Another standout from Stephenson

One of the top members of the Class of 2010 from the Peach State is Tyrone Cornelius. Cornelius, 6-1 and 185 pounds, is a growing linebacker prospect from Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson High School. Schools are mainly recruiting him as a weak-side linebacker and safety prospect. Cornelius also plays running back.

"I have speed and versatility to play multiple positions," Cornelius said. "I have the ability to get to the football quickly wherever it is. I think I also have great instincts for the (linebacker) position. I know I need to add more weight to play linebacker."

Stephenson has had their share of big time recruits like linebackers Josh Johnson, Nigel Mitchell-Thornton, and Marcus Ball, quarterback Reggie Ball, wide receiver T.J. Gartrell, running back Kregg Lumpkin and cornerback Demario Minter, just to name a few.

"Tyrone fits right in with the top players we have had here," said Ron Gartrell, Head Coach at Stephenson High School. "He's a tremendous athlete that plays linebacker, special teams and is one of our running backs. He's a very talented young man. No doubt in my mind he's an SEC player. He just needs to keep playing and get better. He's not battle tested yet. Through pre-season camp and off-season work outs he has looked good."

Although he doesn't have any verbal scholarship offers at this time Cornelius says that Florida, Auburn and South Carolina are currently showing the most interest in him at this time. So far he has taken unofficial visits to Gainesville and Columbia.

"I enjoyed talking with the recruiters at South Carolina. They seemed really interested in me. South Carolina is located in more of a metropolitan area. I liked the facilities. What stands out with South Carolina is that I know Coach (Steve) Spurrier is a winner and he is about trying to build a winning tradition at South Carolina.

"I talked with the recruiters and even had the opportunity to talk with Coach (Urban) Meyer at Florida. I felt very comfortable with the coaches and staff at Florida. I went on a campus tour and I really love the campus. The thing that stood out most was the new football facilities. All of the facilities at Florida are some of the best I've seen. What stood out for me is that at Florida winning is just in the air. I feel like I'm part of something special when I'm there."

In addition to the Gators and Gamecocks, Cornelius also lists Auburn, Georgia Tech, Miami, LSU, Ohio State and USC as teams he favors at this time.

"Florida is a family tradition. My whole family (Mom, Dad, and sister) have gone to Florida. I love the school and the football program. I've been going to Gator games since I was two years old. The campus is beautiful and the facilities are probably one of the best.

"I love Steve Spurrier. Not only his connection to Florida, but what he did at Florida to create a football powerhouse, I know he can do at South Carolina if he can get the right mix of players. It's (South Carolina) is not far from home.

"I liked the way Auburn operated their camps. It was very organized and was a little different than what I experienced at the other schools. It's a smaller campus, different environment for me and I like the change.

"I really like the football team at LSU. LSU is known for its defense. They are known for being "nasty" – in a good way and for their speed. I mean they are fierce.

"I have watched many NFL players come out of Miami that are doing very well because they are a speedy type of team and I think I can fit in well there.

"Georgia Tech is close to home. It's a great school academically and athletically. It's a great campus near downtown Atlanta.

"I've always liked USC. They have such a winning tradition and continue to be one of the best teams in the country every year.

"Ohio State has a great reputation for putting players in the NFL. It's also always one of the best teams every year. It's a different part of the country for me and it's definitely a school I'd like to visit."

This past summer Cornelius camped at the senior camps at Georgia, Auburn and South Carolina and the Friday Night Lights camp at Florida.