Tracking the College Gridiron Stars of the Future
Football Recruiting Report
Monday, December 8, 2003
By Sammy Batten
Staff Writer for The Fayetteville Observer |
|
Pirates cast wide net for
football talent
©2003 Bonesville.net
East Carolina’s coaching staff appears to be focusing its
efforts heavily in Florida and the national junior college ranks as the
intense final two months of recruiting for the Class of 2004 gets underway.
College coaches cannot comment publicly on recruits. But
based on interviews with high school coaches, recruits and on published
reports of scholarship offers extended, the Pirates’ efforts can be
pinpointed to a certain degree.
A total of 18 Florida high school seniors have confirmed
offers from ECU along with eight JUCOs, at least four of whom are also
originally from the Sunshine State. It is believed the Pirates would like to
add as many as eight JUCOs in an effort to get some immediate help from the
2004 class.
Six players have already given commitments — four from the
prep ranks and two from junior colleges.
Charlotte, N.C., quarterback Antonio Miller,
Jacksonville, Fla., center Zach Davis and Mike Williams, an offensive
lineman from Orlando, Fla, have verbaled to the Pirates, along with free
safety Jonathan Warren of Madison County High in Florida,
whose pledge to don the purple and gold
was reported by Bonesville.net on Saturday.
More immediate help might come from tight end Willie Metcalf
and free safety Zack Baker, a pair of teammates from Pima Community College
in Tucson, Ariz., who, according to Bonesville.net's
Saturday report, have also committed
to ECU.
Here’s a position-by-position look at the ECU offers we’ve
been able to verify, including an update on the player’s current recruiting
status:
JUMP TO:
QB •
RB •
WR •
TE •
OL
• DL
• LB •
CB •
SA |
QUARTERBACKS
DAVON DREW (6-4, 215, 4.65 40-yard
dash) NEW BERN, N.C. — Drew is mobile, has a strong arm and is a
winner — he’s taken New Bern to back-to-back state title games.
Offers have been made by Clemson, East Carolina and Maryland,
but he’s probably won’t get serious about recruiting until after
the state championship on Dec. 6.
BLAKE FIELD (6-3, 195, 4.68)
NORTH FLORIDA CHRISTIAN HS, TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — Field is a
consummate field general who committed to Auburn on Oct. 20 over
East Carolina, which was his only other Division I-A offer.
OMAR HAUGABOOK (6-0, 205, 4.43)
CENTRAL HS, BELLE GLADE, FLA. — Haugabook quarterbacks one of
the best programs in Florida, but most colleges envision him
playing wide receiver or cornerback in college. Still, Haugabook
wants to give quarterback a try. He’s got one visit scheduled
with South Florida (1/9), but also has offers on the table from
ECU and Mississippi State. The Pirates are expected to get an
official visit.
ANTONIO MILLER (6-1, 190,
4.5) OLYMPIC HS, CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This dual-threat quarterback
is already bound for ECU. He committed to the Pirates in July
over offers from Kansas State, Maryland, Marshall, Virginia,
Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.
PATRICK PINKNEY (6-1, 190, 4.5)
PINE FOREST HS, FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The son of former ECU
defensive back Reggie Pinkney is adept at running and throwing
the football. He’s also an excellent field general.
Surprisingly, ECU remains his only firm Division I-A offer, but
Duke’s interest is picking up.
WILLIAM RICHARDSON (6-5, 210,
4.8) SUMTER, S.C. — Richardson is the younger brother of former
Penn State and NFL quarterback Wally Richardson. He also happens
to be the best quarterback prospect in the Palmetto State this
season. Clemson, ECU and South Carolina State are his offers,
but Richardson’s early top three are Clemson, Maryland and N.C.
State.
|
RUNNING BACKS
ANTHONY CAMPBELL (5-9, 175, 4.4)
HIALEAH, FLA. — Versatility is Campbell’s game. He’s played
quarterback, running back, wide receiver and cornerback in high
school. The Pirates like him as a running back. Auburn, Michigan
State, Mississippi, N.C. State and Pittsburgh are others who
have offered.
CHRIS JOHNSON (6-0, 175, 4.4)
OLYMPIA HS, ORLANDO, FLA. — Johnson is one of the fastest
athletes in Florida. His senior year was shortened due to a
broken leg, but he returned to gain 400 yards and score seven
touchdowns in the final three games of the season. Johnson said
he will make an official visit to ECU in January. His only other
offers to date are from Eastern Kentucky and Georgia Southern.
NORRIS SMITH (5-10, 190, 4.46)
ELY HS, POMPANO BEACH, FLA. — Smith is a big-time, blue-chip
rushing star who is calling ECU one of his favorites along with
Kentucky and Tennessee. His offer list is more expansive than
that, however, and includes Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas State, Mississippi, N.C. State and
Pittsburgh. The interest in Smith is amazing considering he
spent last year as a backup to current Miami freshman Tyrone
Moss. The all-purpose back rushed for 1,002 yards and 12
touchdowns as a senior.
|
WIDE RECEIVERS
YAMON FIGURS (6-0, 180, 4.4)
GARDEN CITY, KAN., CC, FORT PIERCE, FLA. — An explosive receiver
and kick-return man, Figurs cast his lot with Kansas State on
Nov. 25 over offers from ECU, Texas A&M and Utah.
LARRY FREEMAN (6-3, 185, 4.5)
FORT MEADE, FLA. — Freeman is a prep quarterback who projects as
a wide receiver or safety in college. His offer lists includes
Central Florida, Connecticut, ECU, Iowa State, LSU, Louisville
and Michigan State.
BRIAN HARE (6-3, 200, 4.45)
PIMA, AZ., CC, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL. — Hare is a rangy,
big-play threat who turned down offers from Arizona State, ECU,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas State, Marshall and Pittsburgh to commit
to Purdue on Nov. 7.
KEAVETT MICKLE (6-3, 175, 4.57)
BOONE HS, ORLANDO, FLA. — Mickle has excellent hands and doesn’t
mind catching the ball in a crowd. But his real forte is getting
upfield and in position to haul in the deep ball. ECU is his
only offer, but Georgia Tech and others are lurking around.
JEROME SIMPSON (6-2, 180, 4.4)
REIDSVILLE, N.C. — Simpson has been one of the state’s most
prolific receivers for the last two seasons, piling up almost
3,000 yards receiving. ECU is his only offer, but no date has
been set for an official visit.
JOMAR WRIGHT (6-2, 185, 4.5)
J.F. BYRNES HS, DUNCAN, S.C. — The Pirates offered Wright, but
have been eliminated from the process along with Duke and
Memphis. The list is down to Georgia, Kentucky and Wake Forest.
Wright will make an official visit to see the Deacons on Dec.
16.
|
TIGHT ENDS
WILLIE METCALF (6-7, 260, 4.7)
PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, TUCSON, ARIZ. — Committed to ECU along
with teammate FS Zack Baker. Metcalf originally signed with Ohio
State but fell short academically and embarked on a journey
through three junior colleges, including a stint as a basketball
player. Has one year of eligibility remaining but offers enough
potential that he also drew recruiting interest from Miami,
noted his coach.
|
OFFENSIVE
LINEMENZACH
DAVIS (6-4, 250, 4.9) TRINITY CHRISTIAN HS, JACKSONVILLE, FLA. —
Davis is a pure center prospect who accepted an offer from ECU
last summer over Central Florida, South Florida and Vanderbilt.
KURT FALK (6-7, 320, 5.0) BLINN,
TX, CC, BELLVILLE, TX. — Falk spent the 2001 season as a
scholarship player at Duke, but left prior to the start of his
red-shirt freshman year. He wound up at Blinn and has again been
the object of an intense recruiting battle. Baylor, ECU,
Houston, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico, Tennessee and Tulsa
have all offered. Falke has already visited his two favorites,
Central Florida (Nov. 14) and Syracuse (Nov. 21).
JAMES THOMPSON (6-5, 310, 5.2)
SUMTER, S.C. — One of the top blocking prospects in South
Carolina, Thompson is more athletic than most. He’s drawn offers
from Clemson, ECU, Maryland, N.C. State and South Carolina.
Thompson has narrowed the possibilities to Clemson, UNC and
South Carolina.
PAUL WALSH (6-6, 288, 5.2)
NORTH FLORIDA CHRISTIAN HS, TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — Walsh, who plays
for one of Florida’s premier private-school programs, is
expected to head out of state to play, which bodes well for ECU.
The Pirates were one of the first to offer and are in the hunt
along with Central Florida, Iowa State, North Carolina and N.C.
State. Central Florida (1/9) and UNC (1/23) already have visits
scheduled.
JUAN WILLIAMS (6-3, 292, 5.1)
GARNER, N.C. — Williams is a talented guard-center who plays
with better technique than most prep linemen. ECU has extended
the only offer to Williams, and he likes the Pirates along with
Connecticut, Duke, North Carolina, N.C. State and Wake Forest.
MIKE WILLIAMS (6-3, 285,
5.0) BOONE HS, ORLANDO, FLA. — Williams committed to ECU on June
30 after also considering an offer from Central Florida. He’s a
disciplined, hard-nosed blocker with quickness to trap or pull
when the need arises.
|
DEFENSIVE
LINEMENC.J.
HUNNICUTT (6-2, 215, 4.65) MANATEE HS, BRADENTON, FLA. — A 5-A
all-state pick as a junior, Hunnicutt could wind up playing
linebacker in college. ECU offered, but it looks like
Hunnicutt’s focus is Auburn (11/21 official visit), Ohio State
(1/23), South Florida (1/16) and West Virginia (12/5).
CEDRIC KOGER (6-5, 247, 4.6)
DODGE CITY, KAN., CC, OKEECHOBEE, FLA. — Koger was a second-team
All-Jayhawk Conference pick this year at Dodge City CC after
making 31 tackles, 6 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He’s
already made an official visit to ECU on 11/14. Koger is also
considering Clemson, Kentucky, UAB and Troy State.
DENNIS MARSH (6-4, 275, 4.8) NE
GUILFORD HS, MCLEANSVILLE, N.C. — Maryland won the recruiting
battle for Marsh early, picking up a commitment in June over
offers from Clemson, ECU and North Carolina.
HILEE TAYLOR (6-4, 215, 4.4)
SCOTLAND HS, LAURINBURG, N.C. — Taylor’s quickness is the best
of any lineman in the state. ECU gave Taylor an offer early, but
he chose to commit to North Carolina in August.
ANTONIO SEARCY (6-3, 305, 4.9)
DODGE CITY, KAN., CC, FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. — Searcy is a
big-time defensive tackle prospect who is highly coveted by the
Pirates. He took an official visit to ECU on 11/14 and has
consequently made trips to Kansas State (11/21) and South
Florida (12/5). He also has offers from Illinois and Kansas.
NICK WILLIAMS (6-3, 240, 4.7)
PLANTATION, FLA. — Williams is a physical end who has offers
from Boston College, ECU, Mississippi State, Pittsburgh and
South Florida. He’s already made an official visit to Pitt
(11/28).
|
LINEBACKERS
ALONZO MIDDLETON (6-2, 230, 4.6)
WILKINSON HS, ORANGEBURG, S.C. — ECU offensive coordinator Rick
Stockstill developed a relationship with Middleton while he was
a coach at Clemson. Stockstill’s efforts have put the Pirates at
the top of Middleton’s list along with Clemson. He’s also been
offered by South Carolina. Middleton is the type of athlete who
could be a real difference maker for ECU.
BARRY WRIGHT (5-11, 215, 4.5)
COFFEYVILLE, KAN., CC, PENSACOLA, FLA. — Wright was a first-team
All-Jayhawk Conference pick this season after collecting 72
tackles, 9 tackles for losses and 3 sacks. He’s made one
official visit to West Virginia (11/14) and has other offers
from ECU, LSU and South Carolina.
LAMAR MYLES (6-1, 205, 4.45)
LAKE REGION HS, EAGLE LAKE, FLA. — Myles is a speedy outside
linebacker who makes plays from sideline to sideline. Auburn is
his favorite, but ECU, Louisville and South Florida have also
offered scholarships.
TONY RICHARDSON (6-1, 210, 4.5)
WASHINGTON COUNTY HS, SANDERSVILLE, GA. — Richardson had an
incredible junior season in which he racked up 38 tackles for
loss and 21 sacks. His ability to disrupt offenses has drawn
offers from Brigham Young, ECU and Louisville, but he’s yet to
set up any official visits.
ANTONIO WILSON (6-3, 212, 4.6)
PAHOKEE, FLA. — Wilson isn’t just a great football player, but
he’s one of Florida’s top scorers on the hardwood as well. ECU
is in his top five along with favorite West Virginia, Georgia
Tech, Indiana and Wake Forest. All except the Deacons have
offered.
|
CORNERBACKS
KEVIN PATTERSON (6-0, 172, 4.45)
CAMDEN COUNTY HS, KINGSLAND, GA. — A swift corner with excellent
coverage skills, Patterson says he favors Georgia Tech, but the
Yellow Jackets haven’t offered yet. But Delaware, ECU, Tennessee
State, Wake Forest and Wofford have, and so has Vanderbilt where
he had an official visit scheduled for 12/5.
ALPHONSO SMITH (5-10, 176,
4.55) PAHOKEE, FLA. — A prep quarterback who projects as a
secondary player in college, Smith took a long look at ECU
before committing to Pittsburgh in May. He also entertained
offers from Iowa, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Virginia
Tech and Wake Forest.
DANNY VERPAELE (5-11, 186,
4.53) MERRITT ISLAND, FLA. — Verpaele is the brother of Central
Florida strong safety Kevin Verpaele and favors that school,
too. But ECU and Navy are also in the picture for this versatile
athlete.
STACY WALLS (5-9, 171, 4.4)
WASHINGTON COUNTY HS, SANDERSVILLE, GA. — A speedy jitterbug,
Walls excels at returning kicks. He carried five punt returns
back for touchdowns as a junior. Walls favors Clemson and
Georgia Tech, but his two offers are from Brigham Young and ECU.
|
SAFETIES
ZACK BAKER (6-2, 205, 4.5/40)
PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, TUCSON, ARIZ. — Committed to ECU along
with teammate TE Willie Metcalf. With his combination of size
and speed, Baker appears to have the tools to help the Pirates
shore up what has been a vulnerable secondary.
PIERRE BELL (6-3, 200, 4.45)
WEST CRAVEN HS, VANCEBORO, N.C. — Bell emerged as a prospect
with a big senior year at West Craven. He has excellent speed
and a nose for the football. ECU and Wake Forest are his two
offers presently, but the attention is expected to increase
significantly in the next month.
DEMOR BOLDEN (6-0, 200, 4.6)
PAHOKEE, FLA. — Physical and fierce are traits that have earned
Bolden offers from East Carolina and West Virginia. He doubled
as a wide receiver in high school, but projects as a safety in
college.
SHAWON GOLIGHTLY (5-10, 200,
4.5) SW DEKALB HS, DECATUR, GA. — Golightly is the type that is
always around the football making plays. The Pirates are in a
battle with Duke, Middle Tennessee and Wake Forest for his
services.
JONATHAN WARREN (6-1, 190,
4.5) MADISON, FLA. — This highly regarded safety prospect will
make an official visit to ECU on Jan. 9. The Pirates, who
battled Florida (1/16), Florida State (1/23) and Iowa State
(1/2) for Warren's services, have obtained his commitment ahead
of that visit.
|
Send an e-mail message to
Sammy Batten.
Click here to dig into Sammy Batten's Bonesville
archives.
02/23/2007 02:35:49 PM |