On The Trail: Iowa Hawkeyes
Coveted safety Jyaz Jones (Dallas/South Oak Cliff) committed to play in the Mountain West Conference for Colorado State, multiple sources report.
Baylor, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico State and Texas Tech also extended scholarship offers to the 6-foot-1, 180-pound prospect. Programs such as LSU, Southern Methodist and Texas showed interest.
Jones posted impressive combine figures on the Nike circuit, including a 4.67-second 40-yard dash, 4.01-second 20-yard shuttle and 32.5-foot power throw.
His older brother, Class of 2013 wide receiver Anjeus Jones, originally committed to Colorado State before signing with Iowa.
The Rams have two verbals for 2014. Athlete Bryson Gates (Fairfield, Texas/Fairfield) also committed this week.
Baylor, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico State and Texas Tech also extended scholarship offers to the 6-foot-1, 180-pound prospect. Programs such as LSU, Southern Methodist and Texas showed interest.
Jones posted impressive combine figures on the Nike circuit, including a 4.67-second 40-yard dash, 4.01-second 20-yard shuttle and 32.5-foot power throw.
His older brother, Class of 2013 wide receiver Anjeus Jones, originally committed to Colorado State before signing with Iowa.
The Rams have two verbals for 2014. Athlete Bryson Gates (Fairfield, Texas/Fairfield) also committed this week.
Iowa offer could lead to more for DE Harris 
May, 15, 2013
May 15
1:00
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Sometimes all it takes is one offer. That is what Terrence Harris (Paramus, N.J./Paramus Catholic) is hoping for.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound defensive end earned offer No. 3 on Monday from Iowa, but it was his first from a BCS school.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound defensive end earned offer No. 3 on Monday from Iowa, but it was his first from a BCS school.
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Fitzgerald lands another four-star for NU
May, 14, 2013
May 14
7:33
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
A top 20 recruiting class is not good enough for Northwestern any longer. Pat Fitzgerald is making a push for the top 15, and he added another impressive piece Tuesday.
Four-star running back Justin Jackson (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North) committed to Northwestern, he told ESPN.com in a telephone call.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound athlete from just outside Chicago had the Wildcats at the top of his list for several weeks. Indiana, Iowa and Vanderbilt were other schools he was high on.
Four-star running back Justin Jackson (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North) committed to Northwestern, he told ESPN.com in a telephone call.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound athlete from just outside Chicago had the Wildcats at the top of his list for several weeks. Indiana, Iowa and Vanderbilt were other schools he was high on.
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Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign">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 Big Ten:
Illinois Illini
What they’re selling: A chance to rebuild a program from the ground up, beginning with four-star quarterback Aaron Bailey, who signed in 2013.
What they’re missing: Just about all of the top prospects from their own state.
Indiana Hoosiers
What they’re selling: Indiana coach Kevin Wilson embraces the idea of a college spring break and is ready to head to Cancun with some of his players.
What they’re missing: Wilson looks like he might hold the group up in Mexico, however, as he still needs the assistance of a flotation device. Points that it is in the shape of a turtle, though.
Iowa Hawkeyes
What they’re selling: Iowa boasts one of the few staffs that can say they will be there all four years of a recruit’s career and has the history to back it up. Kirk Ferentz is the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten and it’s not even close.
What they’re missing: Out-of-state prospects tend to think Iowa is all cornfields, leaving the staff to battle that misconception countless times throughout the recruiting cycle.
Michigan Wolverines
What they’re selling: Michigan coach Brady Hoke looks like an outlaw patrolling the sideline on Saturdays without a headset.
What they’re missing: The player who graces the NCAA Football 2014 cover Denard Robinson. "Shoelace" was one of the Wolverines’ best recruiting tools.
Michigan State Spartans
What they’re selling: Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio is the man behind Little Giants, one of the greatest trick plays of the last few decades.
What they’re missing: A trip to a Rose Bowl under Dantonio would put Michigan State over the top when it comes to recruiting. There is already a significant difference in the caliber of player the Spartans are now getting compared to just a few seasons ago.
Minnesota Gophers
What they’re selling: The Gophers boast the biggest locker room in college football.
What they’re missing: They have not had a winning season since 2008.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
What they’re selling: Bo Pelini whipped out “The Bernie” in the Huskers’ Harlem Shake video. Harlem Shake equals instant credibility with recruits.
What they’re missing: A lack of a strong base of in-state talent makes it tough to recruit at Nebraska, and a Harlem Shake video can overcome only so much.
Northwestern Wildcats
What they’re selling: The new facilities are right near Lake Michigan, which, as assistant Bob Heffner is telling recruits, is a great spot for fishing.
What they’re missing: Not too many high schoolers in New Jersey have taken up fishing as a hobby. At least not yet.
Ohio State Buckeyes
What they’re selling: Urban Meyer is bringing SEC speed to the Big Ten.
What they’re missing: Has anyone actually clocked Meyer in the 40-yard dash? How fast is he really?
Penn State Nittany Lions
What they’re selling: Beaver Stadium fits more than 106,000 on Saturdays, making it the second largest stadium in the country. Inside is also one of the country’s most passionate fan bases, and ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit once listed Penn State’s student section as “simply the loudest, most supportive student section in college football.”
What they’re missing: A full slate of scholarships and a chance to play for a Big Ten title the next few years.
Purdue Boilermakers
What they’re selling: Few programs have the history Purdue does at quarterback, and former Boilermakers Drew Brees, Kyle Orton and Curtis Painter are all on NFL rosters. The Boilermakers just signed ESPN 300 QB Danny Etling, too.
What they’re missing: Brees, Orton and Painter.
Wisconsin Badgers
What they’re selling: The Badgers have been to three straight Rose Bowls.
What they’re missing: The coach who took them there.
Illinois Illini
What they’re selling: A chance to rebuild a program from the ground up, beginning with four-star quarterback Aaron Bailey, who signed in 2013.
What they’re missing: Just about all of the top prospects from their own state.
Indiana Hoosiers
What they’re selling: Indiana coach Kevin Wilson embraces the idea of a college spring break and is ready to head to Cancun with some of his players.
What they’re missing: Wilson looks like he might hold the group up in Mexico, however, as he still needs the assistance of a flotation device. Points that it is in the shape of a turtle, though.
Iowa Hawkeyes
What they’re selling: Iowa boasts one of the few staffs that can say they will be there all four years of a recruit’s career and has the history to back it up. Kirk Ferentz is the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten and it’s not even close.
What they’re missing: Out-of-state prospects tend to think Iowa is all cornfields, leaving the staff to battle that misconception countless times throughout the recruiting cycle.
Michigan Wolverines
What they’re selling: Michigan coach Brady Hoke looks like an outlaw patrolling the sideline on Saturdays without a headset.
What they’re missing: The player who graces the NCAA Football 2014 cover Denard Robinson. "Shoelace" was one of the Wolverines’ best recruiting tools.
Michigan State Spartans
What they’re selling: Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio is the man behind Little Giants, one of the greatest trick plays of the last few decades.
What they’re missing: A trip to a Rose Bowl under Dantonio would put Michigan State over the top when it comes to recruiting. There is already a significant difference in the caliber of player the Spartans are now getting compared to just a few seasons ago.
Minnesota Gophers
What they’re selling: The Gophers boast the biggest locker room in college football.
What they’re missing: They have not had a winning season since 2008.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
What they’re selling: Bo Pelini whipped out “The Bernie” in the Huskers’ Harlem Shake video. Harlem Shake equals instant credibility with recruits.
What they’re missing: A lack of a strong base of in-state talent makes it tough to recruit at Nebraska, and a Harlem Shake video can overcome only so much.
Northwestern Wildcats
What they’re selling: The new facilities are right near Lake Michigan, which, as assistant Bob Heffner is telling recruits, is a great spot for fishing.
What they’re missing: Not too many high schoolers in New Jersey have taken up fishing as a hobby. At least not yet.
Ohio State Buckeyes
What they’re selling: Urban Meyer is bringing SEC speed to the Big Ten.
What they’re missing: Has anyone actually clocked Meyer in the 40-yard dash? How fast is he really?
Penn State Nittany Lions
What they’re selling: Beaver Stadium fits more than 106,000 on Saturdays, making it the second largest stadium in the country. Inside is also one of the country’s most passionate fan bases, and ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit once listed Penn State’s student section as “simply the loudest, most supportive student section in college football.”
What they’re missing: A full slate of scholarships and a chance to play for a Big Ten title the next few years.
Purdue Boilermakers
What they’re selling: Few programs have the history Purdue does at quarterback, and former Boilermakers Drew Brees, Kyle Orton and Curtis Painter are all on NFL rosters. The Boilermakers just signed ESPN 300 QB Danny Etling, too.
What they’re missing: Brees, Orton and Painter.
Wisconsin Badgers
What they’re selling: The Badgers have been to three straight Rose Bowls.
What they’re missing: The coach who took them there.
For 2015 Hale Hentges (Jefferson City, Mo./Helias Catholic), the question isn’t about how many offers he’ll end up with. Hentges, at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, already has eight offers -- the latest coming from Nebraska -- and is expected to receive several more before it’s time for him to sign a national letter of intent.
The biggest question for Hentges is where he’ll play in college. Will he be a tight end or a defensive end? He happens to be good at both positions. Very good.
The biggest question for Hentges is where he’ll play in college. Will he be a tight end or a defensive end? He happens to be good at both positions. Very good.
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After garnering new interest last week, Elijah Lee (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs) has fielded a couple of questions about his commitment to Kansas State. The three-star outside linebacker committed to the Wildcats on March 26, but he’s landed two Big Ten offers since then that have made him further weigh his options in the recruiting game.
For those wondering if Kansas State is in jeopardy of losing him, Lee is the first to squash any potential rumors.
For those wondering if Kansas State is in jeopardy of losing him, Lee is the first to squash any potential rumors.
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Four-star wide receiver Monte Harrison (Lee’s Summit, Mo./Lee’s Summit West) became the latest to hit the recruiting trifecta on Tuesday.
Harrison started the morning with an offer from Iowa. Minutes later, he was offered by Tulsa. Later in the afternoon, Harrison added Kentucky to his list. Kentucky is his third SEC offer, joining Arkansas and Missouri.
Prior to Tuesday, Harrison described his recruiting process as “pretty quiet.”
Harrison started the morning with an offer from Iowa. Minutes later, he was offered by Tulsa. Later in the afternoon, Harrison added Kentucky to his list. Kentucky is his third SEC offer, joining Arkansas and Missouri.
Prior to Tuesday, Harrison described his recruiting process as “pretty quiet.”
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Orlando Brown Jr.'s recruitment is coming to an end.
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Dimonic McKinzy (Kansas City, Kan./Wyandotte), a high school quarterback considered an athlete prospect by ESPN, has committed to sign with Minnesota, according to multiple reports.
He selected the Golden Gophers over scholarship offers from Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas State, Missouri, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, Tulsa and UCLA also recruited the 6-foot, 215-pound prospect.
ESPN describes McKinzy as "a man without a home until he hits the next level and settles in at one position. He shows flashes on defense, but gets by on talent, not technique or polish. Measurables are very good. Shows some toughness and instincts as an overall player to develop."
McKinzy, who will be included in ESPN's next rankings update, is commitment No. 2 for the Gophers during this recruiting cycle.
He selected the Golden Gophers over scholarship offers from Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas State, Missouri, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, Tulsa and UCLA also recruited the 6-foot, 215-pound prospect.
ESPN describes McKinzy as "a man without a home until he hits the next level and settles in at one position. He shows flashes on defense, but gets by on talent, not technique or polish. Measurables are very good. Shows some toughness and instincts as an overall player to develop."
McKinzy, who will be included in ESPN's next rankings update, is commitment No. 2 for the Gophers during this recruiting cycle.
Big Ten endearing itself to RB Ollison
April, 26, 2013
Apr 26
4:09
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
One of the fastest-rising prospects in the East is Buffalo (N.Y.) Canisius running back Qadree Ollison, who has seen several Big Ten teams come for him the last few weeks.
The latest is Penn State, and while the Nittany Lions have not offered, Ollison says the PSU coaching staff is very interested following a visit for the spring game.
The latest is Penn State, and while the Nittany Lions have not offered, Ollison says the PSU coaching staff is very interested following a visit for the spring game.
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Curtis Doyle (Alma, Mich./Alma) is the latest Class of 2014 offensive tackle to jump on board with Western Michigan, according to multiple sources.
Central Michigan is Doyle's other offer. Ball State, Iowa, Michigan State and Nebraska also recruited the 6-foot-5, 310-pound blocker.
The Broncos have eight commitments for 2014, including three from offensive tackles.
Central Michigan is Doyle's other offer. Ball State, Iowa, Michigan State and Nebraska also recruited the 6-foot-5, 310-pound blocker.
The Broncos have eight commitments for 2014, including three from offensive tackles.
At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Fonzale Davis (Dallas/South Oak Cliff) quietly is rising in the recruiting ranks as a wanted receiver. While he still is waiting for his first offer, he has several Big 12 and SEC schools watching his every move.
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Tales from the Road: Toledo Central Catholic
April, 24, 2013
Apr 24
9:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Who They Have: QB DeShone Kizer, OG Zach Harmon
Where They’re Looking: Kizer has visited Cincinnati, USC and UCLA this spring and has plans to visit Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee. Harmon visited Bowling Green, Buffalo, Indiana, Kentucky, Kent State, Ohio State, Toledo and Western Michigan. He has plans to see Kentucky, Marshall and Western Michigan as well as the Buckeyes again.
Who they’ve had: JoJuan Armour, Chris Boles, Eric Herman, Mike Marrow, Ryne Robinson, Brad Rogers, Dane Sanzenbacher, Keith Towbridge, Jayme Thompson, Jeremey Whitlow, Brian Wagner, Ethan Wirth
Where they went: Akron (Wagner), Iowa (Rogers), Illinois (Boles, Whitlow), Louisville (Towbridge), Miami, Ohio (Armour, Robinson), Nebraska (Marrow), Ohio (Herman), Ohio State (Sanzenbacher, Thompson), Toledo (Wirth)
Where They’re Looking: Kizer has visited Cincinnati, USC and UCLA this spring and has plans to visit Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee. Harmon visited Bowling Green, Buffalo, Indiana, Kentucky, Kent State, Ohio State, Toledo and Western Michigan. He has plans to see Kentucky, Marshall and Western Michigan as well as the Buckeyes again.
Who they’ve had: JoJuan Armour, Chris Boles, Eric Herman, Mike Marrow, Ryne Robinson, Brad Rogers, Dane Sanzenbacher, Keith Towbridge, Jayme Thompson, Jeremey Whitlow, Brian Wagner, Ethan Wirth
Where they went: Akron (Wagner), Iowa (Rogers), Illinois (Boles, Whitlow), Louisville (Towbridge), Miami, Ohio (Armour, Robinson), Nebraska (Marrow), Ohio (Herman), Ohio State (Sanzenbacher, Thompson), Toledo (Wirth)
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ESPN 150 offensive tackle Roderick Johnson (Florissant, Mo./Hazelwood Central) had his spring game invitations this past week. His mind, however, is focused on helping his track and field team get as many accolades as possible.
Johnson is a thrower for Hazelwood Central, and while interested schools such as Missouri and Arkansas held spring games on Saturday, he was participating in a track meet in Kansas.
“We had a meet at KU. It was my first time going,” Johnson said. “It was a good experience.
Johnson is a thrower for Hazelwood Central, and while interested schools such as Missouri and Arkansas held spring games on Saturday, he was participating in a track meet in Kansas.
“We had a meet at KU. It was my first time going,” Johnson said. “It was a good experience.
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Three-star defensive tackle Enoch Smith Jr. (Chicago/Mt. Carmel) and center Brian Allen (Hinsdale, Ill./Central) pledged Saturday to sign with Michigan State, according to multiple sources.
Smith Jr., the nation's No. 32-rated DT, selected Michigan State over scholarship offers from Arizona, Cincinnati, Duke, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina State, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame, Purdue, Syracuse, Tennessee and Toledo.
The 6-foot-2, 276-pound prospect registered a time of 5.21 in the 40-yard dash, 4.49 20-yard shuttle, 26-inch vertical and 74.1 SPARQ at a Nike Combine before his junior season.
Smith Jr., the nation's No. 32-rated DT, selected Michigan State over scholarship offers from Arizona, Cincinnati, Duke, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina State, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame, Purdue, Syracuse, Tennessee and Toledo.
The 6-foot-2, 276-pound prospect registered a time of 5.21 in the 40-yard dash, 4.49 20-yard shuttle, 26-inch vertical and 74.1 SPARQ at a Nike Combine before his junior season.
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