2014 OL Andrew Harrell (6’5, 290) of Florida High in Tallahassee, FL told Deep South Recruiting he’s receiving serious interest from Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Troy, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, FAU, USF, Florida St., Clemson, and Virginia.
Harrell, who plays left guard primarily, said “South Florida, Clemson, and Ole Miss are my favorites right now.”
He mentioned what he likes about his favorites. ”I had a conversation with an Ole Miss coach, Maurice Harris, at my school. They have a good program and I feel like I fit in there.
“South Florida, they’re local and I like the coach. I had a teammate who’s there now and he likes it.
“At Clemson, I like the school and the atmosphere, had a chance to talk to some coaches. I could see myself there.”
Not among his current Top 3, but in the hunt, Harrell said FAU is recruiting him the hardest. “I’d say Florida Atlantic is paying me the most attention. They want me to come down to a game pretty soon.”
Harrell has plans to see a few Florida programs. “I plan to visit USF, FAU, and Florida St. unofficially.”
Florida High’s versatile lineman was busy over the summer attending combines. He attended the Nike Sparq, NUC Combine (he brought home OL MVP), Elite 100 at Oklahoma, Junior Rank Prodigy Camp, and Down and Dirty Linemen Camp.
Harrell, who boasts a 3.2 GPA, said that school location won’t be the determining factor for him. “It doesn’t have to be Florida, but I’d like to stay in the southeast.”
Early playing time will have little to do with his final decision. “That would be great. Nobody wants to sit on the bench for three years, but I’m just going to come in and work hard to earn a spot.”
The relationships he builds during the recruiting process will influence his choice. “I want to know my coaches very well and be able to communicate with them, so it’s very important to me to stay in touch and get to know the coaches.”
Harrell said he’d prefer to end his recruiting process once his junior campaign is concluded. “I’d like to be committed around a month or so after the end of this season.”
2013 WR/KR Cody Rounds (6’0, 180, 4.4/40) of Coral Springs HS in Florida told Deep South Recruiting he’s hearing from three programs primarily. “New Hampshire, TheCitadel,andFIU. New Hampshire has offered along with FIU and I believe The Citadel is going to offer soon, as well,” he said. “I’m talking with several other schools, but they all want to see my film three games into the season.
“FIU is recruiting me the hardest, but I expect more programs to get serious because I really have no film at receiver. After the three games of film go out, I expect more attention.”
The Golden Panthers have great shot at landing the Coral Springs athlete. “Florida International is my favorite school right now. I like the coaching staff and the direction of their program,” he said. “I went to their one-day camp and I really had a good experience.”
Rounds also made his way to The Citadel’s campus over the summer. “The Citadel is a great program and I had a good time at their camp, but I’m not sure if that’s the type of program I want to attend. I’m looking for a full ride and somewhere I can get on the field right away.”
In his first action of what’s sure to be a productive season for Rounds, he had three touches totaling 121 yards and a touchdown. “The first play we had on offense I caught a 50-yard bomb. I played some running back in the 3rd quarter, and my only carry I ran 80 yards for a touchdown,” he said. “I didn’t play any defense, but I’ll see time in nickel packages. We weren’t going to show anything in a jamboree game.” Coral Springs will begin the season versus Northeast.
In 2011 for Coral Springs Charter School, Rounds broke the Broward County sack record with 31, which also ranked third best in the country. In addition to playing defensive end, he saw time at quarterback, wideout, kick and punt return, and was a major factor on special teams, blocking a punt. He credits his personal trainer, Sly Johnson of Premier Athletes for his incredible production on the football field. “Sly has taught me some things I I think most athletes don’t know and it’s allowed me to take the next step in my physical development.”
Rounds talked about what he’ll be seeking from a college program. “I have a 3.5 GPA and I’m scheduled to take the SAT later this semester,” he said. “Academics will play a big part in my recruitment, but I want to take football as far as I possibly can.
“Early playing is my number one factor. Staying at home won’t be a big deal to me, but I would like to play Division I football, wherever that might be.”
The relationships he builds during the recruiting process will influence his decision. “Relationships are huge for me. It will play a big role in where I decide to attend.”
Rounds has an idea when he’d like to make a verbal commitment. “I’d like to have my verbal commitment in place about halfway through the season.”
2016 RB Robert Washington (5’10,180, 4.6/40) of Southlake Christian High School in Huntersville, NC, told Deep South Recruiting that his recruiting process has already begun as a freshman. “Typically recruiting doesn’t start until after 10th grade, but for me it’s already started.”
Washington already has three scholarship offers, including one from Ole Miss. “I know I have an offer from Ole Miss currently, but the other two schools, my father won’t tell me,” he said. “He told me to not worry and focus on my grades.”
Southlake Christian’s standout running back already has a long list of schools he is hearing from: Mississippi State, LSU, Florida, Duke, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia, West Virginia, Penn State, Ohio, and Akron.
When asked about his favorites, he said “Ole Miss since they gave me my first offer, but I’m open to all of them,” Washington said. “It’s Ole Miss now because they’re really showing that they want me there in 2016 by offering me.”
It would seem that the recruiting process starting so early for Washington would put a tremendous amount of pressure on him. However, he isn’t focusing on his recruitment. “Honestly, I don’t feel any pressure. My parents told me to focus on my academics and they’ll handle the recruiting pressure for me,” he said. “I think the only pressure now is to make sure my GPA is good which is something I can control.”
Over the summer, Washington got the chance to play with Team USA U-15 in Austin, TX. He talked about his unique experience. “Playing for Team USA was a big honor. Playing with USA accross my chest was a very special feeling. I had to make sure I represented my country the right way on and off the field.”
2013 WR/SS Raheem Dupree (6’3, 165, 4.5/40) of Wilkinson County HS in Georgia told Deep South Recruiting that he’s worked hard over the off-season to elevate his game to catch the attention of college recruiters. “I attended the NUC Combine and really enjoyed it. We tested ourselves with one-on-one drills, running routes, and I did really well.
“I worked extremely hard over the summer with my cousin, Alvin Dupree, who’s a sophomore linebacker at Kentucky.”
Dupree plays both ways for Wilkinson Co. and expects to see time at wideout and strong safety. He described his strengths at both positions. “At receiver, I run excellent routes and I catch the ball at its highest point,” he said. “At strong safety, I’m in good pass coverage and I have a knack for making interceptions. I’m also more physical than most receivers and am able to get them off their routes.”
He also starts for the basketball team at power forward, averaging 10 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks per game.
Dupree said he like to hear from “ Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama. But what really matters to me is to go to college and play football.”
Wilkinson County’s talented two-way player talked about the importance of having a winning tradition. “I think having a winning tradition is important. If a program has success, naturally there’s more attention from the NFL and more chances to make an impression.”
He’s willing to leave Georgia to play college football. “I have no problem leaving home to attend college.”
Dupree stated that having a close bond with his coaches will influence his college choice. “It’s important to be able to trust your coaches. It will definitely be important to me during the recruiting process.”
He reports a 3.0 GPA and 17 on the ACT. Dupree would like to major in engineering.
2013 WR/SS Gasper Stare (5’11, 193, 4.49/40, 4.2 shuttle) of Atlanta Sports Academy in Georgia, attended high school in Canada at Holy Names HS in Windsor, Ontario. In 2011, he was named MVP of Windsor, #3 ranked DB in Canada and was invited to play for Team Canada.
Stare’s goal is to play Division I football and he’s receiving interest from a few big time programs. “I’m hearing from UMass, Utah St., and Middle Tennessee St.,” he said. “I have Division II offers that include Hillsdale, Minnesota-Crookston, Missouri S&T, and Stetson.”
Stare has a favorite already in mind. “UMass is my favorite right now because it’s closer to home and I have a good connection with the coaches, but I’m not sure when I’ll visit. The staff told me that they want to see film of my upcoming season.
“MTSU also plans to bring me up for a game during the season.”
He talked about some things that will factor into his college decision. “I have a 3.5 GPA and a 1660 composite SAT score. Academics will decide for me if I can earn multiple Division I offers,” he said. “I want to major in business.
“Location won’t be very important. I’d prefer to be closer to home up north, but at the same time if my options carry me elsewhere, it’s doesn’t matter.”
Stare said early playing time won’t be a factor for him. “I’d rather earn my starting position than be promised one. I’m not afraid of competition and I’ll earn my spot on the team.”
He talked about the importance of stepping into a winning program. “Having a winning tradition breeds a winning environment and something to be proud of.”
The number one thing for Stare will be the relationships he develops with his recruiters. “Relationships with the coaching staff is very important. I feel that having that trust helps off the field and makes life easier is general.”
Stare feels his strength on the field is playing closer to the line scrimmage at strong safety. “I stop the run especially well. I like playing closer to the line and being physical. I have a good feel for the play when it’s front of me.”
Atlanta Sports Academy’s talented safety would like to have a commitment in place as soon as possible.
2013 DE Ismael Aurismond (6’3, 230, 4.8/40, 4.5 shuttle) of Hialeah HS in Florida claims verbal offers from Florida International, Western Kentucky, Western Michigan, Middle Tennessee St., South Alabama, Tennessee St., and Howard. “I hear from Mississippi St. quite a bit.”
Hialeah’s senior defensive end says three programs are paying him the most attention currently. “Western Kentucky, Western Michigan, and South Alabama are recruiting me the hardest.”
Aurismond told Deep South Recruiting his Top 5 is Western Kentucky, Western Michigan, South Alabama, Kansas, and FIU. ”I don’t have a leader, but Western Michigan and Western Kentucky are my Top 2, but I hope to visit all of them.”
He described his contact with some of his favorites. “Western Michigan, the coaches there really like me, ask me to call them. They’re recruiting me heavily.
“South Alabama, they send me a lot of letters and I call them on the phone.
“I talk with Coach Dennis Smith at FIU and he stays in touch.”
Aurismond talked about a few things he’ll be seeking on the next level. “Western Kentucky tells me I could start for them as a freshman, so I’d like to contribute early.”
He talked about the importance of forming a bond with the coaches during recruiting. “That’s the bread and butter, the main thing I’ll be looking for. I have a great relationship with the coaches at Western Kentucky, so I feel we already have that connection,” he said. “I have good relationships with all the coaches in my Top 5.”
Aurismond would like to have a verbal commitment made in several weeks.
2014 QB Ace (AJ) Long (6’2, 185, 4.58/40) of Friendship Christian School in Tennessee claims verbal offers from UCLA, Arizona, and Syracuse. He hears regularly fromColorado, Oregon, Florida St., Miami, Duke, SMU, Rutgers, Temple, West Virginia, and Ohio. “My Top 5 would be Syracuse, SMU, Ohio, Temple, and Rutgers for schools I’ve been able to visit.”
Long told Deep South Recruiting that an ACC program is recruiting him the hardest. “I’d have to say Duke. The staff has been calling me every week and we talk for at least half an hour each time. If I don’t call them, the next time I do they ask me why I didn’t call him.”
He transferred this summer to Friendship Christian School from Pius X High School in Pennsylvania, so his his camp attendance was limited. “I attended camps at Ohio, Vanderbilt, and Syracuse. I moved earlier this summer, so that was all I was able to fit into my schedule.”
Long talked about his interest in Vanderbilt. “When I was at their camp, I got the vibe that the Commodores really liked me and I really like the school. I watched Vandy football when Jay Cutler was there,” he said. “Vanderbilt is a program that I’ve kept my eye on the last few years and I could definitely see myself going there.”
Friendship Christian’s starting quarterback has a couple of Florida programs interested in him. “Miami and Florida St. are interested. Miami is the main one calling me. They ask how I’m doing, how the new school is, how the offense is coming along. I haven’t been in touch with Miami since we won our first game 41-7, but I plan on being in touch with them soon.”
The promising young signal-caller talked about what will be important to him as he decides on a program. “Academics will be of the main things I consider,” Long said. “I have a GPA of 3.0. This year, I’ve scored 95 or higher on all my tests. It’s looking good academically. I want to study sports management, so that’s very important to me.”
School location won’t be a factor for him. “It doesn’t matter to me at all. I’ll play anywhere. If I go out west, play in the mid-west, go back up north or play further south, that’s perfectly fine.”
The relationships he builds during the recruiting process isn’t the biggest factor. “It’s somewhat important. If I play for an upbeat coach or a grinder, it doesn’t matter that much. If we hit it off, great,” he said. “Honestly, I think I can thrive more if we can slow things down and create an environment for me to learn.”
Long is open to playing in multiple schemes. “It’s not a big deal for me. I feel comfortable in a pro-style, spread, or spread-option offense. I won’t consider a triple option offense because it doesn’t help my future prospects, but I’d prefer a pass first scheme.”
He discussed what he thinks makes college quarterbacks successful. “College quarterbacking is tough, so I’d say mental toughness is important. If you’re not mentally tough, you won’t make it on the next level. Not everything people say about you will be positive. There will be peaks and valleys and you’ve got to make it through that, and when you see quarterbacks lose their confidence, things go south from there,” Long said. “For example, Cam Newton, when he was coming out for the draft not many people said he could be a NFL quarterback because of the system at Auburn. His example shows that if you continue to work and have that mental toughness, don’t let people get to you, of what can happen.”
Long talked about the importance of being a leader. “A quarterback needs to be a leader. He needs to bring the players around him in, helping them as well as helping himself. He can’t be focused on just himself, he needs to be focused on making everyone around him better. I believe that when guys see that, they want to work harder.
“If I had to pick another attribute, it would be work ethic. You can improve things that can be measured. Your heart and desire is something that can’t be measured; it’s want to.”
He talked about playing under pressure and being able to handle those situations. “To be honest, I perform under pressure better than anyone I know. I don’t feel pressure in those moments,” he said. “When they come, I rise up, am prepared in my mind. I relish those challenges. I visualize those moments, go through them, so that when they do occur, I’m prepared.”
Long talked about the strength of his game. “I’d say my knowledge of the game is my strength. I’ve been able to sharpen and perfect all the knowledge I’ve obtained up to this point and it’s my biggest asset,” he said. “For example, having the knowledge to get us into a better play at the line of scrimmage, being able to get us out of that play and into a better one could make all the difference in the game.”
The 2012 regular season has already begun for Friendship Christian, with Long leading the way with 230 yards passing and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 60 yards and a score. He talked about Friendship Christian’s state championship prospects. “I think we have a state championship caliber team this year. Friendship Christian won a state title in 2011, we know we have to work harder because everyone else is gunning for us. We’re at the top and we have a target on our backs. We’re the hunted now.”
Long said he’d like to end his recruiting process by the end of next summer. “I’d like to be committed before my senior season starts. I’d like to be done so I don’t have to worry about recruiting so I can play football and concentrate on my senior season.”
2013 OLB/SS Shafique Neloms (6’0, 200, 4.5) of Miami Norland in Florida claims verbal offers from Illinois St. and Fairmont St. He’s hearing from Oklahoma, Minnesota, Missouri, West Virginia, Rutgers, USF, Stony Brook, and Prairie View A&M.
Neloms told Deep South Recruiting that he attended camps at Florida and Florida St. this summer. “Florida’s camp was a great experience. I loved the atmosphere and the coaches. They showed a lot of hospitality and I really enjoyed them.
“At FSU, I had a really good workout there. The coaches taught me some new things, so I enjoyed my time there.”
Last season, Neloms earned a Honorable Mention to the All Dade Team by the Miami Herald.
He talked about a few things he’s seeking from a college football program. “I have a 3.0 GPA and I’d like to attend a great academic institution. Academics will be very important in my decision.”
Neloms would like to stay closer to home to play college football, but is currently pursuing out of state options. “I’d like to stay in Florida if possible, but if my opportunities take me out of state, that’s great. I wouldn’t mind seeing other places.”
Early playing time will be considered when he’s making his college decision. “I’d love to help my team out immediately, maybe by providing depth and playing special teams,” he said. “I’d be willing to redshirt if the coaches need me to.”
The relationships he builds with coaches over the next few months during his recruitment will be factored into his choice. “I want to have good communication and be secure where I am. I want to feel like the coaches really want me there. I’ll do whatever the coaches ask me.”
Neloms bench pressed 275 pounds and squatted 500 pounds to end offseason testing. In addition to his power, he feels his hustle is the strength of his game. “I never give up on a play, chase down a lot plays, and I go to the whistle.”
Norland’s talented OLB spent countless hours over the summer perfecting his craft. “I worked on diagnosing plays and preparing myself to know what’s coming from the offense. In addition to recognition, I worked on my take-off and recovery speed.”
Williams Neloms III, defensive coordinator of Champagnat Catholic and Shafique’s father, feels the sky’s the limit regarding his son’s football future. “He has a real high football IQ,” Coach Neloms said. “I see him being a strong safety in college. He’ll be a big safety, but his work ethic, hustle, and being a team player will serve him well on the next level.”
2015 RB Kentavious Thomas (5’11, 195, 4.5/40) of Baldwin HS in Georgia claims no verbal offers currently, but says he likes Auburn, North Carolina, and LSU. “I’d say my favorite right now is Auburn because I like the coaching staff and their scheme on offense.”
Thomas said he hasn’t had any contact with his favorites yet. “My coach handles all that, so if I’m getting letters he hasn’t said so yet.”
Last season, he rushed for 826 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman. In Baldwin’s first action of the regular season, he rushed for 136 yards on 13 carries and hauled in two passes for 35 yards. Baldwin won 17-6 and Thomas produced both scores.
Baldwin’s promising young running back is already throwing around college-level weight during lifting sessions. He maxed at 275 pounds on the bench press, squatted 495 pounds, and power cleaned 255 pounds. Thomas also runs track, competing in the 4×400 and 4×100 relays, and in the 200M. His personal best in the 200M is 25 seconds.
Thomas feeIs he has multiple strengths as a runner. “I’m a balanced back. I have speed and power.”
He talked about what will be important to him during his decision making process. “Academics and a solid program will be considered when I make my choice. I have 3.0 GPA currently.”
The relationships he builds during his recruitment will influence his final choice. “I feel I have to be on the same page with my coaches. Communication and trust will be important.”
Thomas told Deep South Recruiting he’s willing to leave Georgia to play his college football. “I really want and prefer to attend college out of state.”
He said Baldwin can compete for a state title in 2011. “I think we can, if everything falls in line. Our whole offensive line is back, the receivers are stepping up to the plate. We have a sophomore quarterback, but he can get the job done,” Thomas said. “The defense is hitting hard and making plays.”
2014 DT Chris Nelson (6’2, 275, 4.9/40) of Victory Christian Academy in Lakeland, FL claims a verbal offer from Virginia and told Deep South Recruiting that Tennessee is about to offer. Nelson says he hears regularly from Florida, Miami, Virginia, FIU, and LSU. “LSU sent me a letter and called my coach saying they want me to visit and come to one of their games. My interest level in LSU is very high.”
He spoke about his recent visit to Knoxville. “The coaches welcomed me like family when I visited. I went to their camp over the summer and got to to know the staff. After the camp, I got a tour of campus. I like their program and academics.”
Nelson has already gotten the chance to see the Cavaliers up close. “Virginia’s already offered, and I really like the coaches there. I think we’ve connected.”
The Miami Hurricanes are recruiting Nelson. “I have an interest in the Hurricanes. There’s a possibility I could go there,” he said. “I went to an Al Golden Camp last year, and as soon as I got there, they made me compete against the seniors.”
Nelson grew up a fan of the Florida Gators. “I love the Gators. I’ve been a fan since I was little,” he said. “I have a lot of family that live in Gainesville. I camped there last season and I got to know the staff and they showed me around.”
He gave Deep South Recruiting his current Top 5. “Right now, my Top 5 would be Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Miami, and LSU.”
During summer strength testing, Nelson benched an eye-popping 400 pounds, squatted 405 pounds, and power cleaned 315 pounds. He expects to see time this fall at defensive tackle and end, nose guard, linebacker, fullback, tight end, and running back. In addition to his gridiron exploits, he averaged 12 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists per game on the basketball court last season.
In 2011, Nelson racked up 150 tackles and 10 sacks in 12 games. “My best friend, Demeitre Brim, had broken his jaw last season and I had to carry my team, fill the void he left,” he said. “I had to play a little of every position last year. I feel like if I can concentrate on one position, I could be a maniac.”
Nelson is also an outstanding student and excels in the classroom. “I have 3.7 GPA and I would like to major in business. Academics will be very important in my process because I don’t know how long football is going to last.”
He said that school location will not factor into his decision making process. “Location doesn’t matter to me at all. As long as I feel a school has a good football program and solid academics, I’ll attend there. It might be easier on my family to stay closer to home, but they’ll support me and make it work for them.”
Nelson said that the relationships he builds with a coaching staff during his recruitment will be factored into his decision the most. “That’s the number one thing for me. I’m interested in how a staff treat their players. Once you get to college, there are no more stars, you should have to earn your spot.”
