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| Kevon Seymour could take his talents to Southern Cal |
Welcome to the soap opera that sports fans like to call College Football Recruiting!
For those that are not accustomed to the inner ways of college football recruiting, the easiest way to describe it would be teenage drama with a football twist.
It is a process where senior high school football players are courted by the fairest hands of all the land like they are the next Peyton Manning. These 18-year olds are then forced to choose a four-year path that could potentially make or break their football careers.
Think of it as picking a date to the prom, but then also having to marry her for the next four years. While there is always divorce (transferring schools), it comes with its price.
Since we are dealing with sometimes erratic teenagers, a school that they like one week may become fuax pas the next. And, even after some players do make a commitment to one school, they have the audacity to change their minds before February rolls around.
It’s a fun roller coaster ride, but it can be hard to keep track of. This round-up will do its best to give you the cliff notes version of this week’s Pac-12 recruiting rumblings.
( )=Scout.com Rating
ARIZONA
Recent Commits
· Taylor McNamara, TE, 6-5/235 (***): blocking ability is probably McNamara’s biggest concern, but in reality he was targeted for his soft hands and size.
· Nathan Sudfeld, WB, 6-5/215 (NR): he can recognizes coverage packages pretty well and has an accurate arm; however, his arm strength could be an issue.
Trending on the Trail
Justin Johnson, WR/RB, 5-11/190 (NR): a visit to Duke has Johnson considering the east coast.Top Commits for 2012
· Josh Kern, QB, 6-5/185 (NR): decent field vision and mobility make up for his lack of speed and arm strength.
· Beau Boyster, C, 6-4/275 (***): despite worries about bad weight, he is touted for his excellent footwork and good pass protection.
ARIZONA STATE
Recent Commits
· Milo Jordan, DT, 6-2/265 (NR): a strong run stopper that needs work on the pass rush
Trending on the Trail
Dwight Melvin, DE, 6-1/265 (NR): ASU’s elevated to Melvin’s top 3. Kodi Whitfield, WR, 6-1/178 (***): a new offer from Stanford has Whitfield intrigued. Justin Johnson, WR/RB, 5-11/190 (NR): a visit to Duke has Johnson considering the east coast.Top Commits for 2012
· Dejon Allen, OG, 6-3/265 (***): can play on both sides of the ball but prefers OG; needs to add weight to his frame to be an interior lineman.
· Randall Goforth, WR/CB, 6-0/175 (***): coverage troubles probably means he is better suited for offense; great hands and decent instincts could also make him a good target.
· Salamo Fiso, OLB, 6-1/215 (***): drew comparisons to Vontaze Burfict by some ASU coaches; use of hands are still a work in progress
CALIFORNIA
Recent Commits
· No recent commits
Trending on the Trail
Ian Taubler, TE, 6-4/235 (***): Although he won’t name favorites, UCLA and CAL still seem high on his list. Zach Hoffpauir, S, 5-11/200 (***): Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast is apparently a huge draw for Hoffpauir.Top Commits for 2012
· Michael Barton, OLB, 6-1/205 (****): a quick, hard hitter that is always around the ball; expected to play the WILL linebacker position, possibly as a freshman.
· Zach Kline, QB, 6-2/195 (****): a strong arm gives Kline’s passes some pop; he is also praised for his excellent pocket presence and decent accuracy.
COLORADO
Recent Commits
· No recent commits
Trending on the Trail
Roderick Eason, CB, 6-1/175 (NR): Buffs give Eason first offer. Justin Johnson, WR/RB, 5-11/190 (NR): a visit to Duke has Johnson considering the east coast Kodi Whitfield, WR, 6-1/178 (***): a new offer from Stanford has Whitfield intrigued. Top Commits for 2012
· Shane Dillon, QB, 6-5/185 (***): great pocket awareness and mobility make up for shoddy decision making and consistency
· Tyler Henington, DT, 6-4/265 (***): highly touted for his size, motor, and technique; strong against the run, stronger against the pass
· Clay Norgard, DE, 6-0/245 (***): strength and size may keep Norgard away from DL for first few season; expected to begin at LB until he fills out frame.
OREGON
Recent Commits
· No recent commits
Trending on the Trail
Top Commits for 2012
· Evan Baylis, TE, 6-5/220 (****): a huge threat in the passing game, but strength and blocking abilities still need work.
· Jake Rodrigues, QB, 6-3/215 (***): a dual-threat QB that impressed several schools this spring with his speed and accuracy.
· Eric Amoako, S, 5-11/195 (***): His twin brother Stephen also committed to Oregon; both are ball hawks in the making.
OREGON STATE
Recent Commits
· No recent commits
Trending on the Trail
Kenny Lawler, WR, 6-3/185 (***): despite a soft commitment to ASU, Lawler was “impressed” with a recent trip to Corvallis. Top Commits for 2012
· Dustin Stanton, TE, 6-6/212 (***): a lanky frame may force Dustin to play WR; Beavers are also interesting in using him as an “H” back.
· Cleveland Wallace, CB, 6-1/170 (NR): weight being his biggest issue, Wallace’s awareness in coverage, backpedal quickness, and speed in general provides him with decent potential.
STANFORD
Recent Commits
· Jontrey Tillman, RB/WR, 2-9/165 (NR): speed and athleticism drew the Cardinal to Tillman, now they have him.
Trending on the Trail
Justin Johnson, WR/RB, 5-11/190 (NR): A visit to Duke has Johnson considering the east coastKodi Whitfield, WR, 6-1/178 (***): A new offer from Stanford has Whitfield intrigued. Aziz Shittu, DT, 6-3/275 (****): Shittu reopens his recruitment after committing to Stanford in late April; USC could be in contention. Top Commits for 2012
· Noor Davis, OLB, 6-4/225 (****): a cerebral player that is fast, smart, and can deliver a hit; Davis’s commitment with Stanford is one of the biggest surprises this offseason.
· Alex Carter, S, 6-1/185 (***): a bigger, more physical safety; can go both ways, but palys better on defense.
UCLA
Recent Commits
· No recent commits
Trending on the Trail
Ian Taubler, TE, 6-4/235 (***): Although he won’t name favorites, UCLA and CAL still seem high on his list.Kodi Whitfield, WR, 6-1/178 (***): a new offer from Stanford has Whitefield intrigued. Top Commits for 2012
· Psalm Wooching, FB/OLB, 6-3/205 (***): recruited mainly as an ATH; UCLA offered him spots at LB/FB.
· Steven Lakalaka, RB, 5-11/205(***): great versatility; targeted to come in as a power back
USC
Recent Commits
· No recent commits
Trending on the Trail
Kevon Seymour, CB, 6-0/170 (****): decision is just around the corner, seems like USC is in the driver’s seat Aziz Shittu, DT, 6-3/275 (****): Shittu reopens his recruitment after committing to Stanford in late April; USC could be in contention. Top Commits for 2012
· Arik Armstead, OT, 6-8/275 (*****): the No. 1 ranked OT recruit by Scout; his technique may need work, but he shines everywhere else.
· Jordan Payton, WR, 6-2/205 (****): good (not great) speed but excellent hands; good at getting separation and is capable of making the big play.
· Jabari Ruffin, OLB, 6-3/230 (****): a two-way player that was recruited for his play on defense; has speed and power within a decent sized frame.
UTAH
Recent Commits
· Chase Hansen, ILB, 6-3/198 (***): an ATH that could really play any position, Utah’s interests in Hansen lie at linebacker; however, don’t be surprised to see him somewhere on offense as well
Trending on the Trail
Jared Afalava, LB, 6-2/120 (***): Utah is still atop his list, but Oregon might be creeping. Top Commits for 2012
· Travis Wilson, QB, 6-6/210 (***): tosses a decent long and underneath ball, but struggles with anything in between; a solid frame brews his potential further.
· Austin Lee, S, 6-0/185 (***): has excellent awareness and understands when to look for the ball; can also deliver a strong hit.
· Kiha Sai, OT, 6-5/300 (***): enormous size allows Sai to succeed on the pass and run; flexibility and quickness off the ball still need work.
WASHINGTON
Recent Commits
· Cyler Miles, QB, 6-2/220 (***): this was a small surprise considering that the Huskies already have a four star commit for 2012; Miles definitely brings more speed to the position.
Trending on the Trail
Kodi Whitfield, WR, 6-1/178 (***): A new offer from Stanford has Whitefield intrigued. Top Commits for 2012
· Jeff Lindquist, QB, 6-3/225 (****): posses superb field vision with keen pocket awareness; ball handling skills needs slight improvements.
· Tairen Owens, RB, 5-9/165 (***): was recruited for his explosiveness and breakaway speed; size could be an issue.
WASHINGTON STATE
Recent Commits
· Austin Apodaca, QB, 6-3/185 (NR): won’t blind you with his speed, but he definitely can make plays with his feet; has the arm and intangibles to become a good pocket passer.
Trending on the Trail
Caleb Smith, TE, 6-6/242 (NR): decided to hold off on setting an official visit to both Washington schools, says he can see them “whenever.” This could hurt WSU. Top Commits for 2012
· Dalen Jones, WR, 6-0/180 (***): recruited as an ATH, Jones wants to and most likely will play WR; Cougars talked about playing him at CB, as well.
