Four-star WR to sign Tuesday

Davonte Neal is the No. 53 player in the Class of 2012 and the No. 6 “athlete” in the country.

The wide receiver/cornerback is also the highest-rated ’12 recruit who remains unsigned nearly three weeks after National Signing Day, although that situation should be rectified in short order.

The Scottsdale, Ariz., product is expected to announce his decision Tuesday at noon ET and sign his Letter of Intent. Neal has reportedly narrowed his choices to Arizona, Arkansas, North Carolina and Notre Dame.

The four-star player has already reportedly made his decision and informed his soon-to-be new coaches, who, the Arizona Daily Star writes, have been sworn to secrecy.

by J. Taylor

Kenny Miles still uncertain about a return to Gamecocks

Kenny Miles is still weighing whether his final season of college football will be played at South Carolina or elsewhere.

According to a tweet over the weekend from The State‘s Josh Kendall, the running back is still uncertain whether he will return to the Gamecocks for his senior season. Miles said he will make his final decision prior to the start of spring practice, which begins March 12. If Miles does decide to transfer from USC, he will be eligible to play immediately this season as he graduated in December. The reason for Miles considering a transfer is a relatively simple one: playing time. Prior to Marcus Lattimore going down to a season-ending ACL injury in mid-October, Miles had just one carry. Post-injury, Miles carried the ball 53 times in six games, including 21 carries in the regular season finale against Clemson and 15 in the bowl win over Nebraska.

Miles has rushed for 982 yards and two touchdowns.

Florida-Tennessee game may not make CBS schedule this year

Because of the new conference schedule that features new members Missouri and Texas A&M, Florida and Tennessee’s early season matchup may not be broadcast on CBS in favor of another game that features two more nationally relevant teams, Alabama and Arkansas.

“Normally you don’t have that kind of selection on that day because Alabama and Arkansas in past schedules has been a week later,” CBS Sports executive vice president Mike Aresco said, via the Chattanooga Times Free Press. “Alabama and Arkansas is a game we’ve done the last three years, so it does give us some options on that first Saturday.”

Aresco said CBS has until July to make a final decision.

The Florida-Tennessee game is the only SEC matchup that has been featured every year on CBS since 1996, but Florida has been average the past two seasons and Tennessee is a mess right now. Alabama, on the other hand, just won its second BCS championship in three years and Arkansas is coming off a Cotton Bowl win.

SEC schools going hard after Terps transfer

Garcia’s high school coach confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his former player is on the receiving end of scholarship offers from Auburn, Georgia, Florida and Ole Miss. Additionally, Alabama and South Carolina are considering doing the same for the Norcross, Ga., native.

It appears, though, that two schools are the early front-runners for the experienced lineman.

“He was very excited about Georgia and Florida both coming in on him,” Norcross High School assistant Reggie Stancil told the paper. “It’s a situation where you get your release but you don’t know who all is going to want you or have space on their roster for you. It’s kind of a scary situation for any kid going into it.

“Now that his name has gotten out there and people have watched his film and loved it, it’s a big relief that four pretty good SEC schools want him.”

As Garcia has yet to graduate, he will have to sit out the 2012 season regardless of which SEC he ultimately chooses. He will have two years of eligibility remaining starting in 2013.

As a true sophomore in 2011, Garcia started all 12 games for the Terps at left tackle.

Son of All-Pro RB Fred Taylor commits to Florida

Kelvin Taylor, son of former Florida and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor, announced at UF’s Junior Day that he was committing to the Gators.

Taylor (5’10″, 190 pounds) becomes the fifth commitment of the 2013 class for Florida and the second running back, along with Winter Haven HS Adam Lane. Taylor said he plans to enroll early.

Of course, verbal commitments are non-binding, so Taylor can change his mind at any time.

The Belle Glade product has been a part of two state titles and became Florida’s career rushing leader, passing Emmitt Smith‘s record of 8,804 yards.

Kentucky reportedly reaches out to ECU for WR coach

Ben Jones of CatsIllustrated.com, Kentucky’s Rivals.com affiliate, reports that East Carolina wide receivers coach/run game coordinator Pat Washington has resigned today via an ECU spokesperson. Washington is expected, according to Jones, to fill the void left by Martin.

Footballscoop.com first reported the move. If the reports turns out to be true, Kentucky can’t confirm any new hires until two weeks after the job has been posted, Washington will have been at ECU for a whopping six weeks, having taken the job on Jan. 6. Washington spent the past three seasons at Southern Miss as the Golden Eagles’ running backs coach. He also coached receivers at Tennessee from 1995-2005, serving under current UK offensive coordinator Randy Sanders.

Ex-OU assistant Willie Martinez lands at Auburn

Auburn announced today that Martinez would be joining Gene Chizik‘s staff, replacing Phillip Lolley. Lolley stepped down from his position earlier this month to re-take an administrative job within the athletic department.

“I’ve had the pleasure to know coach Gene Chizik and other members of this staff for a long time, and I share their energy and passion for the game of football and developing young men,” Martinez said in a statement.

Martinez was connected to multiple defensive coordinator opportunities in his final months at OU, including Kansas and Illinois, but it appeared Martinez’s fate was pretty much sealed when Bob Stoops brought his brother back to Norman.

Martinez has some SEC ties from his days as a defensive coordinator at Georgia from 2005-09. He’ll be be reuniting with Auburn DC Brian VanGorder, who preceeded Martinez as the DC at UGA when Martinez was the secondary coach for the Bulldogs.

James Franklin denies improper contact with Danny O’Brien

The Washington Post reports, citing sources with knowledge of conversations between Edsall and O’Brien, that Edsall questioned whether there was improper contact between Vanderbilt coaches and O’Brien, along with Maryland transfers Max Garcia (O-line) and Mario Rowson (linebacker).

Speaking to 104.5 The Zone in Nashville, Franklin addressed the rumors that he was a reason behind Edsall’s decision to place a transfer restriction on the Commodores.

“I don’t like innuendos and comments being made about tampering and things like that. You guys know me. I am the type of guy, I am going to have relationships with my players. I hope to have relationships with the guys that play for me for the rest of my life.

“But the fact that people would make accusations that we tampered or did this or did that, again, I am just going to defend our program and defend our character and how we do things. But I think it is ridiculous to think that I am not going to have relationships with these kids after I leave places.”

“When I left [Kansas State] for Maryland, I talked to Josh Freeman every week. I still talk to Josh. Josh flew in for [my] birthday party. I am the type of guy, I am going to have relationships with my players.”

Edsall hasn’t addressed the rumor directly and the only comment he’s made about O’Brien’s departure was the following statement:

“I’m disappointed by Danny’s decision. Danny told me that he’s not committed to our program, that he’s not ‘all in.’ I want what’s best for all of our players. Danny wants a fresh start elsewhere. I wish him well.”

For that, among other things, the Maryland coach is getting blasted by the media.

Gators tight end suspended after battery charge

Florida coach Will Muschamp to take action on tight end A.C. Leonard following the sophomore’s arrest for domestic battery.

Muschamp said in a release this evening that Leonard is suspended from team activities and issued the following statement:

“This behavior will not will be tolerated. It is not what we expect from the University of Florida football program.”

Chick-fil-A kickoff games announced

One of the most highly-anticipated opening-week games of the past few years, the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will become games — plural — this year.

In a release, it was announced that the event will host two games on back-to-back nights, one on Friday night (Aug. 31) and Saturday (Sept. 1). The Friday night game will feature North Carolina State and Tennessee, with Auburn and Clemson playing Saturday in a rematch of the 2007 Chick-fil-A Bowl.

by Ben K.

Tee Martin to become USC’s new WR coach

Former Tennessee quarterback and Kentucky wide receivers coach Tee Martin is leaving Kentucky to join Lane Kiffin's coaching staff at Southern Cal. "i'm excited, great opportunity," Martin said in a text to News Sentinel sportswriter Mike Griffith.

Southern Cal quarterback Matt Barkley, however, broke the story on Twitter, but the news was later confirmed by Martin, the Kentucky athletic department and sources within the USC football program who were not authorized to speak on the record. After Barkley's Tweet, Martin confirmed the move in texts to several sports writers.

University of Kentucky spokesman Tony Neely confirmed late Wednesday to the Lexington Herald Leader that Martin is leaving Lexington.

In a text to the Herald Leader, Neely said, "Coach Martin is confirming that he has taken the job."

And Jeff Drummond of CatsPause.com of CatsPause.com reported: "Yes," Martin said via text message. "I'm headed to S.C."

Former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, who recently added Scottie Hazelton as linebackers coach, and Marvin Sanders as defensive backs coach to his Southern Cal staff , adds the 33-year-old Martin as USC's wide receivers coach, the same position he held with the Kentucky football program. At Kentucky, Martin was had the additional role of passing game coordinator.

Martin, considered one of Kentucky's top recruiters and landing three of its top 2012 signees, interviewed with Kiffin on Monday and Kentucky coach Joker Phillips and Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart had been hopeful of keeping him with the Wildcats, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported. Martin had previously turned down overtures to leave Kentucky from Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee, the Courier-Journal said.

Asked late Wednesday by the News Sentinel's Griffith if Martin had considered any of the recent openings on Derek Dooley's Tennessee staff, Martin texted: "Never got a call."

Five Kentuckyl Wildcats named to 2011 All-Commonwealth Team

Five University of Kentucky football players, including 2011 seniors Winston Guy, Danny Trevathan and Ryan Tydlacka, and juniors La’Rod King and Larry Warford, have been named to the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame 2011 All-Commonwealth Collegiate Team, it was announced this week.

Trevathan earned the Defensive Player of the Year Award by the organization, while Guy, King, Tydlacka and Warford received nods on the 44-member team.

This is the second year for the All-Commonwealth Team, which was created to give recognition to youth at a local level and empower them to develop expectations of greatness. According to the organization’s release, these athletes represent the best college football players that the state of Kentucky has to offer, while their dedication to the game has contributed significantly to their teams.

The announcement follows the recent introduction of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame 2012 Inductees. The induction ceremony will take place June 15th at the Louisville Palace Theater, as part of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, taking place June 14-16. Tickets for the induction ceremony will be available March 1.

UGA levies two-game suspension on starting corner

In a press release Wednesday afternoon, Georgia announced that the cornerback will serve a two-game suspension to begin the 2012 season. The soon-to-be senior will miss the opener at home against Buffalo as well as the SEC opener against Missouri in Columbia.

Commings was arrested Jan. 21 and charged with domestic violence and simple battery following an incident involving his girlfriend. It was alleged, according to witnesses, that Commings struck the female victim in the face during the course of an argument.

In 2011, Commings started all 14 games for the Bulldogs and has played in all but one game the past three seasons.

Vandy landed its best recruiting class in history Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/andy_staples/02/01/vanderbilt-signing-day/

Franklin must work harder than his fellow SEC coaches to lure recruits who can not only handle the prestigious school's rigorous curriculum but also play well enough to lift Vanderbilt -- which won four games in two seasons before Franklin won six in 2011 -- from its usual spot as the SEC's Signing Day cellar-dweller.

Franklin seems to be succeeding. Vanderbilt doesn't get players Ohio State wants. It got one this year. Vanderbilt rarely beats Tennessee for players. It did this year. "It's the best class I've ever been associated with," Franklin said.

Tuesday night, Franklin's phones delivered the best and the worst news a coach can get on the eve of National Signing Day. Those episodes would provide the final bit of intrigue for a class that every major recruiting service considers the best Vanderbilt has signed in the Internet era. For Franklin and his staff, the letters-of-intent rolling off the fax machine Wednesday represented more than a year of work.

The collection of letters didn't include one player who was committed to Vanderbilt for eight months, but it did include the following:

• A quarterback who signed after a Vanderbilt assistant out-recruited his own brother.

• An offensive lineman who had to turn his back on decades of family tradition to become a Commodore.

• A linebacker who helped seal his late scholarship offer by holding his own personal slam dunk contest and sending the video to Vanderbilt's coaches.

• A tailback who turned down various powers (Alabama, Ohio State and others) because, to use a phrase Vandy coaches borrowed from Commodores baseball coach Tim Corbin, he would rather build a tradition than rent one.

These are only a few of the stories from a class that could make history at a school aching for football success.

Gamecocks to appear before NCAA’s COI this weekend

South Carolina will appear before the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions this Friday and Saturday to answer questions concerning last September’s Notice of Allegations. According to the Charleston Post & Courier, an 11-person-strong contingent will represent USC at the hearing this weekend, including head coach Steve Spurrier, assistant coach G.A. Mangus, athletic director Eric Hyman and president Dr. Harris Pastides.

An NCAA investigation that began in the summer of 2010 ultimately found that football players and other student-athletes had received in the neighborhood of $55,000 in impermissible benefits, with $47,000 of that figure stemming from off-campus housing at an area hotel. The other $8,000 stems from “Kevin Lahn and Steve Gordon, representatives of the institution’s athletics interests, [making] impermissible recruiting contacts with and [providing] impermissible recruiting inducements to prospective student-athletes and [providing] extra benefits to student-athletes.“

The housing allegations, the first listed in the NOA, are from May 2009 through Oct. 2010, while the recruiting issues, the second listed in the NOA, allegedly occurred from the spring of 2009 through February of 2011.

The third major violation alleged in the NOA is a failure to monitor both the housing and recruiting issues.

In December of last year, USC self-imposed sanctions that included a loss of six scholarships over the course of three years; a reduction of official recruiting visits to 30 for the 2012-13 year; and an $18,500 fine for allowing four ineligible football players to compete during the 2009-10 football season.

The committee can either deem those sanctions sufficient, or impose further sanctions on the program.

Grayshirting a harsh reality for some recruits

Justin Taylor and Darius Philon, two high school seniors who believed all that nonsense about devotion and a man’s word being his bond.
Taylor, a star running back from North Atlanta High School, had been committed to play football at Alabama since the winter of his junior year. The Crimson Tide wanted him, and he wanted them. Everything appeared to be fine, even after the young man injured his knee and missed most of his senior season. But then the Tide upgraded, enticing five-star running back T.J. Yeldon to flip his commitment from Auburn to Alabama. Suddenly, Taylor wasn’t welcome in Tuscaloosa in the fall. He would have to wait until January, missing a semester of school, a season of football, and a chance to prove himself.
The process is called "grayshirting," and it’s very simple: Southeastern Conference coaches can sign only 25 new scholarship athletes at the beginning of each year, but there are more than 25 prospects out there who coaches want. So, rather than whittle down their choices, coaches will give and receive verbal commitments from players to lock them up. Then, with only weeks (and in some cases days) remaining before National Signing Day, the coach will come back and say, “Oh, gee, sorry, we’ve filled our allotment. We still want you, but you’re going to have to stay home this fall and come to campus sometime after Christmas break.”
Some take the news harder than others. Philon, a defensive lineman from Prichard, Ala., had been committed to Alabama since September and didn’t visit any other schools. But after Philon suffered a torn meniscus in December (and after the Tide signed two other defensive linemen, Dalvin Tomlinson and Korren Kirven), coach Nick Saban informed Philon that he would have to defer his scholarship until the spring semester.
Philon reacted the way you might expect from an emotional kid. He donned an Alabama hat at National Signing Day and then wept inconsolably.
Neither Taylor nor Philon signed with Alabama.
Taylor, who continued to voice his desire to join the Tide as late as January, finally saw the handwriting on the wall and signed with Kentucky.
"As far as pulling the scholarship, I think they did me wrong," Taylor said. "I was No. 7 to commit. That's all I've got to say. I was committed to them for a year. They could've handled it better."
Philon signed with Arkansas hours after breaking down in front of the cameras. He had never been to Fayetteville, Ark.

Kerry Stevenson, Philon’s coach, said the kid "had the world snatched out from under him."

Gators part ways with one OL coach, hire another

In a press release, Muschamp announced that Frank Verducci is out as Florida’s offensive line coach, replaced by Tim Davis.

Muschamp and Davis, who spent the 2011 season in the same position at Utah, were assistants on Nick Saban‘s Miami Dolphins coaching staff in 2005. Davis has also spent time on coaching staffs Wisconsin, USC and Minnesota, as well as a previous seven-year stint with the Utes.

“Tim is a perfect fit for our program – he has a history of coaching in a pro-style offense and shares the same program philosophies,” said Muschamp. ”It will be a seamless transition for our players and staff. He worked with Brian White at Wisconsin, Derek Lewis at Minnesota and Dan Quinn and I worked with him at the Miami Dolphins. He understands the values that we put on the line of scrimmage and he will help us get where we want to be at that position after Coach Verducci made a decision to pursue other interests. We wish Frank the best of luck and appreciate his efforts towards the Gator program.”

Verducci had been with the Gators for just one season. He also carried the title of running game coordinator.

Georgia gets another 2013 commitment

Shaq Wiggins, a junior defensive back at Sandy Creek High School, committed on Friday to play at Georgia.

Wiggins becomes the fourth member of Georgia's class for 2013. A four-star prospect, according to 247sports.com, Wiggins is listed at 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds and currently projects at cornerback.

Georgia badly needs defensive backs for next year's class, after only signing one on Feb. 1, and then dismissing freshmen Nick Marshall and Chris Sanders. The Bulldogs already have another 2013 commitment from Tray Matthews, a safety at Newnan High School.

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2012/02/10/1900212/football-team-gets-another-2013.html#storylink=cpy