
55. Tate Forcier
Scripps Ranch (San Diego, CA)
QB 6-2/190 Committed to Michigan

One of two talented QB prospects headed to Ann Arbor.
56. Andre Debose
Seminole (Sanford, FL)
WR, CB 5-11/180 Committed to Florida

All-purpose performer outshining two other Top 100 recruits at Seminole this season.
57. Frankie Telfort
Gulliver Prep (Coral Gables, FL)
MLB, HB 6-0/205

Major recruiting battle being waged for his services.
58. Ryan Mossakowski
Centennial (Frisco, TX)
QB, P 6-5/210 Committed to Kentucky

Kentucky sneaks in for a steal from the Lone Star State.
59. Jeremy Smith
Union (Tulsa, OK)
TB 6-0/197 Committed to Oklahoma State

Cousin of Oklahoma DB Reggie Smith.
60. Nick Alajajian
Naples (FL)
OL 6-4/290 Committed to Florida

Brother Joe emerging as NFL prospect at Florida International.
61. Justin Chaisson
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV)
DE, TE 6-5/265 Committed to Oklahoma

Follows former Bishop Gorman star Demarco Murray to Norman.
62. Chris Bonds
Richland Northeast (Columbia, SC)
DT 6-4/262 Committed to Alabama

Injuries have slowed on-field production, but not recruiting attention.
63. Marquis Simmons
Dominguez (Compton, CA)
FB, LB 6-1/210 Committed to USC

Has five older brothers who have played linebacker at the college level.
64. Todd Thomas
Beaver Falls (PA)
RB, LB 6-4/195 Committed to Pittsburgh

Puts up 20 and 10 per game on the basketball court.
65. Rod Woodson
Olive Branch (MS)
DB, RB 5-11/200 Committed to Alabama

Not that Rod Woodson, but a star in his own right.
66. Anthony Patrick
North Jackson (Stevenson, AL)
LB 6-3/230

Nick Saban, Tommy Tubberville fighting to keep him in-state against a host of suitors.
67. Chris Watt
Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn, IL)
OL, DL 6-5/290 Committed to Notre Dame

Chicago area continues to produce for Notre Dame.
68. Washaun Ealey
Emanuel County Institute (Twin City, GA)
RB, HB 5-11/205 Committed to Georgia

Peach State's all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns.
69. Aj McCarron
St. Paul's Episcopal (Mobile, AL)
QB 6-4/190 Committed to Alabama

Threw for 26 touchdowns and just three interceptions as a junior.
70. Corey Adams
Saguaro (Scottsdale, AZ)
DL, OL 6-4/285 Committed to Arizona State

Defensive star for one of Arizona's top teams.
71. Vontaze Burfict
Centennial (Corona, CA)
LB 6-2/235 Committed to USC

Intimidator at linebacker has helped Centennial reach the national elite.
72. Kevin Minter
Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee, GA)
LB, ILB 6-0/230 Committed to LSU

Early commitment should make early impact at LSU.
73. Jamal Patterson
Henry County (McDonough, GA)
WR, DB 6-2/190 Committed to Stanford

A huge get for Jim Harbaugh out of the state of Georgia.
74. Chris Thompson
Madison County (Madison, FL)
RB, DB 5-8/175 Committed to Florida State

Offensive engine for Florida small-school juggernaut.
75. Cliff Harris
Edison (Fresno, CA)
DB, WR 6-0/165

Coast-to-coast battle being waged for his signature.
76. Dyron Dye
Seminole (Sanford, FL)
DE 6-5/225 Committed to Miami

Expected to be a pass-rush specialist at the next level.
77. Nick Kasa
Legacy (Broomfield, CO)
DL, OL 6-7/254 Committed to Colorado


78. John Martinez
Cottonwood (Salt Lake City, UT)
OL 6-3/277 Committed to USC

Paves the way for fellow All-Stater Isi Sofele at running back.
80. C.j. Mitzell
Leon (Tallahassee, FL)
LB 6-2/210 Committed to Florida State

Staying in hometown to play college ball.
81. Kendall Kelly
Gadsden City (Gadsden, AL)
WR 6-4/210

One of two Top 100 talents at Gadsden City.
82. Kraig Appleton
East St. Louis (IL)
WR, DB 6-3/200 Committed to Illinois

See No. 36. Zook getting it done.
83. Arthur Lynch-fontaine
Dartmouth (South Dartmouth, MA)
TE, DE 6-5/240 Committed to Georgia

Bulldogs priming their Massachusetts pipeline.
84. Eric Shrive
West Scranton (Scranton, PA)
OL, DL 6-7/285 Committed to Penn State

Big man returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown this season.
85. T.J. McDonald
Edison (Fresno, CA)
DB, WR 6-3/215 Committed to USC

Plays for father, a former 49er safety, at Edison.
86. C.J. Barnett
Northmont (Clayton, OH)
DB 6-1/187 Committed to Ohio State

Brings track star speed to secondary.
87. Nathan Scheelhaase
Rockhurst (Kansas City, MO)
QB 6-2/190 Committed to Illinois

Led Rockhurst to state title as junior.
88. Jaamal Berry
Palmetto (Miami, FL)
RB 5-11/180 Committed to Ohio State

Miami continues to crank out top-notch running backs.
89. Orson Charles
Plant (Tampa, FL)
TE, DE 6-3/230

Closing in on 1,000 yards receiving as a senior.
90. Tavon Austin
Dunbar (Baltimore, MD)
RB, CB 5-8/170 Committed to West Virginia

Maryland's all-time leading rusher with over 6,600 yards.
92. Ronnie Wingo
St. Louis University (St. Louis, MO)
RB, DB 6-3/204

Rushed for 403 yards, seven touchdowns in October game.
93. Brock Osweiler
Flathead (Kalispell, MT)
QB 6-8/235 Committed to Arizona State

Once committed to Gonzaga for basketball, Montana signal caller has seen his stock soar.
94. Kevin Graf
Agoura (CA)
OL, DL 6-6/316 Committed to USC

Follows father, older brother to USC.
95. Fitzgerald Toussaint
Liberty (Youngstown, OH)
RB, RB 5-9/188 Committed to Michigan

A great fit for Michigan's offense under Rich Rodriguez.
96. Jon Budmayr
Marian Central Catholic (Woodstock, IL)
QB 6-1/195 Committed to Wisconsin

Could be the big-time quarterback the Badgers have longed for.
97. Terry Hawthorne
East St. Louis (IL)
WR, DB 6-1/185 Committed to Illinois

Other half of East St. Louis' dynamic receiving duo.
98. Marlon Pollard
Cajon (San Bernardino, CA)
DB 6-1/170 Committed to Notre Dame

Versatile performer for Cajon Cowboys.
99. Brandon Wegher
Bishop Heelan Catholic (Sioux City, IA)
TB, CB 5-11/205 Committed to Iowa

Approaching 3,000 all-purpose yards in senior season.
100. Shaquelle Evans
Inglewood (CA)
WR, S 6-1/201 Committed to Notre Dame

Surprised some by making commitment to Irish.

Here's some recent recruiting news:

  • Devon Kennard - DE (Desert Vista High School - Phoenix, AZ) has committed to the USC Trojans. Kennard is the number 1 defensive end prospect according to many sources.
  • Tahj Boyd - QB (Phoebus High School - Hampton, VA) has committed to Clemson University over Ohio State and Oregon. Boyd was the nation's top uncommitted quarterback.
  • Lamar Scruggs - WR (Fletcher Senior High School - Neptune Beach, FL) has given a verbal committment to the South Carolina Gamecocks for the 2009 season.
  • Tyrik Rollinson - QB (Sulphur Springs High School - Sulphur Springs, TX) intents to sign with the Auburn Tigers. Rollingson is the number 27-ranked QB nationally.

I will give an updated list here on Recruiting Roundup of recruits on February 5, 2009, after National Signing Day has commenced. You will get to see which recruits signed Letters of Intent with your favorite team!!

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