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Questions for Tony Morrell - Monday, Dec. 18, 2006

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Brian Shoemaker

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Tony Morrell is GamecockCentral.com's recruiting analyst and football insider. Each day, we create a new thread for members to ask questions of Tony and pin it to the top of the forum. At the end of the day, we lock it and create another thread for the next day.

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Posted on 12/18 12:09 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, do you know Jonathan Williams' current height and weight? He is able to come in Jan. correct? Thanks!

- 6-foot-4, 285 range. He is enrolling in January.



Posted on 12/18 7:27 AM | IP: Logged


Tony - i asked in the previous thread, but i think you may have missed it.

I assume given your answer to Geathers if the clearinghouse clears him he's enrolling at USC this Spring. I think that'd be great.

How long does the clearinghouse take to get word back? Is this like in the fall when players have to wait and can't practice b/c the clearinghouse takes awhile to get an answer back?

- He'll get his answer this month or early next.



Posted on 12/18 7:28 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, how are things going with Culliver?????

- Good.



Posted on 12/18 7:29 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, how are things going with Culliver?????

- Good.



Posted on 12/18 7:29 AM | IP: Logged


PK's report says that J. Williams committed. There is no report of us accepting that commitment. Is J. Williams a commitment we will accept?

- USC has accepted his commitment.


As it stands now, what positions are priority for the remaining few spots?

- The best available players.


Do the coaches talk to some recruits this early in the process about greyshirting, or is it strictly a conversation that takes place after signing?

- Usually later.


The recuiting success to date, can you attribute it to Spurrier's personal invovlvement, or the stars aligning in a great way?

- Their whole staff has done an outstanding job.


I understand that thre is some conversation going on between our coaches, Vance and Irvin. Can you see any scenario where we would accept their commitment given the circumstances of their commitment to Georgia and our present commitment list?

- I don't see anything changing there.


What does your gut say -- will Geathers become a Gamecock?

- If he's certified by the Clearinghouse, I expect him to enroll at USC.


Who has a tougher job: Santa Claus or our coaches trying to figure out the numbers? :)

- Santa Claus. The numbers always work out.



Posted on 12/18 7:32 AM | IP: Logged



Tony I sent you a email .... Did you receive it? Thanks

- Not as of last night...I'll check again now.



Posted on 12/18 8:19 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, does Wright have a committable offer?

- They like him, but they're still discussing how to handle his situation.



Posted on 12/18 8:20 AM | IP: Logged


Tony - How is Marque Hall's recovery going and is he expected to participate in spring drills?

- His recovery is going well. They're hopeful he can participate in the spring on at least a limited basis.



Posted on 12/18 8:21 AM | IP: Logged


Tony-With the commitment of J Williams some are speculating this will help us move C Brinkley to LB. I understood that J Wynn would help this matter because I saw him as a DE , but isnt J williams more of a DT?

- Williams is a DT.



Posted on 12/18 8:22 AM | IP: Logged


Hey Tony, do you know of any recruits that may attend USCs bowl game?

- No.


And also, when is the next GC Radio? Thanks.

- Not sure yet.



Posted on 12/18 8:23 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, with us accepting J. Williams commit, what is the sitch with Brimfield? I really want this kid, and wanted to know where we stand with him as of now...

- USC still wants him.


Also, any news on Chris Donald? Could he be a big time name we could get that would shock the world ?

- They're not involved with him.



Posted on 12/18 8:24 AM | IP: Logged



Will the recent influx of committments and with hopefully whats going to come in the next few weeks make any earlier committments look elsewhere?

- It's always possible, but I haven't heard of any that are wavering.



Posted on 12/18 10:48 AM | IP: Logged




Is Cory Boyd thinking about going pro?

- It's a possibility.


If he does. Will Cook move back to RB?

- I doubt it.


Is Ajiboye going to visit?

- No.


Are there any DT's besides Ajiboye and Brimfeld left on Carolina's board?

- Geathers.


Is it safe to say that Carolina will not have room for Terell Edwards?

- Yes.


Is K J Wright a better linebacker than Maye?

- Yes.


Last will Carolina get a visit from Burnett and Byrnes?

- Bynes is still scheduled to visit as of today. Hasn't been determined with Burnett.
This post was edited on 12/18 11:31 AM by Brian Shoemaker



Posted on 12/18 10:50 AM | IP: Logged


Tony any chance of film for Pope and Brimfield down the road.

- Yes on Brimfield. I'm working on Pope.



Posted on 12/18 10:51 AM | IP: Logged


I know you said the #'s would work out. What are the different ways to make the numbers work? Thanks for for all your hard work and Go Cocks!

- Non-qualifiers, grayshirts, attrition on the team.



Posted on 12/18 10:55 AM | IP: Logged


Have our coaches had any contact with John Brown or Marvin Austin? I know they are two of the top DTs still uncommitted. Are we still in contact with Deonte Thompson or has that ship sailed?

- None of them are possibilities for USC.



Posted on 12/18 10:55 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, are there going to be any video highlights of the Shrine Bowl coming soon?

- Yes, this week.



Posted on 12/18 10:56 AM | IP: Logged


Tony,
We still look good with Lecorn and Allen?

- Yes.



Posted on 12/18 10:57 AM | IP: Logged


Would Ajiboye have to get a release from VT like Miller since he signed with them? If so , would Beamer release him to USC before Clemson? Thanks in advance.

- He doesn't need a release because he never enrolled at VT. Miller did enroll at UNC and left.



Posted on 12/18 10:58 AM | IP: Logged


Tony,
I know we have been looking for some stud CB's and have been waiting for Auguste to commit for some time (IMO).


Do you think the offer to Pope was done to get a good CB in the event that Auguste doesn't commit?

- Pope was offered because USC's coaches love him as a player.


In your opinion is Auguste holding off commiting to us in hopes of getting a commitment from FSU?

- He may have already missed the boat at USC. We'll see, though.


If Auguste doesn't get an offer from FSU and we have filled that position, do you still think we try to fit him in, under the theory of not passing on a great athlete?

- See above.


Is he that good and do they want him as badly as say, Pope?

- He's good, but may not be a guy they take no matter what.



Posted on 12/18 11:00 AM | IP: Logged


Great job as always in keeping us informed in such a "fluid" time of recruiting.

With our numbers swelling at a rapid pace in recruiting I have a question in regards to a few prospects.

1. Is it time for DT William Brimfield to make a decision ASAP if he wants to be a Gamecock or not especially after the staff accepted JUCO's Williams verbal commitment?

- They're going to turn up the heat on him soon to help him understand the scholarship situation at USC.


2. Also will the staff have room to accept a verbal from LB Josh Bynes?

- Doubtful if he waits until January 19th to visit as is currently planned.


3. A week before Christmas is your expectations for this class on track to vastly "WOW" you?

- Yes.


4. How crucial was the win over sCUm in catapulting our current recruiting momentum?

- It was a piece of the puzzle, but the foundation was set long before that.
This post was edited on 12/18 11:03 AM by Tony Morrell



Posted on 12/18 11:02 AM | IP: Logged


What day is National Signing Day?

- Feb. 7th.


This post was edited on 12/18 11:33 AM by Brian Shoemaker



Posted on 12/18 11:05 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, in regards to the Cliff Matthews story from front page, you have him as having a sack...I was almost possitive I saw him have 2 sacks...
the one that caused the fumble, and then one where QB tried to bootleg, and Matthews Gobbled him up...

- Not sure if they credited him with a sack on that play or just a tackle for loss because it was a run. You may be right, though.



Posted on 12/18 11:06 AM | IP: Logged


tony is auguste announcing this week?

- Not that I know of.



Posted on 12/18 11:07 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, any word on when Lecorn and Allen are going to have their presser?

- Nothing official yet. I'm working on finding out.



Posted on 12/18 11:08 AM | IP: Logged


Regarding our 2 Star Players. Just curious as to WHY they are 2 stars. Especially DiMarco and Pope. Pope was a big deal coming out of high school. Wasn't he a 4 Star guy?

- Pope had no offers coming out of HS because of his academics. He was a two-star guy then, too.


And DiMarco's high school stats are sick! How / Why did Rivals give these guys 2 stars?

- Stats have little to do with star rankings. It's much more about offers and film, and we have no film of him yet.


Any chance for them to move up? And yes...for the other posters out there...I know about Ko Simpson. I just like to see our guys rated where they should be. Plus I like the high recruiting ranking.

- It's possible once their film is received and reviewed.



Posted on 12/18 11:11 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, I know you've answered this question for another poster in the last few days, but for the life of me I can't find the answer. On players enrolling early, since we can't have more than 85 on schooly enrolled at any given time, do you know the exact number of recruits that can enroll early?

- It's going to be somewhere around 7.



Posted on 12/18 11:12 AM | IP: Logged


Can you confirm the possibility of some shocking news this week that JBKingman is talking about. Not asking for details, just wanted to know if you had heard the whispers as well.

- I haven't read the post you're referring to, but this does have the potential to be a great week.



Posted on 12/18 11:13 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, Great job with this recruiting process this year!!! With 23 recruitments right now and a ton of big names still on the chopping block why have we not waited them out a little longer. I know you keep getting questions about the numbers and you said they always work out. If we get to 27, which is were i think you said we could sign to, with 2 gray shirts(I may be wrong) what can we do with some of these other players that might want to become a gamecock? It seems we still have a few that seem to have Carolina as their first pick but have not yet committed? Thanks for your help!

- They could sign more than 27. The numbers will work out through grayshirts, non-qualifiers and atttrition on the team.



Posted on 12/18 11:16 AM | IP: Logged


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family Tony!

1. HAve you confirmed if Lecorn and Allen are commiting tomorrow?

- Not yet.


2. Will you or someone from Rivals attend their Lecorn/Allen presser?

- Yes.



Posted on 12/18 11:17 AM | IP: Logged


Is there any truth to a rumor that we are talking to J. Brantley?

- No, not any longer.



Posted on 12/18 11:18 AM | IP: Logged


Would you feel comfortable stating who we would take regardless of how many commitments we have? I understand if not but it appears we are going to have to turn away some guys we would normally take. I know we "want" everyone on our board, but we can't have all that we want. I am actually a little surprised we took J Williams commitment considering we appear to look good with Geathers.

Brimfield
Auguste
Lecorn
Allen
W Saunders
Culliver
Geathers
Gibson
Dunlap

- I wouldn't put all of the guys you mentioned the "take no matter what" category, but I'm not going to name thes ones that aren't in that category. Things are too fluid right now.



Posted on 12/18 11:20 AM | IP: Logged


Why the change of heart for Geathers? He didn't seem to have much interest in USC last year. Did UGA stock recruiting him or did he just change his mind?

- USC really didn't do much with him last year because of his academic situation.



Posted on 12/18 11:23 AM | IP: Logged


ok i will ask this again?any news on terrence campbell leaving school?is he back in school and did him leaving have anything to do with his injury?

- I haven't heard anything on him leaving school. I'm focused on recruiting right now, so maybe I missed it.



Posted on 12/18 11:24 AM | IP: Logged


Do you think any of our current commitments, i.e. Cliff Matthews, will be promoted to five star status and/or Jason Barnes to four star status? Thanks.

- Jason Barnes and Melvin Ingram are both possibilities to move to four stars. Matthews will need to kill it at the Rivals all star game to move to five.



Posted on 12/18 11:26 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, is player Y committed to another school, with CG now player X? THanks

- Yes.



Posted on 12/18 11:27 AM | IP: Logged


A) I take it Lecorn and Allen are still on for Tuesday?

B) Will it be a presser(if so what time and will you have coverage) or is it a case of just notifying the coaches to go public?

- Asked and answered twice above.





Posted on 12/18 11:28 AM | IP: Logged


tony, Is your over/under still at 15? if so i would like to bet the house on the under. LOL thanks for all you do.

- Vegas moved the over/under to 8.



Posted on 12/18 11:29 AM | IP: Logged


Tony is USC showing any interest in Caleb King.

- No.



Posted on 12/18 11:41 AM | IP: Logged


1.)How are we looking with Y?

- It's a fluid situation.


2.)You said ajiboye isn't going to visit. Is this indicative of his interest in us, or just that he isn't going to take visits.

- Not sure.



Posted on 12/18 11:44 AM | IP: Logged


Tony, anything new on Gilcrist? Have heard some interesting rumblings..

- USC is not involved with him.




Posted on 12/18 11:44 AM | IP: Logged


Once we accept a commitment from a recruit, can we back out of it? And if it is possible, is it not a good or common practice?

- Possible but very uncommon.



Posted on 12/18 11:45 AM | IP: Logged


Was there any extra room in the 2005 class? meaning, are there 2006 guys who could count back to 2005, giving more room in the 2007 class?

- They can count two back.



Posted on 12/18 11:46 AM | IP: Logged



Tony, is USC recruiting Torrey Davis?

- No.



Posted on 12/18 12:25 PM | IP: Logged


What does 'it is a fluid situation' mean?

- flu·id - changing readily; shifting; not fixed, stable, or rigid.



Posted on 12/18 12:28 PM | IP: Logged

Sorry for my stupidity, but given that we can count back two scholarships towards last years class, does that mean we can technically bring in 27? I guess Garcia and Robertson will be the two counting back to 2006, so we could bring in an additional 25 so long as we keep to the 85 scholarship limit. I think I'm understanding right, but forgive me if I'm not being smart.

- Correct.



Posted on 12/18 12:29 PM | IP: Logged


what position will pope play?

- Some safety, some corner.



Posted on 12/18 12:30 PM | IP: Logged


Any news on Culliver? From what I got from your post the other day he was just known to be talking about USC more as the week went on. Anything else? Who he was talking with? Why he may now be high on us? Timetable for decision? Would you dare give a lean to USC or Clemson? It just kinda came out of the blue so I'm curious for some more info. Thanks.

- Nothing has changed since my last post.



Posted on 12/18 12:31 PM | IP: Logged


Now that you are focus solely on recruiting, do you enjoy conversations more now that we are in the hunt for so many great players with your Rivals.com peers?

- Somewhat.


Now that recruiting has come on strong in the past 2-3 weeks, how are the time management skills working for you?

- Fine.


What are you hearing in the upstate about USC recent turn of events with recruiting?

- Don't have time for that right now.


Have you heard if Smeeley with participate in the scrimmage tonight?

- Probably.


With the current commitments, are there any DE's that compare to E. Norwood with speed and motor?

- Travian Robertson and Cliff Matthews.



Posted on 12/18 12:35 PM | IP: Logged


Are we still recruiting or are in discussions with Damien Berry? Sorry if you have already answered this.

- No.



Posted on 12/18 12:35 PM | IP: Logged


tony who has suprised you the most on film of the current db/s that are still on our board?

- I wouldn't say any of them really surprised me.



Posted on 12/18 2:34 PM | IP: Logged


Tony, still stand by your original Sidney Rice report with the statement just made by WIS Radio?

- That he's not planning on going pro? Yes.



Posted on 12/18 2:37 PM | IP: Logged


Is there any possiblity that we can sway a Gilchrest/Culliver combination toward USC? All I heard leading up to the Shrine Bowl is how close they are and how that is why Culliver is going to Clemson. Well now, it seems that people around our program are pointing Culliver in our direction. Now do you think the reverse could happen with Culliver swaying Gilchrest toward us.

Especially with your skepticism of our having enough room at DB for Augeste...

- Answered above.



Posted on 12/18 2:37 PM | IP: Logged


As it stands right now, is Clifton Geathers a sure Gamecock commit? Only paperwork and such is holding off his official commitment? If this has been asked before, I apologize. Finishing X-Mas shopping has kinda kept me outta the loop...Thanks

- No.



Posted on 12/18 2:38 PM | IP: Logged


Tony I sent the email twice more to recruiting@ gamecockcentral.com under the heading: SERIOUS QUESTION Any thoughts on when I could expect a reply? Thanks AGAIN for all you do!

- You've got mail.



Posted on 12/18 2:41 PM | IP: Logged


Georgia fans say Richt pulled their offer for Gaethers. What is the true story between CG and Georgia?

- I don't know what transpired there.



Posted on 12/18 2:41 PM | IP: Logged


Do consder a player placed in a prep school as a commited player? I guess we should consider him a commit for the team that placed him at prep?

- If the team that placed him wants him back, most often he's listed as a commitment.



Posted on 12/18 2:42 PM | IP: Logged


With the craziness of the past week I've forgotten who of the current commits will enroll in January.

Can you list those individuals?

- A. Williams, J. Williams, Garcia, Robertson, Freeman.


Is Geathers the only January enrollee that we are waiting on, or is there still someone else?

- Geathers is one. There is another possibility or two.



Posted on 12/18 2:45 PM | IP: Logged


Why is the recruiting board showing 22 and the ranking is still only based on 21 recruits?

- The rankings haven't been updated since our commitment list was updated.


P.S. Make sure you take care of my sister E.J. Davis, she sure is going through alot right now.

- Yes.



Posted on 12/18 2:47 PM | IP: Logged


Who, right now, would you say our biggest competition is for Ladi?

- Clem and VT.



Posted on 12/18 2:48 PM | IP: Logged


Whats the deal on Alfred McCullough 4* DT committed to Bama? read on the Bama site that he is considering a USC visit.

- That's the gist of it. He's considering visiting USC as my recent story on him indicated.



Posted on 12/18 2:49 PM | IP: Logged


Is there any chance that we could fill up and not have room for Lecorn and Allen in January when they decide to announce?

- Unlikely.



Posted on 12/18 2:49 PM | IP: Logged



Is Broadhead still set to join in January?

- Yes.



Posted on 12/18 5:02 PM | IP: Logged


Tony, has Dunlap set a presser?

- Not yet.


Also, have we been in contact with Vinson, 5* Ath committed to Tenn?

- No.




Posted on 12/18 5:03 PM | IP: Logged


Is Carlos Dunlap announcing on Tuesday?

- Nothing is set yet.



Posted on 12/18 5:04 PM | IP: Logged



Since we now have two J. williams, which one is coming in January?

- Jonathan Williams.



Posted on 12/18 5:08 PM | IP: Logged


Tony - I have a colleague, Van Miller, who is on the Central more than you. By chance, are there any posistions open that he may submit his resume for? Thanks in advance

- He can send it to webmaster@gamecockcental.com



Posted on 12/18 5:09 PM | IP: Logged


Is Addison Williams still firm? I really like this recruit.

- Yes.


Also, J. Barnes/M. Ingram: does your gut instinct say they stick with their pledges?

- More than likely.


Finally, what are your thoughts on B. Maddox after the Shrine Bowl?

- It wasn't conducive to any RB looking very good.




Posted on 12/18 5:11 PM | IP: Logged


Tony is Dunlap committing to USC tommorrow?

- Answered twice above.



Posted on 12/18 5:12 PM | IP: Logged


Can you list the players that are left you expect to commit to USC? Let's say at least an 80% chance in your mind?

- Dion Lecorn and Antonio Allen are the only one I can call out by name right now.



Posted on 12/18 5:24 PM | IP: Logged


Mark Barnes and Dunlap's Academic situation... would you say it's better or worse than the situation Ricky Sapp was in last year?

- Not sure because I'm not familiar with the specifics of Sapp's situation.



Posted on 12/18 5:26 PM | IP: Logged


What is the website address comparable to southcarolina/rivals for smartphones?

- I don't know.



Posted on 12/18 5:29 PM | IP: Logged


Tony, technically by my count we are at 25 total commitments? I know Rivals is showing us at 22 commitments but M. Williams and J. Williams arent listed yet, presumably b/c you have not spoken with them. And we also have to count Broadhead, if i am not mistaken. So with Keith listing Dunlap, Culliver, Geathers, Saunders, Brimfield, Lecorn, Allen, Auguste, Gibson, and Player "Y" as USC leading or "in good shape", I am getting nervous about the numbers despite the fact that they always work out. I realize we could miss on one or two. Also, i know a couple may not qualify. But IF, big IF, we land all of the remaining players we would have 35 commitments! I am perplexed as to how this would work out. Help! Surely we arent gonna ask 7 players to grey-shirt are we?

- There is nothing to be nervous about. Just enjoy the ride. It will work out just like it does every year. I promise.



Posted on 12/18 5:30 PM | IP: Logged


Is it true that CD is announcing tomorrow?

- Asked and answered three times above.



Posted on 12/18 5:31 PM | IP: Logged


Any truth to rumors about OJ Murdock leaving the team?

- I am totally focused on recruiting, so I don't know. I can't say it would surprise me, though.



Posted on 12/18 5:32 PM | IP: Logged


Seems like Geathers was listed as OL during his recruitment last year. If he enrolls at USC, would you project him on the OL or DL? He is listed at DE but 6'7" 295 seems more like a DT unless he is a Julius Peppers type athlete.

- DT who can move to OT if it doesn't work out.



Posted on 12/18 5:34 PM | IP: Logged


Are you tired of a bunch of posters pouring through the Rivals100 and asking you if we are recruiting particular players to try and determine who is Player Y?

- Yes.



Posted on 12/18 5:35 PM | IP: Logged
 
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