On The Trail: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Missouri Tigers reached back into Tennessee for their third 2014 pledge from the Volunteer State. According to multiple sources, offensive tackle Paul Adams (Nashville, Tenn./Christ Presbyterian) gave his pledge Friday.
His high school teammate, wide receiver Thomas Richard, picked the Tigers in April. Cornerback Finis Stribling IV (Thompson's Station, Tenn./Independence) committed to Missouri earlier this week.
"Nashville has some of the best talent that I think I've ever seen in my life, so I guess that's where Missouri went," said Adams, who announced on his 18th birthday, to The Tennessean.
Adams, a 6-foot-7, 262-pound prospect, selected Missouri over scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and South Florida. Other schools, including Georgia Tech, Tennessee and Vanderbilt, expressed interest.
"It's been a very special day for me," he continued. "The other birthday presents have just been money and gas cards. This will shape me out for the rest of my life, so this is by far my best present."
The Tigers have 10 players on board for 2014.
His high school teammate, wide receiver Thomas Richard, picked the Tigers in April. Cornerback Finis Stribling IV (Thompson's Station, Tenn./Independence) committed to Missouri earlier this week.
"Nashville has some of the best talent that I think I've ever seen in my life, so I guess that's where Missouri went," said Adams, who announced on his 18th birthday, to The Tennessean.
Adams, a 6-foot-7, 262-pound prospect, selected Missouri over scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and South Florida. Other schools, including Georgia Tech, Tennessee and Vanderbilt, expressed interest.
"It's been a very special day for me," he continued. "The other birthday presents have just been money and gas cards. This will shape me out for the rest of my life, so this is by far my best present."
The Tigers have 10 players on board for 2014.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Hillcrest High School linebacker Keith Holcombe waited patiently for the recruiting process to begin. He received his first offer from Jacksonville State last fall, but that was it. He still wasn’t hearing from anybody.
Then, the spring rolled around, and schools began to take notice of the 6-foot-3, 210-pound prospect. Holcombe added six new offers, and college coaches were coming by every day during spring practice.
“It’s been different,” he said. “At first I was kind of down on myself. My dad kept saying it would come at this point, and when this point rolled around, nothing happened. Now it’s starting to pick up. I’m trying not to let it all get to my head.”
Georgia Tech was the first BCS program to offer, followed by North Carolina State. On Monday, Holcombe picked up an offer from Kentucky, his first SEC offer.
Then, the spring rolled around, and schools began to take notice of the 6-foot-3, 210-pound prospect. Holcombe added six new offers, and college coaches were coming by every day during spring practice.
“It’s been different,” he said. “At first I was kind of down on myself. My dad kept saying it would come at this point, and when this point rolled around, nothing happened. Now it’s starting to pick up. I’m trying not to let it all get to my head.”
Georgia Tech was the first BCS program to offer, followed by North Carolina State. On Monday, Holcombe picked up an offer from Kentucky, his first SEC offer.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Arguably the most active program on the trail this spring, Louisville scored another verbal on Saturday from four-star wide receiver Isaiah Ford (Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian), multiple sources report.
Ford is now the Cardinals' highest-rated pledge, according to ESPN RecruitingNation, and their 13th commitment overall. Eleven of the 13 players announced during the last 30 days.
Trinity Christian offensive coordinator Gerard Ross spoke with the Courier-Journal about Ford's decision:
"The type of offense Louisville runs suits him, and they also recruit Florida players. He felt comfortable with them. Coach [Charlie] Strong turned down the Tennessee job (last winter) and showed he's going to be at Louisville for the next four years, and that was big also."
Arkansas, Clemson, Cincinnati, Florida International, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana-Lafayette, Maryland, Memphis, Michigan State, North Carolina, Oregon, Purdue, Rutgers, South Carolina, South Florida, Texas Tech, Central Florida, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and West Virginia were among his other scholarship offers.
Ford's a 6-foot, 161-pound prospect who registered a 4.86 40-yard dash, 4.42 20-yard shuttle and 31-inch vertical at this year's National Under Armour Combine in Orlando, Fla.
His primary recruiter was Louisville wide receivers coach Ron Dugans.
Ford is now the Cardinals' highest-rated pledge, according to ESPN RecruitingNation, and their 13th commitment overall. Eleven of the 13 players announced during the last 30 days.
Trinity Christian offensive coordinator Gerard Ross spoke with the Courier-Journal about Ford's decision:
"The type of offense Louisville runs suits him, and they also recruit Florida players. He felt comfortable with them. Coach [Charlie] Strong turned down the Tennessee job (last winter) and showed he's going to be at Louisville for the next four years, and that was big also."
Arkansas, Clemson, Cincinnati, Florida International, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana-Lafayette, Maryland, Memphis, Michigan State, North Carolina, Oregon, Purdue, Rutgers, South Carolina, South Florida, Texas Tech, Central Florida, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and West Virginia were among his other scholarship offers.
Ford's a 6-foot, 161-pound prospect who registered a 4.86 40-yard dash, 4.42 20-yard shuttle and 31-inch vertical at this year's National Under Armour Combine in Orlando, Fla.
His primary recruiter was Louisville wide receivers coach Ron Dugans.
Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the ACC:
Boston College Eagles
What they're selling: B.C. has a metropolitan area to sell prospects. There are several top professional sports teams to enhance the college atmosphere.
What they're missing: Other than Matt Ryan, B.C. hasn't had great success and they were only marginally successful when he was there. Also, the professional sports teams in the area limit exposure for B.C.
Clemson Tigers
What they're selling: Clemson sports a beautiful campus in a picturesque area of the country. Head coach Dabo Swinney's public demeanor must appeal to prospects as well.
What they're missing: Other than enjoying college life, there's not a lot to do nearby. Despite high expectations, Clemson still hasn't produced championship results.
Duke Blue Devils
What they're selling: Education, first and foremost. Quarterbacks should also appreciate the chance to be tutored by head coach David Cutcliffe, who has coached Peyton and Eli Manning.
What they're missing: Because of academic requirements, there will always be a ceiling of success at Duke. Also Duke football will always play second fiddle to Duke basketball.
Florida State Seminoles
What they're selling: Florida State has a brand that is known nationally. They also have the ability to win at a high level thanks to nearby talent.
What they're missing: Other than a refurbished stadium, facilities at Florida State aren't great. The Seminoles also have the tough challenge of recruiting against nearby SEC schools.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
What they're selling: Tech prospects often laud Atlanta and its big-city feel. With a campus downtown, there's plenty to do. Sports-wise, there are plenty of professional teams to enjoy.
What they're missing: Exposure is the toughest challenge for Tech. Georgia Tech is overshadowed by local pro teams and nearby Georgia.
Maryland Terrapins
What they're selling: Since Randy Edsall took over as head coach, the Terrapins have had good success wooing local prospects. Under Armour has helped. Following the Oregon model, Maryland has won prospects over with flashy uniforms.
What they're missing: Winning is the biggest knock on Edsall's regime at Maryland. Despite all the hype, he has posted two losing seasons.
Miami Hurricanes
What they're selling: Coral Gables isn't a bad place to live. Miami's educational offerings are a plus too. Miami's greatest advantage is the local talent who grows up rooting for the Canes.
What they're missing: The continued wrangling between Miami and the NCAA about possible improper benefits to players has to scare some prospects. Miami also has struggled recently. They're not the high-flying team that was once so dominant.
North Carolina Tar Heels
What they're selling: Coach Larry Fedora's offense has excited prospects. It seems to sell well to skill-position players. Yet offensive linemen have also been enticed since they can perfect pass-blocking while still being physical.
What they're missing: Fedora will have to prove he can win at a high level to convince nearby prospects to stay close to home. North Carolina basketball will always overshadow North Carolina football.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
What they're selling: The Wolfpack have been selling early playing time to prospects recently. That always resonates with high school players.
What they're missing: The Wolfpack have so much nearby competition that it's tough to see them recruiting at an elite level. North Carolina is the state school. Duke and Wake Forest can offer elite educations. Where does N.C. State fit in?
Pittsburgh Panthers
What they're selling: Pitt has a metropolitan city with several professional team to sell. Coach Paul Chryst also relates to prospects well.
What they're missing: Competition for media coverage in Pittsburgh can be tough.
Syracuse Orange
What they're selling: Syracuse offers prospects from a talent-rich area the opportunity to stay close to home. There's also the Syracuse basketball team that keeps the school on a national sports stage.
What they're missing: Just when it seemed like Syracuse was up and coming, it lost coach Doug Marrone to the Buffalo Bills.
Virginia Cavaliers
What they're selling: Virginia coach Mike London has done an incredible job of relating to prospects. He's tapped into several talent-rich areas in Virginia and nabbed top prospects.
What they're missing: Winning. At some point, London and company will have to prove they can win on Saturdays to continue to nab top prospects in February. If he can do that, watch out.
Virginia Tech Hokies
What they're selling: As always, Tech sells a kind of toughness that appeals to some prospects. It may not be for all but it tends to resonate with some. Tech has built a successful program on that. Coach Frank Beamer's stability helps the Hokies recruit as well.
What they're missing: Tech has slid recently. It once was playing for national championships. That time seems to have passed. Tech needs to land a star player to achieve a higher level.
Boston College Eagles
What they're selling: B.C. has a metropolitan area to sell prospects. There are several top professional sports teams to enhance the college atmosphere.
What they're missing: Other than Matt Ryan, B.C. hasn't had great success and they were only marginally successful when he was there. Also, the professional sports teams in the area limit exposure for B.C.
Clemson Tigers
What they're selling: Clemson sports a beautiful campus in a picturesque area of the country. Head coach Dabo Swinney's public demeanor must appeal to prospects as well.
What they're missing: Other than enjoying college life, there's not a lot to do nearby. Despite high expectations, Clemson still hasn't produced championship results.
Duke Blue Devils
What they're selling: Education, first and foremost. Quarterbacks should also appreciate the chance to be tutored by head coach David Cutcliffe, who has coached Peyton and Eli Manning.
What they're missing: Because of academic requirements, there will always be a ceiling of success at Duke. Also Duke football will always play second fiddle to Duke basketball.
Florida State Seminoles
What they're selling: Florida State has a brand that is known nationally. They also have the ability to win at a high level thanks to nearby talent.
What they're missing: Other than a refurbished stadium, facilities at Florida State aren't great. The Seminoles also have the tough challenge of recruiting against nearby SEC schools.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
What they're selling: Tech prospects often laud Atlanta and its big-city feel. With a campus downtown, there's plenty to do. Sports-wise, there are plenty of professional teams to enjoy.
What they're missing: Exposure is the toughest challenge for Tech. Georgia Tech is overshadowed by local pro teams and nearby Georgia.
Maryland Terrapins
What they're selling: Since Randy Edsall took over as head coach, the Terrapins have had good success wooing local prospects. Under Armour has helped. Following the Oregon model, Maryland has won prospects over with flashy uniforms.
What they're missing: Winning is the biggest knock on Edsall's regime at Maryland. Despite all the hype, he has posted two losing seasons.
Miami Hurricanes
What they're selling: Coral Gables isn't a bad place to live. Miami's educational offerings are a plus too. Miami's greatest advantage is the local talent who grows up rooting for the Canes.
What they're missing: The continued wrangling between Miami and the NCAA about possible improper benefits to players has to scare some prospects. Miami also has struggled recently. They're not the high-flying team that was once so dominant.
North Carolina Tar Heels
What they're selling: Coach Larry Fedora's offense has excited prospects. It seems to sell well to skill-position players. Yet offensive linemen have also been enticed since they can perfect pass-blocking while still being physical.
What they're missing: Fedora will have to prove he can win at a high level to convince nearby prospects to stay close to home. North Carolina basketball will always overshadow North Carolina football.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
What they're selling: The Wolfpack have been selling early playing time to prospects recently. That always resonates with high school players.
What they're missing: The Wolfpack have so much nearby competition that it's tough to see them recruiting at an elite level. North Carolina is the state school. Duke and Wake Forest can offer elite educations. Where does N.C. State fit in?
Pittsburgh Panthers
What they're selling: Pitt has a metropolitan city with several professional team to sell. Coach Paul Chryst also relates to prospects well.
What they're missing: Competition for media coverage in Pittsburgh can be tough.
Syracuse Orange
What they're selling: Syracuse offers prospects from a talent-rich area the opportunity to stay close to home. There's also the Syracuse basketball team that keeps the school on a national sports stage.
What they're missing: Just when it seemed like Syracuse was up and coming, it lost coach Doug Marrone to the Buffalo Bills.
Virginia Cavaliers
What they're selling: Virginia coach Mike London has done an incredible job of relating to prospects. He's tapped into several talent-rich areas in Virginia and nabbed top prospects.
What they're missing: Winning. At some point, London and company will have to prove they can win on Saturdays to continue to nab top prospects in February. If he can do that, watch out.
Virginia Tech Hokies
What they're selling: As always, Tech sells a kind of toughness that appeals to some prospects. It may not be for all but it tends to resonate with some. Tech has built a successful program on that. Coach Frank Beamer's stability helps the Hokies recruit as well.
What they're missing: Tech has slid recently. It once was playing for national championships. That time seems to have passed. Tech needs to land a star player to achieve a higher level.
ACWORTH, GA – The evaluation period is intended for assistant coaches to hit the road to check out potential future additions for their program. While sometimes the stops can be more about being seen than actual evaluation, that was not the case for safety Cameron Albright (Acworth, Ga./North Cobb) on Thursday.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound defensive back looked over his shoulder during warmups to see University of Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and secondary coach Scott Lakatos. The two assistants eyed Albright’s every move for over an hour.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound defensive back looked over his shoulder during warmups to see University of Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and secondary coach Scott Lakatos. The two assistants eyed Albright’s every move for over an hour.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
MOBILE, Ala. -- Murphy High School was hit by a tornado on Christmas Day, forcing students to attend class in trailers outside of a local middle school, but that hasn’t stopped college coaches from coming to see 2014 defensive end Taylor Stallworth.
On Wednesday, Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Ted Roof made a stop at the new location and offered the 6-foot-3, 270-pound prospect.
On Wednesday, Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Ted Roof made a stop at the new location and offered the 6-foot-3, 270-pound prospect.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Northwestern dips into Texas for another
May, 9, 2013
May 9
3:40
PM ET
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
Running back Auston Anderson (Plano, Texas/West) committed Thursday to sign with the Northwestern Wildcats, multiple sources report. He is the second 2014 prospect from the Lone Star State to pick NU for 2014. Three-star safety Jordan Thomas (Klein, Texas/Collins) got the Wildcats' class started with his decision in December.
The 5-foot-9, 180-pound Anderson selected Northwestern over scholarship offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Baylor, California, Georgia Tech, Navy, Nebraska, Rice, Stanford, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech, UCLA, Washington and Washington State.
ESPN believes that he possesses, "a sneaky extra gear... good feel as a zone runner... the ability to exploit smaller creases... very good balance and body control... naturally good leverage and a strong lower base."
Anderson, along with Northwestern's other ungraded commitments, will be included as part of ESPN's next rankings update. The Wildcats have eight verbals at this time.
The 5-foot-9, 180-pound Anderson selected Northwestern over scholarship offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Baylor, California, Georgia Tech, Navy, Nebraska, Rice, Stanford, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech, UCLA, Washington and Washington State.
ESPN believes that he possesses, "a sneaky extra gear... good feel as a zone runner... the ability to exploit smaller creases... very good balance and body control... naturally good leverage and a strong lower base."
Anderson, along with Northwestern's other ungraded commitments, will be included as part of ESPN's next rankings update. The Wildcats have eight verbals at this time.
ATHENS, Ga. -- Offensive tackle Dyshon Sims (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes) awoke from a post-practice nap to find out that a longtime dreams of his had come true.
“I was actually sleeping around 9:30 when I got an alert on my phone from my Facebook account that I had gotten a message,” Sims said. “It was from the offensive line coach, Coach [Will] Friend. So I called him and he said they were offering me a full scholarship to come play at the University of Georgia.”
The 6-foot-4, 278-pound junior was taken aback.
“I was actually sleeping around 9:30 when I got an alert on my phone from my Facebook account that I had gotten a message,” Sims said. “It was from the offensive line coach, Coach [Will] Friend. So I called him and he said they were offering me a full scholarship to come play at the University of Georgia.”
The 6-foot-4, 278-pound junior was taken aback.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
JEFFERSON, Ga. -- A bystander watching Preston Williams (Lovejoy, Ga./Lovejoy) warm up at the Georgia state track and field championships simply said, “Who is that guy?” Williams stood on the edge of the long jump pit -- where he was challenging for a state title as only a sophomore -- and exploded with a flat-footed jump to the middle of the pit, reaching a height and distance that turned heads.
As did his outfit. Williams wore blindingly bright yellow shoes, mismatched socks (one was a multi-colored, neon leopard print, while the other was decorated with cupcakes), cut-off camouflage sweat pants over black leggings and a Lovejoy t-shirt. The ensemble was topped off with a gray scarf that would look great on a 78-year-old retiree from Boca Raton but seemed out of place wrapped around Williams’ noggin as a headband.
“This is my look,” Williams said. “My jumping look -- I am exotic.”
While his fashion is eclectic, the true answer to who Williams is a lot more complicated.
As did his outfit. Williams wore blindingly bright yellow shoes, mismatched socks (one was a multi-colored, neon leopard print, while the other was decorated with cupcakes), cut-off camouflage sweat pants over black leggings and a Lovejoy t-shirt. The ensemble was topped off with a gray scarf that would look great on a 78-year-old retiree from Boca Raton but seemed out of place wrapped around Williams’ noggin as a headband.
“This is my look,” Williams said. “My jumping look -- I am exotic.”
While his fashion is eclectic, the true answer to who Williams is a lot more complicated.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ATHENS, Ga. -– ESPN 150 athlete Malkom Parrish (Quitman, Ga./Brooks County) visited Georgia on Friday, talking with the coaches and trying to avoid the rain as he was shown around campus. The gloomy weather didn’t dampen his enthusiasm for the Bulldogs’ program, as Georgia gave him the red-carpet treatment.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Penn State's seventh commit wasn't much of a surprise, but Bill O'Brien will still take it.
Cornerback Daquan Worley (Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville) committed Friday according to his high school coach, Matt Ortega, and became the Nittany Lions' first defensive back of the 2014 class. The 5-foot-10, 171-pound recruit was initially going to make a commitment earlier this week but held off at the advice of Ortega.
Worley had narrowed his choices to Georgia Tech, Penn State and Rutgers. He told ESPN he was just looking for some reassurance and spoke to PSU linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden on Tuesday.
"Everything they've been through, they stick together," Worley said shortly after receiving a PSU offer last month. "That's what I look for, and that's what I thought about a lot with Penn State."
Worley finished his junior season with 40-plus tackles and three interceptions. On offense, the two-way starter wound up with 1,779 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
He also held scholarship offers from Old Dominion, Pitt and UMass.
Worley had narrowed his choices to Georgia Tech, Penn State and Rutgers. He told ESPN he was just looking for some reassurance and spoke to PSU linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden on Tuesday.
"Everything they've been through, they stick together," Worley said shortly after receiving a PSU offer last month. "That's what I look for, and that's what I thought about a lot with Penn State."
Worley finished his junior season with 40-plus tackles and three interceptions. On offense, the two-way starter wound up with 1,779 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
He also held scholarship offers from Old Dominion, Pitt and UMass.
ATHENS, Ga. -- The youngest student at Stephens County High School in Toccoa, Ga., also happens to be the school's largest student. Freshman offensive tackle Ben Cleveland is only 14 and claims to be the youngest student in the ninth grade. Despite his youth, he already stands 6 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 315 pounds. Cleveland receives an abundance of slack-jawed stares when he is on the football field, but the real gawping comes when he steps onto the baseball diamond to man first base.
In fact, that was where a college football coach first spotted him.
In fact, that was where a college football coach first spotted him.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Cornerback Daquan Worley (Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville) said he might not commit on Tuesday after all.
The 2014 prospect was set to decide between Georgia Tech, Penn State and Rutgers. But after talking with his head coach on Monday, the defensive back believed it would probably be best to hold off on an immediate announcement.
"There's just a couple more things I need to clear up," he said Monday evening. "There's some things I just want to be reassured with."
The 2014 prospect was set to decide between Georgia Tech, Penn State and Rutgers. But after talking with his head coach on Monday, the defensive back believed it would probably be best to hold off on an immediate announcement.
"There's just a couple more things I need to clear up," he said Monday evening. "There's some things I just want to be reassured with."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Terps land quarterback William Ulmer
April, 26, 2013
Apr 26
9:00
AM ET
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
Dual-threat quarterback William Ulmer (Washington/St. John's College) committed Thursday to sign with Maryland, according to multiple sources.
He selected the Terps over scholarship offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Marshall, Miami (Fla.), Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Rutgers, South Florida, Southern Miss, Syracuse, Temple, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Other programs, including Ohio State, Oregon and South Carolina, also recruited the 6-foot-1, 190-pound prospect.
Ulmer passed and rushed for more than 1,000 yards while accounting for 25 total touchdowns last season.
He joins three-star offensive guard Jared Cohen (Owings Mills, Md./McDonough) on Maryland's 2014 commit list. Ulmer will be part of ESPN RecruitingNation's next rankings update.
In-state leader for ESPN 150 ATH Parrish 
April, 25, 2013
Apr 25
10:10
AM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Georgia Tech assistant Andy McCollum was at Brooks County on Wednesday to check on ESPN 150 athlete Malkom Parrish (Quitman, Ga./Brooks County).
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ABOUT THIS BLOG
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.
More RecruitingNation blogs
RecruitingNation has the latest recruiting news from across the country:
• East Region blog
• Midlands Region blog
• Midwest Region blog
• Southeast Region blog
• West Region blog
