Posted by JC Shurtburtt
One of the fastest-rising prospects in South Florida, cornerback
Merrill Noel (Pahokee, Fla./Pahokee) has moved past the comments that Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin made about Noel's hometown and will be making an unofficial visit to Knoxville on April 18 for the Vols spring game.
"I just really like the respect that (running backs coach and area recruiter) Eddie Gran has shown me so far and how he has treated all of us down here at Pahokee," Noel said, noting that Gran had been one of the more popular recruiters to come through the talent-stocked school during his days at Auburn. "(The comments) did affect me some, but I have learned that you have to forgive and forget and move on. You cant carry around a grudge."
During a string of insulting comments directed at other programs, states and communities, Kiffin said this about Pahokee:
"For those of you who haven't been to Pahokee, there ain't much going on. You take that hour drive up from South Florida, there ain't a gas station that works. Nobody's got enough money to even have shoes or a shirt on."
He also insinuated that Pahokee High staff members would have attempted to cheat to get Tennessee signee NuKeese Richardson to sign with Florida instead of the Vols.
Though Tennessee is in the mix for Noel, who has seen his stock rise recently with outstanding performances at an elite 7-on-7 tournament in Tampa and the Miami Nike Football Training Camp, they currently trail two other programs, including an SEC East rival.
"Georgia and Wake Forest are at the top right now," Noel said. "I like Georgia's style of play on defense. They play man-to-man, in your face and thats the way I like it. I like the staff at Wake Forest and their dedication to football. I also like their style of defense."
The Demon Deacons had three Pahokee products on the roster this past season, including All-ACC cornerback Alphonso Smith (a likely pick in this years NFL draft), wide receiver D.J. Boldin and defensive end Antonio Wilson.
JC Shurburtt
JC Shurburtt has been covering recruiting in not only the Southeast, but across the nation for nearly a decade. He can be reached at jcsespn@aol.com.
