Football Recruiting - Southeast Region: Alabama recruiting
Nebraska adds pledge from TE Cethan Carter 
January, 18, 2013
Jan 18
12:40
AM ET
By
Mitch Sherman | ESPN.com
Late-rising prospect Cethan Carter (Metairie, La./Archbishop Rummel) announced his commitment to Nebraska Thursday night on Twitter.
Carter, projected as a tight end in college, could not be immediately reached for comment.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Carter completed his senior season without a scholarship offer, helping lead Rummel to a Louisiana 5A championship last month. His stock skyrocketed as the Huskers offered, followed by an opportunity to greyshirt at LSU and enroll for the spring of 2014.
Carter, projected as a tight end in college, could not be immediately reached for comment.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Carter completed his senior season without a scholarship offer, helping lead Rummel to a Louisiana 5A championship last month. His stock skyrocketed as the Huskers offered, followed by an opportunity to greyshirt at LSU and enroll for the spring of 2014.
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) promised there would be no drama with his announcement, and he stayed true to his word when he put on an LSU hat and committed to the Tigers during the first quarter of tonight's Under Armour All-America Game.
Beckwith is the second prospect to commit to LSU during Under Armour All-America Game week, as defensive tackle Maquedius Bain (Davie, Fla./University School), who committed Wednesday after practice. Beckwith is the 25th verbal commitment and the sixth member of the ESPN 150 to join to LSU’s Class of 2013.
The top-rated player in Louisiana, Beckwith said that the battle between SEC West powers LSU and Alabama was tough, but in the end the idea of playing for his home-state school was too much to go against.
While Beckwith’s commitment to the Tigers is solid, there is plenty of speculation about where he will play. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he was closer to 240 pounds this week and looks like he could have a future at linebacker or defensive end.
“I’m probably the most comfortable at linebacker in college, especially because they use big linebackers in the SEC,” Beckwith said earlier this week. “In some situations I might need to put my hand in the ground and that could work too.”
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. –- On Day 3 of practice for the Under Armour All-America Game at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports, No. 1 prospect Robert Nkemdiche (Loganville, Ga./Grayson) finally confirmed what has been speculated around the recruiting world for months.
“It would be hard to see myself not going to Ole Miss because it is a family thing,” Nkemdiche said. “My whole family wants me to go there. They are on the rise and doing a lot of good things.
"Ole Miss is the team to beat, but LSU is still in the mix, too."
“It would be hard to see myself not going to Ole Miss because it is a family thing,” Nkemdiche said. “My whole family wants me to go there. They are on the rise and doing a lot of good things.
"Ole Miss is the team to beat, but LSU is still in the mix, too."
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FSU, vandy options for WR Cunningham 
January, 2, 2013
Jan 2
3:57
PM ET
By
Corey Dowlar and
Corey Long | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- As Tony Stevens (Orlando, Fla./Evans) looks decreasingly likely to sign with Florida State, the Seminoles have begun to make appropriate changes to their plans at wide receiver.
ESPN 150 wide receiver Jordan Cunningham (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./University School of Nova Southeast) is hardly a backup plan, though. Being the No. 59 prospect in the country, he's proved himself to be a quality prospect.
And it seems he's warm to Florida State despite running backs coach Eddie Gran's departure to Cincinnati, as well as Vanderbilt.
ESPN 150 wide receiver Jordan Cunningham (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./University School of Nova Southeast) is hardly a backup plan, though. Being the No. 59 prospect in the country, he's proved himself to be a quality prospect.
And it seems he's warm to Florida State despite running backs coach Eddie Gran's departure to Cincinnati, as well as Vanderbilt.
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The scenario seems strangely familiar. A top-ranked Louisiana prospect will make a decision between Alabama and LSU at the Under Armour All-America Game, which will be televised live at 5 p.m. ET Friday on ESPN from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
Last year, Landon Collins' decision to go to Alabama made for compelling television as his mother, sitting with him during the live announcement, clearly did not approve of his choice.
ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) says not to expect any drama this year, as his family will be happy with whichever school he chooses.
Last year, Landon Collins' decision to go to Alabama made for compelling television as his mother, sitting with him during the live announcement, clearly did not approve of his choice.
ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) says not to expect any drama this year, as his family will be happy with whichever school he chooses.
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DL Williams leans on officials for decision 
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
7:39
PM ET
By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- As ESPN 150 defensive end Tim Williams (Baton Rouge, La./ University Lab) nears national signing day, all that remains between him and choosing a school is a few official visits.
Up first is a trip to Alabama on January 11, Miami on the 18th and Florida State on the 25th. Williams will decide whether or not to take an official to LSU or Texas A&M at some point, too.
Among his finalists, it seems all have a common thread.
Up first is a trip to Alabama on January 11, Miami on the 18th and Florida State on the 25th. Williams will decide whether or not to take an official to LSU or Texas A&M at some point, too.
Among his finalists, it seems all have a common thread.
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TE McNeil ready to let Tide roll away 
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
7:30
PM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -– ESPN 150 prospect Josh McNeil (Durham, N.C./Milford Academy) admits it was a difficult situation when the tight end parted ways with Alabama. However it looks like another SEC program will be there to pick up the pieces.
McNeil took an official to LSU two weeks ago and says it’s the place he wants to be.
“I really feel like LSU is the type of place that is going to be there for me,” McNeil said. “I was pretty stunned with what happened with Alabama. They thought I might not qualify and just left me hanging. But I’ve turned things around and I’m on track to qualify.
McNeil took an official to LSU two weeks ago and says it’s the place he wants to be.
“I really feel like LSU is the type of place that is going to be there for me,” McNeil said. “I was pretty stunned with what happened with Alabama. They thought I might not qualify and just left me hanging. But I’ve turned things around and I’m on track to qualify.
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Four-star Conner plans decision, visits 
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
6:32
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- ESPN 150 safety Antonio Conner (Batesville, Miss./South Panola) is set to make his decision at the Under Armour All-America Game on Friday. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound athlete will choose between Alabama, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and Georgia.
Despite making a decision, Conner plans to take all five official visits.
"I'm going to be taking some after this game," Conner said Sunday during Under Armour All-America Game registration at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. "I've got a lot of them to take, but I am going to take them to Alabama, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and Georgia. I'm going to start on the 11th with Alabama, then take the rest."
Despite making a decision, Conner plans to take all five official visits.
"I'm going to be taking some after this game," Conner said Sunday during Under Armour All-America Game registration at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. "I've got a lot of them to take, but I am going to take them to Alabama, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and Georgia. I'm going to start on the 11th with Alabama, then take the rest."
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2014 QB Tyler Harris close to first offer 
December, 29, 2012
12/29/12
1:00
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
ATLANTA -- Although 2014 quarterback Tyler Harris (Blackshear, Ga./Pierce County) doesn’t have any scholarship offers yet, he’s hoping his performance this week at the Georgia Junior Bowl will turn some heads and possibly even earn him his first offer.
“I think as far as media goes, there’s not a greater place to come than here because you’ve got all of these great companies working to get your name out there,” Harris said.
“For me, one thing I need to work on as far as getting recruiting is being under center, so coming here and learning to take a snap from under center and doing my drops, it’s really going to help me out in the future.”
“I think as far as media goes, there’s not a greater place to come than here because you’ve got all of these great companies working to get your name out there,” Harris said.
“For me, one thing I need to work on as far as getting recruiting is being under center, so coming here and learning to take a snap from under center and doing my drops, it’s really going to help me out in the future.”
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Top recruits abound at Ga. state finals 
December, 13, 2012
12/13/12
9:57
AM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
There will be no shortage of talent, or college coaches, on the field at the Georgia Dome this weekend, as the GHSA football state championships are set to take place. All seven games will be broadcast live on Georgia Public Broadcasting TV, as well as streaming online at gpb.org/sports. Here are some prospects to keep an eye on in each of the seven matchups.
Prince Avenue (11-2) vs. ELCA (12-1): Class A Private, Friday, 2:30 p.m.
The top prospect in the opening matchup of the weekend is ESPN 150 defensive end Isaac Rochell. He committed to Notre Dame over 20 other offers back in June. His teammate, running back Keyante Green, is a ESPN 300 prospect who committed to Purdue during the summer after being previously committed to UCLA. Eagles Landing Christian Academy has two ESPN 2014 Watch List selections to keep an eye on as well in defensive end Andrew Williams and quarterback/athlete Dalton Etheridge. Williams, whose brother Anthony plays defensive end at Georgia Tech, looks to follow Rochell’s path as one of the most coveted prospects in Georgia.
Prince Avenue (11-2) vs. ELCA (12-1): Class A Private, Friday, 2:30 p.m.
The top prospect in the opening matchup of the weekend is ESPN 150 defensive end Isaac Rochell. He committed to Notre Dame over 20 other offers back in June. His teammate, running back Keyante Green, is a ESPN 300 prospect who committed to Purdue during the summer after being previously committed to UCLA. Eagles Landing Christian Academy has two ESPN 2014 Watch List selections to keep an eye on as well in defensive end Andrew Williams and quarterback/athlete Dalton Etheridge. Williams, whose brother Anthony plays defensive end at Georgia Tech, looks to follow Rochell’s path as one of the most coveted prospects in Georgia.
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Tide's haul started at Saban's hiring 
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
11:51
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- For Nick Saban, his success started on the recruiting trail, not the football field.
In his first season, the University of Alabama head football coach went 6-6 and guided the Crimson Tide to a berth in the Independence Bowl, the lowly Independence Bowl, where they hung on to defeat Colorado.
Almost immediately, the turnaround began. Saban and his staff put together the No. 3 recruiting class in the country during his first full year. The group featured seven ESPN 150 prospects, five first-round NFL draft picks and included a Heisman Trophy winner.
In his first season, the University of Alabama head football coach went 6-6 and guided the Crimson Tide to a berth in the Independence Bowl, the lowly Independence Bowl, where they hung on to defeat Colorado.
Almost immediately, the turnaround began. Saban and his staff put together the No. 3 recruiting class in the country during his first full year. The group featured seven ESPN 150 prospects, five first-round NFL draft picks and included a Heisman Trophy winner.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- When ESPN 150 defensive tackle Dee Liner (Muscle Shoals, Ala./Muscle Shoals) committed to Auburn during the summer prior to his junior season, it surprised a lot of people. After all, he was the state’s top player, and he was making his decision almost two and a half years before he would have to sign his national letter of intent.
Liner grew up a fan of the Tigers, so the choice shouldn’t have come as a surprise -- but why pull the trigger so early?
Looking back, Auburn was coming off a national championship and had a lot of momentum on the recruiting trail. The in-state native had just visited AU two weeks earlier for their Big Cat Weekend. He must have felt right.
Liner grew up a fan of the Tigers, so the choice shouldn’t have come as a surprise -- but why pull the trigger so early?
Looking back, Auburn was coming off a national championship and had a lot of momentum on the recruiting trail. The in-state native had just visited AU two weeks earlier for their Big Cat Weekend. He must have felt right.
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Michael O'Connor continues to make strong connections with Alabama, especially after a visit to Tuscaloosa this weekend.
The sophomore quarterback from Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor said he enjoyed meeting with Bama offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier on Saturday.
"They told me they liked what they saw and to keep working hard and to get me down in the spring," O'Connor said.
The sophomore quarterback from Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor said he enjoyed meeting with Bama offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier on Saturday.
"They told me they liked what they saw and to keep working hard and to get me down in the spring," O'Connor said.
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Recruiting recap: Alabama at LSU 
November, 5, 2012
11/05/12
11:40
AM ET
By Recruiting Nation staff | ESPN.com
In Death Valley and beyond, ESPN Recruiting Nation reporters tracked down the prospects who witnessed Alabama's win Saturday night at LSU. Here's a recap of the players' reactions so far
:
• Damon Sayles: CB Tony Brown applauds Bama, LSU
• Greg Ostendorf: RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call
• Gary Laney: Desean Smith liked Nic Jacobs' wrinkle
• David Helman: Watch List WR Dupre excited by LSU
• Laney: QB commit Rettig: LSU is 'right place'
• Josh Moyer: DT Rod Crayton narrows list to four
• Helman: Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley
• Dave Hooker: ESPN 300 prospects Neal, Herron love visits
• Helman: DL Tim Williams: 'It was Alabama loud'
• Ostendorf: Watch List's Tre Williams talks Bama-LSU
• Laney: DT LaCouture pledges to LSU during visit
Players who didn't make it to the game still had opinions to share as well:
• Sayles: Watch List CB Hardeman happy with LSU
• Sayles: Race of 3 for DL Justin Manning?
• Blair Angulo: Four-star S Tahaan Goodman stays patient
• Damon Sayles: CB Tony Brown applauds Bama, LSU
• Greg Ostendorf: RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call
• Gary Laney: Desean Smith liked Nic Jacobs' wrinkle
• David Helman: Watch List WR Dupre excited by LSU
• Laney: QB commit Rettig: LSU is 'right place'
• Josh Moyer: DT Rod Crayton narrows list to four
• Helman: Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley
• Dave Hooker: ESPN 300 prospects Neal, Herron love visits
• Helman: DL Tim Williams: 'It was Alabama loud'
• Ostendorf: Watch List's Tre Williams talks Bama-LSU
• Laney: DT LaCouture pledges to LSU during visit
Players who didn't make it to the game still had opinions to share as well:
• Sayles: Watch List CB Hardeman happy with LSU
• Sayles: Race of 3 for DL Justin Manning?
• Blair Angulo: Four-star S Tahaan Goodman stays patient
Recruiting recap: Alabama at LSU 
November, 5, 2012
11/05/12
11:39
AM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
In Death Valley and beyond, ESPN RecruitingNation reporters tracked down the prospects who witnessed Alabama's win Saturday night at LSU. Here's a recap of the players' reactions so far
:
• RB Scarborough solid to Bama after LSU hurdles: 2014's Bo Scarborough, a Crimson Tide commit, ran into logistical problems during his visit to Death Valley.
• WR Quinn: Mettenberger looked like NFL QB: Louisiana's leading prep receiver from Lake Charles, La./Barbe and a member of the ESPN Watch List for the 2014 signing class also enjoyed meeting a former Tigers standout.
• CB Tony Brown applauds Bama, LSU: The ESPN Watch List cornerback called Saturday’s clash of SEC powers "one of the best games I’ve ever been to."
• RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call: Two of Leonard Fournette's top schools, Alabama and LSU, came down to the final minute -- and a a screen play executed to perfection by the Crimson Tide.
• Desean Smith liked Nic Jacobs' wrinkle: "I got to talk to [LSU tight ends coach Steve Ensminger] at the end and I told him I liked the way they used the tight ends," Smith said.
• Watch List WR Dupre excited by LSU: The 6-foot-3 target couldn't help noticing Zach Mettenberger's explosion for 298 yards and a touchdown with a 68 percent completion rate.
• QB commit Rettig: LSU is 'right place': While the Tigers took Saturday's setback hard, Rettig was feeling the emotions with them during his visit.
• DT Rod Crayton narrows list to four: The three-star prospect said his top schools currently include Arkansas, LSU, Penn State and Tennessee.
• Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley: "I never thought it could get much crazier at night in Tiger Stadium than it was for South Carolina. ... I thought I had seen it as bad as it could get as far as the fans go, but this game, man. They were crazy as far as hollering. Just all night. I see why it's hard for teams to come in there and win."
• ESPN 300 prospects Neal, Herron love visits: Both are commits; Herron, a DL, emailed: "It was great. That was my first game and I feel that I can play right away."
• DL Tim Williams: 'It was Alabama loud': The target says Death Valley's game atmosphere is why people want to play for the Tigers.
• LB Tre Williams talks Bama-LSU: The 2014 target says he knew LSU had the ability to give Alabama a game if they proved mentally ready.
• DT LaCouture pledges to LSU during visit: Formerly committed to his hometown Nebraska Cornhuskers, LaCouture became LSU's 24th commit while in Baton Rouge with his mother.
Players who didn't make it to the game still had opinions to share as well:
• Watch List CB Hardeman happy with LSU: "The secondary played ball out there. Jalen Mills is a true freshman, but he’s been playing real well. From top to bottom, the guys stepped up."
• Race of 3 for DL Justin Manning?: Manning, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound lineman, has been considered an Oklahoma lean for months, as his brother, DeMarcus Granger, played defensive tackle for the Sooners from 2006 to 2009.
• Four-star S Tahaan Goodman stays patient: It pained Goodman to postpone the trip, but that, "Me and Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos de Niza) are still going to head out to Louisiana, but just on a different weekend."
• RB Scarborough solid to Bama after LSU hurdles: 2014's Bo Scarborough, a Crimson Tide commit, ran into logistical problems during his visit to Death Valley.
• WR Quinn: Mettenberger looked like NFL QB: Louisiana's leading prep receiver from Lake Charles, La./Barbe and a member of the ESPN Watch List for the 2014 signing class also enjoyed meeting a former Tigers standout.
• CB Tony Brown applauds Bama, LSU: The ESPN Watch List cornerback called Saturday’s clash of SEC powers "one of the best games I’ve ever been to."
• RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call: Two of Leonard Fournette's top schools, Alabama and LSU, came down to the final minute -- and a a screen play executed to perfection by the Crimson Tide.
• Desean Smith liked Nic Jacobs' wrinkle: "I got to talk to [LSU tight ends coach Steve Ensminger] at the end and I told him I liked the way they used the tight ends," Smith said.
• Watch List WR Dupre excited by LSU: The 6-foot-3 target couldn't help noticing Zach Mettenberger's explosion for 298 yards and a touchdown with a 68 percent completion rate.
• QB commit Rettig: LSU is 'right place': While the Tigers took Saturday's setback hard, Rettig was feeling the emotions with them during his visit.
• DT Rod Crayton narrows list to four: The three-star prospect said his top schools currently include Arkansas, LSU, Penn State and Tennessee.
• Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley: "I never thought it could get much crazier at night in Tiger Stadium than it was for South Carolina. ... I thought I had seen it as bad as it could get as far as the fans go, but this game, man. They were crazy as far as hollering. Just all night. I see why it's hard for teams to come in there and win."
• ESPN 300 prospects Neal, Herron love visits: Both are commits; Herron, a DL, emailed: "It was great. That was my first game and I feel that I can play right away."
• DL Tim Williams: 'It was Alabama loud': The target says Death Valley's game atmosphere is why people want to play for the Tigers.
• LB Tre Williams talks Bama-LSU: The 2014 target says he knew LSU had the ability to give Alabama a game if they proved mentally ready.
• DT LaCouture pledges to LSU during visit: Formerly committed to his hometown Nebraska Cornhuskers, LaCouture became LSU's 24th commit while in Baton Rouge with his mother.
Players who didn't make it to the game still had opinions to share as well:
• Watch List CB Hardeman happy with LSU: "The secondary played ball out there. Jalen Mills is a true freshman, but he’s been playing real well. From top to bottom, the guys stepped up."
• Race of 3 for DL Justin Manning?: Manning, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound lineman, has been considered an Oklahoma lean for months, as his brother, DeMarcus Granger, played defensive tackle for the Sooners from 2006 to 2009.
• Four-star S Tahaan Goodman stays patient: It pained Goodman to postpone the trip, but that, "Me and Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos de Niza) are still going to head out to Louisiana, but just on a different weekend."

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.