Giles to make announcement Tuesday
from Blog: High School Sports
Tampabay.com - St. Petersburg Times
by Times Editor
Gaither running back Jarvis Giles told the Times this afternoon he will make his college announcement Tuesday at noon.
Giles -- who committed to Tennessee in the summer but decommitted when the Vols announced coach Phil Fulmer was not returning -- has his schools narrowed down to South Carolina, Nebraska and Tennessee.
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier visited Gaither during school Thursday to visit Giles and speak to senior tight end Justin Lattimore. Spurrier is expected to make an in-home visit with Giles Thursday evening.
On Friday, Tennessee will make its final in-person pitch to their former committment with an apparent Rocky Top hard-court press. Giles said new head coach Lane Kiffin, along with new assistant coach David Reaves -- who recruited Giles for the Gamecocks -- and Stan Drayton, a Tampa native and apparent holdover from Fulmer's staff who recruited Giles for the Vols, will all visit.
On Sunday, Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini is expected to drop by. Giles just returned from an official visit to Nebraska over the weekend.
Then it's decision time for Giles.
-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA
Showing posts with label college football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college football. Show all posts
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
pre-season predictions
It's that time of year - FOOTBALL SEASON!! Every pre-season magazine has been on the newsstands for a couple of months now, and ESPN and Fox Sports have been hammering us with their opinions. I guess it's time to add mine...
Let's talk about BCS conference predictions first. I'll pick the following schools to win their respective league championships:
Let's talk about BCS conference predictions first. I'll pick the following schools to win their respective league championships:
- ACC Va Tech over Florida State
- Big 10(11) Wisconsin - Michigan will find a way to screw it up - they always do.
- Big East West Virginia - Louisville w/o Petrino can't hang, and neither can Rutgers.
- Pac 10 USC should run away. Only Cal can really challenge them.
- SEC LSU over Florida - I'm not sold on the Gators getting here, but who else? Georgia is too young, Tennessee is like Michigan (talented but poorly coached) and who knows if South Carolina will step up this year?
- Nevada This is a good team that played Miami close in a bowl last December. They've lost some really good players to pre-season injury and suspension, however. I'll say NU 38-17 (1-0)
- @ Wake Not quite the same team that won the ACC last year. They won't sneak up on anyone, and they didn't blow out anyone last year anyway. NU wins a close road game in front of a stadium at least 30% filled with NU fans 31-23 (2-0)
- USC This defense is ridiculously fast and talented, and John David Booty can sling it with the best in the nation. The RBs and WRs are the question, and NU will have two games under their belts. Still... I don't know... I guess I'll go with the homer pick, but I'm not sold. Maybe after I see Keller and the offense in action the first two weeks I'll feel better. I'll go with NU 23-20 (3-0)
- Ball State This will be either a bounce-back game after USC, or a possible trap after USC. Either way it'll be closer than people think. NU wins 38-20 (4-0)
- Iowa State Conference opener should be pretty easy win, although Brett Meyer is still around in Ames. NU 41-17 (5-0)
- @ Mizzou Biggest game in Columbia in years... possibly decades. I still think Mizzou will screw things up before the end of the year, but I think they win this game. NU falls to 5-1, Mizzou 38-34 (5-1)
- Okie Lite Second game of the toughest stretch in a long time for the Huskers. OSU has a solid, really spectacular offense. I think Coz has figured out how to stop Bobby Reid, though. Their defense is (shall we say) suspect. I think NU bounces back at home, winning 34-21 (6-1)
- Texas A&M The Aggies have a tremendous running game, and Stephen McGee doesn't make many mistakes. Plus their band is ridiculous. I can't wait to see them in Lincoln again! On the field though, it will be tough. I'll go with NU in a squeaker 28-27. (7-1)
- @ Texas NU just can't beat UT in the regular season. I can't figure it out, but it's not likely. This time they get it done, however. NU "upsets" UT 27-23. (8-1)
- @ KU Watch out! This could be much closer than people expect. They're not as talented, but you have to understand how well Mangino the Hutt can coach. I'll say NU wins, but it's close. 31-27 (9-1)
- K.State First chance to see Josh Freeman in Lincoln - that's if he can pass the physical and complete a pass. Otherwise we might see that Alfred E Neuman look-alike Carson Coffman. Either way this is a blowout. NU 45-17 (10-1)
- @ Colorado Always a struggle. NU could be ahead 24 points half way through the fourth quarter and still have to win in OT (see 1999). I think they'll still get it done, however. NU wins 27-21 (11-1)
- Big 12 title game... I think it will come down to Nebraska and Oklahoma again, this time in San Antonio. NU's quarterback play is better, but OU has better skill position guys. The matchup with OU's WRs and NU's DBs should be much closer than in 2006, due to Bowman being back, Jones a year wiser, Murillo added. Can NU stop their run game, though? I'm not sure... I'm a homer, though, so I go with NU 30-24 (12-1)
- That will put NU in a BCS game, and possibly a matchup with LSU for the title. Let's go with that possibilty. Given how often NU beats SEC schools in bowl games (see Florida, Tennessee, etc.) one would think that NU has a good shot. I'm not so sure. Unfortunately I don't see Sam Keller throwing 5 touchdowns against LSU's 2007 version. LSU wins 31-17.
Now... I'm an optimist. But even I can't really see NU going 12-1 in the regular season. Realistically they could lose to USC, Mizzou, A&M, Okie Lite and Texas. If they lost them all, it would put them at 7-5 on the regular season and into a lower-tier bowl.
I don't expect them to lose all of those 5 games, and I think Callahan will finally get a breakthrough top-10 win against either USC or UT.
Mizzou has to overcome the "Pinkel factor" to win the North title.... can they do that?
I'll go with a 10-2 regular season (losses to USC and A&M) and a Big 12 title over OU. They go to the Orange Bowl 11-2 and lose to Virginia Tech 35-27 and finish 11-3.
USC loses to LSU for the National title.
BOOK IT!
Monday, June 4, 2007
Husker football recruiting
Nebraska's football recruiting class for 2008 is off to a strong start, and just how strong the class could be was made even more evident this past weekend as Rivals.com and Student Sports hosted the NIKE Football Training Camps in Columbia (Mo.) and Boulder (Co.).
On hand in Columbia were Husker commitments Blaine Gabbert (QB from Ballwin, Mo.), Trevor Robinson (OL from Elkhorn, Nebr.) and Dan Hoch (OL from Harlan, Iowa). Another potential Husker target, Omaha Westside tight end Tim Biere, was also in attendance.
As the camp came to a close, the Husker pledges dominated the awards handed out.
Gabbert was named the QB MVP and Robinson the lineman MVP.
Gabbert dominated the camp, and was clearly the top overall player in attendance.
NIKE Camp quarterback coach Bob Johnson said that he expects great things of Gabbert in Lincoln.
"I see him being a great fit what Nebraska does," Johnson said. "He's got every throw and he's strong and physical. When something breaks down, he can also tuck it and run. They're going to throw first there and run second and that's really what I'd like to see him do."
Robinson's footwork and strength were evident as he dominated the line drills.
Hoch was not named MVP, however his style of play is more hands-on and the NIKE camp formats don't really accomodate that style of play. I've seen opinions from people who have seen both players at the same stage of their development comparing Hoch to former Wisconsin and recent first-round draft pick offensive tackle Joe Thomas.
To top the day off in Columbia, Biere (who may receive an NU offer after attending the Husker football camp this June) was named the receiver/tight end MVP. Many recruiting analysts - self included - believe that if Biere receives a Nebraska scholarship offer he will commit on the spot. Analysts in attendance said that Biere clearly had the best hands of any receiving prospect at the camp - receiver or tight end.
NIKE moved to Boulder the following day, and Husker pledge - Bryce Givens (OL from Denver, Colo.) - was again named the lineman MVP.
At 6-foot-6, 260 pounds Givens has room to grow. His footwork and quickness reminded some analysts more of a skill position player than an offensive lineman.
Despite his commitment to Nebraska, other schools have not stopped recruiting Givens. In fact, he received an offer from Texas not long before the camp. He's still committed to NU, but said he will take an unofficial visit to Austin.
Givens did state that he's "99.9 percent" sure he's going to stick with Nebraska. That "0.1 percent" is enough to scare most Husker recruit-nicks who remember Reggie Smith, A.J. Wallace, and Travis Lewis flipping on or near Signing Day in recent years after professing their love for the Big Red.
Givens' teammate Jimmy Miller (6-3, 290 OL) also showed well as the runner up for lineman MVP honors. Miller - like Biere - is hoping for a Husker scholarship offer following his upcoming camp trip. He grew up a Husker fan, and his mother is from the Lincoln bedroom community of Waverly. With Aaron Schulte not qualifying academically the Husker staff could take another lineman for '08, and Miller could fill the bill.
The 2008 recruiting class is off to an amazing start for Nebraska. They have a good shot at finishing with a top ten and possibly a top five-ranked class when all is said and done.
On hand in Columbia were Husker commitments Blaine Gabbert (QB from Ballwin, Mo.), Trevor Robinson (OL from Elkhorn, Nebr.) and Dan Hoch (OL from Harlan, Iowa). Another potential Husker target, Omaha Westside tight end Tim Biere, was also in attendance.
As the camp came to a close, the Husker pledges dominated the awards handed out.
Gabbert was named the QB MVP and Robinson the lineman MVP.
Gabbert dominated the camp, and was clearly the top overall player in attendance.
NIKE Camp quarterback coach Bob Johnson said that he expects great things of Gabbert in Lincoln.
"I see him being a great fit what Nebraska does," Johnson said. "He's got every throw and he's strong and physical. When something breaks down, he can also tuck it and run. They're going to throw first there and run second and that's really what I'd like to see him do."
Robinson's footwork and strength were evident as he dominated the line drills.
Hoch was not named MVP, however his style of play is more hands-on and the NIKE camp formats don't really accomodate that style of play. I've seen opinions from people who have seen both players at the same stage of their development comparing Hoch to former Wisconsin and recent first-round draft pick offensive tackle Joe Thomas.
To top the day off in Columbia, Biere (who may receive an NU offer after attending the Husker football camp this June) was named the receiver/tight end MVP. Many recruiting analysts - self included - believe that if Biere receives a Nebraska scholarship offer he will commit on the spot. Analysts in attendance said that Biere clearly had the best hands of any receiving prospect at the camp - receiver or tight end.
NIKE moved to Boulder the following day, and Husker pledge - Bryce Givens (OL from Denver, Colo.) - was again named the lineman MVP.
At 6-foot-6, 260 pounds Givens has room to grow. His footwork and quickness reminded some analysts more of a skill position player than an offensive lineman.
Despite his commitment to Nebraska, other schools have not stopped recruiting Givens. In fact, he received an offer from Texas not long before the camp. He's still committed to NU, but said he will take an unofficial visit to Austin.
Givens did state that he's "99.9 percent" sure he's going to stick with Nebraska. That "0.1 percent" is enough to scare most Husker recruit-nicks who remember Reggie Smith, A.J. Wallace, and Travis Lewis flipping on or near Signing Day in recent years after professing their love for the Big Red.
Givens' teammate Jimmy Miller (6-3, 290 OL) also showed well as the runner up for lineman MVP honors. Miller - like Biere - is hoping for a Husker scholarship offer following his upcoming camp trip. He grew up a Husker fan, and his mother is from the Lincoln bedroom community of Waverly. With Aaron Schulte not qualifying academically the Husker staff could take another lineman for '08, and Miller could fill the bill.
The 2008 recruiting class is off to an amazing start for Nebraska. They have a good shot at finishing with a top ten and possibly a top five-ranked class when all is said and done.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Mo Purify pre-trial diversion
from the Omaha World Herald:
MY THOUGHTS:
I had hoped that this case would actually go to trial so that the truth could come out and Purify could be exonerated in public. With pre-trial diversion, people (both locally and nationally) will think that "another Nebraska football player got over on the justice system".
From what I've heard from people with knowledge of what really happened, the only place Mo was in the wrong was refusing to offer his hands to the police when ordered to do so. He resisted arrest in that manner, but that is all that he did wrong from the reports I've heard.
He did not start the altercation, and he did not hit the woman.
There were multiple witnesses willing to testify to those same facts also, which I'm guessing is why Lancaster County is not pressing the issue. They know they have only one charge - resisting arrest .
I guess Purify is correct to take that pre-trial diversion, because even though it's a "non-violent resisting arrest" (my term, not legal), it would still go on his pemanent record and follow him the rest of his life.
I just wish he could have been publically exonerated on the more serious charges that he was crucified on in the court of public opinion.
LINCOLN - Nebraska receiver Maurice Purify has been authorized to
participate in a pre-trial diversion program, which would make it unlikely that
formal charges would be filed against him in Lancaster County court for his
arrest nearly four weeks ago.
Chief City Prosecutor John McQuinn said his office, after reviewing police
reports, agreed to pre-trial diversion at the request of Purify's attorney, Jon
Braaten. As of Wednesday, however, McQuinn said nothing has been arranged
yet.
Purify is scheduled for a June 7 appearance in Lancaster County
court."
At the present time, we assume that he won't be going to court if he
participates in pre-trial diversion," McQuinn said. "If something should happen
and if he elects not to participate, then our office would probably reassign him
a court date."
It's unclear how pre-trial diversion might affect any team discipline
handed down by Nebraska coach Bill Callahan. In a statement after Purify's
arrest, Callahan said he was "very concerned about this current situation" but
wouldn't comment further until the matter went through the legal process.
Lincoln police charged Purify with two counts of assault, resisting arrest,
trespassing and failure to comply after a May 5 incident at a downtown Lincoln
bar. Purify allegedly threw a man over a table and hit him several times, and
allegedly also struck the victim's girlfriend.
Purify was the Huskers' second-leading receiver last season, catching 34
passes for 630 yards and seven touchdowns.
MY THOUGHTS:
I had hoped that this case would actually go to trial so that the truth could come out and Purify could be exonerated in public. With pre-trial diversion, people (both locally and nationally) will think that "another Nebraska football player got over on the justice system".
From what I've heard from people with knowledge of what really happened, the only place Mo was in the wrong was refusing to offer his hands to the police when ordered to do so. He resisted arrest in that manner, but that is all that he did wrong from the reports I've heard.
He did not start the altercation, and he did not hit the woman.
There were multiple witnesses willing to testify to those same facts also, which I'm guessing is why Lancaster County is not pressing the issue. They know they have only one charge - resisting arrest .
I guess Purify is correct to take that pre-trial diversion, because even though it's a "non-violent resisting arrest" (my term, not legal), it would still go on his pemanent record and follow him the rest of his life.
I just wish he could have been publically exonerated on the more serious charges that he was crucified on in the court of public opinion.
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