Thought I would get a head start on today's edition. I have compiled a list of attendees tonight from all the sources on the web. Also I will include the ones who could not make the trip or backed out.
July 27th - Friday Night Lights
2013 QB J.T. Barrett (Wichita Falls, TX)
2013 RB David Williams (Philadelphia, PA)
2013 RB Derrick Green (Richmond, VA)
2013 RB/LB Granyl Smith (Gahanna, OH)
2013 FB/LB William Houston (Dublin, OH)
2013 WR Devon Allen (Phoenix, AZ)
2013 WR Shelton Gibson (Cleveland Heights, OH)
2013 WR De'Niro Laster (Cleveland Heights, OH)
2013 OL Dennis Finley (Detroit, MI)
2013 OL Tim Gardner (Indianapolis, IN)
2013 DE Demetrius Cooper (Chicago, IL)
2013 DE Joey Bosa (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
2013 DE Khairi Bailey (Chicago, IL)
2013 DE Tracy Sprinkle (Elyria, OH)
2013 DE Tyquan Lewis (Tarboro, NC)
2013 DT Billy Price (Austintown, OH)
2013 DT Donovan Munger (Shaker Heights, OH)
2013 LB Chris Worley (Cleveland, OH)
2013 DB Cam Burrows (Trotwood, OH)
2013 DB Jayme Thompson (Toledo, OH)
2013 ATH Darron Lee (New Albany, OH)
2013 ATH Delton Williams (Erie, PA)
2013 ATH Ryan Timmons (Frankfort, KY)
2013 ATH Billy Aaron (Austintown, OH)
2013 P Johnny Townsend (Orlando, FL)
2014 QB Caleb Henderson (Burke, VA)
2014 QB DeShaun Watson (Gainesville, GA)
2014 QB DeShone Kizer (Toledo, OH)
2014 QB Drew Barker (Hebron, KY)
2014 QB Jake Kolbe (Naperville, IL)
2014 QB Joey Duckworth (Louisville, OH)
2014 RB Ashton Jackson (Trotwood, OH)
2014 RB L.J. Scott (Marion, OH)
2014 RB Mikale Wilbon (Chicago, IL)
2014 RB CJ Leggett (Alpharetta, GA)
2014 WR Artavis Scott (Tarpon Springs, FL)
2014 WR Braxton Berrios (Raleigh, NC)
2014 WR Thaddeus Snodgrass (Springfield, OH)
2014 WR Tyre Brady (Homestead, FL) ???
2014 WR Jay Smallwood (Worthington, OH)
2014 TE Ethan Wolf (Minster, OH)
2014 TE Jacob Betschel (Jackson, OH)
2014 OL Brian Allen (Hinsdale, IL)
2014 OL Denzel Ward (Chicago, IL)
2014 OL Jamarco Jones (Chicago, IL)
2014 OL KC McDermott (Wellington, FL)
2014 OL Kyle Trout (Lancaster, OH)
2014 OL Mason Cole (Tarpon Springs, FL)
2014 OL Nathaniel Devers (Massillon, OH)
2014 OL Nick Richardson (Westerville, OH)
2014 OL Skylar Hartley (Hilliard, OH)
2014 OL Nathaniel Devers (Massillon, OH)
2014 DE Da'Shawn Hand (Woodbridge, VA)
2014 DT Logan Dziak (Delaware, OH)
2014 DE Joe Henderson (Cleveland, OH)
2014 LB Clifton Garrett (Joliet, IL)
2014 LB Davonte James (Springfield, OH)
2014 LB Deon Drake (Detroit, MI)
2014 LB Nile Sykes (Oak Park, IL)
2014 LB Nyles Morgan (Crete, IL)
2014 LB Raekwon McMillan (Hinesville, GA)
2014 LB Will White (Detroit, MI)
2014 LB Tinashe Bere (Cincinnati, OH)
2014 DB C.J. Reavis (Chester, VA)
2014 DB Darius West (Lima, OH)
2014 DB Damon Webb (Detroit, MI)
2014 DB Nick Glass (Atlanta, GA)
2014 DB RaShaan Gaulden (Spring Hill, TN)
2014 DB Tony Brown (Beaumont, TX)
2014 ATH Dareian Watkins (Galion, OH)
2014 ATH Marcus Boone (Woodbridge, VA)
2014 ATH Mickey Crum (Columbus, OH)
2015 QB Jake Johnson (Dewitt, MI)
2015 WR Donta Horton (West Chester, OH)
2015 DT Nick Dillon (Lincolnshire, IL)
I will update the list if other names pop up, other news will be posted below later in the day.
- Keyante Green unofficially visits Purdue
- Kc McDermott unofficially visits Michigan State & Michigan
- Derrick Green is headed to Michigan for the weekend, will be there until Sunday
- Purdue offers Hinsdale Central (IL) 2014 OL Brian Allen, Plainfield South (IL) 2014 LB Clifton Garrett, Oak Park River Forest (IL) 2014 LB/DE Nile Sykes & Chicago De La Salle 2014 OT Jamarco Jones
- 2014 CB Parrker Westphal will be visiting Michigan this weekend for the BBQ
- Iowa State offers Grand Rapids Christian (MI) 2014 OL Tommy Doles
- Arizona State offers Andy Bauer
Recruit Talk: Dareian Watkins
One of the many 2014 attendees that will be present at Friday Night Lights this weekend is ATH Dareian Watkins. He is a 6-2 185 pound prospect from Galion, OH, who plays at quarterback, safety, cornerback, linebacker, punter, punt returner and kick returner for his high school team. He's been rated as one of the top Ohio prospects by Rivals OhioPrep.com, a top 100 player by 247Sports, and a rising 2014 prospect by Scout.com.
The staff has taken notice of his talents as well, and have had him on campus multiple times, including the spring game and summer camp. He will be back for FNL and will be looking to land an offer. I chatted with him about what he is expecting this weekend and where things stand on the recruiting trail.
What have you been up to this summer?
DW: I have been doing a lot of preparation for football. I've been to several college camps. I lift and do agility training 4 days per week. I do a lot of passing in my spare time.
What schools are showing interest in you?
DW: Right now I would say Illinois, West Virginia, Georgia Tech, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Ohio State and several MAC schools.
Who are you the most interested in?
DW: I am 100% open but I like Illinois a lot. I can't see Illinois not being one of my top choices. I would also not hesitate to go to the right MAC school. Some schools present different opportunities but they all present some opportunity.
How often have you been in contact with the Ohio State staff? Who from the staff do you speak with most frequently?
DW: I don't speak with OSU a lot because they cannot contact me until September 1st. I have emailed Coach Hinton, Coach Herman and Mark Pantoni recently. My dad is friends with Coach Gillum.
What position are they recruiting you for?
DW: OSU has made it clear they like me as an "athlete" right now. They have said that QB is back as a possibility but they liked me at WR at first. Mark Pantoni said my versatility is what they want to see at camp.
How would you describe your game?
DW: I would describe myself as a guy that can make plays at most any position on the field. I do need to get better in all aspects but I really feel I could play QB, WR, CB or S in college.
You will be at Friday Night Lights. What are you most looking forward to?
DW: I am looking forward to showing what I can do at WR at FNL. At the last camp I played QB the whole time and showed them I can run in the 4.4 range while making the tough throws in tight spaces. This camp I want to show that I'm strong enough to not be jammed at the line and fast enough to create space. And of course I love catching the football.
You expressed some frustration on Facebook about people questioning your film and the level of competition you play against. What are you hoping to prove?
DW: I probably should have not said anything about the "competition issue". I just want to go out there and play against whoever they line up. I have great respect for all these very talented athletes but I have already faced many of the players that the critics want me to face. Maybe they didn't see it at other camps but it's nothing I haven't already done a lot.
What are you looking most forward to this season at Galion?
DW: I want to be 15-0 at Galion. I believe we can do it. It will be tough and a great challenge but we're excited about that challenge. I have great teammates and I want everybody to see that Galion is a great TEAM.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Most high school football players look forward to Friday nights: the lights that slowly buzz on, one by one, illuminating the perfectly cut, grassy field; the freshly painted white lines that outline the ensuing battle; the crush and clang of one helmet against another. For most high school boys, this is their haven -- but not 2014 offensive lineman Orlando Brown Jr. His time is Monday mornings: when the hot sun lights the field on its own; when the white lines are no longer straight but scuffed and zigzagged, distant memories of games; when the only crush he hears is inside his head as he pushes himself harder and harder. This is his haven: practice. Practice, practice, practice, his father always implored. And father knew best. Former NFL offensive lineman Orlando Brown Sr. spoke to his eldest son from experience, knowing that practice would make you better for Friday nights, which prepared you for Saturday afternoons, which eventually landed you on Sundays. And Sunday was the eventual goal.
Burrows and Thompson at Gridiron Kings, I take it?
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
They are indeed HAIL... really excited about FNL... lets get it
Is everyone on this list participating in drill work??
Gene there is a stickie forum post with official summer visitors....accurate just need to add Gibbs
I'll have to side with Alex on this on... Looks like a copy .
Capn, Make It So...
Impressive list, especially the 2014 QBs. No Hand? That's a bummer.
Gene has everyone who at one point said they were coming then backed out/couldnt make it. That's nice to see who we're missing on. Hand hurts a bit
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
@Triv
Yes, the ones crossed out backed out, couldn't make it or had other plans e.g. Gridiron Kings
@Alex
Yes there is lol Quick Bits bro, Jeff Gibbs? Cuz he was in the movie Friday Night Lights :p
@Capn
90% of the list is a copy but not from 11W lol
@Shade
Majority are but some are just watching, I can't remember top of my head who isn't participating, but that shouldn't matter much, as long as they are there, I'm happy.
Thaddeus Snodgrass and Davonte James have arrived, as well as Dennis Finley. Finley is just meeting with the coaches.
Mikel Horton and little brother Donta Horton have arrived
Damon Webb has been spotted
Drew Barker & Raekwon McMillan are here
Tracy Sprinkle will not be here tonight, bummer
Clifton Garrett is in attendance, but will not compete
Sounds like Clifton Garrett and Core 6 are kinda pissy that he isnt allowed on the field since he isnt competing. Cant be good.
read on TOS that Shelton Gibson looks amazing in drills. So does Joey Bosa. Former players O. Pace, Le Charles Bentley, Joey Galloway and Mike Doss are on the field with the attendees.
Shelton Gibson looks awesome and Johnny Townsend is just booming kicks
Bosa, Gibson, Townsend are the three top performers on Defense, Offense and ST. Hopefully whatever is keeping Gibson from committing is worked out and he becomes a Buckeye. Elite SPEED!
Hopefully Gibson is in...thanks for the info fellas...wish I could've been there.
"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
Think Henderson and Barker both look great throwing. Henderson really can motor for someone his size.
List is updated and names that keep popping up that did very well
1) Shelton Gibson
2) Joey Bosa
3) Drew Barker
4) Caleb Henderson
5) Artavis Scott
6) Mikale Wilbon
7) Mikel Horton
8) DeShone Kizer
9) Darius West
10) Johnny Townsend
Thanks for that Gene
"You have to slay the selfish beast inside of you and be your brother's keeper" - Chris Spielman, on being a great teammate
Is Ryan Timmons in attendance?
Seems like we all forgot Price.....Saw him,Munger and Bosa all doing Ind. drills w/coach Vrabel....Bosa and Price are beast.....That D-Line is gonna be brutal !
Ryan Timmons was in attendance, and I didn't hear a whole lot on Billy Price, but I don't doubt his talent one bit. Those are just the kids who shined at FNL that I listed.
I keep hearing about this Timmons fellow as of late. Anyone have a highlight video besides this one? He does look pretty sick, but I want to see him against some different competition.
http://youtu.be/rnH0IvndDr8
"I'm One Bad Buckeye, and I approve this message."
Saw a bit on the news last night from the shoe. Saw someone there that physically looked like John Simon but was in workout gear. I thought it might be Bosa. If it was and that is a kid prepping for his senior year in HS....good lord. Cannot wait to watch him "discuss" things with Hokes linemen.
No highlight film but in 2 games this past year should give you a glimpse of his potential. Woodford Cty 10 touches 7 TDs over 400 yds. Against Anderson Cty 5 TDs 400 yds. Anderson Cty made it to State championship in 5A. He had 2400 yds 100 touches 38 TDs playing half a game 8 games because of blowouts.
I like Timmons speed but question why the staff would take another smaller speedy receiver if they took Jacobs commitment (I do believe that's why Whitfield narrowed down to two schools after Jacobs commitment). There's too much need elsewhere (Oline/Dline, WRS badly, and another Safety and one MLB named Mitchell). Don't think Timmons will be a part of this class...sorry if this seems negative towards others interests in him (not my intentions). With only 5 possible spots left, I just don't see this happening IMO. Still no offer per every scouting website out there. Until that happens...we can wish in one hand and you know what in the other...see which hand fills up first;-) Just kidding btw...it sounds like he did well last night and won 40 yard dash contest as well as overall championship sprint (per Alex G on twitter).
To LouG above: I've been saying that for a while now. You should watch Joey squating 500lbs 8xs...unreal strength for a 17 year old(and he's in GREAT shape as well). I can see Bosa and a certain decommit from the Cleveland area having a good time with one-another. Or should I say, Joey will have a good time with him;-)
"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
Hope someone has a pic of Bosa from FNL they could post here. Just to satisfy my mind that he was actually the one I saw and that is actually possible to be that much of a physical speciman at his age. Hope St.Thomas Aquinas games are shown this year as they have been in the past, would love to watch. Think of the HS kid prepping to play across from him in an upcoming game.
They better be preparing now...because he's a monster. If you haven't watched his highlight tape I definitely recommend it. It gets me pumped up every time I watch it. I love D-line and coached it for a while (5 years until I started having kids). If I had a kid like this in HS, oh my what I would do to opponents Oline;-) Stunt or bull rush...almost every play without fail;-) It was probably him Lou if he participated...not sure how many 2013 kids did. Have a good one Lou...nice to find someone who's just as interested in Dline talent as I am...not too many of us here. Everyone's so preoccupied with offense but Urbs loves Dlinemen...just like me;-)
"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
Ryan Timmons Highlights!
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/832345/highlights/8370402
Timmons isn't of the smaller WR variety. He has plenty of speed, and would "shake you in a phone booth". At this point I'd be completely happy pulling in Marshall, Jacobs, Gibson after hearing about his performance, and Timmons.
He looks good in the highlights, but it also doesn't look like anyone defending him is going to play college ball. He also slows up when he can, so it's hard to tell how much better he is than everyone else.
@Crimson ... Its not all that often that during regular games D1 prospects compete against other D1 level prospects. This guy is a player, look at his burst, his vision, his long speed. When no one is going to catch you everyone starts to slow down as they enter the endzone. My biggest gripe on him is he tends to do a little "body catching" on some of those passes.
Urban runs the risk of his WRs being too small. Jacobs, Marshall and Gibson. Not one reaches 6'0". Not good.
I understand. However, my eyes pop on a few special players, and they didn't for him. I think the reason is that the defense just did nothing. Sometimes his speed just won, but sometimes the defender is right there but has no idea how to make a tackle (and decides to fall over instead). Also, college coaches look for players who finish, even when no one is around (see UFM).
I'm not saying he isn't a good player -- I definitely think he is -- but I would love to see him playing full out for the entire play, and I would love to see him against better competition.
@Buckster ... We have plenty of WR on the roster now that are over 6 feet, with planety more on the way in '12 class. We have room to get a couple of smallish wideouts.
@Crimson ... When your just better then everyone it does tend to make the other players look worse. No top level athlete once he has broken free runs through the endzone full speed they all start to throttle down. Braxton did it a couple of times this past season, and UFM is nutz over him. Guess we'll have to wait on the FNL write up to see how he did against that better . competition
Having played high school football in KY, I can attest to the competition level not being nearly as high. There are some terrible defenses in that highlight. He's a player, but the kids he's playing against are not high level.
Timmons needs an offer first...he did real well last night...but so did Gibson. The Highlight is great but reminds me of competition that Ty Issac plays against...not a true test to what he'll face at OSU...we'll see I suppose. May be an offer's coming..........
To Lou above, is this who you saw? Can you say BEAST! My goodness was my quote when I saw this on BBC.
"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
Competition Timmons faces is equal to competion Trotwood players face. Franklin County would have gone undefeated in Trotwoods league.