2007 BCS
National Champions
2003 BCS
National Champions
1958
National Champions
NCAA Baseball Championships:
1991
1993
1996
1997
2000
2009
DandyDon is proud to recognize David Toms as a great ambassador of the Tiger Nation.
Dandy Don’s Interviews with Top Louisiana Football Prospects - Class of 2010
D.J. Welter
LB, 6-1, 215, 4.55
Tuesday January 13, I started conducting my high school interviews with prospects for the 2009 high school season and the 2010 signing class. The first interview I did was with D. J. Welter (LB) 6-1, 215, 4.55 forty from Notre Dame high school. Welter has a 3.3 GPA and will take the ACT test on February 09. Welter made All- District, All-Acadiana and honorable mention All-State as a junior. Veteran high school coach Louie Cook told me Saturday at The Sportsman's Paradise Bowl that Welter is the best high school linebacker he has ever coached.
Welter will be a national recruit in 2009 and is hearing from schools nationwide including LSU, FSU and Nebraska. I asked what five schools he would like to take official visits to in 2009 and he named LSU, FSU, Nebraska, Florida and Alabama. Welter told me that in 2008 he was creditted with 120 tackles, including seven behind the line of scrimmage, and had one interception. Welter plans to attend one LSU Summer camp in June or July. He told me that his favorite college football team is LSU and his favorite NFL team is the Jets. Welter has been invited to Junior Day at LSU and will attend. Welter will be number five on my top 100 prosepct list for the 2010 signing class.
Ryan Leonard
QB, 5-11, 175, 4.6
After talking to Welter, I spoke to Ryan Leonard (QB), also from Notre Dame high school. Leonard is 5-11, 175, 4.6, has a 4.0 GPA and made a 26 on his ACT. Leonard is also one of the top high school baseball players in the Acadiana area and as a sophomore hit .450. He plays shortstop and pitches and is perhaps a better baseball prospect than football prospect. Leonard led Notre Dame to a 12-0 record before dislocating a shoulder in the state playoffs. Leonard's high school football coach, Louie Cook, told me that Leonard is very smart and with him on the field it's like having a coach on the field. Leonard threw for over 1,100 yards and 15 touchdowns this past season. Leonard did not have a list of schools he would like to visit, but did name LSU as one school he would like to visit.
James Wright
WR, 6-2, 190, 4.5
Tuesday morning (1/13/09) I interviewed James Wright (WR, 6-2, 190, 4.5) from Belle Chase, the class 4-A state champs. Wright has a 3.4 GPA and plans on taking his ACT test in February. In the 2008 season, Wright had 35 pass receptions for 559 yards and 10 touchdowns. Wright will be a national recruit next season, and, according to a couple of coaches that played against Belle Chase in the state playoffs, will one day be playing in the NFL on Sundays. Coach Bradshaw from Bastrop told me after his team lost to Belle Chase that Wright was a super star in the making. Wright will be ranked in my top 10 when my top 100 is complete. Wright told me that he is receiving mail from LSU, Colorado and schools nationwide. He said he would like to visit Texas, Florida, LSU and USC and that USC is his favorite college football team. Wright made All-District and first team All-State in 2008, led his team to the state title and would like to repeat the honors in 2009. Wright said his Summer plans are incomplete but he will be attending one or two camps. Wright has been invited to attend Junior Day at LSU on January 31 and he is planning on attending.
Orin Fontenot
LB, 6-2, 230, 4.68
Tuesday night (1/15/09) I interviewed Orin Fontenot (LB, 6-2, 230, 4.68) from Parkview Baptist high school in Baton Rouge. Fontenot has a 2.9 GPA and will take his ACT test in February. Fontenot is receiving mail from LSU, FSU, Clemson, Nebraska and several other major 1-A schools. Fontenot made All-District in 2008 and his goals are to make All-State in 2009. Fontenot told me that he would like to visit LSU, FSU, Nebraska, Texas and Alabama his senior season in high school. Fontenot's Summer plans are to improve his time in the forty and to attend Summer camps at LSU and FSU. Fontenot attended the last LSU Summer camp in July and was very impressive. He has been invited to attend Junior Day at LSU, FSU and Michigan State and they are all on the same day, but he will be attending LSU's.
Ronnie Vinson
S, 5'11-1/2", 4.45, 180
Wednesday night (1/16/09) I interviewed Ronnie Vinson (S, 5'11-1/2", 4.45, 180) from Newman high school in New Orleans. Vinson has a 3.0 GPA and has not taken the ACT but will take it February 08. Vinson is receiving mail from all over, according to his head coach. From a stack of mail in front of him, Vinson pulled out letters from LSU, Alabama, UCLA, Ole Miss and Florida. The hard-hitting safety told me that he would like to take official visits to LSU, Alabama, UCLA, Florida and Ole Miss after the 2009 prep season is over. Vinson's Summer plans are to attend Summer camps at Ole Miss, LSU and Alabama, and he might take an unofficial visit to Ole Miss this Spring. Vinson's goals are to get bigger and faster before the start of the 2009 high school season. Vinson will attend Junior Day at LSU.
Nick Jacobs
TE/DE, 6-6, 255, 4.8
Continuing my interviews with top prospects, Thursday (1/17/09) I spoke to Nick Jacobs (TE/DE, 6-6, 255, 4.8) from Many. Many high school coach Keith Menard told me that Jacobs will be as good as he wants to be and could play tight end or defensive end in college. Jacobs told me that he has a 2.8 GPA and has not yet taken the ACT but will on February 08.
Jacobs is receiving mail from most of the premier football powers including LSU, FSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Texas and Texas A&M. Jacobs is planning on taking one of his five official visits to LSU next December or January, but is undecided on other schools that he will be visiting. Jacobs, who is also one of the state's top basketball players averaging over 20 points per game, has also caught the attention of several big-time basketball schools but plans to only play football in college. As a junior, Jacobs made All-District, All-North-Louisiana and Honorable Mention All-State. Jacobs told me that he would like to improve on catching the football and that he is going to work harder on his pass routes. The big bruiser plans to attend at least two Summer camps.
Tharold Simon
WR, DB, 6-5, 195, 4.4
After interviewing Nick Jacobs, I interviewed Tharold Simon (WR, DB, 6-5, 195, 4.4) from Eunice high school. Longtime Eunice head coach Paul Trosclair told me before the interview that Simon is one of the most talented players he has ever coached. An assistant coach from Texas A&M recently viewed one of Simon's game films and offered Simon on the spot. Simon is also receiving mail from LSU and other SEC and Big 12 schools. Simon would like to take official visits to LSU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
In the 2008 season, Simon had eight interceptions including returning three for touchdowns, 25 pass break-ups and a total of 75 tackles. Simon's goals for the 2009 season are to lead his team to the state championship, to make All-District, All-Acadiana and at least Honorable Mention All-State. Simon said he will attend one Summer camp at LSU and hopes to improve his pass routes. Simon's favorite NFL team is the New York Giants and his favorite NFL player is Randy Moss. More importantly, his favorite college team is LSU. Simon plans on attending Junior Day at LSU on January 31.
Hunter Stover
P/ATH, 6-1, 200, 4.6
Thursday afternoon (1/17/09) I interviewed Hunter Stover (P/ATH, 6-1, 200, 4.6), from Notre Dame of Crowley. Stover has a 3.5 GPA and will take the ACT in February. He is receiving interest from several schools as a punter and safety. Stover had 70 tackles from his safety position in the 2008 season including seven sacks. Stover made first team All-State in 2008 and is planning on attending LSU's punting and kicking camp this Summer and the Chris Sailor punting camp in Las Vegas. Stover's favorite college team is LSU and has been invited to attend Junior Day on Saturday, January 31.
Jacob Molbert
LB, 6-2, 215, 4.58
After interviewing Stover, I interviewed his teammate Jacob Molbert (LB, 6-2, 215, 4.58). Molbert has a 2.5 GPA and will take the ACT in February. Molbert is hearing mostly from state schools and would like to take an official visit to LSU after the 2009 season. I saw Molbert play two times in 2008 and he is a very hard-nosed, physical player that I would hate to play against. The All-District and All-Acadiana selection is planning on attending Summer camps at LSU and UL-L. Molbert also runs the 200 and 400 meters on the Notre Dame track and field team.
Brad Nelson
WR, 6-2, 190, 4.6
Friday night (1/18/09) I interviewed Brad Nelson (WR, 6-2, 190, 4.6) from Catholic High of Baton Rouge. Nelson has a 3.3 GPA and will be taking the ACT in February. In nine games of the 2008 season Nelson had 23 receptions for close to 350 yards and four touchdowns. Nelson also returned punts for the Bears and played safety on long yardage situations. Nelson's best football is in front of him and he is expected to have a huge senior season.
At this time Nelson is hearing mostly from in-state schools, but that is expected to change after Spring practice. Nelson would like to visit LSU, Kentucky, Ole Miss and in-state schools after the 2009 football season is over. Nelson made All-District as a junior and his goal going into his senior year in high school is to improve his forty time. Nelson plans to attend several Summer camps. He is also a member of the top-10, 17-4 Catholic basketball team, and as their sixth man he averages around six points per game.
Eric Reid
S, 6-2 195, 4.5
Thursday night (1/17/09) I interviewed Eric Reid (S, 6-2 195, 4.5) from Dutchtown. Reid takes honor classes at Dutchtown, has a 4.7 GPA and made a 21 on the ACT. Reid was not sure how many tackles he made in the 2008 season but did say that he returned five interceptions for touchdowns. Reid, who is going to be one of the most highly-recruited players in the South in 2009, told me that he is receiving mail from LSU, Alabama, Tulane, Stanford, FSU, Georgia, and Texas A&M, to name a few. Reid was not sure what schools he will be visiting after the 2009 regular season, but did say that he would like to visit LSU, Alabama, and FSU. Reid made All-Parish and All-Metro and has plans to attend Summer camps at LSU and Alabama. Reid's goals are to lead his team to the state championships in 2009. Reid has been invited to attend Junior Day at LSU on January 31. Dutchtown defensive backfield coach Chris Carrier told me during the 2008 season that Reid has the talent to be the as good as he wants to be.
Karl Butler
DB, 6-1, 180, 4.55
After interviewing Eric Reid I interviewed Karl Butler (DB, 6-1, 180, 4.55) from Brother Martin high school. Butler has a 3.3 GPA and a 22 on the ACT. Butler is hearing from Connecticut, Auburn, Oregon, LSU, Clemson and many more. He told me that he would like to take official visits to LSU, Connecticut and Clemson. Butler also takes part in track and field, excels as a high jumper and had a best jump of 6-5 in the class 5-A track and field meet. During the 2008 season, Butler recorded 20 tackles, four interceptions and 25 break-ups. Butler made All-District, All-Metro and Honorable Mention All-State in 2008. Butler's high school coaches speak very highly of him. Butler has been invited to attend junior day and his favorite NFL team is the Ravens.
Jordan Allen
6-6, 248, 4.85
My last interview was with defensive end Jordan Allen from West Monroe (6-6, 248, 4.85). Allen was fun to talk to, like all the players I have interviewed so far. Allen has a 3.0 GPA and will take the ACT test in April. It is hard to find great defensive end prospects, but Allen will be one of the nation's best and will be very highly recruited. Allen was a little modest when I asked him the names of schools he was hearing from and schools he might visit after the 2009 season. He did say that he has already been offered by Nebraska and that Coach Les Miles told him he wanted him to be a Tiger. Allen is also receiving mail from UCLA, Michigan, Auburn, Georgia, and La Tech. He said he would like to take visits to Nebraska, LSU, Georgia, Ole Miss and Auburn. In the 2008 season, the big defensive end recorded 68 tackles (10 of which were behind the line of scrimmage), nine sacks, seven blocked passes, three blocked field goals and one blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown. Allen also throws the discuss and shot-put. Allen's goals for the 2009 season are to have more tackles, to make All-State again and to lead his team back to the Super Dome. Allen does plan to attend Summer camp at LSU and has been invited to attend Junior Day. LSU, Georgia, Ole Miss and Auburn. In the 2008 season, the big defensive end recorded 68 tackles (10 of which were behind the line of scrimmage), nine sacks, seven blocked passes, three blocked field goals and one blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown. Allen also throws the discuss and shot-put. Allen's goals for the 2009 season are to have more tackles, to make All-State again and to lead his team back to the Super Dome. Allen does plan to attend Summer camp at LSU and has been invited to attend Junior Day.
Churphy Steward
DT, 6-2, 272, 4.9
Last Friday, January 16, I interviewed Churphy Stewart (DT, 6-2, 272, 4.9) from Breaux Bridge. Stewart made All-District, All-Acadiana and first team All-State in 2008 and reminds football fans of former LSU All-American defensive tackles Glenn Dorsey and Booger McFarland. Stewart was not sure of his GPA and has not yet taken his ACT. I was told by a Breaux Bridge assistant coach that Stewart would be very close academically. One coach from an opposing team in district 5-4 A told me that it is almost impossible to block Stewart without double teaming him. In the 2008 season, Stewart was credited with 85 tackles, five quarterback sacks, 15 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and six forced fumbles. He also recovered two fumbles and had one interception. Stewart told me he is receiving mail from LSU, FSU, Oregon, Northwestern of the Big Ten and several other schools. Stewart would like to take official visits to LSU, Florida, Alabama and Auburn after the 2009 season and will be attending one LSU Summer camp in July. Stewart has been invited to Junior Day at LSU and will attend.
Pat Swilling
DB, 6-3, 210, 4.55
Later Friday afternoon, I interviewed Pat Swilling (DB, 6-3, 210, 4.55) from Brother Martin high school. Swilling the son of Pat Swilling who played for the New Orleans Saints. Swilling has a 3.2 GPA and will be taking the ACT soon. Swilling also plays basketball and averages 20 points per game. In football, Swilling is hearing from Connecticut, Oklahoma, Florida, Ga Tech, LSU, Georgia and Florida, to name a few. Swilling would like to take official visits to USC, UCONN, Oklahoma and Florida. Swilling did not include LSU when naming schools. Swilling had 15 tackles behinds the line of scrimmage, three interceptions and one forced fumble. In basketball, Swilling is receiving a lot of attention from Florida, Connecticut, LSU, USC, Ga Tech and Tulane. Swilling is not sure at this time what sport he will play in college. His goals for 2009 in football are to win district and state and to improve his game. Swilling has been invited to attend Junior Day at LSU but is not planning on attending at this time.
James Gillum
RB, 5-11, 189, 4.4
Monday afternoon January 19 I received a phone call from James Gillum (RB, 5-11, 189, 4.4) from Pearl River high school which is located in ST Tammany parish close to the Louisiana-Mississippi State line. Gillum is going to be a national recruit for the 2010 signing class. Gillum is receiving phone calls and letters from LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, and Florida to name a few schools. The speedy running back told me that he would take official visits to LSU and Alabama and is uncertain about the other three visits. Gillum rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 20 touchdowns in the 2008 season. Gillum also returns kicks and returned three for touchdowns this past season and set his offense up in great field position after several returns. Gillum will attend a Nike Combine this Spring and will camp at LSU this Summer. Gillum has been invited to attend LSU's Junior Day on January 31 and will attend.
Houston Bates
6-3, 245, 4.60
After interviewing James Gillum, I interviewed highly-touted defensive end Houston Bates (6-3, 245, 4.60) from ST Paul high school in Covington. Bates has a 3.11 GPA and made a 19 on his ACT. He told me that he is receiving mail from Connecticut, LSU, Tulane, Auburn, Colorado, Stanford and Texas A&M. Bates said that he would like to take official visits to LSU, A&M, UCONN, Stanford and Tulane. In the 2008 season, Bates recorded 61 tackles, 16 behind the line of scrimmage, and 14 sacks. Bates made All-District MVP last season and made the All-Metro team. Bates' goals before the start of the 2009 season are to improve his foot speed and get stronger. Bates plan to attend Summer camp at LSU and will be attending Junior Day at LSU on January 31.
Willie Graves
TE, 6-7, 245, 4.9
Tuesday afternoon January 20 I interview Willie Graves (TE, 6-7, 245, 4.9) from Leesville high school. Graves has a 4.0 GPA and will be taking his ACT in February. Leesville head coach Terrance Williams is very high on Graves because of his work habits and potential. Because of having Michael Ford and Travante Stallworth in the backfield in 2008, Graves was used as a blocking back and was not on the receiving end of many passes. Leesville will be using the I formation in 2009 and Graves will be more involved in the passing game. Graves is receiving mail from LSU, UCLA, La Tech, Florida and other 1-A schools. Graves would like to visit LSU, Florida and La Tech on official visit after the 2009 high school season. Graves also plays basketball and is averaging around eight points per game. Graves' goal is to get bigger and stronger before the start of the 2009 high school season, become a team leader and make it to the 4-A state championship game in the Super Dome next December. Graves is planning to attend a few seven-on-seven camps and attend Summer camps at LSU and La Tech. Graves has been invited to Junior Day at LSU and will accept the invitation. Gravel is a player to keep a lookout for in 2009.
LaCraig Brown
DE/DT, 6-6, 275, 4.9
Later Thursday afternoon, January 22 I interviewed LaCraig Brown (DE/DT, 6-6, 275, 4.9) from Richwood high school in Monroe. Brown is a player that I overlooked in my top 50, but I will work him into my top 50 in the next few weeks as I continue to refine my list. Brown has a 2.9 GPA and will be taking the ACT in February. Brown is receiving mail from Ole Miss, Oregon, Oregon State, LSU, Arkansas, Texas, Texas Tech, Stanford and Texas A&M. Brown told me that he would like to take official visits to LSU, Miami, Texas Tech and Miami. Brown recently took part in the USA Army Junior Camp and turned some heads. The All-District giant told me that he is planning on attending Summer Camps at Alabama and LSU and is picking Pittsburgh to win the Super Bowl.
Jarrett Fobbs
WR/RB/S, 6-0, 180, 4.45
Wednesday January 21 I talked to Jarrett Fobbs (WR/RB/S) 6-0, 180, 4.45 from Huntington high school in Shreveport. Fobbs told me that he has a 3.0 GPA and a 17 on his ACT. Fobbs is going to be a very highly recruited player for the 2010 signing class. He made All-District and All-Caddo parish as a junior and rushed for 614 yards on 95 carries and five touchdowns. He also had 22 receptions for 359 yards and five touchdowns. Hobbs also returned 12 kickoffs for 335 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, he had 15 tackles, two assists, five interceptions and six pass break-ups. Fobbs is receiving mail from LSU, Alabama, Duke, Ole Miss, Stanford, Auburn and Notre Dame, and would like to visit LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Auburn. He is not certain of what other school he will visit. Hobbs also plays shortstop, second base and pitches for the Huntington baseball team. He hit .345 last season and was 11 for 11 on stolen bases. He has been invited to take part in a Nike Camp this Summer and attended Summer camp at LSU in June of 2008. He has also been invited to attend Junior Day at LSU and will attend.
Taylor Bullock
6-3, 205, 4.6
Wednesday night, January 21, I spoke to quarterback Taylor Bullock (6-3, 205, 4.6) from Catholic high school of New Iberia. Bullock has a 3.4 GPA and has not yet taken the ACT. Bullock has received a scholarship offer from Tulane and is receiving mail from Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and La Tech. Bullock said that he would like to take official visits to the schools mentioned above. In the 2008 season, Bullock rushed for 400 yards and eight touchdowns and passed for 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns. Bullock made first team All-District and is planning on attend Summer camp at Ole Miss and Texas A&M.
Sheddrick Davis
6-3, 200, 4.6
Thursday afternoon I interviewed wide receiver Sheddrick Davis (6-3, 200, 4.6) from Central of Baton Rouge. Davis has a 2.9 GPA and will be taking his ACT in February. Davis is the real deal and will be very highly recruited. The first team class 5-A All-State wide receiver is hearing from schools nationwide including LSU, Alabama, Nebraska, Stanford, Texas A&M and Arizona. Davis would like to take official visits in 2009 to LSU, Alabama, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, but is not sure about the other two at this time. In the 2008 season, Davis had 61 receptions for 894 yards and 14 touchdowns. Davis is planning on attending Summer camps at Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M. He has been invited to Junior Day at LSU and will attend. Davis has also been invited to Junior Day at Texas A&M, Nebraska and Alabama. Davis' goals are to improve on his time in the 40 and improve his pass routes.
Jeremy Meyers
QB, 6-2, 200, 4.7
Friday night I interviewed Jeremy Meyers (QB, 6-2, 200, 4.7). Meyers has a 3.8 GPA and will take the ACT in February. Meyers is going to be very highly recruited and is receiving mail each day from schools such as LSU, Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Arkansas and Stanford. Meyers would like to take official visits to LSU, Auburn, Alabama and Clemson and is not sure about the other two. In 2008, Meyers rushed for 850 yards and 13 touchdowns and passed for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns. Meyers has been invited to attend Summer camps at LSU and Alabama and has been invited to Junior Day at LSU, A&M and TCU and will be attending LSU's Junior Day. Meyers will also play safety in 2009, and, according to Coach Eric Head, is a hard-hitting very aggressive player on defense. Meyers is also the team punter with a 39.8-yard average per punt.
Gavin Webster
QB, 6-0, 210, 4.49
Continuing my interviews with top prospects from my top 100, Friday afternoon I talked to class 3-A All-State quarterback Gavin Webster (6-0, 210, 4.49) from Lutcher high school. Webster told me that has a 2.5 GPA and made a 16 the only time he has taken the ACT. Webster told me that he is receiving mail from Alabama, UCLA, Mississippi State and other schools. The multi-talented quarterback told me that he would like to take official visits to LSU, Alabama, UCLA, Auburn and MSU. Webster threw for 1,982 yards and 22 touchdowns and rushed for 2,100 yards and 21 touchdowns. Webster accounted for 43 total touchdowns at Lutcher high school this past season. In 2008, Webster made All-District, All-State and was player of the week two times. His goals for the 2009 season are to lead his team to another class 3-A state championship and to make All-State again. Webster would like to attend Summer camps at LSU, Mississippi State and Florida.
Ashton Duhe
6-3, 296, 5.0
Monday, January 26 I interviewed four prospects including offensive lineman Ashton Duhe (6-3, 296, 5.0) from Destrehan. Duhe has a 3.0 GPA and will take the ACT test in February. Duhe is going to be a very highly recruited player and at this time is receiving a lot of interest from LSU, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, SMU, UL-L, Nebraska, Oregon, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Duhe told me that he would like to take official visits to LSU and Alabama for sure and is undecided on the other three. Duhe made All-District this past season and has his goals set to make first team All-State in 2009 and lead his team to a third straight class 5-A state championship. Duhe will be the only returner in the Wildcat offensive line in 2009 and will have the role of team leader. Duhe has been invited to the LSU-Alabama Junior Day this coming Saturday and will be at LSU.
Ricky Irvin
LB, 6-1, 220, 4.7
Tuesday afternoon, January 27, I interviewed Ricky Irvin (LB, 6-1, 220, 4.7) from Westlake high school. Irvin has a 3.5 GPA and made a 21 on the ACT. Irvin is receiving mail from LSU, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Connecticut, UCLA, Stanford and others. Irvin said he would like to visit LSU, A&M, Nebraska, UCLA and Stanford. Irvin did not have his stats available but I do know that he made All-District, and first team All-State. Irvin's Summer plans are to attend Summer camps at LSU, Nebraska and Texas A&M and his goals for the 2009 season is to lead his team to the 3-A state title. Irvin attended Texas A&M's Junior Day last Saturday and will attend Junior Day at LSU this Saturday, January 31. Irvin also plays basketball and had a season-high 24 points against Grand Cane. Irvin told me that Westlake has a 6'10" junior center on the basketball team name Garrett McConathy who is going to be good.
Glenn Coleman
6-1, 190, 4.5
Monday afternoon I interviewed All-State wide receiver Glenn Coleman (6-1, 190, 4.5) from West Jefferson high school. Coleman did not know his GPA and will be taking the ACT in February. Coleman made All-District, All-Metro and first team All-State in 2008. Coleman was not certain as to how many schools he was hearing from, but did say that he would like to take official visits to LSU, Tennessee, Georgia and LA Tech. In 2008, Coleman had 41 receptions for 594 yards and 10 touchdowns. Coleman also did the punting for West Jefferson and averaged 42 yards per punt and was named All-District as a punter.
Eric Thomas
WR, 6-3, 190, 4.49
Tuesday afternoon I did two interviews by email with an Evangel spokesperson. For some unknown reason, Evangel did not want me to interview the two players directly. My first email interview was concerning Eric Thomas (WR, 6-3, 190, 4.49). Thomas has a 2.4 GPA and will take his ACT in February. Thomas is hearing from LSU, Arkansas and La Tech at this time and would like to visit Florida, USC, The University of Texas, Arkansas, LSU and La Tech. In 2008, Thomas had 74 receptions for 1,042 yards and 23 touchdowns. Thomas made All-District, All-City, first team All-State and third team honorable mention high school All-America. Thomas' Summer plans are to get stronger, faster and attend several 7-on-7 Summer camps. Thomas' goals are to improve every area of his game and to lead his team to the 2010 1-AA state title.
Thomas Bridgewater
WR, 6-2, 188, 4.43
The next email interview was concerning Thomas Bridgewater (WR, 6-2, 188, 4.43). Bridgewater has a 2.4 GPA and has not taken the ACT but has plans to take the test in February. Bridgewater is hearing mostly from Texas A&M and La Tech. Bridgewater would like to visit Texas A&M, La Tech, OU, and Florida. Like his teammate Eric Thomas, Bridgewater would like to improve in all areas of the game and is planning on attending as many as possible 7-on-7 camps this Summer. Bridgewater made All-District and finished third in state in the 100 meters.
Jamar Thomas
RB/CB/WR, 5-11, 190, 4.45
As for my interviews with prospects from my top 100 list, yesterday I interviewed Jamar Thomas (RB/CB/WR, 5-11, 190, 4.45) from University high school in Baton Rouge. Thomas has a 2.9 GPA and will take the ACT test in April. Thomas is hearing from LSU, Texas A&M, Tulane and La Tech and would like to visit these four schools and Texas after the end of the 2009 season. In 2008, Thomas rushed for over 800 yards and 12 touchdowns, had 18 receptions for 502 yards and on defense had 50 tackles, four interceptions with two returned for touchdowns and three quarterback sacks. Thomas made first team All-District and his goals are to get bigger and faster, make All-State in 2009 and win state. Thomas has been invited to Junior Day at LSU this Saturday and will attend the one-day event.
Taylor Burch
QB, 6-3, 216, 4.7
Thursday night, February 05, I interviewed Taylor Burch (QB, 6-3, 216, 4.7) from Neville high school in Monroe. Burch has a 3.5 GPA and a 22 on the ACT. Burch is recovering from a knee injury he suffered in the ninth game of the 2008 season against Byrd high school. The strong-arm quarterback started back running last week without any swelling or pain. Burch is going to be highly recruited and is receiving mail from LSU, Alabama, Arkansas, La Tech, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Stanford and Duke, to name a few. Burch would like to take official visits to Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Tulane and Texas A&M. In eight games in the 2008 season, Burch completed 93 of 167 passes for 1,136 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed for 250 yards and four touchdowns. Burch does plan on attending Summer camps at LSU and Alabama and will take part in the Elite 11 camp at an unknown location at this time, and the Football University passing camp in Texas. Burch attended Junior Day at LSU and met with offensive coordinator Gary Crowton while on campus.
Corey Ardion
WR, 6-1, 175
Last night I caught up with offensive lineman Ryan Zeller of ST Michaels high school in Baton Rouge and wide receiver Corey Ardion from Pine Prairie high school in Evangeline parish. Pine Prairie is 10 miles North of Mamou and South of Turkey Creek. First, I spoke to Ardoin who is 6-1, 175 with a 2.8 GPA. He took the ACT two weeks ago but has not yet received his grade. Ardoin did not know his time in the 40 but told me that he has run the 100 meters in 10.0 and the 200 meters in 21.0. Ardoin is hearing a lot from Texas A&M, Arkansas and most of Louisiana schools. He would like to take official visits to Texas A&M and LSU after the 2009 football season. As a sophomore, Ardoin played half the season at Springwood, Texas and half the season at Opelousas Catholic. In 2008, Ardoin played in eight games at Pine Prairie and had 41 receptions for 721 yards and seven touchdowns. Ardoin also plays basketball and is averaging 19 points per game. I went brain dead and forgot to ask if he plans on attending any Summer camps this Summer.
Ryan Zeller
OL, 6-5, 268, 5.5
After talking to Ardoin, I interviewed offensive lineman Ryan Zeller (6-5, 268, 5.5) from ST Michaels of Baton Rouge. Zeller has a 2.5 GPA and took the ACT test on February 07. Zeller is hearing from LSU, Texas A&M and UL-L. The big offensive tackle told me he would like to visit LSU, Texas , Texas A&M and Ole Miss. Zeller's Summer plans are to get stronger, improve his foot speed, become a team leader and play in the class 4-A state championship game. Zeller does plan on attending the LSU offensive lineman camp. Zeller attended Junior Day at LSU and spent some time with LSU offensive line coach Greg Studrawa.
Orlan Lockhart
QB, 6-2, 200, 4.8
Tuesday night I interviewed Orlan Lockhart (QB, 6-2, 200, 4.8) from Sam Houston high school in Moss Bluff, outside Lake Charles. Lockhart is a 4.0 student, made a 27 on his ACT and is planning on taking the test again in February. Lockhart is receiving mail from LSU, Missouri, Texas A&M, TCU, KSU, Clemson and Tulsa. At this time, he is not certain on what schools he will visit after the 2009 regular season, but did tell me that he would visit the schools who show the most interest in him.
In 2008 Lockhart made All-District and honorable mention All-State. Lockhart threw for 1900 yards and 15 touchdowns and rush for 475 yards and 17 touchdowns. Lockhart's Summer plans are to attend a Summer camp at Southern Mississippi and two Nike camps in Fort Worth. His goals are to cut down his time in the forty, to improve on his stats and and to lead his team deeper into the state playoff. I have Lockhart number 53 on my top 100 and that is much too low. I will soon be moving him up several spots.
Chance Fayko
OL, 6-3, 300
Tuesday, February 10th, I interviewed Chance Fayko (OL, 6-3, 300) from Barbe high school in Lake Charles. Fayko has a 3.1 GPA and made a 25 on his ACT. Fayko is receiving interest from LSU, Tulane, Stanford, Tennessee and Texas A&M. He would like to visit LSU, Tulane and Stanford and is not certain about the other two visits he will take. Fayko is a very polite and well spoken young man. He told me that he is planning on attending the LSU offensive linemen camp, one regular LSU camp, a Texas A&M camp and an All-America offensive linemen camp in Mississippi. Fayko attended Junior Day at LSU and spent some time with offensive line coach Greg Studrawa and with Les Miles. Coach Miles told Fayko that he would be getting back in tough with him in March and wanted him to return to LSU for a visit. Coach Studrawa also told Fayko that he would attend a Spring practice at Barbe high school. Fayko was very happy that he got to spend time with Studrawa and Miles and was excited about the interest the coaches showed in him. Fayko is someone to keep an eye on during the 2009 high school season.
Alfred Blue
RB, 6-2.5, 192, 4.56
Tuesday morning, February 10, I interviewed Alfred Blue and Brion James from Hahnville high school. I first interviewed Alfred Blue (RB, 6'2 1/2", 192, 4.56). Blue has a 3.0 GPA and recently took the ACT, but has not received his score yet. I do not have Blue on my top prospect list yet because he is listed as a sophomore but will receive his degree in 2010 according to longtime head coach Lou Valdin. Valdin told me that Hahnville has a program that can graduate high school students in three years. Blue would not be eligible to play after the 2009 season because of his age. Valdin told me that he believes a lot of schools do not know that Blue will receive his degree in 2010 and are therefore not sending him mail or calling him. Valdin believes that Blue is an SEC-caliber running back. Of course there are some schools who are aware that he will receive his degree in 2010 because he is hearing from Alabama, Tulane, Georgia and Arkansas. Blue sounds like he really like Alabama and would like to make an official visit there and to Tulane, but he is not certain about other schools he would like to visit. According to the stats I've been able to find, Blue made All-District in 2008 rushing for 388 yards on 67 carries and 72 yards on seven receptions, but the stats do not sound right because I'm almost certain he rushed for over 200 yards in a couple of games. Blue’s goals in 2009 are to rush for 1,600 yards and 27 touchdowns, and to lead his team to the state championship game.
Brion James
CB, 6-1, 185, 4.5
After interviewing Alfred Blue, I interviewed Brion James (CB, 6-1, 185, 4.5). Coach Valdin is high on James and believes he is also an SEC-caliber cornerback back. James has a 3.0 GPA and has not received his ACT score yet. James is hearing from Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss and Miami and would like to take official visits to LSU, Miami and Alabama. He is planning on attending Summer camp at LSU.
Blake Hollingsworth
QB, 6'2”, 200, 4.68
Thursday, February 12, I conducted two interviews. My first interview was with quarterback Blake Hollingsworth from University high school in Baton Rouge. Hollingsworth (6'2”, 200, 4.68) has a 3.7 GPA and will be taking the ACT in April. He played mostly wide receiver and running back, and back up quarterback to Barrett Bailey who will be attending LSU as a preferred walk-on. Hollingsworth was very impressive in the amount of time he played quarterback for the U-High Cubs. The rifle-arm quarterback's best days are ahead, and he is already hearing from LSU, Minnesota, and La Tech. The senior has been invited to take part in the Steve Clarkson passing camp in Las Vegas and will take part in the National Underclassman Quarterback Camp at Scottlandville high school in Baton Rouge later this Spring. Hollingsworth was invited and did attend Junior Day at LSU. Based on information I received, Hollingsworth has a chance to be very highly recruited for the 2010 signing class.
Connor Nichols
S, 6-3, 180, 4.5
Later Thursday night I interviewed Connor Nichols (S, 6-3, 180, 4.5) from Airline High School in Bossier City. Nichols has a 3.5 GPA and will take the ACT in June. Nichols is receiving tons of mail from school such as Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Southern Mississippi, Texas A&M and LSU. Nichols told me that he would like to visit LSU, Southern Mississippi and Arkansas after the 2009 season. The All-District safety from district 1-5A had 83 tackles, six interceptions and four quarterback sacks in 2009. Nichols' 2009 goals are to get bigger and stronger and win district and to advance deep into the state play offs. Nichols' plans are to attend Summer camps at LSU and Southern Mississippi. Nichols did attend Junior Day at LSU two weeks ago
Dillon Day
OL, 6-5, 252
In high school news, Monday afternoon I interviewed offensive lineman Dillon Day (6-5, 252) from West Monroe. Dillon has a 2.3 GPA and is waiting the score of his ACT taken on February 07. Day is hearing from major colleges nationwide including LSU, GA, Alabama, UCLA and all in-state schools. Day would like to take official visits to LSU, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Day made All-District and Honorable All-State in 2008 and would like to lead his team to a return trip to the Superdome and bring back the class 5-A title to West Monroe. Day's other goals for the 2009 season are to improve his time in the forty, to get bigger and stronger and to make first team All-State. Day was invited to the US Army Junior Combine in January and did very well. The Army Junior Combine features the top 500 juniors in the nation. Day was not able to attend LSU's Junior Day on January 21 but is planning on attending the February 28 Junior Day event. Day is a very polite and well spoken young man and is also very good football player. I saw the STM and West Monroe game and Day was outstanding.
Walker Ashburn
DE, 6'3 1/2", 245, 4.71
In other recruiting news, Thursday night I interviewed Walker Ashburn (DE, 6'3 1/2", 245, 4.71) from John Curtis high school. Ashburn is a very well-spoken, polite young man. He told me that he has grown from 6-2 to 6'3-1/2" in the last year and is being recruited to play defensive end in college. Ashburn has a 3.6 GPA and made a 19 on the ACT his freshman year in high school and is planning on retaking the test this Spring. Ashburn is receiving mail from LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas A&M and UCLA. Washburn would like to take official visits to Tennessee and Arkansas and is not certain about the other three official visits. Washburn said that he likes LSU but has seen the campus several times and would like to visit schools he has never seen before. I asked Walker what he was looking for in a school and he told me he would like to play in a system that would best benefit his style of play and at a school where he felt comfortable. Ashburn made All-District, All-Metro and Honorable Mention All-State in 2008. Ashburn's goals for the 2009 season are to repeat as state champs in class 2-A and to get bigger and stronger. The highly touted defensive end will likely attend Summer camps at Tennessee and Alabama. Ashburn attended Summer camp at LSU last Summer and will be attending Junior Day on February 28 at LSU. Ashburn attended Junior Day at Alabama a few weeks ago. Ashburn also throws the shot-put and discuss and will be at LSU this weekend to take part in a track and field meet. Ashburn recently threw the shot-put 51 feet and the discuss 145 feet.
Jonathan McKnight
CB, 6-1, 175, 4.4
Friday afternoon I caught up with Jonathan McKnight (CB, 6-1, 175, 4.4) from John Curtis high school in River Ridge, La. McKnight has a 2.9 GPA and will take the ACT the next time it is offered. I asked McKnight what schools he is hearing from and he said mostly Alabama but also LSU, Georgia, Texas A&M and USC. McKnight was not certain what schools he would like to visit but did say that he would likely go out of state to play his college football. My guess is that McKnight is a lean to Alabama, but that is just a guess. McKnight made All-State and All-District in 2008 and his 2009 goals are to win the state championship again and make All-State again. McKnight's Summer plans are to attend camps at Alabama, USC and LSU. McKnight also plays basketball and averages 20 points per game.
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