On The Trail: Football
Each week, Tales From The Road will provide news and updates about where Florida's coaches are recruiting and the prospects making headlines.
This week's targets: Along with a few in-state targets, the Gators have visited or will visit several out-of-state targets this week. Florida coaches headed to Illinois on Monday to check in on inside linebackers Clifton Garrett and Nyles Morgan, then headed to New York to check out athlete Curtis Samuel.
The coaching staff then headed up the East Coast and stopped in on Maryland defensive tackle Damian Prince, Washington D.C. cornerback Jalen Tabor, Virginia defensive end Da'Shawn Hand and North Carolina defensive end Lorenzo Featherston. Georgia insider linebacker Raekwon McMillian will also get a visit from Florida coaches. Committed offensive lineman Travaris Dorsey and uncommitted offensive tackle David Sharpe will have Florida coaches at their spring games this week.
This week's targets: Along with a few in-state targets, the Gators have visited or will visit several out-of-state targets this week. Florida coaches headed to Illinois on Monday to check in on inside linebackers Clifton Garrett and Nyles Morgan, then headed to New York to check out athlete Curtis Samuel.
The coaching staff then headed up the East Coast and stopped in on Maryland defensive tackle Damian Prince, Washington D.C. cornerback Jalen Tabor, Virginia defensive end Da'Shawn Hand and North Carolina defensive end Lorenzo Featherston. Georgia insider linebacker Raekwon McMillian will also get a visit from Florida coaches. Committed offensive lineman Travaris Dorsey and uncommitted offensive tackle David Sharpe will have Florida coaches at their spring games this week.
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NORMAN, Okla. -- Last year at this time nobody had heard of quarterback David Cornwell (Norman, Okla./North). He hadn’t started a varsity game. He certainly didn’t have any offers, and he wasn’t on anybody’s radar.
My how things change. Cornwell, who is 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, is now ranked No. 24 in the ESPN 150 and the No. 1 pocket passer. As for offers, yeah, he’s got some of those, too.
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Each week, Tales From The Road will provide news and updates about where Florida's coaches are recruiting and the prospects making headlines.
This week’s targets: For the fourth straight week, Florida coaches were on the road recruiting. This week a Florida coach headed to Orlando to check in on defensive end Trent Harris, who recently decided to postpone his May 23 commitment date. Florida also checked in on 2015 Orlando (Fla.) Timber Creek running back Jacques Patrick.
Running backs coach Brian White headed to Alabama to check out defensive tackle Cory Thomas, running back Bo Scarbrough and outside linebacker Torrence Brown. Linebacker Dillon Bates had Florida coaches visit him at his practice on Tuesday.
This week’s targets: For the fourth straight week, Florida coaches were on the road recruiting. This week a Florida coach headed to Orlando to check in on defensive end Trent Harris, who recently decided to postpone his May 23 commitment date. Florida also checked in on 2015 Orlando (Fla.) Timber Creek running back Jacques Patrick.
Running backs coach Brian White headed to Alabama to check out defensive tackle Cory Thomas, running back Bo Scarbrough and outside linebacker Torrence Brown. Linebacker Dillon Bates had Florida coaches visit him at his practice on Tuesday.
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Every Wednesday, the SoonerNation staff will take a quick-hit look at some of the top recruits and storylines facing Oklahoma recruiting for the week.
This week’s targets: OU will never be hurting at wide receiver as long as Jay Norvell remains the wide receivers coach. OU already has the commitment of one four-star wideout in Dallis Todd (La Mirada, Calif./La Mirada), but Norvell is going after some big guns in Texas. He is visiting ESPN 150 receiver K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant) and four-star WR Nick Alexander (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster). Both have visited the campus multiple times, but both are going to be incredibly tough to land. Norvell, though, is never afraid to aim high, and OU is squarely in the mix for them.
This week’s targets: OU will never be hurting at wide receiver as long as Jay Norvell remains the wide receivers coach. OU already has the commitment of one four-star wideout in Dallis Todd (La Mirada, Calif./La Mirada), but Norvell is going after some big guns in Texas. He is visiting ESPN 150 receiver K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant) and four-star WR Nick Alexander (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster). Both have visited the campus multiple times, but both are going to be incredibly tough to land. Norvell, though, is never afraid to aim high, and OU is squarely in the mix for them.
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The accolades are growing by the day for defensive tackle Garrald McDowell (Covington, La./Covington).
Becoming an Under Armour All-American, being invited to The Opening and getting ranked No. 105 in the ESPN 150 is not a bad way to start a spring.
Oklahoma has taken notice as the Sooners are the latest of many top schools to enter the race to land McDowell, who is 6-foot-3 and 257 pounds. With offers from Alabama and Florida and USC, among several others, it’s going to be a busy few months coming up for McDowell.
Becoming an Under Armour All-American, being invited to The Opening and getting ranked No. 105 in the ESPN 150 is not a bad way to start a spring.
Oklahoma has taken notice as the Sooners are the latest of many top schools to enter the race to land McDowell, who is 6-foot-3 and 257 pounds. With offers from Alabama and Florida and USC, among several others, it’s going to be a busy few months coming up for McDowell.
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It’s no secret that Oklahoma has been looking to dip into the junior college waters to try to find one more recruit for its Class of 2013.
The Sooners spent a good chunk of February looking for a diamond in the rough. Turns out OU simply had to wait another two months before he emerged.
The Sooners spent a good chunk of February looking for a diamond in the rough. Turns out OU simply had to wait another two months before he emerged.
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Ohio OL comfortable on second OU visit 
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
10:00
AM ET
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
The first visit to Oklahoma was a good one for offensive lineman Alex Dalton (Troy, Ohio/Troy). Dalton and his father had a great time in Norman, Okla., last month, but something was missing.
His mother. If any school is going to be in serious consideration for Dalton, his mom would have to see the campus, as well. OU is now in serious consideration, as Dalton and both of his parents returned to campus last weekend.
His mother. If any school is going to be in serious consideration for Dalton, his mom would have to see the campus, as well. OU is now in serious consideration, as Dalton and both of his parents returned to campus last weekend.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- ESPN 150 offensive tackle David Sharpe (Jacksonville, Fla./Providence School) has only played one full year of high school football, but the 6-foot-6, 288-pound athlete has already caught the attention of everyone in the college football recruiting world.
The No. 2-ranked tackle and No. 12 player overall said his football success has come as a surprise.
The No. 2-ranked tackle and No. 12 player overall said his football success has come as a surprise.
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BRADENTON, Fla. -- ESPN 150 wide receiver Artavis Scott (Tarpon Springs, Fla./East Lake), as expected, was one of the top wideouts in attendance at the IMG 7v7 Southeast regional championships over the weekend.
The four-star wide receiver visited Michigan recently and said he enjoyed his experience in Ann Arbor.
The four-star wide receiver visited Michigan recently and said he enjoyed his experience in Ann Arbor.
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BRADENTON, Fla. -- Offensive tackle prospect Denzel Ward didn't participate at the IMG 7v7 Southeast regional championships over the weekend at IMG Academy, where he attends school, but the 6-foot-8, 305-pound lineman came out to watch the competitive tournament.
Ward took time out to talk about the latest with his recruiting.
Ward took time out to talk about the latest with his recruiting.
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Five-star DT eliminates UF, has new leader
April, 19, 2013
Apr 19
12:33
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
Just a few weeks after naming Florida his leader, five-star defensive tackle Lamont Gaillard (Fayetville, N.C./Pine Forest) decided to eliminate Florida.
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The IMG 7v7 Southeast Regional Championship in Bradenton, Fla., on Saturday and Sunday will feature several ESPN 150 players. This star-studded event will feature the South Florida Express, one of the top 7-on-7 teams in the country, and Team Tampa, which won the IMG 7v7 National Championships last year. Here's a look at five things to watch at this weekends events.
1. Wide receiver position is loaded
There will be a plethora of top wide receivers in Bradenton this weekend. Ermon Lane (Homestead, Fla./Homestead), the No. 1-ranked wide receiver in the country, will have a chance to showcase his abilities against some elite talent. Additionally, Travis Rudolph (West Palm Beach, Fla./Cardinal Newman), Artavis Scott (Tarpon Springs, Fla./East Lake), Moral Stephens (Perry, Fla./Taylor County), Kenric Young (Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville), Isaiah Ford (Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian), Garrett Johnson (Winter Garden, Fla./West Orange) and 2015 wideout Da'Vante Phillips (Miami/Central) are scheduled to participate.
1. Wide receiver position is loaded
There will be a plethora of top wide receivers in Bradenton this weekend. Ermon Lane (Homestead, Fla./Homestead), the No. 1-ranked wide receiver in the country, will have a chance to showcase his abilities against some elite talent. Additionally, Travis Rudolph (West Palm Beach, Fla./Cardinal Newman), Artavis Scott (Tarpon Springs, Fla./East Lake), Moral Stephens (Perry, Fla./Taylor County), Kenric Young (Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville), Isaiah Ford (Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian), Garrett Johnson (Winter Garden, Fla./West Orange) and 2015 wideout Da'Vante Phillips (Miami/Central) are scheduled to participate.
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With the release of the ESPN 150 today, here are some of Florida's top targets on the list:
1. DT Lamont Gaillard (Fayetteville, N.C./Pine Forest)
6-foot-4, 300 pounds
ESPN 150 Rank: 10
Why they want him: In Gaillard's ESPN scouting report, the first sentence says it all: "Gaillard can create havoc in the heart of the trenches." That's exactly how Florida would like to use him in the middle of its multiple-set defense. He's big enough to play nose tackle in a 3-4 defense and quick enough to play the three-technique in a base 4-3 defense. Gaillard will be a prime candidate to help replace the loss of seniors Damien Jacobs and Dominique Easley.
Who else wants him: Georgia, Alabama, Florida State and Ohio State
Odds they get him: Florida and Georgia appear to be the teams to beat for Gaillard, so at this point there is a 50-50 chance he winds up with the Gators.
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Calif. WR Dallis Todd commits to Sooners
April, 15, 2013
Apr 15
5:43
PM ET
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
For a recruit from the Los Angeles area, Norman, Okla., won’t often feel like a home away from home. But it is for ESPN Watch List wide receiver Dallis Todd (La Mirada, Calif./La Mirada).
Todd created quite a stir a couple of weeks ago when he said he might commit to Oklahoma on his unofficial visit if everything went well.
Erik McKinney/ESPNESPN Watch List wideout Dallis Todd visited Oklahoma for its spring game and committed on Monday.It did, and Todd lived up to his word. A source confirmed on Monday afternoon that Todd committed to the Sooners following a great trip over the weekend.
Todd, who is 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, has aunts and uncles in the Oklahoma City area and he said being able to be close to his family was going to be important.
OU still had to deliver on the visit, and the Sooners did that in spades. Todd spent the majority of his time with OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell. When he wasn’t with Norvell, he was with fellow OU commit ESPN Watch List quarterback Justice Hansen (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe).
The bond between Todd and Hansen was so tight that Todd came along for Hansen’s surprise dinner on Saturday night to celebrate his commitment.
Todd said Saturday night he was feeling great about the Sooners, but he wasn’t going to commit without talking to his parents. He flew by himself to OU and wanted to talk to his parents face-to-face. Once that was done, he said his first call would be to Norvell to let him know he was joining Hansen in pledging to the Sooners.
Despite how much Todd expressed his interest in OU, it was still questionable if he would follow through on his commitment. With so many schools interested and one top offer after another coming his way -- Todd's offers include Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oklahoma State -- nobody would have blamed him had he decided to wait.
Instead OU once again has a big-time receiver recruit in the fold. Two weeks ago ESPN Watch List wide receiver Armanti Foreman (Texas City, Texas/Texas City) decommitted from OU. It never takes long for Norvell to find an answer.
Todd is OU’s fourth commit of the 2014 class and continues OU’s string of being able to land quality recruits from California.
Todd created quite a stir a couple of weeks ago when he said he might commit to Oklahoma on his unofficial visit if everything went well.
Erik McKinney/ESPNESPN Watch List wideout Dallis Todd visited Oklahoma for its spring game and committed on Monday.Todd, who is 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, has aunts and uncles in the Oklahoma City area and he said being able to be close to his family was going to be important.
OU still had to deliver on the visit, and the Sooners did that in spades. Todd spent the majority of his time with OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell. When he wasn’t with Norvell, he was with fellow OU commit ESPN Watch List quarterback Justice Hansen (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe).
The bond between Todd and Hansen was so tight that Todd came along for Hansen’s surprise dinner on Saturday night to celebrate his commitment.
Todd said Saturday night he was feeling great about the Sooners, but he wasn’t going to commit without talking to his parents. He flew by himself to OU and wanted to talk to his parents face-to-face. Once that was done, he said his first call would be to Norvell to let him know he was joining Hansen in pledging to the Sooners.
Despite how much Todd expressed his interest in OU, it was still questionable if he would follow through on his commitment. With so many schools interested and one top offer after another coming his way -- Todd's offers include Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oklahoma State -- nobody would have blamed him had he decided to wait.
Instead OU once again has a big-time receiver recruit in the fold. Two weeks ago ESPN Watch List wide receiver Armanti Foreman (Texas City, Texas/Texas City) decommitted from OU. It never takes long for Norvell to find an answer.
Todd is OU’s fourth commit of the 2014 class and continues OU’s string of being able to land quality recruits from California.
QB Hansen commits to OU over Texas A&M
April, 13, 2013
Apr 13
12:18
PM ET
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Months of speculation ended Saturday afternoon as ESPN Watch List quarterback Justice Hansen (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe) confirmed he has committed to the Sooners on his unofficial visit for OU’s spring game.
Hansen picked OU over Texas A&M and offers from schools such as Ole Miss, Auburn and Kansas State. He said earlier this week he was going to make his decision at the spring game, but it was unknown if it would be for OU or A&M.
[+] Enlarge
Max Olson/ESPNESPN Watch List QB Justice Hansen is one of the top signal-callers in Oklahoma.
Max Olson/ESPNESPN Watch List QB Justice Hansen is one of the top signal-callers in Oklahoma.Any doubt about how OU felt regarding Hansen was removed in February when OU offered Hansen at junior day. He was the only quarterback offer at the time and is still the only quarterback offer.
Heupel won’t have to make any more.
The Sooners were the clear favorite until the Aggies entered the race in January. Hansen took an unofficial visit to College Station, Texas, last month. A&M made a great impression, but the Sooners were never too far from his mind.
“He handled this process so well,” Edmond Santa Fe coach Lance Manning said. “He never felt any pressure. If you spent time with him this week, you would have had no idea he was getting ready to make such a huge decision.”
Hansen’s A&M visit opened his eyes that there is more out there than what’s in the state. But he also realized his position. As much as he wanted to wait it out more and get a better feel of what’s out there, he felt he couldn’t.
To be fair to the Aggies and Sooners, he wanted to make his decision as soon as he felt he was comfortable. Saturday was that time.
Hansen is the fourth in-state quarterback to pledge to the Sooners during Bob Stoops’ tenure. Jason White (Tuttle) and Sam Bradford (Oklahoma City Putnam City North) each won the Heisman Trophy, and Kendal Thompson is a sophomore at OU.
“He knows what it means to be a quarterback at OU from Oklahoma,” Manning said. “He’s not going to be afraid of that.”
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On The Trail is ESPN Recruiting's home for all the latest news and information. With some of the nation's top recruiting writers contributing, OTT provides the latest details about commitments, visits and other notes to give fans the most comprehensive recruiting news source in the country.
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