Class of 2012 Football Recruiting [Archive] - Packinsider.com

packman687

09-23-2011, 09:52 AM

Target LB Kenneth Bynum from FL has all but eliminated us for his services. Between Cincinnati and Illinois for him.

Also, CB Gary Grant was dismissed from the team last week which opens up another DB scholarship. We thought that we could get CB Chris Bivins from FL to decommited from USF and commit to us during a visit a few weeks back, but it did not happen.

Better opportunities for CB commitments are probably in this group: Tion Green, Ezra Robinson, or DJ Abnar. All three are from FL.
Also, Ty Law is another interesting prospect. Some places have reported that he has a scholarship offer from us, but scout does not. Law is also from FL.

packman687

09-23-2011, 10:02 AM

After last night's debacle, I would say that we definitely need to use 3-4 of the remaining scholarship for DEs and at least one more DT. Especially with McGill already burning his redshirt. I am not sure why Carlos Gray did not play last night and burn his redshirt. We actually played a walk-on DT in his place last night at Cincy.

OL Adam Pankey may be the only other OL prospect that we will get to commit, if we take any more at all. OG Bryce Kennedy maybe an outside possibility, but I think that he might be cooling on us some. Kennedy is supposedly leaning to Duke.

ppack3

09-23-2011, 10:49 AM

I am really rooting for TOB to round a corner with recruiting. It seems like he's bringing in about the same level of talent that he brought to BC. Which, isn't terrible. It just isn't what he openly talked about when he came to Raleigh. He spoke as if the recruiting would be at a higher level here than in Boston. But, you look at our recruiting classes, and the only ones rated lower in the ACC, are Duke and Wake.

I know that it's more about what you do with your players, and the character of your guys. But talent counts, too. And, depth. Where we have 14 guys, right now, most other ACC schools have signed 17-18 guys. We need quality depth, and our injuries prove that we aren't there yet. In year five of TOB, you'd hope that we'd have gotten close.

I know I sound bitter, and it's probably because of the bad taste left in my mouth after last night. But, I really want this crew to succeed in Raleigh. I think they can. But, they are going to have to start pulling in better classes in order to compete. The occasional 4-star guy wouldn't hurt, right? I'm sure there are some 4-star guys without character issues, right? Maybe not.

packman687

09-23-2011, 10:52 AM

Our main problem is that the 4* players from the immediate areas that we usually get recruits from (OH, NC, SC, FL) have already been raided by South Carolina, Clemson, Florida State, and other teams that have had recent successes that we have not (Or places that outrecruit us like Vanderbilt and Virginia that have more "youthful coaches.")

packman687

09-23-2011, 11:00 AM

ChaosJester87

09-23-2011, 11:06 AM

Hope may exist on the horizon. We have plenty of playing time to offer because our defense is so shallow with talent and because we have so many injuries. And, North Carolina is supposed to be stocked with talent for the 2013 class. There are already over 15 NC players in the ESPN 250 Watch list for 2013.

Excellent, and hopefully none of them will be committing to UNC after they get slammed with sanctions, which makes us clearly the top in state school to play for.

Howler

09-23-2011, 12:42 PM

You cannot consistently recruit in the 60's (of 120 schools) and expect to play in the teens.

NO ONE can do it.

Howler

ppack3

09-23-2011, 12:50 PM

^ You are exactly right, Howler.

packman687

09-23-2011, 01:18 PM

I wonder how our recruiting budget stacks up against other ACC schools. I think one of the big problems may be that we just don't pony up the funds to send our coaches various places to recruit and scout talent. Seems like we are consistently beating up the same recruiting areas where we are always getting what is leftover after the top programs "cherry-pick" the best recruits in that area.

Seapack89

09-23-2011, 01:22 PM

It appears that Hegedus may be getting caught up in the hype of the recruiting process and waffling on his commitment a little. Hopefully he stays, but I would call him a soft verbal now.

packman687

09-23-2011, 01:24 PM

I would like to think that our coaches will drop in on RB/ATH Lakeith Walls, OL Adam Pankey, DT Trae Clark, and WR/TE Mike Roberts while we are in Ohio this week.

Seapack89

09-23-2011, 01:29 PM

No doubt, Roberts is intruiging to say the least.

packman687

09-23-2011, 02:20 PM

While PI was changing, Target ATH Marty Williams from SC committed to Clemson.

packman687

09-23-2011, 02:23 PM

Another new interesting prospect. RB/ATH DJ Kee from Maryland. 5'11", 185, 4.5. No offer so far from us, but interesting.

packman687

09-23-2011, 02:33 PM

The latest I had seen was that Gurley had completely cooled on us after a trip to UGA with Marshall. Supposedly we are not even in his top 3 any more.
I would like to think that if we can't figure out our running game soon that Moose would redshirt and him and Creecy can split carries next season.

Seapack89

09-23-2011, 02:48 PM

All indications were that we were out of it for him some time ago. Need to focus on Thornton.

packman687

09-23-2011, 06:37 PM

Seems like the staff is really high on Lakeith Walls. He is definitely a "bigger back." (Not that they believe in utilizing one now or anything...).

I'd like to see us get Walls/Thornton and Kenno Loyal at FB in this year's class. However, Loyal is more than likely SEC bound and it may take a substantial effort to get Thornton away from Kentucky.

packman687

09-23-2011, 11:12 PM

Another interesting story that I have picked up on. Target OL DJ Reader has actually been playing more of a TE/Slot position for Greensboro Grimsley this year. Definitely athletic and strong enough to get significant yardage.

NCSUStu

09-24-2011, 01:06 AM

Thanks for all the updates Ritter....err I mean Packman. It's good to have you back doing your thing.

Eric

09-24-2011, 08:09 AM

It feels like a bigger problem is consistency with the players we DO bring in. For the last several years, we have had unplanned rotations in players due to injuries. In almost feels like our basketball season not long ago when everyone seemed to blow out a knee.

I'm all for bringing in more talent (who isn't), but to be honest, it is hard to see what talent we have because we don't have the opportunity to develop it.

ppack3

09-24-2011, 09:36 AM

I'm with Stu on thanking Ritter. The man's got knowledge.

Afterglow

09-24-2011, 12:59 PM

Packman, thank you for re-starting this. We want to really ramp up the football recruiting news and the thread on our last forum was doing a great job. We're sorry we had to deleat the old forum entirely, but it was becoming a bigger and bigger problem as we were trying to move forward. This forum software is the best in the industry.

We look forward to helping you out along the way with info as you keep the updates coming!

Um... yeah, all that I worked for... down the drain... I was fourth on the list! Fourth and now I'm just another forum cellar dweller, looking to gain the distinction that comes with being a top poster dog. Just pick up the pieces man, just pick up the pieces.

Howler

09-24-2011, 02:52 PM

Pardon 'Glow, but with 6456 posts, I distinctly remember being somewhat ahead of you.

Ummmm, or was it......?

Drat !!!!!

I swear I can't quite recall now.

Howler

Exterminator

09-24-2011, 04:07 PM

You cannot consistently recruit in the 60's (of 120 schools) and expect to play in the teens.

NO ONE can do it.

Howler you hit the nail on the head, period!

Howler

09-24-2011, 04:13 PM

So that explains it. Darn, Killer, and I thought it was the two bottles of wine last night.

YEeeeOO !!!

Hurting Howler

Exterminator

09-24-2011, 05:51 PM

quit wining! like my daughter used to say when she was little, "that's what you forget!".

Howler

09-24-2011, 05:57 PM

"Quit wining" ??

Apropos maybe but you know that's just not right, Killer.

Howler

Exterminator

09-24-2011, 06:09 PM

would you like some cheese with that whine?

TheGuy

09-25-2011, 05:49 PM

With 14 commits I expect about 8 more commits. I would expect 1 RB, 2 OL, 1 DE, 2 LB, 1 CB, and with the last spot either 1 WR, OL or S. Some guys we have a shot with to keep an eye out for at each position are below.

RB (unfortunately our #1 target Shadrach Thornton just committed to UK after his official. We were trailing them all along though.)
-Tion Green

WR
-Quinshad Davis-waiting for a UGA offer or other SEC programs. If they don't come we may get lucky here.

OL(All these guys will probably end up at OG and we will probably take 1 of the 3. We also need an OT, but no favorites have emerged yet)
-Adam Pankey
-Bryce Kennedy
-DJ Reader

DE(This may not be a huge position of need, but we are in the top 4 with 2 great prospects.)
-Tyler Knox
-Alex McCalister

LB
-Schyler Miles
-Quandarius Crump
-Khalil Petteway-SMU commit
-Tashon Whitehurst-Syracuse committ and teammate of CB target Chris Givens
-Lakeith Walls-will get a shot at RB, but our staff loves his potential at LB where most schools are recruiting him for.
-Kenny Orjioke-Even with teammate commits of Clark and Hegedus he has more interest in other schools. He just moved to GA from CA this year. Mom is an MD

CB
-Chris Givens-S FL commit and Whitehurst teammate
-Marchez Coates- Pitt commit

packman687

09-25-2011, 06:20 PM

With Thornton commiting to UK, I fully expect us to put on the full court press on Gurley, maybe even Loyal now.

packman687

09-25-2011, 06:21 PM

DJ Abnar is another prospect that has the athleticism to play several different spots. Look for us to give him a serious look at CB/S.

packman687

09-25-2011, 06:26 PM

Demetrius Williams can play both RB and WR, but I haven't heard anything about him in a long time. I know that he has made several trips to see us play in Raleigh. We absolutely have to have a RB in this year's class.

Seapack89

09-25-2011, 10:38 PM

Here's the updated recruit board listing our commits and uncommitted prospects. I'm keeping up with the full list of prospects for review after signing day in February (subject to changes in coaching staff of course).

<tbody>
2012 FOOTBALL RECRUITING BOARD

Note : This list is in order of recruit by position and ranking. As Rivals has not as yet ranked any players, listed rankings are by Scout. The information contained on this

board is nonpremium and available to anyone. All players listed have been offered (unconfirmed of course).

# = Rivals 250 Watch + = The Ringer.com 150 * = ESPNU 150 Watch & = Scout 300

POS

NAME

SCHOOL

MEASUREABLES

SCOUT RANK

RIVALS RANK

NOTES

QB

James Summers

Page HS (Greensboro, NC)

6-2/196/

***

****

NCSU 4/4/11

A.J. Doyle

Catholic Memorial (West Roxbury, MA)

6-3/224

**

***

NCSU (placing here evn tho listed LB)

Manny Stocker

Coatsville Area SHS (Coatsville, PA)

6-3/200/4.58

N/A

N/A

NCSU

WR

Quinshad Davis

Gaffney Senior HS (Gaffney, SC)

6-3/180

****

****

# &(232)

Jeremy Glinton

Northeast HS (Oaklank Park, FL)

6-2/185/4.50

**

***

Davonte Neal

Chapparral HS (Scootsdale, AZ)

5-10/175/4.4

****

****

# *

Stefon Diggs

Our Lady Good Counsel HS (Olney, MD)

6-0/178/4.4

*****

*****

Mike Roberts

Benedictine (Cleveland, OH)

6-6/240/4.6

N/A

***

Joel Caleb

Clover Hill HS (Midlothian, VA)

6-2/200

****

N/A

Jared Crump

Bartram Trail HS (Fruit Cove, FL)

6-3/185/4.6

**

***

Xavier Amerson

Winter Park HS (Winter Park, FL)

6-3/200/

**

N/A

Xavier Griffin

Newark HS (Newark, DE)

6-2/185/4.5

**

N/A

NCSU

Charlie Hegedus

Lassiter HS (Marietta, GA)

6-2.5/187/4.5

**

N/A

NCSU

RB

Keith Marshall

Millbrook HS (Raleigh, NC)

5-11/190/4.32

*****

****

# + * Likely SEC bound;1550Yds/17TD

Wes Brown

Our Lady Good Counsel HS (Olney, MD)

6-0/190/4.6

*****

****

# +

Demetrius Williams

Bamberg Erhardt HS (Bamberg, SC)

5-10/175/4.49

***

N/A

140car/1458Yds/11TD 18Rec/223Yds/3TD

Todd Gurley

Tarboro HS (Tarboro, NC)

6-0/190/4.5

***

N/A

RMT All Area POY 139car/1472yd/26TD

Kenno Loyal

Columbia HS (Decatur, GA)

5-10/210

***

N/A

*

Shadrach Thornton

Liberty County HS (Hinesville, GA

6-1/190/4.55

***

N/A

Dorian O’Daniel

Our Lady Good Counsel HS (Olney, MD)

6-1/185/

***

N/A

Traveon Henry

Pinecrest HS (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

6-1/200/

***

N/A

Danny Dillard

Venice HS (Venice, FL)

6-2/205/

N/A

***

Lakeith Walls

James Ford Rhodes HS(Clevland,OH)

6-4/200

***

N/A

Ath

Cyrus Jones

Gilman School (Baltimore, MD)

5-11/183/4.5

****

****

# + *&(249)

Blake Tibbs

Martin Luther King (Lithonia, GA)

6-2/165/

N/A

***

Mike Dumas

Island Coast (Cape Coral, FL)

6-2/185/

N/A

N/A

</tbody>

Seapack89

09-25-2011, 10:42 PM

page 2 of 3

<tbody>
DT

K'Hardee Hooker

South Lenoir HS (Deep Run, NC)

6-2/270

***

N/A

NCSU

Korren Kirven

Brookville HS (Lynchburg, VA)

6-4/260

****

****

&(195)

Josh Manley

Milton HS (Alpharetta, GA)

6-3/245/5.12

**

***

Carlos Watkins

Chase HS (Forest City, NC)

6-4/275

****

****

*/&(133)

Daniel McCullers

Georgia Mili. College (Milledgeville, GA)

6-6/380/

N/A

N/A

Eddie Goldman

Edison Friendship (Washington, DC)

6-3/290/

*****

Christian Brown

Dunbar HS (Fort Meyers, FL)

6-2/290/

***

***

Terry Davis

Wyoming HS (Wyoming, OH)

6-5/280/

***

N/A

Trae Clark

Colerain HS (Cincinnati, OH)

6-4/320/

N/A

***

Deylan Buntyn

New Mexico Military Inst.

6-4/325/

N/A

N/A

NCSU

DE

Noah Spence

Bishop McDeevitt HS (Harrisburg, PA)

6-4/240

*****

*****

# + * 101T/22Scks/34TFL/9FF/3FR First Team All State

Jonathon Bullard

Crest Senior HS (Shelby, NC)

6-4/250

****

*****

Big South Def. POY 107tckls/25TFL/16Scks &(264)

Jamal Marcus

Hillside HS (Durham, NC)

6-3/245/4.6

***

N/A

45T/14Scks

Sheldon Rankins

Eastside HS (Covington, GA)

6-3/255

***

N/A

Tyler Knox

Myrtle Beach HS (Myrtle Beach, SC)

6-4/228

**

***

Alex McCallister

West Forsyth HS (Clemmons, NC)

6-6/215/4.7

N/A

N/A

Kenderius Whitehead

Monroe Area HS (Monroe, GA)

6-5/210/

N/A

N/A

Joe Wright

Rose HS(Greenville, NC)

6-6/230/4.9

N/A

**

NCSU

Bryan Cox, Jr.

St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

6-3/240/4.8

N/A

***

LB

Nick Dawson

Phillip O Berry Ac. of Tec. (Charlotte, NC)

6-2/215

****

****

# * 113Tckls/5Scks/14TFL/6FF/1Int &(217)

Quanzell Lambert

Timber Creek Regional HS (Erial, NJ)

6-2/230/4.61

****

****

# * 115T/8Scks/2FF/1Int/2FR/3PB/2Blk &(205)

T.J. Neal

McKeesport Area SHS (McKeesport, PA)

6-1/225

***

***

Keilin Rayner

North Brunswick HS (Leland, NC)

6-3/220/4.6

N/A

N/A

Kenneth Bynum

William M Raines HS (Jacksonville, FL)

6-0/220

**

***

Kadeem Thomas

Godsby HS (Tallahassee, FL)

6-0/230/

***

***

M.J. Salahuddin

Jack Britt HS (Fayetteville, NC)

6-3/185/

N/A

N/A

NCSU

Schyler Miles

Berkeley Prep (Tampa, FL)

6-2/220/

N/A

***

Ken Ekanem

Centerville HS(Clifton, VA)

6-3/226/4.8

****

TE

Kent Taylor

Land O'Lakes HS ( Land O'Lakes, FL)

6-5/215

***

****

#

David Grinnage

Newark HS (Newark, DE)

6-5/240/4.90

N/A

N/A

NCSU (also plays DE)

</tbody>

Seapack89

09-25-2011, 10:44 PM

page 3 of 3

<tbody>
DB
Josh Sessoms
Southern Nash Senior HS (Bailey, NC)
6-3/185/4.6
N/A
N/A
NCSU 1/07/2011

Ty Law
Lake Highland Prp (Orlando, FL)
5-11/175/4.48
N/A
N/A
30T/4BK/5Int

Chaz Elder
Banneker HS (College Park, GA)
6-2/180/
***
****

Niles Clark
Lassiter HS (Marietta, GA)
5-11/180
N/A
N/A
NCSU 1/30/2011

D.J. Abner
Lincoln HS (Tallahassee, FL)
5-10/170/
**
N/A

Tion Green
Lake Brantley HS (Altamonte Sprgs, FL)
6-0/185/4.50
***
N/A

Ezra Robinson
Booker HS(Sarasota, FL)
6-0/170/4.5
***
N/A

Clinton Heaven
Manatee HS (Bradenton, FL)
6-1/190/
N/A
***

OL
Vadal Alexander
Buford HS (Buford, GA)
6-6/310/5.30
****
****
+ *

Avery Young
Palm Beach Gardens HS (P. B. Gardens, FL)
6-5/270
*****
****
# + *

Ryan Brodie
Long Branch HS (Long Branch, NJ)
6-5/265/4.97
****
N/A
&(221)

Nick Davidson
Ardrey Kell HS (Charlotte, NC)
6-6/280
****
****
# * All Meck. Cty. 79Knockdown blks/ 0 sacks &(223)

Daniel Isidora
Cypress Bay (Weston, FL)
6-3/330
N/A
N/A

Terry Davis
Wyoming HS (Wyoming, OH)
6-5/280/
***
N/A
NCSU

Adam Pankey
Hamilton HS (Hamilton, OH)
6-5/290/
***
***

D.J. Reader
Grimsley HS (Greensboro, NC)
6-3/330/5.0
***
***
# All Conference

Ryan Watson
Our Lady Good Counsel HS (Olney, MD)
6-3/265/4.80
****
****
&(152)

Eddie Gordon
Boiling Springs HS (Boiling Springs, SC)
6-3/305/
N/A
***
NCSU

Casey Lawson
Person Senior HS (Roxboro, NC)
6-4/280/4.9
***
N/A

Bryce Kennedy
Pinecrest HS (Southern Pines, NC)
6-3/285/4.9
***
N/A

</tbody>

Exterminator

09-26-2011, 06:46 AM

ok, but how many 4 and 5 star players do we have a legitimate shot at getting, 5-6 years into tob's reign?

ppack3

09-26-2011, 07:48 AM

^That's the question, isn't it? Too, how many of the four or five star guys can stay in TOB's system. I dare say that guys like Sam Jones would help our O-line (6'8" and bigger than Mario Williams), but he couldn't handle TOB's rigid system. We certainly went from no discipline, to a military regime.

They say that a coaching change usually produces a coach with the exact opposite philosophy as the outgoing model. That has certainly held true for us, in basketball and football, with the hires of Sidney Lowe, Chuck Amato and with TOB.

Recruiting certainly resembles the coaching staff, in most cases.

Exterminator

09-26-2011, 08:10 AM

...if all we are ever going to get is so-so recruiting to get so-so results...see..my thing is this, recruiting, or lack thereof, is showing up now, when we have 4 starters out on the defensive side of the ball and a new not-so-mobile qb leading the offense.

packman687

09-26-2011, 08:22 AM

We are definitely going to address the non-mobile QB issue in this year's class. I think that TOB and company have realized that our line is not progressing the way that they want it to and the best way to address that is to have a QB that can improvise when the O-Line protections break-down. Summers and Stocker will both address this issue. It remains to be seen if both will play QB for us, but I am betting that both of them get a shot and one of them will definitely pass Brian Taylor on the depth chart by the beginning of next season. Summers is EXTREMELY talented and athletic, but excels with the ball in his hands (Hence, he has more rushing yards this season than passing), so he may switch to WR sometime in his career at State.

packman687

09-26-2011, 08:24 AM

I still look for us to finish strong and eek out a 4* or two by the time that recruiting ends for this season. Where those 4* players will fall as far as positions remains to be seen. We have a history of finishing strong on the recruiting front and getting a couple of "highly starred shockers" at the end (2 years ago it was Moose, last year it was Rodman Noel and Hakeem Flowers).

packman687

09-26-2011, 08:32 AM

HS defensive players that we are recruiting should be licking their chops when it comes to playing time that is up for grabs at State. We obviously have a talent deficiency, and there is plenty of playing time to be offered, especially on the D-Line and linebackers (Especially with injuries and transfers).

According to several rumors, there is also a possibility that LB Sterling Lucas may not come back from his knee injury. He has already redshirted and would have to apply for another redshirt based upon his medical condition in order to get a fifth year. That may or may not happen.

Also, to remind everyone, we have gained several scholarships since the recruiting year started with attrition (OL Sam Jones, OL Denzelle Good, CB Gary Grant, LB Hans Rice, LB EJ Carter) that we were not expecting to have. Granted Good's scholarship was filled by transfer C Cameron Fordham, but the rest have not been filled yet.

Seapack89

09-26-2011, 08:35 AM

I definitely don't have any "insider" ties, but I believe we are in good standing for Quinshad Davis at 4* and sure as hell would not turn down a DJ Reader at 3*

packman687

09-26-2011, 08:37 AM

I expect at least one more scholarship to become vacated by the time that NSD rolls around due to attrition. There are several rumors floating about that talk about defensive players and offensive players that could be playing and helping being benched for disciplinary reasons, which may or may not be related to grades.

(One example, CB/WR Rashard Smith did not play in the Cincinnati game due a "coaches decision due to a violation of team policies.").

Another thing to discuss is the history of 4* and 5* players doing well in the TOB system. 5* Brandon Barnes and 4*'s Denzelle Good and Sam Jones have not contributed at all in their tenure at State. 4* Jay Smith has been very disappointing in his tenure also. I am not sure if it is a system deficiency or if we do better in developing lower stars into better players or what...

packman687

09-26-2011, 08:39 AM

As far as Quinshad Davis, there was a story released this weekend about him visiting Clemson and his status maybe suddenly changing at Clemson. I am not sure if this means that they expect one of their current WR commits to have grade issues and not qualify or if they suddenly found a WR scholarship that they were not expecting. If this happens, they will probably snatch him away from us. Reader does not look promising according to current reports. (I would think that T. Davis probably took his scholarship offer).

Seapack89

09-26-2011, 09:46 AM

There was a long standing rumor that Smith was way over rated thanks to his dad and the highlight tape they submitted. That's always been one of the problems with the ratings systems.

Seapack89

09-26-2011, 09:48 AM

Packman, any idea where we stand with Kennedy?

packman687

09-26-2011, 09:55 AM

Target 3* ATH/WR Blake Tibbs from GA has committed to Georgia and is taken off of our board. No surprise, he was a SEC lean for a long time.

As far as Kennedy, he has decided to officially visit us for this weekend's game vs. GT. Looks like it will be between us, Duke, South Carolina, and UNC for him. Reportedly to be a Duke lean for a long time now, maybe Saturday's visit will change his mind.

packman687

09-26-2011, 10:01 AM

RB Lakeith Walls, OL DJ Reader, OL Bryce Kennedy, QB James Summers, DE Tyler Knox all visited us for the U. S-A game. This upcoming weekend Kennedy and Thornton (even though he committed to UK) are supposed to take official visits to see us play GT. Kentucky appears to be our biggest competition for both Tyler Knox and Thornton.

packman687

09-26-2011, 10:03 AM

I look for us to go after Thornton very hard this weekend and throw everything we have at him on his official visit to try to get him to decommit from Kentucky. Rumors are that ATH Lakeith Walls from Ohio is being recruited to play defense for us instead of at RB, which would mean that he would probably be a safety or a linebacker for our defense. (I find this very interesting because of his size and speed, seems to me we would want him to have the ball in his hands on offense, but whatever...)

packman687

09-26-2011, 02:44 PM

We have been named the current leader for LB Quandarius Crump from Lexington HS in NC. A 3* late-blooming prospect that also plays RB for his HS team. Should be interesting to see if we go after him and Walls heavier at the LB position or if we lean more towards Schyler Miles and someone else heavier.

packman687

09-26-2011, 07:42 PM

Target LB Kadeem Thomas has committed to Kentucky and is taken off of our board.

packman687

09-26-2011, 07:46 PM

According to scout, we are no longer in Alex McCalister's top 4. According to scout, they are Florida, ND, UNC, and GT.

Seapack89

09-26-2011, 07:59 PM

Packman, is Kentucky recruiting Walls as RB or LB? Hoping that they are looking at him as LB because the Kadeem Thomas commit might help us out.

Seapack89

09-26-2011, 08:07 PM

Loyal looks like he would be a good pickup, but if he gets an offer from either UGA or especially Auburn I suspect he goes to one of them.

packman687

09-27-2011, 08:17 AM

Loyal's limiting factor will be his top-end speed. He is more of a bruiser type back which can carry the ball 30 times a game and wear the defense out, not a "hit a hole and take it to the house" kinda guy. Hence, a lot of teams are looking at him at the FB position. He has said repeatedly that he wants to play running back or H-back not fullback in college, so it has thrown his recruiting in limbo for quite a few teams.

packman687

09-27-2011, 08:23 AM

It looks like it is between Georgia Tech, BC and us for Georgia DE Josh Manley. Another supposed sleeper from GA, Manley plays DT on his HS team, but is only 6'3", 245. Shadrach Thornton is listed as a soft verbal to UK on scout, which makes sense because he is still going to take at least two more official visits. One to us and more than likely one to Georgia Tech.

packman687

09-27-2011, 08:29 AM

To answer your question above, it appears that most schools are recruiting Walls to be an OLB, not a RB. This includes mostly everybody except Northwestern, who is supposedly looking at him to be a running back.

packman687

09-27-2011, 09:31 AM

It looks like USF and Arkansas are our main competition for CB Chris Givins, who visited us a few weeks ago but is still listed as a soft verbal to USF. He has set an official visit to Arkansas next weekend (10/7).

packman687

09-27-2011, 09:36 AM

Looks like we have lost the battle for LB/DE Keilin Rayner from North Brunswick HS in NC. According to scout, we never offered him a scholarship for some unknown reason and South Carolina/UNC benefited from our slow action. Looks like he will visit both UNC and US-C in the coming months and he has thus been taken off of our board.

packman687

09-27-2011, 09:39 AM

Looks like it is down to 2 schools for Target OL Danny Isidora from FL. Miami and Wisconsin have been named his top 2 school and he is also taken off of our board.

Target LB Kenny Orijioke from Lassiter HS (GA) has set two official visits - One to California and one to UNC. We were the first to offer him a scholarship last month but it appears that other teams have surpassed us in his recruitment.

Seapack89

09-27-2011, 10:59 AM

:rolleyes:Your full of good news today, aren't you

sundropdrinker13

09-27-2011, 11:34 AM

Imagine that. Our s*&%$# recruiting just got worse.

Matthew Bradham

09-27-2011, 12:10 PM

If we could watch the language it would be much appreciated.

packman687

09-27-2011, 12:31 PM

I'm not necessarily trying to convey only bad news as it regards to recruiting, I'm just reporting what the various recruiting services and wires are putting out over the last 24 hours or so. I'm just the messenger...

packman687

09-27-2011, 12:35 PM

DT Carlos Watkins from Chase City HS in NC appears to be heading out of state. We have not looked good for a long time for him. We went after Hooker more as an in-state DT. Watkins has scheduled visits to Florida and Nebraska so far.

Seapack89

09-27-2011, 12:50 PM

We know Packman, was just messing with you. Keep up the good work!

sundropdrinker13

09-27-2011, 01:13 PM

Sorry about the language.

Matthew Bradham

09-27-2011, 01:18 PM

It's all good Sundrop

packman687

09-27-2011, 02:19 PM

Target 4* LB Quanzell Lambert has set up all five of his official visits. They are Alabama, Nebraska, Iowa, Northwestern, and Oklahoma.
We never really got in it with him.

packman687

09-27-2011, 02:23 PM

I didn't know until today that our coaches are directly competing against ex-coach Andy McCollum (GT) for these recruits:

DE Josh Manley DE Alex McCalister
OL DJ Reader DE Jamal Marcus
RB Todd Gurley DT K'Hadree Hooker (even though we wound up getting him)

McCollum was considered to be one of our best recruiters while he was one of us. Now, he is the linebackers coach and the director of recruiting at GT. (In my opinion, we should have made him a better offer, hired and promoted Tenuta to D.C. and canned Archer).

sundropdrinker13

09-27-2011, 02:24 PM

If we are not really gonna go after a person, then why offer them and list them as targets? Is it to try and get the lower stars to commit?

Howler

09-27-2011, 02:40 PM

Thanks packman687. McCollum is the name I was trying to recall. Yes, my understanding was his Georgia connection was strong and he was the only outstanding recruiter we had. No surprise to me TOB let him go. That goes back to my opinion regarding TOB wanting coaches with personalities like his own and to our recruiting detriment.

By the way, couldn't agree more with your assessment of what should have happened and it's just one more reason why I feel TOB has already had ample opportunity to succeed here.

Howler

Seapack89

09-27-2011, 03:33 PM

packman687

09-27-2011, 08:35 PM

I finally have some good news. We are in Target DE Alex McCalister's Final 4! He has seen his stock explode since the beginning of summer camps and is a guy that went from unrated to a 3* DE in a few weeks, and may even be a 4* DE when it is all said and done.

Here is a good article about McCalister: http://www.theringer.com/forums/florida-recruiting/5315-12-nc-de-alex-mccalister.html

A few things stick out to me in the article: "McCalister is 6'7", runs a 4.6 40 yd, has a 7'2" wingspan, and has a 38" vertical leap." Holy moses! Sounds very eeriely similar to Manny Lawson's athleticism when he was a senior in HS. Another interesting side-story, McCalister's coach has ties to NC State - he led HP Andrews HS's defense when Adrian Wilson played there in the 90s and helped direct Wilson to State.

Also, here is a quote from Target RB Todd Gurley when he was asked about UNC's proposed sanctions to the NCAA: "My main thing is to go to a school where I can be a part of the run to a bowl game. But for now, I'll just have to sit back and wait until the investigation is over." - Very Interesting information... From this same article, he said "My top schools (in order): UNC, Georgia, Va. Tech, N.C. State, Auburn and Clemson." Maybe we still have a chance....

redfreda

09-27-2011, 08:42 PM

Too bad that we can't be looking a little more upbeat out on the football field right now, there couldn't possibly be a better time to reach out and grab a large chunk of recruiting momentum.

Oh well.

sundropdrinker13

09-27-2011, 08:45 PM

That link fooled me. I went to highlight it and copy and paste, but I just had to click on it. A quick thought: is there a way that I can change the color of the link, or is that something that someone else has to do, or can it not be done?

Exterminator

09-27-2011, 09:03 PM

sundropdrinker13

09-27-2011, 09:27 PM

Too bad we CAN'T be looking a little more upbeat. He had it right. You want us to be even MORE beat up out there?

Exterminator

09-27-2011, 09:46 PM

yeah...that's kinda what i was refering to...

packman687

09-28-2011, 10:38 AM

Lots of rumors abundant that GT and McCollum are pressing Hooker hard to rescind his commitment to us and run with the Jackets. Hopefully we can pull a rabbit out of a hat and win this weekend and keep him impressed. We definitely have more playing time to offer Hooker and we are definitely a lot closer to his home in Deep Run.

packman687

09-28-2011, 10:41 AM

Good article about Target LB/CB Kenny Orijioke from earlier this year from the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

http://http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2011/08/30/kenny-orjioke-gets-football-offer-from-georgia-tech

packman687

09-28-2011, 08:01 PM

Interesting things have popped up in the last few days. An evaluation of T'ion Green, a RB/ATH from FL has been done. He was rated a 3* RB, the #28 RB in the country by ESPN. Much higher than Lakeith Walls or Shadrach Thornton were rated by ESPN. Looks like ESPN has been very busy evaluating tape recently, several prospects that are interested in us have recently gone from being unrated to 3*. T'ion Green is one, LB Schyler Miles is another, DJ Abnar is now a 3* ATH, they have McCalister as a 4* DE. What has recently looked like we were going after "sleepers" only has turned into us suddenly looking like we are great talent evaluators and getting serious interest from some players that are a lot better than we originally thought.

Some people will say that T'ion Green, Schyler Miles, DJ Abnar and Alex McCalister may not be deserving of ESPN's rating that I mentioned above (Or that ESPN's rating system is flawed compared to scout and rivals), but I will attach some highlight tape for each of them in my next post and let all of you see their potential. - Keep in mind, they rated David Amerson a 4* S in 2010 and he is leading the ACC in interceptions so far this season, and Tobias Palmer a 4* ATH in 2008 and I definitely see their merit in reaching those conclusions so far.

packman687

09-28-2011, 08:06 PM

T'ion Green Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faetCF1v-gg

DJ Abnar Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSpfX0wa2aA

Schyler Miles Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DjM_Otx4iE

packman687

09-28-2011, 08:07 PM

Shadrach Thornton Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmQRqhu9hes

Kenny Orijioke Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfsA7HxDevo

packman687

09-28-2011, 08:10 PM

DE Josh Manley Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9OQ7o094vo

packman687

09-28-2011, 08:12 PM

Target CB Chris Bivins Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPZTj2U5HYQ

RB Kenno Loyal Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhLDcT9spdE

packman687

09-28-2011, 08:17 PM

Target LB Khalil Pettway Highlights: (who is rumored to be visiting us soon) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btsDR-AcsmE

packman687

09-29-2011, 09:58 AM

Some rumors circulating that we might still have a chance with 4* LB Nick Dawson from Charlotte, NC. I am not really buying it. I still think he is going out of state.

Matthew Bradham

09-29-2011, 11:11 AM

Didn't know if you saw this. Alfy Hill never seems to go away permanently. He is currently at Los Angeles Valley Community College and just received an offer from South Carolina. Expects one from NC State.

WWAY (http://www.wwaytv3.com/2011/09/28/alfy-hill-gets-offer-to-play-for-usc-gamecocks)

Seapack89

09-29-2011, 11:29 AM

Hope he's able to get his stuff together, has never stayed in one place for more than a year. Wonder if he's got his academics in order?

packman687

09-29-2011, 12:03 PM

Latest I heard about Alfy Hill was that his grades and Fre'shad Hunter's grades were still lacking.

sundropdrinker13

09-29-2011, 12:14 PM

Who is this Alfy Hill? I've never heard of him before, and the article didn't really say much, like what position does he play?

Seapack89

09-29-2011, 12:21 PM

We recruited him a couple of years ago for DE, out of West Brunswick and fairly highly rated. Rumor has it that we negative recruited against Holes and he did not like that...signed with Alabama and enrolled early. Had already taken some classes when NCAA decided it would not credit a computer class he had taken in HS. Left there and enrolled at ECU, decided he didn't like that, left and enrolled at Hinds CC in Mississippi. Decided he didn't like it there and went to some CC in LA.

packman687

09-29-2011, 12:26 PM

Alfy Hill was a 4* DE out of West Brunswick HS in NC that was a part of the 2010 recruiting class. (Rivals.com's #8 DE in the country in that years' class). He originally signed with Alabama but had some issues because the NCAA Clearinghouse review said that he was lacking the proper credit hours to enroll. We were recruiting him very heavily along with Fre'shad Hunter when both of them were seniors in HS. Alfy has bounced around from one place to another through 3 different community colleges and East Carolina University to try to get his grades in order so he can return to big time college ball, rumor is that he hated ECU for some reason or another.

Here is an article about his saga from June of this year:

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110616/ARTICLES/110619747/-1/business?Title=Former-West-Brunswick-football-standout-Hill-switching-schools-again

Supposedly, Hill has gone from 6'4", 222 when he was a senior in HS to 6'5", 280 now at LVCC. He is currently playing LB at LVCC.

packman687

09-30-2011, 12:58 PM

Appears that South Carolina has taken the lead for target OG Bryce Kennedy from NC.

stately

09-30-2011, 05:42 PM

Appears that South Carolina has taken the lead for target OG Bryce Kennedy from NC.

Dangit! Really wanted this kid.

umbaugh

09-30-2011, 11:09 PM

Appears that South Carolina has taken the lead for target OG Bryce Kennedy from NC.

Until we produce on the field we don't stand a chance for any of these kids that the SEC wants

packman687

09-30-2011, 11:45 PM

Here is an article and video that was on WSAV news this week about Shadrach Thornton:

http://www2.wsav.com/sports/2011/sep/28/liberty-countys-thornton-makes-soft-verbal-commitm-ar-2479357/

packman687

10-01-2011, 11:53 AM

Commit QB James Summers and Greensboro Page rolled over another opponent last night. Page is now 6-0 on the season. Summers ran for two TDs and threw for one.

packman687

10-01-2011, 11:57 AM

Official visitors to today's game include 3* OL Adam Pankey (6'5", 290) from Ohio and 3* RB Shadrach Thornton (6'1", 207, 4.56 40 yd.) from Georgia and 3* LB Khalil Pettway (6'4", 205) from Culver City, California.

Today's game could go a long way towards winning over Thornton if it turns out well for us. Thornton's top 3 are Kentucky, GT, and us. He has one more official visit scheduled to GT on 10/28. Also, Pettway is a current commit to SMU, but has been wavering since July when he committed to SMU, and has recently seen his interest in us dramatically increase that led to today's visit.

Here is a brief scouting report of Pettway from ESPN: "Pettway has the playing speed and strength to produce from sideline to sideline. Has a good frame for the outside linebacker position at the major level of competition; his long body appears capable of handling additional body mass."

See more about Pettway at: http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/evaluation?id=141030&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fcol lege-sports%2ffootball%2frecruiting%2fplayer%2fevaluati on%3fid%3d141030

packman687

10-01-2011, 11:59 AM

Conflicting reports about OL Bryce Kennedy, some sources say that South Carolina is leading, but there again South Carolina has taken 6 O-Linemen already in this year's class so there is a very good chance that they will not have a scholarship left for him unless one of their current O-Linement commits doesn't qualify.

packman687

10-01-2011, 12:05 PM

We are now listed as "high interest" for Abner Logan Jr. on scout. Scout has him as a 2* LB, ESPN has him as a 3* LB, Rivals has him as a 4* LB. Logan is supposedly going to take a visit to see us sometime later this season. Logan is very athletic, actually plays both ways for his HS including QB/RB on offense and LB/S on defense. Logan is 6'1", 215, and runs a 4.57 40 yd. This may bode well for us because he is Massachusetts and he supposedly goes to a private school, which we seem to recruit well, especially up north. (See Rodman Noel as an example of this from last year).

sundropdrinker13

10-01-2011, 02:30 PM

So, we average those stars out and he becomes a 3*.

Oldtimer

10-01-2011, 08:32 PM

Although wins are more impressive to potential players, perhaps some of these young men will see that the Pack really needs them and they see the opportunity to play before their junior year.

sundropdrinker13

10-01-2011, 08:55 PM

Well, to be fair, MOST of the players have seen significant playing time before their Junior year under TOB, either due to injuries, or like 3 years ago because our secondary was so horrible and couldn't tackle so TOB started 3 freshmen back there.

packman687

10-01-2011, 09:37 PM

Several interesting recruits at tonight's game other than the official visitors. Quite a few 2013 and 2014 recruits.

Some ones that were mentionable:

2012: 2* RB Blake Hayes from SC. I have seen him several times at our games this season. Does not have a current offer from us. But all reviews point to him being one of the best prospects in the state of SC. Here is ESPN's review of him: "Hayes is a very productive and versatile back with some load-back qualities. Built low to the ground with a strong, compact frame. Speed is one area that is lacking. Shows solid burst through the hole but lacks great long-speed."

4* WR Germone Hopper from NC. (A current commit to Clemson). Goes to the same HS as LB Nick Dawson, who I mentioned a few days ago that we still have a chance with supposedly.

QB/ATH Cinco Simmons from Durham Hillside HS in NC. Unrated - very small prospect - 5'10", 150, maybe a walk-on candidate.

Commits : OL Eddie Gordon, DT K'Hadree Hooker, LB MJ Salahuddin

2013: DE Lewis Neal from NC.

packman687

10-01-2011, 09:37 PM

Here's an article about Target LB Kenny Orijioke from Marietta Lassiter HS in GA: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20110929/PSPORTS02/110929646/-1/PSPORTS

Another article about Target OL DJ Reader from the same paper:
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20110927/PSPORTS02/110929706/-1/PSPORTS

One quote from the article on Reader that he said about his current leader, which is reported to be Clemson: "I like that the coaches are young and they are getting things turned around” - That's not good for us

packman687

10-01-2011, 09:48 PM

More news from the same paper about Target WR Quinshad Davis: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20110925/PSPORTS02/110929808/-1/PSPORTS

Weird to me that a former 4* WR is suddenly deciding to transfer within the last few weeks and their interest in Davis has suddenly picked up again. "Waiver Wire" anyone?

Seapack89

10-03-2011, 12:31 PM

Packman, Davis also said (about a week ago Friday) that Clemson was supposed to have some announcement about a player leaving the program (should have been a week ago today) that would free up a slot for him, have you seen or heard anything?

packman687

10-03-2011, 12:38 PM

There has been some reference to a 4* RS-FR or RS-SO receiver leaving Clemson to go elsewhere that would have opened a scholarship for Quinshad Davis to go to Clemson. The receiver that is rumored to be transferring out of Clemson is Bryce McNeal.

Target LB Keilin Rayner unofficially visited South Carolina Saturday. Target OL DJ Reader is set to officially visit Maryland in November.

Seapack89

10-03-2011, 11:25 PM

Sounds like Thornton is having some second thoughts about that commit to UK, we may still have a shot with him.

packman687

10-04-2011, 12:17 PM

According to several stories, OL Bryce Kennedy came to State on an official visit on Saturday and really enjoyed himself.

More about the Thornton situation: In the backfield, we currently have 5 SR with 3 Juniors, 2 SO, 2 RS-FR. Kentucky has 4 FR, 3 SO, and 1 JR listed as running backs. I would definitely think that this has been mentioned our his recruiting trips to visit us, he definitely has a chance to crack the rotation at HB a lot faster here than at Kentucky.

packman687

10-04-2011, 12:20 PM

This chart will give everyone an idea of how young we are as a team, and where we can use new recruits in the 2012 class the best:
http://ncstate.rivals.com/croster.asp?Team=NCSTATE&Sort=3

packman687

10-04-2011, 12:25 PM

Target DE Alex McCalister from West Forsyth HS in NC has narrowed his list down to his top 5. According to scout, GT and Florida are leading. However, I have seen conflicting reports that we are in very good standing with him and he has supposedly visited us several times since this summer. We were the first Div. 1 school to offer him a scholarship this summer after evaluating his junior highlight tape. Look for us to go after him aggressively in the following weeks. The Holes think that they will get him, but I have a feeling that they are wrong...

sundropdrinker13

10-04-2011, 01:19 PM

The Holes think that they can get anybody, nothing new there.

sundropdrinker13

10-04-2011, 04:32 PM

Gurley has set his announcement date:

http://www.highschoolot.com/content/blogpost/10220530/

NCSUStu

10-04-2011, 05:37 PM

This chart will give everyone an idea of how young we are as a team, and where we can use new recruits in the 2012 class the best:
http://ncstate.rivals.com/croster.as...NCSTATE&Sort=3

Thanks pm687. I have figured out all of the exp. legend except SQ. What does that stand for? And is there a way to tell which of these guys are scholarship and which are walk-on. I can figure out most, but not all. If they are a Jr. or Sr. and I've never heard of them, I'm guessing they are walk-on.

I think this shows how young our DL is also. There seem to be a lot of holes between our upper and lower classmen.

TruthBKnown Returns

10-04-2011, 06:32 PM

Stu, where do you see SQ?

packman687

10-04-2011, 07:37 PM

SQ stands for squad. They were "scout team" members the previous year and did not take enough snaps to qualify for a varsity letter. Steven Howard, a Senior WR, has played with the big team for several years but has never taken enough snaps to qualify for a varsity letter during any year that he has played.

packman687

10-05-2011, 06:55 PM

Todd Gurley has written a recent blog on espn hs - north carolina's website. According to his recent post: "My top schools (in order): UNC and Georgia (tied for first), N.C. State, Auburn, Virginia Tech and Clemson." Maybe Marshall will commit to UGA, UNC will get hit with sanctions and we can grab him. More than likely that is very wishful thinking...

Here's also a good article on Target DE Noah Spence that was on espn.com:
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/7064003/different-colleges-change-friendship-noah-spence-averee-robinson

packman687

10-05-2011, 06:58 PM

For those of you that are not up with nuisances of college football recruiting and the yearly calendar, here is a breakdown of it for this year:

Sept. 1 - Nov. 26: Evaluation period
Nov. 27 - Jan. 17: Contact period
Dec 18 - Jan 3: Dead Period
Dec. 21 - Jan. 15: Junior college transfer
Jan 4 - Jan 7: Contact Period
Jan 8 - Jan 12: Dead Period
Jan 13 - Jan 28: Contact Period
Jan 29 - Feb 2: Dead Period
Feb. 2- April 1: Signing period

packman687

10-05-2011, 07:07 PM

3* OLB Tyrone Neal from PA has scheduled an official visit with us for 11/18. Between Syracuse, WVU, Nebraska, and us for him.

Oldtimer

10-05-2011, 09:22 PM

Who do we have red shirted that will help us on the O line next year?

Seapack89

10-06-2011, 01:19 AM

Who do we have red shirted that will help us on the O line next year?

The only ones from last year who are likely to redshirt this year are Alex Barr (6-7 302) and Joe Thuney (6-5 250), that is of course barring any unforeseen injury problems on the OL.

packman687

10-06-2011, 05:49 AM

Several interesting stories by Phil Kornblut today on the palmettosports.com network. We are officially out of the running for Target DE Jonathan Bullard from NC and Target WR Stefon Diggs from MD. We never really got going with either of them. Target DT Carlos Watkins from NC has also officially eliminated us from contention.

Also, Target OL Bryce Kennedy from NC was leaning towards U S-C for a long time but they have back off of his recruiting lately. He has said that UNC and us are his top 2 (he took a visit to see us last weekend).

Also, it looks like SEC schools are starting to increase their presence with Target CB Chris Bivins. He remains committed to USF, but Arkansas, Kentucky, and Florida are starting to ramp up their interest in him lately. He did visit us earlier this season, but my opinion is that if SEC schools are truly involved to the extent that it sounds like they are, we don't stand a chance any more with him. Look for him to either stay committed to USF or head to Arkansas/Florida. (He really likes South Carolina, but their recruiting of Bivins has been really slow).

Target LB Nick Dawson from Charlotte, NC is said to be leaning towards Clemson lately. He is still in play, but it looks like he may follow his teammate, WR Germone Hopper, to Clemson at this point in time.

packman687

10-06-2011, 05:53 AM

It sounds like we are not in the top 5 for Target 3* LB Keilin Rayner from NC either suddenly. He has listed his top 5 as South Carolina, Clemson, UNC, Duke, and ECU. There is a lot of speculation that we have been waiting to offer him a scholarship but like his athleticism. (Some sites have us listed as offering him a scholly but some do not).

Shooter28

10-06-2011, 01:17 PM

Last year we were ranked dead last in the ACC and 70th nationally by Scout.com. We are tracking to do that again this year. Pitiful.

Howler

10-06-2011, 01:23 PM

And of course rival recruiters will now be busy telling recruits they should think twice about committing to State since TOB may soon be gone.

TOB really needed to keep it going this year, especially when we returned so many starters. Remember when we were supposed to convert last year's success into a monster recruiting year this year?

All seems to be slipping away.

H

Seapack89

10-06-2011, 03:54 PM

I'll reserve my final judgement until signing day, a lot can happen between now and the.

Recwolf

10-06-2011, 05:38 PM

Seapack89

10-06-2011, 05:44 PM

BINGO! We have a winner folks. Sadly, I'm fear this is the situation.

Well of course it is, whatever advantage some coaches can gain they will use. If we can some how manage to come out smokin hot after the bye week, we could still have a very respectable class. With TOBs approach/demeanor he'll never have a top 20 class, kids today don't go for the disciplinarian/father figure anymore.

sundropdrinker13

10-06-2011, 06:06 PM

If we didn't have a respectable class last year, and have a respectable one to start this year, after going 9-4 last year and winning the bowl game, we ain't gonna finish hardly any better than last year. Sorry.

packman687

10-07-2011, 08:36 AM

According to the latest reports, we do not have any official visitors scheduled for this weekend's game.

And, evidently, the GT game presented some problems for us with potentially big time recruits. Supposedly Pettway did not get a chance to complete his official visit and will be coming to a game later this season. DJ Reader sounds like he did not enjoy his official visit at all. If I had to guess, it was something related to his idea that he could play two sports. Evidently after the Wilson fiasco, Avent and TOB don't want to go that route again. Reader has called Maryland his official leader in a recent interview, and has pretty much eliminated us completely.

Positive things from last weekend's visitors: Thornton really enjoyed his visit, said that we had very nice facilities. (He does make an official visit to GT very soon, which may not bode well for us).

Pankey, an OL prospect from Ohio, also really enjoyed his visit last weekend.

Very disconcerting that we are continuing to whiff on bigger recruits in the TOB regime. DJ Reader seems to be this year's big time miss so far, Stephone Anthony was last year's big time whiff. Not sure if it is a system thing, or if it is a recruiting coordinator thing and Peterscuskie just can't get his act together.

Seems like to me that we take the leftovers that other ACC schools do not have room for. Which sucks in my opinion. But anyway, we need to win to get bigger recruits.

packman687

10-07-2011, 08:40 AM

CB Marchez Coates who has committed to Pitt is still very interested in us and may make a visit to see us later this season. His commit to Pitt has been recently downgraded to a "soft verbal." Thornton has also been called a "soft verbal" to Kentucky.

Howler

10-07-2011, 08:47 AM

I may be a little old for this particular saying but it does seem just possible this staff has "jumped the shark".

Howling

TruthBKnown Returns

10-07-2011, 09:52 AM

I may be a little old for this particular saying but it does seem just possible this staff has "jumped the shark".

Howling

That's what I think, too. Perfect expression to describe State football under TOB. Btw, I had to Google that. Never heard it before.

packman687

10-07-2011, 12:21 PM

Target ATH/RB Tion Green from FL is planning on taking a visit to see us soon. Has good speed (4.5) and is very athletic. Can play CB as well.

packman687

10-07-2011, 12:52 PM

Most pundits seem to agree that it is usually 2 years after a very successful season that recruiting really reflects that successful season. 2012 was supposed to be a year of great success on the recruiting front, but 2013's recruits may be the year that we actually show the success of last year's overall record. (That coupled with sanctions for UNC should help us out with state of NC recruiting next year).

Dof87

10-07-2011, 01:02 PM

Packman687, I have a hard time judging our football recruiting classes. Its too hard for me to even try, there are too many players and not enough info. For basketball players, I can watch video of the top guys and you can often figure out if just about any top 100 player is capable of being an impact player. I can't track anybody in football except may QB recruits. I don't trust the star system for football kids outside of the 5 star guys. What's your assessment of the accuracy? I would guess that many kids get extra stars just because big schools are offering them...what's your take?

packman687

10-08-2011, 01:12 AM

Honestly, the football star system is very flawed. Football depends on highlight footage of players that are compiled at the end of the season then their coaches send them out to various recruiting services and those same tapes leak on to youtube.com and various other services, such as rivals.com, scout.com, and ESPN.com. Each pundit that reviews over a recruit will look at things differently and usually this is reflected in the ranking of those players that may be 2* on one site, 3* on another, and 4* on a final one. I for one do not think that the star system should be used by college coaches as an evaluation tool. Most coaches need to scout football players the same way the do baseball players, in person, and in game action. Basketball is a horse of another color because they play a ton more games a year, they play in AAU showcase teams and such that take them to where the basketball recruiting hotbeds are (football does not have this idea, mostly because of risk of injuries and cost).

MagicHat

10-08-2011, 05:19 PM

Bryce Kennedy commits to UNC. It's truly amazing to me how UNC can continue to reel in the recruits facing probation and who knows what the coaching staff is going to look like when these recruits actually set foot on campus. Heck, they'll probably get Todd Gurley too.

sundropdrinker13

10-08-2011, 05:24 PM

Somehow I read that as Brice Johnson. Whew!

packman687

10-08-2011, 08:58 PM

Several interesting recruits at tonight's game. As far as I am aware of, we had no "official visitors" for tonight's game. But there were lots of prospects there tonight.

Commits: DB Josh Sessoms, QB James Summers (Summers looked like he was taller than the 6'2" that he is listed at, more like 6'3" to 6'4" now).

Looked like a ton of 2013 prospects at tonight's game. Once I confirm who they were, I will pass along names. As far as Kennedy, I would guess that he probably grew up a hole fan, and was being fed a line of negative recruiting by them against us. (Especially since he just visited us last weekend and liked his visit).

One very big time 2013 prospect was in the house tonight: QB Conor Mitch from NC. Has thrown for over 1,300 yards in the last three weeks. Very big time arm.

packman687

10-08-2011, 08:59 PM

Target WR Jared Crump commits to Wake Forest.

packman687

10-08-2011, 09:14 PM

Other 2013 prospects in the house tonight:

RB Jaquan Holt from MD.
WR Armani Lanier from NC.

A bunch of guys that I had never heard of before. I can't track down their names because the 2013 database is not very extensive yet on scout or rivals.

Seapack89

10-09-2011, 07:20 PM

And Bryce Kennedy to.........the Cheats. :mad:

Seapack89

10-10-2011, 12:11 PM

Sounds like mutual cooling of interest between Roberts and the staff and he'll be headed elsewhere.

daagoob

10-10-2011, 11:05 PM

somebody needs to give this kid a look,i know he's small,but the kid can flat out play,and nobodys recruiting him. he's putting up unbelievable numbers,and just last wknd he rushed for almost 450 yards on the road at bertie. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v75kNOJlS1k

packman687

10-12-2011, 09:40 AM

Reasons for no one recruiting Grizzle: 1. size 2. level of competition he plays against 3. lack of exposure at combines 4. better size/speed combos for prospects in his same position.

packman687

10-12-2011, 09:41 AM

We are in OL Adam Pankey's top 3 after he visited us for the GT game. I look for us to land him when it is all said and done, especially because we whiffed on Kennedy so badly.

packman687

10-12-2011, 09:43 AM

As far as Roberts, I think that it was a combination of factors. One, we have better ideas for a TE prospect - David Grinnage (a current commit) fits this mantra. Two, Quinshad Davis is a more important target at WR because he has the body, speed, and runs routes like a true WR prospect, whereas Roberts is a TE size trying to run WR routes. Truth be known, I expect that we have not been actively involved in recruiting Roberts for a while. I am fairly certain that he was not in the handful of prospects that we dropped by to visit when we were in Cincinnati last month.

packman687

10-12-2011, 09:47 AM

Some recent stories suggest we might still be a player for DE Jamal Marcus from Durham Hillside (NC). This would be a great addition if it indeed pans out. We are hot after him and several other juniors from Hillside recently. Some stories have him still leaning to the Holes, but with the additional information coming out about their infractions, I would like to think that some of their targets will start reconsidering their college options. (Even though Withers directly fed a prospect a steaming pile of bull mess last week when he said that they expected their suggested punishment would be the only punishment that the NCAA will deal out).

Howler

10-12-2011, 09:54 AM

Davis was doing the exact same thing a year ago, GUARANTEEING one four star the 'Holes would NEVER lose any bowl eligibility.

You almost have to wonder if the fix isn't truly in after all.

Howler

packman687

10-12-2011, 12:55 PM

Interesting story on the rivals.com wire today: Supposedly 3* QB/LB commit AJ Doyle from MA has decommitted from us suddenly. I would think that this means that another school has promised him a QB scholarship (We were planning on him playing LB instead of QB).

Oh well, that opens up another LB scholarship for us to use in the 2012 class.

Shooter28

10-12-2011, 01:02 PM

Dang! TOB's recruiting continues to suck.

Seapack89

10-12-2011, 01:40 PM

Dang! TOB's recruiting continues to suck.

Has nothing to do with TOB'S recruiting, the kid wants to play QB.

Seapack89

10-12-2011, 01:42 PM

packman687

10-12-2011, 02:30 PM

I would like to think that after this year's debacle defense that we would actually be signing more defensive players in this year's class than offensive players. Yes, we still need 1-2 RBs and 1-2 WRs and 1 OL, but other than that, I think the rest of them should be used on defensive players/athletes that can play defense.

packman687

10-12-2011, 02:35 PM

To put it in perspective from the last few classes:

Last year - 10 out of 20 commits were defensive players
2010 - 9 out of 19 commits were defensive players (1 defensive player never made it to State)
2009 - 14 out of 27 commits were defensive players (1 was Mageo, who only played 2 years, 1 was Roberson who never played a down at State).

4ACC

10-12-2011, 02:40 PM

Does anyone know what school offered him a shot at QB? Hope we can keep Hooker since Ga. Tech is continuing to recruit him.

Shooter28

10-12-2011, 03:01 PM

Has nothing to do with TOB'S recruiting, the kid wants to play QB.

Not sure of the distinction. Wasted effort is still wasted effort, and a class that is at the bottom of the ACC just got a little worse.

Dof87

10-12-2011, 03:10 PM

Every program has recruits that don't pan out, and hence "wasted effort", not sure of the point. Its clearly not desirable to lose anybody who has committed. If a guy decides he wants to play QB and we need defensive help maybe it is best we find another guy.

Shooter28

10-12-2011, 04:09 PM

My point is, it is one thing to have a good recruiting class and then lose one, vs have a lousy class and lose one. My point is TOB was at the bottom of the ACC last year in recruiting, and that is where he is this year. My point is, for whatever reason the kid decided to leave, and despite the fact it happens everywhere, a bad class just got worse. My point is, recruiting is the result of where your recruiting class is, not how it got there. My point is, I am frustrated by TOB's continued poor recruiting, and since this is a "recruiting thread", I'm choosing this forum to vent.

sundropdrinker13

10-12-2011, 04:53 PM

Hey Shooter, you got a lotta points there.

Shooter28

10-12-2011, 05:18 PM

Haha, thank you.

packman687

10-12-2011, 08:23 PM

Looks like we are moving even further down Todd Gurley's pecking order. We are now 4th. Auburn, UGA, and UNC are listed before us in his top 5. We were 3rd last week.

Seapack89

10-13-2011, 12:35 AM

Gurley has always been a long shot, looks like that is finally going to play out. Packman687, you hearing anything new about Loyal or Thornton?

Howler

10-13-2011, 09:29 AM

What Shooter, nearly 58,000 screaming fans every game, one of the best sports training facilities in the country, and you think we oughtta' be out recruitng Wake and Duke?

Shame on you Shooter. Don't you know stars don't mean anything?

Howling

MLOGAN

10-13-2011, 09:45 AM

I was in fl for a training class for work and i ran into coach sands the running backs coach. We had a good conversation about state with the injuries and how the team looks and also talked about the upcoming games. He was on a recruiting trip in fl and hit a couple spots around the area. Its sounds like the coaching staff is still trying to roll in sum good football recruits for next year.

packman687

10-13-2011, 10:36 AM

Target 3* RB/ATH Traveon Henry from FL has committed to Northwestern and is taken off of our board.

Thornton is still between us and Kentucky, even after an impressive visit to see us in action against GT. GT is hoping to reel him in for a A or B-Back position when he takes an official to see them soon.

Loyal is probably not going to happen. Look for him to go to the SEC.

Howler

10-13-2011, 10:39 AM

OK, packman687, we know you did that on purpose.

Howler

packman687

10-13-2011, 10:41 AM

Sounds like we are after a O-Lineman from Durham Hillside as well as DE Jamal Marcus, and their starting running back (in the 2013 class) I have personally see at least 5 Hillside players at both of our last two home games. I am not sure if any of them were Marcus or not, but there was a nice sized group from Hillside there.

packman687

10-14-2011, 08:12 AM

Target 3* LB Kenneth Bynum from Jacksonville FL is supposed to decide his destination this week. Look for it to be Cincinnati and not us.

packman687

10-14-2011, 11:43 PM

Commit QB James Summers and Greensboro Page put up 70 points tonight and improve to 9-0.

Also, James Summers was named to the NC/SC Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas today. K'Hadree Hooker was also named to the team.

Howler

10-15-2011, 08:52 AM

Encouraging news. Thanks, packman687.

H

MagicHat

10-15-2011, 09:40 AM

Are we going to be able to hold on to Hooker? There was some buzz (no pun intended) that GT and Clemson (among others) were trying to sway him. I wish football had an early signing period like basketball. You get commitments from these guys in the summer and then have to hold on to them for 6 months before they can sign.

packman687

10-15-2011, 11:58 AM

Clemson gets Target 4* DT Carlos Watkins to commit today. I do not think they will be a player for Hooker now. GT is our main competition left for not only Hooker, but also RB Shadrach Thornton in my opinion.

Thornton is actually taking an official visit to Vanderbilt this weekend.

packman687

10-15-2011, 12:12 PM

Another new prospect to mention - WR Spearman Robinson from SC. 6'4", 194. 4.5 40 yd. Vertical leap of 34.5 inches. His HS coach says that it has "been his dream to play in the ACC." He does not have an offer from us yet, but we are showing lots of interest in him recently.

Here is his scout profile page: http://hssouthcarolina.scout.com/a.z?s=232&p=8&c=1&nid=4550712
Video of Robinson: http://www.athletevault.com/index.php?id=4932

His HS also has another one of our targets, ATH DJ Goodman.

PackTitan12

10-17-2011, 12:37 AM

^^^^^GO AFTER THIS KID! That kind of size, and speed, he could be a force if properly coached!

packman687

10-17-2011, 05:33 AM

Target 3* RB/FB Kenno Loyal commits to Mississippi over the weekend and is taken off of our board.

Target 3* OL Adam Pankey visited Illinois over the weekend and unfortunately enjoyed his visit. Looks like Illinois may be our best competition for his services.

Target 4* OLB Ken Ekanem from VA named his top 5 over the weekend. We did not make the cut. If I am guessing, he stays in Virginia and goes to VT.

Also, there is a lot of rumoring swirling around on the net that Moose may redshirt this year since he still has not been cleared to play. If this indeed happens, then we will probably only pick up 1 RB in this year's class. There is also the possibility that current RS FR Maurice Morgan could always move from WR to RB in the offseason. Only time will tell how the RB position and recruiting shakes out for this year/next year.

Seapack89

10-17-2011, 08:23 AM

Figured Loyal to SEC, but I figured he would hold out for an Auburn offer, must have heard one was not coming. The longer Pankey goes beyond his Illinois visit the better for us, really hope we land him. I was under the impression we had been out of it for Ekanem for quite some time so no surprise there. We should start to see things pickup as these kids seasons start to come to an end and others start to commit creating a domino effect.

packman687

10-17-2011, 10:19 AM

I look for us to have at least 3-4 visitors a game for the remaining home games that we have on our schedule. With us having 3 home games in November this year, it looks like we will have a flurry of visitors, interest, and hopefully commitments right at the very end of the season.

TruthBKnown Returns

10-17-2011, 10:42 AM

A question for the folks that follow recruiting a lot more closely than I do... how are we REALLY looking with regard to our football recruiting? All I hear is how lousy it is. But some say that recruiting gains lag a couple of years behind a successful season. So we wouldn't see an immediate impact following our 9-4 season last year. If that's true, wouldn't a disaster of a season (like this one MIGHT end up being) probably kill any recruiting momentum we had following last season?

I believe it was (IS) imperative to follow up that solid season with another solid season, in order to give recruits confidence that TOB is here for the long haul. I'm afraid TOB is coaching his way onto the hot seat, which will impact this recruiting class, which will almost ensure that TOB is replaced within the next couple of years, if not after THIS year.

I believe the next six games are critical for State. We have a chance to continue turning the corner. If we don't, I think TOB's run is as good as over.

packman687

10-17-2011, 02:00 PM

We MAY finish our recruiting strong this year. We did last year with some surprising late additions. Moose is gonna redshirt this year as I thought, so we will probably only need 1 RB for next year's recruiting class (the class of 2012). 2 would be gravy, but I have a feeling that we will only sign 1.

sundropdrinker13

10-17-2011, 02:10 PM

Hey TBK, TOB is about 63, so he's not gonna be here that much longer anyways.

Shooter28

10-17-2011, 02:25 PM

Unless he pulls a Joe Paterno, in which case he will be around for another 40 years.

sundropdrinker13

10-17-2011, 04:57 PM

In order to pull a Joe, you gotta be good, and winning. If you are Joe's age and NOT winning, you ain't gonna wanna keep grinding.

Dof87

10-17-2011, 05:04 PM

Unless he pulls a Joe Paterno, in which case he will be around for another 40 years.
Joe is only 103? I thought he was older than that.

Shooter28

10-17-2011, 05:36 PM

I remember there was a couple year period around when Joe was in his mid 90s and wasn't winning as often as the natives wanted. They were calling for his scalp . However, he seemed to get a second wind when he turned 100. Go figure.

Shooter28

10-17-2011, 05:41 PM

But I agree sundrop, I don't get the feeling DY is long on patience, or tolerates excuses much. I think his record is buying him some time, but maybe only another year or two, unless of course he starts winning again.

I also think TOB is looking forward to retirement. He's grooming Mike Archer to be he replacement.

TheGuy

10-17-2011, 05:46 PM

Unfortunately another RB target Tion Green committed to Cinci yesterday. They are having a strong season at 5-1. We are still pushing for UK commit Shadrach Thornton as our number 1 RB target. Our recruiting will continue to suffocate until we some more signs of life this season. Hopefully the UVA game is another step forward because there are still a lot of big games to be played.

PackTitan12

10-17-2011, 07:56 PM

Joe is only 103? I thought he was older than that.
Yeah, havnt you seen the pictures with JoePa and the old leather helmets?

packman687

10-18-2011, 09:13 AM

Unless something pops up clear out of the blue, our remaining targets at RB appear to be Lakeith Walls, Shadrach Thornton, and Todd Gurley. Gurley is probably not going to happen, Walls will probably turn out to be a LB, so it would appear that we are now "all in" on the Thornton sweepstakes...

packman687

10-18-2011, 09:17 AM

If we hire Mike Archer as head coach, DY better get her head examined. That would be an absolute and utter train wreck. I am not expecting an all world hire when TOB is canned, but an up and coming youthful and energetic coach that can recruit would be a great hire.

TruthBKnown Returns

10-18-2011, 09:31 AM

I'll say this... I've put up with a lot in my time as a State student, alumnus and fan. But if we hire Archer as head coach, I will no longer buy football tickets. I will try to sell my LTR seats. And that's the truth of it.

Howler

10-18-2011, 09:40 AM

"I remember there was a couple year period around when Joe was in his mid 90s and wasn't winning as often as the natives wanted."

You can't really pin those losses on him, Shooter. He was actually dead for a coupla' years there.

BTW, did someone say Mike Archer as coach? Well, I was raised as a Wake fan. Guess I could always go back.

Howler

PS: I agree TBKR. Seems you must follow on with continued momentum on the field. Also and for the umteenth time, we have the wrong personalities for recruiting to State.

packman687

10-18-2011, 09:43 AM

The best thing that TOB can do to re-establish any momentum in the program is to find a very good recruiter/assistant coach from another program and "can" some of the dead weight that is dogging our program now.

ChaosJester87

10-18-2011, 09:43 AM

If Mike Archer is the head coach I won't be watching any football games. We need a new youthful staff.

sundropdrinker13

10-18-2011, 11:17 AM

I doubt that would happen, as he would be 59-60 his first year. Yow wouldn't do that and then have to make another coaching decision a few years later. OC here is his last job, more than likely.

Shooter28

10-18-2011, 11:25 AM

I was kidding. I picked who I thought would be the worst possible replacement, and Archer is it. If he ever became our head coach, that would be the end of my WP football watching days. And I agree with the common sentiment above. let’s go after someone young, energetic, and especially a good recruiter.

Seapack89

10-18-2011, 11:32 AM

PackTitan12

10-18-2011, 11:50 AM

If Mike Archer is the head coach I won't be watching any football games. We need a new youthful staff.

I agree with this 100%. I'm thinking Manny Diaz

Exterminator

10-18-2011, 03:20 PM

i think manny diaz would be a great choice. he's young so we would have to be more patient maybe. i think keep tenuta, but i can't see him staying if yow goes young.

TruthBKnown Returns

10-18-2011, 03:36 PM

I think rumors of Archer becoming head coach hold water because TOB obviously keeps him around because he likes him on a personal level. It can't be on a professional level because Archer is so bad as a coach. So it's not a stretch that TOB would maybe groom him as his replacement. And maybe that would be alright, now that I think about it. He would be that much further away from our defense. So that would mean automatic improvement on D.

packman687

10-19-2011, 05:13 AM

I really hope there is no truth to this, but ESPN's latest recruiting interest page shows that Target WR Quinshad Davis now has "low interest" in us and we are not even in his top 4. He is rumored to really like Wake Forest, but an offer from Clemson or an SEC school maybe looming on the horizon. If Clemson or South Carolina offers and has room to take him, he will not leave the state of South Carolina.

packman687

10-19-2011, 05:19 AM

Suddenly, another highly regarded player has decided to transfer from Clemson. A current RB, Demont Buice, has decided to transfer from Clemson within the last week and Clemson's interest in RB Todd Gurley has suddenly skyrocketed. Buice was the runner-up for Mr. Football in Alabama in his junior and senior seasons. 6'2", 200, 4.48 40 yd. Never got the chance to show what he had at Clemson. 3* player who averaged almost 6 yards a carry in Clemson's spring game this past spring against their 1st team defense.

Very similiar to their WR scenario that played out a few weeks back that allowed them to regain some ground with WR Quinshad Davis.
Maybe it's just a coincidence, but something seems a little fishy to me...

Seapack89

10-19-2011, 11:08 AM

Sounds like they've decided to take up the Cheats waiver wire tactics.

packman687

10-19-2011, 12:56 PM

Of course, the cheats are doing it again too. Anybody find it coincidental that they kicked off a senior this week for violating team rules?

I think not... They are probably after a linebacker heavily that they didn't have room for until Orakpu gave them enough of a reason to give him the boot...

Too bad we are always too injured and depleted to even think about a waiver wire...

sundropdrinker13

10-19-2011, 01:21 PM

Packman, you said the guy they kicked off was a Senior, so his scholly would be open next year anyways.

packman687

10-20-2011, 05:26 AM

^ That's what I get for trying to work too fast... I completely overlooked that. My bad.

PackTitan12

10-20-2011, 07:30 AM

^^^ I'm thinking at that point the guy was jsut representing the "Carowhina Way" that has become o so dear to all of us loyal Pack Fans.

I am kind of surprised that they actually said they kicked him off as opposed to him "leaving the team for personal reasons" or the normal junk they put up.
But back to Clem(p)son, have they talked about where RB Buice will end up? I am kind of questioning why he is leaving when he did so well in their spring game. What does their running back situation look like? Any ideas?

packman687

10-20-2011, 06:00 PM

A few new names to mention:

DE Justin Thomason from GA - 6'4", 260, 4.7 40 yd. 3* on ESPN, 3* on rivals, 3* on scout, we have officially offered.

CB Marquise Jones from SC - 6'0", 185, 4* on ESPN, 2* on rivals, 3* on scout, we have not officially offered yet. Considered to be a late-blooming sleeper prospect. Has committed to South Carolina State, but maybe looking around. Offers from Duke and Vanderbilt so far.

CB Gregory Cunningham from NC - 6'1", 173, 4.6 40 yd. NR on ESPN and scout.

packman687

10-20-2011, 06:13 PM

As far as Clemson, Ellington is getting a butt load of carries this year. They have Mike Bellamy, a 4* FR, that can absolutely fly (4.3) that is playing some this year. Buice and one other back signed in 2010, DJ Howard is a 3* RB from that year's class. They got 2 backs in the 2009 class, a FB and a RB (Both 3*). They have not gotten a RB commit this year yet.

packman687

10-21-2011, 05:25 AM

Some other interesting news about recruiting in the last few days. According to some internet rumblings, we are still hot after some commits from other teams.

3* CB Chris Bivins is not really a surprise, it has been well known that we have been after him for a while. He is still committed to USF, but he has taken a visit to see us and our coaches really like his athleticism.

3* CB Marchez Coates, a current commit to Pitt, still really likes us. He visited us on October 8 for the Central Michigan game.

3* RB Shadrach Thornton still appears to be a major target at RB, but some sources are hinting that we might be going after a ILB at the RB position just as hard as we are Thornton lately. Next weekend is Thornton's last scheduled official visit to GT, after that I think that he will pull the string for good and make a solid commit to somewhere.

3* LB Khalil Pettway from Culver City, CA is still trying to make plans for an official visit to see us. He did not make his official visit on Oct. 1st because something fell through at the last minute, but he is still committed to SMU. His reported second school, Arizona, just experienced a coaching change when Stoops got fired, so I would think that this scenario actually helped us a lot with his recruitment.

packman687

10-21-2011, 05:31 AM

Another new GA prospect has appeared on our radar in the last few weeks, DB Jarnor Jones from Lithonia, GA. Seems like we really recruit hidden gems well in the Lithonia area. Rivals has him as a NR safety, scout has him as a 2* safety. Jones is currently committed to Middle Tennessee State. His recruitment has really taken off during the month of October. We have officially offered him a scholarship. Jones is 6'2", 195.

Here is a highlight video of Jones: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/532139/jarnor-jones

Jones also plays basketball for King HS in Lithonia.

Shooter28

10-21-2011, 08:53 AM

packman687, as an NC State football recruiting expert, you sure have a tough job. It must be like trying to track parka sales in a nudist colony in Brazil.

packman687

10-21-2011, 10:00 AM

^ It is a tough, frustrating, but also exhilarating job all at the same time!

Packfan13

10-21-2011, 10:50 PM

Rumor going around that DE Tyler Knox from Myrtle Beach, SC committed to NC State tonight. He's a 3 star recruit on ESPN, Rivals, and Scout. Hope it's true and welcome to the Pack in advance, Tyler!

Packfan13

10-21-2011, 11:05 PM

Confirmed by The Wolfpacker's front page now. Thank you for choosing to run with the Pack, Tyler!

packman687

10-21-2011, 11:45 PM

With Tyler Knox's commit, we now have two DE's committed for the 2012 class. We basically just used the scholarship that we would have used on defense for Doyle, who left our commit list 1 1/2 weeks ago. I only look for us to take one more DE at the most in this year's class, if any more at all.

A little more about Knox: 6'4", 225, 4.6 40 yd.

Looks like he will be a good one. Took an official to see us on September 16 (I saw him at the game). Had a ton of offers (South Carolina, USC, Kentucky, Miami, Miss. St, etc.). Appears to me that availability of immediate playing time could have been our ticket to get him to commit.

ESPN says that he does well with disrupting plays in the backfield and defensive pursuit. They say that whether or not he becomes a LB or a DE depends on the scheme that his college choice runs and how much size he gains in a college weight training program.

Very good pickup. (The #10 overall player in the state of SC).

In my opinion, if he stays at DE, then we will only have space to take up to one more DE in this year's class. McCalister and Spence appear to be the top 2 targets, with Jamal Marcus being right up there with them.

Another side tidbit, if Knox stays at DE, then our committed DEs in this year's class are 6'6" and 6'4", a lot better size than some of our current DEs.

Here's a highlight video of Knox from his junior year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXutEmknsTE

Seapack89

10-22-2011, 12:04 AM

Finally some good news, welcome to the Pack Mr Knox.

PackTitan12

10-22-2011, 02:00 AM

I saw this kid's film from last year and wanted to get him on the spot. Not afraid to legally rough up the opposing QB, has good first step, pretty good technique, and seems to have the sense to play discipline when coming from the weak side. He doesn't seem to over pursue plays that I have seen from him and I think that is great for as aggressive of a guy as he seems on film.

TheGuy

10-22-2011, 02:39 AM

Knox is a great commitment, especially in a rough starting season. This kid has great speed, a great motor, and uses his hands really well. Below is a video of Tyler announcing his commitment.
http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/15773023/myrtle-beachs-tyler-knox-commits-to-nc-state

A lot of our defense relies on penetration at the line of scrimmage. Many of our upperclassmen d linemen are decent, but not great, and that combined with injuries along the d line has really hurt our defense as a whole, because if our line can't create holes and disrupt the O line then the linebacker blitzing scheme cannot penetrate and make plays as well and our secondary is left hanging out to dry.

Fortunately this class and this last should really help. We have gained a lot of athleticism and speed, along with size upgrades(DE Dave Mann, Mike Rose, Joe Wright, Tyler Knox and DT Thomas Teal, Carlos Gray, TY McGill, and K'Hadree Hooker). This should really pay off in the next few years as these guys get in good weight lifting programs and get the defense.

Howler

10-22-2011, 09:26 AM

Such a relief to get a kid like this Knox to commit to us. I'd started wondering if we'd inadvertently left our cloaking device engaged.

Howler

PS: packman687, while I understand the discipline recruiting certain numbers for certain positions brings (and I understand a kid wants to know how many others in a class are being signed to the position he's likeliest to play), I do wonder if we might not do better going more often for the best available athlete willing to commit.

packman687

10-22-2011, 02:21 PM

We did the athlete thing in the last few years of the Amato era, and as a result, we did not have positions adequately covered. (O-Line being a glaring weakness of this strategy). Of course, if we sink all of our chips into the highest available athlete willing to commit, it does not always work out the way we intend (see the whole Brent Schaeffer scenario for an example of this).

Also, there are times that we indeed get highly rated athletes to commit and they just don't pan out the way we intended. 5*'s JC Neal and Brandon Barnes are two examples of this. Very athletic players that did not turn out to be 5* caliber football players. Barnes has barely had any impact at all, and JC Neal only had "brief moments of brilliance."

According to ESPN, Tyler Knox is the second highest rated prospect we have that has committed to us for the 2012 recruiting cycle. Usually we have a weird spike in recruiting at the very end of the season into January that catapults in to NSD last minute success. Knox's commitment was not a huge surprise for me, and I think that even though our recruiting is getting some very bad publicity this year, we are still going to bring in some last minute surprises. Who the surprises wind up being is anyone's guess, but there are still quite a few highly rated recruits that we are after that are interested in us.

packman687

10-22-2011, 02:38 PM

Two very good articles on Phil Kornblut's online blog today.

Here is one on new commit DE Tyler Knox: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20111021/PSPORTS02/111029903/-1/PSPORTS

Here is another on highly targeted WR Quinshad Davis: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20111021/PSPORTS02/111029904/-1/PSPORTS

MagicHat

10-22-2011, 03:07 PM

Tyler Knox looks like a beast on film.

Maybe it's just me but the way Clemson is stringing Quinshad Davis along would be an insult to me if I were him. He'd certainly have more of an opportunity for immediate playing time at State than at Clemson with all of their receivers.

packman687

10-24-2011, 05:03 AM

Target 3* OL Adam Pankey made a visit to Pitt this weekend. Looks like it is a three horse race for the big guy, Illinois, Pitt, and us. He has an official to Illinois coming up in early November, and I look for him to make a decision sometime before Christmas.

packman687

10-24-2011, 05:07 AM

Another new prospect to keep an eye on:

RB Dalton Crossan from Sachem HS in NY. 5'10", 185, 4.5 40 yd. 2* on scout, NR on rivals.
We have not offered yet, but his recruitment sounds like it is just starting to take off. He was just offered by Syracuse last week, but is very interested in us.

Howler

10-24-2011, 08:02 AM

Thanks packman687. I hope you're right about the spike.

Howler

packman687

10-25-2011, 06:31 AM

We have suddenly made a major move for a very highly rated recruit from the northeast. Abner Logan Jr, a LB from MA, we are going after hard. We have skyrocketed from nothing to his top 3 in the last month. We offered him a scholarship around a month ago.

Abner Logan is rated by rivals as a OLB. He is 6'1", 220, runs a 4.57 40 yd. Rated as a 4* OLB by rivals, 3* ILB by ESPN, 2* on scout. However, there are rumors circulating that we are not recruiting him to play LB, but instead we are recruiting him to play RB. Rivals also has him as the #3 overall prospect from the state of MA.

In my opinion, if we got him and Thornton to commit at RB, then we would have a successful year at the RB position.

This also means that we are probably going after Schyler Miles, Kenny Orijioke, Khalil Pettway, Tashon Whitehurst, and TJ Neal the heaviest for our remaining LB spot. With Miles, Orijioke, and Pettway being our top 3 choices out of them.

packman687

10-25-2011, 06:35 AM

Here's a couple videos of Logan in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3QOOa3kdVk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrk4JfgD9BY

http://recruiting.scout.com/2/1097331.html

24/7 sports.com also has Logan as a 4* LB.

packman687

10-25-2011, 06:47 AM

TJ Neal, a 3* LB from PA, has scheduled an official visit to see us on 11/18.

packman687

10-27-2011, 09:47 AM

Day of Reckoning is coming tomorrow. With UNC's meeting with the NCAA, there could be some recruits that are bailing out of the sinking cesspool known as UNC Football. I am not sure we would actually take any of them other than maybe JJ Patterson, but it is probably going to be a lot uglier than UNC is expecting it to be.

Also, some rumors are circulating about that even though we are #4 on his list of schools, Todd Gurley is still planning on taking an official visit to see us sometime in November. With tomorrow's events, his recruitment could completely turn upside down. Only time will tell...