Cams QB competition: Recruiting notes

BRADENTON, Fla. - In advance of Saturday and Sunday's IMG 7-on-7 National Championships, Carolina Panthers quarterback and former Rivals.com five-star Cam Newton held a special quarterback competition, with players from all over the country taking part in the competition. With so much talent on hand both to compete and watch, there was plenty of notable recruiting news. Here's a rundown of the biggest nuggets.

Ole Miss flavor

Shea Patterson

Five-star quarterback Shea Patterson elected to take part in the competition and the Ole Miss commitment said it's a great way to kick off a weekend of tight competition. But more importantly for Rebel fans, it's another chance for Patterson to bond with his future teammates. His Throroughbreads squad is loaded with talent, including fellow Ole Miss commits Octavious Cooley, Daniel Crowell and DeKaylin Metcalf, all players who will be catching passes from Patterson in college. Patterson said he'll do some more recruiting at the event and with teams from all over the country in attendance, he hopes to meet some talent he can help recruit to join him in Oxford.

Sidney eyes UF, FSU

Rivals100 wide receiver Trevon Sidney was on hand to witness the competition and said he hopes to take unofficial visits to both Florida and Florida State while in the Sunshine State. Even though he's exploring options far from home he said USC continues to pursue him the hardest, and his preference is to stay on the West Coast. The one school that might have a chance to lure him away from the region is Notre Dame. Sidney said the Irish are in the mix for a visit this summer, and if not, he intends to take an official visit this fall.

Hawkins enjoys South Carolina

Rivals250 wide receiver Brad Hawkins Jr. recently released a top 15, but said a few programs continue to recruit him the hardest, with South Carolina and Michigan being the most aggressive. Hawkins was recently in Columbia for the Gamecocks' elite camp, and said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. South Carolina also has a built-in advantage as Hawkins' friend and 7-on-7 teammate, quarterback Brandon McIlwain, is already committed to the school. Hawkins said McIlwain helps the Gamecocks chances and has been working on him to join him in the Palmetto State. As for the Wolverines, Hawkins has already visited once this summer and intends to go back soon, whether it's for an unofficial later this summer, or an official visit in the fall.

Elvis talks LSU, Rutgers

Elvis Hines holds offers from Old Dominion and Temple. He says that Rutgers could be close to making things official with an offer soon, though. A four-star prospect, Hines plans to visit Rutgers in the coming weeks and also has plans to attend camp at LSU later this month. Hines won the defensive back MVP at the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour stop in New Jersey earlier this year.

Harmon's top six

Four-star wide receiver Kelvin Harmon lists a top six of Rutgers, South Carolina, West Virginia, North Carolina, N.C. State and Temple. Harmon says he intends to visit each of his top six schools this summer before making a fall decision. Harmon says his relationship with a coaching staff is the most important factor in his recruitment.

Clemson's new recruiter

Zerrick Cooper

Four-star quarterback Zerrick Cooper remains solidly committed to Clemson, and his most recent visit to campus was to get acquainted with some of the Tigers' commits, as well as do some recruiting of his own. Cooper said Friday night that his No. 1 target is four-star Greensboro (N.C.) Page wide receiver Diondre Overton. The two had a chance to work together on the field while at Clemson, and Cooper said he imagines a lethal combination in Clemson's exciting offense.

Army leads for Harper

Two-star quarterback Felix Harper said he continues to be in touch Army, and as of today the Black Knights are shaping up as the school to beat for his services. Harper has plenty of options, including offers from Florida Atlantic and South Alabama. Harper will visit West Point later in the month, and said he could commit while on the trip. The one school that could change things is Georgia Southern. The Eagles have shown Harper plenty of love, but are waiting to see him work out in person before offering.

Solid with TCU, for now

Quarterback D'Eriq King remains committed to TCU but says he intends to visit USC with one of high school teammates next week. He says the TCU coaches have been supportive when it comes to his desire to tour other campuses and plans to keep looking around going forward. Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are also involved in King's recruitment. SMU is also still alive in the process. King, who is being recruited as a wide receiver by some programs, has not decided if he will take official visits this fall. The fact that TCU is willing to allow him to play quarterback is one of the main reasons King picked the Horned Frogs.

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