Bowden to Headline LSU Football Coaches Clinic

Bobby Bowden, the second-winningest coach in the history of major college football, will headline this year's LSU Football Coaches Clinic, which will be held March 18-20 on the LSU campus.
Bowden, who just recently retired following 31-years at Florida State, won 377 games during his career that included head coaching stops with the Seminoles and West Virginia. Bowden led Florida State to national titles in 1993 and 1999 as well as 12 ACC Championships. He guided Florida State to a total of 31 bowl appearances, winning 21 of those.
"It's an honor to have coaching legend Bobby Bowden be a part of our coaches clinic," LSU coach Les Miles said. "I have always respected and admired Coach Bowden because of what he has meant to the game of football. Coach Bowden represents all of the things that are good about the game and I'm looking forward to hearing him speak to the coaches in attendance."
Bowden is scheduled to speak to the coaches on Saturday, March 20.
The 2010 clinic includes high school state championship coaches from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
Featured speakers from the LSU coaching staff include defensive coordinator John Chavis, wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Billy Gonzales, running backs coach Frank Wilson, special teams coach Joe Robinson and strength and conditioning coordinator Tommy Moffitt.

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Vols' intern Rubio linked to major recruiting violations at Central Florida

Steve Rubio has served his time.
His old employer is just now starting its punishment after receiving a verdict on violations involving the Tennessee recruiting intern and former Central Florida director of player personnel.
The Knights and the NCAA jointly announced two years of probation for major rules infractions linked to Rubio and another former staff member on Thursday, stemming from an investigation that started after Rubio was hired by the Vols. Including an issue with a visit to a high school in South Florida with former coach Lane Kiffin, this is the second time he has been tied to possible recruiting violations since coming to UT last summer.
Both of them have already been dealt with by either the Vols or the NCAA though, and Rubio isn’t facing any additional punishments.
“It’s all behind him,” UT athletic director Mike Hamilton said. “That investigation started subsequent to his employment at the University of Tennessee, and he cooperated fully with the questions he was asked and with the involvement of our compliance office and the NCAA.”
The NCAA handed him a two-week suspension for his role in the problems at Central Florida, which included 209 improper phone calls and approximately 100 text messages to recruits or their parents during a period from June 2007 to January 2009 between Rubio and another staff member. Since Rubio wasn’t a member of the coaching staff, he would not have been allowed to make any phone contact with a recruit, and text messages have been banned since August 2007.
Rubio’s punishment has already been handled for that incident, and UT also dealt with his second issue relatively quickly and moved on.
The Vols self-imposed a penalty for his visit early last season along with Kiffin and then-assistant Eddie Gran to St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Rubio’s alma mater. Though he isn’t believed to have contacted any recruits, which likely would have led to a secondary violation , UT barred interns from going with coaches on the road for visits for a year.
“Those issues have been dealt with,” Hamilton said. “Rubio is moving forward.”
He’ll do so without facing any additional discipline. Central Florida’s is just getting underway.

Gators' search ends as Austin is named DC

Florida has named Teryl Austin as their new defensive coordinator.
The school announced the hiring via a press release.
"I am pleased to have Teryl join our staff," coach Urban Meyer said in a statement. "Interim Coach Steve Addazio did a great job coordinating our efforts with Chuck Heater and Dan McCarney to hire Teryl. It was important that we had some familiarity with Teryl as both Coach Addazio and Coach Scot Loeffler had worked with him before. He also comes highly recommended from my close friend Bill Davis, the defensive coordinator of the Cardinals."
"I've watched from afar what this program is about winning championships with dynamic players and doing things the right way," Austin said. "Now, I'm honored to be a part of the program and a part of The Gator Nation. I look forward to getting to work with an outstanding group of players and a great coaching staff."
Austin will replace George Edwards, who left earlier this month after spending less than four weeks on the job. Edwards had replaced Charlie Strong in January after the coordinator left for the head coaching job at Louisville.

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Gators on verge of DC hire?

There seems to be a strong possibility that Arizona Cardinals defensive backs coach Teryl Austin will become the next Gators’ defensive coordinator, so don’t be surprised if the ball rolls quickly on this deal should both parties agree to terms.
We are hearing that Urban Meyer and the Gators staff on Wednesday met with Austin in Gainesville and walked away very impressed. Austin, of course, would have to accept the job should the Gators offer.
National Football Post first reported the Gators’ interest in Austin, who has coached the Cardinals’ defensive backs the last three seasons. Austin also held the same position with the Seattle Seahawks from 2003-06, which means he’s coached in two Super Bowls.
His college resume includes stints at Michigan, Syracuse, Wake Forest and Penn State. Austin would replace George Edwards, who left his post after 27 days to take the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator job. Longtime UF defensive coordinator Charlie Strong took the Louisville head coaching job in early December.
Despite Steve Addazio’s involvement as interim coach, don’t get it twisted: This is an Urban Meyer hire. We were told that Meyer had his mind set on an NFL mind for the defensive coordinator spot from the beginning. It’s his program, his call.
SEC Football online actually spoke with Austin at the Senior Bowl two weeks ago while gathering quotes on Tebow. He didn’t hold back.
“He’s going to have to clean that up,” Austin said about Tebow’s throwing motion. “To drop back and do all those things from under center is probably going to be a little difficult for him early on.”

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Harbison to Swinney: I'm staying at Clemson

CLEMSON's Dabo Swinney can relax again.
A day after Florida contacted Clemson's coach about speaking to defensive backs coach Charlie Harbison, Harbison told Swinney on Thursday he is staying at Clemson.
Florida is searching for a new defensive coordinator.
It's unclear Florida's interest level in Harbison, one of Rivals.com's top 25 recruiters.
The Gators might be zeroing on their next defensive coordinator, Arizona Cardinals assistant Teryl Austin. The Orlando Sentinel reported Austin interviewed in Gainesville on Wednesday and is the favorite after impressing Florida head coach Urban Meyer.
It's the fourth time this offseason a program has had a documented interested in one of Swinney's assistants, and the third inquiry by an SEC program.
In addition to Tennessee's courtship of Kevin Steele and Florida's interest in Harbison, Tennessee was also interested in defensive line coach Dan Brooks and USC-bound Lane Kiffin contacted Clemson receivers coach and recruiting coordinator Jeff Scott.

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Andre Debose Rehabbing nicely for Gators

Debose underwent hamstring surgery that derailed his 2009 freshman season.
After we talked to a few folks close to Debose’s rehab, here’s an update.
Debose has sprinted full speed on a treadmill and began working at the track and field complex this week. So far, no setbacks.
Debose does not need a second surgery, which has been rumored. Perhaps anything’s possible if Debose’s hamstring rejects the rehab over time, but for now he has not experienced severe pain from the running. (Debose could only run in a pool, up until January). He must thoroughly stretch out his hamstring three times a day.
At this point, Debose isn’t expected to be a full participant in spring practices that begin March 17. He might run routes and conduct light drills, but no hitting or full contact.
He’s eyeing a successful return for the 2010 season.

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Florida interested in Clemson DB coach

Dabo Swinney told The Post and Courier on Wednesday that Tigers defensive backs coach Charlie Harbison has been contacted by Florida.
The Gators are interested in Harbison as a candidate for their vacant defensive coordinator position.
“They called me today,” Swinney said. “I don’t know if he’ll go down there to interview.”
“That’s the crazy part of this business. Everyone has to hire coaches, but hopefully we’ll be able to keep ours here.”
Florida is looking for a defensive coordinator to replace George Edwards, who was only with the Gators briefly, leaving for a position with the Buffalo Bills. Edwards replaced former Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, who became the head coach at Louisville.
Harbison is valuable recruiter and co-defensive coordinator at Clemson.
He was named as one of Rivals.com's top 25 recruiters for 2010 on Monday. Harbison signed three prospects from Georgia (Darius Robinson, Corey Crawford and David Beasley) and signed Desmond Brown, DJ Howard and Demont Buice in Alabama.
It’s the fourth time this offseason that Swinney has had to deal with a program trying to raid his staff, and the third attempt by an SEC program.

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New Kentucky WR coach fits Joker to a Tee...Tee Martin that is

Tee Martin has officially been announced as the newest member of Joker Phillips first coaching staff.Martin, the former title-winning quarterback during his time with the Tennessee Volunteers, has been hired to coach the Wildcats' wide receivers."Tee has a great ability to relate and communicate with young people," Phillips said in a statement. "I had a chance to watch him coach (current Wildcat) Matt Roark in high school and I was impressed with how he handled himself. I think he'll be a tremendous asset in recruiting. He is very well-known in Atlanta and other areas in the South."Martin comes to Lexington from New Mexico, where he coached the Lobos' quarterbacks. He will also be reunited with UK offensive coordinator Randy Sanders, who was his coordinator with the Vols."I'm excited about the future of Kentucky football under the leadership of Joker Phillips," Martin said in his own statement. "The respect Coach Phillips has in college football as an offensive mind, as well as being one of the best wide receivers' coaches, made me want to be here and learn from him."My chemistry with Coach Sanders dates back to our time together at Tennessee. He's been a mentor for me since I got into the coaching profession and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. I'm looking forward to helping develop a very exciting young group of wide receivers."

Gator recruit: 'I know we'll have 2-3' titles

Through the last two months while Urban Meyer’s future reached its height of uncertainty, Miami Booker T. Washington DE Lynden Trail was known as an unofficial spokesman for the 2010 class. Trail and Venice QB Trey Burton called plenty of recruits to make sure they were on the same page after Meyer’s job flip-flop.
“I know we’ll bring at least 2-3 national championships,” Trail said.
Bold statement. What makes you so sure?
“I just feel like we have so much special talent at every position,” Trail added. “And we’re all going to make sure to work hard. This group is determined to make a difference.”
The 6-foot-7 Trail is the Sentinel’s 14th-ranked player in the state.
Trail also said the recruiting class isn’t too worried about the departure of George Edwards, the Gators’ defensive coordinator for 27 days before last week’s bolt for a lateral position with the Buffalo Bills.
Interim coach Steve Addazio is currently coordinating the hiring of a new coordinator while Urban Meyer, officially on a leave of absence, is providing input.
There is chatter about New England Patriots assistant Corwin Brown, formerly Notre Dame’s coordinator, but we are hearing that probably won’t happen.
Trail, who met Edwards once, said he’s talked to numerous recruits in recent days and nobody even mentioned the departure.
“He didn’t seem to fit the mold of a Gators coach,” Trail said. “I’m sure he’s a great guy, great family guy, but he didn’t have the intensity of every other Gators coach when he got here. It doesn’t change anything for me. We’re all ready to come play anyway.”

Gators chasing Clemson assistant?

According to a tweet from Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com, Florida has an interest in Clemson co-defensive coordinator Charlie Harbison for its coordinator vacancy.
Harbison is the latest name to be attached to the opening created last week when George Edwards left Gainesville for the Buffalo Bills. Edwards had been at the school for less than a month before bolting for the NFL.

Vols Lance Thompson helps Vols class stay Intact

Thompson and Jim Chaney were both instrumental in helping Tennessee keep its class mostly intact after Lane Kiffin left for USC. They both also played a huge role in Tennessee keeping all eight early enrolles. Thompson also recruited four-star prospects in running back Rajion Neal and offensive lineman Jawuan James. Athlete Marcques Dixon, defensive end Martaze Jackson, and linebacker John Propst are all three-star prospects who were recruited by Thompson.

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Big Year for Auburn with Recruiting

Taylor had a big year for the Tigers. He went to Mississippi and landed five-star offensive line prospect Shon Coleman. Taylor went to Louisiana to sign four-star athlete Trovon Reed. Taylor helped Auburn get a big one on Signing Day with four-star defensive end Corey Lemonier. Taylor also got three from Georgia: four-star wide receiver Antonio Goodwin, three-star defensive back Demetruce McNeal and athlete Shaun Kitchens. Four-star defensive end Joel Bonomolo is a junior college transfer from California. Taylor also landed a big in-state commitment in four-star wide receiver Jeremy Richardson. Seven of Taylor's eight prospects were from out of state.

Bama's Sal Sunseri Recruiting helps the Tide

Sunseri helped sign four prospects for the Crimson Tide. He landed the nation's No. 2 pro-style quarterback prospect in Phillip Sims from Virginia. He also went to Maryland to land four-star offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio and to North Carolina to get four-star defensive end Alfy Hill. Sunseri also landed three-star defensive end Wilson Love.

Auburn's Recruiting in the top 25

Luper landed two five-star prospects for the Tigers: junior college QB Cameron Newton and RB prospect Michael Dyer from Arkansas. He also helped the Tigers with Louisiana four-star athlete Trovon Reed. Three-star offensive tackle Ed Christian was also Luper's responsibility. Luper was also the primary mastermind behind "Tiger Prowl" and "Big Cat Weekend." Those two recruiting events helped create a great buzz for Auburn.

Bulldogs Recruiting among the best in Nation

Year in and year out, Garner is one of the most consistently successful recruiters. This season was no different. The Bulldogs didn't land their typical stellar class, but Gardner did his part to keep the Dawgs in the top 20. Garner pulled in Rivals100 recruits in defensive end T.J. Stripling and safety Alec Ogletree. Garner also signed four-star defensive tackle Mike Thornton and four-star running back Ken Malcome.

Gators Steve Addazio...Nations no.2 Recruiter

Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio had a big recruiting year for the Gators. Addazio had his hand in recruiting two five-star defensive tackles from the Northeast in Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley. Floyd and Easley are the nation's top two defensive tackles. That he signed them from Pennsylvania and New York, respectively, made his feat more impressive. Addazio also helped Florida sign three four-star players in offensive tackles Ian Silberman and Chaz Green and safety Jonathan Dowling. Floyd, Easley, Silberman and Green are all members of the Rivals100. In addition, Addazio also recruited two quarterback prospects in three-star Trey Burton and two-star Tyler Murphy.

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Kiffin's Paris Hilton Act Borders on Elementary ... School

• • Clay Travis
  • Clay Travis is a college football Writer for FanHouse: Lane Kiffin is the Paris Hilton of college football. He's famous for nothing, essentially, except being famous. While at Tennessee, fresh off a firing from the Oakland Raiders, Kiffin claimed all the negative media publicity that surrounded his 13-month tenure in Knoxville was a deft manipulation of the media. Right. In reality, Kiffin was out of his league when it came to understanding how a major SEC team was covered. Kiffin claimed that the spate of attention, 95 percent of which was negative, was needed to revive a program he characterized as moribund.A moribund program that was, you know, less than a year removed from playing in the SEC championship game when Kiffin was hired. But, no matter, college football's Paris Hilton had to make a scene. And he did, turning the Tennessee job into an extended version of the The Simple Life. When he bolted for USC, Kiffin claimed he no longer needed to capture media attention because the status of the program was so much better. Then, barely one month into the job, Lane Kiffin went all Paris Hilton on us once more: He offered and accepted the commitment of a 13-year-old quarterback David Sills. For the first time, Kiffin's erratic decision-making has truly crossed over into the mainstream of American culture. Prior to this moment your grandmother might not have known who Kiffin was. Plainly, that wouldn't do. Everyone in all of American life must know who Lane Kiffin is. Prediction, within two years, he's released a sex tape entitled, "In the Fast Lane."
    

The quarterback in question, David Sills, is a seventh-grader. He is 5-foot-11 and, wait for it, 136 pounds. But, and this is key, doctors have projected that he will be 6-5 when he is fully grown.
I'm not making this up.
Middle school basketball players have previously committed to play for coaches with a screw loose. Such as Kentucky's Billy Gillispie. But offering a seventh-grader you've never seen play in person is a new low. Or, at least it would be if this was not the second time in eight months that Kiffin has been associated with offering and accepting the commitment of a 13-year-old boy. Back in the summer, before he even coached a game at Tennessee, Evan Berry, younger brother of Vols safety Eric Berry, purportedly committed to Kiffin and Tennessee before everyone backtracked.
What's more, the early backlash that arose over the idea that Kiffin would give a scholarship to a 13-year-old also eliminates any thought that Lane Kiffin didn't know how the public would react when he did the same thing with another kid. He knew exactly what the reaction would be. And he did it anyway. Let's just say that Lane Kiffin was so blown away a 13-year-old quarterback that he wanted to offer him a scholarship. Wouldn't it stand to reason that he should tell the boy and the boy's family to keep that commitment quiet?
Of course it would.
But poor Lane, he simply can't help himself. He needs the headlines even if those headlines are all negative.

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Surprise...Not someone from the SEC...Cal pitchman named Rivals' top recruiter

The numbers on Lupoi's resume from this recruiting season speak for themselves - two five-star players and four four-star players. While that matches what others on this list accomplished, what's more impressive about Lupoi's results is his haul came from five states. He landed five-star Keenan Allen and four-star Chris McCain from North Carolina, reeled in Nick Forbes from Maryland, five-star Chris Martin from Colorado, Gabe King from Oregon and Cecil Whiteside from California. He also managed a difficult situation with Allen after he de-committed from Alabama. Lupoi got several national prospects to take a long look at Cal, and many of them are moving across the country to Berkeley.

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