LSU Tigers: Texas A&M Aggies
Get ESPN 150 safety Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Texas/Hebron) in any competitive environment and you’ll begin to understand very quickly why he’s so coveted.
Take for example the Dallas Nike Football Training Camp in Allen, Texas, on April 7 when he set the tone in 1-on-1 drills by shoving a wide receiver three yards behind the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball.
Adams, the No. 23 player overall and No. 3 safety, isn’t naming any favorites. But we caught up with him to get a sense for where he stands with a few of the programs generally thought to be in the mix.
Take for example the Dallas Nike Football Training Camp in Allen, Texas, on April 7 when he set the tone in 1-on-1 drills by shoving a wide receiver three yards behind the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball.
Adams, the No. 23 player overall and No. 3 safety, isn’t naming any favorites. But we caught up with him to get a sense for where he stands with a few of the programs generally thought to be in the mix.
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Several of RecruitingNation's SEC sites took a look this week at the players headed to the NFL combine, which begins today in Indianapolis, and other predraft camps. Click here to read the entire predraft series. Today: Defensive backs and special teams.
LSU Tigers
The obvious acronym for Louisiana State University is "LSU." But to many, the Baton Rouge school gets the title "DBU" for its mass production of NFL defensive backs, from cornerbacks like Patrick Peterson and Morris Claiborne to safeties like LaRon Landry. This draft will do nothing to harm that reputation. Three LSU defensive backs -- including the booted-from-the-team Tyrann Mathieu -- were invited to the NFL combine this week, a year after three (Claiborne, Ron Brooks and Brandon Taylor) were taken in the draft.
No. 1 sophomore Stone talks offer list 
January, 11, 2013
Jan 11
2:09
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By
Reggie Rankin | ESPN.com
MILWAUKEE -- Sophomore center Diamond Stone (Milwaukee/Dominican), the No. 1-ranked prospect in the ESPN 25, and his father, Bob, sat down Thursday evening to discuss how Stone's game is progressing and where they are in the recruiting process.
Not surprisingly for the top player nationally in his class, Stone has an elite offer list a mile long but has a plan and is executing it to perfection.
Not surprisingly for the top player nationally in his class, Stone has an elite offer list a mile long but has a plan and is executing it to perfection.
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HOUSTON -- Pearland (Texas) Dawson receiver Tony Upchurch enjoyed a productive 2012 season. And he has some top programs, such as LSU, Texas A&M and Texas keeping a close eye on him.
Playing myriad roles for Dawson, the No. 1 Class 4A team in the state that saw its season cut short early with a 22-19 loss to Nederland (Texas) High School in the third round of the Texas state playoffs, Upchurch was a true weapon as a junior for the Eagles.
In addition to the receiver spot, where he recorded 1,006 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 46 receptions, Upchurch lined up in the backfield as a running back and returned kickoffs for Dawson.
Playing myriad roles for Dawson, the No. 1 Class 4A team in the state that saw its season cut short early with a 22-19 loss to Nederland (Texas) High School in the third round of the Texas state playoffs, Upchurch was a true weapon as a junior for the Eagles.
In addition to the receiver spot, where he recorded 1,006 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 46 receptions, Upchurch lined up in the backfield as a running back and returned kickoffs for Dawson.
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Ricky Seals-Jones sets Texas A&M official
December, 3, 2012
12/03/12
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
ESPN 150 athlete Ricky Seals-Jones took the months of October and November to take unofficial visits to LSU and Texas A&M, but last week, the schools came to him as the in-home visit period began.
First was LSU special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey on Nov. 26, then Texas A&M recruiting coordinator and running backs coach Clarence McKinney followed three days later in making the trip to Sealy, Texas.
Both visits went well, according to Seals-Jones, and were similar.
First was LSU special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey on Nov. 26, then Texas A&M recruiting coordinator and running backs coach Clarence McKinney followed three days later in making the trip to Sealy, Texas.
Both visits went well, according to Seals-Jones, and were similar.
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TAMU, LSU visit ESPN 150 Seals-Jones
November, 29, 2012
11/29/12
10:40
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
The two-way battle between LSU and Texas A&M for ESPN 150 athlete Ricky Seals-Jones continues.
The Sealy (Texas) High School prospect, who is ranked No. 1 in the nation among athletes, hosted LSU special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey for an in-home visit on Monday, Seals-Jones' father Chester Jones confirmed.
McGaughey has been recruiting Seals-Jones for the Tigers. His visit came just two days after Seals-Jones took an unofficial visit to College Station, Texas, to see Missouri take on Texas A&M at Kyle Field.
According to Jones, Texas A&M recruiting coordinator and running backs coach Clarence McKinney is in Sealy today to meet with Seals-Jones, as well. McKinney will have an in-home visit with Seals-Jones tonight. McKinney has been recruiting Seals-Jones for the Aggies.
The Sealy (Texas) High School prospect, who is ranked No. 1 in the nation among athletes, hosted LSU special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey for an in-home visit on Monday, Seals-Jones' father Chester Jones confirmed.
McGaughey has been recruiting Seals-Jones for the Tigers. His visit came just two days after Seals-Jones took an unofficial visit to College Station, Texas, to see Missouri take on Texas A&M at Kyle Field.
According to Jones, Texas A&M recruiting coordinator and running backs coach Clarence McKinney is in Sealy today to meet with Seals-Jones, as well. McKinney will have an in-home visit with Seals-Jones tonight. McKinney has been recruiting Seals-Jones for the Aggies.
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Ricky Seals-Jones planning official visits
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
7:01
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
SEALY, Texas -- Ricky Seals-Jones never thought the last time he'd walk off the gridiron as a high school football player would be this soon.
Seals-Jones and his Sealy (Texas) High School teammates had high hopes for the 2012 season, visions of a state championship for a program known for them, having won four before.
Injuries marred Seals-Jones' and the Tigers' season and things didn't go as they planned, as the Tigers missed the postseason after dropping their regular season finale to rival Bellville (Texas) High School on Nov. 9. But on Monday morning he got quite the pick-me-up, as he was given his U.S. Army All-American Bowl jersey during a ceremony at his high school.
Seals-Jones and his Sealy (Texas) High School teammates had high hopes for the 2012 season, visions of a state championship for a program known for them, having won four before.
Injuries marred Seals-Jones' and the Tigers' season and things didn't go as they planned, as the Tigers missed the postseason after dropping their regular season finale to rival Bellville (Texas) High School on Nov. 9. But on Monday morning he got quite the pick-me-up, as he was given his U.S. Army All-American Bowl jersey during a ceremony at his high school.
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2014 S John Bonney talks LSU offer
November, 16, 2012
11/16/12
3:21
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
Before this season, Houston Lamar safety John Bonney already possessed an offer from his father's alma mater, Houston. This week, the 2014 prospect received one from his mother's, LSU.
The six-foot, 175-pound rising star got the news of the LSU offer on Thursday from his head coach at Lamar, Tom Nolen. It was met with excitement from Bonney, who came into the season with offers from Baylor, Houston and SMU.
"I was kind of surprised at first," Bonney said. "I didn't expect anything coming but it was pretty good and I was happy. It's great."
The six-foot, 175-pound rising star got the news of the LSU offer on Thursday from his head coach at Lamar, Tom Nolen. It was met with excitement from Bonney, who came into the season with offers from Baylor, Houston and SMU.
"I was kind of surprised at first," Bonney said. "I didn't expect anything coming but it was pretty good and I was happy. It's great."
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Ricky Seals-Jones returns with new gloves
October, 27, 2012
10/27/12
12:45
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
SEALY, Texas -- For a little more than a quarter, Sealy (Texas) High School receiver Ricky Seals-Jones was himself again, making big plays and taking over a football game.
After seven weeks on the sideline, the result of a dislocated kneecap suffered on Sept. 6, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound ESPN 150 receiver showed no ill effects of the knee injury that kept him out of action. He showed the trademark explosiveness on Friday night that has made him one of the nation's most coveted prospects while catching a touchdown pass and returning an interception for another score.
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The return: Ricky Seals-Jones is back
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
9:00
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
SEALY, Texas -- For the most part, Ricky Seals-Jones looks much like the same young man he was roughly seven weeks ago. He runs the same, cuts the same, still has the same speed and athleticism.
But there is one small piece of evidence on the Sealy (Texas) High School receiver that gives away the change in his life over that span of time. It's the brace that resides on his left knee.
Seals-Jones, the nation's No. 1 receiver and No. 10 player in the ESPN 150, is fully recovered from the dislocated kneecap he suffered on Sept. 6 in a game vs. Houston St. Pius X, but the brace is a doctor's order. He wears one for practices and games and a different one the rest of the day when he's walking around. All day, every day, the brace is with him. Sometimes, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound young man gets weary of wearing it and slips it off.
But there is one small piece of evidence on the Sealy (Texas) High School receiver that gives away the change in his life over that span of time. It's the brace that resides on his left knee.
Seals-Jones, the nation's No. 1 receiver and No. 10 player in the ESPN 150, is fully recovered from the dislocated kneecap he suffered on Sept. 6 in a game vs. Houston St. Pius X, but the brace is a doctor's order. He wears one for practices and games and a different one the rest of the day when he's walking around. All day, every day, the brace is with him. Sometimes, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound young man gets weary of wearing it and slips it off.
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TE Derrick Griffin: 'Options are still open'
October, 19, 2012
10/19/12
3:05
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
ROSENBERG, Texas -- ESPN 150 tight end Derrick Griffin wasn't too busy on Thursday night as he and his Rosenberg (Texas) Terry teammates cruised to a 30-0 win over Bay City (Texas) High School. Griffin, who caught three passes, made them count, as two of them were for touchdowns.
Lining up at receiver for the Rangers, Griffin works hard to stay focused and stay involved for his team, which operates in a run-heavy offense and was playing its third-string quarterback Thursday because of injuries to the first two sustained early in the season.
But when his time comes, Griffin is ready to deliver.
Lining up at receiver for the Rangers, Griffin works hard to stay focused and stay involved for his team, which operates in a run-heavy offense and was playing its third-string quarterback Thursday because of injuries to the first two sustained early in the season.
But when his time comes, Griffin is ready to deliver.
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LSU-A&M has meaning in recruiting, too
October, 18, 2012
10/18/12
1:31
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Texas A&M's clash with LSU on Saturday at Kyle Field is important for several reasons.
When the No. 6 Tigers come to town, it won't just be the SEC standings that are affected. Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin also believes the game carries heft in the recruiting world.
"It's important for both teams [from a recruiting standpoint]," Sumlin said. "LSU's over here [in Texas] pretty heavy too. I think us moving to the SEC really helps us because of our effort to expand our footprint east. Because of the proximity to Louisiana and the two schools, obviously there's going to be some guys that both of us are extremely interested in."
When the No. 6 Tigers come to town, it won't just be the SEC standings that are affected. Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin also believes the game carries heft in the recruiting world.
"It's important for both teams [from a recruiting standpoint]," Sumlin said. "LSU's over here [in Texas] pretty heavy too. I think us moving to the SEC really helps us because of our effort to expand our footprint east. Because of the proximity to Louisiana and the two schools, obviously there's going to be some guys that both of us are extremely interested in."
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The recruiting process has been busy for Dallas Kimball defensive tackle Justin Manning this fall. The 6-foot-2, 275-pound four-star prospect has taken three official visits (to Oklahoma, TCU and Texas A&M) and still plans to visit LSU. The ESPN 150 member originally set an Oct. 19 date for his decision but said earlier this week that he is pushing it back as he continues to think about his college future.
GigEmNation caught up with Manning, one of Texas A&M's top remaining targets in the 2013 class. Manning has a top five that includes LSU, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas A&M and USC. He plans to attend Texas A&M's game against LSU on Saturday.
Sam Khan Jr.: How much stress or pressure have you felt in trying to make a decision?
GigEmNation caught up with Manning, one of Texas A&M's top remaining targets in the 2013 class. Manning has a top five that includes LSU, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas A&M and USC. He plans to attend Texas A&M's game against LSU on Saturday.
Sam Khan Jr.: How much stress or pressure have you felt in trying to make a decision?
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Miles: Status on Hurst, Williford unclear
October, 15, 2012
10/15/12
4:45
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By
Gary Laney | ESPN.com
John Korduner/Icon SMIThe status of Alex Hurst (pictured) and Josh Williford are still undetermined for Saturday, but the LSU offensive line is coming off its best performance of the season this past weekend.Miles said he didn't know how either tackle Alex Hurst or guard Josh Williford were doing and "I don't have any update that would change status."
Williford missed the South Carolina game with a head injury while Hurst left the team last week for personal reasons, leaving the Tigers all an all-freshman right side of the line line with Vadal Alexander at tackle for a third straight game (Hurst had actually been playing left tackle because of an injury to Josh Dworaczyk) and Trai Turner, who made his starting debut at right guard.
If one wants to know why it took so long for questions about the veterans to come up, all you had to do is listen to Miles' opening statement.
"I have to give special mention to those two young guys," he said. "Trai Turner, in his first start, and Vadal Alexander, in his first appreciable playing time in his early career, both played very well."
Isaiah Golden: LSU could change my mind
October, 15, 2012
10/15/12
2:30
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
CARTHAGE, Texas -- Carthage (Texas) High School defensive tackle Isaiah Golden knows he's a marked young man.
With his size (6-foot-3, 315 pounds), strength and college commitment (Texas A&M), he knows that he's getting an opponent's best effort week in and week out. So it's up to Golden to meet that challenge each time.
"Every day I'm thinking I have to get better at what I do," Golden said. "The dude in front of me, he can hurt me if I don't go hard. That could mess my career up, so every day, I try to go hard."
With his size (6-foot-3, 315 pounds), strength and college commitment (Texas A&M), he knows that he's getting an opponent's best effort week in and week out. So it's up to Golden to meet that challenge each time.
"Every day I'm thinking I have to get better at what I do," Golden said. "The dude in front of me, he can hurt me if I don't go hard. That could mess my career up, so every day, I try to go hard."
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ABOUT GEAUX TIGER NATION
Gary Laney
Gary Laney joined ESPN.com in 2012 after spending a year and a half as online sports editor of the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate. Before that, he covered LSU sports for the Advocate. He has also been the sports editor at the Beaumont (Texas) Enterprise and covered McNeese State athletics for the Lake Charles (La.) American Press. Laney currently lives in Baton Rouge. Email him at glaneyespn@gmail.com