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Telep's Top 10: Sweet 16 recruiting stories 
March, 27, 2013
Mar 27
8:00
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By
Dave Telep | ESPN.com
This year’s NCAA tournament has been full of great stories, from Florida Gulf Coast’s Cinderella run to La Salle going from First Four to Sweet 16 to the Big Ten placing four teams in the final 16.
But what about the stories behind the stories -- the tales of how some of this year’s March Madness stars ended up at their eventual schools and helped shape this year’s tourney? To delve into those, this week’s top 10 looks at the 10 best recruiting stories from players and teams in the Sweet 16.
1. Trey Burke, Michigan
Mick Cronin is not going to want to hear this again, but it’s true. Burke was going to Cincinnati. It was nearly a done deal. But one last call to Michigan’s staff changed the fate of two programs. According to recruiting lore, Burke’s father called a final time asking Michigan if it was interested in Burke. If the answer was no, then Burke was going to Cincinnati. This was in late July of Burke’s pre-senior summer. Remember, it wasn’t like the now All-American was hot stuff then. He was good -- a late top-100 player -- but he wasn’t the player then that he has become. Ultimately, Michigan said it wanted Burke and the Wolverines landed him a few days later.
But what about the stories behind the stories -- the tales of how some of this year’s March Madness stars ended up at their eventual schools and helped shape this year’s tourney? To delve into those, this week’s top 10 looks at the 10 best recruiting stories from players and teams in the Sweet 16.
Top 10 Recruiting Stories From the Sweet 16
1. Trey Burke, Michigan
Mick Cronin is not going to want to hear this again, but it’s true. Burke was going to Cincinnati. It was nearly a done deal. But one last call to Michigan’s staff changed the fate of two programs. According to recruiting lore, Burke’s father called a final time asking Michigan if it was interested in Burke. If the answer was no, then Burke was going to Cincinnati. This was in late July of Burke’s pre-senior summer. Remember, it wasn’t like the now All-American was hot stuff then. He was good -- a late top-100 player -- but he wasn’t the player then that he has become. Ultimately, Michigan said it wanted Burke and the Wolverines landed him a few days later.
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Ducks No. 2 in Way-Too-Early Top 25
January, 8, 2013
Jan 8
10:50
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By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesAlabama, with three of the past four national titles, is No. 1 in the Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2013.There are still seven months before the start of the 2013 season, and the teams and their order figure to change frequently, but it's never too early to take a look at the Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2013.
And with three national championships in the past four years, there's no reason to change the team that's on top. Oregon, which finished the season No. 2 in the polls, starts there in 2013 as well.
Also see:
Army Bowl: Wednesday notebook
January, 2, 2013
Jan 2
12:08
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By
Damon Sayles and
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO -- Wednesday was a day off for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl teams. Instead of working out and participating in drills, the players took in visits around the city -- including a stop at the Alamodome for photo opportunities and to see their game apparel -- and used the day to recover from two days of practice.
The teams will return to the fields on Thursday in arguably the most important practice of the week. Here are five things to keep an eye on for Thursday’s practice:
The teams will return to the fields on Thursday in arguably the most important practice of the week. Here are five things to keep an eye on for Thursday’s practice:
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U.S. Army Bowl: Tuesday notebook
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
4:52
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By
William Wilkerson and
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO – ESPN 150 wide receiver James Quick (Louisville, Ky./Trinity) has drawn plenty of attention for his play through two practices for the East team in preparation for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
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Oregon, USC recruits continue to shine
December, 19, 2012
12/19/12
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By
Dave Telep | ESPN.com
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Wednesday's nationally ranked showdown between No. 22 Omaha Central (Neb.) and No. 6 Long Beach Poly (Calif.) was the best so far of the City of Palms Classic.
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Oregon recruiting: Wide receivers
December, 13, 2012
12/13/12
9:00
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By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
With one current commit locked in at the wide receiver position and two athletes that could potentially wind up on the offensive side of the ball, the Oregon Ducks are still in search of another pass catcher in the Class of 2013.
Depending on who they are able to land between now and signing day could play a big role in where some recruits wind up for the Ducks. If the Ducks are able to land S Leon McQuay III (Seffner, Fla./Armwood) and ATH Juwaan Williams (Tucker, Ga./Tucker), it could result in the Ducks moving either Tyree Robinson (San Diego, Calif./Lincoln) or Chris Seisay (American Canyon, Calif./American Canyon) to wide receiver instead of defensive back, where they are currently projected to play.
Who will play at WR
Depending on who they are able to land between now and signing day could play a big role in where some recruits wind up for the Ducks. If the Ducks are able to land S Leon McQuay III (Seffner, Fla./Armwood) and ATH Juwaan Williams (Tucker, Ga./Tucker), it could result in the Ducks moving either Tyree Robinson (San Diego, Calif./Lincoln) or Chris Seisay (American Canyon, Calif./American Canyon) to wide receiver instead of defensive back, where they are currently projected to play.
Who will play at WR
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WR Shelton Gibson shuffles top group
December, 6, 2012
12/06/12
4:59
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Ohio State has led for Cleveland Heights (Ohio) receiver Shelton Gibson, but that does not mean the ESPN 300 receiver is committing anytime soon.
Gibson plans on taking at least a few official visits, and his first went to West Virginia the weekend of Nov. 30.
“It was great. I got a chance spend some time with the players and coaches and went to a great game,” Gibson said.
Gibson plans on taking at least a few official visits, and his first went to West Virginia the weekend of Nov. 30.
“It was great. I got a chance spend some time with the players and coaches and went to a great game,” Gibson said.
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#BlueChipBattles: Nov. 30
November, 30, 2012
11/30/12
11:20
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By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN.comCarl Lawson, Dee Linerand Reuben Foster are still committed to Auburn, but the Tigers' coaching situation could change things for the three ESPN 150 recruits.Auburn bid farewell to head coach Gene Chizik on Sunday. Could the Tigers also be saying goodbye to a trio of ESPN 150 recruits who could take their talents elsewhere?
Each week, RecruitingNation summons its writers from around the country to compile a list of the top 10 battles for elite football recruits leading up to February's signing day.
Here are this week's top battles
, and you can take a shot at ranking the top 10 recruiting battles on SportsNation.Donovan Munger has top 11, plans visit
November, 3, 2012
11/03/12
8:48
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Do not let Shaker Heights (Ohio) lineman Donovan Munger's size fool you. The imposing, 6-foot-3, 280-pound two-way star is soft-spoken and aims to please.
The latter of those two traits is the reason why Munger's list was "cut" to 11 recently, and there is a good chance that list increases before it decreases.
The ESPN 300 defensive tackle's coach, Jarvis Gibson, said Munger's top 11, in no order, consists of USC, Ohio State, Michigan State, Tennessee, UCLA, West Virginia, Louisville, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Georgia and Pittsburgh. The Trojans are the only team that has not offered, but Gibson is expecting a call from the staff Friday night as Munger has already talked with an assistant at USC.
The latter of those two traits is the reason why Munger's list was "cut" to 11 recently, and there is a good chance that list increases before it decreases.
The ESPN 300 defensive tackle's coach, Jarvis Gibson, said Munger's top 11, in no order, consists of USC, Ohio State, Michigan State, Tennessee, UCLA, West Virginia, Louisville, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Georgia and Pittsburgh. The Trojans are the only team that has not offered, but Gibson is expecting a call from the staff Friday night as Munger has already talked with an assistant at USC.
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Oregon Recruiting: Wide receivers
October, 10, 2012
10/10/12
9:00
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By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
With an offense as fast and lethal as Oregon's, it might seem odd that the three-time defending conference champions are in need of more weapons.
The one thing the Ducks have been missing in the Chip Kelly era is a truly elite wide receiver. Jeff Maehl and LaVasier Tuinei both had great hands and were great leaders who bought into the Ducks' system. What they didn't have was breakaway speed.
The Ducks have improved athletically at the position and have some solid young talent waiting in the wings. That said, they are still in search of that go-to game-breaker on the outside.
The one thing the Ducks have been missing in the Chip Kelly era is a truly elite wide receiver. Jeff Maehl and LaVasier Tuinei both had great hands and were great leaders who bought into the Ducks' system. What they didn't have was breakaway speed.
The Ducks have improved athletically at the position and have some solid young talent waiting in the wings. That said, they are still in search of that go-to game-breaker on the outside.
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One of Ohio State’s final 2013 targets, ESPN 150 receiver James Quick (Louisville, Ky./Trinity) made the trip north to Columbus on Saturday for an unofficial visit.
It was his second visit to Ohio State but his first for a game, and the scene at Ohio Stadium blew Quick away.
“They have great fans. That’s what really caught my attention. The most impressive thing is how loud the fans got,” he said, adding it was the loudest game he has ever been to.
It was his second visit to Ohio State but his first for a game, and the scene at Ohio Stadium blew Quick away.
“They have great fans. That’s what really caught my attention. The most impressive thing is how loud the fans got,” he said, adding it was the loudest game he has ever been to.
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James Quick eyes OSU visit; has top 3
September, 25, 2012
9/25/12
1:32
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Kept relatively quiet for most of the game against Cathedral, ESPN 150 receiver James Quick (Louisville/Trinity) showed in a matter of seconds in the fourth quarter why he is one of the country's most explosive playmakers.
On the first play of a drive that followed a Cathedral touchdown to cut Trinity's lead to 1, Quick caught a bubble screen behind the line of scrimmage and went 72 yards for a touchdown, putting the game out of reach.
"We've been running it in practice the last couple years and it's been a success, and once you see open daylight you've got to take it," said Quick, who finished with eight catches for 162 yards.
On the first play of a drive that followed a Cathedral touchdown to cut Trinity's lead to 1, Quick caught a bubble screen behind the line of scrimmage and went 72 yards for a touchdown, putting the game out of reach.
"We've been running it in practice the last couple years and it's been a success, and once you see open daylight you've got to take it," said Quick, who finished with eight catches for 162 yards.
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Dez Wells to decide between three
September, 3, 2012
9/03/12
7:09
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By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
After being dismissed from the Xavier basketball program and expelled from the school for a "serious violation" of the school's code of conduct policy, forward Dez Wells is in search of a new program to call home.
Wells was cleared of any criminal charges by an Ohio grand jury last week. The prosecutor assigned to the case went as far as asking that Xavier reconsider the expulsion. The school stood it's ground, so Wells hit the road in search of a new home.
Wells was initially looking at Louisville and Kentucky as potential destinations, but both have been ruled out. The 6-foot-6 wing visited Kentucky and Memphis before taking in a Maryland football game on Saturday.
Wells was cleared of any criminal charges by an Ohio grand jury last week. The prosecutor assigned to the case went as far as asking that Xavier reconsider the expulsion. The school stood it's ground, so Wells hit the road in search of a new home.
Wells was initially looking at Louisville and Kentucky as potential destinations, but both have been ruled out. The 6-foot-6 wing visited Kentucky and Memphis before taking in a Maryland football game on Saturday.
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Monte Harrison getting dual-sport interest
August, 26, 2012
8/26/12
4:30
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
If nothing else, 2014 wide receiver Monte Harrison (Lee’s Summit, Mo./Lee’s Summit West) made his first varsity football start count.
In front of a national TV audience on ESPN, Harrison caught four passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns in Lee’s Summit West’s 23-0 shutout victory Saturday against defending Missouri Class 5 state champion Kansas City Staley. LSW and Staley competed in an epic, four-overtime state semifinal last year that Staley won 76-70.
Harrison set the tone with an 11-yard, catch-and-run touchdown reception in the first quarter, and he was equally impressive throughout the first half. Similar performances could cause a spike in his football recruiting process. He currently has interest from Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Oklahoma. Harrison attended a one-day camp at Missouri over the summer.
In front of a national TV audience on ESPN, Harrison caught four passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns in Lee’s Summit West’s 23-0 shutout victory Saturday against defending Missouri Class 5 state champion Kansas City Staley. LSW and Staley competed in an epic, four-overtime state semifinal last year that Staley won 76-70.
Harrison set the tone with an 11-yard, catch-and-run touchdown reception in the first quarter, and he was equally impressive throughout the first half. Similar performances could cause a spike in his football recruiting process. He currently has interest from Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Oklahoma. Harrison attended a one-day camp at Missouri over the summer.
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Ronyae' Quick was never afraid to challenge his son. Sometimes he even employed older kids to do the job.
James Quick, who recently said he'll take official visits to nearby Louisville as well as Ohio State and Oregon, never knew what it was like to play against kids that were the same age as him. His dad made sure of that. The younger Quick always played against older competition to force him to improve his skills.
It worked. Quick, who is also considering Cincinnati and Kentucky, is rated the No. 57 prospect and ninth-best receiver in the nation.
James Quick, who recently said he'll take official visits to nearby Louisville as well as Ohio State and Oregon, never knew what it was like to play against kids that were the same age as him. His dad made sure of that. The younger Quick always played against older competition to force him to improve his skills.
It worked. Quick, who is also considering Cincinnati and Kentucky, is rated the No. 57 prospect and ninth-best receiver in the nation.
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