Tracking the College Gridiron Stars of the Future
Football Recruiting Report
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
By Sammy Batten
Staff Writer for The Fayetteville Observer |
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Interesting twists on
recruiting trail
©2003 Bonesville.net
East Carolina made some intriguing additions to its
recruiting class recently in landing verbal commitments from two junior
college stars and a regional prep player.
The Pirates picked up immediate impact players in tight end
Willie Metcalf and free safety Zack Baker from Pima Community College in
Tucson, Az. They also added an unheralded, but extremely athletic player in
running back-defensive back Pierre Bell from West Craven High in Vanceboro,
N.C.
Athletic ability alone makes Metcalf an interesting catch
for the Pirates.
Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 255 pounds, Metcalf may
be the largest target to ever line up at the tight end position for ECU. But
he isn’t just a big body. Metcalf has 4.7-second speed in the 40-yard dash
and the hands of a wide out.
Yet, because of the unusual path Wright’s college career has
taken, he’ll only be able to play one season — 2004 — at East Carolina.
“He’s had some ups and downs, but there’s no question, with
some work, Willie can be a great football player,’’ Pima coach Jeff Scurran
said. “He hasn’t even begun to the scratch the surface of his football
potential.’’
Wright’s journey started at Belmont High School in Dayton,
Ohio, where he was rated one of the nation’s top tight end prospects as a
senior in 1999. Offered scholarships by many Division I-A schools, Metcalf
chose instead to join the Ohio State program as a recruited walk-on.
But two weeks into the Buckeyes pre-season practice that
fall, the NCAA Clearinghouse ruled Metcalf academically ineligible. He left
the school in disgust and sat out the 1999-2000 school year.
Eastern Arizona College lured Metcalf to Thatcher, Ariz.., to play football
and basketball in the fall of 2000. But one week into pre-season football
practice, Metcalf suffered a knee injury that sidelined him until basketball
season. He enjoyed a successful year on the basketball court, but would not
return to Eastern Arizona for the 2001-2002 season.
Instead, Metcalf got married during the summer and
transferred to Spoon River College in Canton, Ill., to be closer to his
wife. Metcalf averaged 11 points and 6.4 rebounds for a 22-9 Spoon River
team that was nationally ranked among junior colleges.
Thanks to a former football teammate at Eastern Arizona,
Metcalf resumed his football career at the fledgling Pima program. Pima
fielded a football team for just the third year in 2003.
“Blake Kinert, our quarterback, played for me in high
school,’’ Scurran said. “He spent a red-shirt year at Eastern Arizona and he
became friends with Willie there.
“We don’t actively recruit kids outside of our state, but
Blake told us Willie had a lot of raw talent and that he liked him as a
person. So we brought Willie in.
“He’d been playing basketball, so his overall athletic
skills are excellent,’’ he said. “But he is still developing as a football
player. He really needs to get coached up to reach his full potential and
that’s what I told the East Carolina coaches.’’
Metcalf performed well enough for Pima this season to earn
second-team All-Western States Football League honors. He caught 18 passes
for 211 yards and two touchdowns.
Schools like Iowa, Miami, Mississippi State, N.C. State,
Rutgers, South Carolina and Washington had inquired about Metcalf. But the
Pirates, who have immediate needs at tight end, won out.
Metcalf plans to enroll at East Carolina in January as does
Baker.
Baker also played for Scurran at Tucson’s Sabino High
School. He spent one season at New Mexico Military Academy before
transferring to Pima this season.
The 6-2, 205-pounder had four interceptions and earned
all-league honors for Pima.
“Zack is an extremely hard-working, cooperative player who
has done a great job for us,’’ Scurran said. “He works like a bear in the
weight room and he just loves to play the game. That’s evident when you
watch him play. He’s very active, very fast and he hits people. He’s just a
good all-around player.’’
Davis will have two years of eligibility at ECU.
Davis could fit into the Pirates’ plans quickly as they lose
their top two free safeties to graduation in Richard Moton and Travis Heath.
Despite two stellar years playing running back at West
Craven, Bell wasn’t regarded highly as a college prospect entering his
senior year.
But when West Craven coach Clay Jordan began playing Bell
both ways this season, the interest in the 6-2, 205-pounder increased
dramatically.
“He made five interceptions for us and came up with some big
plays in the secondary,’’ Jordan said. “He opened up some eyes with the way
he played over there. He’s a 6-2, 205-pound kid who can roam back there. I
think a lot of colleges are trying to get bigger athletes at safety.
“About midway through our conference schedule the attention
really intensified.’’
North Carolina and N.C. State also recruited Bell, but the
Pirates were the first to offer a scholarship.
“They’ve (Pirates) have been watching me since last year,’’
Bell said. “When I went there for my official visit I just felt at home with
the players and the coaching staff. I was at ease and really comfortable.’’
Bell performed so well on defense this season that he’s been
selected to participate in the annual Shrine Bowl All-Star Game on Dec. 20
in Rock Hill, S.C.
A three-sport athlete at West Craven, Bell also excels in
basketball and track. He’s been a varsity starter on the West Craven
basketball team since the ninth grade.
“My first love was basketball,’’ Bell said. “I started
playing football in about the seventh grade because my friends were
doing it. Then, in my 10th-grade year we lost in the third round of the
football playoffs and something just clicked with me. I just fell in
love with football after that.’’
Jordan believes ECU has gotten a steal in Bell.
“He’s got great athletic ability,’’ Jordan said. “He has a
32-inch vertical and he’s not slow — he runs a 4.65 40. But he’s just got a
lot of natural instincts in the secondary.’’
PIRATE RECRUITING UPDATES
New names continue to appear on ECU’s football recruiting
radar. Here’s a brief look at some new additions to the recruiting board.
AUGUSTUS ASHLEY, DB (6-1, 185, 4.49) FIRST COAST HS,
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — The Pirates have been coming on strong recently for
this swift cornerback prospect. They haven’t offered yet, but could in the
near future. Iowa State is Ashley’s lone offer and he’ll visit there on
1/16.
T.J. COVINGTON, DB (6-0, 195, 4.4) COFFEYVILLE, KAN.,
COMMUNITY COLLEGE — Covington is an excellent cover corner who has scheduled
an official trip to Greenville on 1/23. He’s also taking a visit to North
Texas on 1/9 and may make an official to Temple.
VLADIMIR FAUSTIN, DE (6-2, 235) PACE HS, MIAMI, FLA. —
Faustin is tremendously quick off the line and has excellent potential as a
pass rusher. He lists Central Florida (1/2 official visit), ECU (1/9) and
Rutgers (1/30) as his favorite schools. Faustin will also make official
visits to Tulane (1/16) and Western Michigan (1/23).
BRENT HECHT, DL (6-4, 250, 4.6) BUTLER, KAN., COMMUNIYT
COLLEGE — Hecht, originally from Bern, Kan., helped Butler to the national
junior college championship. He took an official visit to ECU on Dec. 12
after dropping in on Texas Christian two days earlier. Both schools have
offered.
LUCIUS MAPP, DL (6-3, 245, 4.84) NORCROSS HS, NORCROSS, GA.
— Mapp had a stellar senior year, making 68 tackles and intercepting a pass.
Louisville (1/16 visit) has offered and so has Duke, but ECU has been coming
on strong of late. The Pirates are in his top five along with Clemson, Duke,
Louisville and Middle Tennessee.
DARRELL STRONG, DL (6-4, 238, 4.7) PLANTATION HS,
PLANTATION, FLA. — Strong has given a verbal commitment to Pittsburgh, but
is now scheduling official visits to ECU (1/16) and South Florida in
January. Boston College and Mississippi State have extended offers, too.
The updated sketch chart below recaps the status of East
Carolina's known recruiting targets:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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DEFENSIVE
LINEMENVLADIMIR
FAUSTIN, DE (6-2, 235) PACE HS, MIAMI, FLA. — Faustin is
tremendously quick off the line and has excellent potential as a
pass rusher. He lists Central Florida (1/2 official visit), ECU
(1/9) and Rutgers (1/30) as his favorite schools. Faustin will
also make official visits to Tulane (1/16) and Western Michigan
(1/23).
BRENT HECHT, DL (6-4, 250, 4.6)
BUTLER, KAN., COMMUNIYT COLLEGE — Hecht, originally from Bern,
Kan., helped Butler to the national junior college championship.
He took an official visit to ECU on Dec. 12 after dropping in on
Texas Christian two days earlier. Both schools have offered.
C.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.
LUCIUS MAPP, DL (6-3, 245,
4.84) NORCROSS HS, NORCROSS, GA. — Mapp had a stellar senior
year, making 68 tackles and intercepting a pass. Louisville
(1/16 visit) has offered and so has Duke, but ECU has been
coming on strong of late. The Pirates are in his top five along
with Clemson, Duke, Louisville and Middle Tennessee.
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.
DARRELL STRONG, DL (6-4, 238,
4.7) PLANTATION HS, PLANTATION, FLA. — Strong has given a verbal
commitment to Pittsburgh, but is now scheduling official visits
to ECU (1/16) and South Florida in January. Boston College and
Mississippi State have extended offers, too.
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).
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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.
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CORNERBACKS
AUGUSTUS ASHLEY, DB (6-1, 185,
4.49) FIRST COAST HS, JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — The Pirates have been
coming on strong recently for this swift cornerback prospect.
They haven’t offered yet, but could in the near future. Iowa
State is Ashley’s lone offer and he’ll visit there on 1/16.
T.J. COVINGTON, DB (6-0, 195, 4.4)
COFFEYVILLE, KAN., COMMUNITY COLLEGE — Covington is an excellent
cover corner who has scheduled an official trip to Greenville on
1/23. He’s also taking a visit to North Texas on 1/9 and may
make an official to Temple.
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.
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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 offered and interest was on the
rise from North Carolina and N.C. State when Bell dispensed with
the suspense by casting his lot with the Pirates on Dec. 10.
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.
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