Around the Southeast: Good news for Gators
Each Monday throughout the fall, Rivals.com is breaking down the Southeast Region recruiting scene with news, notes, and analysis. Here is the latest from Rivals.com Southeast analyst, Kynon Codrington.
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Underclassmen watch
Here are some top underclassmen to keep an eye on from around the region:
WR Corey Holmes, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas (2014):
Holmes is a fluid split end who can stretch the field or find holes in zone coverage. The rising junior reports offers from Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Rutgers, South Florida, and Wisconsin. He doesn't plan on committing early and will take his time with his decision.
WR Johnnie Dixon, Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) Dwyer (2014):
The speedy pass catcher is one of the top receivers in the tri-county area. Dixon has soft hands and does a nice job plucking the ball. He doesn't trap or body-catch and is fluid out of his breaks. He reports eight offers from Alabama, Florida, and Miami among others.
DB Marlon Humphrey, Hoover (Ala.) (2014):
Humphrey is a solid man-to-man corner. He excels in off coverage, but can flip his hips and mirror guys down field without any trouble. At 6-feet, he provides good size against bigger receivers. He is one of the state's best defense players and will be a top target for many schools in the Southeast.
News and notes
The Gators finally received some good recruiting news after making headlines lately following a string of decommitments when Seffner (Fla.) Armwood WR Alvin Bailey committed on Saturday night.
Three-star athlete Jesus WilsonClick He was rumored to be a Florida lean after receiving the offer and taking an unofficial to campus in August. Did he let the cat out of the bag on Twitter? A couple of hours before his game, he tweeted to follow Florida pledge Vernon Hargreaves III, "bro text me now!" It sounded like Bailey was already informing his friend of his decision. Here to view this Link. of Miami (Fla.) Columbus committed to Florida StateClick He was rumored to be a Florida lean after receiving the offer and taking an unofficial to campus in August. Did he let the cat out of the bag on Twitter? A couple of hours before his game, he tweeted to follow Florida pledge Vernon Hargreaves III, "bro text me now!" It sounded like Bailey was already informing his friend of his decision. Here to view this Link. following a camp in June. Wilson said Oklahoma StateClick He was rumored to be a Florida lean after receiving the offer and taking an unofficial to campus in August. Did he let the cat out of the bag on Twitter? A couple of hours before his game, he tweeted to follow Florida pledge Vernon Hargreaves III, "bro text me now!" It sounded like Bailey was already informing his friend of his decision. Here to view this Link. and West VirginiaClick He was rumored to be a Florida lean after receiving the offer and taking an unofficial to campus in August. Did he let the cat out of the bag on Twitter? A couple of hours before his game, he tweeted to follow Florida pledge Vernon Hargreaves III, "bro text me now!" It sounded like Bailey was already informing his friend of his decision. Here to view this Link. are still actively recruiting him. He doesn't have any visits planned at this time, but that may change over the next few weeks.
Plantation (Fla.) defensive back Sojourn Shelton has a made change to his list of favorites. Shelton said he is no longer considering interested in UCF. It appears he will head out of state when he makes his decision. He tripped to Wisconsin this weekend and enjoyed his visit. The three-star corner wants to check out Cincinnati and Nebraska. Keep an eye on the Demon Deacons, too. He has a Wake Forest offer and wants to learn more about the program.
Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas defensive lineman Anthony Moten, a class of 2014 prospect, holds an early verbal offer from the hometown Miami Hurricanes. Moten reports heavy interest from Ohio State, Vanderbilt. He called Florida his dream school.
Ashton Shumpert out of Fulton (Miss.) Itawamba Agricultural is waiting to return to action. Shumpert is a versatile athlete who could play running back, safety, or outside linebacker at the next level. Many consider him likely to end up in the SEC with Alabama, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt in the mix. Oklahoma State is trying to get him to campus for an official visit this fall.
What I'm Thinking
By all accounts, the Heisman won't go to an underclassman this year, but the future seems bright for a pair of freshman running backs. Miami RB Duke Johnson and Alabama tailback T.J. Yeldon lived up to their lofty expectations and both eclipsed the 100-yard mark on limited carries.
Johnson scored twice on runs of 54 and 56 yards and Yeldon added a score for the Tide. After watching Derrick Green, Greg Bryant, Ty Isaac (before leaving with an injury), and Tarean Folston on national television through the first two weeks, all four have a chance to make a similar impact when they touch the field to begin their collegiate careers.
Does the aforementioned commitment of Alvin Bailey to the Gators help with fellow teammate Leon McQuay III? McQuay recently mentioned Florida State as his top in-state school. However, with Bailey's pledge and former Armwood Hawk Matt Jones already in Gainesville, it could help with the five-star safety. Florida has safeties Keanu Neal and Nick Washington committed, but McQuay would bolster an already strong class.
Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington outside linebacker Matthew Thomas missed his team's season-opening win over Miami (Fla.) Carol City with an illness. The five-star defender is hoping to return this Saturday as his team takes on Miami (Fla.) Central and talented 2014 running backs Joseph Yearby and Dalvin Cook. The disruptive 'backer is the top defensive player in Miami-Dade county.
For the second year in a row, Hoover (Ala.) toppled Batesville (Miss.) South Panola. After dominating the Magnolia State early this decade, some feel the Tigers have been passed by the likes of Olive Branch (Miss.) and other area schools. Four-star athlete Antonio Conner will have to shoulder the load if he wants to get South Panola back to the state championship this season.
Wellington (Fla.) Palm Beach Central offensive lineman K.C. McDermott is one of the state's top tackles. The class of 2014 prospect has elite size, reach, and bend to be a major contributor at the BCS level. McDermott already holds double-digit offers, but the number will easily go over the 25-plus plateau this fall. His recruitment will be one to watch as his brother plays center for the Miami Hurricanes. However, he is a national recruit that may end up outside of the Sunshine State come signing day.
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