Football Recruiting - Midlands Region: Football Recruiting
TE Meier stays in Oklahoma, picks Sooners
May, 22, 2013
May 22
3:37
PM ET
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
The commits keep coming for Oklahoma. The Sooners entered last week with four verbal pledges. OU has picked up its fourth in 12 days.
And it’s back to Oklahoma for this one, as Tulsa (Okla.) Union tight end Carson Meier confirmed he committed to the Sooners on Wednesday afternoon. He is the second in-state commit, joining ESPN 150 quarterback Justice Hansen (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe).
Things can happen fast in the recruiting world, as at this time last week Meier wasn’t sure how seriously the Sooners were really pursuing him.
Meier attended OU’s first junior day in February and received letters from the school, but nothing that shouted out he was being pursued.
That changed last Monday when OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell stopped by to watch Tulsa Union wide receiver Jeffery Mead, who already has an offer from the Sooners.
Norvell took some video with his phone of Meier working out. Three days later Meier was told by Tulsa Union coach Kirk Fridrich to give OU tight ends coach Jay Boulware a call.
“It’s awesome,” Meier said earlier this week. “It’s a big-time offer. It was really surprising because I didn’t know it was coming.”
Meier, who is 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, also has offers from Wisconsin, Oregon State and Duke, among several others.
It has been known for a while Meier would be playing a sport in college, but most thought it would be basketball.
He has had some interest with basketball, but he realized recently that his focus had to be on football.
“I really like them both,” Meier said. “I’m starting to love football more and more. You get to hit people. You don’t get to do that in basketball, at least legally.”
The Meier commitment swings the momentum to OU in the Meier household. His father went to Tulsa. His mother went to Oklahoma State. But his sister was a Sooner, and now so is Meier.
Meier is the eighth commitment for OU’s 2014 class and the first tight end since the Class of 2012. OU pursued several tight ends for 2013 but could not nab any of them.
Meier was being recruited at defensive end by SMU, but he said he is definitely a tight end in the eyes of the OU coaching staff.
And it’s back to Oklahoma for this one, as Tulsa (Okla.) Union tight end Carson Meier confirmed he committed to the Sooners on Wednesday afternoon. He is the second in-state commit, joining ESPN 150 quarterback Justice Hansen (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe).
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Bob Przybylo/ESPNTulsa Union tight end Carson Meier is Oklahoma's second in-state commit of the Class of 2014.
Bob Przybylo/ESPNTulsa Union tight end Carson Meier is Oklahoma's second in-state commit of the Class of 2014.Meier attended OU’s first junior day in February and received letters from the school, but nothing that shouted out he was being pursued.
That changed last Monday when OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell stopped by to watch Tulsa Union wide receiver Jeffery Mead, who already has an offer from the Sooners.
Norvell took some video with his phone of Meier working out. Three days later Meier was told by Tulsa Union coach Kirk Fridrich to give OU tight ends coach Jay Boulware a call.
“It’s awesome,” Meier said earlier this week. “It’s a big-time offer. It was really surprising because I didn’t know it was coming.”
Meier, who is 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, also has offers from Wisconsin, Oregon State and Duke, among several others.
It has been known for a while Meier would be playing a sport in college, but most thought it would be basketball.
He has had some interest with basketball, but he realized recently that his focus had to be on football.
“I really like them both,” Meier said. “I’m starting to love football more and more. You get to hit people. You don’t get to do that in basketball, at least legally.”
The Meier commitment swings the momentum to OU in the Meier household. His father went to Tulsa. His mother went to Oklahoma State. But his sister was a Sooner, and now so is Meier.
Meier is the eighth commitment for OU’s 2014 class and the first tight end since the Class of 2012. OU pursued several tight ends for 2013 but could not nab any of them.
Meier was being recruited at defensive end by SMU, but he said he is definitely a tight end in the eyes of the OU coaching staff.
If you know ESPN 150 offensive tackle Roderick Johnson (Florissant, Mo./Hazelwood Central), then you know that nothing tends to bother him. Not the stress of being the No. 2 player in the state of Missouri. Not being a four-star athlete.
Not even his recruiting process -- one that seems to remix every day.
Not even his recruiting process -- one that seems to remix every day.
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Receiver Jeffery Mead (Tulsa, Okla./Union) talks about his recruitment and juggling playing three sports.
CARROLLTON, Texas -- In a four-week span, Hebron High School has hosted 91 visitors from college football programs. All 91, in some capacity, have asked about ESPN 150 safety Jamal Adams.
And why not? Adams is one of the nation’s elite defensive backs. He is ranked No. 23 in the ESPN 150, and he’s the No. 2 player in Texas and the No. 3 safety in the country. Adams has close to 30 offers from coast to coast, and more are bound to come over the summer.
Not to mention, Adams is an all-around nice guy, a person of character. Someone who can be a player ambassador for a program. He’s also the definition of a team player -- which could be a reason why he has yet to name a top list of schools.
Ask Adams about a favorite, and he’s somewhat vague with his answer. One explanation could be because he’s taking his time in weighing his options. Another reason could be because he understands the recruiting process, particularly in the spring. Name favorites, and lose interest from schools. Lose interest, and give fewer schools a chance to see teammates in action.
“My teammates are important to me. They keep me working with the competitive aspect of everything,” Adams said. “You want to get better with your teammates, and you want to see them get offers, too.”
Adams’ play on the field makes him one of the most wanted safeties. However, it’s the ability to look out for his teammates -- and the jubilation he feels when one gets a big offer -- that makes him likable in the locker room and the consummate teammate.
“The kid’s getting all that attention; he could become a little selfish, but he wants to help his team win and help his teammates,” Hebron coach Brian Brazil said. “I told some colleges that when you’re a kid like him getting recruited by everyone in the country, and you’re all about buying into whatever he can do to win and not about who all has offered, that’s what he’s about. He’s about what he can do to be better next year and make the team better.”
Adams in three varsity seasons has been impressive. He’s recorded 178 tackles and nine interceptions, 63 of those tackles and three of those picks coming this past season. Most recently, Adams earned and accepted an invitation to next month’s The Opening after a solid showing at April’s Nike Football Training Camp in Allen, Texas.
And why not? Adams is one of the nation’s elite defensive backs. He is ranked No. 23 in the ESPN 150, and he’s the No. 2 player in Texas and the No. 3 safety in the country. Adams has close to 30 offers from coast to coast, and more are bound to come over the summer.
Not to mention, Adams is an all-around nice guy, a person of character. Someone who can be a player ambassador for a program. He’s also the definition of a team player -- which could be a reason why he has yet to name a top list of schools.
Ask Adams about a favorite, and he’s somewhat vague with his answer. One explanation could be because he’s taking his time in weighing his options. Another reason could be because he understands the recruiting process, particularly in the spring. Name favorites, and lose interest from schools. Lose interest, and give fewer schools a chance to see teammates in action.
“My teammates are important to me. They keep me working with the competitive aspect of everything,” Adams said. “You want to get better with your teammates, and you want to see them get offers, too.”
Adams’ play on the field makes him one of the most wanted safeties. However, it’s the ability to look out for his teammates -- and the jubilation he feels when one gets a big offer -- that makes him likable in the locker room and the consummate teammate.
“The kid’s getting all that attention; he could become a little selfish, but he wants to help his team win and help his teammates,” Hebron coach Brian Brazil said. “I told some colleges that when you’re a kid like him getting recruited by everyone in the country, and you’re all about buying into whatever he can do to win and not about who all has offered, that’s what he’s about. He’s about what he can do to be better next year and make the team better.”
Adams in three varsity seasons has been impressive. He’s recorded 178 tackles and nine interceptions, 63 of those tackles and three of those picks coming this past season. Most recently, Adams earned and accepted an invitation to next month’s The Opening after a solid showing at April’s Nike Football Training Camp in Allen, Texas.
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Offers coming for 'deadly' 2015 QB Granato 
May, 22, 2013
May 22
9:00
AM ET
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
CROSBY, Texas — The first time Houston Kinkaid coach Stephen Hill saw 2015 quarterback J.T. Granato play, the then-eighth grader threw three interceptions in a game.
That day, Hill didn't doubt his future signal-caller's skills. Instead, he went to J.T.'s father, John, and spoke prophetically.
That day, Hill didn't doubt his future signal-caller's skills. Instead, he went to J.T.'s father, John, and spoke prophetically.
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JENKS, Okla. -- Jenks (Okla.) High returned to the mountaintop in 2012. After losing their first two games, the Trojans won their next 12 and were dominant en route to another Oklahoma Class 6A championship. It was their first title since 2007.
Jenks doesn’t need any help, but it’s getting some in running back transfer Cameron Booty.
Jenks doesn’t need any help, but it’s getting some in running back transfer Cameron Booty.
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Texas branching out, recruiting in Georgia
May, 22, 2013
May 22
8:00
AM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- There has never been a football player from the state of Georgia that started his college career as a Longhorn. At least not dating back to 1947, which is the first year Texas started keeping track of its players’ hometowns on its official website.
The list of players from Georgia who transferred in isn’t much bigger -- you can count them on one hand with a few fingers to spare -- making former Longhorns punter Greg Johnson part of a very small fraternity.
The list of players from Georgia who transferred in isn’t much bigger -- you can count them on one hand with a few fingers to spare -- making former Longhorns punter Greg Johnson part of a very small fraternity.
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Ishmael Zamora (Houston/Alief Elsik) picked up an offer from Texas on Tuesday afternoon, his 10th overall. However, the big wide receiver will be taking his talents to another Big 12 program.
Zamora said he committed to Baylor on Tuesday evening and became the Bears' ninth member of the Bears' 2014 class. A 6-foot-4, 201-pound receiver with 4.49-second speed in the 40-yard dash, Zamora chose Baylor over offers from SMU, Utah, Colorado and others -- in addition to Texas.
Zamora said he committed to Baylor on Tuesday evening and became the Bears' ninth member of the Bears' 2014 class. A 6-foot-4, 201-pound receiver with 4.49-second speed in the 40-yard dash, Zamora chose Baylor over offers from SMU, Utah, Colorado and others -- in addition to Texas.
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TCU feels like a perfect fit for DB Shaw
May, 21, 2013
May 21
11:08
AM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
TYLER, Texas -- Johnny Shaw (Center, Texas/Center) admitted that he got more than what he came for on Saturday.
What was supposed to be a simple visit to TCU, Shaw said, turned into one of the best days of his life. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound safety verbally committed to the Horned Frogs and became the program’s first commitment of the 2015 class.
“I went in and just thought I’d get a visit of the campus,” Shaw said. “Next thing you know, they offered me. I called my parents and talked to them, and they said wherever your heart follows, go. So I’m following my heart.”
Shaw jumped on his first offer after producing big numbers during his sophomore season. Shaw finished with 88 tackles, five interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Shaw was recruited by receivers coach Curtis Luper, someone who, along with safeties coach Chad Glasgow and the strength and conditioning team, Shaw feels can be a benefit to him.
“Coach Luper’s going to help me get my footwork better and my pro agility right to make me stronger and faster,” Shaw said. “I’m really just trying to get stronger, faster and more physical. I want to be more dominant in attacking the ball.”
Shaw committed to TCU on Saturday. On Sunday, he participated in the East Texas Sports Network Combine and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds. Shaw also recorded a vertical jump of 31.9 inches.
While TCU has nice facilities, a solid academic reputation and the potential of being a Big 12 powerhouse, Shaw said there was one final reason why the Horned Frogs made sense in his process -- a not-so-serious reason but also one that even Shaw laughed at.
“It’s in Texas, and I like the colors,” he said. “At Center, we’re purple and gold. They’re purple and black. I can get it to match.”
What was supposed to be a simple visit to TCU, Shaw said, turned into one of the best days of his life. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound safety verbally committed to the Horned Frogs and became the program’s first commitment of the 2015 class.
“I went in and just thought I’d get a visit of the campus,” Shaw said. “Next thing you know, they offered me. I called my parents and talked to them, and they said wherever your heart follows, go. So I’m following my heart.”
Shaw jumped on his first offer after producing big numbers during his sophomore season. Shaw finished with 88 tackles, five interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Shaw was recruited by receivers coach Curtis Luper, someone who, along with safeties coach Chad Glasgow and the strength and conditioning team, Shaw feels can be a benefit to him.
“Coach Luper’s going to help me get my footwork better and my pro agility right to make me stronger and faster,” Shaw said. “I’m really just trying to get stronger, faster and more physical. I want to be more dominant in attacking the ball.”
Shaw committed to TCU on Saturday. On Sunday, he participated in the East Texas Sports Network Combine and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds. Shaw also recorded a vertical jump of 31.9 inches.
While TCU has nice facilities, a solid academic reputation and the potential of being a Big 12 powerhouse, Shaw said there was one final reason why the Horned Frogs made sense in his process -- a not-so-serious reason but also one that even Shaw laughed at.
“It’s in Texas, and I like the colors,” he said. “At Center, we’re purple and gold. They’re purple and black. I can get it to match.”
Earlier this month, Lewisburg (Tenn.) Marshall County kicker Aaron Medley was thrilled to pick up his first FBS scholarship offer from a power program in the Big 12.
On Monday, the 6-foot-2, 165-pound placekicker and punter was just as excited, adding an SEC program to his offer list.
On Monday, the 6-foot-2, 165-pound placekicker and punter was just as excited, adding an SEC program to his offer list.
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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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TULSA, Okla. - Tulsa (Okla.) Union wide receiver Jeffery Mead simply doesn’t know how to slow down and doesn’t want to. Mead is a three-sport star for the Redskins at receiver, small forward in basketball and shortstop/pitcher in baseball.
The scary part is Mead was actually doing five sports at one time with soccer and track added into the mix. He eventually cut those out, but the other three sports are all in play, as Mead gets ready to conclude his junior year of high school.
The scary part is Mead was actually doing five sports at one time with soccer and track added into the mix. He eventually cut those out, but the other three sports are all in play, as Mead gets ready to conclude his junior year of high school.
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TYLER, Texas -- ESPN 150 athlete Davion Hall (Texarkana, Texas/Liberty Eylau) committed to Baylor on Feb. 2 and still has plans of putting on the green and gold.
But in the back of his head, ever since late last week, the idea of putting on Alabama crimson and white has been something to consider. After picking up an offer from the Crimson Tide, Hall said while his commitment to Baylor is still solid, he’s got a lot to think about.
But in the back of his head, ever since late last week, the idea of putting on Alabama crimson and white has been something to consider. After picking up an offer from the Crimson Tide, Hall said while his commitment to Baylor is still solid, he’s got a lot to think about.
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OSU offers sixth player with NFL lineage
May, 20, 2013
May 20
9:08
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
One thing is becoming abundantly clear in the Urban Meyer era.
The two-time national champion coach likes players with NFL bloodlines. In the Class of 2014, Ohio State has offered Christian McCaffrey the son of three-time Super Bowl winner Ed McCaffrey. Jonathan Haden, the brother of NFL superstar Joe Haden, and Austin Roberts, the son of Super Bowl champion Alfredo Roberts.
Tennessee offensive line commit Orlando Brown Jr., the son of late Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Orlando Brown, was also offered by the Buckeyes as was linebacker Dillon Bates, the son of three-time Super Bowl winner Bill Bates.
The two-time national champion coach likes players with NFL bloodlines. In the Class of 2014, Ohio State has offered Christian McCaffrey the son of three-time Super Bowl winner Ed McCaffrey. Jonathan Haden, the brother of NFL superstar Joe Haden, and Austin Roberts, the son of Super Bowl champion Alfredo Roberts.
Tennessee offensive line commit Orlando Brown Jr., the son of late Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Orlando Brown, was also offered by the Buckeyes as was linebacker Dillon Bates, the son of three-time Super Bowl winner Bill Bates.
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AUSTIN, Texas -- There was no way Kevin Shorter was going to be a well-kept secret for long.
Especially not after the statistics the Newton (Texas) athlete put up in 2012. His monster junior season has yielded an impressive number of offers this spring. The whole thing is becoming a bit more than he could have imagined.
Especially not after the statistics the Newton (Texas) athlete put up in 2012. His monster junior season has yielded an impressive number of offers this spring. The whole thing is becoming a bit more than he could have imagined.
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RECRUITING NATION MIDLANDS COVERAGE
The Midlands Region consists of the states of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and
Texas and is where Big 12 programs make a living recruiting. However, with the deep talent pool in the Lone Star State, teams from all over the country flock to the Midlands to find players.
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MIDLANDS RECRUITING CONTRIBUTORS
Sam KhanESPN Archive |
Max OlsonESPN Archive |
Bob PrzybyloESPN Archive |
Damon SaylesESPN Archive |
Mitch ShermanESPN Archive |
William WilkersonESPN Archive |
