2013 DT Jeremy Faulk (6’2, 260 4.85) of Palatka HS in Florida was named Putnam Co. Player of the Year for 2012. In the Georgia vs. Florida All-Star game, he recorded fours sacks and two tackles for loss. In the regular season, he registered 71 total tackles, with 17 tackles for loss.
He holds offers from FIU, FAU, and Charleston Southern. He’ll be visiting Boca Raton this weekend. “I was committed to FIU, but the coach was fired and I wanted to reevaluate everything.”
Faulk told Deep South Recruiting his leader currently is FAU. He talked about what he wants to see while on his visit. “I want to see the new facilities, meet all the coaches, and see how I fit into their program. I also want to look at the environment and experience the atmosphere there, find out how big their class size is.”
He spoke about what the Owl’s coaching staff is telling him. “The coaches are saying I have a good chance to come in and play, but redshirting is a possibility,” he said. “They’re stressing the location, a chance to play, and getting my degree.”
Faulk bench presses 345 pounds, squats 450, power cleans 315, and dead lifts 540. He said he feels he has an additional strength in addition to his raw power. “I feel for my size, I’m quick off the ball. My get off from the line is scrimmage is really good.”
– 2014 S/WR Michael Johnson (6’3, 185, 4.49/40) of Champagnat Catholic visited the University of Miami for Junior Day last weekend. His head coach, Mike Tunsil, also visited UM with Johnson. Coach Tunsil gave Deep South Recruiting some details regarding the visit. “We split up into offense/defense, and we went withPaul Williams. We went upstairs, watched some film and got to know everyone better,” Coach Tunsil said. “Michael loved everything about Miami. We know they want two safeties next year, so he definitely liked that. He’s high on their board and a player they want. Coach Williams wants more film and they want Michael to camp in June. Being there for the first Junior Day is a good sign because there were high priority prospects in attendance.”
Tunsil shared his opinion on the current Hurricanes staff. “I like what they’re doing. People have to realize they’re recruiting under the cloud of the NCAA, considering that I feel like they’re recruiting well. I like Coach Al Golden, he’s an honest man, and when they clear that hurdle, Miami will become Miami again under his leadership.”
– 2014 RB/SS TJ Harrell (6’1, 210, 4.48/40) of Tampa Catholic continues to see his list of impressive offers grow. This afternoon, he received his 17th from FSU. He also owns verbal offers from Mississippi St., Georgia, Florida, UCLA, Purdue, USF and UCF to name a few.
“I’m expecting my next two offers to come from Indiana and San Diego St.,” Harrell told Deep South Recruiting. “I met UF head coach Will Muschamp yesterday, he said he wants to see my face around campus more. I’ve visited UCF, USF, and Florida, but I’m still wide open, no frontrunners yet. It’s going to be a difficult decision, because not only do I have to pick a position, but a program that wants me at that position.” Georgia has offered him as a RB and multiple others like him at safety. There may be opportunities at certain programs for Harrell to play both ways.
Harrell also mentioned the Tampa Catholic staff expects college coaches by the dozens in the spring to scout him and teammate 2014 OL Corey Martinez (6’4, 290) and a multitude of underclassmen. TJ Harrell Junior Film
– 2014 RB Joseph Ledet (6’0, 208, 4.49/40) of South Beauregard HS in Louisiana is receiving interest from programs all across the country. He’s heard from Duke, Mississippi St., LSU, and ULL most recently. “I spoke to a coach from Duke, and they’re ready for me to visit, so I’m beginning the process of setting that up.”
In the last few weeks, Ledet has emerged as a prospect that will command serious attention from college recruiters. “I’ve been selected to the Louisiana Bootleggers 7-on-7 team. Guys like Trey Quinn and Jacory Washington are on the team, so playing with top prospects like them is a tremendous honor. I’ve also been selected to the NUC100 Combine and I’ll play for Team USA next month.”
South Beaugard’s senior-to-be bears watching and is a prospect on the rise. Here’s his junior film: Joseph Ledet Highlights
– 2013 CB Barry Higdon (6’3, 185, 4.4/40) of Chaminade Madonna has verbally committed to Hawaii. Higdon visited Honolulu last weekend and that put the Warriors over the top. “It’s paradise. I love the atmosphere and the location. The people are awesome, the coaching staff is great, and the fact that they were on me throughout the process told me they really wanted me to be a Warrior. Head coach Norm Chow is a great coach and I can’t wait to play for him. We spoke a lot during my visit, and I think Hawaii is the best place for me to be.”
Higdon talked about his chances of playing early. “Coach Chow said if I come in, work hard, there’s a good chance I’ll play right away. He told me come in with the mindset to work hard, learn the system quickly.”
One of his goals as a freshman at Hawaii is to step on the field early. “I want to contribute right away, and I eventually want to bring Hawaii their first Jim Thorpe Award.”
– 2014 QB Alin Edouard (6’2, 185, 4.49/40) of Hialeah HS is getting interest from Cincinnati, Boston College, and Louisville, among others.
He recently attended the Under Armour Combine. “It was awesome, I had a really good time. Getting coaching from former NFL quarterbacks was exciting,” he said. “I felt I performed at a high level, that I stood out. We worked on taking the snap from center, my drops, my touch and accuracy when I throw the ball, and reading defenses.”
Named 2nd Team All-Dade by the Miami Herald, Edouard will compete for a spot on the Florida Fire 7-on-7 team February 2nd. “We have tryouts coming up, so I’m getting ready for that. We’ll also travel to visit schools unofficially again this summer like we did last summer. We’ll go to Ole Miss, South Carolina, FSU, Memphis, and hopefully Oregon.” Although he plans on camping at Miami this summer, Edouard reports no contact recently from UM. Alin Edouard Junior Film
– 2015 FB/MLB Cecil Cherry (6’0, 218, 4.7) of Frostproof HS in Florida recently picked up his first verbal offer from the Florida Gators. “The staff told me they like how I play both sides of the ball, but they offered me for linebacker.” Cherry reports 118 tackles (64 solo) and two interceptions, and from the fullback position, he rushed for 398 yards and three TDs in 2012.
Cherry told Deep South Recruiting he expects Georgia Southern to be the next to offer. “A coach from there has been asking about my stats, my 40 time, and my weight room maxes,” he said.
He plans on playing basketball, manning the center and guard positions, and running track this offseason. He’ll also concentrate on getting bigger and stronger in preparations for next year. Over the summer, Cherry plans to camp at Miami and Florida.
– 2013 CB Troy McCollum (6’1, 170, 4.4) of North Miami has officially de-committed from Florida International after head coach Mario Cristobal was relieved of his duties.
The third ranked CB in Dade County reports a recent in-home visit from Indiana and is scheduled for personal visits from Hawaii, TCU, and Louisville. McCollum holds over 19 offers, including USF, UCF, Ole Miss, Mississippi St., Illinois, Tulane, Utah St., and Memphis to name a few.
He’s also been invited to participate in the Under Armour Dade vs. Broward All-Star game to be held in Dolphin Stadium January 11th.
– 2013 MLB Kareem Leaver (6’1, 235, 4.69) of Jireh Prep is hearing from New Mexico, UMass, Duquesne, and Central Connecticut. “New Mexico is reviewing my film, definitely interested in them.”
A physical linebacker, he’s already been up to UMass to check out the Minutemen and told Deep South Recruiting what he’s seeking on the next level. “I want a good environment to play in and a chance to play early,” Leaver said. “I also want a nice campus, good academics, and a great gameday atmosphere.” Leaver Film
– 2013 or 2014 DT/OL JT Brown (6’2, 310, 5.0) of Dakota College in Bottineau registered 40 tackles, five sacks, three quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles in 2012.
He’s hearing from Memphis, FAU, and Illinois. “Memphis and Illinois have begun the evaluation process, they want to see more film and they’ve been staying in touch.”
Brown is seeking a family atmosphere and a program he can make an immediate impact for. “I’m competitive and I just want a fair chance to make a difference.”
The junior college football experience has taught him to be more disciplined and self-reliant. “It’s really taught me to be more responsible for my actions, do the things I need to do. I learned to push myself, put in the extra work necessary to be successful.” BrownFilm
2014 OLB Brice Hamilton (6’3, 200, 4.55/40) of Madison County HS in Florida doesn’t claim any offers currently, but told Deep South Recruiting that he hears frequently from Miami, Florida, Florida St., Alabama, Missouri, Clemson, Kentucky and Florida Atlantic. “I’d say Miami, FSU, and Florida are paying me the most attention right now, mainly through the mail,” he said. “The letters have information on the school, how they’re performing on the football field, things like that.”
Hamilton accumulated 82 tackles, four sacks, and forced two fumbles in 2012. He also plays center on the basketball team to help him stay in shape in the over the offseason.
Madison County’s star linebacker talked about what he likes about the programs located in Florida. “I visited FSU for their game against Clemson. It was a great experience, Doak Campbell Stadium was packed, I liked that,” Hamilton said. “My cousin, Geno Hayes, played there. My uncle, Michael Hamilton, played there also.”
He spoke about what he sees in Miami’s program, led by Head Coach Al Golden. “I feel like Al Golden is going to get them back to the old Miami, he just needs some good players to help him get there. He signed a lot a good players the last two years and I feel that I could go down there and help him get it turned around.”
He also mentioned the Gators. “I like their defense, their style and how they play.”
Hamilton said the Seminoles are leading for him currently. “Right now, I’d say FSU is at the top for me, but I’m still open to all opportunities.”
The biggest factor in his recruitment will be how he feels he fits in on and off-the-field. “It’s going to be a big factor. I want to feel at home with my coaches and fellow players. The personal fit will be big for me.”
– 2013 FB/MLB Zach Higginbotham (6’0, 220) of Cincinnati Country Day School has been named the Southwest Ohio Defensive Player of the Year. Higginbotham finished with 143 total tackles, five sacks, and two interceptions. His career total tackles is 403. He’s also a productive fullback, rushing for over 700 yards, has 520 yards receiving on 47 receptions and nine total touchdowns (two rushing, seven receiving).
Higginbotham told Deep South Recruiting that Youngstown St. and Lehigh are showing serious interest. Delaware, Towson, Holy Cross, Ball St., Bowling Green, Akron, Tulsa, Cincinnati, Maryland and Purdue are also interested in the two-way athlete. Furman has offered him preferred walk-on status as a FB and wants Higginbotham to visit. He’s seen his recruitment pick up in recent weeks and will make a decision when the right opportunity presents itself. Higginbotham Film
– 2014 RB Alex Gardner (5’9, 185, 4.53) of Jacksonville Raines has rushed for 823 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. The shifty junior reports new interest from Notre Dame and Cal, along with continued interest from Duke.
Gardner has a 3.4 GPA and academics will play a major role in his decision. Raines will play South Sumter (10-0) in the first round of the playoffs. Gardner Film
– 2014 QB Ace (AJ) Long (6’2, 185, 4.58) of Friendship Christian School in TN recently visited Duke, Louisville, Alabama, and Vanderbilt. The visit to Durham, NC blew him and his family away. He came away with great respect for head coach David Cutcillfe and the Blue Devils program. Academics will play a major role in his choice, so you have to believe Duke may have the edge currently, with Alabama a close second. Colorado and Oregon are also interested. Long has thrown for 2000 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for another 600 yards and 10 scores. He’s a dynamic talent and his recruitment will be interesting to follow. Long Film
TWO-MINUTE DRILL
– 2015 QB Chris Riddle (6’2, 175) of Tuscarora HS in Virginia recently visited Boston College. He reports new interest from Georgia and will try to visit Athens on the 24th. Riddle already has a visit scheduled for South Bend on the 17th. Riddle Film
– 2013 NT De’Shaun Dunn (5’11, 265) of Lake Wales HS received his first offer from Florida Tech. He’s visiting Tennessee St. and Florida St. unofficially, but will visit Youngstown St. officially. Wake Forest is also showing interest.
– 2013 ATH Bernard Brown (5’8, 165, 4.41) of Wolfson HS feels he’s close to his first offer from Mississippi College. He’s also been invited by Florida Atlantic to see the Florida International game on Friday. Brown FilmBrown is a chunk-yardage producer on offense and is a difference maker in the return game.
– 2015 QB/MLB Brenden McGraw (5’8, 185, 4.57) of Paxson HS, who will play at Fletcher HS next season in Jacksonville, FL, threw for for 1,246 yards and 10 TDs and rushed for 223 yards. At MLB, he recorded 35 tackles, five sacks, and two interceptions, with one returned for a score. He said he’d like to stay closer to home to play college football or attend a top academic institution. He’s been in contact with Vanderbilt and will visit unofficially after the season.
– 2014 DE Justin Sibole (6’4, 272) of American Heritage Plantation is hearing from Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Missouri, Florida St., Miami, Duke, Rutgers, and Michigan St. He told Deep South Recruiting that Miami and Duke are paying him the most attention. He’s visited Miami a few times already, and based on conversations recently, I would say UM is his leader at the moment. He’s under-the-radar at the moment, but his recruitment is picking up momentum and could be a highly sought after player after camps and combines next spring and summer. Sibole Film
2013 RB Jovante Ham (5’7, 170, 4.55) of Plantation HS in Florida claims offers from Holy Cross and a smaller school, Notre Dame College (OH). “I hear from Minnesota and Florida Atlantic. FAU contacts me weekly, they like my mid-season highlight.”
Ham told Deep South Recruiting that he’s already been to two FAU home games. “I missed the last one, but I attended two previous games,” he said. “I’ve been talking with FAU for awhile, the staff told me that they wanted to see my senior film, so I think I could be close to an offer.”
The Golden Gophers also told Ham they liked his mid-season film. “I keep in touch with them and I really feel like I’m close with Minnesota, too.”
Ham has rushed the ball 90 times for 792 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. “I’m having a pretty good year, but I have to credit my offensive line. They’re getting it done for me.”
Plantation’s senior running back has been honored with a post-season all-star game invitation. “I just got a letter from the Miami Dolphins, they host the Dade vs. Broward game,” he said. “I’ve already made reservations, will definitely play in that game and looking forward to it.”
Ham, who sports a 3.9 GPA, said the biggest factor in his recruitment will be how he fits into a program. “I don’t care about location, how many backs are in front in me, I’m going in to work to earn my playing time. I just want to feel comfortable with my place in the program.”
2015 MLB Jonallen Velazquez (6’2, 195, 4.75/40) of Barron Collier HS in Florida has recorded 28 tackles, three for loss, and forced two fumbles on the season.
He’s also a member of the basketball, track, and lacrosse teams for Barron Collier.
Velazquez told Deep South Recruiting he grew up a fan of the University of Miami and camped there over the summer. He talked about his experience in Coral Gables. “ It was good, I was moved over to the group of upperclassmen, felt like I showed the coaches my abilities. I liked it, enjoyed myself,” he said. “I spoke to Coach Micheal Barrowduring camp. He told me that he liked my size and that he’ll be watching me develop. I like Miami’s program and what Al Golden is doing there.”
Velazquez is also interested in FIU, FAU, UCF, USF, Florida, and FSU. “I’m willing to leave the state if those opportunities present themselves, but I’d prefer to stay closer to home to play college football.”
He hasn’t visited any programs unofficially yet, but plans to visit Tallahassee soon. “My family is planning to visit FSU with me. I’m planning to camp there next summer,” he said. “I’m not that familiar with the Seminoles, but I want to see what they’re all about.”
The promise of early playing time won’t be a significant factor in college decision. “It would help and it might mean having a chance of playing earlier, but it won’t be as important as the academic programs they offer,” Velazquez said. “I want to major in medicine.”
Playing for a winning program won’t be a big factor in his recruitment. “I’d prefer to play for a winner, but it won’t affect my choice. I’ll play for a rebuilding program.”
2014 OLB/SS/RB TJ Harrell (6’0, 203, 4.6) of Tampa Catholic in Florida has seen his recruitment hit new highs. He claims 11 verbal offers, including Georgia, Florida, FAU, FIU, UCF, Michigan St., Purdue, and UCLA. Monday evening, he received big news: he got word that he would be invited to the US Army All-American combine to compete with the nation’s best prospects.
Harrell has 425 yards rushing and eight scores, and 50 tackles, three forced fumbles, four sacks, and three blocked punts on defense and special teams.
Central Florida is the latest to offer Tampa Catholic’s versatile young athlete. Despite the 11 offers, Harrell says he doesn’t have any favorites. “Not yet, I’m still taking visits. I’ve been to see Florida, Miami, UCF, and USF. I’m looking forward to seeing Georgia, UCLA,and Michigan St. after the season is over.”
Harrell talked about the programs he has been able to see recently. “I went to Miami this summer after I visited FAU and FIU. I was impressed with the campus in Coral Gables, to be honest. Miami is making additions to their campus, and we saw what it will all look like when they’re done. It’s going to be nice,” he said. “I also got to see the track facilities, speak to the coaches, it was an awesome visit.”
UCF hosted Harrell last weekend and he shared his experience with Deep South Recruiting. “They won a double-overtime game over Southern Miss, 38-31. It was a crazy atmosphere. I was impressed with their facilities, too.”
South Florida has also brought in the talented prospect for an unofficial visit. “I really liked Raymond James Stadium, especially the surface. USF plays a lot of TV games, plays in front of national audiences. I like that.”
Harrell has been invited by the Gators staff to attend the Florida/South Carolina game. “I expect it to be a crazy game. It’s a great matchup, looking forward to seeing it.”
Tampa Catholic is 6-1 on the season and is gearing up for a trip to the playoffs. “We have Alonso and Jesuit left. We’ll have to see what seed we get and see how the rest of the season shakes out,” Harrell said. “If we stay in this mindset we’re in, I absolutely think we can win a state championship. We have what it takes.”
2013 Slot WR Antonio Pelham (5’9, 160, 4.6/40, 4.3 shuttle) is receiving interest from The Citadel, South Carolina St., Jacksonville St., and Florida Atlantic.
Pelham told Deep South Recruiting that he’s open to all programs, but that he’d like to hear from “just about any program in Florida and West Virginia.”
School location won’t be a deciding factor for this sure-handed slot receiver. “I’d like to play college football closer to home, but if I have to go out of state to play, I’ll do that no problem.”
Columbia’s star receiver has plans to see a couple of programs that are interested in him. “I’ve been invited by JSU and FAU for unofficial visits,” he said. “I’m making plans to be in attendance for FAU’s next home game.”
Pelham is also a dual-sport athlete, lending his talents to the track team, running the 200M and long jumping. His best time in the 200M is 23 seconds.
He’s looking forward to being a student-athlete and living the college experience. “Doing everything the right way, having to be on time, displaying a positive attitude, being a leader, being ready when your number is called: all those things add up to success and that’s what I’m looking for,” Pelham said. “But my main goal is to use football to earn a college degree. Playing time, location, those things don’t matter as much as getting my education.”
– 2015 Frostproof MLB Cecil Cherry (6’0, 220) visited Florida last weekend when they hosted LSU. He was invited by the Gator staff. “I was on the field before the game, but I didn’t speak to any coaches or players,” he said. “I had good seats and it was an interesting game. The Swamp was packed and loud.”
Cherry is considering LSU, Georgia, Miami, Duke, Virginia, TCU, Arizona, Arizona St., and Kansas St., among many others.
He shared his thoughts on his overall experience in Gainesville with Deep South Recruiting. “It seemed to me that LSU needs some help at linebacker, that interests me,” he said. “But really, I’m still wide open, the trip didn’t tilt the scales in Florida’s favor, but it was a decent visit.”
Cherry doesn’t have any other visits planned currently and added he’s open to making a trip anywhere.
– 2014 Hialeah C A’lique Terry (6’2, 280) has elevated his overall game and feels he’s playing better. “Individually, I’m playing well. I have a bigger role in our offensive success and I’ve embraced more of a leadership role.”
Terry reports new contact with Louisiana Lafayette. “I talked to the coaches when they stopped by Hialeah, and I’ve spoken with Western Kentucky again. Florida Atlantic watched one of our games, said they were looking at me.”
Of the three schools in recent contact with him, Terry told Deep South Recruiting he likes FAU the most. “I like the environment, it’s close to home. I have a great relationship with the OL coach,” he said. “Plus, I think they’re close to offering me.”
Also a starter on Hialeah’s hoops team, Terry said off season visits are in the works for ULL and OleMiss.
– 2013 CB/S Arsenio Frederic (5’10, 185, 4.59) of Miami Norland has 25 tackles and two forced fumbles on the season.
He reports continued interest from Colorado St.Northern Colorado is the latest to offer the Norland senior, with Weber St. being the first. Frederic also mentioned that he would like FAU, FIU, and West Virginia to enter the race. He’d like to be verbally committed to a program by season’s end.
– In a recent conversation, 2013 DE D’Angelo Reynolds (6’6, 250, 4.7) of Miami Northwestern informed me he’s trimmed his list to three: Florida St., Florida, and South Carolina. He’s not sure when he’ll be making his decision public.
2013 DT Jeremy Faulk (6’2, 260 4.85) of Palatka HS in Florida was named Putnam Co. Player of the Year for 2012. In the Georgia vs. Florida All-Star game, he recorded fours sacks and two tackles for loss. In the regular season, he registered 71 total tackles, with 17 tackles for loss.
– 2015 FB/MLB Cecil Cherry (6’0, 218, 4.7) of Frostproof HS in Florida recently picked up his first verbal offer from the Florida Gators. “The staff told me they like how I play both sides of the ball, but they offered me for linebacker.” Cherry reports 118 tackles (64 solo) and two interceptions, and from the fullback position, he rushed for 398 yards and three TDs in 2012.
