First Verbal for Georgia (29 Jul 98)
    The Georgia Bulldogs have received their first verbal commitment of the '99 football recruiting season.  Sheddrick Wynn, a 6-2, 225-lb TE/DE from Lincoln County High School in Lincolnton, GA has committed to the Dawgs.  Wynn played end on both offense and defense for Lincoln County as a junior, catching 21 passes for 370 yards as a TE, and making 76 tackles and 7.5 sacks as a DE.  Congratulations Coach Donnan and Dawg fans.

LSU Up to 8 Verbals (27 Jul 98)
    A check of Dandy Don's LSU Recruiting site reveals that the Bayou Bengals of LSU have now
received a total of 8 verbal commitments.  So far, all the players who have pledged to sign with the
Bengals in February are from the state of Louisiana.  The Tigers added three more commitments at a
recent Combine.  In addition to Domanick Davis, 5-10  180, DB from Breaux Bridge, whom I
mentioned in the Auburn article below, the Tigers also got commitments from John Corbello, 6-0  200,
kicker from Lafayette, and Jason Daire, 6-5  300, lineman from Eunice.
    LSU's other commitments:  RB LeBrandon Toefield, TE Eric Edwards, Ath Antron Seiber, DB
Demetrius Hoofkin, and OL Rodney Reed.

Great Weekend for Auburn (26 Jul 98)
    Auburn fans haven't had much to cheer about this offseason.  Legal and academic troubles have made
all the headlines for the football program, and instead of the usual enthusiasm that accompanies the
preseason, there has almost been a sense of dread surrounding the Tiger football team.  All that may have
changed in a 24-hour period this weekend.
    News is surfacing from the Plains that Auburn has received verbal commitments from two blue-chip
football players from the state of Alabama, Montgomery Jeff Davis TE Robert Johnson and Mobile
Prichard-Blount WR DeAndre Green.  Seldom does a program land two athletes of their caliber in such a short time period, and it's only July...National Signing Day is still over six months away.  After a dismal
recruiting campaign in 1998 that was further degraded when seven signees failed to qualify academically,
Head Coach Terry Bowden is serving notice that the early reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated.
    Auburn beat out Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Alabama, among others, for Johnson, perhaps the best
tight end prospect in the Southeast.  The 6-6, 255-lb Johnson is an outstanding blocker and pass-catcher,
and he's not too shabby on defense either, where he's an accomplished rush end.  Go here to read the
Alabama Live online article about Johnson's commitment to the Tigers.
    I haven't found a link to an article about Green's commitment, but have seen it on enough recruiting
sites and message boards to think the news is accurate.  The 6-2, 200-lb Green pulled down 72 passes last year--unbelievable for a high school receiver--and is probably the top offensive prospect in the state of
Alabama.  Tennessee and Alabama were hoping to get a shot at Green, but he has said all summer that
Auburn was his favorite school.  The commitment of these two highly-touted players immediately vaults
Auburn into a tie with LSU for the early lead in SEC recruiting for 1999.  Auburn has five early
commitments, while LSU reportedly has six.  At least one reliable source reports that Top 100 DB
Domanick Davis of Breaux Bridge, LA has committed to LSU.

Edwards Revisited (25 Jul 98)
    It appears I jumped the gun on declaring Georgia signee Terrence Edwards academically ineligible.  I
received this informative email from a Dawg fan yesterday:
 
"Jumpmaster,

I enjoy your site. You may have jumped the gun on Terrence Edwards. There
is an article today in the Athens Banner Herald re: the whole situation.
I'm not sure how to attach a URL address on an email, but the address is
below.

http://www.onlineathens.com/dog.html
 
I must admit that I'm chomping at the bit for UGA to end your streak of
wins.  Hopefully this will be our year. Go DAWGS!"

Chris "Walkerdawg"

Thanks for the email Chris.  After reading the excellent article, as I hope you all will do, I feel confident
in three facts reference the Edwards situation:
1)  The NCAA Clearinghouse is questioning one of the class grades in Edwards' core GPA.
2)  Edwards' situation is being examined, and he may yet be cleared to play.
3)  He won't be a Partial Qualifier.  He'll either be a full qualifier or a non-qualifier.
 
Next year, I don't think I'll try to keep track of all this academic mess.  Too hard to find the real truth,
and I don't want to publish derogatory information about a signee's grades that may not even be true.  I
apologize for jumping the gun on Edwards.  Though I'm a Vol fan through and through, I honestly want
to see every signee in college football, and especially the SEC, qualify, play, and get an education.
 
Auburn Gets Third Commitment (24 Jul 98)
    The Auburn Tigers got their third verbal of the 1999 recruiting season yesterday.  Randy Vickers, a 6-0, 195-lb RB/DB from Athens, Alabama says he'll sign with Auburn in February.  Vickers ran for nearly 1,300 yards and scored 17 TDs as a junior RB and added 57 tackles and 5 INTs as a DB.  The Tigers have already gotten verbals from LB Phillip Pate and DB DeCorey Bryant.

Major Blue Chippers Mention Vols (24 Jul 98)
    Dot Com's FSU Recruiting site reports that two of the nation's top DB/Athletes are considering Tennessee.  Jeremy Muyres, 6-3  190, 4.5, from Parkview High School, Lilburn, GA lists the Vols.  Muyres has the pedigree, with two older brothers on ACC rosters.  He had 79 tackles and 11 INTs as a junior.  His long list of schools: Ga Tech, UGA, Wake Forest, UNC, UCLA, Fla, FSU, Tenn and Mich.  Georgia Tech and Georgia lead early on.   Another big-time prospect listing the Vols is Lito Sheppard, DB/WR from Raines High School in Jacksonville, FL.  The 5-11, 185 Sheppard possesses 4.3 speed and could very well be the top all-around athlete in the country.  He intercepted 10 passes as a junior DB, returning two for TDs.  He also had 3 punt return touchdowns and caught 9 TD passes as a WR.  His list is long at this point, also: Fla, Miami, FSU, Bama, Aub, Ga Tech, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Kentucky and Tenn.  Florida may lead early, but it's pretty wide open at this point.  I've seen a lot of coverage on these two great athletes, but this is the first time I had heard that either was considering Tennessee.
 
    Another offensive line prospect that is looking at the Vols is Osmar Staples (6-6  305, 5.3) of Fork Union (VA) Military Academy.  Staples is the brother of former Virginia basketball star Curtis Staples and lists UNC, Clemson, ECU, Kentucky, Mich St, and Tennessee.  (Source: The Tar Pit)
 
Ladies Get Commitment (24 Jul 98)
    How about a change of pace?  The Lady Vols, winners of the last three Women's NCAA National Championships, have received an early, early commitment from a highly coveted Indiana guard.  April McDivot, 5-8, from Connorsville, IN has pledged to sign with the Vols and play in 1999-2000.  I apologize if I mispelled April's name; I have not seen it in print, just heard it on the radio.  Welcome to the Vol family, April!

Kentucky Non-Qualifiers (24 Jul 98)
    Bill Hodges of fansonly.com reports that six University of Kentucky football signees have failed to qualify academically, including prized offensive player TE Bobby Blizzard.  Blizzard failed to achieve the required test score.  Other Wildcat signees who came up short were WR C.J. Lofton, DB Terrall Starks, LB Dayton Mickens, DE Kevin Gregory, and RB Artrose Pinner.  Knowing that several signees were borderline academically, the Wildcats had oversigned (31 signees).  However, losing Blizzard, who was being counted on to help this year, was a disappointment.

    Of note to Vol fans is another signee who did not qualify.  Anthony Nelson, a 6-5  310 OL from Kingsport Sullivan-South Tennessee, had signed with Virginia Tech last winter.  Nelson had a brother who played for the Vols and Tennessee showed some interest in Anthony last recruiting season.  He will head to prep school to work on his academics, and could be someone our coaching staff might re-evaluate.
 
Bits and Pieces (23 Jul 98)
   -Alliance Sports reported today that Albert Haynesworth, South Carolina's #1 prospect, has offers from many schools, but doesn't really have a favorite yet.  Haynesworth says that Georgia, Clemson and Tennessee are recruiting him the hardest, and said he might not make a public decision until signing day.

    -Student Sports reports that DL Courtney Young of Bartow, Florida has Tennessee in his top five.  Other big linemen they say are considering the Vols:  6-6, 290-lb Brian Ottney of Troy, Michigan; 6-4, 300-lb DeMarco Monroe of Evansville, Indiana; and 6-3, 297-lb Jeffrey Womble of Decatur, Georgia.
    Also according to Student Sports, super-fast athlete Tory Mitchell out of Big Spring, Texas has Tennessee in his top five.  Mitchell has been clocked at 4.3 in the forty.  He joins Sterling Kazee, Sammy Davis, Monti Collier and Artie Ellis as Texas speed merchants who are interested in the Vols.

    -Though the Georgia Bulldogs are still looking for their first commitment, it is shaping up to be another good recruiting season for the Dawgs.  They are rumored to lead for blue-chippers such as SC O-lineman Kevin Breedlove, Alabama TE Robert Johnson, Louisiana DL/LB Brian Giles, Florida DL Greg Mills, and instate talents DL Charles Roberson and WRs Damien Gary and Ryan Sawyer.

    -The rumor mill has LSU continuing to lead for LB Treverance Faulk and DB Domanick Davis.  Davis, it is said, will commit to the Tigers if they offer.
 
    -Alabama is in good shape with three terrific defensive linemen:  instaters DeMarco McNeil and Kenny King, and Memphis Melrose's David Paine.

    -Auburn is said to lead for two outstanding offensive players from the state of Alabama:  Prichard-Blount's DeAndre Green of Mobile and Deshler's Michael Owens of Tuscumbia.
 
    -Florida is in good shape with two fine prospects from the Sunshine State who had relatives that played for the Gators, LB Mike Nattiel and DE Clint Mitchell.
 
Tennessee Leans (23 Jul 98)
    Here's a quick list of players that I feel confident in saying are Tennessee "leans," meaning if they had to make a decision today, I think it would be Tennessee.  Remember, as stated above, absolutely none of this is written in stone, but based on what I have been able to find out, the Vols are looking good for these players.
 
    -A.J. Suggs, QB, Powder Springs, GA
    -Ricky Upton, FB, Jefferson County, TN
    -Troy Fleming, TB, Franklin, TN
    -Theo Harris, L, Meigs County, TN
    -Terrea Smalls, DL, Timberland, SC
    -Angelo Crowell, LB, Winston-Salem, NC
    -DeMarco Monroe, OL, Evansville, IN
    -Ian Bass, LB, Brentwood, TN
    -Eddie Moore, LB, South Pittsburg, TN
    -Derrick Woods, WR, Memphis, TN
    -Michael Scruggs, OL, Hartsville, TN
    -Scott Wells, DL, Brentwood, TN
    -Donald Tucker, OL, Tupelo, MS
 
Correction (23 Jul 98)
    A couple of days ago I said that LSU's non-qualifiers were Brad Smalling, Howard Green and Chad Lavalais, and Melvin Ritchey was questionable.  As I understand it now, Smalling is taking some summer course work and should be able to qualify.  I apologize for that mistake.  However, Lavalais and Ritchey did come up short and won't report this fall.  I heard something about Green paying his own way, coming to school this fall and doing the work needed to academically qualify for his scholarship.  Good luck to all these young men, and hope to see them playing on Saturdays in the SEC soon.

Georgia Loses Another Recruit (23 Jul 98)
    Terrence Edwards, University of Georgia football signee, has been declared ineligible to play football this fall by the NCAA Clearinghouse.  It was first reported that Edwards' SAT score had been flagged for suspicious improvement, but later today I heard that the problem was with one of Edwards' core GPA course grades.  It appears that Edwards' academics are good enough to make him one of Georgia's partial qualifiers this season.  Like Tennessee's John Henderson and Auburn's Robert Malone, Edwards will be able to practice with his team but not play in games.  The Dawgs had already lost signees Jessie Miller, Reagan Torbert, and Charles Grant to academic deficiencies.

Albert Haynesworth Update (21 Jul 98)
    I found this info on Plano Cock's USC recruiting site, about one of the nation's very best defensive tackle prospects:
 
Albert Haynesworth, 6'6" 310 4.8 DT, Hartsville, #1 Prospect in South Carolina

                -Considered the top defensive player in America by some analysts
                -Since May, his SAT has jumped from 760 to 800 and his core from 2.3 to 2.6 (attended
                both sessions of summer school)
                -Held two part-time summer jobs, in addition to attending summer school
                -30+ firm scholarship offers through July 1
                -USC, CLEM, UNC, TENN, PSU, MICH, FSU and UF appear to comprise his top 8 at
                this time.
                -UGA, GT, ECU, PURD, TEX, BAMA, NCST and MISS are also involved. USC is
                thought to have a very good shot at signing this youngster, although the competition will
                obviously be fierce.
 
QB Recruit Update (21 Jul 98)
    My understanding is that Tennessee has offered scholarships to four quarterbacks:
        A.J. Suggs, Powder Springs, GA
        C.J. Leake, Charlotte, NC
        Eli Manning, New Orleans, LA
        Gary Brashears, Clarksville, AR
 
    Tennessee also appears to be looking at Brian Miller and Benjamin Walker from in-state, but the Vols haven't offered scholarships.  Miller has reportedly been offered by Clemson and Kentucky.

Two Great Recruiting Articles from Chatt Free Press (19 Jul 98)
 
1998 To Offer Banner Recruiting Year on Area Fields
 
Blue-Chip College Prospects Not So Abundant in Tennessee
 

Update on Academic Qualifications (21 Jul 98)
    ACT and SAT scores have trickled in, and final core GPAs have been posted.  Here's a summary of some of the signees from around the league who came up short.
    Tennessee lost John Henderson, who came up short on his test score and will be a partial qualifier.  Tony Styles didn't qualify and is off to prep school.  Rashad Moore has no high school diploma, though his situation remains up in the air and there is still a chance he could play this fall.
    Georgia's non-qualifiers were Jessie Miller, Reagan Torbert and Charles Grant.
    LSU lost Brad Smalling, Chad Lavalais and Howard Green.  Melvin Ritchey remains questionable.
    Alabama signees Damien Jones, Mario Monds, Aries Monroe, and Jonovan Morgan will not report in August.
    Auburn lost 7 signees.  See the details in an item below.
    All of Florida's football signees qualified, but they did lose basketball signee Sylbrinn Robinson, who came up short on the ACT.
    Here's an article about Florida State's non-qualifiers (the Noles lost 5).
 
Tide, Tigers Add Verbals (21 Jul 98)
    Alabama has received their first verbal commitment of the 1999 football recruiting season.  Fullback Jeremy Walker (6-3  245) of Prattville has pledged to sign with the Tide in February.  Walker is rated the #6 player in the state by the Birmingham News.  He is an excellent student and will have no problem qualifying academically.
    The Auburn Tigers received their second verbal commitment this week.  DB DeCorey Bryant, 6-0  175, 4.4, of Orlando, Florida will sign with Auburn.  Bryant was the Most Valuable DB of Auburn's recently-completed summer camp.  He accepted the Tigers' scholarship offer at the camp.

Bits and Pieces (18 Jul 98)
    Some info I've picked up from various internet sites and emails from visitors:

    -I've received a couple of emails about Jamil Northcutt, 6-3  224, 4.7, DE/LB out of Tullahoma High School in Tullahoma, Tennessee.  I know about Northcutt, and he looks like a fine prospect, but to my knowledge the Vols aren't recruiting him, and that's why I haven't featured him on my site.  Some feel that Northcutt could be one of the top 10 prospects in the state, but based on preseason ratings, he didn't make my Top 10.  According to the emails I received, Jamil has been offered by Arkansas St and is being recruited by Alabama, Kentucky and Vanderbilt along with several OVC schools.  If the Vols show more interest in Northcutt, I'll add him to my data base.

-I received an email about Brandon Everage, 6-1  185, 4.55, a QB/Athlete out of Granger High School in Granger, Texas (1A school).  The person who sent me the email says that Brandon is being recruited by Tennessee.  Everage was the Defensive Player of the Year in 1A, registering 90 tackles and 13 interceptions as a cornerback.  On offense, Everage played QB in a veer scheme, and put up more impressive stats:  1,410 passing yards and 1,450 running yards; 18 TD passes, and another 20 TDs in various ways, running, returns, etc.  Sounds like quite a player and I would expect Tennessee is recruiting him as a defensive back or wide receiver.  Thanks for that email.

-There have been rumors in the past week that QB A.J. Suggs of Powder Springs, Georgia has committed to Tennessee and he and his family would be moving to Knoxville in January.  These rumors are unconfirmed, but as I have said before, the Vols do seem to have a big lead for Suggs and I fully expect him to commit to the Vols before the end of the summer.

-Sources say the Vols continue to lead for C.J. Leake, QB from Charlotte Independence, NC.  Many speculate that if A.J. Suggs commits to Tennessee, it will hurt the Vols' chances to sign Leake.  I don't agree.  Suggs and Leake are both great prospects, but have different playing styles.  Suggs is a dropback passer in the Peyton Manning mold, and Leake is an athletic run-passer in the Heath Shuler/Tee Martin mold.  Either one could be the Vols' QB of the future, and I think it's very possible that Tennessee could sign both of these great players.  Leake has been offered as a QB by over 30 schools, but he also has great potential at other skill positions.

-The Vols appear to have fallen into third place in the race for OL Kevin Breedlove's services.  Georgia leads and Stanford is thought to have moved into second place.

-DT Cedric Hilliard of Arlington, Texas also has the Vols in third place, behind Texas and Notre Dame.

-Max Emfinger's recent update of his national Top 300 had neither Albert Haynesworth nor Terrea Smalls listing the Vols among their leaders, but I believe this is inaccurate.  Smalls is a solid Tennessee lean, and Haynesworth still has the Vols among his top three schools.

-I've begun to hear a lot about Marvin Mackey, a 6-0 185 WR out of Port Sulphur, Louisiana.  Mackey was injured and did not play much as a junior, and has been overlooked by most of the preseason lists as a result.  According to VolInsider, Louisiana Recruiting Magazine rates Mackey the #1 WR in the state.  He's rumored to be leaning to Tennessee over Auburn, Michigan, Notre Dame, Florida and Texas.  I've heard that Mackey has 4.3 speed.

-Recent standout performers at the Tennessee football camp included Scott Wells and Ian Bass of Brentwood Academy and Troy Fleming of Battle Ground Academy.  Tennessee has offered scholarships to all three players, and the Vols are considered the team to beat for these in-staters.

-The Vols have yet to offer Michael Scruggs of Trousdale County a scholarship.  Scruggs has some work to do in the classroom and may not qualify.

-Kareem Kelly, one of the nation's top WR prospects out of Long Beach Poly, California says the Vols are co-leaders with USC for his signature in February.

Birmingham News Top 12 (18 Jul 98)
    I received an informative email from an Alabama fan this week, and rather than my editing its excellent content, he has agreed to allow me to cut-and-paste:

"Jumpmaster,

"I like many other Alabama fans enjoy your website and the insights that you
have on recruiting.  This is why I am sending you this information. This is a
list of the Birmingham News "Super Dozen" high school prospects from around
the state.  This list has some players that you will recognize and some that
you won't and like last years this list will change by the end of the year.

1.  Casinious Moore 6-0 193 TB Anniston
Casinious rushed for 1,918 yds and 23 Td's in 13 games last year Already
qualified academically, he lists Georgia Tech, Auburn, Tennessee, Florida,
North Carolina, Kentucky and Georgia as schools showing interest.

2.  Demarco McNeil 6-2 285 DT Blount
He's considered the best interior defensive lineman to come from the state in
years. Some coaches rate the 6-2 285lb McNeil as the states top prospect.
He'll likely be the focus of a hot in-state battle between Alabama and Auburn,
but don't count out Div I powers such as Florida State, Tennessee, LSU and
Mississippi State. McNeil had 15 sacks in 14 games in 1997 as Blount won the
5A state title.  He still must past the ACT.

3. Kenny King 6-4 275 DE Daphne
How good is King? High School coach Steve Savarese calls him "the best high
school football players I've ever been around"! That's tall promise
considering Savarese has coached such NFL stalwarts as Cornelious Bennett and
Terrell Owens. King has exceptional speed for his size at 4.75 40 yd dash. He
also benches 390 lbs and can squat 600lbs. His strengths include rushing the
passer and chasing him down from behind.  Already qualified with a 3.4 GPA and
a passing score on his ACT he lists Florida State, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee
and Auburn. He also says Kentucky, South Carolina and North Carolina are
showing a lot of interest.  Two recruiting coaches from out of state rate him
the states #1 prospect.

4. Deandre Green 6-2 195 WR Blount
At 6-2 195 Green is the states premier receiver and one of the tops in the
nation. He caught 72 passes for 813 yards and 18 touchdowns last season as the
Leopards won the 5A state championship last year.  He has been clocked
consistently at 4.4 seconds in the 40 yards dash.  Expected to be a part of a
big in-state recruiting war, he acknowledges he likes the idea of catching
passes from another Mobile phenom, Tee Martin, the heir apparent QB at
Tennessee.  Schools he lists as candidates at this time are Auburn, Tennessee,
Alabama, Florida State, and Florida

5.  Alonzo Ephraim 6-4 285 C/LB Wenonah
One recruiter described Ephraim  a 6-4 285lb center, as watching a "young
Dwight Stephenson in action". Wenonah coach Ronald Cheatham agrees. "He's one
of the fastest big men I've ever been around" Cheatham said.  "Alonzo is a
devastating blocker" Ephraim who also plays middle linebacker runs the 40 yd
dash in 4.85 seconds and has a 3.2 GPA and is active in his church choir.  The
schools he list include Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky and
Nebraska.

6. Jeremy Walker 6-3 245 FB Prattville
Jeremy does not list Tennessee but does list Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia
and Vanderbilt.  He has excellent grades!

7. Robert Johnson 6-5 255 TE
Robert did not list Tennessee either but I have seen certain list with
Tennessee included.  You know how good this one is! Don't worry, he didn't
list Alabama either!  He listed Georgia Tech, Auburn, Georgia and Kentucky.
My guess is Georgia and Auburn.

8. Matt Lomax 6-4 295 OT UMS-Wright
Few offensive lineman have worked harder in the offseason that Lomax, says his
prep coach, Chris Nemith.  The Offensive Tackle stand 6-4 295lbs. Already
qualified academically with a 3.65 GPA, he is one of the states strongest
players with a 385lb bench press. He has been clocked at a 5.1 in the 40yd
dash.  Lomax has already received 9 offers from major colleges.  Those he says
that he is most interested in include Alabama, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee,
Clemson and North Carolina.

9. Golinsky Smith 5-10 190 RB Sylacauga
The smallest player in the Top 12 is Golinsky, a 5-10 190lb tailback.  He
caught college recruiters attention last season by rushing for 2,265yds and 35
TD's in 14 games for the Aggies (13-1).  He finished 3rd in the state for
rushing in 97 and is the leading rusher returning for 1998.  Smith, who must
still qualify academically, landed major headlines last season when he became
the first prep player in Alabama since 1950 to score eight touchdowns in one
game. He  lists his favorite schools of interest as Alabama, Auburn, Georgia
Tech, Southern Miss, Mississippi State and Tennessee.

10. Josh Billue 6-4 300 OT Guntersville
Josh does not lists Tennessee.  He is very strong academically and lists
schools such as Duke, Georgia Tech, Northwestern, and Arkansas.  He also pans
to visit Alabama and Auburn.  He wants to pursue a medical degree.

11. Matthew Forrester 6-2 213 LB Briarwood Christian
A surprise pick at first glance in the Top 12, the 6-2 213 Forrester is still
growing.  He had 225 tackles in 12 games in 1997. The middle linebacker has
the bloodline to attract major interest.  His father played linebacker at Ole
Miss and his grandfather played linebacker at SMU and in the NFL, where he
served as captain of the Green Bay Packers. Forrester has speed at 4.75 in the
40yd dash, and has already qualified academically.  Schools showing him plenty
of interest include Georgia Tech, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Stanford and
UAB.

12 Robert Branch 6-2 303 DT Central-Tuscaloosa
A devastating pass rusher and the states top prospect at noseguard the 6-2
303lb Branch could move up the Top 12 lists considerably with a solid senior
year academically and athletically.  He benches 420lbs and runs the 40yd dash
in 5.09 second and plays basketball.  He has a 2.5 GPA but still must pass the
ACT test.  Schools he's most interested in are Alabama, Auburn, LSU ,Tennessee
and Georgia.

The Second Dozen look like this:

1. Saleem Rasheed 6-3 225 LB Shades Valley
2. William Orr 6-3 230 LB Albertville
3. Dante Ellington 6-6 297 OG Colbert County
4. Micheal Owens 6-0 210 Deshler
5. Danny Haynes 5-10 220 PK Brooks
6. Bobby Moore 6-1 190 QB Tuscaloosa County'
7. Chad Gaines 6-3 230 FB Sweet Water
8. T.J. Patterson 6-2 190 RB Coffee County
9. Clay Cleveland 6-3 240 TE/LB
10. Blake Jones 6-4 275 C Athens
11. Randall Shoultz 6-5 1\2 280 OT Jackson
12. Danny Sims 6-3 197 QB Cullman

Jumpmaster,
This is word for word from the Sunday edition of the Birmingham News.  The
information has not been altered in any way.  You might can read this on AL
live.com.  If you have any questions or would like any comment let me know!"

Jumpmaster's Note: Thanks for this information Bama fan, and thanks for letting me
share it on the site.  I'm glad to hear that my site is enjoyed by Bama fans and it's my
sincere hope that ALL fans of the SEC can get some good info here!

Recommended Recruiting Site (18 Jul 98)
    The site I'm recommending this time is The Tar Pit, a University of North Carolina web page that is simply outstanding.  These guys do a teriffic job of covering Tar Heel football in general and recruiting in particular.  The excitement and pride of the Tar Heels' recent success on the gridiron permeates the site.  I'm sure you'll want to bookmark it!

Auburn Signees Come Up Short (18 Jul 98)
    Tennessee fans were disappointed when top signee John Henderson failed to make the required test score to make him a full qualifier, but consider the case at Auburn.  Seven of the Tigers' football signees have come up short of full academic qualification; that's a full one-fourth of the class!  Like the Vols, the Tigers' top recruit, defensive lineman Robert Malone, didn't make the required test score and will be a partial qualifier who will join the team and practice, but can't play in games.  Don Page, LB signee from Foley, Alabama, became a casualty when his dismissal from high school in April caused his core GPA to drop below the minimum 2.5.  Defensive back Stanford Simmons failed to academically qualify for the second straight year.  The other players who came up short academically are WR Mario Bynes, WR Ronney Daniels, LB Xavier Lewis, and DL Alton Moore.
    Already considered one of Auburn's most disappointing recruiting classes in years, the further academic attrition of the class is all the more damaging.

Henderson Is Partial Qualifier (9 Jul 98)
    Reported by Brent Hubbs of WNOX, today at 7:00 pm Eastern:
    Tennessee football signee John Henderson, one of the nation's top defensive line prospects out of Pearl-Cohn High School in Nashville, did not attain the necessary score on the ACT test to make him a full qualifier this fall.  Henderson did achieve the required 2.5 core GPA, meaning he will be a partial qualifier for the Vols this fall.  As such, Henderson can practice with the team, but he won't be eligible to play in games.  Henderson can begin play in the fall of 1999, when he will be listed as a sophomore.
    A recent NCAA ruling gives Partial Qualifiers five years to play four, provided that they remain on track to graduate in four academic years along with the rest of their entry year class.  So, Henderson could have four years of eligibility on the field, if he keeps his academics in order.
    The loss of Henderson is a big blow to the Vol defensive line.  Coaches and fans were hoping the 6-7, 280-lb end could add immediate quality depth to the DL.  Many had expected Henderson to contribute on the field this year as a true freshman.

**4 July 98: NOTE:  I have started a new gossip page, as the old one had gotten too long and unwieldy.  But, don't be concerned; the old one is archived.  Go Here to view it.

Basketball Signee Comes Up Short (4 Jul 98)
    (From govols.com)
    Vol basketball signee Harris Walker, two-guard from Chattanooga Brainerd, came up short on his final attempt at the SAT test and will attend a prep school to work on improving the test score.  Waker will attend Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia and if he gets the required test score, he'll play for the Vols in 1999-2000.  He can be recruited by other schools while at Hargrave, but Walker says he'll remain true to his Vol commitment.
    The loss of Walker means that Vincent Yarbrough of Cleveland will be the only UT freshman who will be eligible to play in games this season.  The other Vol signee is Jenis Grindstaff, who must sit out a year after transferring from Virginia Tech.

Miller Shines at Kentucky Camp (4 Jul 98)
    QB Brian Miller of Johnson City Science Hill recently attended the Kentucky summer camp, where once again he impressed a Division-1A coaching staff.  The Wildcats reportedly offered Miller a scholarship after taking a look at his ability and liking what they saw.  Miller similarly impressed at earlier camps at Clemson and Tennessee.  Miller's stock continues to rise; Clemson, the first school to offer him, may lead at this early stage.

Coach Bradley Doing Well (4 Jul 98)
    It was evident in reading the Super Scout Grapevine on Max Emfinger's site today that Tennessee's OL/TE Coach Mark Bradley is doing an outstanding job early in this recruiting season.  Bradley recruits Texas and Oklahoma for the Vols, and UT seems to be doing very well so far in those states.  In Texas, the Vols are mentioned as a top choice by such elite prospects as Artie Ellis, #1 WR prospect in the state; LB Devon Davis, Austin's #1 prospect; and DBs Sterling Kazee of Irving and Sammy Davis of Humble, two of the top DBs in the country.  Cedric Hilliard, highly-regarded DT prospect out of Arlington, also likes the Vols a lot.  And Michael Johnson, WR/Athlete from Tulsa, Oklahoma, also lists the Vols as one of the leaders in his recruitment.  In February, Coach Bradley was credited with signing Willie Miles, the #3 CB prospect in the nation, from Ft Worth, Texas.

Keep up the good work, Coach Bradley!!

New Idea  (4 Jul 98)
    It seems like every day, while surfing the Net, I find another good recruiting site or two.  They are starting to pop up all over.  Sooner or later, I'll need to update my Recruiting Links page, and try to select the better ones to put on that page.  But for now, every time I add a Gossip Update, I intend to post a new link to a recruiting site.  The first one I'm going to recommend will definitely be added to my permanent links page in the near future.
    Plano's Page 3 is an excellent South Carolina site maintained by Plano Cock.  He does a great job, and of course the way this recruiting campaign is shaping up, Vol fans will definitely want to monitor Gamecock Recruiting in particular and follow a number of SC prospects like Albert Haynesworth, Kevin Breedlove, and Terrea Smalls.  Plano Cock's site will fill the bill nicely and most of us will want to visit PP3 regularly as recruiting heats up.  Bookmark it!

Texas Top 10 (4 Jul 98)
    All football fans know that high school football is big-time in Texas.  This huge state produces enough talent to have a Top 100 list all its own.  In fact, here's one such list from Access Waco, put together by Texas recruiting guru Don Cartwright.  I used this list as one of several references considered in developing my Texas Top 10, and while my list has some of the same prospects, I don't totally agree with Mr. Cartwright.
 

        1)  Corey Redding, DL/LB, 6-5  240, 4.53, North Shore High School, Galena Park.  NRA Top 25 juniors-to be (Apr 98), G&W Top 75, NRA Top 100, Tom Lemming Top 200...you get the picture.  In fact, there hasn't been a preseason bluechip list released that didn't include Redding.  60 tackles, 57 assists, and 4 interceptions as a junior.  Has a brother who plays for Arizona, but Corey says that doesn't make him a lock for U of A.  Doesn't list a favorite, but USC, FSU and Colorado are involved along with Arizona.
        2)  Gerome Sapp, DB, 6-0  200, 4.4, Lamar High School, Houston.  G&W Top 75, NRA Top 100, Tom Lemming, Max Emfinger, SuperPrep Elite 100.  Probably the top safety prospect in the state, with unbelievable combination of size and speed...clocked in the 4.3's at a combine in May.  Has expressed a desire to leave the state to play college ball.  Likes Miami, Notre Dame, Penn St and FSU.
        3)  Alfio Randle, OL, 6-6  270, 4.9, Yates High School, Houston.  G&W Top 75, NRA Top 100, PrepStar, Bill Buchalter, Max Emfinger, SuperPrep.  Top OL prospect in the state, has a 3.4 GPA.  Will also play on the defensive line as a senior.  Three-year starter in one of state's strongest HS programs.
        4)  Colby Freeman, QB, 6-3 210, 4.5, Brownwood High School, Brownwood.  NRA Top 100, Tom Lemming, Max Emfinger, PrepStar, SuperPrep Elite 100.  One of the nation's elite pass/run QB prospects, ran for 1,280 yards and 19 TDs and passed for 1,510 yards and 17 TDs as a junior.  Has scored 1100 on the PSAT.  Nebraska has been recruiting him relentlessly since he impressed at the NU summer camp after his sophomore season.  Nebraska is thought to lead Texas, Texas A&M, and Bama.
        5)  Sterling Kazee, DB, 6-2  170, 4.5, MacArthur High School, Irving.  G&W Top 75, NRA Top 100, Tom Lemming, Bill Buchalter, Max Emfinger, SuperPrep Elite 100.  Named First Team All-District and District Defensive MVP after having 13 interceptions as a junior.  Only looking at out-of-state schools.  Top four (June) were FSU, UNC, Tennessee and Michigan.
        6)  Reggie Duncan, RB, 5-10  210, 4.5, Ellison High School, Killeen.  G&W Top 75, Bill Buchalter, Max Emfinger, SuperPrep Elite 100.  In June, he was Cartwright's #2 prospect in Texas.  Had 2,400 yards rushing as a junior and scored 19 touchdowns.  Tremendous leg strength with a 625-lb squat.  Hearing from virtually every school in the country but is looking at Texas A&M, LSU, and Texas at this early stage.
        7)  Kelvin Banks, OL, 6-3  300, 5.2, Aldine High School, Aldine.  G&W Top 75, Tom Lemming, Bill Buchalter, NRA Top 100, Max Emfinger.  Student Sports All-American as a junior.  Has steadily moved up the charts during the May evaluation period.  Hasn't narrowed down his list of schools yet.
        8)  Devon Davis, LB, 6-3  230, 4.6, McCallum High School, Austin.  G&W Top 75, Tom Lemming, Bill Buchalter, PrepStar, Max Emfinger.  Had a broken bone in his ankle for the last six games of his junior season, but still posted these numbers:  128 solo tackles, 8 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 2 blocked FGs and an interception.  #1 prospect in the Austin area.  Current top four are Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, and Florida St.
        9)  Artie Ellis, WR, 6-3  190, 4.5, Westfield High School, Spring.  Tom Lemming, Bill Buchalter, Max Emfinger, SuperPrep Elite 100.  One of the top receiver prospects in the nation, 69 catches for 1,024 yards and 14 TDs as a junior.  KEYE's #1-rated prospect in the state.  Wants to attend college out of state and major in business.  Top four (June) are Texas, Michigan, Tennessee and Kansas St.
       10)  Sammy Davis, DB, 6-0  175, 4.5, Humble High School, Humble.  G&W Top 75, Tom Lemming, Max Emfinger, Bill Buchalter, Don Cartwright's #7 prospect in Texas (July).  Had 10 interceptions as a junior, selected as All-District and All-State.  May be the top cover corner in the state.  His current top four are Penn St, Tennessee, Ohio St and Michigan.
 
 
 

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