Florida Gators: jordan cunningham
Florida playoffs will provide big stage 
November, 16, 2012
11/16/12
11:47
AM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
The Florida high school football playoffs have officially started.
The five-week stretch of games has proven to be a great opportunity for some under-the-radar prospects to make a final push in their recruitment. The playoffs have also provided a platform for several known prospects to establish themselves as elite talents.
In this year’s ESPN 150, there are several players who have made their biggest impact during playoff time.
The nation’s top-rated running back, Kelvin Taylor (Belle Glade, Fla./Glades Day), has saved some of his best performances for the playoffs. He rushed for 213 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman in the Class 1B state championship game against South Daytona (Fla.) Warner Christian.
A year later, Taylor faced the same Warner Christian team and rushed for 248 yards and five touchdowns before being ejected for excessive celebration (he went to his knee after scoring his fourth and fifth touchdowns and was flagged for both).
Four-star running back Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage), rated 27th nationally, had his breakout performance in last year’s Class 3A state title game against Madison (Fla.) County, rushing 39 times for 243 yards (both career highs).
Wide receiver Jordan Cunningham (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University School), ranked 51st nationally, caught three touchdowns as a sophomore in the Class 2B state championship game against Ocala (Fla.) Trinity Catholic.
There’s a good chance Taylor, Bryant or Cunningham will return to the finals in 2012 (of course, Bryant and Cunningham could see each other in a week for the highly anticipated game between American Heritage and University School if their team’s advance), but there will be other class of 2012 prospects that could really see their stock rise with a strong playoff run.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS
Juwan Brown, QB, Largo (Fla.) -- The two-star prospect has been on a tear this season and is likely the Player of the Year for the Tampa Bay area. He’s accounted for nearly 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns and hasn’t thrown an interception all season. Brown’s biggest challenge could come in Week 1 when Largo hosts a talented but underachieving Seffner (Fla.) Armwood squad.
Alton Meeks, QB, Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips -- If Meeks, a soft Cincinnati commit, is fully recovered from a broken leg suffered in September, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior will be a difference-maker in the playoffs. He’s become a more accurate passer this season and provides a power-running element that Dr. Phillips hasn’t had.
Lorenzo Woodley, RB, Miami Christopher Columbus -- If Daryl Chestnut’s injury keeps him sidelined, the 5-11, 200-pound Woodley will be asked to carry a full load. On Thursday, he rushed for more than 100 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-9 victory over Miami Dr. Krop.
Shykeem Pitts, QB/ATH, Davenport (Fla.) Ridge Community -- Pitts is back at quarterback after flirting with other positions on the offense. In three weeks, Pitts led Ridge to from obscurity to a district championship. The speedy athlete is most dangerous with the ball in his hands and will take every snap for as long as Ridge is alive in the postseason.
Janarion Grant, ATH, Dade City (Fla.) Pasco -- Grant missed the first six games with a hand injury and scored five touchdowns in his return game. In the last two weeks, the 5-11, 185-pound senior has scored eight touchdowns four different ways (rushing, receiving, special teams, defensive). A strong playoff run could lift Grant to top-tier status in the state.
Antwan Lee, RB/DB, Cocoa (Fla.) -- Although most of the attention goes to ESPN 150 athlete Tarean Folston it’s been a shared backfield with the 5-8, 165-pound Lee, who has rushed for 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Lee also has two interceptions on defense.
Shaquille Johnson, TE, Lake City (Fla.) Columbia -- Columbia has been a popular pick to make it to the Class 6A finals. And if the Tigers can get to Orlando, it will give the 6-4, 225-pound Johnson several more opportunities to have that breakout game that observers have been waiting to see for the past two years.
PLAYOFF-OPENERS
Did you miss last night’s playoff games? Here’s a quick set of links for them:
The five-week stretch of games has proven to be a great opportunity for some under-the-radar prospects to make a final push in their recruitment. The playoffs have also provided a platform for several known prospects to establish themselves as elite talents.
In this year’s ESPN 150, there are several players who have made their biggest impact during playoff time.
The nation’s top-rated running back, Kelvin Taylor (Belle Glade, Fla./Glades Day), has saved some of his best performances for the playoffs. He rushed for 213 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman in the Class 1B state championship game against South Daytona (Fla.) Warner Christian.
A year later, Taylor faced the same Warner Christian team and rushed for 248 yards and five touchdowns before being ejected for excessive celebration (he went to his knee after scoring his fourth and fifth touchdowns and was flagged for both).
Four-star running back Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage), rated 27th nationally, had his breakout performance in last year’s Class 3A state title game against Madison (Fla.) County, rushing 39 times for 243 yards (both career highs).
Wide receiver Jordan Cunningham (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University School), ranked 51st nationally, caught three touchdowns as a sophomore in the Class 2B state championship game against Ocala (Fla.) Trinity Catholic.
There’s a good chance Taylor, Bryant or Cunningham will return to the finals in 2012 (of course, Bryant and Cunningham could see each other in a week for the highly anticipated game between American Heritage and University School if their team’s advance), but there will be other class of 2012 prospects that could really see their stock rise with a strong playoff run.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS
Juwan Brown, QB, Largo (Fla.) -- The two-star prospect has been on a tear this season and is likely the Player of the Year for the Tampa Bay area. He’s accounted for nearly 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns and hasn’t thrown an interception all season. Brown’s biggest challenge could come in Week 1 when Largo hosts a talented but underachieving Seffner (Fla.) Armwood squad.
Alton Meeks, QB, Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips -- If Meeks, a soft Cincinnati commit, is fully recovered from a broken leg suffered in September, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior will be a difference-maker in the playoffs. He’s become a more accurate passer this season and provides a power-running element that Dr. Phillips hasn’t had.
Lorenzo Woodley, RB, Miami Christopher Columbus -- If Daryl Chestnut’s injury keeps him sidelined, the 5-11, 200-pound Woodley will be asked to carry a full load. On Thursday, he rushed for more than 100 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-9 victory over Miami Dr. Krop.
Shykeem Pitts, QB/ATH, Davenport (Fla.) Ridge Community -- Pitts is back at quarterback after flirting with other positions on the offense. In three weeks, Pitts led Ridge to from obscurity to a district championship. The speedy athlete is most dangerous with the ball in his hands and will take every snap for as long as Ridge is alive in the postseason.
Janarion Grant, ATH, Dade City (Fla.) Pasco -- Grant missed the first six games with a hand injury and scored five touchdowns in his return game. In the last two weeks, the 5-11, 185-pound senior has scored eight touchdowns four different ways (rushing, receiving, special teams, defensive). A strong playoff run could lift Grant to top-tier status in the state.
Antwan Lee, RB/DB, Cocoa (Fla.) -- Although most of the attention goes to ESPN 150 athlete Tarean Folston it’s been a shared backfield with the 5-8, 165-pound Lee, who has rushed for 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Lee also has two interceptions on defense.
Shaquille Johnson, TE, Lake City (Fla.) Columbia -- Columbia has been a popular pick to make it to the Class 6A finals. And if the Tigers can get to Orlando, it will give the 6-4, 225-pound Johnson several more opportunities to have that breakout game that observers have been waiting to see for the past two years.
PLAYOFF-OPENERS
Did you miss last night’s playoff games? Here’s a quick set of links for them:
- Sir Jackson scores on both sides of the ball as Gainesville (Fla.) Eastside shuts out Holiday (Fla.) Anclote.
- Woodley pushes Miami Christopher Columbus past Miami Dr. Krop in playoff opener.
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Program: University School (Davie, Fla.)
Head coach: Roger Harriott
2011 record: 11-1 (loss to Delray American Heritage in Class 3A quarterfinals)
ESPN 150/300 prospects: Maquedius Bain (No. 6 DT, No. 41 overall), Jordan Cunningham (No. 6 WR, No. 46 overall)
Head coach: Roger Harriott
2011 record: 11-1 (loss to Delray American Heritage in Class 3A quarterfinals)
ESPN 150/300 prospects: Maquedius Bain (No. 6 DT, No. 41 overall), Jordan Cunningham (No. 6 WR, No. 46 overall)
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Defending Class 7A state champion Manatee (Bradenton, Fla.) was forced to adjust its schedule after a proposed game with Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.) fell through.
Unfortunately, the Hurricanes will not have the opportunity to take a cross-country trip to Seattle and take on a team that features ESPN 150 quarterback Max Browne.
However, Manatee head coach Joe Kinnan didn’t want to replace Skyline with just any opponent and was able to get in contact with Class 6A state runner-up Miami Central for a game on Sept. 15.
Unfortunately, the Hurricanes will not have the opportunity to take a cross-country trip to Seattle and take on a team that features ESPN 150 quarterback Max Browne.
However, Manatee head coach Joe Kinnan didn’t want to replace Skyline with just any opponent and was able to get in contact with Class 6A state runner-up Miami Central for a game on Sept. 15.
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State of Florida loaded with 2013 receivers
February, 9, 2012
2/09/12
8:00
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With a talented group of receivers hailing from the state of Florida, the Gators should be able to sign their fair share of top playmakers in 2013.
Florida was only able to sign two wide receivers -- Latroy Pittman and Raphael Andrades -- from the state of Florida for the 2012 recruiting class. Pittman is a four-star prospect, and the three-star Andrades was a late addition to the class when Nelson Agholor chose USC over Florida.
Moving forward to the 2013 class, the Gators would like to land four top receivers. The list is led by five-star prospects Stacy Coley, Jordan Cunningham and Ahmad Fulwood from ESPNU's early top 100. Here's a look at some of the top wideouts in the state:
Florida was only able to sign two wide receivers -- Latroy Pittman and Raphael Andrades -- from the state of Florida for the 2012 recruiting class. Pittman is a four-star prospect, and the three-star Andrades was a late addition to the class when Nelson Agholor chose USC over Florida.
Moving forward to the 2013 class, the Gators would like to land four top receivers. The list is led by five-star prospects Stacy Coley, Jordan Cunningham and Ahmad Fulwood from ESPNU's early top 100. Here's a look at some of the top wideouts in the state:
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Recruiting Nation 411: 2013 offense
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
8:46
PM ET
By GatorNation staff | ESPN.com
In this episode of RecruitingNation 411, we focus on the offensive side of the ball in the 2013 recruiting class. Our experts tell you which prospects are primed to be the stars of the 2013 class, and which ones have already given a verbal commitment.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- After the Florida coaches get some much-needed time off, Florida will host its second junior day this year on Feb. 18. Some of the top prospects, not only in the state but the country, are expected to attend.
A large number of five-star prospects is expected to be in attendance -- OT Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Columbia), RB Kelvin Taylor (Belle Glades, Fla./Glades Central), S Leon McQuay III (Seffner, Fla./Armwood), WR Stacy Coley (Oakland Park, Fla./Northeast), WR Jordan Cunningham (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./University School) and DB Nick Washington (Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian).
Other top-ranked prospects slated include S Marcell Harris (Groveland, Fla./South Lake), RB Ryan Green (St. Petersburg, Fla./St. Pete Catholic), DE Jordan Sherit (Tampa, Fla./Hillsborough), LB Quinton Powell (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland) and WRs Rodney Adams (St. Petersburg, Fla./Lakewood), Taj Williams (Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln) and teammate Reggie Davis (Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln).
A large number of five-star prospects is expected to be in attendance -- OT Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Columbia), RB Kelvin Taylor (Belle Glades, Fla./Glades Central), S Leon McQuay III (Seffner, Fla./Armwood), WR Stacy Coley (Oakland Park, Fla./Northeast), WR Jordan Cunningham (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./University School) and DB Nick Washington (Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian).
Other top-ranked prospects slated include S Marcell Harris (Groveland, Fla./South Lake), RB Ryan Green (St. Petersburg, Fla./St. Pete Catholic), DE Jordan Sherit (Tampa, Fla./Hillsborough), LB Quinton Powell (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland) and WRs Rodney Adams (St. Petersburg, Fla./Lakewood), Taj Williams (Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln) and teammate Reggie Davis (Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln).
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Florida prospects talk about Urban Meyer
November, 29, 2011
11/29/11
1:13
PM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
We asked several of Florida's top prospects and underclassmen -- including ESPNU Watch List players, plus other highly regarded prospects from the Classes of 2013 and 2014 -- their thoughts on Urban Meyer’s return to coaching and if any of them would consider Ohio State if the Buckeyes reached out to them now.
ESPNU 150 WR Latroy Pittman, Citra North Marion (Florida commit): “I am not sure how I feel about [this situation] or what I would do if they contacted me.”
Four-star DB T.J. Davis, Tallahassee Godby (Auburn commit): “I think it’s a great move for Coach Meyer, but I’m AU all the way!”
ESPNU 150 WR Latroy Pittman, Citra North Marion (Florida commit): “I am not sure how I feel about [this situation] or what I would do if they contacted me.”
Four-star DB T.J. Davis, Tallahassee Godby (Auburn commit): “I think it’s a great move for Coach Meyer, but I’m AU all the way!”
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ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 and a half years covering UF for the Florida Times-Union. He lives in Middleburg, Fla., with his wife and two sons. Email him at espndirocco@gmail.com.
Derek Tyson
Derek Tyson joined ESPN.com in 2011. He worked as a football and recruiting analyst for GatorCountry.com before joining ESPN. He currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at derektysonespn@gmail.com.