2011 Red Bank Catholic (NJ) tight end Jack Tabb has been following the story of conference realignment fairly intently and finds the whole story very intriguing.

“I think it’s all pretty interesting,” Tabb said. “I heard Rutgers might be going to the Big 10 and I think it could be a good fit for them.”

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound tight end has proven himself as one of the top tight ends on the East Coast and has already reeled in 18 offers from some top-notch programs.

But none might be bigger than the offer from SEC powerhouse Florida.

“I’m very excited about Florida it’s probably my biggest offer,” Tabb said. “They have obviously won some recent national championships and have a good APR rating.”

Florida also might benefit from Tabb’s admiration of the SEC. Although his playing style might be more reminiscent of the Big-10—he loves pancaking opponents, he also loves all of the speed that exists within the SEC.

“I definitely like the SEC a lot because it’s all about speed,” he said. “Even though I’m a bigger player I still like to utilize my speed and play like that.”

In addition to Florida, Tabb has offers from such programs as Iowa, Maryland, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Virginia and West Virginia.

He recently decided to make a third trip to Rutgers this past weekend and yet again had a great time at the home state school.

“It was a great visit—a very relaxed day,” he said. “It was cool to each lunch with other recruits like Miles (Shuler) and Savon (Huggins).

“I talk to Miles a lot and we congratulate each other on new offers. But we also kind of look around at (Rutgers) and think what could be.”

Rutgers has put a lot of time and effort in recruiting him and the tight end has developed a good relationship with head coach Greg Schiano.

Schiano along with Maryland assistant James Franklin have made quite the impression on him.

“They say what they feel—they won’t mess with you,” he said. “They don’t spit any bull to you they just tell you exactly how it is.”

This summer Tabb along with his mother plan to go on quite a few visits to see different colleges. There is a Florida visit to see Miami, Florida, South Florida and Central Florida; a Carolina visit to see North Carolina and NC State, and a Midwest visit to look at Pittsburgh, Notre Dame and Cincinnati.

There is no current timetable on a decision for Tabb though he claims he won’t wait until National Signing Day, but still needs more time to visit other schools.

He anticipates majoring in broadcast journalism and will look for a school with a good journalism program.

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WR Justin Scott (5-11, 205) of Camilla (GA) plans to announce his commitment Saturday at the state track meet. ScottWake Forest and South Carolina in the next two weeks. He has offers from the Gamecocks, Wake Forest, Louisville, Georgia, Georgia Tech, East Carolina, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Maryland.
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TE Drew Owens (6-5, 230) of Charlotte has decided to open his recruiting back up after narrowing things a little bit. He had South Carolina and North Carolina as his top two, but now he says there are no favorites. He’s doing this because he recently picked up offers from Louisville, Michigan, South Florida and Illinois. He also has offers from South Carolina, Clemson, North Carolina, N.C. State, Virginia Tech, Maryland, East Carolina, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Duke. He plans to have a new top five before this season and those will be his official visits.
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LB Marcquis Roberts (6-1, 205) of Powder Springs (GA) is still favoring South Carolina over offers from Wisconsin, Memphis and Louisville. Gamecock recruiter GA Mangus was in recently, along with recruiters from Florida State and Purdue. Mangus is expected back for his spring game Saturday. He doesn’t plan to make a decision until mid-season.
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DB Geraldo Orta (6-0 180) of Valdosta (GA) has landed offers from Clemson and South Carolina. Orta also has an offer from Tennessee and is also getting interest from North Carolina, Illinois, Central Florida, Georgia, Troy and Louisville. Right now he’s favoring Clemson over Auburn, Tennessee and North Carolina. Orta plays cornerback and safety.
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ATH Ronald Baines (6-1 180) of Voorhees (NJ) is still waiting on that first offer and will be attending camps from May through July to be evaluated by the coaches. One of his camp stops will be South Carolina in early June. Schools showing interest include USC, Temple, Penn State, Michigan, South Florida, Connecticut, Tennessee, Rutgers and Kentucky.
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NBE Sports has watched plenty of Penn Wood (PA) High School big man Shawn Oakman on the basketball court, where he is a Division I prospect at 6-foot-8, 240-pounds. However his future might be on the gridiron at the college level as a defensive end as Oakman is Up to Six Division 1-A Offers (PennLive.com) in football.

Oakman has received offers from Connecticut, North Carolina State, Penn State, Pitt, Rice, and South Carolina. Schools like Michigan, Purdue, Rutgers, Virginia and West Virginia have shown interest.
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Bowling Green, Illinois, Louisville, Memphis, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Syracuse, Texas Tech and West Virginia have all offered Desimon Green as Clairton’s Green is Up to 10 Offers (PennLive.com). Green doubles as both a quarterback and a defensive lineman for Clairton which has gone 30-2 the last two seasons. The 6’4, 215-pound senior-to-be had a productive junior season at quarterback, throwing for more than 1,500 yards and running for more than 800 yards, accounting for more than 20 total touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball he has been a dominant pass-rusher, accounting for more than 45 sacks the last two seasons.
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Dallastown’s Ben Kline has received scholarship offers from Boston College, UCONN, Maryland, Michigan, Pitt, Rutgers, Vanderbilt and West Virginia as WR/LB Kline is Up to 8 Offers (PennLive.com).
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“Our season hasn’t opened up yet but during the scrimmages we have done very well and I’m excited for this upcoming season,” Rigg told NBE Sports Tuesday night. “I expect for our team to return to the state championship game and compete for a title.”

The season starts with a bang Friday night as the 16-time state champion Crusaders meet Iona Prep at Giants Stadium. It was on that field that last season ended with a 34-13 championship game loss to Don Bosco Prep.

With a senior season about to begin, Rigg will focus most of his attention to bringing home a 17th state championship for Bergen Catholic. On the recruiting front, Rigg has three schools on his mind currently, and plans to make official visits to all three during the season.

“Right now I’m considering Iowa, West Virginia and Rutgers but if any other schools come into play I’ll give them a look,” said Rigg.
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Another linebacker in the class of 2010 getting a lot of recruiting attention is Beaufort (SC) High School’s Justin Parker. The athletic 6-foot-2, 230-lb senior has registered 28 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks and an interception through the first two weeks of the regular season helping the Eagles to a 2-0 start ahead of this weekend’s showdown with Fort Dorchester.

Friday’s game also marks senior night at BHS and Parker has big goals for his final high school season.

“I really don’t set personal goals but if I had to i would say that every time I step on the field I want my teammates to know I’m giving everything i got on every play,” Parker told NBE Sports Wednesday night. “As for the team win Region first and then worry about winning [the] state.”

As for his recruitment, it was reported in the state.com this week that Parker has offers from Georgia Tech, Nebraska, East Carolina, Mississippi State, South Florida, Colorado, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, N.C. State, Central Florida, Wake Forest and Maryland, in addition to the top local programs, Clemson and South Carolina, who form the top of his list.

“I’m still considering all schools that have offered,” said Parker. “Right now I would say my leader is Clemson. I took an unofficial visit to Clemson for their opener and I plan on going back up to Clemson as well as USC (South Carolina) and alot of other schools.”

Schools are primarily looking at Parker as a ‘mike’ backer to take advantage of his athletic ability and use him in space on the defensive side of the ball. While it looks like it will be very tough for a school to pull him out of his home state of South Carolina, NBE Sports will continue to follow his recruitment this season.
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Rock, a 6-foot-5, 245-lb junior (class of 2011) started off the season with a bang in the Stallions’ opening weekend 38-0 win over Gahanna (OH) Lincoln. Scouting reports from the game listed Rock as ‘unblockable’ as he anchors one of the best defensive units in the state.

After the easy win to start the season, things got tougher on the road in Youngstown against Cardinal Mooney in one of the most highly anticipated games of the Ohio high school season. The Cardinals held off St. Francis DeSales 21-14 in the first-even meeting between the two perennial state contenders. The Stallions entered the contest ranked #1 Division III football team. Despite the loss, Rock still has high hopes for the season.

“I want our team to do well against our tough schedule and make it to the playoffs and fight for a state championship,” said Rock who registered two sacks through the first two contests.

With colleges allowed to officially offer scholarships to players in the class of 2011, Rock has seen the interest from some of the top programs turn into offers.

“So far I have offers from Notre Dame, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Duke, Cincinnati and Akron,” Rock told NBE.

In addition to the game against Cardinal Mooney on Friday night, it was a busy football weekend for Rock as he headed to the ‘Big House’ on Saturday to take in Michigan’s season opening victory. Rock hopes “to take many more [visits] throughout the season” as well.

For now, college football fans should keep an eye on Chris Rock of St. Francis DeSales in Columbus (OH) on the football field. Unlike another Chris Rock you may have heard of, this one is not looking to make fans laugh, he is all business on the field.
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The state.com/GoGamecocks.com has their regular Monday Recruiting Notebook and while the newspaper concentrates on Clemson and South Carolina, once again there is plenty of Big East related recruiting notes to share. Here are those of Big East interest…
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Clemson and South Carolina have offered junior linebacker Stephone Anthony (6-3, 220) of Anson High in Wadesboro (SC). He has received early offers from Florida, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, N.C. State, Stanford, Maryland and Duke.
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South Carolina will get a visit from athlete Sherard Cadogan (6-3, 230) of Cherry Hill, N.J. Cadogan also will visit Wisconsin, West Virginia, Pittsburgh and Michigan. Pitt is out front because he has visited there several times.
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Irmo (SC) running back Mustafa Green (6-1, 202) plans to narrow his list soon. He said Florida, Alabama and Rutgers are three he will keep on his list along with Clemson and the Gamecocks.
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Defensive lineman Max Beaulieu (6-3, 235) of Fort Lauderdale has not decided on his official visits. He has offers from South Carolina, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Arkansas, Wake Forest, Tennessee, Purdue, Tulane, Buffalo, Syracuse, Colorado State, Toledo and Marshall.
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Beaufort (SC) linebacker Justin Parker (6-2, 225) was scheduled for an unofficial visit to Clemson on Saturday. He has been a slight lean to the Tigers over South Carolina. He will take in some games at USC as well this season and he will set official visits with the Tigers and Gamecocks. He is undecided on his three other visits. Georgia Tech offered Parker last week. He also has offers from Nebraska, East Carolina, Mississippi State, South Florida, Colorado, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, N.C. State, Central Florida, Wake Forest and Maryland.
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Wide receiver Marquel Wade (5-10, 180) of Jacksonville, Fla., has a top four of So Carolina, South Florida, Georgia and Arkansas, with Mississippi working its way into the picture. Wade plans to set officials with USC, Georgia, Arkansas and Mississippi. There is no favorite according to state.com.

- Beaufort (SC) linebacker Justin Parker (6-2, 225) made an unofficial visit to Clemson over the weekend, his first visit to the school. The Tigers and South Carolina are in a battle for Parker and are currently at the top of his list. Parker also has offers from Maryland, Mississippi State, Wake Forest, Central Florida, N.C. State, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Colorado and South Florida.

- Wide receiver Kadron Boone (6-1, 185) of Ocala, Fla., has his list down to South Carolina, Clemson, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Cincinnati, Miami and Notre Dame.

- South Carolina is showing some interest in wide receiver Dominique Roberts (6-0, 203) of Daytona Beach, Fla. He has been offered by Connecticut, Florida International, Western Kentucky, Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman.

- Athlete Sherard Cadogan (6-3, 230) of Cherry Hill, N.J., has South Carolina in his top five along with Michigan State, Wisconsin, Pittsburgh and Penn State. He plans to make an official visit to USC. They Gamecocks are looking at him for defense.

- Defensive back Devont’a Davis (6-2, 175) of Gainesville, Fla., is strong on South Carolina and plans to take an official visit. He also likes Miami, North Carolina, Louisville and Arkansas.

- Offensive lineman Danny Foose (6-6, 310) of Paramus, N.J., is getting a strong push from South Carolina and wants to take an official visit with the Gamecocks this fall. He has offers from USC, Stanford, Minnesota, Illinois, Rutgers, Boston College, South Florida, Louisville and Akron.

- Linebacker Antoine Pozniak (6-3, 220) of Hamberg, N.J., attended USC’s Showcase Camp, and the Gamecocks plan to watch him this season. Penn State and Syracuse also are interested along with Buffalo, LSU and Southeast Missouri State.

- Clemson and USC remain in touch with running back Jawan Jamison (5-8, 195) of Jacksonville, Fla. He cites offers from Clemson, Wake Forest, Rutgers and Northern Illinois with no favorite.

- Running back Cassius McDowell (5-9, 166) of Deerfield Beach, Fla., says he has offers from USC, West Virginia, Michigan, Wake Forest, Mississippi, Connecticut, Central Florida and Florida International.

- Running back Corey Brown (6-1, 184) of Springfield, Pa., has Clemson in his final group even though he’s not heard from the Tigers in some time. He also is looking at Florida, Florida State, Miami, Rutgers, West Virginia, Penn State, Alabama, and Ohio State.
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According to InsideNoVa.com, Osbourn Park High School junior Dominique Terrell received word last week that the University of Tennessee plans on extending him an official written offer when Division I and FCS schools can do so for juniors, starting Sept. 1.

Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Liberty and Richmond are the others.

Rated the No. 1 junior in the state by VirginiaPreps.com, Terrell threw for 696 yards and ran for 920 more last season. He also returned three kicks for touchdowns.
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More throughout the week, so check back often

According to Phil Kornblut, in a special for the Post & Courier in South Carolina, here are the Big East mentions from his Monday recruiting notebook:

- Ego Ferguson Jr. (6-3, 260) of Hargrave Prep, Va. Clemson was one of the seven schools he cut. Also making the list were Miami, Oklahoma, LSU, Notre Dame, North Carolina, UCLA, California, Vanderbilt, Florida State, Nebraska, Penn State, Tennessee and Maryland. Notre Dame, Oklahoma and LSU will get three of his official visits. Ferguson plans to get his list to 10 before leaving for schools Aug. 17.

- Darrell Givens (6-1, 172) of Indian Head, Md., is a DB that signed with Penn State last February, but last week was denied admission by the university despite being NCAA qualified.

Givens’ transcripts are to be reviewed by South Carolina’s admissions committee. If accepted, sources indicate there’s a good chance he will join the Gamecocks this week. Givens and his coach were in regular contact with members of South Carolina’s staff last week. North Carolina and Rutgers are the two other schools Givens is considering.

- WR Ace Sanders (5-9, 165) of Bradenton, Fla., ha South Carolina along with Purdue and West Virginia as his favorites. He plans to set two of his official visits with the Gamecocks and Mountaineers. He has offers from South Florida, Purdue, Indiana, Syracuse and Iowa. He’s hoping for one from Florida.

- DL Sharrif Floyd (6-3, 311) of Philadelphia was back at South Carolina early last week after attending the Gamecocks’ camp the previous Saturday. South Carolina is hoping to get one of Floyd’s official visits this fall. Some of his other offers are North Carolina, Syracuse, Rutgers, Penn State, Boston College, UCLA, Stanford and Maryland.

- Beaufort LB Justin Parker (6-2, 225) plans to visit Clemson this weekend. South Carolina and Clemson are even for Parker, who also has offers from Mississippi State, South Florida, Colorado, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, N.C. State, Central Florida, Wake Forest and Maryland.

- DB Rijo Walker (5-9, 173) of Hampton, Va., attended South Carolina’s camp late last month and likes South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia the most right now. He’s a cornerback, who had 15 interceptions over the past two seasons.

- Irmo RB Mustafa Green (6-1, 200) wants to visit Florida, Alabama and Rutgers during the season. He’ll also take in South Carolina and Clemson games. In fact, he plans to be at South Carolina’s home opener next month. Green did not attend any prospect camps this summer and does not have a favorite.

- Dillon WR Antuawn Blue (6-1, 185) likes Clemson the most, but has not been offered. He visited South Carolina and N.C. State over the summer and is hearing from Louisville, Coastal Carolina, The Citadel and Buffalo. He has no offers
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Jawaun Wynn woke up on Wednesday and decided Rutgers was the place for him, according to Zagsblog.com. The 6-foot-3, 187-pound rising senior wide receiver from Piscataway (NJ) High School decided to stay home to play college football locally over UConn, Temple and Boston College.

Wynn joins fellow Piscataway grads Marvin Booker (LB) and Anthony Davis (OL) at Rutgers.
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In an effort to bolster their recruiting efforts, Pittsburgh hosted a recrutiing gathering this past weekend the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Kevin Gorman notes that the Pitt BBQ was Well Done.

The benefits were reaped almost immediately as Dan Schneider, an Ohio Tight End, Commits to Panthers while in town for the BBQ. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Avon Lake (Ohio) tight end made a verbal commitment to Pitt, picking the Panthers over 20 other offers, including from Cincinnati, Florida State and West Virginia.

Other top Pitt targets at the event included defensive end Sherard Cadogan (6-foot-3, 227 pounds) of Cherry Hill (N.J.) Camden Catholic; receiver Shakim Phillips (6-2, 191) of Wayne (N.J.) DePaul Catholic; defensive back Brendon Felder (5-10, 163) of Gateway; and offensive guard Shane Johnson (6-5, 300) of Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic, all with scholarship offers and Gateway cornerback Dayonne Nunley and St. Ignatius quarterback Mark Myers also were among the attendees.
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