Syracuse Recruiting

COULD COACHING TURMOIL DERAIL MOUNTAINEERS?

Stewart out, Holgorsen promoted at WVU Friday

By Raphielle Johnson

After a third straight 9-4 campaign West Virginia made a significant move in December, hiring Dana Holgorsen from Oklahoma State to serve as both offensive coordinator and head coach-in-waiting. Holgorsen, considered to be one of the brightest offensive minds in college football, was to take over for Bill Stewart following the 2011 season. And with a number of talented offensive players led by quarterback Geno Smith due back, there was no reason why Stewart couldn’t go out with that elusive Big East crown.

Except for, apparently, his own designs on keeping the job for more than one season.

According to Colin Dunlap, formerly of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Stewart contacted him just days after the initial reports that Holgorsen would be hired. Stewart’s hope was to “dig up dirt” on Holgorsen, including prior DUIs and other issues the coach-in-waiting had dealt with in the past.

From that came a string of incidents in casinos…only problem was that after some investigating the school found that there was no wrongdoing on Holgorsen’s part. He did have an issue at a Nitro, WV casino back in mid-May, when he was escorted from the Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in the early morning hours.

With the damage having been done, including the offensive (hired by Holgorsen) and defensive (Stewart holdovers) staffs reportedly not speaking, AD Oliver Luck had to make a move. And that he did on Friday, as Stewart tendered his resignation in a move that would best be described as “forced”. Holgorsen now takes over the program, and the move should provide the program with a better sense of stability.

“With Coach Stewart and Coach Holgorsen around, it was hard to figure out who to listen to and who was in charge,” said corner Keith Tandy in Monday’s Charleston Daily Mail. “Now it’s more clear cut and we can get back to work.”

The question that will be asked by some is whether or not the coach-in-waiting tag has outlived its welcome in college football. The title may still have a place in college football, but the West Virginia situation underlines the importance of all parties having a solid working relationship (at least).

“At the time I thought it made some sense,” said Luck at the press conference introducing Holgorsen on Friday night. “I had an agreement from both coaches that they liked the idea and were willing to work with us on the concept, but hindsight is always 20/20 as we know.”

With the move being made it’s about moving forward for the Mountaineer program, and while players can’t have contact with their coaches in a tutorial manner it’s good to know definitively who’s in charge. Summer workouts fall on the shoulders of the leaders, meaning that players such as Smith and Tandy will have to lead the way.

To say the least this is a very talented football team, one that many expect to win the Big East this fall. What West Virginia does in this “next step” will go a long way in determining whether or not they reach those expectations. But it’s safe to say that 9-4 campaigns aren’t good enough for a program used to sitting atop the conference; that “consistency” is what got the ball rolling in all of this to begin with.

Other Big East links:

- Unfortunately for Bill Stewart, the forced resignation was a case of deja vu

- Cincinnati’s game at Tennessee on September 10th will kick off at 3:30PM, and will be televised nationally on ESPN2.

- The Hartford Courant will focus on a different aspect of the Connecticut football team each Sunday leading up the start of practice on August 5th. Nutrition was the subject this week.

- Pittsburgh will make their first trip to Iowa City since 1951 on September 17th, and they’ll be kicking off at noon on either ESPN or ESPN2.

- The rivalry game between Louisville and Kentucky hasn’t been selected for TV just yet.

- Syracuse picked up their fourth verbal commitment to the 2012 class on Friday.

- The Philadelphia Union may be looking at a three-stage plan to expand the capacity of PPL Park from 18,500 to 30,000 seats. Obviously this would be good news for Villanova, who could become the Big East’s 10th football-playing member if the stadium situation is taken care of in a satisfactory manner.

CLASS OF 2011 PENNSYLVANIA TOP 25 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS

by CHRIS DOKISH

It’s a down year for talent in the state, both with the number of elite prospects and the overall number of high-major prospects, but there are still some very good players to be recruited.

The glamour positions of quarterback and wide receiver are severely lacking, and there are no elite offensive linemen or linebackers, but there is an excellent running back which is a rarity in the state, three excellent cornerbacks, and a slew of exciting pass rushers.

As always, the final rankings are my own, but only after talking to many high school coaches, college scouts, and independent scouts, such as Joe Butler of Metro Index Scouting.

1. Ben Koyack, Oil City HS (Oil City) TE – It’s not often that a tight end is the best player in the state, but there is little doubt that will be the case this year. At 6′5″ and 230 pounds, he has good size with a frame to get even bigger. He also possesses great hands to go along with good speed and athleticism. More of a threat as a receiver but is a willing and good blocker. Most of all, he just knows how to play football. Committed to NOTRE DAME over Penn State, Pittsburgh, Ohio State, Oklahoma, West Virginia, LSU, California, Virginia Tech, USC, and many others. Bottom line – A perfect fit for new coach Brian Kelly and there’s no reason why he can’t be a star at the college level.

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FOOTBALL RECRUITING NOTES

The Charleston Post & Courier is always a valuable resource for recruiting notes in the southeast. Phil Kornblut delivers many relevent notes once again in his May 11 Notebook, here are some of the notes that Big East fans will find of interest:

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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WAYNE HILLS (NJ) JUNIOR BRIAN DOWLING HAVING BIG YEAR

All-purpose back and defender piling up stats for 7-1 Patriots

Coach Chris Olsen and the Wayne Hills (NJ) Patriots are a traditional power in the football rich state of New Jersey. Their recent 37-0 win over Fair Lawn looks to have wrapped up the top seed in the North 1, Group 3 bracket in two weeks when playoff action begins. Wayne Hills has won six state sectional championships in seven years through 2008 and are the five-time defending champs of North 1 Group 3. The team has accumulated a 65-6 record during the seven seasons through 2008, not counting this season’s 7-1 mark.

This year’s squad is another state contender and with a one-two punch in the backfield featuring Trevor Jacobs, the nephew of NY Giant running back Brandon Jacobs, and junior Brian Dowling the patriots are running on all cylinders heading into the stretch run of of the season.

Dowling is a dual threat ou of the backfield running the football or catching passes from quarterback Mike Quinn. To date on the season, Dowling has gained 1,243 yards in total offense and scored 19 touchdowns, including three in their win over Fair Lawn.

“For our team, our goal is to get the top seed and win the state championship,” Dowling told NBE Sports recently.

On defense, Dowling also makes his presence felt, he has three interceptions and a forced fumble along with 23 tackles for Wayne Hills. His honor of ‘athlete of the week’ earlier in October has been the individual highlight of his campaign.

Excelling for a New Jersey High School power has also brought on plenty of recruiting attention for the 5-foot-11, 182-lb Dowling. He counts North Carolina State, Temple and Syracuse as the three schools actively pursuing him the hardest.

“I have been getting a lot of letters from North Carolina State, Temple, Penn State, Duke and Syracuse,” said Dowling. “I also have been invited to Syracuse and North Carolina State to see a game, I plan on visiting both.”

For now, recruiting can wait as the Wayne Hills Patriots have big goals to accomplish before the season is over. When that time comes, Dowling will have plenty of time to think about recruiting and his future. Still, as a member of the class of 2011, there is no rush, however, he does have an idea of what he will look for in a college other than a fit for football.

“When it comes to a choice at what college I’ll be attending, education comes first,” Dowling said. “I am looking for a school that is best fit for both me and my family.”

NBE Sports will continue to follow the Wayne Hills program and the recruitment of Brian Dowling in the future!

CLASS OF 2011 INTRO: COREY MAJORS

Neshaminy junior has Big East offer and favorites on his list already

This past Friday night, the Neshaminy (PA) ‘Skins upended league rival Truman 28-8 to move to 4-1 overall in 2009 and even their Suburban One League record at 1-1 on the season. It was their 14th consecutive win over Truman and got the ‘Skins back on the winning track following their first loss of the season the week prior to Abington.

One major contributor to the ‘Skins success is 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior (2011) linebacker /fullback Corey Majors. Majors has been a force on both sides of the ball this season and had the athletic ability to play on either side. however, he wants to play linebacker in college and tells NBE Sports that is the position most colleges are also recruiting him for. Already, colleges are making him a priority in the 2011 class.

“Pitt offered,” Majors told NBE prior to Friday’s contest with Truman. “My favorites in order are, Rutgers , [Penn] State , Pitt and Boston College.”

Last year, Rutgers came into Neshaminy and signed TE Paul Carrezola, so the Scarlet Knights have a close tie to the Neshaminy High School program, and that has definitely paid dividends early on with their recruitment of Majors.

“Not sure when I will start visiting [schools] most likely after the season is over,” said Majors. “I really want to see Rutgers and Pitt.”

Majors also mentioned that Connecticut, North Carolina State and Syracuse are also recruiting him. for now, however, Major and his Neshaminy High School teamates have more pressing concerns, like winning the Suburban One League and moving into the states.

“My goal is, of course, make it to playoffs and possibly states as a team,” said Majors. “Personally, I do not want to ever be satisfied and continue to get better.”

Big East fans and east coast recruitniks alike should keep the name Carey Majors in mind over the next year, he just might be a player that will be competing in the Big East in the not-so-distant future.

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TROY GLOSTER COMMITS TO WVU

West Virginia added to their 2010 football recruiting class Wednesday night when Our Lady of Good Counsel linebacker Troy Gloster made a verbal commitment to West Virginia.

“Yes, I commited,” Gloster told NBE Sports. “They have always been my favorite. I’ve built the strongest relationship with Coach Casteel (WVU LB coach) out of everyone who recruited me.”

Just last week, Gloster told NBE Sports he was looking over offers from 13 schools, including the Mountaineers as well as Michigan, Stanford, UNC, NC State, Iowa, Minnesota, Towson, Syracuse, Louisville, Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Gloster is one of the top college linebacker prospects in Maryland and stands 6-foot and weighs 220 pounds. He will now concentrate on his main goal for this season.

“My goal for this season is to win our conference championship,” said Gloster last weekend.

Gloster had visited Morgantown last spring and felt the time was right to make his decision.

“I felt very comfortable when I visited back in the spring time and the coaches showed me a lot of love,” said Gloster.
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CLASS OF 2011 INTRO: QUENTIN GAUSE

From time to time you come across a student-athlete that seems to ‘get it’ at a young age. When getting to know Rochester (NY) Bishop Kearney HS football player Quentin Gause, you find just such a young man.

Gause, a 6-foor-2, 215-lb junior (2011), does a little bit of everything for coach Eddie Long’s Kings. Those traits have brought plenty of recruiting attention his way as colleges are recruiting Gause as an athlete, with some liking him as a wide receiver, some as a running back and some as a linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.

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CLASS OF 2011 PROSPECT INTRO: TERRELL CHESTNUT

With a hard-fought 28-7 win over Perkiomen Valley on Friday night, coach Rick Pennypakcer’s Pottsgrove (PA) Falcons are now 4-0 on the season. Led by junior quarterback Terrell Chestnut, big things are expected this season out of the Falcons and teams are gunning for them.

“We are going to get everybody’s best games,” Pennypacker concluded following the game to the Pottsgrove Mercury.

In Friday’s win, Chestnut scored on a 14-yard run and connected with Angelo Berry on a 13-yard touchdown pass. The 5-foot-11 Chestnut plays QB for the Falcons and is getting a lot of college recruiting interest as an elite athlete.

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RECRUITING NOTEBOOK: DOUG RIGG FOCUSED ON THREE; JUSTIN PARKER UPDATE

Bergen (NJ) Catholic outside linebacker/running back Doug Rigg has caught the attention of several prominent football programs at the 1-A level. The 6-foot-1, 225-lb class of 2010 prospect is being recruited to play on the defensive side of the ball at the college level and is anxious to get his senior season started on the field.

“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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RECRUITING NOTEBOOK: OH DE/TE CHRIS ROCK HAS OFFERS; MORE NOTES

St. Francis DeSales of Columbus (OH) is a perennial football power in the gridiron crazed Buckeye state. Their 2009 team is once again poised to be among the top teams in the state and DE/TE Chris Rock is a big reason why.

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.

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