Sunday, May 27, 2007

My last email about some offers out there

At this point, it appears, barring any more attrition, that IU will have around 15 or so ships to give out. Will they oversign? Will people leave? Sure to both those, so I would expect a final class of around 20, give or take a couple. Pretty much just like last season.

It appears that IU will concentrate heavily on WR and DB this season, with the usual 2 or 3 at other positions thrown in. I would expect at least 3 WRs and probably 4 DBs to sign when it's all said and done. Also, we'll see athletes, those that could be WRs, DBs, or even LBs, so we'll just have to see how things go. As I posted on Peegs recently, a staff member said that the state of Indiana has at least 26 kids that are high D 1 level prospects, so expect this class to really have a state of Indiana flavor. I expect at least 1/2 the class to be instate kids, which is a very good thing I think.

Of course the biggest name that IU is involved in is the Ben Davis QB Gray. My thoughts are that he'll be a 4-star recruit and probably Top 100 nationally. He's raw still, but he's got major ability. I dare say that he reminds of some the clips I saw of JaMarcus Russell when he was in high school. Probably not got the arm Russell had, or has, but really athletic and can make it work with his feet and/or his arm. I don't expect him to commit early, and that's not a bad thing for IU really, even if it means bigger schools offering. The one thing I that believe will help IU more than anything with Gray is a big year from Kellen Lewis. Gray is just a bigger version of Lewis, and if he can see they kind of number I believe Kellen will put up this year, he'll get to see just how he'll fit in at IU. To early to say where he'll end up, but IU has a very, very good shot at him.

Also, his 2 schoolmates, Tandon Doss and Lat Williams, I expect both of them to be Hoosiers, possibly as early as the middle of June. Both could play a number of positions, but it looks like Tandon will go as a WR and Lat as a CB. Both have size and major speed for those positions. I saw Doss out run Finch last season for a TD. Lat runs in the low 4.4's to middle 4.3 range. He's also big and has leaping ability, so I would expect him as a true cover corner prospect.

The other big name out there is Darius Willis, a RB from Franklin Central. I honestly believe he'll be a Hoosier as well, and be groomed as the heir apparant at RB. However, it's conceivable that he could play other positions, but he's really a good RB, and I think that's where he'll end up.

Here are some other names that I know IU has offered:

QBs

1. Justin Tuggle-QB-from Georgia-Another athlete/QB that will probably be a WR at IU if he were to choose IU. However, if Gray goes elsewhere, he could end up at QB at IU. It appears at this point, that he wants to be a QB, and that may steer him elsewhere in the end.

2. Mike Hladik-QB-Columbus, IN-Another instate kid that was at IU's junior day back in February. He's underrated, but he threw for 24 TDs against 8 or 9 INTs last season and he's got a very good arm. He's a back up plan at this point, but IU will sign 1 QB this fall, and if Gray goes elsewhere, IU will offer this kid. He's alot like Ben Chappell without the Ben's mobility.

3. Tyler Bass-QB-from Georgia-We just offered this kid and he seems to be the real deal. Versitile and atheltic, he's got a LOT of offers. Probably not Indiana bound, but you never know I guess.

RBs: IU likes scat backs here, or kids that can be DBs and LBs as well as RBs, so other than Willis:

1. Darius Ashley-RB-Ohio-this was the first RB IU offered and he's got major talent. He's small and very quick and a Top 100 player nationally. Long list of schools and he'll be a Buckeye if they offer.

2. Albert Evans-RB-Portage, IN-a kid that IU had in during that Junior day and a kid I think the staff would really like to have as an athlete to come in and be tried at RB, WR, or DB. He's IU to lose at this point I believe.

3. Aaron King-Carmel, IN-very productive scat back that I think in the end will end up at Illinois. IU has not offered, but I'm sure they will after he camps at IU in June. He wants to play RB, and I get the feeling IU wants him on defense.

4. Carl Douglas-Georgia-this kid is only 5'9", but has a 215 pound body. Really a bowling ball type of kid that could very well be a LB at IU, though the 5'9" scars me. IU has offered, and he likes us along with Alabama and LSU. Probably not gonna be a Hoosier, but we'll see.

5. Byran Schroeder-Corydon, IN-again only about 5'9", but the thing that hurts him, at least from what I've heard, appears to be his quickness. However, he's worked out pretty well in the NIKE camps, and he wants to be a Hoosier. IU hasn't offered, and it has long been thought that if they do, it would be as DB. However, if Byran can improve his quickness enough, an offer will probably happen. He'll hold out for one until after the season I'm sure.

6. Chad Sherer-Ciecro, IN-this kid is an athlete, but a RB in high school. He's 6'1", so he could go to WR or DB. Word is he wants to remain at RB, and I don't believe IU wants him there, as they'd rather have him on the D side. If he agrees to go to another position, IU will really have a great shot here, but if Chad wants to be a RB, I don't think he'll be a Hoosier.

7. Jewel Hampton-Indianapolis-This kid did very well at the NIKE camp in West Lafayette. He's got low end 4.5 speed and he's very quick. He'll put up HUGE numbers this fall I can guarentee it. He's a RB all the way, and rumor has it, that it's pretty much down to Cincinnati, Purdue, Indiana, and Western KY for his services. IU hasn't offered, and I'm not sure what they will do in the end. Probably will depend on what he shows in camp in June or July.

WR: We have a pretty good, underrated commit already here. Here's where IU is looking and have offered other than Doss from above.

1. Wes Kemp-St. Louis-He's 6'4" and he's got big time ability. IU has their work cut out here, but a big year from Hardy and Bailey will really help with some of these kids. At this point, our main comp is Missouri, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

2. Kameron Riley-Georgia-He's 6'3" and another leaper with big time speed and ability. Florida has offered and that's where he'll probably end up in the end.

3. DJ Woods-Ohio-this kid is pure burn, as he's a low 4.4 guy. We made his top 4, but I feel he's waiting on Ohio State, who may not offer, due to low ships available.

4. Cameron McKinney-Florida-another pure burner with low 4.4 speed. The entire state of Florida and Georgia are also involved, so getting him North will be hard to do. However, he knows some of our Florida kids, so we'll see.

5. Nick Bass-Georgia-another burner. Auburn and Georgia Tech have offered as well as IU, so probably a long shot here.

6. Jordan Brewer-Carmel, IN-6'6" WR that will probably play basketball in the end. However, he does play fball and he's a pretty darn good player with major upside. IU is sending letters, but the belief is that he'll choose the roundball in the end.

7. Damion Garrett-Evansville, IN-6'6" WR that models Brewer, though he's actually been to IU for Junior Day and during Spring Practice. A true James Hardy type of player, and the staff really believes in the end, he'll chose fball. IU has offered him a fball ship, with the option of walking onto the bball team if he so desires. He's not as skilled a bball player as Hardy was/is, but he's just like him as far as the "oozing talent" thing goes.

TEs: Not a huge need and I look for IU maybe sign one, then switch them to LB.

1. Kenny Anunike-Ohio-6'6" and 220-IU has offered, but invisions him at DE.

2. Chris Carlino-Fishers, IN-6'3" 215-IU hasn't offered, but I believe they will after he camps here. He'll be a LB if he commits.

OL: Not a huge need, but I look for IU to sign a couple. Look for a true Center and a versitale kid. Also, it sound be noted that while Sliger is a DT for now, the staff thinks he could end up at OG when all is said and done. At this point, all the ones we've offered have committed elsewhere. However, one kid that we are actively pursing is Kyle Magnuson. Kyle is 6'7" 290 and played at Concord High school near Elkhart, IN. He's a OT prospect, and though IU hasn't offered yet, I believe they will very soon.

DL: IU staff has said they will only sign 1 kid at DT this season. So if Sliger stays at DT, then we are done. However, the staff does have a couple of other offers out there at DT as well as DE.

1. Cordian Hagans-Georgia-DT-Gonna be tough to get this kid as the entire SEC is after him. However, we have manage to make his Top 4 with Auburn and both Geogia and Georgia Tech. We'll see.

2. David Dick-Ohio-DT-probably waiting on Ohio State or Michigan-However, we are in his Top 4 at this point.

3. Steve Barnett-Indianapolis-DT-another Warren Central kid and friends Boyd. Was hurt much of last season and is the same kind of player Boyd is. IU hasn't offered, but they could, especially if Sliger is deemed OL bound. IU will have a very good shot here, even with Tutsie as the coach.

4. Dexter Heyman-Louisville-DE-a 4.6 kid that is a big time prospect. Top 100 player that we have made his Top 4 along with Louisville, Kentucky, and Florida. Not sure what to think about this kid, but if we could lure him here, it would be a huge get.

5. Nick Perry-Detroit-DE-a 4.7 kid that has put up a couple of very good NIKE camp performances and is starting to draw some attention around the country. IU offered early, but insight feels it will be a Wolverine/Spartan battle in the end.

6. Glen Miller-Chicago-DE-a 4.7 kid that has lit up the NIKE camps and now has offers from all over the country. He's wide open at this point.

7. Joe Washaby-Orlando, FL-DE-IU will offer this kid any day now. UCONN has offered and so will other Florida schools. However, IU has a shot with him, and his HS coach has IU ties.

8. Ron Byrd-Georgia-6'6" 260 DE-Purdue, Auburn, and Louiisville have offered. Big Time prospect.

9. Chaz Sutton-Georgia-DE-a big time kid that IU has offered, but honestly, I don't think IU has much of a chance at this point. Probably Virginia Tech bound.

LB: Though we added several last season, expect at least a couple more this season.

1. Jayme Comer-Brownsburg, IN-MLB-son of a coach, and he's a coach on the field. IU hasn't offered, but I expect them to do so after camps begin in June. If IU offers, I truly believe he'll commit to IU. at 6'3 and 220, it's conceivable that could be a DE in the end, but for now, he's a true Middle guy.

2. Bret Nagel-Lemont, IL-OLB-He's gotten several offers, but has been to IU this spring and spoke very highly of the campus and the program. Very smart kid, and I believe he'll end up at Northwestern when all is said and done.

3. Taylor Hill-Youngstown, OH-OLB-in the mold of most of the IU OLBs. Tall, light weight and fast. IU and Akron have offered, but others are knocking on the door. Probably waiting to see about Ohio State and Michigan State.

4. Connor O'Banion-Carmel, IN-OLB-another 200 pound OLB. Big time speed and playmaker. IU hasn't offered, but I believe they will very soon. IU will make a push for this kid.

5. Steve Betros-Jacksonville, FL-MLB-from Trey Haddon's school, Bolles High School; Probably our main comp here will be Illinois, Duke, and Wake Forest.

6. Leonard Hubbard-Springfield, IL-MLB-a slew of Big 12 programs have offered. No word on where exactually IU stands.

7. Fred Craig-Cincinnati-OLB-IU offered early and we've made his Top 5. West Viriginia has also offered, and I except them as well as Cincinnati to be our toughest challengers.

8. Justin Staples-Lakewood, OH-OLB-He'll wait for Ohio State, but if they don't offer, will chose between Michigan State, Purdue, or us.

9. Anthony Weaver-Indianapolis-OLB-Another Warren Central kid that impressed during the West Lafayette NIKE camp. A burner that could be a SS type or OLB. In the same mold as Justin Bailey. IU hasn't offered yet.

DBs: Again, another major area this season. here's were we are at so far.

1. Vance King-Georgia-Safety-all the SEC is after this kid as well, so it will be tough to get him North.

2. Quincy Quetant-Orlando, FL-safety-Scout says he favors Misissippi State, but no offer from them yet. IU the biggest school that has offered so far.

3. John Lejiste-Orlando, FL-safety-This is shaping up to be an IU/Illinois battle, even though this kid is down in Florida. He'll wait for the local universities (Florida, Miami, FSU) to offer, but if they don't, he'll head North.

4. Tom Thomas-Oak Lawn, IL-safety-This is also shaping up to be an IU/Illinois/Northwestern battle. 6'2" 180 and a FS prospect at this point.

5. Eric Bogan-Joilet JC-CB-IU has offered and appears, at least for now, to be sitting in the driver's seat.

6. Jujuan Harris-Indianapolis, IN-CB-another Warren Central kid that is in the mold of Leslie Majors, just not quite as fast. IU hasn't offered at this point.

Kickers/Punters: Not sure IU will sign one of these, but if they do, one kid is begging for a chance.

1. Nick Freeland from Lawrence North HS in Indianapolis. IU hasn't offered any kickers at this point, so we'll see. However, if they do offer Nick, he'll be a Hoosier.

As for the current team, conditioning and weight room and individual work in going on now. This is where all the talk stops, and we'll see who is serious about getting better and who isn't. Those I have spoken with say the usual things about the kids putting in extra work and working hard, but one that has really stood out is James Hardy. He seems to be putting his money where his mouth is and trying to be the Top notch level WR that he says he wants to be. So far, a vast improvement from last summer, and hey, let's hope it continues!

Friday, May 25, 2007

Dutra and Comer

About 5 years ago, Elliot Dutra and Jayme Comer would have had to rely on 1-day summer camps and game tape videos to "sell themselves" to college coaches. Each would have the same goal of garnering a D-1 scholarship. Elliot plays at Whiteland High School in Indiana and Jayme plays for his father at Brownsburg High School in Indiana.

Fast forward to 2007 and 1-day combine camps for high schools. Last week, both Dutra and Comer and many other kids from around the Midwest traveled to Chicago to take part in one of NIKE'S 1-day combines. Earlier this month, Marqueis Gray from Ben Davis did the same thing, only he went to West Lafayette to participate.

Just like the NFL combine that is held for players seeking to improve their draft status, these NIKE combines run the same drills for high school players. And just like the NFL, the biggest test is the 40-yard dash. The faster you run, the better.

Elliot Dutra is 5'10" 180 pounds. He plays against pretty good competition in Central Indiana. He's a RB on offense and a DB on defense, and last season he ran for over 1,000 yards. Before the NIKE camp, Elliot was getting light interest from MAC schools and an occasional letter from Indiana and Purdue. At the NIKE camp, he ran a 4.4 and earned MVP honors, now all the Big Ten schools are salavating, wanting a shot at this kid. Indiana is right there for his services, and time will tell if this kid can be a Hoosier. The staff likes him at DB, probably corner, but running a 4.4 really has opened up the opportunity for Elliot to get a Big Ten scholarship.

Jayme Comer is 6'2" 220 pounds. He's the son of a coach and plays LB on defense. Just like a lot of coach's sons, he is like a coach on the field. Unlike Dutra, Jayme was getting more interest from Big Ten schools, and Indiana, however no scholarship offers yet. Jayme planned to do the 1-day summer camp curcuit and see how much interest he could muster up. The Indiana staff has been impressed with Jayme for awhile, but no offer. They did secure him a spot at one of their day camps in June, and the thought process was they would offer him, if he performed well.

Jayme went to Chicago and ran a4.65 40. Now, the 6'2" 220 pound has 1 scholarship offer on the table and more soon to follow. The IU staff really likes Jayme at MLB. He has size and speed and toughness. Jayme also earned MVP honors at Chicago, just like Elliot. It's amazing what 1-day combines can do to the stock of a high school player.

Also for those that don't know, MarQueis Gray did outstanding at West Lafayette. He went from a possible 4-star recruit to a kid that's possibly a 5-star kid and has a real shot at the Elite 11 camp in California. The IU staff want a QB this fall and they are looking at Gray as their "A" option. Time will tell how this one will turn out, but you can bet that it won't be anytime soon for any of these 3 kids.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

A little bummed about Anunike

Kenny Anunike, a 6'5" 220 TE/DE prospect that I profiled in my last email has verballed to Duke University. IU was right at the top for this kid, but he wants to be a surgeon, so he felt that the Duke medical program was the best place for him. Good luck to Kenny and I'm sure he'll turn out just fine on and off the field.