On The Trail: Alex Anzalone
The masses in the business were questioned. The names came back -- and there were few, but they kept coming back to one.
The question: Which would-be Ohio State target who gave a pledge to the Buckeyes before signing with another school turned out to be a big miss for the scarlet and gray?
Although there isn't a lot of data out there from the pre-recruiting-writing era, a scant few names jumped to the surface.
The question: Which would-be Ohio State target who gave a pledge to the Buckeyes before signing with another school turned out to be a big miss for the scarlet and gray?
Although there isn't a lot of data out there from the pre-recruiting-writing era, a scant few names jumped to the surface.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- There are just a couple of short weeks remaining until national signing day, and the Florida Gators have met a majority of their recruiting needs. With graduation, transfers and players leaving for the NFL draft, there are a few areas Florida head coach Will Muschamp would still like to shore up.
Key holes to fill
The Gators lost key personnel along the offensive line, wide receiver, linebacker, running back and secondary and are hoping to replenish their talent with junior college transfers and incoming freshmen.
Key holes to fill
The Gators lost key personnel along the offensive line, wide receiver, linebacker, running back and secondary and are hoping to replenish their talent with junior college transfers and incoming freshmen.
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In a bit of surprising news, the Gators land a talented linebacker and productive overall football player who adds depth at a position in need of reloading.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The rich get richer. At least that's how it appears for Florida.
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It took Ohio State a little more than a month to flip the switch.
Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) headed into The Horseshoe to watch the Buckeyes’ 26-21 win over Michigan on an official visit Nov. 24.
He announced his commitment at the Under Armour All-America Game on Friday and plugged a hole the Buckeyes have been trying to fill for more than seven months.
Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) headed into The Horseshoe to watch the Buckeyes’ 26-21 win over Michigan on an official visit Nov. 24.
He announced his commitment at the Under Armour All-America Game on Friday and plugged a hole the Buckeyes have been trying to fill for more than seven months.
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Hackenberg, Olsen earn UA Game starts
January, 3, 2013
Jan 3
5:35
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Black Team offense
Quarterback: Christian Hackenberg (Penn State)Running back: Alvin Kamara
UNDER ARMOUR GAME 2013
Keep up with live blog posts, video, breaking news and more all week from the Under Armour All-America Game in Florida. Blog 
• Top 2 recruits Nkemdiche, Lawson 
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• Who has impressed the most?
Tight end: O.J. Howard (Alabama)
Offensive tackle: Darius James (Texas), Denver Kirkland
Offensive guard: Grant Hill (Alabama), Joas Aguilar (Texas A&M)
Center: Hunter Bivin (Notre Dame)
Captains: Kelvin Taylor, Hunter Bivin, Robert Nkemdiche, Ben Boulware
Black Team defense
Defensive end: Robert Nkemdiche, Elijah DanielDefensive tackle: Greg Gilgmore (LSU), Kennedy Tulimasealii (Hawaii)
Inside linebacker: Ben Boulware (Clemson)
Outside linebacker: Alex Anzalone (Notre Dame), Matthew Thomas
Safety: Keanu Neal (Florida), Leon McQuay III
Cornerback: Vernon Hargreaves III (Florida), Tarean Folston (Notre Dame)
Black Team special teams
Long snapper: Tyler Kluver (Iowa)Kicker/punter: Sean Covington (UCLA)
White Team offense
Quarterback: Kevin Olsen (Miami)Running back: Keith Ford (Oklahoma)
Receiver: Laquon Treadwell, Ryan Green (Florida State), Jalin Marshall (Ohio State)
Tight end: Hunter Henry (Arkansas)
Offensive tackle: Derwin Gray (Maryland), Dorian Johnson (Pittsburgh)
Offensive guard: Patrick Kugler (Michigan), David Dawson (Michigan)
Center: Scott Quessenberry (UCLA)
White Team defense
Defensive end: Carl Lawson (Auburn), Joey Bosa (Ohio State)Defensive tackle: Henry Poggi (Michigan), Kelsey Griffin (South Carolina)
Inside linebacker: Reuben Foster, Yannick Ngakoue
Outside linebacker: Trey Johnson
Safety: Max Redfield, Antonio Conner
Cornerback: Gareon Conley (Ohio State), Shaq Wiggins (Georgia)
White Team special teams
Long snapper: Brendan TurelliKicker: Ryan Santoso (Minnesota)
Punter: Shane Tripucka
Captains: Ryan Green, Hunter Henry, Patrick Kugler, Reuben Foster
U.S. Army Bowl: Tuesday notebook 
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
7:52
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson and
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO – ESPN 150 wide receiver James Quick (Louisville, Ky./Trinity) has drawn plenty of attention for his play through two practices for the East team in preparation for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -– Team Nitro and Team Highlight took to the fields at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports on Monday for Day 1 of practice for Friday’s Under Armour All-America Game (5 p.m. ET, ESPN). Two powerhouse programs in the Southeastern Conference look to battle it out for one of the standout running backs, and one of the top uncommitted offensive linemen is out with an injury.
Tide and Dawgs at top for RB Kamara
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Anzalone gives Irish vote of confidence
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
4:53
PM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Notre Dame commit Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing) has just one word to describe what his recruiting experience was like.
“I’ll keep it simple and just say ‘crazy’,” he said. “There’s really no other way to describe it.”
Anzalone was an early commit to Ohio State but had a very public split with the program that made national headlines and a lot of angry Buckeyes fans.
“I’ll keep it simple and just say ‘crazy’,” he said. “There’s really no other way to describe it.”
Anzalone was an early commit to Ohio State but had a very public split with the program that made national headlines and a lot of angry Buckeyes fans.
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Mike Mitchell's OSU visit was 'awesome'
December, 9, 2012
12/09/12
3:54
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ken Mitchell didn’t hear anything about a commitment to Ohio State from his son, ESPN 150 outside linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian), following an official visit to Columbus, Ohio, over the weekend.
What he did hear was how much fun the 6-foot-4, 216-pound senior had this weekend.
“His first two words were 'crazy' and 'awesome,' ” Ken Mitchell said. “The first thing he did when he got there was spend time with Coach [Urban] Meyer. Then he went to the OSU basketball game. He said it was a great time.”
What he did hear was how much fun the 6-foot-4, 216-pound senior had this weekend.
“His first two words were 'crazy' and 'awesome,' ” Ken Mitchell said. “The first thing he did when he got there was spend time with Coach [Urban] Meyer. Then he went to the OSU basketball game. He said it was a great time.”
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Analysis: Decommits could be big for OSU
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
6:46
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Urban Meyer’s 2013 recruiting class might get a big shot in the arm and the first-year coach did little to stoke the fire. Two ESPN 150 targets announced their decommitments on Tuesday.
The fact both were in Columbus on Saturday to watch Ohio State beat Michigan 26-21 makes it very intriguing.
Former Auburn commit Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) was the first to throw his hat back in the ring after the dismissal of Tigers coach Gene Chizik. The linebacker will have an in-house visit from Buckeyes assistant Luke Fickell on Wednesday.
The fact both were in Columbus on Saturday to watch Ohio State beat Michigan 26-21 makes it very intriguing.
Former Auburn commit Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) was the first to throw his hat back in the ring after the dismissal of Tigers coach Gene Chizik. The linebacker will have an in-house visit from Buckeyes assistant Luke Fickell on Wednesday.
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Alex Anzalone sticking with Notre Dame
November, 5, 2012
11/05/12
8:22
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Technically nothing changed, but Notre Dame coaches are thrilled with the decision Wyomissing (Pa.) area senior Alex Anzalone made Monday.
The ESPN 150 outside linebacker reaffirmed his commitment to the Irish after leaving South Bend following an unofficial visit that took place Sunday into Monday.
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For college students, the weekend often starts on Thursday, so for the purpose of this rewind and the benefit of Notre Dame, we'll do the same. So it's been a very good weekend for Notre Dame and could get even better.
Four-star Cole Luke (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton), the No. 33 cornerback nationally, committed to the Fighting Irish on Thursday over both Oklahoma and Texas. Each year, Arizona produces a handful of top prospects, and for the second straight year the Irish have grabbed one of the state's top prospects. Last class, Scottsdale athlete Davonte Neal signed with Notre Dame.
As Notre Dame coaches got ready to go to sleep Sunday, they were given more news to assure they would rest easy. Mission Viejo (Calif.) athlete Max Redfield, No. 37 in the ESPN 150, decommitted from USC after an official visit to Notre Dame in October had him doubting his pledge to the Trojans. Although Redfield will take a few more official visits to Pac-12 programs, the Irish are the favorite.
Four-star Cole Luke (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton), the No. 33 cornerback nationally, committed to the Fighting Irish on Thursday over both Oklahoma and Texas. Each year, Arizona produces a handful of top prospects, and for the second straight year the Irish have grabbed one of the state's top prospects. Last class, Scottsdale athlete Davonte Neal signed with Notre Dame.
As Notre Dame coaches got ready to go to sleep Sunday, they were given more news to assure they would rest easy. Mission Viejo (Calif.) athlete Max Redfield, No. 37 in the ESPN 150, decommitted from USC after an official visit to Notre Dame in October had him doubting his pledge to the Trojans. Although Redfield will take a few more official visits to Pac-12 programs, the Irish are the favorite.
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3-star Tyquan Lewis pledges to Buckeyes
September, 20, 2012
9/20/12
4:16
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
It took almost two months in between recruits, but Ohio State picked up its 17th commitment Thursday with Tyquan Lewis (Tarboro, N.C./Tarboro).
The Buckeyes have been courting the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Lewis for quite a while in a summer affair that finally landed the three-star hybrid defensive end/linebacker.
Lewis ended the suspense in a news conference at his high school.
He came to Ohio State’s Senior Advanced Camp on June 10 and got the offer he was looking for, then returned with his mother July 27 for the Buckeyes’ Friday Night Lights camp.
While Lewis didn’t participate at the second event, he did spend the night and the better portion of the next day talking football and beyond with Ohio State brass.
“I felt comfortable there,” Lewis said. “I think it’s a great choice overall. The coaching staff and the facilities, everything there is nice.”
In choosing the Buckeyes over North Carolina and LSU, Lewis adds a dimension the 2013 recruiting class didn’t have as a linebacker.
“I see myself at the linebacking position,” Lewis said. “Just moving around and being aggressive.”
It looked like Ohio State had the position filled, but decommitments from Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing) and Lewis Neal (Wilson, N.C./James B. Hunt) left the Buckeyes scrambling to fill the position.
Lewis is a standout athlete who can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. As a junior, he amassed 63 tackles and 12 sacks. He also brings a winning attitude as Tarboro has won three consecutive state championships and is undefeated this season.
“I bring a winning spirit, speed, and I’m someone that will go out there and play hard every game,” he said.
The other plus Ohio State had going for it was the culture of winning Urban Meyer brings to the Buckeyes.
Already a successful program, Meyer’s two national titles were on the mind of Lewis as well. It’s a tradition the three-star commit hopes to continue.
“I expect to win a national championship,” Lewis said. “Year after year after year.”
Lewis plans on making his official visit on Nov. 24 for the Michigan game.
With Lewis’ commitment, the Buckeyes will likely look once more at the position with athlete Christopher Worley (Cleveland/Glenville) or Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian). Both are very interested in Ohio State.
The Buckeyes have been courting the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Lewis for quite a while in a summer affair that finally landed the three-star hybrid defensive end/linebacker.
Lewis ended the suspense in a news conference at his high school.
He came to Ohio State’s Senior Advanced Camp on June 10 and got the offer he was looking for, then returned with his mother July 27 for the Buckeyes’ Friday Night Lights camp.
While Lewis didn’t participate at the second event, he did spend the night and the better portion of the next day talking football and beyond with Ohio State brass.
“I felt comfortable there,” Lewis said. “I think it’s a great choice overall. The coaching staff and the facilities, everything there is nice.”
In choosing the Buckeyes over North Carolina and LSU, Lewis adds a dimension the 2013 recruiting class didn’t have as a linebacker.
“I see myself at the linebacking position,” Lewis said. “Just moving around and being aggressive.”
It looked like Ohio State had the position filled, but decommitments from Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing) and Lewis Neal (Wilson, N.C./James B. Hunt) left the Buckeyes scrambling to fill the position.
Lewis is a standout athlete who can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. As a junior, he amassed 63 tackles and 12 sacks. He also brings a winning attitude as Tarboro has won three consecutive state championships and is undefeated this season.
“I bring a winning spirit, speed, and I’m someone that will go out there and play hard every game,” he said.
The other plus Ohio State had going for it was the culture of winning Urban Meyer brings to the Buckeyes.
Already a successful program, Meyer’s two national titles were on the mind of Lewis as well. It’s a tradition the three-star commit hopes to continue.
“I expect to win a national championship,” Lewis said. “Year after year after year.”
Lewis plans on making his official visit on Nov. 24 for the Michigan game.
With Lewis’ commitment, the Buckeyes will likely look once more at the position with athlete Christopher Worley (Cleveland/Glenville) or Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian). Both are very interested in Ohio State.
ATH Marcus Ball finalizing new top five
August, 20, 2012
8/20/12
5:22
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Four teams are at the top for Westerville (Ohio) South athlete Marcus Ball, and he is looking for one more school to complete his leaderboard as he looks ahead to official visits.
Arizona State, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Wisconsin lead for the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Ball, who could play safety, linebacker or quarterback in college.
“I’m just trying to find a No. 5 right now,” he said.
Arizona State, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Wisconsin lead for the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Ball, who could play safety, linebacker or quarterback in college.
“I’m just trying to find a No. 5 right now,” he said.
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