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2.02.2009

Thoughts and observations, Part II

MONDAY LATE AFTERNOON
Post No. 1,024

Hey everyone. It's a rainy day in Montgomery and I'm less efficient as a result.

If only I could blog from Perth, Australia, this time of year. Western Australia's five-day forecast: Sunny, highs ranging from 82-92.

OK. Enough of that.

Here are my impressions of the seven prospects I met this weekend.
  • TB DAVID OKU of suburban Oklahoma City (at right): He's a high-energy guy who likes to talk. I can't imagine how loud he'd get on a football field. He's aware of his heightened status -- ie several top-rate programs are working hard to get him -- but doesn't really seem big-headed about it. He just plays to the crowd. He reminds me of Jomarcus Savage in that regard.

  • DT COREY GAINES of Tallahassee, Fla.: He's more introspective. I saw him at the Vanderbilt game and he was keeping to himself mostly. He seems legitimately anxious about choosing between Auburn and Ole Miss. He struck me as a pretty straightforward guy who didn't want to blow hot air. Reminded me of DeMarco McNeil.

  • S DAREN BATES from Olive Branch, Miss.: He's a happy kid. Two weeks ago, his college career looked like it was headed to Arkansas State. Then he gets an offers from Auburn and Alabama. He struck me as giddy about the opportunity to sign with the Tigers this week. Reminded me of Walt McFadden.

  • OL AUBREY PHILLIPS from Olive Branch, Miss. (at left): He got a big laugh by saying he remained committed to Tennessee, but revealed plans to concoct a Signing Day shocker. I thought it was funny. His delivery made me think it was a calculated thing. He seemed skeptical of the questions he was was asked. Took a second to ponder each question before answering and didn't reveal much. Reminded me of Zac Etheridge.

  • OL JOHNNIE FARMS from Perry, Ga.: He didn't wish to speak with reporters, which is fine. His family took a few seconds to say hello, so it wasn't an adversarial thing. Farms is committed to North Carolina. Anything he said could have been taken 1,000,000 different ways and it's clear that he's trying to be diplomatic here. Seems like a reasonable approach. He's a broad kid. I mean that in a good way.

  • WR/TE TRACY MOORE from Tulsa, Okla.: He was one of the two "surprise" visitors last weekend. Dontae Aycock, a tailback from Tampa, was the other. Moore was quite comfortable with reporters, which isn't at all surprising. He plays at Union High in Tulsa, which is one of the most consistently excellent programs in the Midwest. The top Union players are known throughout the region. Moore is a confident kid. He wants to play slot receiver, but he seems a bit bulky for that gig. He spoke openly about Auburn's strength (innovative offense) and its drawback (a long way from home). It's rare to hear a high-school kid speak so authoritatively. Reminds me of Tommy Trott.

  • DB MIKE EARGLE from Scranton, Pa.: I liked this kid because he was incredibly honest about his situation. He wants to play at a big school, has few scholarship offers and seems aware that he's on the fringe. Asked to list his offers, Eargle smiled and made it clear that his options are mostly provisional at this stage. I felt bad because it seems unlikely that Eargle will get his chance at Auburn. On the other hand, it's pretty cool that he's pushing the limits of his marketability and making the most of his situation. Reminds me of Mike McNeil and Tim Hawthorne.

20 Comments:

Blogger Adam and April said...

one

5:10 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Neil O'Donoghue?

5:12 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

ftworth
One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do

5:16 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Jet
Two can be as bad as one
It's the loneliest number since the number one

5:17 PM  
Blogger WDEwg said...

3rd and lovin' eh

5:17 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Jay GT- Thanks for another great post. If you have contact info for Corey Gaines, just let him know to "be anxious in nothing" Phil 4:4-7

5:23 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Do you feel Gaines to Ole Miss? TN folks seem to think Phillips to AU. Heard rumors that Ga Tech pulled scholly offer to Dontae Aycock.

5:27 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Not sure what to believe on Aycock.

I also have heard that Ga. Tech pulled its offer. I didn't get that information from a reporter, but the logic behind Tech's decision (if it has made one) doesn't make sense to me.

5:32 PM  
Blogger Norm said...

9

5:35 PM  
Blogger JgobravesHAG said...

hmmmmmm

5:38 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Aycock played QB in high school. Though he's not tall (either 6-0 or a shade under that) Aycock isn't a little dude like Oku.

Aycock has some bulk.

5:40 PM  
Blogger JgobravesHAG said...

I heard UNC would pull farms offer if he took this visit? Bad sources?

5:40 PM  
Blogger JgobravesHAG said...

Sportswriter: Jay G Tate, he is a damn good writer, he keeps the HABOTN nation happy. Very honest. Reminds me most of a Greek God.

5:47 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Michael- of course we're still friends. What's the big deal about driving in circles (ovals), anyway. The only time I went hunting (10 or 11), I blew a dove to pieces. I didn't understand how that was considered fun. But I'm Southern to the very core of my marrow.

5:53 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Pulling scholarships because an 18 year old goes on a trip to a different school? This kind of stuff kills me. If I was in their position though I would sign with Auburn I would take as many trips as I could, and enjoy it while I could. Obviously if you are resorting to threats to keep players from visiting other places you must not feel you sold them well enough. Not to mention that coaches tell the players they will be there all 4 years then leave them all the time. Just crazy.

5:56 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

jhag- I suspect that's just internet rumor, unless you can find it on wikipedia. I can't believe UNC would do that.

Scout and Rivals, probably even less reliable than wikipedia, both still show offer from UNC.

Unfortunately, this is hoops season up here and there is virtually nothing in the papers related to recruiting. There will be a quick synopsis on Thursday, then back to hoops news until August.

6:04 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

I don't consider that UNC stuff credible.

6:08 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

I put up a new thread about Nosa Eguae.

6:09 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Here's a link on Aycock:

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/shared-blogs/ajc/cfbrecruit/entries/2009/02/02/georgia_tech_pu.html

6:12 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Very interesting story, Kathy.

I'm going to post that to the blog.

6:16 PM  

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