PHONE'S RINGING -- IT'S URBAN ON THE LINE
•Football Schedule•Basketball Schedule•Forum•About•ContactEveryone knows that Levonte 'Kermit' Whitfield has always held a special place for Miami in his heart. It looks like, however, the 'Canes may need to make some room.
The former UM commitment said Saturday that Florida State is pulling out in front and while he fell short of saying FSU was a new frontrunner, he also did not dismiss the notion.
"FSU is stepping out more," said Whitfield, who attended the Seminoles Jimbo Fisher Football Camp this week in Tallahassee. "Miami and Ohio State are right up there too."
Whitfield, who also attended an Ohio State camp last month, is preparing for two 7-on-7 tournaments this week. He recently accepted an invitation to play in the Champion Gridiron Kings tournament next weekend at ESPN's World of Sports (WWOS).
He will also take part in another event, the ESPNHS KSA 7-on-7 tournament, with his Orlando Jones teammates beginning Sunday at WWOS.
He decommitted from the Hurricanes on March 25 and a month ago revealed his top six remaining schools as UM, FSU, Florida, Ohio State, Clemson and West Virginia.
The Gators have fallen off the pace a bit and looks like they could be joining Clemson and WVU as the also-rans in this race for a true thoroughbred of a performer.
Whitfield is fresh off a performance at Nike's The Opening in Beaverton, Ore., that had plenty of people rethinking their assessment of the 5-foot-9, 165-pound speedster.
Everyone knew he was fast and he proved it once again by popping a 4.37-second 40-yard-dash time at The Opening.
What many had never witnessed, however, was Whitfield's ability to maneuver. He has hips on a swivel and hands to match those of any of the top receivers. He might be short, but he's any coaches dream who is looking for a shifty slot receiver and elusive kick return specialist.
He also runs tight routes and the little man has never shied away from going up in traffic.
"It felt good," Whitfield said of his performance at The Opening. "I got to show that I'm a football player and not just a track guy playing football. I'm a football player who is also running track."
What FSU might have in its corner is an ace receiver named Marvin Bracy from Orlando Boone. The equally fast Bracy signed with the Seminoles in February and is a cousin of Whitfield's. The pair are also good friends.
"Oh yeah, we're tight .. always," Whitfield said of Bracy. "It could [make a difference], but I don’t know."
He's looking forward to another opportunity to go up against some to the nation's top talents at the Gridiron Kings, a tourney consisting of 64 of some of the top players in the country. The talent is divided into six regions for team competition.
Whitfield will play for the Southeast team, made up mostly of Florida and Georgia players. Team Southeast has won two of the three Gridiron events.
"It’s good because you get the opportunity to compete with good players around you and I get to show my talent and play on the same team with other players in [ESPN] top 150."
At the same time, however, he dismissed the thought that rankings hold the key to determining what kind of player he is or will be. He said that while he might be ranked low, there could also be players within the rankings like ESPN's 150 who are over-rated.
"I don’t really care about all the rankings," he said. "There can be a lot of people in the [ESPN] 150 that don’t stand up to that status. I’m not knocking anybody, just how I feel."
All he wants to do at this point is show people what he can do on the field. An ankle injury sidelined him for the majority of his junior year last season and he only played in three games.
"Nobody really knows what I can do. Not unless they saw me my sophomore season, or freshman, when I was really healthy," Whitfield said. "Nobody's has seen me take over a game ... It's been a long time,"
It won't be long before he gets that chance to show off his skills for one last high school season. Jones starts practice, with all other Florida schools, on Aug. 6.
"I'm very anxious," he said.
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. -- The 2012 edition of the Elite 11 brought 25 quarterbacks together from 15 different states for an intense, week-long competition to determine who's the top signal-caller in the country. From Dallas (Texas) dual-threat quarterback Devante Kincade to the 6-foot-5, No. 2 overall player Max Browne, it's a diverse group focused on earning the top spot on the field of play with a strong performance. Although there's several hours worth of work on the turf at Redondo Union (Calif.) High School, it's the bonding time off the field that a number of players have enjoyed the most.
"There's definitely some different personalities and things that they do at their high school that trends over as far as being a quarterback," Wichita Falls (Texas) quarterback J.T. Barrett said. "Even the kind of music you like to listen to. Definitely meeting people from all around the country they're all a little different and it's cool to see that."
The four-star is one of six players from the Lone Star State at the competition, confirming once again that Texas produces both quality and a generous quantity of college quarterbacks each year. While all of the players are no doubt enjoying the Southern California weather while their teammates participate in the state 7-on-7 tournament in the blistering heat of College Station, Barrett mentioned that the importance of high school football in the area are just one of the ties that keeps the group together at the Elite 11.
"We're pretty close, us Texas boys," he said. "We feel like we have the football in the nation. This is what it's about and we stick together."
Ranked 86th overall in the latest class rankings by MaxPreps, Barrett was narrowly beaten out for the automatic invite at the Dallas regional. Unlike some of his fellow campers who had to wait all the way until the Elite 11 selection show however, he was able to snag his spot in the prestigious competition the next day.
"It was crazy, I was in Dallas at the Cowboys practice facility and Trent Dilfer came up to me and said I want to invite you to the Elite 11," Barrett said. "I was like, 'Ahhh snap, this is crazy.' I watched it on ESPN last year and said to myself then that I have to be there this year. This is what I want to do, being part of the best is a big deal. I told myself I wanted to be here and sure enough, here I am today."
Just two of the six Texan quarterbacks are headed to schools not in the Big 12 and Barrett is one of them, having committed to Ohio State back in April. Coming off a junior year that saw him rack up over 3,000 total yards and 23 touchdowns, the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder is excited about fitting into the Buckeyes offense after falling in love with everything scarlet and grey on an unofficial visit.
"Out-of-state wasn't really a big deal," he said. "I was just trying to find the best place for me. The offense with Urban Meyer, he throws the ball and it's unique. You definitely have to have a little gunslinger (mentality). Receiving-wise, he's going to recruit some receivers and guys like that so I felt like it was a good fit for me."
While at the Elite 11 on Friday, the No. 9 dual threat quarterback learned he had a new future teammate after District Heights (Md.) athlete/wide receiver Tavion Jacobs committed to Ohio State that morning. Though quarterbacks are typically one of a program's top recruiters among high school athletes, Barrett has been open to questions regarding the Buckeyes but isn't pushing any of his friends or fellow recruits to join the fold if it's not the right fit for them.
At the same time he's letting the school sell itself to other recruits, Barrett has fit right into the rivalry with Michigan. He joked with Wolverines pledge Shane Morris when they first arrived at the Elite 11 that Warren (Mich.) quarterback was headed to 'The School Up North' and even tried to get into his head during a drill on Thursday.
"There was one time I was messing with him," Barrett said. "It was at the end of practice and the pressure was on so I told him we were throwing at the 'Shoe (Ohio Stadium), just to see what he'd be like. He hit the pass, he's a good guy and great competitor on top of being a good quarterback.
"He's going to know who we are though."
Nothing like two future rivals getting to know each other.
The Ohio State/Michigan rivalry never rests, especially when it comes to recruiting.
ESPN 150 David Dawson (Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech) – the No. 1 ranked guard in the country from the 2013 class – picked up an offer from Ohio State on Friday.
“It feels great to know that [Ohio State coach Urban Meyer] offered me,” Dawson said. “Down in Florida, he won a couple of national championships. He’s a great coach.”
REDONDO BEACH, Calif.- It's Saturday at the Elite 11 finals at Union High and that means that the event that showcases many of the top quarterback prospects in the country is moving toward the finals.
Christian Hackenberg's mechanics are the best thus far at the Elite 11 finals.
With that, we take a look at the best so far in a number of categories.
Best Mechanics
Christian Hackenberg- For a guy who doesn't have a quarterback coach, Hackenberg’s release, carriage point, weight distribution, and feet are all outstanding. Add that to his size, athleticism, and arm strength and it’s easy to see why he’s a five-star candidate. Hackenberg looks like he could be the top quarterback prospect in the nation when throwing on air, but needs to show consistency in live action.
Honorable Mention: Kevin Olsen
Gunslinger
Davis Webb- Webb’s appearance off the field is deceiving, but once he’s in live action the Texas Tech commit shows a willingness and confidence to take chances and make high level plays.
Honorable Mention: Shane Morris, Riley Ferguson
Strongest Arm
USC quarterback commit Max Browne, the nation's top quarterback prospect, has been the most consistent performer at the Elite 11 finals.
Shane Morris- Morris’ arm strength was a well known commodity coming into this event, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that he has the best arm in attendance. At times the velocity on his ball rivals that of some of the college counselors.
Honorable Mention: Asiantii Woulard, Christian Hackenberg
Football junkie
Austin Allen- Austin is the son of longtime Arkansas assistant Bobby Allen and brother of current Razorbacks QB, Brandon. In talking and observing Allen, it’s evident he has the event in perspective and is focused on business. He’s a “football guy” and isn’t into the hype.
Honorable Mention: Davis Webb
Most consistent
Max Browne- Browne has been steady in every setting to this point in his career. That’s not to say he never makes mistakes, but the Seattle area five-star’s touch, accuracy, anticipation, and understanding of the game help to minimize errors.
Honorable Mention: Kevin Olsen
Georgia quarterback commit Brice Ramsey was outstanding during 7on7 work Friday night at the Elite 11 finals.
Best work ethic
Malik Zaire- The Notre Dame pledge is taking full advantage of the Elite11 coaching staff as he can be seen putting in extra work during his down time. Zaire is in a high school offense that rarely asks him to pass, so this event has provided him with an opportunity to get priceless reps and coaching.
Honorable Mention: Devante Kincade
Most improved day 1-2
Tyrone Swoopes: Swoopes’ physical tools aren’t in question. He possesses size, good athleticism, and a strong arm. Fresh off a less than stellar performance at The Opening, the Texas commit was pressing a bit on day one but settled down on day two and delivered some nice passes.
Honorable Mention: Asiantii Woulard
Most improved day 2-3
Brice Ramsey- Ramsey made a substantial jump on day three turning in one of the better 7-on-7 sessions we witnessed. Things slowed down a bit for the Georgia Bulldog pledge who comes from a Wing-T offense in high school.
Ohio State commit JT Barrett, the nation's top dual-threat quarterback prospect, has impressed with his quickness during the Elite 11 finals.
Honorable Mention: Christian Hackenberg
Quickest
JT Barrett- Quickness in drops, decision-making, and getting rid of the ball is the primary difference between the high school participants and college counselors. Barrett has shown he’s among the fastest in those areas through three days of action.
Honorable Mention: Shane Morris
Under the lights
Cooper Bateman- The Alabama commitment is developing a reputation as a gamer in that he turns things up a notch in live action. This was also the case at The Opening where he improved as the event wore on, eventually leading his team to the 7-on-7 title.
Honorable Mention: Joshua Dobbs
College fit
Troy Williams- Williams is an outstanding fit at Washington and in the wide open Pac-12. The Los Angeles native possesses a similar skill set as current Huskies starter Keith Price.
Honorable Mention: Johnny Stanton (Nebraska), Max Browne (USC)
Riser
Asiantii Woulard- 247Sports tabbed Woulard as a four-star prospect following his performance at the Orlando NFTC and the South Florida commit has continued to impress at the Elite 11. Woulard possesses the requisite size, arm strength, and athleticism you like to see in top quarterback prospects and also has significant upside as he’s still new to the position. We also like his confidence and willingness to throw the ball downfield.
Honorable Mention: Joshua Dobbs
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Can't wait to see Barrett suit up in the scarlet and gray...I see him doin some amazing things in his future
I told a friend about him before he committed that he looked like Braxton but a bit more polished at his age then Braxton was. Braxton had a Great senior year...where as Barrett has the chance to have two great season's back to back. We'll see but I tend to think that JT will do more with less time because Brax will still be there for two years of his time at OSU.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Updated and that wraps this edition up