Josh Barr's Recruiting Insider Archive by Category

DeMatha lineman makes pick

Nope, not tackle Arie Kouandjio, who told me earlier this week he had yet to narrow down his college choices, though I suspect Cal and Alabama are near the top of his list. Not guard Shane Johnson or Kouandjio's younger brother Cyrus, a junior who starts at the other tackle...

By Josh Barr | November 18, 2009; 02:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Friendship forms with Eastern Michigan?

Proving that who you know is as important as what you know, Friendship Collegiate's senior class has received plenty of interest from, of all places, Eastern Michigan, which isn't exactly a household name to D.C. recruits. Knights Coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim reports that lineman Earl Johnson has an offer from Eastern...

By Alan Goldenbach | November 18, 2009; 12:59 PM ET | Comments (1)

Woodson's Russell making travel plans

H.D. Woodson senior wide receiver Alonzo Russell is getting set to book his official visits, according to Warriors assistant coach Wayne Johnson. Russell will take visits to West Virginia, Illinois and Connecticut after the Warriors complete their season in the Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving. The 6-foot-4 Russell really came on...

By Alan Goldenbach | November 17, 2009; 12:18 AM ET | Comments (0)

Terps snag a defensive lineman

Just got the word from Wise Coach DaLawn Parrish, who reports defensive end Rahsaan Moore has committed to play for Maryland. Moore is the second Wise senior to commit to the Terps, joining safety Titus Till, who pledged after last season. Moore, who is 6 feet 2 and 235 pounds,...

By Josh Barr | November 2, 2009; 02:17 PM ET | Comments (0)

Terps, Cavs chasing Gonzaga quarterback

It was a busy weekend for Gonzaga quarterback Kevin Hogan, even though the junior sat out the Eagles' 37-7 loss to No. 7 Good Counsel on Friday because of a sprained throwing hand. On Saturday, Hogan was in Charlottesville for the Virginia-Duke game. During warm-ups, while talking to Anthony Poindexter...

By Josh Barr | November 2, 2009; 12:13 PM ET | Comments (0)

Havenstein commits to Wisconsin

Just got off the line with Linganore's All-Met mountain of an offensive lineman, Robby Havenstein, who has committed to play for Wisconsin. Havenstein said that he chose the Badgers over Maryland. "It was just a good place, a good fit for me," said Havenstein, who is 6 feet 7 and...

By Josh Barr | October 22, 2009; 03:22 PM ET | Comments (2)

Locksley Draws One-Game Suspension

New Mexico football coach and top D.C. recruiter Mike Locksley has been suspended for 10 days without pay, following a university investigation into a fight he had with Lobos assistant and DuVal alum J.B. Gerald. Gerald told police Locksley punched him, splitting his lip, though the school's investigation did not...

By Alan Goldenbach | October 14, 2009; 02:18 PM ET | Comments (0)

Gonzaga QB Draws a Visit from Notre Dame

Gonzaga Coach Joe Reyda picked up the phone Friday morning and heard an unfamiliar voice. "I'm in the area," Notre Dame assistant coach Ron Powlus said. "I hear you have a quarterback." Reyda wasn't sure who put Powlus in touch with him. Powlus also made recruiting stops Friday at Good...

By Josh Barr | October 12, 2009; 05:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

Wise Lineman Commits to Old Dominion

Wise defensive tackle Charles Owens on Friday night committed to play for Old Dominion. A 6-foot-1, 300-pound senior, Owens had drawn interest from North Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina State and Richmond, but Old Dominion was the only school to offer him a scholarship. "Everyone was monitoring him but no one...

By Josh Barr | October 9, 2009; 08:02 PM ET | Comments (0)

Mountain View Receiver Is a Top Junior Prospect

Colleague Jason Mackey profiles Mountain View wide receiver Anthony Johnson, a junior who should be one of the Washington area's top prospects next year. He already is attracting interest from Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Rutgers and Pittsburgh....

By Josh Barr | October 9, 2009; 01:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

High School Coach Irked by Recruiting of Younger Players

While the football recruiting process continues to evolve and trend toward colleges getting involved with younger players, high school coaches aren't thrilled. Consider the take of one prominent local coach, who asked to remain anonymous because he did not want his comments to affect colleges interest in his players: "It's...

By Josh Barr | October 9, 2009; 01:04 PM ET | Comments (0)

River Hill's Coale Coming On Late

When Max Coale began high school, he appeared headed for a Division I lacrosse scholarship. Now, the River Hill senior might be playing BCS conference football next year. After throwing himself into the football recruiting cauldron for the first time this past spring, Coale, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound lineman who is...

By Alan Goldenbach | October 7, 2009; 10:29 PM ET | Comments (0)

Camps, Combines Playing Bigger Role

I've got a story in today's dead-tree edition on how recruiting timetables are changing prompting camps and combines to play an ever-growing role in a prospect's recruiting. Consider Potomac sophomore Ron Darby, who held scholarship offers from Maryland and North Carolina before ever taking a varsity snap. He's not alone....

By Josh Barr | October 6, 2009; 10:52 AM ET | Comments (0)

Hot Times in New Mexico

The Washington-area football community is paying close attention to the happenings at New Mexico, where first-year Lobos Coach Mike Locksley, is being investigated by the school administration for a fight with an assistant. The assistant, J.B. Gerald, a DuVal High alum, told police that he suffered a split lip from...

By Alan Goldenbach | October 1, 2009; 04:09 PM ET | Comments (1)

Good Counsel Standout Picks West Virginia

Good Counsel defensive end Troy Gloster has committed to play football for West Virginia. "I probably made up my mind about a week ago [but] I wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing," Gloster said before practice Thursday. "I talked to my parents about it and when...

By Josh Barr | October 1, 2009; 03:22 PM ET | Comments (1)

Florida Recruit Out for the Season

It was quite a weekend for Florida recruit Jordan Haden. The Friendly standout senior safety and running back broke his right ankle during a 21-0 victory over Crossland on Friday afternoon, Patriots Coach John Morgan reports. Then on Saturday he flew to Gainesville for his official campus visit to watch...

By Josh Barr | September 21, 2009; 02:29 PM ET | Comments (0)

Pitt Recruit Among Two DeMatha Players With Concussion

Pittsburgh recruit Jeff Knox sat out DeMatha's 48-12 victory over Friendship Collegiate this past Friday because of a concussion, Stags Coach Bill McGregor said. Linebacker Austin Phillips, who is still waiting for a scholarship offer, also missed the game because of a concussion. Both players were injured in DeMatha's 56-35...

By Josh Barr | September 21, 2009; 11:21 AM ET | Comments (0)

Simmons Heading to SEC

South County DB/KR Andre Simmons has made his decision. Hint: He's not staying local. Check it here....

By Micah Pollack | September 18, 2009; 03:23 PM ET | Comments (0)

South County DB Picks Vanderbilt

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis has the news that South County defensive back Andre Simmons on Friday afternoon committed to play for Vanderbilt. The decision is another step in showing that schools from all over are scouring the Washington area for football players. When I was reporting that story, Dunbar Coach Craig...

By Josh Barr | September 18, 2009; 03:21 PM ET | Comments (0)

Decision Time for South County's Simmons

B.J. Koubaroulis checks in from tonight's Annandale-South County game with recruiting news on Stallions DB/KR Andre Simmons. He's got a list of finalists, and will announce his decision Friday....

By Micah Pollack | September 17, 2009; 07:26 PM ET | Comments (0)

Forestville Standout Won't Play This Week

One of the area's most dynamic players, Forestville standout wide receiver-defensive back Antonio Belt won't play this week because of a knee injury....

By Josh Barr | September 16, 2009; 01:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

Penn State Nabs Another Top Maryland Player

Just got an email from Linganore Coach Rick Conner, who reports fullback Zach Zwinak, considered by some to be the nation's top player at his position, has committed to play for Penn State. More to come . . ....

By Josh Barr | September 14, 2009; 02:30 PM ET | Comments (6)

Locksley Lands Another D.C. Lineman at New Mexico

Colleague Alan Goldenbach has the news: It appears that once Mike Locksley begins recruiting you, he never stops. When Locksley was an assistant at Illinois, he was able to get Dunbar defensive linemen Reggie Ellis and Ugo Udozinma to sign with the Illini in February 2008. About 10 months later,...

By Josh Barr | September 10, 2009; 03:38 PM ET | Comments (1)

Maryland Recruit Out At Least Another Two Weeks

Wise standout safety Titus Till missed Saturday's 14-7 victory over Suitland because of a fractured shoulder blade that will keep him out of action at least another two weeks. The Maryland recruit was injured on the second day of preseason practice, Coach DaLawn Parrish said, and time is the only...

By Josh Barr | September 8, 2009; 11:18 AM ET | Comments (0)

Linganore Duo in College Park?

Could Maryland land Linganore standouts Robby Havenstein and Zach Zwinak? Yes, but . . . Havenstein, the All-Met lineman, and Zwinak, rated by some as the nation's top high school fullback, both plan official campus visits to College Park in December. Lancers Coach Rick Conner said it was his understanding...

By Josh Barr | September 4, 2009; 05:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

Indiana Moves 'Home' Game to Landover

How important is visibility among recruits on the East Coast? Indiana will move its 2010 home game against Penn State to FedEx Field, in part so that the Hoosiers can get closer to an area they - and others - are trying to recruit. Penn State has eight Washington-area recruits...

By Josh Barr | August 26, 2009; 05:04 PM ET | Comments (5)

DeMatha Running Back Makes Big Ten Pick

DeMatha running back Marcus Coker has committed to play for Iowa. Coker, who is 6 feet and 230 pounds, had narrowed his choices to the Hawkeyes, Minnesota and Wake Forest. He had never been to either of the Big Ten schools -- or even their respective states -- before a...

By Josh Barr | August 26, 2009; 02:13 PM ET | Comments (2)

D.C. Skill Players Getting Offers

Colleague Alan Goldenbach files this dispatch: More offers are pouring in for D.C. players, and the schools recruiting them are not all the usual suspects. While H.D. Woodson's 6-foot-4 senior wide receiver Alonzo Russell has some familiar suitors offering him (Pittsburgh and West Virginia), a trio of Coolidge senior skill-position...

By Josh Barr | August 25, 2009; 11:43 AM ET | Comments (1)

Speedster Holds Offers Before First Varsity Snap

Ron Darby is only a few days into his first preseason with the Potomac (Md.) varsity football team. But while the rising sophomore running back's only high school experience is on the Oxon Hill school's junior varsity, Darby already has some college options. Darby, who is 5 feet 10 and...

By Josh Barr | August 18, 2009; 02:16 PM ET | Comments (2)

Catching Up; UNC, K-State Land Recruits

Back from the last vacation of the season and plenty of news to catch up on: Colleague Alan Goldenbach reports that the final word on the class of 2009 belongs to H.D. Woodson wide receiver Jerrard Hunter, who had his bags packed for a season at Hargrave Miltary Academy before...

By Josh Barr | August 17, 2009; 09:59 AM ET | Comments (0)

ODU Hitting Area Hard, Offers Wise Lineman

Old Dominion has 17 local players on its roster as it prepares for its return to the football field, and it's hoping for more. The latest player to get an offer from the Monarchs is Wise defensive lineman Charles Owens (6 feet 1, 300 pounds). Wise wide receiver Trevon Butler...

By Josh Barr | August 6, 2009; 12:58 PM ET | Comments (0)

College Recruiters Find New Hotbed at Wise

In its first three years of existence, the newest public high school in Prince George's County produced a grand total of zero division I-A or I-AA scholarship players. This offseason, however, Wise High in Upper Marlboro has been a destination for college recruiters. Three rising seniors have made college commitments,...

By Josh Barr | August 5, 2009; 10:14 AM ET | Comments (2)

Out at Penn State, Top CB Givens Heading to Rutgers?

Highly recruited cornerback Darrell Givens is looking for a new college to play for this fall, and he could have a decision later Tuesday after a trip to Rutgers. Givens, who graduated from Lackey this past spring, signed a letter-of-intent to play for Penn State in February. He had orally...

By Josh Barr | August 4, 2009; 12:05 PM ET | Comments (2)

Junior Defensive Lineman Getting Lots of Attention

After a summer spent chasing rugrats instead of recruiting tidbits, I'm shifting my focus back to the gridiron. Let's start with a look at St. John's, where -- with defensive lineman Andre Monroe committing to Maryland earlier this summer -- junior tight end-defensive lineman Kevin McReynolds is the Cadets' most...

By Josh Barr | August 3, 2009; 05:29 PM ET | Comments (1)

Carroll Lineman Picks Maryland

Maryland picked up another local recruit Tuesday, with Carroll lineman Nate Clarke pledging to play for the Terrapins. Clarke, 6 feet 5 and 285 pounds, also had a scholarship offer from Kansas State. Several other schools wanted to see film of his first few games this season before deciding whether...

By Josh Barr | July 28, 2009; 10:04 PM ET | Comments (10)

Another Big Pickup for Hokies

Man About Loudoun Paul Tenorio checks in... Loudoun County linebacker Chase Williams, a rising senior, has committed to Virginia Tech.. Williams visited the Blacksburg school last week and talked with members of the program Wednesday night and Thursday morning before committing to Coach Frank Beamer just a short while ago,...

By Micah Pollack | July 23, 2009; 11:47 AM ET | Comments (4)

Hokies Nab Robinson Linebacker

Robinson linebacker Brian Laiti on Friday morning committed to play for Virginia Tech, Rams Coach Mark Bendorf called to report. Laiti, a 6-foot-3 ½, 210-pound rising senior, picked the Hokies over Maryland, West Virginia, Boston College and Syracuse. "He had a conversation with Coach [Frank] Beamer this morning and he...

By Josh Barr | July 17, 2009; 01:59 PM ET | Comments (5)

Canes Land Dunbar DE Johnson

In his final act as Recruiting Insider before an extended hiatus (there are now little Recruiting Insiders running around the Barr household), Barr reports that Dunbar football coach Craig Jefferies has confirmed that Crimson Tide defensive end Javarie Johnson has committed to the University of Miami. The Hurricanes' gain is...

By Micah Pollack | June 26, 2009; 06:46 PM ET | Comments (4)

Miami Wants Dunbar Linebacker

Colleague Alan Goldenbach -- who, contrary to rumors is not in line to become the next head of DCIAA athletics -- filed this report from Dunbar Coach Craig Jefferies: Jefferies reports that he and outside linebacker-defensive end Javarie Johnson just returned from a one-day camp at Miami, which then offered...

By Josh Barr | June 16, 2009; 12:31 PM ET | Comments (6)

Wise Lineman Picks Up First Offer

With linebacker Titus Till already committed to Maryland, Wise Coach DaLawn Parrish is working on landing his other players college scholarships. He reports that tight end-defensive end Rahsaan Moore (6-2, 235) recevied his first offer yesterday from Liberty. With many key players returning from last season's Maryland 4A South Region...

By Josh Barr | June 16, 2009; 11:28 AM ET | Comments (1)

McGregor Talks About Players' Commitments

Just spoke with DeMatha Coach Bill McGregor about his two players that committed over the weekend, with wide receiver-defensive backs Kyrrel Latimer and Jeff Knox accepting scholarship offers from Virginia and Pittsburgh, respectively. "Kyrrel is going to be a combination-type kid, I think. He can play corner and he can...

By Josh Barr | June 15, 2009; 11:53 AM ET | Comments (2)

DeMatha Players Pick ACC, Big East Teams

Things have been relatively quiet on the recruiting front in recent weeks, but I expect the action will pick up quickly as players take unofficial campus visits and participate in camps and clinics in the next few weeks. There was some big news yesterday, with a pair of DeMatha players...

By Josh Barr | June 15, 2009; 06:06 AM ET | Comments (1)

Linganore Receiver Getting I-AA Offers

Colleague Jeff Nelson shares this report from Linganore Coach Rick Conner: Wide receiver Ryan Dixon has scholarship offers from James Madison, New Hampshire, Fordham and Monmouth. Richmond, Temple and Delaware also are very interested and Dixon is heading to Delaware's camp this weekend. Jeff also has this week's Recruiting Spotlight...

By Josh Barr | June 11, 2009; 03:24 PM ET | Comments (0)

Scouting Local Quarterbacks

It looks like there are three top quarterback prospects in the Washington area's rising senior class. H.D. Woodson's Ricardo Young already pledged to Virginia Tech. Battlefield's Bo Revell has yet to receive a scholarship offer but interest is picking up and the 6-6, 230-pounder will have some options. The third...

By Josh Barr | June 8, 2009; 11:54 AM ET | Comments (0)

QB Hires PR Firm, Hits Sports Bar, Pledges to BYU

So you're one of the nation's top-rated rising senior quarterbacks. You're from Sammamish, Wash., just east of Seattle. And you decide that you want to choose a scholarship offer from Brigham Young over all the other schools wooing you. Some think that maybe Utah's success this season in the Bowl...

By Josh Barr | June 5, 2009; 12:19 PM ET | Comments (2)

Syracuse Offers Broad Run Wide Receiver

Man About Loudoun County Paul Tenroio reports that Broad Run wide receiver Adrian Flemming picked up a scholarship offer from Syracuse this week. Flemming, who is 6-4, previously had been offered by Marshall and Delaware....

By Josh Barr | June 5, 2009; 11:55 AM ET | Comments (0)

Purdue Joins the List for Battlefield Quarterback

Spoke earlier this week with Battlefield Coach Mark Cox, who reports that rising senior quarterback Bo Revell is getting plenty of attention from college recruiters but has yet to receive a scholarship offer. "He's gotten a lot of interest," Cox said of the 6-6, 230-pound Revell. "He's got a busy...

By Josh Barr | June 4, 2009; 10:53 AM ET | Comments (0)

Top Prospect Leaves Frederick for Prep School

So top prospect J.R. Ferguson is leaving St. John's Catholic Prep in Frederick to play his senior year at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. It's a curious move, with Ferguson expressing his desire to move up in recruiting rankings as the chief reason for the transfer. The question here...

By Josh Barr | June 1, 2009; 04:12 PM ET | Comments (0)

Eighth DeMatha Junior Receives I-A Offer

Fullback Austin Bailey is the eighth DeMatha junior to receive a division I-A scholarship offer. Miami of Ohio offered the 5-11, 240-pound Bailey. "He's the strongest guy, pound-for-pound, on the team," Stags Coach Bill McGregor said....

By Josh Barr | June 1, 2009; 10:42 AM ET | Comments (0)

DeMatha Running Back Doesn't Really Commit

So you're DeMatha running back Marcus Coker and you wake up one morning and learn that you've committed to play for Minnesota. Small problem omitted from various reports - included the one I linked, which includes no attribution - Coker didn't really accept a scholarship offer to play for the...

By Josh Barr | May 28, 2009; 12:57 PM ET | Comments (1)

N.C. State Joins the Hunt for Broad Run Running Back

Paul Tenorio also reports that Broad Run running back T.J. Peeler was offered by North Carolina State. Peeler, who is 6-1 and 200 pounds, already held offers from Pittsburgh and West Virginia....

By Josh Barr | May 27, 2009; 12:33 PM ET | Comments (1)

Hokies Offer Loudoun Standout

Loudoun County linebacker Chase Williams had plenty of interest from schools across the country, now one of the schools in his backyard has offered a scholarship. Colleague Paul Tenorio reports that Virginia Tech is the 10th school to offer Williams, joining Miami (Fla.), West Virginia, New Mexico State, Southern Methodist,...

By Josh Barr | May 27, 2009; 12:11 PM ET | Comments (3)

Another Haden Ready for Action?

With Friendly strong safety Jordan Haden ready to join his brother, Joe, at Florida, is it too soon to start thinking about where 13-year-old Jonathan Haden will end up? The seventh-grader at Eugene Burroughs Middle School will be a running back in college, according to his father, Joe Sr. "He'll...

By Josh Barr | May 27, 2009; 10:12 AM ET | Comments (1)

Former NFLer Settles Lawsuit With Supplement Company

Can't count the number of times I've preached this one to folks, but it always is pertinent, especially given how many basketball, football, baseball and other prospects take supplements, thinking they are helping their bodies grow. Not all supplements are what they claim to be. Former San Diego State and...

By Josh Barr | May 22, 2009; 12:11 PM ET | Comments (1)

Wake Forest Joins Pursuit of Gaithersburg DB-RB

Wake Forest was the latest school to come calling about Gaithersburg defensive back-running back Axel Ofori. The 5-10, 185-pound junior holds a scholarship offer from Louisville and has seen a steady stream of visitors during the spring recruiting period. Maryland, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Penn State, Connecticut, Rutgers, East Carolina,...

By Josh Barr | May 21, 2009; 11:43 AM ET | Comments (2)

Ferguson Has Options, Could Narrow List Soon?

Caught up with St. John's Catholic Prep Coach Jimmy Ward, whose star defensive end Ego "J.R." Ferguson will be the area's most heavily recruited rising senior football player. The 6-3 ½, 275-pound Ferguson has more than 40 scholarship offers and Ward said that Ferguson might thin his list soon. "Pretty...

By Josh Barr | May 18, 2009; 11:34 AM ET | Comments (2)

U-Md., VT, WVU Among Dozens Chasing Robinson LB

Robinson linebacker Brian Laiti "is getting a lot of love," according to Coach Mark Bendorf, but the 6-3, 210-pound junior has yet to narrow his college choices. "I've had 44 coaches in so far since the last week of April, it's been a pretty steady stream," Bendorf said. "It's not...

By Josh Barr | May 14, 2009; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (3)

UT, Kiffin About to Snag a Quarterback?

Could this be a recruiting coup for Lane Kiffin? The new Tennessee coach apparently has former Miami quarterback Robert Marve considering walking on in Knoxville instead of potentially accepting a scholarship to play for Purdue. Marve started 11 games for the Hurricanes this season before his rather ugly divorce from...

By Josh Barr | May 13, 2009; 03:50 PM ET | Comments (2)

This Will Come Up in Recruiting

The Washington area already is a hotbed for division I-AA coaches looking for lesser-known talented players or others who perhaps slipped through the cracks. With many top teams in the region -- James Madison, Richmond, William & Mary, Delaware, for starters -- I am certain this new item will be...

By Josh Barr | May 13, 2009; 02:15 PM ET | Comments (0)

Williams, Others Rank Highly

Loudoun County expert colleague Paul Tenorio notes thatLoudoun County junior Chase Williams is ranked as the 10th-best prospect at middle linebacker in the class of 2010 by rivals.com. Paul scanned the lists and came up with these other Washington-area players ranked highly at their respective positions, including Linganore's Zach Zwinak,...

By Josh Barr | May 11, 2009; 09:15 AM ET | Comments (0)

H.D. Woodson QB Picks Va. Tech

Man About Roanoke Doug Doughty has the news: H.D. Woodson quarterback Ricardo Young has committed to play for Virginia Tech. Young apparently is in New Jersey to participate in a combine tonight. He was a standout in last year's Turkey Bowl as the Warriors beat Dunbar, 24-6....

By Josh Barr | May 7, 2009; 03:34 PM ET | Comments (3)

All-American Nominees Announced

Granted with the UnderArmour All-American Bowl also getting many of the top players, these things are getting a bit convoluted, but the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has the nominees for its 10th annual game next January in San Antonio. Local players making the first cut: Robinson linebacker Brian Laiti, Battlefield...

By Josh Barr | May 7, 2009; 12:10 PM ET | Comments (2)

Top Player About to Commit to Hokies?

That's what I'm hearing from someone who usually is in the know. He says he expects one of the Washington area's top high school football juniors to accept a scholarship offer from Virginia Tech, possibly as soon as tomorrow. More to come, obviously......

By Josh Barr | May 6, 2009; 03:47 PM ET | Comments (2)

Paulus Visits Nebraska, Decision Soon?

Might this be the one time to really believe that a recruit is serious about a school's academic facilities? Or is it just a bizarre recruiting tale? Either way, soon-to-be former Duke basketball player Greg Paulus plans on playing football in the fall and he took in Nebraska'a campus last...

By Josh Barr | May 4, 2009; 09:44 AM ET | Comments (5)

Eight DeMatha Players Hold U-Md. Offers

It's a busy time at DeMatha, where nine juniors and two sophomores already hold scholarship offers. Most interesting? Eight of those players have been offered by Maryland, Stags Coach Bill McGregor said. "We've never had anything like this before," McGregor said. "Truthfully, if you get one or two from the...

By Josh Barr | April 29, 2009; 02:49 PM ET | Comments (5)

Good Counsel Will Open With Md. QB Target

Good Counsel Coach Bob Milloy called to let me know about six more seniors bound to play college football: quarterback Tyler Campbell (preferred walk-on at Salisbury, defensive end Diego Laird (preferred walk-on at Pittsburgh), lineman Tim Anderson and cornerback Terrance Martin (Salisbury), linebacker Durrell Miller (Frostburg) and defensive back Robert...

By Josh Barr | April 27, 2009; 12:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

From Oxon Hill to the NFL Draft

If anyone needs a reminder that college recruiting is an inexact science, consider Richmond defensive end Lawrence Sidbury. He was much-hyped before his senior year at Oxon Hill but wound up at I-AA Richmond and now has shot up draft boards leading up to this weekend's NFL draft....

By Josh Barr | April 21, 2009; 11:24 AM ET | Comments (0)

Williams Likes WVU; Terps, Hokies, Cavs Out of It?

Colleague Paul Tenorio with the news that Loudoun County linebacker Chase Williams likes what he sees at West Virginia and picked up an offer from Rice. More interesting, however, might be how the trio of local ACC teams hasn't shown an overwhelming amount of interest in the son of the...

By Josh Barr | April 9, 2009; 11:46 AM ET | Comments (1)

Season Will Start With Nick Lynch Classic

The high school football season will start next fall with the Nick Lynch Kickoff Classic, which is scheduled to bring together several top teams from Maryland and one from Colorado on Sept. 5 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Tony Kennedy, CEO of the non-profit organization Extra Point Productions...

By Josh Barr | April 8, 2009; 12:27 PM ET | Comments (1)

Keeping Recruits Under Wraps

Here's an interesting twist. Most college programs like to publicize their latest recruits, hoping it helps them land other players. Southern Cal, though, apparently wants to keep things as quiet as possible, worried that any announcements just allows other teams more time to poach their verbally committed players....

By Josh Barr | April 8, 2009; 10:51 AM ET | Comments (0)

Sooners Offer Old Mill Linebacker

Colleague Jeff Nelson filed this dispatch: Old Mill junior RB/LB Josh Furman received a scholarship offer from Oklahoma today. The Sooners join a list that's sure to keep expanding, but currently includes Duke, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Pitt, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia. What's amazing about the Oklahoma and...

By Josh Barr | March 31, 2009; 05:45 AM ET | Comments (0)

Miami Offers Local Linebacker

Colleague Paul Tenorio has the news, Loudoun County linebacker Chase Williams has been offered a scholarship by Miami. It is the fifth offer for the son of former Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. He already held offers from West Virginia, Marshall, Southern Methodist and New Mexico State. Maryland and Virginia...

By Josh Barr | March 30, 2009; 10:17 AM ET | Comments (0)

Interest in Dunbar Junior Picking Up

Dunbar Coach Craig Jefferies reports that linebacker Javarie Johnson has written offers from Maryland, West Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Connecticut and New Mexico. "He has no clear favorite at this time and things are heating up," Jefferies reports. "When recruiters see his actual size, I'm sure he will get more offers."...

By Josh Barr | March 20, 2009; 11:45 AM ET | Comments (1)

U.S. Army All-American Bowl Set for 2010

The 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl is set for Jan. 9 in San Antonio and nine players (none local) already have committed to play in the game: Markeith Ambles (Henry County High) McDonough, GA; Dillion Baxter (Mission Bay High) San Diego, CA; Robert Crisp (Chapel Hill High) Chapel Hill, NC;...

By Josh Barr | March 17, 2009; 03:15 PM ET | Comments (0)

Notre Dame Joins the Mix for Linganore Standout

Got an email this morning from Linganore Coach Rick Conner, who reports that standout fullback Zach Zwinak yesterday picked up a scholarship offer from Notre Dame. He previously had been offered by Maryland, West Virginia, Penn State, Stanford, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, California, Pittsburgh and Kansas State. Linganore All-Met offensive lineman...

By Josh Barr | March 12, 2009; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Terps, Lobos Offer St. John's D-Lineman

Caught up with St. John's Coach Joe Patterson, who reports that defensive lineman Andre Monroe holds scholarship offers from Maryland and New Mexico. Though only 5-11, the 275-pound junior makes up for his lack of height by being agile. "On the D-line, you can get away with it a little...

By Josh Barr | March 12, 2009; 10:19 AM ET | Comments (1)

Seven DeMatha Juniors Hold Offers

Things have been busy over at DeMatha, where six juniors already hold scholarship offers from major-college programs and a seventh has a division I-AA offer. Offensive guard Shane Johnson, who is 6-4 and 290 pounds, was the latest addition to the list, receiving an offer from Boston College this past...

By Josh Barr | March 11, 2009; 02:03 PM ET | Comments (1)

Add One More to the List

Colleague Alan Goldenbach passes this one along: Gaithersburg Coach Kreg Kephart reports that senior linebacker Serge Kona has signed with Duquesne. Kona, a 5-11, 215-pounder, was a three-year varsity player for the Trojans, and an all-county kick returner last season. Kona is the 53rd player to sign a football scholarship...

By Josh Barr | March 9, 2009; 10:59 AM ET | Comments (0)

WVU Offers Another Local DB

Coolidge assistant coach Greg Estes reports that Colts defensive back Avery Williams picked up his first scholarship offer earlier this week, with West Virginia making its pitch to the 5-11, 175-pounder junior. In his first year as a starter, Williams also played wide receiver and earned all-DCIAA West honors after...

By Josh Barr | March 5, 2009; 10:43 AM ET | Comments (0)

West Virginia Offers Broad Run RB

Colleague Paul Tenorio, man of all things Loudoun County, reports that Broad Run junior running back T.J. Peeler has been offered a scholarship to play for West Virginia. It is Peeler's second scholarship offer; previously, Pittsburgh offered the 6-0, 175-pound Peeler....

By Josh Barr | March 4, 2009; 01:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

Illinois Still Battling Around the Beltway

Mike Locksley has moved from Illinois to New Mexico State and Ron Zook failed in his bid to snag Larry Johnson from Penn State, but don't count the Fighting Illini out when it comes to recruiting the Washington area. Colleague Preston Williams passes along the news that South County Coach...

By Josh Barr | February 26, 2009; 01:49 PM ET | Comments (1)

Things Bustling at Good Counsel

Just spoke to Good Counsel assistant Kevin McFadden, who reports that several rising seniors are "blowing up," along with one hot rising junior. Cornerback Louis Young (6-1, 175), previously committed to Stanford but now exploring all options, is getting the most interest, holding additional scholarship offers from Maryland, Virginia Tech,...

By Josh Barr | February 26, 2009; 01:25 PM ET | Comments (2)

Pitt, WVU Offer Local Juniors

Colleague Paul Tenorio has today's news: Broad Run junior running back T.J. Peeler picked up his first scholarship offer from the University of Pittsburgh after attending Pitt's Junior Day. Peeler, a 6-foot, 175-pound versatile back, rushed for 1,145 yards and scored 18 touchdowns despite playing in just 11 games --...

By Josh Barr | February 20, 2009; 11:04 AM ET | Comments (3)

Terps, Cavs, WVU Offer D.C. Signal Caller

From colleague Alan Goldenbach: H.D. Woodson junior quarterback Ricardo Young, who looked very impressive in leading the Warriors to a victory over Dunbar in the Turkey Bowl last November, is starting to get some serious recruiting interest. According to Warriors' assistant Larry Williams, Young already has offers from Virginia Tech,...

By Josh Barr | February 19, 2009; 03:43 PM ET | Comments (2)

Terps Hot on Trail at DeMatha

Spoke to DeMatha Coach Bill McGregor, who reports that Maryland has offered scholarships to three of his players: running back Marcus Coker (6-1, 225), OT Ari Kouandjio (6-5, 300) and DB Michael Coley (6-0, 195). "What happened was we got our highlight DVDs done and I took two of them...

By Josh Barr | February 18, 2009; 02:45 PM ET | Comments (7)

Profiling Two Top Athletes

Two excellent pieces the past two days on college-bound athletes. Yesterday, B.J. Koubaroulis told the story of All-Met Soccer Player of the Year Given Kalipinde of Episcopal, who has signed a letter-of-intent to play basketball for Loyola Marymount. Today, Katie Carrera profiles Westlake All-Met football player Devon Smith, also an...

By Josh Barr | February 17, 2009; 12:29 PM ET | Comments (0)

Dunbar Junior Holds U-Md., WVU, Pitt Offers

Colleague Alan Goldenbach passes along this info: Dunbar Coach Craig Jefferies, who turns out plenty of top players, reports the first member of his junior class is beginning to get some serious attention. Javarie Johnson, who projects as either an outside linebacker or a speed-rush defensive end, has picked up...

By Josh Barr | February 11, 2009; 09:40 AM ET | Comments (2)

Terps Offer Another Forestville Standout

Forestville Coach Charles Harley just phoned with the news that Maryland has offered a scholarship to junior wide receiver Antonio Belt. It is the first scholarship offer for the 6-1, 165-pound Belt, who had 33 catches for 970 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Maryland already has former Forestville All-Met...

By Josh Barr | February 9, 2009; 03:06 PM ET | Comments (6)

Should Maryland Have Made Announcement Sooner?

While Maryland appointed James Franklin as Ralph Friedgen's eventual successor in order to provide continuity in recruiting, I and others are left to wonder about the timing of the announcement. Speculation has swirled since the season ended that this might be coming. (Though other rumors had Friedgen retiring now and...

By Josh Barr | February 9, 2009; 11:22 AM ET | Comments (3)

Who Had the Best Day Locally?

I'm not sure the answer, but which team did the best job recruiting the Washington area this football season? A) Maryland. The Terps picked up nine locals (11 if you count two 2008 grads who spent this year at prep school) and landed two key players in All-Met CB Travis...

By Josh Barr | February 5, 2009; 12:09 PM ET | Comments (6)

The D.C. List

Wow. 66 locals go I-A, 63 go I-AA. Click through the read the full list. I'm sure there might be one or two missing, so email any changes to me at barrj@washpost.com....

By Josh Barr | February 5, 2009; 09:45 AM ET | Comments (1)

More on Thigpen/UCLA

Colleague Matt Stanmyre sends this report: Stonewall Jackson running back Damien Thigpen signed with UCLA today, ending a tumultuous two-week span for the speedster from Manassas. Thigpen orally committed to Tennessee last year, but his status with the program was in question when Coach Phillip Fulmer resigned and was replaced...

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2009; 02:59 PM ET | Comments (1)

Cotton Headed to Ole Miss

Colleague Katie Carrera files this dispatch: Meade quarterback Ray Cotton signed his letter-of-intent to Mississippi, ending what became a whirlwind few months of recruiting for Cotton after he decommitted from Auburn when Tommy Tuberville resigned as Tigers head coach. "We're really just ready for this to all be over," Raymond...

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2009; 02:37 PM ET | Comments (3)

A Bit Less Hoopla for Stanley

Colleague Alan Goldenbach filed this dispatch: Sitting in front of about 20 classmates and a dozen coaches and school officials, Gaithersburg defensive end Sean Stanley wore a navy sweater vest and awkward grin as he signed his letter-of-intent with Penn State. Sure, the two-time All-Met appreciated having a bunch of...

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2009; 01:03 PM ET | Comments (1)

Thigpen Picks UCLA

I hope to have more on this shortly... Stonewall Jackson RB Damien Thigpen has signed with UCLA....

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2009; 12:59 PM ET | Comments (0)

What a Hat

The hat? It's embroidered with an orange '3' and 'Jelani Jenkins #3' on the back. Time for the students to go back to class....

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2009; 11:11 AM ET | Comments (0)

Jenkins Talks Gators

Oops. I missed it. In addition to Jelani Jenkins putting on a Florida hat, so did all of his family members standing behind him. From Jelani: "It's a great program. I went down to visit. I felt comfortable with the coaches. Great weather. Had a list of factors ... and...

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2009; 11:10 AM ET | Comments (0)

Good Counsel OL Picks Bucknell, Jenkins Up Next...

Good Counsel AD/Master of Ceremonies Pat Bates is working his way down the five Falcons headed for I-A/I-AA football scholarships. Add offensive lineman Devin Gordon-Hamm to the list, he's going to Bucknell. The others: RB Caleb Porzel (Maryland), CB Mike Wallace (Penn State) and K Mark Hamilton (Villanova). It's a...

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2009; 11:01 AM ET | Comments (0)

Big Morning for Maryland: White Commits

More on this in a bit, but today's big news is that All-Met offensive lineman Pete White of St. John's this morning picked Maryland over Miami and Tennessee. Obviously, White, a four-year starter is a very talented player but his decision might be even more significant in that the Terps...

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2009; 09:40 AM ET | Comments (10)

Jenkins to Pledge to Gators

Yep, the big day is here. I'll be heading out soon to Good Counsel where Jelani Jenkins is expected to announce he will go to Florida. That ought to get the day started with a bang. I'll be updating here throughout the day with news and thoughts....

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2009; 08:24 AM ET | Comments (0)

Four Big Fish Left in the D.C. Pond

By my count, as I go over the list of locals ready to accept I-A and I-AA football scholarships -- a list with 112 members at the moment -- there are four key recruits yet to make their college choices publicly shown: Good Counsel All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins, who is...

By Josh Barr | February 3, 2009; 01:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

Chroniger Bound for Towson

What a long, strange recruiting road it has been for DeMatha quarterback Tom Chroniger. A two-year starter for the Stags, Chroniger early in the season committed to play for Eastern Michigan. Then he backed off that pledge and hoped to secure a scholarship offer to play in the ACC or...

By Josh Barr | February 3, 2009; 10:46 AM ET | Comments (0)

Thigpen Nixes UT; Is He Bound for Notre Dame?

Insider super/special correspondent Matt Stanmyre, files this dispatch: Stonewall Jackson senior running back Damien Thigpen will sign an letter-of-intent on Wednesday but it won't be to Tennessee, the school he verbally committed to last year. Thigpen's coach at Stonewall, Mike Dougherty, sent me an e-mail this morning, stating: "Damien Thigpen...

By Josh Barr | February 2, 2009; 04:15 PM ET | Comments (0)

All-Met RB Commits to Youngstown State

All-Met running back Torrian Pace of Chantilly has found a home. He has committed to play for I-AA powerhouse Youngstown State. Although Pace racked up yards at a ridiculous clip this past season, college interest in him was tepid at best, with most recruiters taking a pass. The Penguins, however,...

By Josh Barr | February 2, 2009; 11:38 AM ET | Comments (0)

Seneca Valley Standout Chooses MAC

Seneca Valley Coach Fred Kim reports that free safety Xavier Hughes has committed to play for Ohio. The Screaming Eagles have a handful of other players yet to firm up their college plans. Kim said that cornerback Joe Rankin has an offer from Army, an official visit set to Division...

By Josh Barr | January 29, 2009; 10:28 AM ET | Comments (0)

Loudoun Recruiting Items; Interest in Williams Heating Up

Colleague Paul Tenorio has a few recruiting tidbits from Loudoun County. Stone Bridge wide receiver-defensive back Nick Sheehan has accepted a preferred walk-on offer from Virginia Tech, while teammate Matt Custer, an offensive lineman, received a similar offer from Maryland. Scroll down to read about Loudoun County linebacker Chase Williams,...

By Josh Barr | January 27, 2009; 04:10 PM ET | Comments (0)

All-Met Kicker Chooses Virginia Tech

All-Met kicker Andrew Lloyd of James Wood has committed to play for Virginia Tech. Lloyd's father, Philip, reports that the Hokies recently offered Lloyd a preferred walk-on slot, with the opportunity to compete for a scholarship. Philip Lloyd said the Hokies also like that Andrew Lloyd can punt. North Carolina...

By Josh Barr | January 27, 2009; 02:13 PM ET | Comments (0)

Iowa: "Not All Cornfields and All That"

Caught up with Wootton wide receiver Stephane N'goumou upon his return from Iowa to discuss his commitment to play for the Hawkeyes. "The trip was nice," N'goumou said. "I liked a lot of things about Iowa. The town. The city is nice, the culture is great. The people are nice....

By Josh Barr | January 27, 2009; 09:58 AM ET | Comments (0)

Another Local Footballer Picks New Mexico

Hopefully those New Mexico faithful that emailed and, yes, called earlier this month will be happy to know that DeMatha offensive lineman Calvin McDowney has committed to play for the Lobos after taking an official visit to Albuquerque this past weekend. This is truly a success story. I chronicled McDowney's...

By Josh Barr | January 26, 2009; 04:01 PM ET | Comments (0)

Former Coach Helps Player Land at Iowa

So the road to Iowa apparently runs through Indiana. At least it did for Wootton wide receiver Stephane N'goumou, who this weekend committed to play for the Hawkeyes. "You remember Gunnard Twyner?" Wootton Coach Greg Malling said. "He got it started." Twyner, the former Kennedy coach now living in Indiana,...

By Josh Barr | January 26, 2009; 01:05 PM ET | Comments (0)

Terps Get Started on Next Year's Recruiting Class

It didn't take long for Wise free safety Titus Till to make his college decision. Till, a 6-2, 190-pound junior last month was offered a scholarship by Maryland and this weekend he committed to play for the Terps. "I loved the whole atmosphere of the campus and the coaches and...

By Josh Barr | January 26, 2009; 10:26 AM ET | Comments (0)

McGregor Discusses the Lure of Albuquerque

Spent some time with DeMatha Coach Bill McGregor discussing just how popular New Mexico first-year coach Mike Locksley is with Washington-area players and coaches. Stags wide receiver Emmanuel MacPhearson and offensive lineman Calvin McDowney are taking official visits to Albuquerque this weekend; MacPhearson already accepted a scholarship offer from Locksley...

By Josh Barr | January 23, 2009; 11:31 AM ET | Comments (5)

Westlake DB Chooses Miami (of Ohio)

Colleague Katie Carrera with the news: Westlake linebacker Evan Harris committed to Miami of Ohio after taking an official visit to the Oxford, Ohio, school this past weekend. Harris was the defensive leader for the Wolverines during their Maryland 3A championship season with a team high 132 tackles, 70 solo....

By Josh Barr | January 22, 2009; 05:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

Jenkins Draws a National Champion to Olney

What's new with All-Met Defensive Player of the Year Jelani Jenkins? The Good Counsel linebacker took his official visit to Penn State this past weekend and plans to announce his college choice on Feb. 4, the first day of the National Letter-of-Intent signing period. Jenkins has drawn plenty of suitors...

By Josh Barr | January 22, 2009; 11:45 AM ET | Comments (1)

Fredericksburg DE Will Visit Michigan State

Chancellor defensive end Clinton Simpkins plans to take an official visit to Michigan State this weekend. Simpkins, a 6-3, 210-pound senior, holds scholarship offers from West Virginia and Kentucky. Michigan State reportedly is waiting to offer a scholarship until Simpkins receives his latest SAT scores....

By Josh Barr | January 22, 2009; 11:14 AM ET | Comments (1)

Area's Leading Rusher Gets First Offer

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis passes along this tidbit: Chantilly All-Met running back Torrian Pace, a 5-11, 220-pound senior who led the area in rushing with 2,717 yards this season, is starting to catch some late interest. Pace, who also had 33 touchdowns, said Friday that he has recently earned his first...

By Josh Barr | January 19, 2009; 12:58 PM ET | Comments (0)

NCAA Puts Children Off Limits; Bans Paying Prospect's Coaches

No more recruiting Johnny Sixth-Grader. The NCAA yesterday passed emergency legislation that will prohibit college coaches from recruiting players before they enroll in ninth grade. Guess that also means no more decommit and recommit before 10th grade. "It was a negative trend," said Steve Mallonee, the NCAA's managing director of...

By Josh Barr | January 16, 2009; 02:37 PM ET | Comments (0)

Report Says Johnson Will Stay at Penn State

I'm sure we'll see more on this story in the next 24 hours but David Jones of the Harrisburg Patriot-News really has the news: Larry Johnson has decided to stay at Penn State, Jones reports, attributing his scoop to dependable university sources. This is big news for Penn State, which...

By Josh Barr | January 15, 2009; 04:42 PM ET | Comments (1)

Local QB Picks Temple

Ace Insider correspondent B.J. Koubaroulis with the news: Oakton quarterback Chris Coyer orally committed to Temple on Tuesday, choosing the Owls over offers from Ohio and Central Michigan. The lefthander led the Cougars to the Virginia AAA Division 6 Concorde District and Northern Region titles this past fall. A 6-3,...

By Josh Barr | January 15, 2009; 11:54 AM ET | Comments (1)

A Geography Lesson, New Mexico Style

So apparently at least one New Mexico fan was insulted that I or Coolidge Coach Jason Lane suggested that going to school in Albuquerque is a long way to go for a Washington-area high school student. Don't think I wrote anything even close to controversial, but here's the email that...

By Josh Barr | January 15, 2009; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (8)

Still No Word on Johnson/Illini

Still no word on ace Washington-area recruiter Larry Johnson will leave Penn State for Illinois. Which leads one to believe something must be going on behind the scenes, because you have to think that before bringing Johnson in for an interview Illinois knew what it would take to get Johnson...

By Josh Barr | January 14, 2009; 01:58 PM ET | Comments (1)

More on Thomas's Decision to Retire

Straight from Al Thomas, who yesterday announced he is retiring from coaching after 45 years on the sideline and eight state championships, culminating in Sherwood's 14-0 season and Maryland 4A title last month: "I've got 45 years in and I do have some health problems. It's time to start taking...

By Josh Barr | January 14, 2009; 10:27 AM ET | Comments (0)

Locksley's Magic Works for Lobos

It didn't take long for New Mexico Coach Mike Locksley to start working his local recruiting magic for the Lobos. Coolidge quarterback Emmanuel Yeager and wide receiver Derrell Person - both previously committed to other schools - have committed to play for New Mexico. Yesterday, DeMatha wide receiver Emmanuel McPhearson...

By Josh Barr | January 14, 2009; 06:14 AM ET | Comments (7)

Coaching Legend Retires

Some non-recruiting breaking news: Al Thomas, the legendary local high school football coach who last month guided Sherwood to the Maryland 4A championship, today announced he is retiring. Thomas, who has coached football since the mid-1960s, has a career record of 232-47 and has guided his teams to eight state...

By Josh Barr | January 13, 2009; 05:04 PM ET | Comments (0)

Frederick County Standout Chooses Dukes

Tuscarora do-it-all senior Jakarie Jackson has committed to play for James Madison, Tuscarora assistant coach Mike O'Brien reports. Here's what the Harrisonburg Daily News-Record had to sat about Jackson: Jackson said he told JMU coach Mickey Matthews and assistant Ulrich Edmonds when the pair visited his family's home Wednesday night...

By Josh Barr | January 12, 2009; 01:32 PM ET | Comments (0)

DeMatha Defensive End Picks U-Va.

Take DeMatha defensive end Jeremiah Mathis off the list of the region's top uncommitted players. The second-team All-Met committed to Virginia yesterday. Man About Charlottesville Jeff White with the news: Yesterday, Jeremiah Mathis became the third high school football standout in the past week to commit to the University of...

By Josh Barr | January 12, 2009; 09:06 AM ET | Comments (1)

Gwynn Park Lineman Bound for ACC

Got a call earlier tonight from Gwynn Park Coach Danny Hayes, who shared the news that standout lineman Raynard Randolph committed to North Carolina State today during his official visit to the Raleigh campus. The Wolfpack recruited the 6-3, 315-pound Randolph, a second-team All-Met, to play nose tackle, Hayes said....

By Josh Barr | January 11, 2009; 11:00 PM ET | Comments (1)

Will Illinois Land a Big Recruit?

One of the more intriguing recruiting battles -- which surely will affect Washington-area football players -- is being played out far from the Beltway. Penn State assistant coach Larry Johnson, credited for much of the Nittany Lions' success recruiting locally, apparently is being wooed by Illinois. The Illini, you might...

By Josh Barr | January 8, 2009; 03:36 PM ET | Comments (4)

Hawkins Still With Terps, But Might Take Other Visits?

Quince Orchard All-Met defensive back Travis Hawkins will not enroll for the second semester at Maryland and might take some official visits to other schools, but he remains committed to play for the Terps, Quince Orchard Coach Dave Mencarini said. According to Mencarini, Hawkins, who is considered a top-notch cornerback,...

By Josh Barr | January 8, 2009; 02:00 PM ET | Comments (7)

More on Tavon/West Virginia

Here is more on yesterday's news that Dunbar-Baltimore star running back Tavon Austin has committed to play for West Virginia. Austin said the Mountaineers' small, shifty backs like Steve Slaton (and Noel Devine) played a large part in making his decision. But this might be the most interesting quote...

By Josh Barr | January 7, 2009; 01:04 PM ET | Comments (12)

Tavon The Great Bound for West Virginia

Dunbar-Baltimore superstar running back Tavon Austin today committed to play for West Virginia. Jim Laise of wvsports.com was kind enough to pass along his dispatch: The running back-athlete who has been at the top of lead recruiter Lonnie Galloway's "Wish List" since Galloway arrived at West Virginia a year ago...

By Josh Barr | January 6, 2009; 06:12 PM ET | Comments (3)

Stone Bridge OL Picks William & Mary

Colleague Paul Tenorio with the news: Stone Bridge offensive lineman Trevor Springman became the seventh Bulldog senior to commit to play college football when he was verbally committed to William & Mary on Saturday, according to Stone Bridge Coach Mickey Thompson. Springman, a 6-5, 261-pound guard, was a first-team all-Liberty...

By Josh Barr | January 5, 2009; 04:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

Jenkins Plans Penn State Trip

Not much news among the locals in this weekend's high school football all-star games. Good Counsel All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins, who played in the UnderArmour All-America game on Sunday night, plans to take his next official visit to Penn State on the weekend of Jan. 16-18. He visited Florida last...

By Josh Barr | January 5, 2009; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (5)

Candlelight Vigil Tonight for Lynch

There will be a vigil to honor the life of Coach Nick Lynch at Suitland High School football field tonight at 6 p.m. I'll have details on funeral arrangements later today, but they are expected to be Tuesday at Ebenezer AME....

By Josh Barr | January 2, 2009; 10:18 AM ET | Comments (1)

A Trip Down Memory Lane

I've been at The Post 13+ years, roughly the same time Nick Lynch was at Suitland. He certainly provided some good copy over that time. Looking back through my files, here's an unedited version of a story that ran in November 2004 after Lynch was suspended from coaching in a...

By Josh Barr | December 31, 2008; 04:19 PM ET | Comments (0)

Fellow Coach Was First On Scene at Accident

This will probably be my last file here today. Just got off the phone with former Fairmont Heights coach Stefan Gansert, now an Eleanor Roosevelt assistant. He's a professional fire fighter in Fairfax County and a volunteer firefighter in Prince George's. And, in an incredible twist, he was the first...

By Josh Barr | December 31, 2008; 02:38 PM ET | Comments (0)

More On Lynch...

Here's my file. Colleague Hamil Harris is headed over to the school. Suitland High football coach and athletic director Nick Lynch died this morning after being in a two-car accident. "It's just shocking news," Prince George's director of athletics Earl Hawkins said. "It's a tremendous loss for the county. Nick...

By Josh Barr | December 31, 2008; 10:03 AM ET | Comments (1)

Suitland Coach Nick Lynch Dies

This isn't recruiting and I don't have any details yet, but a truly terrible end to 2008. I got a message this morning from Keith Lynch, saying that his brother, Suitland football coach and athletic director Nick Lynch, has passed away after being in a car accident. "Pray for us,"...

By Josh Barr | December 31, 2008; 09:14 AM ET | Comments (10)

DeMatha Update; Terps, Cavs Offer DE Mathis

A quick update from DeMatha Coach Bill McGregor: Offensive lineman Calvin McDowney, whose massive weight loss was chronicled before the season, "is hot," according to McGregor. "He has New Mexico and Hampton and North Carolina A&T. His mother called me and said she was nervous, she didn't know what to...

By Josh Barr | December 30, 2008; 10:39 AM ET | Comments (4)

An Inside Look at How a Top Prospect Made His Pick

Terrific reporting here, with an inside look at how one of the nation's top recruits, defensive lineman Jamarkus McFarland chose Oklahoma over Texas. Some highlights: He said he saw everything from flat-screen televisions in Texas Coach Mack Brown's bathrooms to L.S.U.'s recruiting hostesses sitting on the laps of prospects. But...

By Josh Barr | December 29, 2008; 11:40 AM ET | Comments (1)

Looking Back at Oregon's $150k Recruiting Weekend

Here's a real blast from the past. It's a look back at Oregon's $150,000 recruiting weekend back in 2004. Since that weekend and other recruited faux pas, the NCAA started legislating what schools could and could not do on recruiting visits, outlawing various outlandish acitivites. That said, it's an interesting...

By Josh Barr | December 29, 2008; 10:57 AM ET | Comments (1)

All-Met Defensive End Chooses Huskers

Quince Orchard defensive end Jason Ankrah, a first-team All-Met, has committed to play for Nebraska. John Papuchis, a QO grad, is the Cornhuskers' defensive line coach. Ankrah also strongly considered Maryland and Michigan. "It was a gut feeling," Quince Orchard Coach Dave Mencarini said. "That and his relationship with the...

By Josh Barr | December 22, 2008; 05:32 PM ET | Comments (4)

Maryland Recruits Shine in Crab Bowl

It was a big day for Maryland recruits in the inaugural Crab Bowl all-star game. Forestville defensive end DeOnte' Arnett had 1 ½ sacks and Good Counsel All-Met running back Caleb Porzel rushed for three touchdowns. Dunbar-Baltimore star Tavon Austin, who has yet to make his college choice, scored twice,...

By Josh Barr | December 22, 2008; 01:41 PM ET | Comments (5)

Virginia Pursuing DeMatha End, Terps Next?

DeMatha Coach Bill McGregor reports that second-team All-Met defensive end Jeremiah Mathis will take an official visit to Virginia this weekend and that an offer could be in the works from Maryland, with Kansas State possibly also entering the mix. Mathis previously had offers from Syracuse and North Carolina State....

By Josh Barr | December 17, 2008; 11:01 AM ET | Comments (2)

Stone Bridge Back Picks Dukes

Colleague Paul Tenorio with today's news: Stone Bridge senior running back Daniel Allen has committed to play for James Madison, according to Bulldogs' Coach Mickey Thompson. Allen chose JMU over Vanderbilt, and will have the opportunity to play running back for the Dukes. Vanderbilt was recruiting Allen as a defensive...

By Josh Barr | December 16, 2008; 01:38 PM ET | Comments (0)

De'Antwan Williams Makes His Pick

Colleague Matt Stanmyre with today's breaking news: Woodbridge senior running back De'Antwan Williams, who blossomed into a highly-coveted recruit, verbally committed to Rutgers on Saturday at the conclusion of his official visit to the school. Rated by Rivals.com as the No. 14 overall running back recruit in the 2009 class,...

By Josh Barr | December 15, 2008; 03:17 PM ET | Comments (3)

Terps Going After Local Junior

Wise Coach DaLawn Parrish reports that Maryland has offered the Pumas standout safety Titus Till. It is Till's second scholarship offer. The first came a year ago when Army offered Till, thinking that he was a rising junior at the time....

By Josh Barr | December 15, 2008; 01:05 PM ET | Comments (1)

Big Weekend in College Park

On the recruiting front, with many local players scheduled to make official visits to Maryland, including St. John's offensive lineman Pete White and Quince Orchard defensive end Jason Ankrah. DeMatha lineman Pete deSouza and Good Counsel running back Caleb Porzel -- who already have committed to play for the Terps...

By Josh Barr | December 11, 2008; 12:34 PM ET | Comments (1)

New Mexico, K-State in the Local Picture

Those coaching changes at Kansas State (adding former Maryland defensive coordinator Chris Cosh) and New Mexico (where local recruiting mastermind Mike Locksley is now head coach) are already have local repercussions. DeMatha quarterback Tom Chroniger, who most likely will be a safety in college, said that he has received interest...

By Josh Barr | December 10, 2008; 05:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

Jenkins Bound for Gainesville This Weekend

Good Counsel All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins will take his first official visit this weekend, travelling to the campus of the University of Florida, according to Falcons Coach Bob Milloy. Not bad timing for the Gators, eh? Win the SEC title, get an invite to the BCS title game and then...

By Josh Barr | December 9, 2008; 09:41 AM ET | Comments (2)

Austin Prefers the Mountains

Walking into Dunbar's postgame media availability following its 20-19 victory over Fort Hill in the Maryland 1A final on Saturday, the first person I bumped into was Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin. Franklin and offensive line coach Tom Brattan were at Dunbar at 7 a.m. in an attempt to make...

By Josh Barr | December 8, 2008; 05:08 PM ET | Comments (0)

Locksley to New Mexico; Will Local Players Follow?

Sorry, been a busy morning. I've got some good stuff, including Dunbar-Baltimore star Tavon Austin talking about his decision-making process - I'll post it later this afternoon, but here's a quick hint: Maryland made an impression with its efforts Saturday but West Virginia is his favorite school right now. That...

By Josh Barr | December 8, 2008; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (5)

Cosh Expected to Return to Arundel

Chris Cosh might be leaving Maryland to coach at Kansas State, but his son, Arundel record-setting quarterback Billy Cosh, should return for his senior year with the Widcats, Arundel Coach Chuck Markiewicz said. Markiewicz said the topic came up during a recent discussion at his house. Chris Cosh "told us...

By Josh Barr | December 5, 2008; 05:59 PM ET | Comments (4)

Cotton On the Move

Yep, Ray Cotton no longer Auburn bound.. Katie Carrera with the news tonight: Several subscription Auburn football recruiting websites, along with ESPN, are reporting that Meade quarterback Raymond Cotton has decommitted from Auburn after coach Tommy Tuberville's resignation. Read about it here. Cotton was extremely fond of Tuberville and said...

By Josh Barr | December 3, 2008; 11:14 PM ET | Comments (1)

Jenkins Headed to College Park

At least for a few days. Good Counsel All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins, who has yet to make his college choice, will be on Washington Post Live tonight at 5 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet to pump his appearance in the inaugural Maryland Crab Bowl all-star game. The Washington and Baltimore teams...

By Josh Barr | December 3, 2008; 09:18 AM ET | Comments (6)

Coach Who Developed Kickers (and Others) Resigns

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis has the news: West Springfield football coach Bill Renner said Monday that he has decided to step down from his position. Renner, who led the Spartans to a 57-47 record in the past 10 seasons, held a meeting Monday at 2:30 p.m. to notify his players of...

By Josh Barr | December 1, 2008; 02:28 PM ET | Comments (0)

D.C. Quarterback Makes Impression

Spent Thanksgiving morning at the Turkey Bowl, where H.D. Woodson quarterback Ricardo Young was quite impressive in leading his team to victory. The 6-1, 170-pound junior completed 10 of 17 passes for 139 yards - not overwhelming stats, but he consistently showed poise and presence in the pocket and a...

By Josh Barr | December 1, 2008; 11:41 AM ET | Comments (0)

Terps Want Chroniger? Other DeMatha Updates

Now that another WCAC championship award is in the school trophy case, DeMatha Coach Bill McGregor has turned his attention toward getting scholarships for his players. Here's the quick report: * Maryland is interested in Tommy Chroniger at safety. Chroniger, the Stags' starting quarterback the past two seasons, started at...

By Josh Barr | November 26, 2008; 12:37 PM ET | Comments (0)

Linganore Juniors Getting Plenty of Attention

Linganore Coach Rick Conner has the letters proudly stapled to a bulletin board above his desk, written scholarship offers to junior offensive lineman Rob Havenstein and junior running back Zach Zwinak. And he's sure that more are soon to come -- for those two and others in the Lancers' talented...

By Josh Barr | November 25, 2008; 03:18 PM ET | Comments (1)

Austin Close to Making His Choice?

Nope. Dunbar-Baltimore star running back Tavon Austin will take all five of his official visits before making a college choice, Poets Coach Lawrence Smith said this afternoon at a luncheon for the coaches whose teams have advanced to the state semifinals. Austin, who is 5-9 and 170 pounds, holds Maryland's...

By Josh Barr | November 25, 2008; 01:44 PM ET | Comments (2)

Can You Recruit Character?

Tough to do. Especially with the move to recruit more "athletes" off their combine results and less for what they have done on the football field. That said, score one for Maryland and whoever lands Good Counsel All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins. In as tough a situation as they -- and...

By Josh Barr | November 24, 2008; 05:32 PM ET | Comments (1)

Wide Receiver Still Set on Syracuse, But Others Lurk

What a weekend. I'm sure the talk still centers around DeMatha's stunning WCAC title game victory over Good Counsel. But let's start today's recruiting talk with another player who had a big game this weekend: Arundel wide receiver Alec Lemon, who led the Wildcats back to the Maryland 4A semifinals....

By Josh Barr | November 24, 2008; 11:43 AM ET | Comments (1)

Woodbridge Star's Final 5 Includes Terps, WVU

From colleague Matt Stanmyre: Just talked to Woodbridge volunteer assistant coach Darren Hill, a mentor to Vikings running back De'Antwan Williams, one of the nation's most coveted recruits. Hill said Williams has narrowed his list of potential colleges to West Virginia, Alabama, Pittsburgh, Maryland and Rutgers. Hill added that Williams...

By Josh Barr | November 21, 2008; 09:07 PM ET | Comments (3)

Jenkins to Maryland?

That's what one reader emailed me asking about: Hi Josh, My name is Matt, and I'm a Maryland alum and football fan. Was reading up on your "Recruiting Insider" column - specifically about Jelani Jenkins, and I'm wondering what you think the chances are that the Terps will land that...

By Josh Barr | November 21, 2008; 03:26 PM ET | Comments (1)

Chroniger Looking ACC/Big East

Caught up with DeMatha Coach Bill McGregor earlier this week and while he is focused on tomorrow night's WCAC title game against Good Counsel, I managed to slip in a recruiting question or two. McGregor said that quarterback Tom Chroniger, who once committed to Eastern Michigan then decided to look...

By Josh Barr | November 21, 2008; 12:17 PM ET | Comments (1)

Another Voice in Favor of Turning Back the Clock

This is an often-discussed topic in this space, but I won't mind having one more person on my side. Paul Woody of the Richmond Times-Dispatch is on board with the notion that teenagers selecting their colleges is becoming way overhyped. He has an interesting idea about televising the announcements of...

By Josh Barr | November 19, 2008; 01:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

Stanford Makes Another Local Offer

Stanford continues to make a push in local recruiting circles, this time offering Good Counsel defensive end Troy Gloster a scholarship. It is the second scholarship offer for Gloster, a 6-0, 210-pound junior whose older brother Drew plays for Maryland. Gloster has 27 tackles and three sacks this season for...

By Josh Barr | November 19, 2008; 12:31 PM ET | Comments (0)

Jenkins' Decision Imminent?

Just stopped by Good Counsel to do some homework in advance of Saturday's WCAC title tilt with DeMatha. Talked to Good Counsel All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins about his college recruiting about to pick up, but he says that nothing is close to happening. Jenkins said that after Saturday's game, he...

By Josh Barr | November 18, 2008; 03:29 PM ET | Comments (2)

Next Year's Top QB Prospect?

Spent a few minutes during halftime of Wise's 14-6 victory over Eleanor Roosevelt chatting with Arundel Coach Chuck Markiewicz, who had a top-row seat scouting potential opponents. Markiewicz said that his quarterback, Billy Cosh, has gotten some interest from East Carolina, but that the recruiting process has yet to really...

By Josh Barr | November 17, 2008; 03:37 PM ET | Comments (0)

QB Gets First Scholarship Offer

It was a busy weekend of football as the playoffs got into full swing across the region, but let's start today's posts with Brooke Point quarterback Brian Hudson picking up his first scholarship offer, from Liberty University. Hudson had an impressive season, with 23 touchdown passes and just two interceptions...

By Josh Barr | November 17, 2008; 12:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

Going All Over to Get Noticed

Colleague Jeff Nelson turns his Recruiting Spotlight onto Tuscarora standout Dominic Clarke, who has accepted a scholarship offer to play cornerback for Ohio State. Attending a relatively new school in Frederick County, Clarke and his father, James, took the approach that they had to visit as many camps and combines...

By Josh Barr | November 13, 2008; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (1)

From Walk-On to Walloper for Hokie LB

Plenty of stuff being written about former Oakton High linebacker Cody Grimm, whose only scholarship offer was to I-AA William & Mary. The son of former Redskins standout Russ Grimm learned in the film room from his father and has become one of Virginia Tech's hardest hitters. Let it be...

By Josh Barr | November 13, 2008; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (0)

Virginia QB Recruit Recovering from Knee Injury

This was making the rumor mill a few weeks back. Sherando quarterback Ross Metheny, a Virginia recruit, missed the end of the season after having surgery to repair a torn knee ligament. Metheny's injury, a torn medial collateral ligament, is expected to heal in time for him to be able...

By Josh Barr | November 11, 2008; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (0)

Terps, Hokies Among Those Interested in Edison Linebacker

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis files this report: Despite playing linebacker and running back for undefeated No. 11 Edison (11-0), senior Stephon Robertson has received offers from both James Madison and Delaware to play safety. Robertson, a 6-0, 190-pounder who runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, has earned a lot of late interest...

By Josh Barr | November 11, 2008; 09:39 AM ET | Comments (1)

Bo Knows Football?

Sure seems that way, that Bo Revill might be a little young to remember the "Bo Knows" Nike campaign. But the 6-foot-6 quarterback, a junior at Battlefield High in western Prince William County, is on the radar for several major programs despite being in just his first full season as...

By Josh Barr | November 10, 2008; 01:38 PM ET | Comments (0)

Felder Still Set for Penn State

Caught up with Oxon Hill interim coach Walter Cross on Saturday before the Clippers played Wise and he said that wide receiver Brandon Felder is progressing nicely as he recovers from surgery to repair torn knee ligaments. Felder committed to Penn State over the summer but was injured in a...

By Josh Barr | November 10, 2008; 11:32 AM ET | Comments (1)

Football Signing Period in December?

Former colleague Jon Solomon reports that the American Football Coaches Association wants to create an early signing period in December for high school players to sign college scholarship papers. Right now, the only signing period begins in February. Frankly, I don't see this accomplishing much, even if it passes, which...

By Josh Barr | November 3, 2008; 03:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

Coach Talks About Hawkins' Picking Terps

From Quince Orchard Coach Dave Mencarini: "I think it came down to him the last couple weeks focusing on things he's looking for. Opportunity, for one, and a comfort level with the coaches. You really find out a lot about who wants and needs you during this process. A lot...

By Josh Barr | October 30, 2008; 12:44 PM ET | Comments (4)

Hawkins to Terps!

Big get today for Maryland, with Quince Orchard standout defensive back Travis Hawkins pledging for the Terps....

By Josh Barr | October 30, 2008; 12:40 PM ET | Comments (1)

Maryland About to Add a Top Defensive Back?

Quince Orchard standout Travis Hawkins will announce his college decision on Thursday, according to Cougars Coach Dave Mencarini, and I wouldn't be surprised if Maryland makes a nice addition to its recruiting class. Among the other schools Hawkins is considering are Michigan, Oregon and Penn State. He was scheduled to...

By Josh Barr | October 28, 2008; 11:44 AM ET | Comments (7)

Chantilly Star Looking for a Chance

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis caught up with the folks out at Chantilly and filed this report: Chantilly Coach Mike Lalli is extremely frustrated that his star running back Torrian Pace has yet to receive a scholarship offer. This is not uncommon among coaches, who are usually trying to pump their players'...

By Josh Barr | October 28, 2008; 09:23 AM ET | Comments (0)

Top Junior Chooses West Coast

Good Counsel junior cornerback Louis Young on Friday accepted a scholarship offer to play for Stanford. Young, also a top basketball player, had several scholarship offers but opted to make what is becoming a more popular pick for local players. Quince Orchard All-Met lineman Terrence Stephens also has pledged for...

By Josh Barr | October 27, 2008; 09:06 AM ET | Comments (1)

Another Kicker Discovered in Unlikely Place

Okay, so maybe Dave Ruffer isn't alone. Texas Tech might have found its new kicker during a between-quarters promotion. Seems that you make a 30-yard field goal to win a prize and that's good enough for a tryout. Here's the thing. Having dealt with recruiting for many years now, I...

By Josh Barr | October 24, 2008; 01:02 PM ET | Comments (1)

Notre Dame Finds a Player in a Most Unusual Place

From the far side of recruiting tales comes this story about Notre Dame's potential kicker this weekend. Gonzaga grad Dave Ruffer, a standout golfer in high school who did not play football, will be in uniform for the first time for the Irish and could be their kicker. Ruffer attended...

By Josh Barr | October 24, 2008; 11:43 AM ET | Comments (1)

Update on De'Antwan Williams

Correspondent Matthew Stanmyre caught up with Scott Enlow, a volunteer assistant coach with Woodbridge, to talk about the Vikings' running back De'Antwan Williams: The other day I talked with Woodbridge volunteer assistant coach Scott Enlow, who has been a close friend and mentor to Vikings star running back De'Antwan Williams...

By Dan Uthman | October 21, 2008; 08:18 AM ET | Comments (2)

T. Roosevelt's Drakeford Chooses Terps (Updated)

Post sports writer Alan Goldenbach breaks this news: Theodore Roosevelt senior linebacker Darin Drakeford committed to Maryland on Monday afternoon, choosing the Terps over Illinois, which has had success recruiting the Washington area (especially D.C. public schools) thanks to assistant head coach and former Maryland recruiting coordinator Mike Locksley, a...

By Dan Uthman | October 20, 2008; 02:45 PM ET | Comments (9)

James Wood's Lloyd Has the Leg

From correspondent Matthew Stanmyre: James Wood senior kicker Andrew Lloyd does not have any division I-A scholarship offers, but Colonels Coach Mike Bolin said that will almost certainly change in the coming months. Lloyd is ranked the No. 16 overall kicker in the Class of 2009 on by kicking guru...

By Jon DeNunzio | October 17, 2008; 12:09 PM ET | Comments (6)

Bealeton: Worth the Trip for Recruiters

From correspondent Matthew Stanmyre: This year, Liberty High, located in tiny Bealeton, Va., has been on the maps of many college recruiters. In addition to Kory Gough, who has orally committed to Virginia Tech, Liberty senior running back-linebacker Corey Lillard (5-foot-11, 197 pounds) has pledged to Virginia, and three other...

By Jon DeNunzio | October 17, 2008; 08:07 AM ET | Comments (0)

Waiting Pays Off for Liberty's Gough

From correspondent Matthew Stanmyre: Liberty offensive lineman Kory Gough said roughly 14 days ago that he would wait one more week to see if any more scholarship offers rolled in before making a decision about where he would play football in college. Waiting was a smart choice, because on Tuesday...

By Jon DeNunzio | October 16, 2008; 01:07 PM ET | Comments (1)

Tuberville Looks to Keep Cotton Solid

Colleague Katie Carrera has this update on Meade quarterback Ray Cotton, who previously committed to Auburn but might be rethinking things after the Tigers canned offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. Raymond Cotton Sr. said that Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville and members of the Tigers staff are visiting the Cotton family this...

By Josh Barr | October 14, 2008; 03:49 PM ET | Comments (7)

Top Juniors Impressive for Linganore

Spent Friday night up in Frederick County, watching Linganore rout Westminster, 58-7. The Lancers were impressive in every facet, but most surprising was that all of their top players are juniors. Offensive tackle Rob Havenstein and fullback Zach Zwinak already hold scholarship offers from Maryland and Coach Rick Conner thinks...

By Josh Barr | October 13, 2008; 11:50 AM ET | Comments (9)

Groh Thinks Highly of WCAC

Virginia Coach Al Groh thinks highly of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. We've always been very, very aware of the overall circumstance of those schools," Groh said. "The quality of play, excellent academics, the sense of discipline. We're very tuned into them for quite some time. The overall circumstances worked...

By Josh Barr | October 10, 2008; 10:14 AM ET | Comments (1)

Not Your Typical Recruiting Story

For anyone who doesn't think that recruiting is an imperfect science, consider this story. I got an email earlier this week alerting me to the success of All-Met wide receiver Brandon Johnson-Farrell of Arundel, who is lighting it up as a freshman at Rhode Island. I remember last year, when...

By Josh Barr | October 10, 2008; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Auburn Cans OC; Cotton Back on the Market?

Colleague Katie Carrera passes along this item on Auburn recruit Ray Cotton. The Meade quarterback picked the Tigers in part because of offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, who this week was fired: Raymond Cotton Sr. said his son Ray was "rather shocked" when he found out that Auburn had decided to...

By Josh Barr | October 10, 2008; 09:28 AM ET | Comments (22)

Eagle Bank Bowl All-Star Game on Hold for a Year

Talked to one of the game organizers this morning and he said it is simply too much work to try to pull off a high school football all-star game that would be held in conjunction with this year's game Dec. 20 at RFK Stadium. The plan is to hold an...

By Josh Barr | October 7, 2008; 02:49 PM ET | Comments (0)

Will Terps' Struggles Impact Recruiting?

Just when you're thinking how well things are going on the field for Maryland and how their recruiting probably will get a bump, they turn in Saturday night's stinker at Virginia. On Thursday night, Ralph Friedgen, offensive coordinator James Franklin, defensive coordinator Chris Cosh, recruiting coordinator Dave Sollazzo and running...

By Josh Barr | October 6, 2008; 11:37 AM ET | Comments (3)

Jenkins Taking His Time

Colleague Steve Yanda has a terrific read today on Good Counsel All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins and how he has handled all of the attention that goes along with being one of the nation's top recruit. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the whole recruiting process: While the growing trend is...

By Josh Barr | October 2, 2008; 02:12 PM ET | Comments (4)

How Lalich Ended Up at Oregon State

Want to know how U-Va. castoff Peter Lalich wound end at Oregon State? It started with Lalich making a list of major college programs whose universities run on the quarter system? Why is that important? Because by going to a school on the quarter system, Lalich somehow is able to...

By Josh Barr | October 1, 2008; 04:18 PM ET | Comments (2)

Penn State Plucks Another from the D.C. Area

Got word late last night that Westlake speedster Devon Smith has committed to play for Penn State, joining the line of players heading up U.S. 15 to State College. I'll have more on this later today or tomorrow....

By Josh Barr | October 1, 2008; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (7)

Another Stone Bridge Player Makes ACC Pick

Colleague Paul Tenorio, man of all things Loudoun, files this report: Stone Bridge senior quarterback Patrick Thompson will be joining his twin brother Zach Thompson at Wake Forest next season after accepting an offer from the Deamon Deacons on Sunday evening, according to their father, Bulldogs coach Mickey Thompson. Patrick...

By Josh Barr | October 1, 2008; 09:52 AM ET | Comments (0)

Magill Says Delaware 'Felt Right'; U-Md., VT in Hunt at QO

Quince Orchard tight end Cody Magill did the summer camp circuit and had 13 scholarship offers, including several from I-A schools like Syracuse and Miami of Ohio. But when he went to a game at Delaware, making his college choice was easy. Picking a I-AA offer "didn't really matter to...

By Josh Barr | September 25, 2008; 11:27 AM ET | Comments (2)

SEC QB Recruit Leading His New Team

It hasn't taken long for Auburn quarterback recruit Ray Cotton to mesh with his new teammates. Cotton, who moved to the area in August, has revitalized the Mustangs, who at 2-1 already have doubled last season's win total....

By Josh Barr | September 25, 2008; 10:09 AM ET | Comments (1)

QO Senior Makes (Somewhat) Surprising Choice

Quince Orchard tight end Cody Magill had several I-A scholarship offers but last night gave a verbal commitment to play for I-AA powerhouse Delaware, according to Cougars Coach Dave Mencarini. I'll have more on this later today....

By Josh Barr | September 25, 2008; 09:15 AM ET | Comments (1)

Auburn Recruit Dazzles in Opener

Meant to link to this one sooner. Auburn recruit Raymond Cotton was terrific in his opening game, passing for 245 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 80 yards and another score in Meade's 42-7 victory over Franklin. Meade plays Chesapeake tomorrow before getting a test next week against Old...

By Josh Barr | September 11, 2008; 03:30 PM ET | Comments (1)

A Closer Look at Maryland's Recruiting Coordinator

Maryland recruiting coordinator Dave Sollazzo is known as a straight shooter, according to the mother of one Maryland player. In a sport where Clemson Coach Tommy Bowden pledges the first carry of a season as an incentive to top recruits, this story says "those who have witnessed Sollazzo's recruiting describe...

By Josh Barr | September 11, 2008; 10:42 AM ET | Comments (4)

U-Va QB to Sit Out, But Why Now?

I'd love to hear an explanation about this. How does former West Springfield standout Peter Lalich play last week but get suspended for this week's game against Connecticut? Maybe U-Va. is not calling it a suspension. Every story I've read uses the terms "won't travel" and "step back." But really,...

By Josh Barr | September 11, 2008; 09:35 AM ET | Comments (2)

Maryland's Opponent Is Quite 'Special'

Great reporting here - and Maryland's upcoming opponent isn't looking too good. California reported that in 2004, 95 percent of its freshmen football players received special admission to the school. There isn't even a common definition for special admits. Some schools that say they have none acknowledge that sports talent...

By Josh Barr | September 10, 2008; 11:55 AM ET | Comments (4)

Hawkins OK, QO Player Ready to Commit?

Spoke to Quince Orchard Coach Dave Mencarini last night and he said that standout defensive back Travis Hawkins is doing fine after taking a tough hit in the first half of Monday's victory over Wootton. Hawkins collided with a teammate on the play and did not return. "He didn't practice"...

By Josh Barr | September 10, 2008; 10:13 AM ET | Comments (2)

Penn State Recruit Likely Out for the Season

Spoke to Oxon Hill Coach Kevin Wolfolk last night and he said that wide receiver Brandon Felder could miss the entire season with a right knee injury suffered in a preseason scrimmage. Wolfolk had been hoping to keep the news quiet until after this Saturday's game against Eleanor Roosevelt, but...

By Josh Barr | September 9, 2008; 11:02 AM ET | Comments (4)

Less Means More for DeMatha Lineman

I've got a neat story in today's paper about a player making himself into a potential scholarship player. DeMatha offensive lineman Calvin McDowney lost 85 pounds this past offseason and now starts at guard for the Stags. Simple things, such as eating smaller portions and drinking more water helped McDowney,...

By Josh Barr | September 9, 2008; 10:46 AM ET | Comments (2)

Stone Bridge Legit, Robinson Junior Gets VT Offer

Made the journey out to Stone Bridge last Friday as I wanted to get a look at the Bulldogs' top prospects. And while it's difficult (at best) to judge linemen and linebackers while watching from field level, as a group David Wang (Virginia Tech), Brian Slay (N.C. State) and Zach...

By Josh Barr | September 8, 2008; 04:17 PM ET | Comments (1)

Will Struggles Impact Recruiting?

So let's say you're Dave Sollazzo, Ralph Friedgen or James Franklin. Or maybe you're Al Groh. Or even Frank Beamer. Can you really positively spin the mess that is this current season to prospective recruits? On one hand, it's been ugly for the I-A locals. On the other, does this...

By Josh Barr | September 8, 2008; 02:13 PM ET | Comments (4)

RB Lacks Size But Has Plenty of Talent

Brooke Point running back Chase Barnett has rushed for more than 4,000 yards but because he is only 5-7 and 170 pounds, his only scholarship offer is from I-AA Liberty. Barnett says he has something to prove again this season and rushed for 182 yards and two touchdowns in a...

By Josh Barr | September 5, 2008; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (2)

Crab Bowl Rosters Announced

The intra-Maryland Baltimore vs. Washington all-star game will be held Dec. 20 at Towson's Johnny Unitas Stadium. Here is the Washington roster, I've tried to fill in positions/college commitments (Prince George's/Montgomery/SMAC): Brandon Greening, Calvert; LB Brandon Killebrew, C.H. Flowers; LB Lorne Goree, C.H. Flowers (Maryland); K Mark Magas, Damascus; DB...

By Josh Barr | September 5, 2008; 09:59 AM ET | Comments (3)

QO Standout Hawkins in the Spotlight

Quince Orchard standout Travis Hawkins has plenty of scholarship offers, partly because he has the attitude that "hitting someone is something I love to do." As the Cougars prepared for the upcoming season, Hawkins recently told Coach Dave Mencarini not to take him off the field on defense, that if...

By Josh Barr | September 3, 2008; 11:41 PM ET | Comments (3)

Coach Makes Promise, Recruit Fumbles

Interesting story here. Clemson Coach Tommy Bowden promised running Jamie Harper the season's first carry as part of his recruiting pitch. Harper fumbled, Clemson fumbled away the game to Alabama, 34-10. Maybe more interesting: Sift through this to read Steve Spurrier's response. Never shy, the ol' ball coach wonders whether...

By Josh Barr | September 2, 2008; 02:04 PM ET | Comments (1)

Will Boobirds Cast Terps in a Negative Light?

I'm curious what folks think of this. After all that was made of the decision to start Jordan Steffy ahead of Chris Turner and whether it would impact the Terps' recruiting efforts, I have to say I think a far bigger detriment will be the way fans jumped all over...

By Josh Barr | September 2, 2008; 01:19 PM ET | Comments (9)

New TV Deal to Impact Recruiting in the SEC?

Nobody knows college football like Tony Barnhart, soon to be retiring from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, though he'll still work for CBS. I find it interesting that he thinks the SEC's $2+ billion TV contract with ESPN will be huge in recruiting for the league as it brands games "the SEC...

By Josh Barr | August 28, 2008; 12:51 PM ET | Comments (4)

I-AA On the Rise? Franklin Helps Terps

Some good stuff in today's Post. Here's a story on the rise of I-AA football after Appalachian State's victory over Michigan. There's a section on whether the victory impacted recruiting for college football's second-tier schools. Some coaches say yes; Mike Farrell says no. Interesting debate. There's no question that locally...

By Josh Barr | August 26, 2008; 09:23 AM ET | Comments (4)

Could QB Choice Hurt Terps' Chances to Recruit?

That's what one reader thinks. Here's his email to me: bq. Hey Josh, I am a big time recruiting follower of college football and I tell you that the Fridge picking Stefy Jordan over Chris Turner is going to be used by the competing colleges against Maryland. As you know,...

By Josh Barr | August 25, 2008; 12:14 PM ET | Comments (5)

One All-Met to Play, One to Sit at N.C. State

Former Big Boss Man Jon DeNunzio passes along these tidbits from North Carolina State, where last year's All-Met quarterback Mike Glennon will redshirt and 2006 All-Met kicker Josh Czajkowski will start as a redshirt freshman....

By Josh Barr | August 21, 2008; 10:26 AM ET | Comments (3)

Arundel Receiver Says Go Orange

In the midst of a staff meeting, colleague B.J. Koubaroulis sends this text message: Arundel wide receiver Alec Lemon has committed to play for Syracuse. Lemon was one of the top receivers last season in the Wildcats' pass-happy offense with nearly 1,000 yards receiving and 13 touchdown catches as Arundel...

By Josh Barr | August 19, 2008; 03:40 PM ET | Comments (4)

McNamara Corner Commits, Terps in on Top Junior

Caught up with Bishop McNamara Coach Bryce Bevill and he reports that cornerback Darrin Carmichael recently committed to play for Richmond. Carmichael, who is 6 feet and 175 pounds, also had a scholarship offer from Towson, Bevill said. Also, junior wide receiver Brandon Coleman, who is 6-6, already has an...

By Josh Barr | August 18, 2008; 10:09 AM ET | Comments (0)

In a Surprise, Taylor to Baylor

Put this one in the surprising files. Kicked off the team at Penn State, former All-Met lineman Phil Taylor has enrolled at Baylor, according to his high school coach, Gwynn Park's Danny Hayes. "I guess he likes Texas," Hayes said. "I had a long talk with [Penn State assistant] Larry...

By Josh Barr | August 14, 2008; 04:13 PM ET | Comments (4)

Star Lineman Down to Five, Including Terps

St. John's second-team All-Met lineman Pete White has narrowed his college choices to Maryland, Tennessee, Florida, Miami and, interestingly, Oregon. How did the Ducks get in the mix? "I really like their offensive line coach," White said between practices one day last week. "I like their offense." Oregon offensive line...

By Josh Barr | August 11, 2008; 12:30 PM ET | Comments (6)

Rankings, Schmrankings

Wanted to post this earlier in the week. ESPNU came out with its list of the nation's 150 top prospects. All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins of Good Counsel checks in at No. 9. Lackey cornerback Darrell Givens, who has committed to Penn State, is the next local, at No. 59. The...

By Josh Barr | August 8, 2008; 11:29 AM ET | Comments (2)

Spotlight on Quince Orchard Standout

This week's Recruiting Spotlight is on Quince Orchard defensive end Jason Ankrah. Despite having only played three years, the 6-4, 245-pound rising senior holds plenty of scholarship offers, with Maryland among those schools on his list....

By Josh Barr | August 7, 2008; 03:17 PM ET | Comments (3)

Back to Business; Linebacker Picks Maryland

Sorry folks, had a password issue the past few days. Been meaning to post many things. Let's start with Maryland landing Eleanor Roosevelt linebacker Isaiah Ross earlier this week. "For him, defensively, in the position he plays, with [assistant coach Al] Seamonson and those guys, they've done a great job...

By Josh Barr | August 7, 2008; 02:48 PM ET | Comments (2)

Out at Wake, Caparelli Goes to Texas

Colleague Preston Williams delivers this one: Former All-Met running back Lucas Caparelli, kicked out of Wake Forest for a threatening Facebook message, has signed with I-AA Texas Southern. Texas Southern had 10 Washington-area players on its roster last season. "Hopefully, he'll make the best of this opportunity," Bendorf said. "It...

By Josh Barr | August 5, 2008; 10:16 AM ET | Comments (2)

Duke Lands All-Purpose Player

Insider Super Correspondent B.J. Koubaroulis files this report: Whitman's Anthony Young-Wiseman has orally committed to play football at Duke. Young-Wiseman, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound versatile defensive back, wide receiver and quarterback, helped Whitman to a 6-5 record last season and his 4.6 40-yard dash speed and standout highlight reel earned him...

By Josh Barr | August 5, 2008; 09:42 AM ET | Comments (1)

Hokies Land a Pair of Twins

Virginia Tech landed twin brothers Tariq and Tyrell Evans of Marlboro County, S.C. They will enroll midyear in 2009, helping the Hokies ease the burden of scholarship restrictions that leaves them with far less than the NCAA maximum of 25 incoming scholarship recruits per year....

By Josh Barr | August 4, 2008; 11:07 AM ET | Comments (0)

Maryland, Heyward-Bey Start Practice Today

As Maryland gets set to start football practice today, no one is more ready to shine than former Baltimore-area speedster Darrius Heyward-Bey. He had 51 catches for 786 yards last season and has the potential to be a star....

By Josh Barr | August 4, 2008; 10:47 AM ET | Comments (0)

Spotlight on Tennessee Recruit Damien Thigpen

This week's Recruiting Spotlight features Stonewall Jackson's Damien Thigpen -- a 5-foot-9, 170-pound running back and cornerback who has orally committed to Tennessee. Thigpen comes from a football family; his father Doug played at Southern Miss and his uncle Gene Lang played at LSU before a seven-year career in the...

By Josh Barr | July 31, 2008; 10:22 AM ET | Comments (2)

Lineman Could Choose Soon, Possibly Between U-Md. and Penn State

Gwynn Park lineman Raynard Randolph is strongly considering Penn State and Maryland so that he can stay close to home, according to Yellow Jackets Coach Danny Hayes, adding "he'll probably [choose] before the season." Hayes said that defensive back Nygee Carmichael has offers from Army and Towson, while defensive back...

By Josh Barr | July 31, 2008; 09:20 AM ET | Comments (15)

Maryland About to Land Former Penn State Tackle?

Former Gwynn Park All-Met lineman Phil Taylor was kicked off the team at Penn State for unspecified reasons. He had been suspended from summer school for his role in an altercation and received one year probation. Taylor, who has two years of eligibility and a redshirt season remaining, could find...

By Josh Barr | July 30, 2008; 12:13 PM ET | Comments (23)

Spurrier Lashes Out at Websites

There has always been a certain amount of skepticism by some involved with college sports, wondering about the role of unofficial mouthpieces several websites have taken for their schools they cover. Do they get special access? Are they given insider info to pass along to the fan base? When they...

By Josh Barr | July 30, 2008; 10:26 AM ET | Comments (0)

Penn State or State Penn? Rivals Set to Use Report?

I held off on posting this for a day, but after talking to some local high school coaches there seems to be little question that rival coaches will use Penn State's off-field struggles when recruiting against the Nittany Lions. ESPN reported that 46 players have been charged with nearly 200...

By Josh Barr | July 29, 2008; 11:37 AM ET | Comments (4)

Terps Land Another Running Back

Scroll down a bit and you can read about Maryland's latest commitment, running back D.J. Adams of Georgia. His commitment, along with that of Good Counsel speedster Caleb Porzel, has many folks wondering if there is the Terps have room for Dunbar-Baltimore standout Tavon Austin....

By Josh Barr | July 22, 2008; 10:06 AM ET | Comments (6)

BCS School Yet to Land Any '09 Recruits

This isn't big news locally, but with the start of preseason practice just weeks away, this BCS school doesn't have any verbal commitments from recruits. Says SuperPrep recruiting guru Allen Wallace: That is "pretty shocking in today's day and age, no question about it."...

By Josh Barr | July 21, 2008; 10:30 AM ET | Comments (2)

St. John's Grad Booted By Marshall

St. John's alum J.J. Johnson, with 23 career starts at cornerback, was kicked off Marshall's team over the weekend, after being arrested for driving while under the influence....

By Josh Barr | July 21, 2008; 10:03 AM ET | Comments (1)

Spotlight on Randolph, a Future Terp?

This week's Recruiting Spotlight features Gwynn Park's Raynard Randolph -- a 6-foot-3, 295-pound lineman with offers from Rutgers, Tennessee, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, West Virginia, Michigan State, Illinois and Maryland. A 17-year-old with a passion for pass-blocking, Randolph has been a team captain at Gwynn Park since his sophomore season and...

By Josh Barr | July 17, 2008; 09:24 AM ET | Comments (2)

Terps QB Recruit Bolts for Memphis?

Meant to post this one yesterday. While the Terps picked up Caleb Porzel for 2009, they lost a 2008 recruit. Quarterback Tyler Bass, who signed a letter-of-intent in February, instead will enroll at Memphis after Maryland planned to enroll him in January as a grayshirt. It's an unusual situation; usually...

By Josh Barr | July 16, 2008; 01:19 PM ET | Comments (7)

Basketball Standout Has Two Football Offers

When talking about Caleb Porzel, Good Counsel Coach Bob Milloy noted that rising junior cornerback Louis Young holds offers from Maryland and Virginia Tech. "He started for varsity as a ninth-grader on basketball and he started for me as a 10th-grader on the football team," Milloy said when I asked...

By Josh Barr | July 15, 2008; 03:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

Porzel Chooses Terps

Just caught up with Good Counsel speedster Caleb Porzel, who yesterday committed to play for Maryland. Porzel originally committed to play for Virginia, before later changing his mind amid some perceived offseason turmoil in Charlottesville. "It's home," Porzel said. "I just loved the environment there. It's very active. The coaches...

By Josh Barr | July 15, 2008; 10:31 AM ET | Comments (0)

Proposed Early Signing Period Won't Solve Problems

So the American Football Coaches Association favors creating an early-signing period for football. Ok, that's good. The problem? They favor creating such period in mid-December. Forgive me, but what's the point? Of the kids who switch commitments and other bumps in the road, I'd guess most happen well before this...

By Josh Barr | July 14, 2008; 12:19 PM ET | Comments (0)

Illini Get Another Local Pledge

Illinois cornerback Joelil Thrash earlier this week committed to play for Illinois. I hope to have more on this later today....

By Josh Barr | July 11, 2008; 11:49 AM ET | Comments (2)

Brooke Point Defensive End Considering U-Va, VT

Brooke Point defensive end Lanford Collins has narrowed his choices to Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Penn State but is in "no rush to make a decision," according to the Free-Lance Star. Teammate Chase Barnett, a running back, holds an offer from Liberty, as does Riverbend defensive back D.J....

By Josh Barr | July 10, 2008; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

Roosevelt's Ross Brings Unique Set of Skills

This week's Recruiting Spotlight features Eleanor Roosevelt's Isaiah Ross, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker and defensive lineman. Ross's 111 tackles, 13 sacks, eight forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns helped the Raiders to a 5-5 finish and earned him offers from Maryland, Illinois and Buffalo. Named the team MVP in 2007,...

By Josh Barr | July 10, 2008; 09:25 AM ET | Comments (1)

Should Recuits Get Second Chances?

This was a hot topic locally last year and is making its annual appearance in the news. A Nebraska recruit who reached a plea agreement and received probation after allegedly robbing a man of $900 plans to enroll in summer school next week and be ready for the start of...

By Josh Barr | July 7, 2008; 11:04 AM ET | Comments (0)

Terps Land A Rising Star

Just got off the phone with Forestville Coach Charles Harley, who reports that linebacker DeOnte Arnett has committed to play for Maryland. Arnett had called coaches from Tennessee, Georgia and Cincinnati in recent days to let them know he had reached a decision then phoned Ohio State today to let...

By Josh Barr | July 3, 2008; 03:33 PM ET | Comments (1)

Spotlight on Forestville's Arnett

This week's Recruiting Spotlight features Forestville's DeOnte Arnett -- a 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end who has narrowed his list from 18 official offers to five -- Ohio State, Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee and Cincinnati. According to Coach Charles Harley, Arnett -- who recorded 72 tackles and 15 sacks last fall --...

By Josh Barr | July 3, 2008; 11:02 AM ET | Comments (0)

Another DeMatha Player Commits; Top 100 Sophs

Headed for vacation, but here are a few items of note: DeMatha linebacker Raheem Cardwell has committed to play for Syracuse. MaxPreps is out with its list of the nation's top 100 rising sophomore football players. Damascus safety-wide receiver Brandon Phelps - who started both ways last season - cracks...

By Josh Barr | July 2, 2008; 04:02 PM ET | Comments (2)

DeMatha QB Makes Pick

DeMatha quarterback Tom Chroniger has committed to play for Eastern Michigan. Chroniger enjoyed a solid first season as a starter last year and is poised to lead the Stags this season....

By Josh Barr | July 2, 2008; 09:06 AM ET | Comments (0)

Forestville's Arnett Set to Decide

Insider special/super correspondent B.J. Koubaroulis passes along this report: According to Coach Charles Harley, Forestville junior DeOnte Arnett -- a 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end -- is expected to make a verbal commitment on Wednesday. Rated as high as 11th among the nation's top defensive ends, Arnett has a tremendous wing-span,...

By Josh Barr | June 26, 2008; 11:14 AM ET | Comments (0)

Locals Dot Nominees For All-American Bowl

Plenty of locals among the gazillion players nominated for this year's U.S. Army All-American Bowl: River Hill All-Met defensive back Michael Campanaro Tuscarora cornerback Dominic Clarke Lackey safety Darrell Givens Good Counsel All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins Liberty linebacker Corey Lillard Dunbar wide receiver Deon Long Gwynn Park lineman Raynard Randolph...

By Josh Barr | June 25, 2008; 01:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

Coaches Stay In Front of NCAA Enforcement

This is a terrific read on the history of college athletics recruiting and how coaches have always tried to stay one step ahead of the NCAA and its predecessors. There's mention of then-Oklahoma assistant Barry Switzer virtually living with a quarterback prospect. Tales of how Maryland, Virginia Tech and Virginia...

By Josh Barr | June 24, 2008; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (0)

DeMatha-Good Counsel on ESPN2

It's never too early to talk football, is it? Coming off its flop on national TV to start this past season, DeMatha will return to the airwaves this fall, with ESPN2 picking up the Stags' game at Good Counsel. The game will be moved up one day, to Thursday, Oct....

By Josh Barr | June 23, 2008; 05:41 PM ET | Comments (6)

Lemming Says Paterno's Status Hurting Recruiting

While Penn State is crushing the competition in recruiting the Washington area and the Philly Inquirer recently reported that Coach Joe Paterno's tenuous job situation isn't hindering recruiting, this story and analyst Tom Lemming say say otherwise. However, I'm not sure I buy the rationale that it is Paterno's age/job...

By Josh Barr | June 23, 2008; 03:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

Linebacker Talks About Picking Terps

Caught up with C.H. Flowers linebacker Lorne Goree over the weekend to talk about his decision to commit to Maryland. He said he also took a visit to West Virginia but that choosing the Terrapins was quite easy. "There's a lot of love at Maryland," said Goree, wo played two...

By Josh Barr | June 23, 2008; 09:57 AM ET | Comments (0)

Maryland Adds Two Locals

Big day over at Maryland, where the Terrapins picked up two verbal commitments from local players - DeMatha lineman Pete DeSouza and C.H. Flowers linebacker Lorne Goree. DeSouza, who is 6-5 and 310 pounds, chose the Terrapins over offers from Syracuse and Delaware, with Rutgers showing lots of interest, according...

By Josh Barr | June 20, 2008; 04:58 PM ET | Comments (0)

Duke Attorneys Say Their Team Stinks

Don't expect new Duke coach David Cutcliffe to take this news on the road when he goes recruiting. In court this week, Duke attorneys successfully argued the school's team is so bad that it need not pay damages for backing out of a series with Louisville. Because the contract called...

By Josh Barr | June 20, 2008; 09:45 AM ET | Comments (0)

Spotlight on Wake Forest Recruit

In this week's Recruiting Spotlight reporter B.J. Koubaroulis sits down with All-Met Michael Campanaro -- River Hill's record-setting running back and defensive back. Campanaro, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound versatile threat, committed to Wake Forest in April over offers from Northwestern, Akron and North Carolina. Campanaro has used his 4.38 40-yard speed...

By Josh Barr | June 19, 2008; 10:32 AM ET | Comments (0)

Carroll Placed On House Arrest

Just like the other division I-A football coaches this spring as they don't like the so-called Saban Rule that prohibits head coaches from going on the road during the spring recruiting period. USC's coach said he felt caged by the rule and believes it prevents him from gaining the knowledge...

By Josh Barr | June 18, 2008; 10:44 AM ET | Comments (0)

California High School Tells Ducks to Scram

Here is an unusual story. A top California high school has barred Oregon from recruiting on campus after the Ducks yanked a scholarship offer to one of its players. According to Oregon Coach Mike Bellotti, another player at the same position committed first and the Ducks don't have enough room...

By Josh Barr | June 18, 2008; 10:07 AM ET | Comments (0)

Virginia Having Success In State

It's still early in the recruiting process for 2009, but here is an early look at Virginia's in-state success after last year's struggles. Of the Cavaliers' 15 commitments, 10 come from in-state players after getting just three last year when Virginia Tech once again ruled the commonwealth. Part of this...

By Josh Barr | June 16, 2008; 09:25 AM ET | Comments (0)

Looking Out for No. 1

I'm not going to name names. But in the past few weeks, more than one local private school coach has inquired about quarterback Raymond Cotton, an Auburn recruit who reportedly is transferring to Meade for his senior year. It appears Cotton is still headed for Meade, but it certainly is...

By Josh Barr | June 13, 2008; 07:38 AM ET | Comments (1)

The 'Rocket' Is Set for Liftoff

De'Antwan Williams, a 5-foot-8, 200-pound running back at Woodbridge High, is nicknamed "Rocket." He rushed for 2,048 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior last fall, his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. He has scholarship offers from Maryland, Virginia, Rutgers, Boston College, West Virginia, Liberty and his current favorite, Alabama....

By Josh Barr | June 12, 2008; 09:13 AM ET | Comments (0)

DeMatha QB Ready to Choose Pitt?

It could happen. That was one of the tidbits passed along this morning by DeMatha Coach Bill McGregor. Quarterback Tom Chroniger is scheduled to attend a one-day camp at Pittsburgh this weekend and could choose the Panthers if they offer a scholarship. Chroniger presently holds offers from three Mid-American Conference...

By Josh Barr | June 11, 2008; 01:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

More On Clarke/Ohio State

Caught up with Tuscarora Coach Shawn Carey earlier this week to discuss cornerback Dominic Clarke's commitment to Ohio State last weekend. Carey said that Clarke also had offers from Maryland, Virginia, Stanford, Duke, Vanderbilt, Boston College and Richmond. If that list makes it sound like Clarke is a good student,...

By Josh Barr | June 11, 2008; 10:47 AM ET | Comments (0)

More Shocking News! Recruit Doesn't String Coach Along

You don't hear about things like this very often. An offensive lineman in Utah got on the phone with Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weis and said he was not interested in a scholarship offer from the Fighting Irish. "He asked me if I was interested in Notre Dame ... and...

By Josh Barr | June 10, 2008; 08:36 AM ET | Comments (0)

Cavs Land Linebacker, While Local DB Pledges for Buckeyes

One more rising senior won't spend the summer wondering about his future. Fauquier linebacker Connor McCartin today committed to play for Virginia. The Cavaliers reportedly were the only team to have offered him a scholarship. Also, Tuscarora defensive back Dominic Clarke over the weekend committed to Ohio State....

By Josh Barr | June 9, 2008; 04:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

23 Locals Already Committed

School is not even out, but by my count, 23 local rising seniors have made verbal commitments to accept college football scholarships. Of note, seven have committed to Penn State, five to Virginia (all from Virginia high schools), three to Wake Forest and just one to Virginia Tech and Maryland,...

By Josh Barr | June 9, 2008; 01:26 PM ET | Comments (0)

Jenkins Planning College Trips

Good Counsel All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins has 30-plus scholarship offers and plans to use the upcoming weeks to figure things out. His father, Maurice, said that Jenkins as an upcoming West Coast trip to visit USC, UCLA and Stanford. There also will be trips to colleges in Florida and another...

By Josh Barr | June 3, 2008; 04:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

Big Lineman With Long List

Ran into St. John's Coach Joe Patterson at yesterday's All-Met luncheon. Almost didn't recognize him now that he bought a razor and shaved his beard. Anyway, he reports that standout lineman Pete White will use the summer to take unofficial campus visits and holds scholarship offers from: Maryland, Tennessee, Florida,...

By Josh Barr | June 3, 2008; 02:38 PM ET | Comments (0)

Good Alternative to an Early Signing Period

While SEC coaches want the early to create an early signing period for football - something I don't think is close to happening - here's what I think is a much better idea: Prohibit all those early scholarship offers. If a player can't be offered until the start of his...

By Josh Barr | June 3, 2008; 11:11 AM ET | Comments (0)

Forestville Standout Narrows His List

Plenty of football updates to pass along today. Let's start with Forestville's DeOnte' Arnett, who has whittle his list to five final choices, according to Knights Coach Charles Harley: Maryland, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State and Cincinnati. Arnett, a 6-4, 247-pound defensive end, plans to visit all five schools this summer...

By Josh Barr | June 3, 2008; 08:12 AM ET | Comments (0)

"Zook Loophole" to Close?

Last month I wrote about Ron Zook getting around the NCAA's new so-called Saban Rule by olding coaching clinics at various high schools during the spring evaluation period when head coaches are not permitted to make recruiting visits to those schools. Well, now it seems SEC coaches want to close...

By Josh Barr | June 2, 2008; 08:55 AM ET | Comments (0)

Background Checks for Recruits

Great, and scary, piece here. A private investigator is soliciting colleges to do background checks on their recruits. More and more players seem to be getting in trouble before they step foot on campus, such as this would-be Washington State quarterback, cited 18 times and now looking for a new...

By Josh Barr | May 30, 2008; 09:53 AM ET | Comments (0)

Recruits Feel Comfortable With Paterno's Status

I asked the obvious question of Gaithersburg All-Met lineman Sean Stanley and his coach, Kreg Kephart, yesterday. With so much made about a coach's job security these days, why would a recruit feel comfortable committing to Penn State given the circus surrounding not-quite-coach-for-life Joe Paterno. "Even if Coach Paterno does...

By Josh Barr | May 28, 2008; 12:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

Lions Get One More, This Time From Oxon Hill

I heard about this one last night, but didn't get a chance to post. Penn State has landed yet another local player, Oxon Hill wide receiver Brandon Felder. Does anyone else think this is looking more and more like the recruiting class of three years ago?...

By Josh Barr | May 28, 2008; 09:52 AM ET | Comments (3)

Penn State Lands Another All-Met

Chalk up one more for Penn State. Gaithersburg All-Met lineman Sean Stanley earlier this afternoon committed to play for the Nittany Lions. "He thought about Maryland," Gaithersburg Coach Kreg Kephart said. "I think he thought long and hard about Georgia, Stanford and Michigan. And Pitt. And Tennessee and Nebraska. Those...

By Josh Barr | May 27, 2008; 04:36 PM ET | Comments (2)

Penn State Plucks Another Local

This time it's Eleanor Roosevelt cornerback Stephon Morris. He also had offers from Louisville and Rutgers, among others, Raiders Coach Tom Green said, but decided to join teammate Derrick Thomas and others planning to head to State College....

By Josh Barr | May 27, 2008; 10:45 AM ET | Comments (0)

Whitman Standout in the Spotlight

This week's Recruiting Spotlight features B.J. Koubaroulis sitting down with Whitman multi-positional standout Anthony Young-Wiseman. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior sacrificed his personal statistics at wide receiver, taking over at quarterback and solidifying the secondary as a defensive back, where he used his 4.6 speed to help the Vikings to a...

By Josh Barr | May 22, 2008; 10:21 AM ET | Comments (1)

Auburn QB Recruit Coming to D.C. Area

This will go down as one of the more unusual stories I've seen in a while. The Annapolis Capital reports that Meade's yet-to-be-named football coach will inherit star quarterback Raymond Cotton, an Auburn recruit who played in Alabama last year but will move to the area because his father's Coast...

By Josh Barr | May 21, 2008; 12:50 PM ET | Comments (1)

Early Signing Period for Football? Believe It When It Happens

Been there, seen it, never had a chance ... until now? Creating an early signing period for football is a topic that seems to come up annually - and never materializes. There have been NCAA proposals to do this, but they've never passed. And while an American Football Coaches Association...

By Josh Barr | May 16, 2008; 11:02 AM ET | Comments (0)

Penn State Strikes for Third Time in a Week

Just got off the line with Edison Coach Vaughn Lewis, who reports that offensive lineman Frank Figueroa has committed to Penn State, the third local player in a week to say he will accept a scholarship offer from the Nittany Lions. Figueroa, a guard, had yet to receive any other...

By Josh Barr | May 15, 2008; 12:32 PM ET | Comments (0)

All-Met Lineman Packing His Bags

Quince Orchard All-Met lineman Terrence Stephens has committed to play for Stanford, Cougars Coach Dave Mencarini said. Stephens, who had plenty of other scholarship offers, visited the West Coast school last month and decided it was the place for him. While unusual, it's not unheard of for the Cardinal to...

By Josh Barr | May 13, 2008; 10:37 AM ET | Comments (0)

Big Weekend: Penn State +2, Ohio State -1

Busy weekend for the local juniors attending the Nike Combine up in State College. First, Lackey defensive back Darrell Givens decommitted from Ohio State in order to commit to Penn State. Then Eleanor Roosevelt wide receiver-cornerback Derrick Thomas committed to play for the Nittany Lions. First, a look at Thomas,...

By Josh Barr | May 12, 2008; 06:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

Syracuse Offers Whitman Standout

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis passes along this tidbit: Syracuse offered Whitman junior Anthony Young-Wiseman on Friday. Young-Wiseman, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound defensive back and wide receiver, is a versatile do-it-all athlete who shined as a dual-threat quarterback for the Vikings (6-5) this past fall. However, Young-Wiseman most likely will be a wide...

By Josh Barr | May 12, 2008; 08:59 AM ET | Comments (0)

Terps Offer Eleanor Roosevelt Standout

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis passes along that Eleanor Roosevelt rising senior Isaiah Ross reports that he's received a full scholarship offer from Maryland. Ross, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound versatile threat, recorded 111 tackles, 13 sacks, eight forced fumbles and four fumble returns and was named the Raiders' most valuable player in 2007....

By Josh Barr | May 6, 2008; 01:37 PM ET | Comments (0)

Tuberville Says Saban Has "A Great Idea"

Here's more on Nick Saban's video conferencing. The funny thing about it? Within a few hours of rolling out the idea, Auburn's Tommy Tuberville knew what was his biggest rival was up to and says: "It sounds like a great idea."...

By Josh Barr | May 5, 2008; 08:52 AM ET | Comments (0)

Georgia On Tavon Austin's Mind?

The Baltimore Sun continues its series of Tavon Austin talking about his recruitment. Not much new to offer, though Austin says that Georgia is the second SEC school to offer the Dunbar-Baltimore standout a scholarship. As Austin says, "Right now, all the schools are kind of the same to me...

By Josh Barr | May 2, 2008; 12:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

The Rounds Continue for Jenkins

The college coaches continue to filter into Good Counsel to visit with All-Met linebacker Jelani Jenkins. Yesterday it was assistant coaches from UCLA, Stanford, Wake Forest and Michigan State, which was represented by Ted Gill -- "an old friend coming through since 1970," Good Counsel Coach Bob Milloy said. On...

By Josh Barr | April 30, 2008; 10:08 AM ET | Comments (0)

Local Standout Showing Interest in Terps

I borrowed Steinberg's reporter cap last night and spent some time on the phone with Theodore Roosevelt Coach Daryl Tilghman, who said that Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin was at the Northwest Washington school earlier in the day to meet with standout defensive end Darin Drakeford. Drakeford holds scholarship offers...

By Josh Barr | April 30, 2008; 07:21 AM ET | Comments (0)

Webby Fires Back at Zook; Zook Coming to Town

That Saban Rule is getting plenty of ink. After Illinois Coach Ron Zook last week wondered about the ethics between college football coaches and recruiting Web sites, the head of one site has fired back: Writes Bobby Burton of Rivals.com: "This new rule has nothing to do with Rivals.com; it's...

By Josh Barr | April 28, 2008; 12:54 PM ET | Comments (1)

Saban Finds Way Around NCAA Rule

Plenty of good recruiting reading to start off the week. Consider this doozy. Alabama's Nick Saban has found a way around the so-called Saban Rule, which prohibits head coaches from visiting recruits during the spring contact period. The solution: a Web cam in Saban's office, with an address that assistant...

By Josh Barr | April 28, 2008; 10:03 AM ET | Comments (1)

Another Local Junior Makes ACC Pick

This time, it's Virginia picking up a local pledge. Centreville Coach Gerry Pannoni reports that junior offensive tackle Luke Bowanko has committed to the Cavaliers. Bowanko, who is 6-6 and 270 pounds, was a second-team all-Northern Region pick last year. He also took campus visits to Virginia Tech, North Carolina,...

By Josh Barr | April 24, 2008; 08:46 PM ET | Comments (0)

Local RB Picks Big Orange

Goodness, the top local juniors just keep committing. This time, it's Stonewall Jackson running back Damien Thigpen, who is pledging for Tennessee. Not bad, eh? He also had offers from Auburn, Boston College, Connecticut, Minnesota, Stanford and West Virginia....

By Josh Barr | April 24, 2008; 12:29 PM ET | Comments (0)

Big Week For Wake Forest

First it was All-Met defensive back Michael Campanaro pledging to the Demon Deacons. Now, colleague Paul Tenorio reports, Stone Bridge junior defensive tackle Zach Thompson has committed to play for Wake Forest, according to an email from Stone Bridge Coach (and Zach's dad) Mickey Thompson. Zach Thompson, a 6-5, 250-pound...

By Josh Barr | April 24, 2008; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Scout/Rivals Operators Benefiting from New NCAA Rule?

Funny, I was just having a discussion about this yesterday. Will prohibiting college head coaches from being on the recruiting trail this spring put Internet site operators in position to exploit their ability to contact recruits at will? The theory is that these "reporters" are unregulated and rely on recruiting...

By Josh Barr | April 23, 2008; 09:58 AM ET | Comments (0)

Ohio State Gets Another D.C. Area Player

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis, fresh off a marathon session of interviews for upcoming recruiting spotlight videos, files this report: Lackey defensive back Darrell Givens verbally committed to play football at Ohio State during an unofficial visit to campus this past weekend. Givens, a 6-foot, 180-pound speedy corner, recorded 44 tackles, three...

By Josh Barr | April 22, 2008; 03:26 PM ET | Comments (0)

More On Campanaro/Wake Forest

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis caught up with River Hill junior Michael Campanaro orally committed to play football at Wake Forest during an unofficial visit to campus this past Saturday. Campanaro, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound running back/wide receiver/defensive back, chose the Demon Deacons over offers from North Carolina, Northwestern and Akron because "the...

By Josh Barr | April 21, 2008; 11:34 AM ET | Comments (0)

Dunbar Standout Makes His Choice

Dunbar Coach Craig Jefferies reports that his standout wide receiver, rising senior Deon Long, committed to West Virginia this past Saturday during a trip to Morgantown to attend the Mountaineers' spring football game. I hope to have more on this later today....

By Josh Barr | April 21, 2008; 08:29 AM ET | Comments (0)

Another Local Bound for the ACC

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis passes along that he got word from Til Campanaro that his son, All-Met defensive back Michael Campanaro, committed to play for Wake Forest during a campus visit today. More to come during the week......

By Josh Barr | April 19, 2008; 04:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

Ultimate Recruiting Lure?

This is either the ultimate recruiting lure or a $35,000 faux pas, take your pick. When a tight end prospect was in Gainesville recently, he stopped to take a picture with Tim Tebow's (sturdier) Heisman Trophy. Somehow, 6-3, 225-pound Orson Charles knocked over Florida's BCS championship trophy, shattering the Waterford...

By Josh Barr | April 17, 2008; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (0)

Spotlight on Good Counsel RB Caleb Porzel

This week's Recruiting Spotlight features Good Counsel junior Caleb Porzel sitting down with reporter B.J. Koubaroulis. Porzel, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound running back, has clocked a 4.32-second 40-yard dash. He used that speed to rush for 976 yards and 16 touchdowns, also finding the end zone on a kick-off return and...

By Josh Barr | April 16, 2008; 04:58 PM ET | Comments (0)

Tavon Austin Making Campus Visits

Tavon Austin makes it look like you're playing a video game when he's on the football field, zig-zagging among defenders and leading the Dunbar-Baltimore football team to state titles. He is in the process of making junior day visits to colleges, but it could be some time before he makes...

By Josh Barr | April 16, 2008; 10:23 AM ET | Comments (0)

Terps Land a Coyote

Clarksburg Coach Larry Hurd was almost as elusive as running back Avery Graham, but colleague Alan Goldenbach finally caught up with Hurd to confirm that Graham became the school's first player to secure to a Division I-A football scholarship when the 6-foot, 180-pounder orally committed to Maryland. Last year, Graham...

By Josh Barr | April 16, 2008; 09:18 AM ET | Comments (0)

Local Speedster Is Big East Bound

Big Boss Man Dan Uthman passes along this commitment from Thomas Johnson Coach Ben Wright. Wide receiver and defensive back D.J. Scott, a rising senior, has committed to play for Syracuse. Scott, who is 5-10 and 170 pounds, had 11 interceptions this past season as the Patriots advanced to the...

By Josh Barr | April 14, 2008; 11:02 AM ET | Comments (0)

Another Stone Bridger Is ACC Bound

While the Thompsons wait to reach their decision, a teammate has made his choice, reports colleague (and Stone Bridge pom-pom waver) B.J. Koubaroulis, who passes along this report: Stone Bridge junior Mike Olson orally committed to play football at Wake Forest. Olson, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound linebacker, accepted his first official...

By Josh Barr | April 10, 2008; 09:32 AM ET | Comments (0)

Spotlight On Stone Bridge Twins

This week's Recruiting Spotlight features twin brothers Patrick and Zach Thompson of Stone Bridge High School sitting down with reporter B.J. Koubaroulis. Patrick, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound quarterback, threw four touchdowns in a 38-0 victory over Potomac in this year's Virginia AAA Division 5 final. Zach, a 6-5, 240-pound defensive end,...

By Josh Barr | April 10, 2008; 08:35 AM ET | Comments (0)

Maryland On Trail of Roosevelt Speedster

Eleanor Roosevelt junior Derrick Thomas holds a scholarship offer from Maryland, which is recruiting him to play cornerback, Raiders first-year coach Tom Green said. Thomas, who is 6 feet 1 and 180 pounds, plays wide receiver and cornerback for Roosevelt. Maryland also is interested in Roosevelt's Isaiah Ross, who at...

By Josh Barr | April 4, 2008; 12:36 PM ET | Comments (0)

Spotlight On N.C. State Recruit

This week's Recruiting Spotlight features Stone Bridge defensive lineman Brian Slay sitting down with reporter B.J. Koubaroulis. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound junior helped the Ashburn school to its first Virginia AAA Division 5 championship this fall and then verbally committed to North Carolina State in early March. After helping the Bulldogs'...

By Josh Barr | April 3, 2008; 04:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

Record-Setting QB Chooses Unusual Route

Colleague Dave Yanovitz passes along this tidbit. Oakland Mills quarterback Justin Sottilaire, who set a Maryland public school single-game record with 448 yards passing last September, has signed to play for St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound signal caller helped the Scorpions win three games this...

By Josh Barr | April 3, 2008; 12:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

Mountaineers Make Local Pitch

While it's already been a big week for local quarterbacks to make their decisions, Seneca Valley junior Xavier Hughes picked up his first scholarship offer this week as West Virginia offered the 6-2, 170-pounder as a defensive back. Hughes had 65 tackles and three interceptions this past season for the...

By Josh Barr | April 1, 2008; 10:28 AM ET | Comments (0)

Another Local QB Picks Another ACC School!

Not to be outdone by Sherando's Roth Metheny choosing Virginia, North Carolina has landed West Springfield quarterback Bryn Renner, colleague B.J. Koubaroulis reports. Here's a recent spotlight on Renner, who also plans to play baseball for the Tar Heels. "He liked Carolina the best for a variety of reasons so...

By Josh Barr | March 31, 2008; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (0)

Local QB Makes ACC Pick

Virginia picked up its fourth verbal commitment from the class of rising high school seniors as Sherando quarterback Ross Metheny pledged for the Cavaliers yesterday. Virginia offered Metheny a scholarship last month and he subsequently went on a spring break college tour to Georgia, Connecticut and Boston College before reaching...

By Josh Barr | March 31, 2008; 09:37 AM ET | Comments (0)

WVU Hits Tidewater Hard

Want an instant recipe for recruiting in one of the East Coast's biggest football hotbeds? Follow the one West Virginia has taken, hiring a former Tidewater high school football coach as an assistant. Chris Beatty, whose resume includes a brief stint at North Stafford High, went from being a high...

By Josh Barr | March 26, 2008; 12:04 PM ET | Comments (0)

Loudoun Standout Picks Up Two More ACC Offers

Colleague Paul Tenorio -- aka Mr. Loudoun County -- reports that Stone Bridge junior defensive tackle Zach Thompson picked up two more offers last week, from Boston College and Wake Forest. Those that have been following Zach's progress know that those two offers make it seven now. West Virginia, Virginia,...

By Josh Barr | March 24, 2008; 02:10 PM ET | Comments (0)

More On Pryor; Plans to Be Like Tebow

Goodness, gracious. I didn't watch Terrelle Pryor's news conference yesterday. But, yep, he said it, "University of Ohio State." Why is it so hard to get those few words right? UOS? Anyone ever heard that? However, I'm glad he didn't play the hat game. Here's more confirmation that Pryor was...

By Josh Barr | March 20, 2008; 11:36 AM ET | Comments (0)

Undersized Corner Hopes to Get Looks

St. John's cornerback Ed Thomas might be undersized but as B.J. Koubaroulis found out, he's one of the strongest players on the St. John's team. Thomas hopes that will translate into a scholarship offer....

By Josh Barr | March 20, 2008; 05:29 AM ET | Comments (0)

Pryor Says He's a Buckeye

Wow, shocking news here. Terrelle Pryor says he will grace Ohio State with his presence. I can't remember which paper had it this morning, but someone noted that after delaying his decision because his father wanted him to consider Penn State, Pryor never took an official visit to State College,...

By Josh Barr | March 19, 2008; 12:16 PM ET | Comments (0)

Big Day Has Arrived; Pryor Decision At Noon

The big day finally has arrived. Yep, Terrelle Pryor will bestow upon us his college choice. No doubt the nation's top recruit has everyone tuned in from Columbus to Ann Arbor awaiting his decision. I wonder if a series this week about Michigan's alleged easy road for athletes will sway...

By Josh Barr | March 19, 2008; 09:26 AM ET | Comments (0)

Big Doings at QO; Gators Join the Fray

Quince Orchard football coach Dave Mencarini reports "we got fireworks at QO," and he's not exaggerating too much. (Though, as anyone who has been around knows, the only fireworks in Montgomery County are at Damascus, where some kids occasionally go in the woods to set off a small display at...

By Josh Barr | March 18, 2008; 09:48 AM ET | Comments (0)

Two Top Backs on One Team

Just got off the phone with Good Counsel football coach Bob Milloy, who, naturally, called me wondering how he could buy NCAA tournament tickets for this weekend at Verizon Center, since his wife and daughter are Purdue alums. (Best answer: Call the Purdue ticket office and hope it has some...

By Josh Barr | March 17, 2008; 10:26 AM ET | Comments (1)

Inside Look at Hokies' Recruit

Stone Bridge lineman David Wang was the first local junior to make his college football choice, accepting a scholarship to play for Virginia Tech before this past season. B.J. Koubaroulis talks to Wang about joining his older brother, Ed, with the Hokies....

By Josh Barr | March 13, 2008; 10:49 AM ET | Comments (0)

Charges Reduced Against All-Met Lineman

Former All-Met lineman Phil Taylor was in court yesterday and had his charge reduced from felony assault to a series of misdemeanors stemming from a fight last fall. The same thing happened to the other two defendants in the case, including All-Met linebacker Navorro Bowman, but in the previous instances...

By Josh Barr | March 13, 2008; 09:48 AM ET | Comments (0)

Top Recruit Headed to Anger Management

And he's not alone. Nation's Top Football Recruit (NTFR) Terrelle Pryor and his Jeannette (Pa.) High basketball teammates escaped serious punishment for their postgame fight last week and all will be able to play in this week's state semifinals. Pryor did not attend yesterday's hearing, according to a text message...

By Josh Barr | March 12, 2008; 11:06 AM ET | Comments (0)

Pryor To Sit Out?

Superstar quarterback Terrelle Pryor - yet to pick between Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan - could be suspended from Jeannette (Pa.) High's state semifinal basketball game. Officials are reviewing a postgame fight following Jeannette's quarterfinal victory. Anyone think this will affect Pryor's recruiting process? Just kidding, obviously....

By Josh Barr | March 11, 2008; 10:47 AM ET | Comments (0)

Virginia QB Gets Big East Offer

Budding TV superstar B.J. Koubaroulis passing along this tidbit as he prepares an upcoming video: Sherando quarterback Ross Metheny was offered by Connecticut this morning, according to Sherando Coach Bill Hall. Despite breaking his right ankle in the Virginia AA Division 4 championship game, Metheny still has caught the eye...

By Josh Barr | March 6, 2008; 02:25 PM ET | Comments (0)

Terps Offer Second-Team DE

Colleague Alan Goldenbach passes along word that second-team All-Met Darin Drakeford of Theodore Roosevelt has received a scholarship offer from Maryland. Drakeford set a school reocrd for sacks this past season at Roosevelt....

By Josh Barr | March 4, 2008; 05:38 PM ET | Comments (0)

Another Former All-Met Charged At Penn State

Former Gwynn Park All-Met defensive lineman Phillip Taylor is the latest Penn State football player arrested and charged for his alleged role in an assault outside a fraternity dance last fall. All-Met linebacker Navorro Bowman of Suitland also was charged in the case. Both players have been suspended from the...

By Josh Barr | March 4, 2008; 02:02 PM ET | Comments (0)

Local Defensive End Makes ACC Pick

Colleague Paul Tenorio passes along this bit of news: Stone Bridge junior Brian Slay, a 6-foot-3, 255 pound defensive end that helped lead the Bulldogs to the Virginia AAA Division 5 title has given a verbal commitment to North Carolina State, according to Stone Bridge Coach Mickey Thompson. Thompson said...

By Josh Barr | March 4, 2008; 11:30 AM ET | Comments (0)

U-Va. Headed For Another Small Class?

That's what Man About Roanoke Doug Doughty writes in this good read on Virginia's football recruiting as he notes that the 85-scholarship limit means the Cavaliers likely will have another small recruiting class in 2009. What makes this even more noteworthy is this week's verbal commitments from running backs Dominique...

By Josh Barr | February 29, 2008; 12:15 PM ET | Comments (0)

Scholarship Offer Revoked, Player Sues College

Here's a new twist to a new coach yanking a prospect's scholarship offer. A Boise, Idaho, high school senior is suing the University of Hawaii and one of its former assistant football coaches after his offer was pulled. The player, Daniel Smith, alleges that the assistant coach told him not...

By Josh Barr | February 28, 2008; 12:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

U-Va. Gets Two Local Backs

Virginia got a commitment earlier this week from Chancellor running back Dominique Wallace and now there is word the Cavaliers have also have gotten a commitment from Good Counsel speedster Caleb Porzel. Wallace was the Virginia AA Battlefield District offensive player of the year this past season. He committed after...

By Josh Barr | February 27, 2008; 03:29 PM ET | Comments (4)

All-Met Back Picks Up ACC Offer

River Hill junior Michael Campanaro, who helped his team to the Maryland 2A title this past season, recently received a scholarship offer from Wake Forest, according to his father, Til Campanaro, who said North Carolina also has said it will offer the defensive back-running back. Campanaro already has offers from...

By Josh Barr | February 27, 2008; 09:55 AM ET | Comments (0)

Fredericksburg Players Getting ACC Offers

Chancellor running back Dominique Wallace says Virginia is his favorite, even after picking up scholarship offers from Maryland, Penn State and North Carolina last week. Now, his teammate is getting some attention too. Defensive lineman Clinton Simpkins recently was offered by North Carolina State....

By Josh Barr | February 20, 2008; 12:07 PM ET | Comments (0)

It Gets Weirder Yet In Nevada

So Kevin Hart isn't going to Cal. If he's lucky, maybe Jerry Glanville and Portland State will take him. Now comes this story: Fernley High football coach Mark Hodges has sued the Lyon County School District for $20,000 for defamation in the wake of the most bizarre recruiting story I...

By Josh Barr | February 14, 2008; 08:49 PM ET | Comments (1)

Recruiting Way Out of Whack

Somehow, this columnist succeeds in connecting Terrelle Pryor and Kevin Hart into an argument that the importance of recruiting is way out of whack. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem likely that we can turn back the clock and put recruiting back into perspective....

By Josh Barr | February 12, 2008; 10:36 AM ET | Comments (0)

Taylor In Trouble at Penn State Too?

Remember how Penn State got the best of Maryland three years ago when it seemed all the top local prospects headed to State College? And remember that it says here way too much is made of recruiting and that it takes three to four years before a recruiting class can...

By Josh Barr | February 11, 2008; 12:25 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hotshot Running Back Under Microscope

The recruitment of hotshot running back Darrell Scott took one final twist last week when he signed with Colorado. Then one of his assistant coaches said Scott picked the Buffaloes because they made an offer that could not be refused, prompting Colorado assistant Darian Hagan to strongly deny any wrongdoing....

By Josh Barr | February 11, 2008; 12:15 PM ET | Comments (0)

Nevada Hoaxster Finds a Taker?

Kevin Hart won't be playing at Cal, but it is possible he could find a taker further up the Pacific Coast. I'd chalk this one up to Jerry Glanville pulling a publicity stunt - no way, you - but who knows how far he would go. After all, this definitely...

By Josh Barr | February 11, 2008; 09:52 AM ET | Comments (0)

Nearly 100 Local Players Going On I-A or I-AA Rides

Nearly 100 local players signed or committed to Division I colleges, including Friendly All-Met linebacker Eteyen Edet, who has transformed himself into a top recruit for Maryland. A few players were left off our list yesterday, including Robinson RB Peter Ferrara (Lafayette), Flint Hill WR-DB Shane Savage (Cornell) and Coolidge...

By Josh Barr | February 7, 2008; 10:06 AM ET | Comments (0)

Nevada Player Made It All Up

Lots of stuff to get to today. Let's start with the obvious. The Nevada high schooler who claimed he had been duped by a middleman acting as a recruiter? Made the whole thing. Just wanted to play D-1 ball, he said. Wow. You've got to wonder what comes next. My...

By Josh Barr | February 7, 2008; 09:23 AM ET | Comments (0)

Another Perfect 10 (Plus) for DeMatha

Nobody puts players in college like DeMatha, which this year has 11 players already signed or committed to Division I schools. (The Ivy League and service academies don't participate in the letter-of-intent program.) From 1990 to 2005, the Stags had double-digit Division I recruits every year, but fell off with...

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2008; 03:18 PM ET | Comments (0)

Morgan State Triples Up

Colleague Alan Goldenbach passes along this note from Friendship Collegiate Coach Aazaar Rahim, who writes that WR Winfred Diggs, QB Delonte Williams and LB Chris Lloyd all signed letters-of-intent to attend Morgan State University...

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2008; 02:54 PM ET | Comments (1)

Locksley Talks D.C.

Here's an excerpt from a chat done earlier today by Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, who was asked about his connections to the Washington area. I didn't play at Dunbar, John, but I whooped them up pretty good three times while I was at Ballou. My relationship with Coach Jefferies...

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2008; 02:01 PM ET | Comments (0)

Two Things About Terrelle Pryor

Two items caught my attention in this USA Today story about Terrelle Pryor. First, recruiting analyst Tom Lemming has an excellent point about the hype surrounding Pryor, saying that "ven though he's a unique player, in everybody's mind he becomes even better because people are giving him publicity." Second, comes...

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2008; 01:14 PM ET | Comments (1)

Checking Out the Colleges

Here are the link to the region's top college programs and their newest recruits, with with links to video highlights for most players: Virginia Tech Virginia Maryland...

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2008; 12:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

U-Md., U-Va, Va. Tech Recruiting Stories

Maryland thinks it has its best recruiting class in Ralph Friedgen's tenure. Virginia Tech once again got most of its state's top players. Here's a good read about Stonewall Jackson RB Ryan Williams and how a trip from Blacksburg to Manassas by Frank Beamer and three assistants helped the Hokies...

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2008; 12:12 PM ET | Comments (0)

Nation's No. 1 Prospect Says He Will...

How crazy has recruiting gotten? Well, the nation's top ranked recruit will have a news conference shortly to say that there is no news! Yep, that's right, Jeannette (Pa.) quarterback Terrelle Pryor will go ahead with the news conference because "my principal still wants me to do it because everyone...

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2008; 11:46 AM ET | Comments (0)

Most Bizarre Story of the Recruiting Season

In case folks haven't seen, I've got a story today about a recruit who accepted a scholarship offer that doesn't exist. Certainly one of the most bizarre recruiting stories ever. The short version: offensive lineman Kevin Hart, from a small Nevada town, at a school-wide assembly announced he was going...

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2008; 11:39 AM ET | Comments (1)

Football Signing Underway!

Busy day today. Just got back in front of the computer after traveling to Friendly High, where eight players signed their letters-of-intent this morning: WR Lamaar Thomas - Ohio State LB Eteyen Edet - Maryland DB Devin Wallace - Virginia OL Quinton Sales - Massachusetts WR Carlos Davis - Old...

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2008; 11:25 AM ET | Comments (1)

Looking Back One Year at Top Juniors

With the signing period for football starting tomorrow (I hate the term National Signing Day), here's a look at how I did last spring when projecting the area's top 20 recruits. Obviously, some folks were left off this list. But from 1 to 14, I did pretty well. From 15...

By Josh Barr | February 5, 2008; 10:46 AM ET | Comments (0)

Cavs, Hokies Add Recruits

Virginia added two more recruits over the weekend. Virginia Tech added another wide receiver, giving the Hokies 20 of their 27 commitments from in-state players. Here's more on the latest additions....

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2008; 02:13 PM ET | Comments (0)

Some Local Commitments

Jae Jackson, who guided the Bowie football team back to success in recent seasons, emails to report that defensive backs De'von Richardson and Rod Hill are bound for Navy and Marist, respectively. Also, Big Boss Man Dan Uthman has the report that Old Dominion got a verbal commitment from its...

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2008; 12:13 PM ET | Comments (1)

Good Reads Leading Up to Signing Period

Colleague Matt Stanmyre has a good read on HBCUs recruiting white players. According to some coaches, it's a growing trend. The Chicago Tribune looks at the "bump rule", which stipulates that college coaches are supposed to avoid contact with recruits during certain times and are only allowed to greet them...

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2008; 12:07 PM ET | Comments (0)

Expert Calls Recruiting Rankings "Fool's Gold"

Here's one more story calling phooey on recruiting rankings. What makes this one interesting, I think, is that some of the recruiting gurus are basically admitting the rankings don't matter. Says longtime expert Allen Wallace, the rankings are "fool's gold." "You come to understand that you just can't really tell...

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2008; 11:30 AM ET | Comments (0)

On-Field General Chooses Army

Bishop Ireton tight end-linebacker Andrew Rodriguez, the son of one of the army's leaders in Afghanistan, has chosen to play at West Point, Ireton Coach Tony Verducci writes in an email. Rodriguez was a second-team All-Met last season....

By Josh Barr | February 4, 2008; 10:12 AM ET | Comments (0)

DeMatha Running Back Headed to Big East

Got the heads up this afternoon from DeMatha do-it-all extraordinaire Tom Ponton that Stags fullback Ryan Clarke has committed to play for West Virginia. At 6-1 and 235 pounds, Clarke has the size, the issue in recruiting for him was finding the right fit, DeMatha Coach Bill McGregor said last...

By Josh Barr | February 3, 2008; 08:15 PM ET | Comments (0)

Here's the Video of Kenny Tate

Just in case anyone missed it and wants to see for themselves, here's the video of Kenny Tate announcing his decision to go to Maryland....

By Josh Barr | February 1, 2008; 02:37 PM ET | Comments (1)

Terps' Local Run Hits a Tree

While it certainly has been a good week for Maryland's football recruiting, the Terps missed out on a prospect today. Gonzaga Coach Joe Reyda reports that defensive back Johnson Bademosi has chosen Stanford over Maryland. Bademosi, a second-team All-Met, had narrowed his choices to those two schools but had to...

By Josh Barr | February 1, 2008; 01:27 PM ET | Comments (0)

Want to Hear the Coach Talk Recruiting? Get Out Your Wallet

So you're a big Maryland football fan and you want to hear Ralph Friedgen talk about Kenny Tate, Eteyen Edet, Zach Kerr and rest of the Terps' recruiting class when the beginning of the signing period starts on Wednesday. Well, unless you're a member of the football booster club, it's...

By Josh Barr | February 1, 2008; 11:03 AM ET | Comments (1)

Tate Says Maryland Felt Like "The Place For Me"

After narrowing his college choices to Maryland and Illinois, DeMatha two-time All-Met wide receiver Kenny Tate said there was not much difference between the two teams and what they offered. "It was just all the same," DeMatha's two-time All-Met wide receiver said. "It was which one I felt was the...

By Josh Barr | January 31, 2008; 05:59 PM ET | Comments (15)

Frederick-Area End Heading to ACC

Lost in the Kenny Tate hubbub, I missed posting about Thomas Johnson standout Steven Chase committing to play for Wake Forest. He plans to enroll in January 2009....

By Josh Barr | January 31, 2008; 02:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

Local Lineman Makes Pick

Got a call last night from former Friendly offensive coordinator Marcus Berry, who reports that terrific lineman Terrell Hawkins has committed to play for Howard. When the start of the signing period rolls around, the Patriots expect to have at least 10 players signing letters-of-intent.h...

By Josh Barr | January 31, 2008; 11:01 AM ET | Comments (0)

Tate to Pick Terps This Afternoon?

That's what my sources are saying. I'll have plenty more on this later today, of course. But if everything goes as expected, what a week for the Terps. Many Prince George's public school coaches believe that Friendly linebacker Eteyen Edet has the potential to be a college standout. A poll...

By Josh Barr | January 31, 2008; 12:57 AM ET | Comments (0)

Kerr Pledges For Maryland; Big Week for Terps?

Big week for Maryland. First, All-Met linebacker Eteyen Edet. Now, All-Met lineman Zach Kerr of Quince Orchard has pledged to be a Terrapin. And all indications point in the direction of two-time All-Met wide receiver Kenny Tate announcing for Maryland tomorrow. The news of the day is Kerr, highly-touted as...

By Josh Barr | January 30, 2008; 03:23 PM ET | Comments (0)

Pryor Bound to Be a Buckeye?

It's Rich Rodriguez's introduction to facing off against Ohio State, as Michigan and its archrival battle to secure a commitment from top-rated quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Both Rodriguez and Buckeyes Coach Jim Tressel are expected to be in attendance Saturday night to watch Pryor play basketball. But it might not matter,...

By Josh Barr | January 30, 2008; 02:30 PM ET | Comments (0)

Last Push For Tate

While DeMatha two-time All-Met wide receiver Kenny Tate had football coach Bill McGregor tell recruiters that Tate did not want to talk to them anymore, that didn't stop the college coaches from coming to watch Tate play basketball last night. Maryland coordinators James Franklin and Chris Cosh and Illinois offensive...

By Josh Barr | January 30, 2008; 01:53 PM ET | Comments (0)

Tate Decision Coming Thursday

DeMatha two-time All-Met wide receiver Kenny Tate will announce his college decision Thursday afternon on Washington Post Live. He's down to Maryland and Illinois. While it was intimated that Tate had eliminated Penn State from consideration earlier this month, Stags Coach Bill McGregor last night said that earlier in the...

By Josh Barr | January 29, 2008; 06:51 AM ET | Comments (0)

DeMatha Player Gets New Offer

Meant to post this one on Friday. DeMatha fullback Ryan Clarke (6-0, 235) picked up a scholarship offer from West Virginia last week, Stags Coach Bill McGregor said. There is a good chance that's where Clarke will end up....

By Josh Barr | January 28, 2008; 02:24 PM ET | Comments (0)

Bad Week for Former All-Mets

Not a good week for a few former All-Met football players. This is a bizarre story about Robinson alum Lucas Caparelli leaving Wake Forest after a Facebook rant. Suitland graduate Navorro Bowman was one of three Penn State players kicked off the team pending the resolution of the legal problems....

By Josh Barr | January 28, 2008; 10:06 AM ET | Comments (8)

Quite a Pickup for the Terps

Got a call earlier tonight from former Friendly offensive coordinator Marcus Berry, who reported that All-Met linebacker Eteyen Edet today committed to play for Maryland. Edet was on an official visit to Maryland this weekend. He went without a scholarship offer. That came this morning. It didn't take long for...

By Josh Barr | January 27, 2008; 10:26 PM ET | Comments (1)

Another Local Player Chooses Illinois

No, not DeMatha wide receiver Kenny Tate. Not yet, at least. Though the Illini and Maryland remain in the picture for the two-time All-Met. Expect a decision from him next week. Buried in an email from Dunbar Coach Craig Jefferies describing his seniors getting ready to sign letters-of-intent comes this...

By Josh Barr | January 25, 2008; 10:57 AM ET | Comments (3)

Meyer Not in the Clear Just Yet

While Florida Coach Urban Meyer thinks he's out of the woods, there are reports that things might not be so rosy in Gainesville regarding the recruitment of juco WR Carl Moore. A Sacromento Bee story last month noted that Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow spoke to Moore immediately after winning...

By Josh Barr | January 24, 2008; 03:00 PM ET | Comments (3)

Richmond QB Picks Hokies

The Richmond Times-Dispatch player of the year, quarterback Ju-Ju Clayton committed to play for Virginia Tech. Clayton only had scholarship offers from Army, Norfolk State, Youngstown State and William &Mary until November, when the Hokies made their pitch....

By Josh Barr | January 24, 2008; 12:44 PM ET | Comments (0)

"Up and Coming" Dukes Land Recruit

Courtland defensive end Aaron Harper picked James Madison over scholarship offers from Liberty and William & Mary. "I like their program because everything they're doing looks new and up-and-coming," Harper said. Hmmm... Guess winning the I-AA national championship in 2004 wasn't enough to establish the Dukes as a top team...

By Josh Barr | January 23, 2008; 06:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

Local DB Makes MAC Pick

Potomac (Va.) defensive back Abdul Kanneh has accepted a scholarship to play for Kent State. He visited the school this past weekend and then made up his mind....

By Josh Barr | January 23, 2008; 04:51 PM ET | Comments (0)

Local Player Switches from Terps to UNC

Scroll down for this one. One-time Wilde Lake running back Zach Brown, who spent this past year at Hargrave Military Academy, has changed his commitment from Maryland to North Carolina. I'll try to check with Wilde Lake Coach Doug DuVall and Hargrave Coach Robert Prunty to see what they think...

By Josh Barr | January 22, 2008; 03:29 PM ET | Comments (0)

Pryor Trips to Ann Arbor, No Decision Yet

What's next for Terrelle Pryor? The superstar quarterback enjoyed his visit to Michigan this past weekend but did not commit to the Wolverines. There could be official visits to LSU and/or Oregon. Penn State, Ohio State and Florida also are in the mix. The guess here is that Pryor does...

By Josh Barr | January 22, 2008; 10:14 AM ET | Comments (0)

Florida's Meyer Turned Flips for Recruit

Coaches take often unusual steps to land players. In order to get juco wide receiver Carl Moore, Florida Coach Urban Meyer also had to recruit Moore's girlfriend, a one-time college gymnast. The problem? According to this report, by acting as an intermediary for the girlfriend to get a scholarship, Meyer...

By Josh Barr | January 22, 2008; 09:20 AM ET | Comments (0)

Local Receiver Picks Penn State

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis passes along this report: South Lakes senior wide receiver A.J. Price accepted a full scholarship to play football at Penn State on Sunday. During an official visit this weekend, the 6-foot-4, 175-pound second team All-Met chose the Nittany Lions over offers from Virginia and Michigan. The decision...

By Josh Barr | January 21, 2008; 10:52 AM ET | Comments (0)

Cavs Hit Bumps in the Road

Rough stretch for the Virginia football team. Top recruiter Mike London appears bound to Richmond. Meantime, starting quarterback Jameel Sewell is not enrolled in spring semester classes, making him unlikely to be on the team and playing in the fall....

By Josh Barr | January 18, 2008; 10:25 AM ET | Comments (1)

Report Questions Rodriguez's Calls to Recruits

Oh boy, it's getting interesting now. Not only are West Virginia officials accusing Rich Rodriguez of shredding more than defenses, now comes this report that Rodriguez might have been contacting recruits during a dead period. (Edit: My quick interpretation is that no NCAA rules were broken.) And used his WVU-issued...

By Josh Barr | January 17, 2008; 11:44 AM ET | Comments (2)

Petrino On the Recruiting Trail?

ESPN Gene Wojciechowski, who knows the college landscape as well as anyone, has a terrific column on new Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino and how fun it would be to see him on the recruiting trail now. Consider this passage, of a conversation between Petrino and a father during an imaginary...

By Josh Barr | January 17, 2008; 11:08 AM ET | Comments (0)

Two Linemen Make Choices

Osbourn Coach Steve Schultze reports that lineman Blake Matthews has committed to play for Norfolk State. Matthews visited the school this past weekend and made his decision. Also, Westlake lineman A.J. Wills has committed to play for Old Dominion, choosing the new program after considering Ohio and Buffalo of the...

By Josh Barr | January 17, 2008; 10:16 AM ET | Comments (0)

Pryor to Michigan This Weekend

So Terrelle Pryor moved up his scheduled visit to Michigan and will be in Ann Arbor this weekend. This weekend's planned trip to Penn State is off? He might go somewhere else next weekend, perhaps Florida, LSU or Oregon. LSU is new the mix, as Pryor said, "I wouldn't say...

By Josh Barr | January 16, 2008; 01:12 PM ET | Comments (0)

Maryland Offers Local Defensive End

With most BCS schools having completed much of their senior recruiting, it's onto the juniors. Forestville Coach Charles Harley reports that junior defensive end DeOnte Arnett picked up his first scholarship offer yesterday, from Maryland. Arnett had 63 tackles and 15 sacks this past season. Harley expects that Arnett will...

By Josh Barr | January 16, 2008; 12:46 PM ET | Comments (1)

The Way to a Recruit's Heart?

Anyone else think this story missed the point? Seems that three Tennessee freshmen football players were chaperoning a recruit on his official visit this past weekend when their car was stopped after police noticed a burned-out light over the license plate. When officers approached the car, there was smoke coming...

By Josh Barr | January 15, 2008; 01:15 PM ET | Comments (6)

No. 1 QB More Likely to Fizzle Than Sizzle

With Terrelle Pryor seemingly headed to Michigan, the Detroit Free-Press looks at the top-rated quarterbacks the past five seasons and comes to the conclusion that recruiting rankings are for the birds. Of the group, only Georgia's Matthew Stafford has made an impact. The others: Rhett Bomar (paid $7,000 extra at...

By Josh Barr | January 15, 2008; 11:39 AM ET | Comments (1)

Mallett to Arkansas? Must First Learn Team's Call

While Ryan Mallett's father is denying his son has enrolled at Arkansas, it sure seems that the once-prized high school quarterback is going to be a Razorback. This report says that Mallett, who is leaving Michigan because he doesn't think he'll fit into Rich Rodriguez's spread offense, has already checked...

By Josh Barr | January 15, 2008; 10:44 AM ET | Comments (0)

U-Va. to Allow Midyear Enrollment

Here's an interesting story from Man About Charlottesville Jeff White, who has the story that Virginia will alter its admissions policy and start allowing midyear enrollment in certain situations. This should be a boost for the Cavaliers' football team, which has had to tell the growing number of recruits hoping...

By Josh Barr | January 15, 2008; 10:01 AM ET | Comments (0)

South Lakes WR Considering Michigan, Virginia, Penn State

Colleague B.J. Koubaroulis talked to South Lakes WR A.J. Price about playing basketball while trying to choose between college football scholarship offers. Michigan, Penn State and Virginia are his top three choices. You can watch Price's highlight tape here....

By Josh Barr | January 14, 2008; 03:04 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Few Football Commitments

Although most of the division I-A programs have completed nearly all of their senior recruiting, it's a busy time at the I-AA level. Making commitments this weekend: Urbana All-Met lineman Erik Saylor visited Old Dominion and committed to play for the Monarchs. Urbana defensive end Imani Chapman committed to play...

By Josh Barr | January 14, 2008; 09:39 AM ET | Comments (0)

Richmond Coach Heads to Tennessee

Here's a coaching change sure to be of interest to many high school football players in the Washington area. Richmond Coach Dave Clawson is off to Tennessee to become the Vols' offensive coordinator. The Spiders have several Washington-area players on their roster and it's the prime time of the recruiting...

By Josh Barr | January 11, 2008; 01:13 PM ET | Comments (0)

Pryor Taking Pro QB on Recruiting Trips

Terrelle Pryor mania continues. Buy his game-worn wristband on ebay! Now, the sought-after quarterback has has started writing a diary for a Pittsburgh newspaper. Today's installment reveals that Pryor plans to take Steelers QB Charlie Batch with him on recruiting visits. He'll just help me because he's been through this...

By Josh Barr | January 11, 2008; 12:27 PM ET | Comments (0)

The End Is Officially Here

Gotta love this item, which I found courtesy of The Wizard of Odds. High school quarterback Terrelle Pryor's game-worn wristband -- dated and signed! -- can be yours for $349 on ebay, plus $10 shipping. Anyone else got this thing bookmarked?...

By Josh Barr | January 10, 2008; 10:04 AM ET | Comments (2)

Michigan QB Transfers; Door Open for Pryor?

The dominos are starting to fall in Ann Arbor, where highly-touted freshman quarterback Ryan Mallett is transferring. Much was made of new coach Rich Rodriguez and whether Mallett would be a good fit. Rodriguez sounded downright uncomfortable when talking about Mallett during the broadcast of the Wolverines' bowl victory over...

By Josh Barr | January 9, 2008; 02:41 PM ET | Comments (2)

Tate Back on the Court, Decision Looming

It's easy to see why college football teams are courting DeMatha WR Kenny Tate. Aside from the obvious things (size, speed, ability), Tate just plays hard and unselfishly, whatever the sport. He returned to the starting lineup for the Stags' basketball team last night and made his presence known from...

By Josh Barr | January 9, 2008; 01:59 PM ET | Comments (0)

Talented Stag Makes Commitment

No, not WR Kenny Tate. I think he's a few weeks off from reaching a decision. RB Ashby Christian, who rushed for more than 1,500 yards each of the past two seasons, has committed to play for Navy. It ought to be an interesting transition, going from DeMatha's I-formation to...

By Josh Barr | January 7, 2008; 02:25 PM ET | Comments (2)

All-Star Football Scorecard

The Army declared victory, but this time it has nothing to do with Iraq. With overnight television ratings in, organizers of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl claimed victory over ESPN's UnderArmour High School All-America Game. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor dominated the Army game. He earned game MVP honors and won a...

By Josh Barr | January 7, 2008; 10:53 AM ET | Comments (1)

Harvey Turns Pro...

Former All-Met defensive end Derrick Harvey yesterday declared for the NFL draft, opting to skip his senior year at Florida. It's a pretty amazing story looking back. Consider that Coach Rick Houchens convinved Jared Gaither and Harvey to come out for football from the school's basketball team and now both...

By Josh Barr | January 4, 2008; 02:59 PM ET | Comments (0)

On Defense...

Continuing with the uncommitted first-team All-Mets... LB Eteyen Edet, Friendly: Has an official visit set up this weekend to Ohio, next weekend to North Carolina and then Louisville and Pittsburgh in successive weekends and is trying to find a time to visit Michigan State. While there was some thought Maryland...

By Josh Barr | January 4, 2008; 12:23 PM ET | Comments (0)

Uncommitted All-Mets

Here's the list of first-team All-Met football players who have yet to accept college scholarships, along with some thoughts on each: RB Evan Zedler, Damascus: Rushed for 2,243 yards and 29 touchdowns, but questions about his size (5-10, 185) and speed have limited interest from college recruiters. OL Joey Christine,...

By Josh Barr | January 4, 2008; 08:07 AM ET | Comments (0)

Dueling All-Star Games Hit the Airwaves

So it's Saturday afternoon and you've got nothing better to do. Nothing at all. Or maybe you need something to fill the time leading up to the Redskins-Seahawks. Nothing better than some all-star high school football, right? Mixed in with the obligatory hat game as a few players announce their...

By Josh Barr | January 3, 2008; 03:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

U-Md. Makes a Splash With Latest Hire

Didn't get to this over the weekend because of the holidays, but I'd expect Maryland to get a big boost in its local recruiting efforts from the hiring of offensive coordinator James Franklin. Many of the area's high school coaches remember how Mike Locksley and then Franklin worked locally for...

By Josh Barr | December 26, 2007; 11:14 AM ET | Comments (0)

Recruit Makes His Pick On X-Mas

Everyone celebrates their holidays differently. Suspended Eleanor Roosevelt coach Rick Houchens wished me a merry ho-ho-ho yesterday and called to say that defensive back Okechukwu Okoroha had committed yesterday morning to play for Boston College. Houchens said that Okoroha also had taken visits to Virginia and Illinois but opted for...

By Josh Barr | December 26, 2007; 09:54 AM ET | Comments (0)

What Do Folks Think of This One?

I've been meaning to post this topic since last week, when Rich Rodriguez - the coach who doesn't talk about rumor or innuendo - left West Virginia for Michigan. (It's hardly rumor or innuendo when a coach, after professing how he will not leave one school, meets with the AD...

By Josh Barr | December 21, 2007; 03:39 PM ET | Comments (0)

All-Met Notes; U-Md. Recruit Has Foot Surgery

The All-Met teams were published Wednesday. Many of the first-teamers already have made verbal commitments: Westfield QB Mike Glennon to North Carolina State Stone Bridge DB Jeron Gouveia to Virginia Tech Friendly RB Josh Haden to Boston College Surrattsville RB Davin Meggett, H.D. Woodson WR Tavon Wilson and Forestville WR...

By Josh Barr | December 21, 2007; 12:08 PM ET | Comments (1)

U Still Got It; Miami Nabs Top Prospect

Miami struggled on the football field this season, but it remains a big name in recruiting, landing one of the nation's top recruits. Linebacker Arthur Brown of Wichita, Kan., picked the Hurricanes over Florida, Louisiana State, North Carolina and Southern Cal....

By Josh Barr | December 20, 2007; 03:41 PM ET | Comments (0)

Good Counsel Lineman Picks CAA School

Sorry to have been away all week, been a little busy. But I've got a bunch of updates, starting with Good Counsel lineman Mickey DiLima committing to play for New Hampshire....

By Josh Barr | December 20, 2007; 02:18 PM ET | Comments (0)

D.C. Back Also Headed to the MAC

Colleague Alan Goldenbach passes along that Dunbar defensive back Jharron Armstrong has committed to play for Kent. It was Armstrong who returned an interception for the clinching touchdown of Dunbar's Turkey Bowl victory over H.D. Woodson last month. Armstrong had three interceptions this season. He also had offers from Akron...

By Josh Barr | December 14, 2007; 11:34 AM ET | Comments (0)

D.C. Lineman Headed to the MAC

St. John's football coach Joe Patterson reports that offensive lineman Korey Nealon Thursday committed to play for Eastern Michigan. Neal is a 6-2, 267-pound senior who also plays basketball for the Cadets....

By Josh Barr | December 14, 2007; 06:45 AM ET | Comments (0)

Two DeMatha Players Make Choices

DeMatha center Robbie McDowell committed to play for Delaware. Offensive tackle D.J. Sellman committed to play for Liberty....

By Josh Barr | December 12, 2007; 04:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

Tate Headed to College Park?

Well, he is this weekend. Though no guarantees about next fall. DeMatha All-Met receiver Kenny Tate took an official visit to Illinois last weekend and this weekend will take an official visit to Maryland. The 6-4, 215-pound senior plans trips to Penn State and Florida in January. Though at times...

By Josh Barr | December 12, 2007; 12:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

Big Red Coming to Town?

Look for the Big Red to come to town. There are a few assistants with local ties already mining the Washington area. Mike Locksley at Illinois and James Franklin at Kansas State are the most notable. It seems logical to expect Quince Orchard alum John Papuchis, recently hired as a...

By Josh Barr | December 10, 2007; 01:47 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Lesson In Patience, Persistence

For those who need a reminder about hard work and persistence, here's former Maryland quarterback Shaun Hill, who yesterday saw his first meaningful NFL action in his sixth year in the league. Hill's previous experience consisted of holding a clipboard and taking a knee in the final two plays of...

By Josh Barr | December 10, 2007; 11:49 AM ET | Comments (0)

Another Player Is Big East-Bound

Good Counsel defensive end Cory Boatman took an official visit to Syracuse this weekend and has committed to play for the Orange, Falcons Coach Bob Milloy said....

By Josh Barr | December 10, 2007; 11:01 AM ET | Comments (0)

Local Player Picks West Virginia

West Springfield kicker Tyler Bitancurt on Sunday committed to play for West Virginia. The Mountaineers last week offered Bitancurt a scholarship and he took an official visit to Morgantown over the weekend. Before leaving, he pledged to play for Coach Rich Rodriguez. West Springfield Coach Bill Renner calls Bitancurt the...

By Josh Barr | December 9, 2007; 10:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

All But Over. Damascus In Control, 33-13, 7:00 Left

The teams traded punts to start the second half. Then two nice option-keepers by Hereford QB Tyler Brown totaled 50 yards. Then Nick DePaola scored on a 1-yard run up the middle. The point-after failed. Still, Damascus leads, 27-13 late in the third. Damascus counters with Kyle Frazier's 6-yard bootleg....

By Josh Barr | December 6, 2007; 07:10 PM ET | Comments (0)

St. John's DB Getting Offers

St. John's defensive back Gerald Moore has picked up a few offers recently and now holds division I-A offers from Northwestern, Louisville, Ohio U, Eastern Michigan, Army and Navy, with several other schools in the mix. He was supposed to have in-home visits with Northwestern and Louisville this week and...

By Josh Barr | November 30, 2007; 11:32 AM ET | Comments (0)

DeMatha Lineman Chooses Delaware

It's been a busy few days at DeMatha, where football coach Bill McGregor says that coaches from 18 different colleges have made their way through to look at prospective recruits. No news on standout wide receiver-defensive back Kenny Tate, but center Robbie McDowell committed to Delaware. Defensive back Jonathan Mason...

By Josh Barr | November 28, 2007; 04:24 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Good Way to Pick a School

Kids pick colleges for all sorts of reasons. Ravens tackle Jonathan Ogden, a former All-Met Offensive Player of the Year at St. Albans, says he made his pick because he wanted to be able to participate in track. There's also a look at other Ravens who played a second sport...

By Josh Barr | November 28, 2007; 02:19 PM ET | Comments (1)

Busy Week For Big Lineman

Quince Orchard lineman Zach Kerr is preparing for Friday's Maryland 4A semifinal against Thomas Johnson, but he's also trying to reach a college choice. Maryland was scheduled to be at the Cougars' practice yesterday and then have an in-home visit with Kerr last night. "It's getting down to crunch time...

By Josh Barr | November 27, 2007; 11:38 AM ET | Comments (0)

Campanaro Ready For Another Run

Here's a profile of River Hill junior standout Michael Campanaro, who holds offers from North Carolina, Wake Forest, Northwestern and Akron. Here's Campanaro talking about his success. The Hawks play Patuxent tonight in a matchup of 11-0 teams in the Maryland 2A South Region final....

By Josh Barr | November 23, 2007; 11:38 AM ET | Comments (0)

West Springfield Kicker Has a Leg Up

Well, it's an easy (and cliched) headline. But it's true. West Springfield Coach Bill Renner is regarded as the region's authority on kicking, and he says that senior Tyler Bitancurt is the best he's ever coached or seen on film. Bitancurt has made 13 of 14 field goal attempts this...

By Josh Barr | November 19, 2007; 12:36 PM ET | Comments (0)

Towson Re-Ups Combs

Towson has hit the Washington area as hard as any Division I-AA recently and Cvoach Gody Combs will be doing a few more years after signing a contract extension yesterday that runs through 2010....

By Josh Barr | November 9, 2007; 03:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

Once a Top Prospect, Now Headed to Jail

Once a prized recruit, Baltimore's Melvin Alaeze was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to his role in a shooting and robbery in December....

By Josh Barr | November 8, 2007; 11:45 AM ET | Comments (0)

Local Back Interested in Irish

Chancellor junior fullback-linebacker Dominique Wallace enjoyed his unofficial visit to Notre Dame this past weekend. Wallace, some family and two assistant coaches made the drive to South Bend and were in attendance for Navy's 46-44, triple-overtime victory. Wallace, who is 6 feet and 230 pounds, says he already has a...

By Josh Barr | November 7, 2007; 11:01 AM ET | Comments (0)

More On Bennett/U-Conn.

Here's more on West Potomac lineman Jimmy Bennett and his decision to accept a scholarship offer from Connecticut....

By Josh Barr | November 6, 2007; 01:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

Big Lineman Makes His Pick

West Potomac's Jimmy Bennett reports that he has accepted a scholarship offer from Connecticut. I'll have more on this later. Quite a pickup for the Huskies, who are making a serious move this season....

By Josh Barr | November 5, 2007; 11:30 AM ET | Comments (0)

Dunbar Players Make Their Picks

Two Dunbar football players made their college choices last week. Defensive tackle Reggie Ellis opted to join the stream of local players going to Illinois, becoming the fourth player from Dunbar to commit to Illinois in the past three years. Defensive end Ugo Uzodinma picked Virginia over Illinois, prompting Crimson...

By Josh Barr | October 29, 2007; 01:50 PM ET | Comments (0)

Bailey Says He Prefers Orange

I go away for a few days and it turns into a busy week on the recruiting scene. Let's start with this one, passed along by St. John's football coach Joe Patterson, who this morning reports that running back Antwon Bailey committed to Syracuse on Friday. Patterson notes that Bailey...

By Josh Barr | October 29, 2007; 10:11 AM ET | Comments (0)

Yep, Thomas to Ohio State

As anticipated, Friendly running back Lamaar Thomas tonight pledged to play football for Ohio State. Thomas said he picked the Buckeyes over Illinois after eliminating Maryland from consideration because he wanted to leave the Washington area. "I felt real comfortable at Ohio State," Thomas said. "That's where I wanted to...

By Josh Barr | October 18, 2007; 08:32 PM ET | Comments (0)

Thomas Bound for Ohio State?

That's my guess. Friendly standout running back Lamaar Thomas is set to announce his college choice tonight at 7:30 on ESPNU. He's narrowed his list of choices to Ohio State, Maryland and Illinois. My guess is that he's going to be a Buckeye. We'll see....

By Josh Barr | October 18, 2007; 05:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

Meggett Has Been Impressive Thus Far

Here's a profile of Maryland recruit Davin Meggett. I covered Surrattsville's 36-24 loss to Douglass last Friday in part to see Meggett, who certainly has burst onto the scene this year. He's more explosive and with quarterback Andre Johnson back in the lineup after missing last season because of a...

By Josh Barr | October 17, 2007; 01:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

Locksley and Illinois Are Rolling

Colleague Eli Saslow was out in Champaign earlier this week and writes about the "East Coast swagger" Washington-area players have brought to Illinois. Obviously, the hiring of Mike Locksley as offensive coordinator has helped the Illini recruit in D.C. Remember, when Maryland parted ways with Charlie Taaffe - anyone think...

By Josh Barr | October 17, 2007; 11:44 AM ET | Comments (0)

Former All-Met Has Highlight Play

In case you haven't seen it, former Forestville All-Met football player Andre Jones finished off one of the plays of the season as he completed an 89-yard punt return on the game's final play to give Akron a 39-38 victory at Western Michigan. The video isn't too clear, but the...

By Josh Barr | October 10, 2007; 09:48 AM ET | Comments (0)

Local Product Set For First NFL Start

Sorry folks, was away from blogging for a few days, so there should be plenty of things to look at this week. Let's start with former Eleanor Roosevelt lineman Jared Gaither, who not too long ago was a high school senior playing organized football for the first time. Now an...

By Josh Barr | October 9, 2007; 11:11 AM ET | Comments (0)

Tate an All-American

DeMatha All-Met wide receiver Kenny Tate, my top-ranked recruit in the Washington area, will be named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl this weekend. A spokesman for the game says three other local players will be honored shortly. Completely in the dark, but I'll take a guess that the players...

By Josh Barr | October 4, 2007; 04:04 PM ET | Comments (2)

Should Eleanor Roosevelt Be Dropped from the Rankings?

Okay, this post isn't about recruiting. But I think it will appeal to most of the readers who follow high-level high school sports. In advance of getting ready to do next week's football rankings, I'm interested to hear what folks think The Post should do with Eleanor Roosevelt. In case...

By Josh Barr | October 3, 2007; 12:47 PM ET | Comments (17)

Austin Continues to Light It Up

Here's a quick update on Dunbar's sensational junior, Tavon Austin, who already holds a scholarship offer from Maryland. He was The Sun's Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore last year and has scored 62 career touchdowns....

By Josh Barr | October 3, 2007; 10:16 AM ET | Comments (0)

Trip to Frederick Was Worth It

So this past Friday night, I had an unusual assignment, covering the Christchurch School at St. John's (Md.). Christchurch isn't in our coverage area. And having now covered St. John's (Md.) twice, I believe that to be an all-time high among Post writers, one that surely never will be broken....

By Josh Barr | October 1, 2007; 10:28 AM ET | Comments (0)

A Look At Maryland's Quarterbacks

Here's an interesting take on Maryland, its quarterback problems and whether Ralph Friedgen should shoulder the blame. I think there are some valid points here, especially looking back at the Fridge's ability to churn out talented players like Joe Hamilton at Georgia Tech. However, I think there are two other...

By Josh Barr | September 28, 2007; 12:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

Barber Plans to Take Some Visits

Edison standout senior Ben Barber - who is playing quarterback for the Eagles but being recruited as a wide receiver - says he doesn't have any campus visits scheduled but anticipates taking some in the near future. Barber holds scholarship offers from Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech and says he...

By Josh Barr | September 24, 2007; 09:56 AM ET | Comments (0)

Thomas To Terps?

It seems possible, according to Friendly offensive coordinator Marcus Berry. Friendly standout running back Lamaar Thomas took an official visit to Maryland this past weekend and is headed to Ohio State for an official visit this weekend, Berry said. Thomas plans to visit Illinois the weekend after that and could...

By Josh Barr | September 20, 2007; 01:57 PM ET | Comments (0)

Maryland Chasing Thomas

As for Maryland and its recruiting efforts, Coach Ralph Friedgen and most of his staff were in attendance Saturday to see Friendly beat Forestville, 32-12. Friendly running back Lamaar Thomas, who holds three dozen scholarship offers, caught a touchdown pass, returned an interception for a touchdown and rushed for 71...

By Josh Barr | September 17, 2007; 11:33 AM ET | Comments (0)

Hokies Running Away With In-State Recruiting

Okay, back in business after a week off and there's plenty to blog about. But this item should provoke thought among local football fans. Man About Roanoke Doug Doughty has an early version of his list of the top prospects in Virginia. Virginia Beach quarterback E.J. Manuel, who has committed...

By Josh Barr | September 17, 2007; 08:39 AM ET | Comments (0)

Weekend Wrapup, Part II

According to the Gainesville Sun, Friendly All-Met Joe Haden is the first freshman ever to start a season opener at cornerback for the Florida Gators. As for some more lightly-recruited former local players, how about Gonzaga alum Joey Haynos, who has blossomed from one-time walk-onto standout tight end....

By Josh Barr | September 4, 2007; 12:36 PM ET | Comments (0)

Stone Bridge Lineman Picks Hokies

As anticipated after speaking with Stone Bridge Coach Mickey Thompson last month, junior tackle Ed Wang has committed to Virginia Tech. His older brother, Ed, already plays for the Hokies....

By Josh Barr | September 4, 2007; 11:06 AM ET | Comments (1)

Former All-Met Surfaces in the Midwest

It shouldn't be surprising that former Robinson All-Met linebacker Olu Hall has transferred to Kansas State after being ruled academically ineligible at Virginia. K-State rookie coach Ron Prince was the offensive coordinator at Virginia last season. The Wildcats nearly beat Auburn this past weekend before losing 23-13....

By Josh Barr | September 4, 2007; 10:27 AM ET | Comments (0)

Weekend Wrapup, Part I

Weekend roundup, part one. Plenty of last season's top local players are getting a chance to play as college freshmen. All-Met wide receiver Arrelious Benn caught five passes for 74 yards for Illinois in its loss to Missouri. Redshirt freshman Eddie McGee, from H.D. Woodson, took over at quarterback for...

By Josh Barr | September 4, 2007; 09:56 AM ET | Comments (0)

A Living Legend?

Not really on the recruiting front, but an interesting read nonetheless. Gotta say, I've talked with DeMatha football Bill McGregor several times, even shared a meal and talked about one of our favorite teams but I've never thought of him as a legend....

By Josh Barr | August 31, 2007; 01:41 PM ET | Comments (0)

Former All-Met QB Keeps His Cool

Remember All-Met quarterback Sean Schaefer? He was a first-teamer in 2003 out of Northern High. (The other first-team quarterback that year was Sean Glennon) Well, Schaefer is entering his third season as Towson's starter and he has quite an interesting story to boot....

By Josh Barr | August 30, 2007; 08:51 AM ET | Comments (0)

Top Prospect Chooses Terps

Maryland landed a big pickup last night when Bishop McNamara cornerback Cameron Chism committed to play for the Terrapins. "He talked to [defensive coordinator] Chris Cosh, who is a McNamara alum," McNamara Coach Bryce Bevill said. Just last week, Bevill said he believed that Chism would wait until after the...

By Josh Barr | August 28, 2007; 04:14 PM ET | Comments (6)

Rankings, Schmrankings

I've said plenty of times how little I believe in recruiting rankings. The most-hyped players have a hard time meeting expectations (see Antonio Logan-El for a recent example), while the lesser-known players often excel (see E.J. Henderson for another example). In the wake of former Robinson All-Met Olu Hall apparently...

By Josh Barr | August 22, 2007; 12:32 PM ET | Comments (0)

More On Whitaker and His Move to Receiver

As expected, there's plenty of stories today about Ike Whitaker's move to wide receiver at Virginia Tech. Whitaker said that freshman Tyrod Taylor reminds him of Marcus Vick. (I'll skip the obvious opportunity to make a joke here.) Also, Whitaker said he's okay with the move, figuring otherwise he'd been...

By Josh Barr | August 22, 2007; 09:59 AM ET | Comments (0)

Whitaker Done At Quarterback, Moves to Receiver

I'm not sure how this will play out, but Virginia Tech Coach Frank Beamer announced today that former All-Met quarterback Ike Whitaker will move full-time to wide receiver. I'm sure the folks in Blacksburg are working on this for tomorrow's papers, but here are the obvious questions, with Beamer stating...

By Josh Barr | August 21, 2007; 04:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

Local Cornerback Taking His Time

Bishop McNamara standout cornerback Cameron Chism has several scholarship offers, but it will be quite some time until he makes a college choice, Mustangs Coach Bryce Bevill said. The list of schools that have offered Chism includes Maryland, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, Boston College, Rutgers, Temple and Connecticut. "He's going...

By Josh Barr | August 21, 2007; 08:13 AM ET | Comments (0)

Lazear Ready to Play at WVU

So I wasn't sure what to think at first when I read this story. Should I laugh that My Main Man Pat has such a terrific memory? Should I be ticked that another journalist would give Lazear the platform to say whatever he wants and not call me? Should I...

By Josh Barr | August 20, 2007; 02:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

Kerns Joins Others at Hargrave

Former Thomas Johnson standout Terrence Kerns still needs to improve his SAT score and will spend the fall semester at Hargrave Military Academy. He joins a dozen or so other locals on the Hargrave roster, including: Osbourn Park linebacker Quillie Odom (signed with Virginia Tech), Wilde Lake running back Zach...

By Josh Barr | August 16, 2007; 02:15 PM ET | Comments (2)

Terps Get a Big Pickup

As always, this comes with the requisite warning - don't put too much stock into recruiting ratings. Having said that, Maryland got quite a pickup yesterday when it landed a top-notch defensive line prospect. Masengo Kabongo, who is 6-3 and 280 pounds, chose the Terps over Florida, Connecticut and Notre...

By Josh Barr | August 10, 2007; 06:51 AM ET | Comments (0)

Local Player Lands in the Big East

Gwynn Park senior Ronald Hobby, who plays wide receiver and cornerback, has verbally committed to play for Pittsburgh, Yellow Jackets Coach Danny Hayes said yesterday after returning from a vacation to the Bahamas. Hobby also had scholarship offers from Boston College, Syracuse and Eastern Michigan, Hayes said, and is expected...

By Josh Barr | August 9, 2007; 02:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

G'Town Prep Lineman Hopes to Lose Big

Georgetown Prep Coach Dan Paro added an unusual wrinkle when it came to motivating lineman Edgar Sheppard to lose weight, knowing that if Sheppard can "slim" down, the bulky senior can earn a college football scholarship. "I told him that if he got down to 299, I'd do a gasser...

By Josh Barr | August 9, 2007; 10:47 AM ET | Comments (0)

Star Junior Holds Offers from U-Md., U-Va.

Starting to make preseason football calls, so I should have plenty of updates like this one. Good Counsel junior RB-LB Jelani Jenkins -- certain to be in any list of top rising juniors (which I hope to have up soon) -- holds scholarship offers from Maryland and Virginia, according to...

By Josh Barr | August 8, 2007; 03:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

Clarksburg Lineman Chooses Towson

It's unusual for football players to commit to Division I-AA programs this early in the recruiting calendar, but Clarksburg defensive lineman Rob Osborne was ready to commit to Towson. He said he didn't want to wait around to see what, if any, better offers came his way....

By Josh Barr | August 8, 2007; 09:28 AM ET | Comments (0)

Former QBs Making Position Switches

Here's two quick but good reads on the common occurrence of a player needed to learn a new position when he goes to college. Former All-Met QB Ike Whitaker of Northwest is taking reps at wide receiver during Virginia Tech's practices. Also, Torrey Smith played quarterback at Stafford High, but...

By Josh Barr | August 7, 2007; 02:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

DeMatha No. 3 in the Nation?

This isn't recruiting news, but it is football season. For what it's worth -- and I don't put too much stock into -- DeMatha is ranked third nationally by prepnation.com for the upcoming football season. Perhaps more interesting, the Stags open their season Sept. 2 in Cincinnati against top-ranked St....

By Josh Barr | August 6, 2007; 02:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

VT Winning In-State; U-Md. Picks Up Tidewater WR

Man About Roanoke Doug Doughty writes that Virginia Tech is crushing rival Virginia on recruiting in the commonwealth, with WR Dyrell Roberts of Smithfield also likely to become a Hokie. Meantime, Maryland dipped into the Tidewater area on Thursday, taking a commitment from Oscar Smith WR Kerry Boykins....

By Josh Barr | July 27, 2007; 11:20 AM ET | Comments (2)

Va. Tech Adds Two More Recruits

Virginia Tech continues to add to its list of early commitments. By adding a linebacker and a defensive back yesterday, the Hokies now have 15 recruits for the class of rising seniors....

By Josh Barr | July 24, 2007; 09:55 AM ET | Comments (0)

ESPN Unveils Its Own Recruiting Rankings

Welcome to the party, ESPN. Surely in conjunction with its foray into high school football all-star games, the cable network today came out with its list of the nation's top 150 recruits. Stonewall Jackson RB Ryan Williams checks in at No. 27, the highest of any local player. Westfield QB...

By Josh Barr | July 23, 2007; 02:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

Gators Blowout Events Yields a Kicker?

Initially, I had a good chuckle reading that Florida's "Friday Night Lights" recruiting event had landed the Gators one recruit: a placekicker. But upon further exmaination, it appears this could be a significant recruit. Caleb Sturgis. He made 8 of 18 attempts last year, though six of the tries were...

By Josh Barr | July 23, 2007; 01:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

Va. Tech Gets Local Addition

Virginia Tech added another local commitment today, as Brooke Point defensive end Isaiah Hamlette told the Hokies he would accept a scholarship offer, picking Tech over rival Virginia. Hamlette is the third Stafford County player to commit, joining teammate Donovan Miles, a linebacker bound for West Virginia, and Stafford linebacker...

By Josh Barr | July 17, 2007; 12:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

Locals Win National 7-on-7 Title; U-Md. Recruit Shows Well

The local entry in the NFL High School Player Development 7-on-7 national tournament won the title for the third consecutive year. Led by Ballou quarterback Emmanuel Yeager and recent Maryland commitment Tavon Wilson, a wide receiver and defensive back at H.D. Woodson, the D.C. squad turned things around after going...

By Josh Barr | July 17, 2007; 12:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hokies Get Two More Commitments

Virginia Tech picked up two football commitments on Monday as QB-DB Peter Rose of Amherst County, Va., and DB Lorenzo Williams of Fayetteville, N.C., pledged to the Hokies. According to the Roanoke Times, that gives the Hokies 12 commitments from rising seniors....

By Josh Barr | July 17, 2007; 11:34 AM ET | Comments (0)

Liberty DE Makes Most of Chances

Defensive end DeVaughn Parson of Liberty endured some rough times, but he earned a scholarship to play for Central Connecticut State in the fall. For those wondering why some kids get second and third chances, this is a great read - especially if Parson continues to make the most of...

By Josh Barr | July 16, 2007; 09:44 AM ET | Comments (0)

Glennon Ready to Go Camping

As I mentioned last month, Westfield QB Mike Glennon was selected to the Elite 11 Quarterback Camp to be held later this month in Southern California....

By Josh Barr | July 10, 2007; 04:46 PM ET | Comments (0)

U-Va. Makes Another Local Pickup

Gonzaga standout Cameron Johnson, No. 11 on my list of the Washington area's top prospects, has committed to play for Virginia, Gonzaga Coach Jey Reyda passes along in an email. Johnson, expected to play defensive back, was offered by the Cavaliers and Maryland back in the spring. He's also a...

By Josh Barr | July 9, 2007; 02:04 PM ET | Comments (1)

Bennett Visits W.Va., Pitt; Plans to Take His TIme

Caught up yesterday with West Potomac All-Met lineman Jimmy Bennett. He's taken trips to West Virginia and Pittsburgh and plans to visit to Michigan State in the next week and Boston College later this month. All four schools have offered a scholarship. But while the 6-8, 275-pound super prospect was...

By Josh Barr | July 3, 2007; 08:26 AM ET | Comments (0)

Dowtin Commits to U-Ga.

Former Georgetown Prep RB-LB Marcus Dowtin has committed to play for Georgia. Dowtin now attends Fork Union Military Academy....

By Josh Barr | July 2, 2007; 04:29 PM ET | Comments (0)

An Orange Mountaineer

All of the West Virginia fans who come here: Read this story on QB Bradley Starks from Orange County High. Plenty has been written here and in The Post's print edition about Osbourn All-Met QB Brandon Hogan, who also is bound to be a Mountaineer. Orange is just outside our...

By Josh Barr | July 2, 2007; 10:16 AM ET | Comments (3)

Cadet Chooses Temple

St. John's Coach Joe Patterson emailed to report that WR C.J. Hammond, a rising senior, committed to play for Temple this past Saturday morning....

By Josh Barr | July 2, 2007; 06:55 AM ET | Comments (0)

More on Glennon/N.C. State

Westfield QB Mike Glennon said that one of the reasons he picked N.C. State, and not his brother's school, Virginia Tech, was to "get out of the shadow". Can't blame him. It's the same reasoning that leads many players to opt out of going to their local school and choose...

By Josh Barr | June 29, 2007; 07:31 AM ET | Comments (0)

Virginia QB Heading Out of State!

Not quite prime blogging hours unless you're doing the NBA draft, but colleague Preston Williams is reporting that Westfield standout Mike Glennon will head south to North Carolina State to play for the Wolfpack and new coach Tom O'Brien. More on this tomorrow morning.......

By Josh Barr | June 28, 2007; 07:23 PM ET | Comments (0)

Prospect Gets Timely Ride to Va. Tech

Virginia Tech added Oakton WR Ervin Garner after Osbourn Park LB Quillie Odom failed to qualify academically and instead will go to Hargrave Military Academy in the fall. Man About Roanoke Doug Doughty reports that Garner was bound for Towson until the Tigers got into a situation of having promised...

By Josh Barr | June 28, 2007; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (0)

QO's Kerr Is a Marked Man

Quince Orchard lineman Zach Kerr went to Maryland's one-day camp earlier this week and received a scholarship offer from the Terrapins, Cougars Coach Dave Mencarini reports. Kerr ran the 40-yard dash in 5.1 seconds and showed off an impressive 31-inch vertical leap. He already held offers from Virginia Tech, Penn...

By Josh Barr | June 28, 2007; 11:27 AM ET | Comments (0)

ESPN Creates All-Star Football Game

Well, it appears ESPN is getting into the high school all-star game business, creating the ESPNU High School All-American Game on Jan. 5 in Orlando. The game will be broadcast on ABC and looks to compete against the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio and televised on NBC. Don't...

By Josh Barr | June 25, 2007; 02:39 PM ET | Comments (0)

Did Florida's Top Recruiter Slack Off On Haden?

Of course not. But after talking with Friendly RB Josh Haden about why he picked Boston College over Florida, I thought this was the most unusual tidbit: Haden's older brother, Joe, entering his freshman year at Florida, wasn't leaning on Josh to pick the Gators. "He just wanted me to...

By Josh Barr | June 25, 2007; 12:32 PM ET | Comments (0)

Top RB Chooses BC; Another On the Way?

As I expected after talking to Friendly assistant coach Marcus Berry earlier this week, Patriots RB Josh Haden has committed to play for Boston College. Haden visited the Chestnut Hill campus last weekend and made up his mind on the ride back, his father, Joe, said. Haden also had been...

By Josh Barr | June 21, 2007; 02:11 PM ET | Comments (14)

Hogan Ready, Set, Hike

It looks like Osbourn All-Met quarterback Brandon Hogan will make the grade and be eligible to play in the fall at West Virginia. According to Hogan and Coach Steve Schultze, Hogan has meet the NCAA's standards and only needs to make it through the Clearinghouse, which oversees all initial eligibility....

By Josh Barr | June 20, 2007; 03:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

Former All-Met Goes Rhody

Got an email asking about former All-Met LB Steve Weedon from Richard Montgomery. He signed with West Virginia, didn't qualify and spent last year at Valley Forge Military JC. Weedon is set to play this fall at Rhode Island....

By Josh Barr | June 18, 2007; 12:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

U-Va Nets Four; Busy Times at Friendly High

Virginia picked up four commitments this past Saturday, including two local players: DeMatha WR Rodney McLeod and Friendly S Devin Wallace. Wallace, who is 5-11 and 200 pounds, also had offers from Georgia, Virginia Tech and North Carolina. He was set to visit Maryland's one-day camp on Wednesday - where...

By Josh Barr | June 18, 2007; 11:38 AM ET | Comments (5)

River Hill's Campanaro Lighting It Up

River Hill RB Michael Campanaro, who promises to be one of the region's top juniors this fall, is in the midst of a whirlwind college tour. He was at Akron last Saturday and received a verbal scholarship offer, then went to Illinois on Monday and expects an offer from the...

By Josh Barr | June 14, 2007; 12:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

Tech Football Keeps Reeling Them In

Hylton tight end Eric Martin (scroll down for the item) is going to play for Virginia Tech, continuing the Hokies' recent recruiting run locally. In the past month, Tech also picked up commitments from Stone Bridge defensive back Jeron Gouveia and Stafford linebacker Jake Johnson. Update: Here's news about the...

By Josh Barr | June 14, 2007; 11:23 AM ET | Comments (0)

Should Coaches Take the Bird?

So after reading the piece in last week's Richmond Times-Dispatch, I was curious. Do college coaches regularly ride around in helicopters as they search for recruits? Is their time really that valuable? A spokesman for Maryland football coach Ralph Friedgen said that it was unusual for Friedgen to take the...

By Josh Barr | June 13, 2007; 02:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

Brooke Point Lineman Gets Hokies' Offer

Looks like it's going to be a big year for football prospects in Stafford County. Brooke Point LB Donovan Miles has committed to West Virginia. Stafford LB Jake Johnson is bound for Virginia Tech. And at the bottom of this story, it's reporterd that Brooke Point OL-DL Isaiah Hamlette received...

By Josh Barr | June 12, 2007; 11:02 AM ET | Comments (0)

Area's Top Prospect Close to a Decision?

Nope, not at all. Kenny Tate is the area's most sought-after recruit, but don't expect DeMatha's All-Met wide receiver to make a college choice anytime soon. Stags Coach Bill McGregor said he and his star player have yet to begin working up a list of prospective colleges. "He has basically...

By Josh Barr | June 11, 2007; 12:41 PM ET | Comments (0)

Friedgen Takes the Bird to See Recruit

I always enjoy reading about top players in out-of-the-way places, and this one is no different. Pete Carroll and Urban Meyer have been to the Chirstchurch School to see WR Deion Walker. So have Ralph Friedgen and Greg Schiano, whose time was so valuable that they flew to the school...

By Josh Barr | June 7, 2007; 11:35 AM ET | Comments (0)

WVU Gets Another Commitment

Brooke Point LB Donovan Miles held scholarship offers from Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech, but has verbally committed to play for West Virginia, according to WVSports.com. This comes on the heels of Handley's J.J. Dorsey committing to play for the Mountaineers....

By Josh Barr | June 6, 2007; 11:01 AM ET | Comments (0)

Glennon Gets Camp Invite

Westfield QB Mike Glennon has been selected by studentsports.com to participate in the Elite 11 Quarterback Campetition (no, that's not a typo) from July 23-26 in Southern California. Glennon holds offers from, among others, Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Others already chosen for the event are Dayne Crist of Sherman...

By Josh Barr | June 6, 2007; 10:40 AM ET | Comments (0)

Top Coaches Making Recruiting Detour

I don't usually blog much about the national recruiting scene, but here's a short story about one of the nation's top players, a linebacker from Wichita, Kan., who goes by the nickname Fireman and is drawing the attention of all of the top coaches....

By Josh Barr | June 4, 2007; 01:57 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hebron Out At U-Ga.

Former All-Met LB Akeem Hebron has been suspended for the fall semester at the University of Georgia and plans to enroll at Georgia Military College....

By Josh Barr | June 4, 2007; 12:32 PM ET | Comments (0)

More on Stafford LB Choosing Hokies

Here's more on Stafford LB Jake Johnson choosing Virginia Tech despite the recruiting pitch of former teammate Torrey Smith, who will be a freshman at Maryland in the fall. "He liked Maryland, but he just had that gut feeling about Virginia Tech," Smith said. "I was recruiting him, but I...

By Josh Barr | June 1, 2007; 12:46 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hokies Pick Up Another Local

Colleague Stephen Norris passes along the breaking news that Stone Bridge standout Jeron Gouveia committed last night to play for Virginia Tech....

By Josh Barr | May 30, 2007; 11:18 AM ET | Comments (0)

Westfield QB Has Interesting Predicament

I've been meaning to post this link for some time. Man About Roanoke Doug Doughty talks to Westfield QB Mike Glennon about the possibility of following his brother Sean to Virginia Tech or whether Mike could end up starting for the Hokies' rival, Virginia, which could make for some truly...

By Josh Barr | May 30, 2007; 11:07 AM ET | Comments (0)

Military Academies Face Extra Recruiting Challenge

With so many members of the military overseas, this story looks at recruits who are bound for Army, Navy and Air Force who face five years of active duty upon graduation....

By Josh Barr | May 29, 2007; 12:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

Partially Blind Player Hopes to Kick in College

Frederick High football and baseball player David Canada intends to kick for Shepherd's football team this fall.. What's so unique about that? Canada is 80 percent blind in his right eye....

By Josh Barr | May 29, 2007; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Another Local Player Drinking Champaign

Colleague Alan Goldenbach passes along this tidbit. H.D. Woodson DB Victor Brown has joined the mass of local players heading to play football for Illinois. For those wanting to check up on All-Met WR Arrelious Benn of Dunbar, who enrolled at Illinois for the spring semester, scroll halfway down the...

By Josh Barr | May 25, 2007; 11:21 AM ET | Comments (0)

Extra Work for Nittany Lions

Seems that Penn State's incoming recruits and their new teammates - including many from the Washington area will have extra duties this fall. I'm curious what folks think of this. Should the whole team be punished? Or should those who allegedly committed the transgressions be the only ones affected? Penn...

By Josh Barr | May 24, 2007; 09:12 AM ET | Comments (0)

'Neers Pick Up a Commitment in Winchester

WVSports.com is reporting that Handley standout J.J. Dorsey has accepted a scholarship offer from West Virginia, adding to the Mountaineers' recent success in Virginia and Maryland....

By Josh Barr | May 23, 2007; 04:39 PM ET | Comments (0)

Another Athlete to Leave Tech Because of Shootings?

Well, it appears Augustus Gilchrist is not the only athlete saying he wants out of a scholarship at Virginia Tech because of last month's shooting spree. Tight end Brandon Barden apparently wants to transfer to Vanderbilt. He lived in the dorm where two students were shot and killed. Barden's mother...

By Josh Barr | May 23, 2007; 10:37 AM ET | Comments (4)

Football Players to Be Steroid Tested?

Recruits from the Lone Star State might not be able to get an unfair advantage on their peers. Texas has moved one step closer to steroid testing of high school athletes....

By Josh Barr | May 22, 2007; 01:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

Fridge Visits Stafford County

Scroll down to the second item here to see that Maryland football coach Ralph Friedgen was in Stafford County yesterday, recruiting Brooke Point LB Donovan Miles. An obvious addition when I update my list of top football prospects next month, Miles already has the eye of the region's top programs...

By Josh Barr | May 22, 2007; 08:45 AM ET | Comments (1)

Herbstreit Backpedals From Big Event

I'm not sure what the effect of this will be, but ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has taken his name off the title of a high school football extravaganza in Ohio. DeMatha travels there this September....

By Josh Barr | May 21, 2007; 09:52 AM ET | Comments (0)

Top Prospect Shuns Football

This one stunned me. Kyle Long, a Charlottesville high school junior and the son of former NFLer Howie Long will pass up college football in order to pursue college baseball. Long has football scholarship offers and was rated Virginia's top football prospect in the class of 2008 by the authority...

By Josh Barr | May 17, 2007; 07:10 AM ET | Comments (0)

Paint Branch Pair Makes College Plans

Colleague Alan Goldenbach forwarded an email from former Paint Branch football coach Ernie Williams, who writes that DB Brandon Saunders signed with Northeastern and WR Dayon Arrington, a second-team All-Met, will head to Hargrave Military Academy....

By Josh Barr | May 14, 2007; 02:28 PM ET | Comments (0)

Alaeze Pleads Guilty

One-time Maryland recruitMelvin Alaeze pleaded guilty yesterday to first-degree assault. He lasted only a few weeks into his freshman season last fall at Illinois before returning home and getting into a myriad of trouble....

By Josh Barr | May 10, 2007; 11:42 AM ET | Comments (0)

Little Hoya Going To Be A Cav

Just got off the line with Georgetown Prep football coach Dan Paro, who passed along word that TE Colter Phillips verbally committed to Virginia recently. Phillips, who is 6-6 and 240 pounds, is the younger brother of All-Met OL Andrew Phillips, who went to Stanford. "It all happened in a...

By Josh Barr | May 8, 2007; 12:56 PM ET | Comments (0)

Former Local Standout Goes to Court

One-time DeMatha standout Derrick McPhearson, who chose Illinois over Maryland, will be in court today. He was kicked off the Illinois team by Coach Ron Zook after being arrested in March when the car in which he was riding was pulled over and several stolen items were discovered. By the...

By Josh Barr | May 8, 2007; 09:44 AM ET | Comments (0)

Dunbar DL Doing Well, Has More Offers

Big Boss Man Jon DeNunzio passes along this tidbit on Dunbar DL Reggie Ellis, a member of my top prospect list for rising seniors. Dunbar Coach Craig Jefferies reported that Ellis was named defensive MVP (wonder how pick those at a combine) at a New Jersey camp recently and now...

By Josh Barr | May 2, 2007; 11:24 AM ET | Comments (1)

Good Counsel DL Has Offers

Good Counsel FB-NG Cory Boatman has scholarship offers from Rutgers, Cincinnati, Temple and Miami of Ohio, reports Falcons Coach Bob Milloy. Boatman, who is 6-2 and 240 pounds, was a first-team all-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference defensive lineman in 2006. Milloy said that OL-DL Brian Murray has been contacted by Maryland...

By Josh Barr | April 30, 2007; 11:16 AM ET | Comments (0)

Logan-El Going I-AA?

Nothing is official yet, but when the wheels stop turning expect Antonio Logan-El to wind up at Towson, according to a well-placed source with inside information. An All-Met offensive lineman in 2005, Logan-El is waiting for Penn State to release him from his scholarship. That is considered a formality and...

By Josh Barr | April 20, 2007; 02:20 PM ET | Comments (13)

Rutgers Loses a Recruit

A highly-sought after football recruit had his scholarship yanked by Rutgers just before ESPN reported that the recruit had been sentenced to three years probation for sexual assault....

By Josh Barr | April 18, 2007; 03:34 PM ET | Comments (0)

Top Football Prospect to Choose Soon?

Well, it appears there is at least one more player to add to my list of the area's top football prospects from the class of 2008. Brooke Point LB Donovan Miles holds scholarship offers from Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia and plans to make a decision in the...

By Josh Barr | April 17, 2007; 12:07 PM ET | Comments (0)

Former All-Met Looking to Make Mark

Much has been made of Maryland's decision to pass on West Virginia standout Steve Slaton for Lackey All-Met Morgan Green, who hopes a good spring will lead to better things this fall....

By Josh Barr | April 12, 2007; 11:07 AM ET | Comments (0)

Impact of the Internet?

I've had plenty of conversations with folks on this very topic: Whether too much is made of recruiting ratings etc. The story I always go back to comes from a local high school basketball coach, who compared these ratings to odds sheets at the horse track. Just because a horse...

By Josh Barr | April 11, 2007; 02:25 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Few Football Commitments

Several Frederick-area football players have made their college choices....

By Josh Barr | April 11, 2007; 11:46 AM ET | Comments (0)

Logan-El On the Move

One-time prized recruit Antonio Logan-El plans to leave Penn State. He tells the Baltimore Sun that Maryland is a possible destination, but that would surprise his high school coach, Forestville's Charles Harley, who, like many, remembers how irate Maryland's coaches were when Logan-El picked Penn State in the first place,...

By Josh Barr | April 10, 2007; 01:49 PM ET | Comments (0)

Football Clinic Wednesday

Elite Athlete Training Systems is running a Nike/Sparq training clinic at Wootton High on Wednesday from 11 to 1. Edit: Caught up with EATS guru Jason Hadeed, who says the event is open to anyone in grades 9 to 12 and it's free. There will be testing in the vertical...

By Josh Barr | April 3, 2007; 12:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

D.C.'s Top Football Recruits

I should preface this with a disclaimer, that I'm sure there are players who belong in this list but for some reason got left out, but here is my long-awaited list of the Washington area's top football prospects for the rising senior class....

By Josh Barr | April 2, 2007; 11:36 AM ET | Comments (6)

St. John's Pair Getting Major Interest

Caught up with St. John's football coach Joe Patterson during the Cadets' baseball game yesterday. He reports that RB Antwon Bailey has a scholarship offer from Syracuse and has attended junior days at Maryland and Virginia. Big OL Pete White, a rising junior, can't get anything in writing until Sept....

By Josh Barr | March 27, 2007; 11:14 AM ET | Comments (0)

All-Met Football Player Going to West Virginia

Not to play for the Mountaineers, though. Potomac (Va.) All-Met DB Deante Steele is bound for Shepherd College. Steele had 5 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries, 15 pass break ups and 7 kick returns last season as the Panthers reached the Virginia AAA Division 5 semifinals....

By Josh Barr | March 9, 2007; 03:46 PM ET | Comments (0)

Second-Team All-Met Gets Some Help

Second-team All-Met offensive lineman Rob Ciancaglini of Broadneck won a $5,000 scholarship from the Baltimore Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. He will play for Shepherd College in the fall....

By Josh Barr | March 8, 2007; 03:23 PM ET | Comments (0)

Former All-Met Suspended

Georgia linebacker Akeem Hebron , an All-Met at Good Counsel in 2005, will miss the first two games this coming season after being arrested for underage possession of alcohol....

By Josh Barr | February 27, 2007; 01:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

Sex, Booze & Videotapes?

The University of Cincinnati is investigating allegations that several football players and recruits engaged in some, ahem, inappropriate behavior during recruiting weekends. There are a handful of Washington-area players on the Bearcats' roster, though no players have been named in connection with the allegations....

By Josh Barr | February 21, 2007; 04:31 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Late Football Signing

Eleanor Roosevelt Coach Rick Houchens passes along that LB Justin Winters signed with Buffalo, where he will join Seneca Valley LB Fred Branch and Good Counsel QB Zack Ingle as incoming freshmen next fall....

By Josh Barr | February 20, 2007; 10:52 AM ET | Comments (0)

As Anticipated, Lazear...

As I expected last week, one-time All-Met LB Pat Lazear has signed a letter-of-intent to play for West Virginia. Lazear's father, Harry, declined to comment and Saturday afternoon can be a tough time to track down West Virginia folks for comment. But I'd guess WVU putting out a release on...

By Josh Barr | February 17, 2007; 05:52 PM ET | Comments (0)

More Football Commitments

Suitland FB Emmanuel Williams signed to play for North Carolina Central, which is moving to Division I-AA. All-Met K Garrett Watson of South County will head to Virginia Tech as a recruited walk-on. The Hokies have had plenty of success going this route. South County teammate Matt Vane, a wide...

By Josh Barr | February 12, 2007; 02:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

Never Too Soon...

Obviously schools already are working on next year's recruiting classes, but maybe this puts things in better perspective. Virginia Tech already has made 20 scholarship offers for next year....

By Josh Barr | February 9, 2007; 12:32 PM ET | Comments (1)

More Trouble For Alaeze

One-time top prospect Melvin Alaeze was indicted earlier this week and faces even more charges than first reported. The Baltimore Sun reports that Alaeze was stopped for making an illegal U-turn and police found a loaded revolver with some empty casings behind the driver's seat. He was wanted for the...

By Josh Barr | February 9, 2007; 12:31 PM ET | Comments (0)

All You Need to Know

Plenty of reading material to go around this morning. Stories about Maryland: Post, Sun, Times. Here's Virginia: Post, Fredericksburg, Roanoke, which says assistant Mike London is staying put. Tech: Post, Fredericksburg, Roanoke. There's Navy. A two-time All-Met pulls a small surprise. Here's one about the top two players in Frederick...

By Josh Barr | February 8, 2007; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (0)

An Inside Look at Austin's Day

Here's what Alan Goldenbach passes on from watching Marvin Austin pledge for the Tar Heels earlier today: Marvin Austin bounced from one television camera to another yesterday afternoon at the ESPNZone, where he made his announcement to sign with North Carolina. Austin, who has long said he hopes to pursue...

By Josh Barr | February 7, 2007; 05:28 PM ET | Comments (2)

Lazear Holding Off For Now

Linebacker Pat Lazear, All-Met as a junior, will not sign a letter-of-intent today, according to his father, Harry. "You'll hear it soon," Harry Lazear said. Pat Lazear in December pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery in connection with the robbery of a Bethesda Smoothie King store. He was sentenced...

By Josh Barr | February 7, 2007; 03:44 PM ET | Comments (0)

Local Colleges Do Well, Says Lemming

Caught up with recruiting analyst Tom Lemming last night. He ranks Virginia (18th) and Virginia Tech (21st) in his top 25. Maryland is No. 28, which Lemming attributed to a lack of top local talent. "It was a very weak year in the state of Maryland" for high school players,...

By Josh Barr | February 7, 2007; 02:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

Big Marvin Says the Sky is Blue

Two-time All-Met Marvin Austin today picked North Carolina over Florida State and others. Teammate Alan Goldenbach will have more on this later......

By Josh Barr | February 7, 2007; 01:40 PM ET | Comments (0)

Twyman Plans to Wait and See

All-Met QB Deontay Twyman of Sherwood won't be signing a letter-of-intent anytime soon. He's working on improving his board scores and colleges still are wary of his size. Then there's the matter of whether he could play college basketball. For football, Twyman said he is considering North Carolina Central, Bowie...

By Josh Barr | February 7, 2007; 06:53 AM ET | Comments (0)

Signing Day Bites

It's common for players to retake classes in an attempt to raise their grade-point averages, but All-Met QB Brandon Hogan of Osbourn might be taking things to a different level. According to the Potomac News, Hogan is retaking four classes online as he attempts to meet the NCAA's minimum academic...

By Josh Barr | February 7, 2007; 06:45 AM ET | Comments (0)

LB Prospect Is Torn

While most of the area's top prospects have made their college choices, Kennedy Coach Gunnary Twyner is unsure what linebacker Chimso Okoji will do tomorrow. On one hand, Okoji has offers from several BCS schools and wants to choose between Michigan State and Iowa. But Okoji took an official visit...

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2007; 03:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

Football Tidbits

A former Central Virginia standout, previously committed to Virginia, now is bound for West Virginia. Woodbridge LB Na'eem Outler is bound for a top Division I-AA program....

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2007; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (0)

Flip-Flopper Says He's Made Up His Mind...

Akron. Virginia. Akron. Virginia. I caught up with Friendly All-Met WR Vinnie Hill on Monday afternoon and he said he is done changing his mind and will sign Wednesday with Akron. Hill said in the end he was swayed by Akron's setting and the opportunity to play as a freshman....

By Josh Barr | February 6, 2007; 10:01 AM ET | Comments (0)

Don't Be Surprised if Lazear...

With the beginning of the signing period two days away, don't be surprised if one-time All-Met LB Pat Lazear signs with West Virginia. The Mountaineers continued to recruit Lazear throughout the fall as he awaited trial for the robbery of a Bethesda Smoothie King. Lazear eventually pleaded guilty to conspiracy...

By Josh Barr | February 5, 2007; 04:39 PM ET | Comments (10)

Not a Normal Event for Campbell

There usually isn't much exciting about college announcements. This past Friday afternoon at Forestville, however, was a little different as All-Met linebacker Devonte Campbell made it public that he had accepted a scholarship offer to play for Maryland. The school color guard marched in. Three girls sang the Star Spangled...

By Josh Barr | February 5, 2007; 07:01 AM ET | Comments (1)

More for Monday

ALTHOUGH DeMATHA guard Jeff Peterson has decided to re-open his recruiting process, it doesn't mean going to Princeton is out of the question, Stags Coach Mike Jones said. In the past week, Peterson has heard mainly from schools in the A-10 and CAA and also one Big Ten school, Jones...

By Josh Barr | February 5, 2007; 05:40 AM ET | Comments (0)

Maryland Picks Up All-Met Commitment

Just got a call from Forestville Coach Charlie Harley, who says that All-Met LB Devonte Campbell has picked Maryland. I should have more later this afternoon....

By Josh Barr | February 2, 2007; 01:04 PM ET | Comments (1)

Five for Friday....

1) Forestville All-Met LB Devonte Campbell is set to announce his college choice this afternoon. Knights Coach Charles Harley last night said that he considered Maryland "the leader" but that Illinois and Mike Locksley are making a strong push. I'll have the update this afternoon. 2) I don't have any...

By Josh Barr | February 2, 2007; 06:39 AM ET | Comments (0)

Top Recruit Gets Snowed Out!

Forestville All-Met LB Devonte Campbell was all set to announce his college choice this afternoon at school, but had to postpone until tomorrow because Prince George's County cancelled all after-school activities. In other football news, Woodberry Forest lineman Jake Marcey of Gainesville committed to William & Mary. Gaithersburg Coach Kreg...

By Josh Barr | February 1, 2007; 03:55 PM ET | Comments (3)

Austin Says He's Going to....

Wait until the last minute before making a decision. Marvin Austin spent Tuesday night hosting USC Coach Pete Carroll. Last night it was Florida State's Bobby Bowden. North Carolina associate head coach John Blake is scheduled to come to town today to chat up the All-Met Defensive Player of the...

By Josh Barr | February 1, 2007; 09:42 AM ET | Comments (0)

Once-Prized Recruit in Hot Water

It's looking like it could be a trip from the penthouse to the jailhouse for one-time top prospect Melvin Alaeze. Maryland rescinded a scholarship offer to Alaeze coming out of Randallstown High and he later enrolled at Illinois, which he left after only a few games. Now, he is charged...

By Josh Barr | January 31, 2007; 09:44 AM ET | Comments (0)

Football News, Rutgers and Others

Seneca Valley LB Jourdan Brooks, once thought to be bound for Tennessee, has committed to play for Rutgers, Screaming Eagles Coach Fred Kim said. Brooks also considered Illinois, but in the end wanted to stay closer to home. He joined All-Met Defensive Player of the Year Joe Lefeged of Northwest,...

By Josh Barr | January 30, 2007; 12:15 PM ET | Comments (0)

More For Monday

1) All-Met Defensive Player of the Year Marvin Austin, a lineman from Ballou, plans to reveal his college choice on Feb. 7, the first day of the college football signing period. Austin has kept things pretty quiet; his last official visit was to Florida State. 2) Maryland's Gary Williams, Georgetown's...

By Josh Barr | January 29, 2007; 06:29 AM ET | Comments (0)

Five for the Weekend

1) Not that it needs any more promotion, but the doubleheader on Saturday night at American's Bender Arena is near must-see for those wanting to see the area's elite players. The 7 p.m. game features No. 4 St. John's with All-Met guard Chris Wright (Georgetown) and forward Vlad Moldoveanu (George...

By Josh Barr | January 26, 2007; 06:49 AM ET | Comments (0)

Gone From Miami... Now Going to Louisiville

Remember Willie Williams, the former Miami prep star who enrolled at the U despite legal troubles? He leftr Miami, spent a year at junior college now he's headed for Louisville......

By Josh Barr | January 25, 2007; 05:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

MEAC Schools Hit PW

Hampton picks up a wide receiver and lineman from Woodbridge. Norfolk State gets a lineman from Hylton....

By Josh Barr | January 25, 2007; 11:33 AM ET | Comments (0)

All-Met LB to Decide Next Week

Forestville All-Met LB Devonte Campbell plans to take an official visit to Tennessee this weekend and will announce his college choice next Thursday. Campbell also is considering Maryland, Illinois, Syracuse and Georgia Tech....

By Josh Barr | January 24, 2007; 05:17 PM ET | Comments (0)

Remember Kent Hicks?

The former Culpeper High star couldn't get into Maryland and couldn't get on the field at Virginia Tech. After sitting out this past season, Hicks is transferring to Liberty, reports the Free-Lance Star. Let this serve as one more reminder that recruiting rankings and other hype often mean little....

By Josh Barr | January 24, 2007; 11:36 AM ET | Comments (0)

A Detour for Ballou Lineman

No, not Marvin Austin. The All-Met Defensive Player of the Year still plans to take his official visit to Florida State this weekend. He previously has visited Southern Cal, Illinois, Tennesse and North Carolina -- and could make a decision soon, perhaps next week. The other big Ballou lineman has...

By Josh Barr | January 18, 2007; 02:02 PM ET | Comments (0)

Was It Worth It?

Last week, colleague Eli Saslow wrote a story about Gonzaga OL A.J. Francis and how Francis thought it was worthwhile to spend $1,000 to travel to a combine in San Antonio. Francis, who already held some scholarship offers, returned and last week committed to Maryland -- one of the schools...

By Josh Barr | January 17, 2007; 12:59 PM ET | Comments (0)

Former All-Met DB Enrolls at UNC

LeCount Fantroy, a 2005 All-Met defensive back at Ballou, has enrolled at North Carolina for the spring semester. Fantroy signed with the Tar Heels as a high school senior, but attended Milford (Conn.) Academy this past fall....

By Josh Barr | January 16, 2007; 04:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Championship Night

Eleanor Roosevelt football coach Rick Houchens was a little tired on the other end of the phone this morning, but he had no problem communicating his enthusiasm after watching former Raider All-Met Derrick Harvey help Florida beat Ohio State, 41-14, for the national championship on Monday night. (For a look...

By Josh Barr | January 9, 2007; 11:53 AM ET | Comments (0)

Football Commitments

Some football commitments that have been made recently: Flint Hill cornerback Emani Felton committed to Cornell, according to Coach Mike Wright. Hylton offensive lineman Leo Grassilli is bound for San Diego State, comrade Stephen A. Norris reports. The Potomac News reports that linebacker Emilio Calvin is bound for VMI and...

By Josh Barr | December 21, 2006; 11:33 AM ET | Comments (0)

Some Football Tidbits

Northwest quarterback Josh Volpe threw 33 touchdown passes and just one interception this season, but college recruiters continue to barely throw Volpe a look, Jaguars Coach Randy Trivers said recently. VMI and several Division III schools have inquired about Volpe, whom Trivers believes can play at a high level. "The...

By Josh Barr | December 12, 2006; 03:44 PM ET | Comments (0)

Some Friendly Notes...

Friendly football coach George Earley says that cornerback Cornelius Ward has committed to Miami of Ohio and lineman Lawrence Brewer will pick between Akron and Buffalo. Both players, along with standout quarterback Joe Haden -- a Florida recruit -- plan to graduate after the first semester and enroll in college....

By Josh Barr | December 4, 2006; 09:16 AM ET | Comments (0)

DeMatha QB Drawing Attention... Again

DeMatha quarterback Chester Stewart was quick to accept a scholarship offer from Temple over the summer. Stewart had yet to play a meaningful snap in high school, so it seemed like a good idea to be safe and take the ride from Temple, even though the school's football program has...

By Josh Barr | November 15, 2006; 09:37 AM ET | Comments (3)

From Big Green to Big Orange

Seneca Valley defensive tackle Donald Langley today announced he will accept a scholarship to play for Tennessee. Langley, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound senior, visited Knoxville in September and came back wearing a big, bright orange t-shirt. He also considered Oklahoma, Penn State and Michigan State. Teammate Jourdan Brooks also had been...

By Josh Barr | November 6, 2006; 02:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

Some Northern Virginia Tidbits...

Co-worker Stephen Norris passes along this info: Stonewall Jackson running back Ryan Williams holds scholarship offers from Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Marshall and James Madison also have said they plan to offer the 1,000-yard rusher, according to Raiders Coach Loren Johnson. Also, Stone Bridge running...

By Josh Barr | November 3, 2006; 10:43 AM ET | Comments (0)

An All-Met Update

Today's Baltimore Sun has a story on 2003 All-Met quarterback Sean Schaefer from Northern. The other All-Met quarterback that year? Virginia Tech starter Sean Glennon. For those who want to take a look back, here is that team....

By Josh Barr | October 6, 2006; 09:19 AM ET | Comments (2)

To Tate, It's No Big Deal

DeMatha wide receiver Kenny Tate is one of the most sought-after football players nationally in the junior class. Coaches envision his size -- 6 feet 3 or 6-4, depending on who is measuring -- speed, and athleticism and see him as a potential superstar. But for all of the...

By Josh Barr | October 4, 2006; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (0)

More from the Alaeze Files

Proving that sometimes it's not worth all the trouble, one-time Baltimore high school superstar Melvin Alaeze has left the University of Illinois for personal reasons. Consider Alaeze's file over the past two years. He failed to meet the NCAA's minimum academic standards to receive a scholarship out of high...

By Josh Barr | October 4, 2006; 10:24 AM ET | Comments (0)

Who's That Coach?

A friend of mine passes on this story of the absurd where the quarterback's father served as an "advanced scout" by posing as a college recruiter and filming practice of the team's upcoming opponent. At least the guy was creative. Most Washington-area football coaches are paranoid about other teams...

By Josh Barr | September 19, 2006; 06:15 PM ET | Comments (0)

A New Feature

We're debuting a new feature in Wednesday's paper, a weekly feature called "The Next Level" that will highlight one of the Washington area's elite college sports prospects. The debut is about Seneca Valley lineman Donald Langley, who has gone from mid-level prospect to top recruit after posting sensational numbers...

By Josh Barr | September 19, 2006; 06:15 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Tough Break

Surrattsville football coach Tom Green hoped that quarterback Andre Johnson - entering his third season as a starter - would prosper on the field, earn a college scholarship and lead the Hornets to their first playoff berth. However, after Johnson torn knee ligaments during preseason practice, Green said his...

By Josh Barr | September 7, 2006; 11:47 PM ET | Comments (0)

More Knight Time

Ballou linebacker Romale Tucker has committed to play for Virginia, Knights assistant coach Todd Amis said yesterday. Tucker, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound, outside linebacker also considered Syracuse, Illinois and North Carolina, Amis said. He had visited Virginia twice, including once last month, and called the Cavaliers coaching staff on Sunday...

By Josh Barr | September 4, 2006; 05:27 PM ET | Comments (0)

Knight Time

Forestville Coach Charles Harley was an interested observer Saturday when Akron played at Penn State: Three of his former players were suited up for the season opener. Andre Jones, an All-Met in 2004, started at free safety for Akron and had six tackles and broke up two passes, though...

By Josh Barr | September 3, 2006; 04:06 PM ET | Comments (1)

A Few Stone Bridge Notes

Stone Bridge Coach Mickey Thompson confirmed that running back Devon Brown has transferred from O'Connell. Brown, who is 5 feet 10 and 175 pounds, was first-team all-conference in the WCAC last year and Thompson expects Brown will receive plenty of attention from recruiters this fall. "I didn't know if...

By Josh Barr | August 14, 2006; 09:51 AM ET | Comments (0)

Tucker Taking Time

St. John's defensive end Tony Tucker paused on the other end of the line for a second. "This always happens to me," he said. "Sorry." Tucker was in the midst of naming the colleges he is interested in. It is a lengthy list that includes Maryland, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech,...

By Josh Barr | August 10, 2006; 02:33 PM ET | Comments (1)

Fine Paint

Paint Branch coach Ernie Williams has a pair of Division I-A prospects. Wide receiver Dayon Arrington is well known among college recruiters, showing well at summer camps and Virginia's 7-on-7 passing tournament. Williams said the only thing standing between the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Arrington and some scholarship offers is a...

By Josh Barr | August 9, 2006; 02:42 PM ET | Comments (0)

Another Terp

Following up from last week, Gwynn Park tight end Taylor Watson verbally committed to Maryland during a visit to Terrapins Coach Ralph Friedgen, Gwynn Park Coach Danny Hayes said. Entering his third year as a starting tight end, Watson also will be used on defense this season, Hayes said....

By Josh Barr | August 8, 2006; 12:31 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Little MAC?

More and more the Washington area's top players are making college commitments, a trend that is not limited to the top prospects and continues with Ballou running back Dwan Thornton accepting a scholarship offer from Akron, according to Ballou Coach Moses Ware. Undersized at 5 feet 7 and 165...

By Josh Barr | August 8, 2006; 11:13 AM ET | Comments (0)

The Alaeze Files

For those - like me - wondering where former Maryland recruit Melvin Alaeze would wind up, there is an answer. The one-time Baltimore-area standout defensive lineman has enrolled at Illinois and will be eligible to play this season, according to an Illinois spokesperson. Coming out of Randallstown High, Alaeze...

By Josh Barr | August 7, 2006; 03:57 PM ET | Comments (0)

Size Matters

Two football players for whom size was the biggest - no pun intended - concern have made verbal commitments. Massaponax lineman Anthony Mihota, who has bulked up to 6 feet 5 and 270 pounds, has accepted a scholarship offer from Virginia. Douglass linebacker Jerrell Wedge, slightly undersized at 5-10...

By Josh Barr | August 7, 2006; 11:33 AM ET | Comments (0)

Another Gwynn Park Hokie

Make it two years in a row that Gwynn Park will send a player to Virginia Tech. Courtney Prince, recruited by the Hokies to play defensive end, committed over the weekend. Prince, who is 6 feet 3 and 265 pounds, is entering his third year starting on the offensive...

By Josh Barr | August 2, 2006; 10:17 AM ET | Comments (0)

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