Football Recruiting - Midlands Region: South Carolina Gamecocks
Defensive tackle Peyton Newell (Hiawatha, Kan./Hiawatha), the No. 3 player in Kansas, has a top six -- and he said it’s a firm six.
Newell, who claims 34 offers, announced his top six via social media on Saturday. The schools to make the cut, in alphabetical order, are Georgia, Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, South Carolina and USC.
Newell, who claims 34 offers, announced his top six via social media on Saturday. The schools to make the cut, in alphabetical order, are Georgia, Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, South Carolina and USC.
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Crushing hits are 2015 LB Hilliard's game 
May, 30, 2013
May 30
7:38
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Justin Hilliard sees the ball and runs to it. Then he delivers a crushing blow.
That is the consensus on the 2015 Cincinnati St. Xavier linebacker who already holds 20 offers.
That is the consensus on the 2015 Cincinnati St. Xavier linebacker who already holds 20 offers.
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It wouldn't be fair to label Peyton Newell (Hiawatha, Kan./Hiawatha) forgetful or lacking in the smarts department.
He crammed for a six-hour study session Monday night in preparation of a college-level biology exam, boasts a 95 or better in all but one of his current classes and is on pace to graduate high school with enough credits to basically bypass his entire freshman year of college.
But even the heralded defensive tackle -- with a 3.95 GPA and a 21 ACT score -- can't keep track of all of his scholarship offers.
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N.J. RB Owens with offers from all over
March, 28, 2013
Mar 28
3:57
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
The list of offers for Gerald Owens (Westville, N.J./West Deptford) is certainly well-rounded. If a Pac-12 team offers soon, he can check the last conference off and complete the list.
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It won’t be much of a break for Braden Smith (Olathe, Kan./Olathe) in a few weeks.
Then again, one of the most sought-after offensive guards in the nation wants to make sure he’s making the right choice when it comes to colleges.
Then again, one of the most sought-after offensive guards in the nation wants to make sure he’s making the right choice when it comes to colleges.
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ESPN Watch List defensive end Peyton Newell (Hiawatha, Kan./Hiawatha) estimates that he has picked up seven new offers over the last two weeks. His offer list stretches from UCLA to South Carolina and from Texas to Michigan State. Twenty-seven schools so far have extended verbal offers to the 6-foot-3, 270-pound junior, including the Georgia Bulldogs who offered on Wednesday.
“Yesterday I got offers from Georgia and Michigan State on the same day,” Newell said. “So it has been definitely crazy. I think I have gotten an offer from every conference. It is overwhelming and exciting. And I am very blessed to be in the situation that I am in with being able to have my choice on where to go. So I am really excited for next year.”
The Bulldogs’ coaching staff may be the latest offer but Newell has been on Georgia’s radar for a while.
“Yesterday I got offers from Georgia and Michigan State on the same day,” Newell said. “So it has been definitely crazy. I think I have gotten an offer from every conference. It is overwhelming and exciting. And I am very blessed to be in the situation that I am in with being able to have my choice on where to go. So I am really excited for next year.”
The Bulldogs’ coaching staff may be the latest offer but Newell has been on Georgia’s radar for a while.
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Recruiting set to pick up for Braden Smith
January, 4, 2013
Jan 4
5:37
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By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- ESPN Watch List offensive tackle Braden Smith (Olathe, Kan./Olathe) has taken the last few weeks to sit back and relax.
With the dead period in full effect, he was given some time to himself. But now that the contact period is about to get going again and teams are finishing up their bowl schedules, it will pick up again.
"Pretty much it has been going slow," he said. "But I think it is going to pick back up in January after all the bowls and stuff. I will try to take some visits to Texas and Notre Dame, places like that."
With the dead period in full effect, he was given some time to himself. But now that the contact period is about to get going again and teams are finishing up their bowl schedules, it will pick up again.
"Pretty much it has been going slow," he said. "But I think it is going to pick back up in January after all the bowls and stuff. I will try to take some visits to Texas and Notre Dame, places like that."
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Bates turns heads at U.S. Army combine
January, 4, 2013
Jan 4
1:47
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO - - Bill Bates was a Tennessee Volunteer before he became one of the NFL’s pre-eminent special teams player during his 15-year career with the Dallas Cowboys.
His son, junior linebacker Dillon Bates (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla./Ponte Vedra), has a chance to follow in his footsteps. The Volunteers have already offered.
But the Bates’ have agreed to let Dillon blaze his own path and aren’t pushing him to go to Tennessee.
His son, junior linebacker Dillon Bates (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla./Ponte Vedra), has a chance to follow in his footsteps. The Volunteers have already offered.
But the Bates’ have agreed to let Dillon blaze his own path and aren’t pushing him to go to Tennessee.
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Junior DE Peyton Newell up to 21 offers
January, 3, 2013
Jan 3
2:07
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
One of the top 2014 players in the Heartland of America is garnering offers from all over the country. Hiawatha (Kan.) defensive end Peyton Newell went back east for his latest offer.
Newell heard from West Virginia assistant coach Erik Slaughter on Thursday, and the Mountaineers defensive line coach offered Newell by the end of the conversation, Newell's father, Frank, said.
It is the 21st offer for Newell and seventh from the Big 12.
Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame are expected to stop by Newell's school in the coming weeks and could offer, Frank Newell said. He also said he and Peyton will be in Columbia on Feb. 1 to visit South Carolina for its junior day.
Newell heard from West Virginia assistant coach Erik Slaughter on Thursday, and the Mountaineers defensive line coach offered Newell by the end of the conversation, Newell's father, Frank, said.
It is the 21st offer for Newell and seventh from the Big 12.
Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame are expected to stop by Newell's school in the coming weeks and could offer, Frank Newell said. He also said he and Peyton will be in Columbia on Feb. 1 to visit South Carolina for its junior day.
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Aggies land four-star juco LB Sanders
December, 18, 2012
12/18/12
11:46
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By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
With just hours remaining before mid-year junior college transfers can sign a letter of intent, Texas A&M has landed a commitment from one of it's final remaining juco targets.
Butler (Kan.) Community College outside linebacker Tommy Sanders, the No. 33 player in the ESPN Junior College 100 and the top-rated linebacker, has given the Aggies his pledge, according to Butler assistant coach Keith Browning.
"Tommy will sign with Texas A&M per text message from him to me," Browning said.
Sanders, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect, had offers from Baylor, Central Florida, Florida State, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Ohio State, South Carolina and South Florida in addition to the Aggies. He is the 34th commitment in the Aggies' 2013 class and the sixth linebacker.
In his 2012 season with Butler, Sanders recorded 70 tackles and led the team in both sacks (eight) and tackles for loss (20). He also picked off a pass and broke up 12 passes in his 12 games of action for the Grizzlies, who made it all the way to the Graphic Edge Bowl, the NJCAA's national title game.
Sanders will have two years of eligibility when he arrives at Texas A&M. He can sign a letter of intent with the Aggies on Wednesday. He is the ninth commitment in the Aggies' 2013 class who will enroll for the spring semester and the fourth junior-college commitment in the class.
- Tommy Sanders
- Outside linebacker (JC)
- 2013
- Uncommitted: List
| Pos Rk | Stars | Grade | Hometown |
| 80 | Cordele, GA |
"Tommy will sign with Texas A&M per text message from him to me," Browning said.
Sanders, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect, had offers from Baylor, Central Florida, Florida State, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Ohio State, South Carolina and South Florida in addition to the Aggies. He is the 34th commitment in the Aggies' 2013 class and the sixth linebacker.
In his 2012 season with Butler, Sanders recorded 70 tackles and led the team in both sacks (eight) and tackles for loss (20). He also picked off a pass and broke up 12 passes in his 12 games of action for the Grizzlies, who made it all the way to the Graphic Edge Bowl, the NJCAA's national title game.
Sanders will have two years of eligibility when he arrives at Texas A&M. He can sign a letter of intent with the Aggies on Wednesday. He is the ninth commitment in the Aggies' 2013 class who will enroll for the spring semester and the fourth junior-college commitment in the class.
OLB Sanders has OSU offer, S.C. official
December, 14, 2012
12/14/12
11:25
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
If fans are looking for Tommy Sanders (Cordele, Ga./Butler Community College) this weekend, he’ll be in Columbia, S.C.
Butler coach Troy Morrell indicated Friday morning that his star outside linebacker was taking his official visit to South Carolina this weekend after meeting with Buckeyes assistant coach Luke Fickel on Thursday.
The latest development, however, is that Sanders now has an offer from Ohio State.
Butler coach Troy Morrell indicated Friday morning that his star outside linebacker was taking his official visit to South Carolina this weekend after meeting with Buckeyes assistant coach Luke Fickel on Thursday.
The latest development, however, is that Sanders now has an offer from Ohio State.
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Juco LB Sanders, OSU still talking
December, 13, 2012
12/13/12
11:27
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
The Tommy Sanders (Cordele, Ga./Butler Community College) to Ohio State talk took a turn Wednesday night when rumors circulated that the junior college standout committed to the Buckeyes.
Those rumors were put to rest Thursday morning when the 6-foot-2, 215-pound outside linebacker indicated he had not committed via text message.
There is mutual interest even though Ohio State hasn’t tendered an offer just yet. In fact, both sides remain in contact as the mid-term signing day nears for junior college players -- it begins Dec. 19.
Those rumors were put to rest Thursday morning when the 6-foot-2, 215-pound outside linebacker indicated he had not committed via text message.
There is mutual interest even though Ohio State hasn’t tendered an offer just yet. In fact, both sides remain in contact as the mid-term signing day nears for junior college players -- it begins Dec. 19.
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USF visit on deck for Aleon Calhoun
December, 5, 2012
12/05/12
11:13
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Aleon Calhoun (Corsicana, Texas/Navarro) is four days removed from winning his second C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl championship. More importantly, the standout offensive tackle finished his junior college career with a win.
Now it’s time for Calhoun -- all 6-foot-7 and 345 pounds of him -- to focus on finding a home at the next level. Calhoun is scheduled to visit South Florida this weekend and Texas Tech the weekend after. After that, he is looking to set up a visit to South Carolina.
“First of all, I’m looking for a school that’s going to say, ‘You’re going to be our guy,’” Calhoun said. “I want them to think if you got me on your side, you’re going to win. That’s basically it.”
Now it’s time for Calhoun -- all 6-foot-7 and 345 pounds of him -- to focus on finding a home at the next level. Calhoun is scheduled to visit South Florida this weekend and Texas Tech the weekend after. After that, he is looking to set up a visit to South Carolina.
“First of all, I’m looking for a school that’s going to say, ‘You’re going to be our guy,’” Calhoun said. “I want them to think if you got me on your side, you’re going to win. That’s basically it.”
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Sekou Clark talks OU-Texas experience
October, 14, 2012
10/14/12
11:20
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
The last time 2014 Sekou Clark (Denton, Texas/Ryan) was in attendance for the annual Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma, he was working a concession stand. Last year Clark helped his uncle, who was running one of the concessions for his track and field team.
Saturday gave Clark a different kind of game experience at the Cotton Bowl. As a guest of Oklahoma, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive end sat on the home side and watched Sooners fans celebrate a 63-21 rout over the Longhorns.
“It was crazy how the entire stadium was so loud. It was never quiet at any point,” Clark said. “No one was sitting down. Everyone was into the game. It was a lot of fun.”
Saturday gave Clark a different kind of game experience at the Cotton Bowl. As a guest of Oklahoma, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive end sat on the home side and watched Sooners fans celebrate a 63-21 rout over the Longhorns.
“It was crazy how the entire stadium was so loud. It was never quiet at any point,” Clark said. “No one was sitting down. Everyone was into the game. It was a lot of fun.”
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2014 DB Brown impressed on Texas visit
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
3:30
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- ESPN 300 Watch List member Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen) came away from his unofficial visit to Texas equally impressed with the crowd he witnessed and the team it was cheering on.
Brown, one of the top junior defensive backs in the country, knew it was going to be a difficult job for Texas to slow down West Virginia’s offense, and thought it did an admirable job despite the loss.
“I was real wired up for the game,” said Brown, who has a Longhorns offer. “There were a lot of Texas fans and a lot of West Virginia fans too. I feel like it wouldn’t have been that good of a game but Texas fans showed up and really helped them out. It was a close one. Geno Smith is a real good quarterback. I feel like he is going to win the Heisman. He throws a lot of really good balls.”
Brown, one of the top junior defensive backs in the country, knew it was going to be a difficult job for Texas to slow down West Virginia’s offense, and thought it did an admirable job despite the loss.
“I was real wired up for the game,” said Brown, who has a Longhorns offer. “There were a lot of Texas fans and a lot of West Virginia fans too. I feel like it wouldn’t have been that good of a game but Texas fans showed up and really helped them out. It was a close one. Geno Smith is a real good quarterback. I feel like he is going to win the Heisman. He throws a lot of really good balls.”
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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 |
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Mitch ShermanESPN Archive |
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