CARROLLTON, Texas -- In a four-week span, Hebron High School has hosted 91 visitors from college football programs. All 91, in some capacity, have asked about ESPN 150 safety Jamal Adams.
And why not? Adams is one of the nation’s elite defensive backs. He is ranked No. 23 in the ESPN 150, and he’s the No. 2 player in Texas and the No. 3 safety in the country. Adams has close to 30 offers from coast to coast, and more are bound to come over the summer.
Not to mention, Adams is an all-around nice guy, a person of character. Someone who can be a player ambassador for a program. He’s also the definition of a team player -- which could be a reason why he has yet to name a top list of schools.
Ask Adams about a favorite, and he’s somewhat vague with his answer. One explanation could be because he’s taking his time in weighing his options. Another reason could be because he understands the recruiting process, particularly in the spring. Name favorites, and lose interest from schools. Lose interest, and give fewer schools a chance to see teammates in action.
“My teammates are important to me. They keep me working with the competitive aspect of everything,” Adams said. “You want to get better with your teammates, and you want to see them get offers, too.”
Adams’ play on the field makes him one of the most wanted safeties. However, it’s the ability to look out for his teammates -- and the jubilation he feels when one gets a big offer -- that makes him likable in the locker room and the consummate teammate.
“The kid’s getting all that attention; he could become a little selfish, but he wants to help his team win and help his teammates,” Hebron coach Brian Brazil said. “I told some colleges that when you’re a kid like him getting recruited by everyone in the country, and you’re all about buying into whatever he can do to win and not about who all has offered, that’s what he’s about. He’s about what he can do to be better next year and make the team better.”
Adams in three varsity seasons has been impressive. He’s recorded 178 tackles and nine interceptions, 63 of those tackles and three of those picks coming this past season. Most recently, Adams earned and accepted an invitation to next month’s The Opening after a solid showing at April’s Nike Football Training Camp in Allen, Texas.
And why not? Adams is one of the nation’s elite defensive backs. He is ranked No. 23 in the ESPN 150, and he’s the No. 2 player in Texas and the No. 3 safety in the country. Adams has close to 30 offers from coast to coast, and more are bound to come over the summer.
Not to mention, Adams is an all-around nice guy, a person of character. Someone who can be a player ambassador for a program. He’s also the definition of a team player -- which could be a reason why he has yet to name a top list of schools.
Ask Adams about a favorite, and he’s somewhat vague with his answer. One explanation could be because he’s taking his time in weighing his options. Another reason could be because he understands the recruiting process, particularly in the spring. Name favorites, and lose interest from schools. Lose interest, and give fewer schools a chance to see teammates in action.
“My teammates are important to me. They keep me working with the competitive aspect of everything,” Adams said. “You want to get better with your teammates, and you want to see them get offers, too.”
Adams’ play on the field makes him one of the most wanted safeties. However, it’s the ability to look out for his teammates -- and the jubilation he feels when one gets a big offer -- that makes him likable in the locker room and the consummate teammate.
“The kid’s getting all that attention; he could become a little selfish, but he wants to help his team win and help his teammates,” Hebron coach Brian Brazil said. “I told some colleges that when you’re a kid like him getting recruited by everyone in the country, and you’re all about buying into whatever he can do to win and not about who all has offered, that’s what he’s about. He’s about what he can do to be better next year and make the team better.”
Adams in three varsity seasons has been impressive. He’s recorded 178 tackles and nine interceptions, 63 of those tackles and three of those picks coming this past season. Most recently, Adams earned and accepted an invitation to next month’s The Opening after a solid showing at April’s Nike Football Training Camp in Allen, Texas.
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Next weekend is a big one for four-star prospect Nick Chubb (Cedartown, Ga./Cedartown). The 5-foot-11, 216-pound running back, who ran for 2,721 yards and 38 touchdowns in 10 games last fall, will visit his top three schools before making his college choice, which looks like will take him to the SEC.
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Each week, Tales From The Road will provide news and updates about where Georgia’s coaches have been and what prospects are standing out.
This week’s targets: University of Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham made the most of his time on the road over the last few days, checking in on two five-star defensive line prospects and his top target at outside linebacker. On Tuesday, Grantham saw defensive tackle Andrew Brown (Chesapeake, Va./Oscar Smith), the No. 3 prospect in the country. That same day, Grantham also went with defensive line coach Chris Wilson to see defensive tackle Lamont Gaillard (Fayetteville, N.C./Pine Forest). The No. 10 prospect in the country, Gaillard has the Bulldogs on top of his list at the moment. Coach Wilson also saw ESPN 150 defensive end Kentavius Street (Greenville, N.C/J.H. Rose), ESPN 150 defensive tackle Elisha Shaw (Tucker, Ga./Tucker), ESPN 150 cornerback Wesley Green (Lithonia, Ga./Martin Luther King) and three-star lineman Kendall Baker (Atlanta/Marist) over the last seven days. On Friday, Grantham was in attendance to watch the ESPN 150 defensive end Lorenzo Carter (Norcross, Ga./Norcross). Last Thursday, wide receivers coach Tony Ball went to check on what could be his top target at wideout for the 2014 class. ESPN 150 prospect Cameron Sims (Monroe, La./Ouachita Parish) says Coach Ball came out twice to see him this spring, and he plans to return the favor this summer with a visit to Athens, Ga. Earlier this week, inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti wasted no time in going to see new outside linebacker target and recent Florida decommitment Christian Miller (Spring Valley, S.C./Spring Valley). The ESPN 150 prospect had been hoping to get an offer from the Bulldogs, and now plans to come check Georgia out soon.
Area of interest: South Georgia is home to two targets that Georgia would love to add to their 2014 recruiting class. ESPN 150 cornerback/athlete Malkom Parrish (Quitman, Ga./Brooks County) is looking at both in-state schools, and after visits to both campuses he seems torn between the two. He might be the most talented cornerback the Bulldogs have a great shot at bringing in this recruiting cycle. Recent offensive line target Dyshon Sims (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes) is thirty minutes down the road, and he hold his offer from Georgia in very high regard. Putting their foot on the gas for both prospects could result in two additions to the commitment list from a pair of in-state prospects with enormous potential.
This week’s targets: University of Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham made the most of his time on the road over the last few days, checking in on two five-star defensive line prospects and his top target at outside linebacker. On Tuesday, Grantham saw defensive tackle Andrew Brown (Chesapeake, Va./Oscar Smith), the No. 3 prospect in the country. That same day, Grantham also went with defensive line coach Chris Wilson to see defensive tackle Lamont Gaillard (Fayetteville, N.C./Pine Forest). The No. 10 prospect in the country, Gaillard has the Bulldogs on top of his list at the moment. Coach Wilson also saw ESPN 150 defensive end Kentavius Street (Greenville, N.C/J.H. Rose), ESPN 150 defensive tackle Elisha Shaw (Tucker, Ga./Tucker), ESPN 150 cornerback Wesley Green (Lithonia, Ga./Martin Luther King) and three-star lineman Kendall Baker (Atlanta/Marist) over the last seven days. On Friday, Grantham was in attendance to watch the ESPN 150 defensive end Lorenzo Carter (Norcross, Ga./Norcross). Last Thursday, wide receivers coach Tony Ball went to check on what could be his top target at wideout for the 2014 class. ESPN 150 prospect Cameron Sims (Monroe, La./Ouachita Parish) says Coach Ball came out twice to see him this spring, and he plans to return the favor this summer with a visit to Athens, Ga. Earlier this week, inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti wasted no time in going to see new outside linebacker target and recent Florida decommitment Christian Miller (Spring Valley, S.C./Spring Valley). The ESPN 150 prospect had been hoping to get an offer from the Bulldogs, and now plans to come check Georgia out soon.
Area of interest: South Georgia is home to two targets that Georgia would love to add to their 2014 recruiting class. ESPN 150 cornerback/athlete Malkom Parrish (Quitman, Ga./Brooks County) is looking at both in-state schools, and after visits to both campuses he seems torn between the two. He might be the most talented cornerback the Bulldogs have a great shot at bringing in this recruiting cycle. Recent offensive line target Dyshon Sims (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes) is thirty minutes down the road, and he hold his offer from Georgia in very high regard. Putting their foot on the gas for both prospects could result in two additions to the commitment list from a pair of in-state prospects with enormous potential.
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LSU and Ohio State were the top two for ESPN 150 wide receiver Saeed Blacknall. Now the two are bookends for the Manalapan (N.J.) High School star's top five.
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CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Justus Reed (Clearwater, Fla./Clearwater Central Catholic) had himself quite a run in early May.
In the span of about 10 days, the defensive end prospect landed offers from Ohio State, Florida State, NC State, Cincinnati, Iowa State and Michigan State.
In the span of about 10 days, the defensive end prospect landed offers from Ohio State, Florida State, NC State, Cincinnati, Iowa State and Michigan State.
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NORCROSS, Ga. -- ESPN 150 defensive end Lorenzo Carter seems to never stop grinning, even on the football field. His 100-megawatt smile calls to mind another affable defensive end, Michael Strahan, complete with the trademark gap. Even a shoving match with a teammate resulted in Carter falling down laughing about it later.
During the Norcross spring game on Friday, Carter and offensive tackle Horatio Walker tangled as they went at each other in the trenches. Walker held Carter’s jersey and was rewarded with a shot to the helmet.
“Well it was a run, and I don’t think Horatio respects me on the run yet, but it is all good,” Carter said between guffaws. “He tried to bully me around, but I was not having that so I had to hit him back. I was having fun out there.”
During the Norcross spring game on Friday, Carter and offensive tackle Horatio Walker tangled as they went at each other in the trenches. Walker held Carter’s jersey and was rewarded with a shot to the helmet.
“Well it was a run, and I don’t think Horatio respects me on the run yet, but it is all good,” Carter said between guffaws. “He tried to bully me around, but I was not having that so I had to hit him back. I was having fun out there.”
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- ESPN 150 outside linebacker Jacob Pugh (Tallahassee, Fla./Godby) has aspirations to play in the NFL, just like many other players his age. Regardless of where his football career takes him, this 6-foot-4, 220-pound athlete has another dream that he plans to fulfill.
"I want to own my own trucking company," Pugh said. "For one, my uncle had a trucking business for a long time. A couple people that go to my church are truck drivers. They just talk to me about what they do and it seems fun and interesting. It's something I'd really like to do.
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CB Humphrey takes break from recruiting 
May, 22, 2013
May 22
8:00
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
HOOVER, Ala. -- Five-star cornerback Marlon Humphrey has been without a cell phone for over a month now. While most of his classmates at Hoover High School would be lost without their cell phone, Humphrey has actually embraced not having it. He doesn’t have to deal with the constant phone calls from college coaches and recruiting services every night.
Most believe that’s why he turned his phone off, but in reality, he broke one phone, lost another, and his father Bobby said he’s not getting a new one until the family plan changes next month.
“Looking back, it’s probably one of the better things that’s happened because over the summer when he had a phone, I think that’s when he got a little bit overwhelmed,” Bobby Humphrey said. “So it may be a good thing for him. I guess that’s why he’s been so calm.”
Most believe that’s why he turned his phone off, but in reality, he broke one phone, lost another, and his father Bobby said he’s not getting a new one until the family plan changes next month.
“Looking back, it’s probably one of the better things that’s happened because over the summer when he had a phone, I think that’s when he got a little bit overwhelmed,” Bobby Humphrey said. “So it may be a good thing for him. I guess that’s why he’s been so calm.”
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Texas branching out, recruiting in Georgia
May, 22, 2013
May 22
8:00
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- There has never been a football player from the state of Georgia that started his college career as a Longhorn. At least not dating back to 1947, which is the first year Texas started keeping track of its players’ hometowns on its official website.
The list of players from Georgia who transferred in isn’t much bigger -- you can count them on one hand with a few fingers to spare -- making former Longhorns punter Greg Johnson part of a very small fraternity.
The list of players from Georgia who transferred in isn’t much bigger -- you can count them on one hand with a few fingers to spare -- making former Longhorns punter Greg Johnson part of a very small fraternity.
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Despite debuting at No. 89 in the initial ESPN 150 rankings, wide receiver Jesse Jackson (Petal, Miss./Petal) is still flying a bit under the radar. He picked up offers from Alabama and Ole Miss in March, but he’s stayed at four offers for nearly two months.
Last week, the interest picked up. Four SEC schools came by the school in a matter of two days, and Jackson came away with offers from Auburn and Missouri as well as a camp invite from Georgia that could turn into an offer.
Last week, the interest picked up. Four SEC schools came by the school in a matter of two days, and Jackson came away with offers from Auburn and Missouri as well as a camp invite from Georgia that could turn into an offer.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- It was just 10 days ago that LSU fans were excited to have landed junior college receiver D'haquille Williams (Reserve, La./Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College).
Not so fast.
Not so fast.
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The Gameccks picked up their second commitment for the 2015 class Tuesday and it comes from one of the most coveted prospects in the Palmetto State.
"I have verbally committed to South Carolina," Shameik Blackshear said.
"I have verbally committed to South Carolina," Shameik Blackshear said.
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PERRY, Fla. -- When former Florida State defensive ends coach D.J. Eliot left to take the defensive coordinator position at Kentucky, four-star wide receiver Moral Stephens (Perry, Fla./Taylor County) was caught off guard.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Stephens had built a strong relationship with Eliot, and his departure affected the recruitment of Stephens.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Stephens had built a strong relationship with Eliot, and his departure affected the recruitment of Stephens.
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D'Andre Walker (Fairburn, Ga./Langston Hughes) racked up 105 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 21 sacks, two forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles and a blocked punt last season as a junior. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound pass rusher played a huge role in helping his team to a 10-2 record and its first playoff berth in school history and hit the recruiting map late in January, when North Carolina became the first program to offer Walker.
Since that time, 34 other programs have offered Walker. While Walker says all schools are now even, three coaching staffs have been able to connect with him the best so far. The 2015 prospect almost committed to one of them a few months back.
Since that time, 34 other programs have offered Walker. While Walker says all schools are now even, three coaching staffs have been able to connect with him the best so far. The 2015 prospect almost committed to one of them a few months back.
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Q&A: Clark talks favorites, decision date
May, 21, 2013
May 21
7:30
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
CALERA, Ala. -- Spring practice just wrapped up for ESPN 150 athlete Ronnie Clark, and he put an exclamation point on it last week with three rushing touchdowns for Calera High School in the first half of their spring game.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound athlete is playing quarterback this year for the Eagles, but he is being recruited as a defensive player for the next level, either as a linebacker or a safety.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound athlete is playing quarterback this year for the Eagles, but he is being recruited as a defensive player for the next level, either as a linebacker or a safety.
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RECRUITING NATION SOUTHEAST COVERAGE
The Southeast Region consists of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee and is home to some of the nation's most talented football recruits each recruiting cycle.More RecruitingNation blogs
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• On The Trail • East Region blog
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• Midwest Region blog • West Region blog
SOUTHEAST RECRUITING CONTRIBUTORS
Kipp AdamsESPN Archive |
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