Golden Recruiting Wire: George Atkinson III visited Alabama

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July 28, 2010 | July 22, 2010 | July 15, 2010 | July 8, 2010

 

Tedford & Company

• George Atkinson III, ATH Granada (Livermore, CA) is high on Alabama following his visit. Oregon is also under consideration [1]. Josh took a different route to Miami first then to Alabama [2].
  
  

  Atkinson has the chance to be a bona fide stud in college. Between his off the charts athleticism and size he could be threat at running back, wide out, defensive back, outside linebacker or safety. Atkinson has a host of great D-1 options and the school and coach he chooses will likely give us a clue about where and how he will play.
  
  Wherever Atkinson goes, he could see time as a true freshman as a kick returner. He has had great success returning kicks at Granada and could be an impact player as a returner. Atkinson is definitely a player to keep an eye on and whatever school gets him should consider themselves lucky [3].

• Jermauria Rasco, DE Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, LA) may be capable of converting to LB if needed from the National Select 7on7 Tourney at Hoover High Regions Park [4][5]. He was a vocal leader w/ his team on defense, looking natural from the LB spot [6].

• (From left) Aaron Green, RB James Madison (San Antonio, TX), Ray Drew, DE Thomas County Central (Thomasville, GA) attended FBU Top Gun Camp. Scout.com has photo galleries [7][8][9].

• Todd Barr, DT Lakewood (Lakewood, CA) from the B2G camp [10]. An intelligent and eloquent interview [11]. Cal, Miami, Florida, Nebraska, Oregon, UCLA, Washington on top.

  Cal, I talk to them always. I love... Cal is a great place, especially Coach Tosh. He's real active, a real great guy. Coach Pendergast has great plans for me. And his defense by letting me loose out there in the 3-4. They gonna have me play weakside-end just letting me loose basically.

  

• Matt Williams, OT North Dakota State College of Science (Wahpeton, ND) profiled [12]. Williams is British and only has 3 years of football under his belt.

  "When I left Liverpool, England at age 15 I was coming to the U.S. in pursuit of a basketball career," said Williams. "When I was at prep school in New Hampshire I also played soccer and then I started watching American football and really got into it so I decided to start playing it my junior year. I played wide receiver as a junior and then tight end as a senior. I was all set to go to Oklahoma Panhandle State but then my coached connected with the staff at North Dakota State College of Science and he told them that he had a guy who he thought could be a player and so I came here and it has really been working out."

  So what is Williams looking for in a school?
  
  "The first thing is a great education and then a school that plays great football," he said. "I also want a great relationship with the offensive line coach and to make sure that the coaching staff will be staying there while I play there."

• Brendon Bigelow, RB Central East (Fresno, CA) added Oregon into his top 5 schools [$13].

• Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE Gig Harbor (Gig Harbor, CA) reiterated his interest in Cal. He also went to Florida's Friday Night Lights Camp. Greg Biggins of ESPN reports that Seferian-Jenkins is down to Washington and Texas [15][$16].

"Coach (Tosh) Lupoi, Coach (Andy) Ludwig and Coach (Jeff) Genyk have been my main recruiters at Cal," said Seferian-Jenkins. "I just started talking to Coach Ludwig and I met Coach Genyk when he came to my school. I talk to Coach Lupoi on the phone all time, too.

"Cal's got a good football team and a great degree."

"Good academics and good campus lifestyle are important to me, as is playing against good players every day in practice. Early playing time's a bonus. You have to earn it. I don't like it when people tell you can come in and play right away. They say that to everyone. You've got to earn it. You don't just step on the campus and have it handed to you [17]."

Perhaps the one guy on the West team who is most eye-catching [at ESPN Gridiron Kings challenge] is tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Gig Harbor, Wash./Gig Harbor). He has unreal size (6-foot-6 and 245 pounds), a great frame and good hands. He will be a load to handle defensively and looks like one of the best offensive players here [18].

Linda [Seferian, Austin's mother] said the visit to Texas will probably be the last "unofficial visit" Seferian-Jenkins will make, though she didn't rule out a trip to Berkeley, Calif. The NCAA allows recruits in their senior year of high school to make up to five "official visits," paid for by the host schools [19].

Group of Longhorns just got together for a picture at Gridiron Kings. Sefarian-Jenkins in the pic. All with Horns flying [20].

Seferian-Jenkins with another short grab. Again, quality feet. Doesn't move real fluid however. [21]

Nothing that many don't already think, but a source would be shocked if Sefarian-Jenkins doesn't end up at Texas. Time will tell [22]

Austin Sefarian-Jenkins has quick feet, but still think OT long term at this point. Interesting prospect in terms of future body development [23]

Austin Sefarian-Jenkins shows quick feet and some bounce on a short catch [24].

Austin Seferian-Jenkins got 3rd place in gridiorn kings finished strong. watching the championship then awards then to hotel to sleep [25]

A photo with you putting up the "hook'em horns" sign had fans of schools still in the hunt concerned that you are headed to Texas. Have you made a decision? What was the significance?

The Horns picture was great, just some good guys that could be my future teammates. I'm still not decided [26].

• Ray Drew, DE Thomas County Central (Thomasville, GA) keeping his choice bottled up. Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, FSU and Clemson seem to be in the lead [27].

• (From left) Marqise Lee, S Serra (Gardena, CA), George Atkinson III, ATH honored by Cal-Hi Sports for their football, basketball (Lee), track (Atkinson) accomplishments [28].

  Lee's desire to play both football and basketball in college is a realistic possibility. His future still projects better as a safety on the gridiron but, he brings the same aggressive mentality whenever he steps on the court. Lee's offensive skill set is very limited but, he the ability to become a lockdown defender in college in two sports [29].

• DeAnthony Arnett, WR Saginaw (Saginaw, MI) is slated to appear on the cover of ESPN Rise Midwest Edition. He will represent the Midwest Team in the second annual Gridiron Kings 7on7 football challenge at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL [30].
  
  

  Arnett is still considering his options, which include Michigan State, Iowa, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Southern Cal and California.
  
  "I like the West Coast teams," Arnett said. "I don't know if I'm going to end up there, but I want to make the trip to check them out. 

  Arnett stood out at during the Gridiron Kings challenge.

  "It's been real fun out here," Arnett said. "We are just trying to call get a feel for the quarterback. There's so much competition. But I feel confident and I am playing well [31]."

  Really like DeAnthony Arnett's quickness and ability to create instant separation [32]

  DeAnthony Arnett with a nice catch down the sidelines- top 5 WR nationally IMO. [33]

  DeAnthony Arnett with a terrific over the shoulder catch. Josh Turner had tight coverage [34].

  DeAnthony Arnett (Saginaw, MI) quick, quick. Nice arm length. Extends the arms nicely [35]

  (From Left) Amir Carlisle, RB The King's Academy (Sunnyvale, CA), Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Devon Blackmon, ATH Summit (Fontana, CA), George Atkinson III, ATH, Josh Atkinson, CB Granada (Livermore, CA), Kasen Williams, WR Skyline (Sammamish, WA), Stefan McClure, CB Vista (Vista, CA) are amongst the 65 recruits selected w/ Arnett to showcase their talents (repost) [36][37][38].
  
  

• James Sample, S Grant Union (Sacramento, CA) profiled and compared to Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor [39].

  Sample has great lateral quickness and uses it to his advantage to cover an insane amount of ground on the field. He moves very fluidly in both directions and has a great nose for the ball. He has a great first step and gets into his breaks quickly allowing him to snuff out a runner trying to find an open hole or bat away a ball thrown his way.
  
  Guys rarely get behind James because of his size and speed. In coverage he does a good job reading the play but his best skills come in his close out ability. He is able to make up for any mistakes he may make by using his athletic gifts.

• Richard Rodgers, TE St John's (Shrewsbury, MA) dropping his top 5 of BC, Cal, MD, ND, Oregon to reopen his recruiting [$40]? Maybe Scout.com is late on Rodgers and is trying to catch up to Rivals.

• Shaq Thompson, ATH Grant Union (Sacramento, CA) {2012} awarded Honorable Sophomore Athlete from Cal Hi-Sports in football, track [41].

• Charles Jackson, CB Klein Collins (Spring, TX) may be ready to pledge to either Florida or Oklahoma [$42]. Went to Florida's Friday Night Lights Camp [43].

• Devon Blackmon, ATH stood out during the ESPN Gridiron Kings Challenge. He also camped at Florida for Friday Night Lights before. When asked about NCAA's ban on USC Blackmon wants the coaches to stay on the positive aspects of their programs instead of bashing the Trojans [44].

  WR Devon Blackmon is sporting a UCLA towel at Gridiron Kings [45].

  Very impressed with Devon Blackmon. One of the best in the country [46].

  Devon Blackmon with a long deep post for a TD, caught on Doran Grant [47].

  Two best players at GK so far today have been Devon Blackmon and Nick O'Leary imho [48]

• Kasen Williams, WR Skyline (Sammamish, WA) will have his top 5 programs w/i a week. He would also like to make a commitment decision by the end of August in order to focus on Skyline's upcoming season. Florida is in Williams' top 7 [49].

  Williams said he thinks he'll bring a Larry Fitzgerald-like quality to the college game.
  
  "I like to say him, because of his 'go get it' ability," Williams said. "Basically any ball in the air, he's taking it. I want to work on being both a deep-ball threat and a possession receiver, but as of right now I'd say I'm more of a possession receiver. That's what I'm good at now."

• Stefan McClure, CB Vista (Vista, CA) named to ESPN Gridiron Kings All-Performance Team [50]. Washington, UCLA, Boise State are in his top 5 [51].

• Amir Carlisle, RB The King's Academy (Sunnyvale, CA) made a leaping catch but hit his head on the way down on the ground at ESPN Gridiron Kings Challenge. He was taken to the hospital. Carlisle's injury wasn't serious and he was back in time to watch the Championship game [52].

• Danny Shelton, DT Auburn (Auburn, WA) received offer from Hawaii [$53]. Should release a top 5 soon w/ UCLA, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii in the mix.

• Viliami Moala, DT Grant Union (Sacramento, CA) profiled [54].

  Moala uses his size and strength to simply overpower defenders and cause havoc in the backfield. For such a big guy he does a good job getting a strong initial burst off the ball and just leveling defenders to the ground. He uses his whole body when pushing a blocker aside, not falling into the bad habit of just using his arms.
  
  On passing plays Moala uses a few different moves to get by his defender and has a good second burst needed to sack the quarterback. Moala is very effective on running plays using his surprisingly strong lateral quickness and massive body to take away gaps and running lanes and drag down defenders. You won't see a runner break a Moala tackle.

  Just a massive human being
  

• Kyle Boehm, QB Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, CA) profiled [55].

  Kyle Boehm – San Jose (Calif.) Archbishop Mitty High School
  Grade: B+
  Offers: Committed to Cal
  
  Key Strength: Size, Size, Size! Boehm passes the eyeball test without question. He stands easily 6-foot-3, and he is built like a linebacker. Boehm is very polished when it comes to mechanics. He possesses great footwork followed with a quick release and limitless arm strength. Boehm is the ultimate take what the defense gives you QB. He showed a high completion percentage and was accurate. When it comes to attitude, Boehm is as cool as they come – never rattled and never excited – just business. He led his team to the tournament title earning MVP honors.
  
  Key Weakness: First concern for Boehm is his delivery. He has a flaw in his delivery that takes a lot of the velocity out of his ball. He also lacks a killer instinct that Kessler seems to posses. He seems to be a Brad Johnson type QB that is fine settling for the check down. Boehm may not wow with his play but there is plenty of room for growth for him to be great a Cal.

• (From left) Brennan Scarlett, DE/TE Central Catholic (Portland, OR), Colt Lyerla, ATH Hillsboro (Hillsboro, OR) recruited by Oregon pledge Tyson Coleman to stay in-state [56].

• Cyrus Kouandjio, OT DeMatha (Hyattsville, MD) visited his brother Arie in Tuscaloosa, AL [57].

  "I love it every time I go down there," Cyrus said. "The people down there are great."

 

Montgomery's Crew

• Norvel Pelle, PF 6-8/180 Price (Compton, CA) may be looking into UConn.
  

  Pelle gives an interesting description of his game. "I would say I’m like Kevin Garnett and Kevin Durant put together," Pelle stated. "I’m really good at rebounding and blocking shots, and I can score, too." Pelle is on the money saying that he’s a defensive force, as most teams have to plan around him.
  
  Pelle needs to work on his jump shot in order to become an elite player at the next level. Standing at 6’9″, 250 pounds, Pelle is an ideal fit to play the 3 or 4 in college because of his skinny frame. Never the less, this run and gun type player is making a name for himself [58].

  Norvel Pelle (Los Angeles/Price), is about as inconsistent as it gets in terms of effort and productivity, but at 6-9 his physical abilities are off the charts. He gets off the floor as quickly as quick as any big I've seen, which generally leads to spectacular blocks and above the rim finishes [59].

  Fellow big men have a difficult time with his long frame and big-time wing span. Problem is, Pelle is slender, extremely thin. Eating a couple of steaks and baked potatoes once in a while wouldn't hurt. He'd greatly benefit from getting into the gym, bulking up and putting on some much-needed additional weight. If, and when, that happens, everyone had better look out. Pelle will be an unstoppable force down in the low block. In the meantime, there's still plenty to like about the cat from the City of Compton [60].

• Kyle Wiltjer, PF 6-9/225 Jesuit (Portland, OR) will be going up against NBA studs with the Canadian Basketball team for the FIBA World Championships in Turkey startin August 28 [61]. Nike EYBL Peach Jam mixtape [62]

  "Kentucky talked to my AAU coach and they said they are still watching and evaluating me," Wiltjer said. "I'm really wide open right now. After (an event in Los Angeles). I hope to try and sit down and narrow down my list [63]."

  In Las Vegas, Wiltjer has continued the dominance he exhibited at the Nike Peach Jam. His skill level and savvy separate him from any big man in the West. Coming into the summer, he had a reputation for not playing hard all the time and being soft. However, in two games at the Fab 48 he has battled inside for rebounds, finished in traffic with an assortment of moves and has even blocked a number of shots due to his length. His athleticism and strength need to get better and should as he matures. Overall, he is making a run for the No. 1 prospect in the Western region [64].

  Oregon standout Kyle Wiltjer mentioned the Cats on his list of Kansas, Gonzaga, Oregon, Oregon State, California, USC, Stanford, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech and Texas. As of now, Wiltjer has no favorites at the moment and is focusing on the rest of July. As a rising senior, he looks to gain more interest as a skilled 6-foot-9 wing on one of the top teams in the nation, the Oakland Soliders [65].

  Doesn't do anything to elicit the wow-factor. Nevertheless, the kid from Oregon has a more well-rounded game than most. Leave Wiltjer alone out on the perimeter, and more often than not, he'll make you pay with a quick release and superb mechanics. When the defender cheats, Wiltjer is capable of putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim, effectively finishing with either hand. He's good with his back to the basket too [66].

• Ricardo Gathers, PF 6-6/235 Riverside Academy (Reserve, LA) {2012} from the inaugural Fab 48 Tourney in Las Vegas, NV, where he rolled an ankle but still managed to score 17pts [67]. Gathers was also named First Team Class 2A All-State [68]. He was named to the Fab 48 All-Tournament Team [69].
  

  "Right now I'm pretty open," Gathers said. "I'm taking a look at all the schools coming after me, trying to get to know the coaches. I'll definitely narrow it down by the end of the summer."
  
  Expect Ohio State to be in the mix as that was the only school Gathers mentioned when asked which offer stood out the most.
  

  Jernard Jarreau and Ricardo Gathers, PF, New Orleans Elite/D1 Ambassadors- Talk about two totally opposing styles and body types. In Jarreau, you've got one of the skinniest big men (around 6-foot-9 and maybe 180 pounds soaking wet) in the class of 2011 and a guy that can face up to shoot, runs the floor and is a long term "upside" guy. Then you have 2012's Gathers who continues to show that he's a power-broker in the lane who is relentless at the rim and has a body that is built for playing for big money on Sunday afternoons in the Fall. Though they differ greatly in style, each shows their own type of upside and long term potential [70].

  Interviews regarding recruiting. LSU & Cal are recruiting Gathers the hardest.
  

• Brandon Ashley, PF 6-8/225 Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland, CA) {2012} awarded Honorable Sophomore Athlete from Cal Hi-Sports in basketball [71]. Kentucky offered Ashley [72]. He was named to the Fab 48 All-Tournament team [73].
  

• Jabari Brown, SG 6-3/205 Oakland (Oakland, CA) killing it in summer league. He was named Fab 48 Tourney MVP [74].
  
  

  He's one of the nation's top shooting guards, right up there with Austin Rivers and Bradley Beal. Brown has a knack for getting to the goal. Once there, he can finish with the best of them. Slashing isn't the only aspect of his game though. Brown knocks down open jumpers with regularity. His range extends well beyond the three-point arc. He's good with the rock in his hands too and battling down in the low block for rebounds doesn't bother him. What we're saying is the Northern Californian can do it all [75].

• Juan Anderson, SF 6-6/200 Castro Valley (Castro Valley, CA) mixtapes [76][77][78]

• Jabari Brown, Brandon Ashley, and Kyle Wiltjer's AAU team Drew Gooden's Soldiers defeated Iowa Barnstormers 86-66 for the inaugural Fab 48 Tournament Championship [79]. Brown had 19pts. Ashley chipped in w/ 15pts, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Wiltjer contributed 16pts for the win [80] [81].

  Oakland Soldiers starting five - Josiah Turner, Nick Johnson, Jabari Brown, Kyle Wiltjer and Brandon Ashley combine to make up possibly the most talented starting unit in grassroots basketball. Friday afternoon, they teamed up to slaughter a Mac Irvin Fire squad [at the Fab 48 Tourney in Las Vegas] that had been talking some trash before tipoff but put up next to zero resistance in a 40 point romp for the Soldiers. Turner got things going early by getting to the rim and hitting some pull-up jumpers. Johnson kicked in with some jumpers and transition finishes while Brown did his thing from the outside and Ashley and Wiltjer combined to clean up in the paint or facing up from the three point line [82].
  
  Ashley put on quite the display for about a four minute stretch in the second half, blocking shots on the defensive end (finished with three) while also attacking the glass on both ends of the floor. On one possession the 2012 product was quick enough to keep an offensive rebound alive for three taps before finally scoring. His third jump came just as quickly as the opponent's second jump; his long arms and activity on both ends of the floor make him a highly sought after prospect. Wiltjer also put together an impressive display in the second half, including a one-handed catch of a sharp bounce pass that was converted into a dunk…without gathering the ball in with his other hand [83].

 

People's Park Stories

• UCLA OLB Josh Shirley (Freshman) is transferring to Washington following his dismissal on suspected theft from the UCLA squad [84].

• Rob Hankins, LB Parish Episcopal (Dallas, TX) won't be changing his mind [85].

  "After I stepped back and wrote out all the pros and cons I really couldn't pick one school, so I had to go with my gut feeling," Hankins said of his decision. "I felt like if I went to any of the other schools other than Arizona I might have wondered 'What if I went to Arizona?' Arizona is just where I felt the most comfortable.
  
  "They showed me the depth chart, and they are really thin at linebacker so I could see where I would fit in a soon as I step on campus."

• James Wilder Jr., ATH Plant (Tampa, FL) interviewed early on in the recruiting process about him and his Plant team [86]. He did not show up at Florida's Friday Night Lights Camp [87] or ESPN Gridiron Kings Challenge [88]. Instead, Wilder Jr. camped at Florida State [89][90]; Junior Highlights [91] are available and there will be no scheduled press conference this week [92] to announce Wilder Jr.'s decision.

  Wilder, ranked the No. 3 overall recruit in the nation by Rivals.com and the No. 1 athete prospect, might take a little longer, Weiner said, but he believed he will make his decision before the season starts the first Friday in September. Wilder make an unofficial visit to Florida State this weekend. He is also considering Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Miami [93].

• Daniel Lasco, RB The Woodlands (The Woodlands, TX) featured photo [94].
  
  
  

• Kent Turene, LB Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes, FL) watched from the sidelines at Florida's Friday Night Lights camp [95]. Turene pledged to USC but is talking about a Cal visit in the near future [96]. He replaced James Wilder Jr. at ESPN Gridiron Kings Challenge, impressing scouts with his size [97]. Turene is also planning official visits to LSU and Georgia [98]. NCAA ban on USC doesn't really affect his decision as it's only one game of his career [99].

• HT Kodiak ESPN interviews 20 college basketball coaches regarding the state of recruiting [100].
  

• Zach Kline, QB San Ramon Valley (Danville, CA) {2012} excelled at Elite 11 Camp and named Cal & Oregon State favorites [101]. Roger Theder, Kyle Boehm's QB coach, also coaches Kline. Cal has not extended an offer.
  
  At the NFTC Stanford -
  
  At Elite 11 Camp -
  

• Barry Sanders Jr., RB Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City, OK) {2012} highlights [102]. Sanders Jr. should be one of the most intriguing names in the next recruiting cycle. Early favorites may be UCLA, Texas, Miami, Florida State [103].

• Victor Blackwell, WR Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) may be looking for other options such as Washington and Miami [104]. How will that affect Max Wittek & DeAnthony Thomas?