As usual, we put another earth-shattering episode of the The Official Visit in the books on Monday and, if you missed it, you can hear our (myself and Fletcher Proctor) profound recruiting discussion in its entirety at this space a bit later in the week (or perhaps the day, depending on how energized I'm feeling…well…later).
In the meantime, I'd like to share some of the more easily documented information to come from the show, specifically that which concerns our two guests, Pepperell offensive guard Kyle Harris and Grady running back Marcus Caffey. Of course, if you follow recruiting in the State of Georgia even a little, you probably know Harris was formerly a Georgia Tech pledge, de-committing from the school last week (mid-October).
As for that decision, Harris told us that the prospect of being a student-athlete (and, here, I am referring to what that term used to mean) at a top academic institution like Tech was an intimidating one, and also expressed a specific desire to play his college ball in the SEC, saying he “wants that challenge”. Most interesting, however, was Harris’s explanation for why he originally chose the Yellow Jackets. While he acknowledged that playing near home was initially appealing, he said he really committed to Tech as a result of the pressure its coaches put on him to commit early. According to Harris, Paul Johnson and company made him feel “rushed” to commit and fill one of only a few available spots for offensive linemen in the Class of 2011.
As for where Harris stands now, as of Monday it sounded like he was all but committed to South Carolina, and he would represent the seventh prospect from Georgia to commit to the Gamecocks in Class of 2011, joining Mason Harris, Martay Mattox, Lorenzo Mauldin, Quincy McKinney, Edward Muldrow, and Angelo Watley. Others have mentioned that Tennessee and Ole Miss may be in the running, but Harris didn’t really seem too interested in either. He did, however, also mention that he is thinking about taking an official visit to Auburn, though this is mostly smoke without the fire. Finally, the high school offensive guard expressed a willingness to play anywhere he’s needed, but did mention a preference for playing center at the next level.
Now, while Caffey’s recruitment isn’t quite as transparent as Harris’s, he too was very open with his thoughts. About a month or so ago, the Grady star had South Carolina as his leader, but he and the rest of the nation have taken notice of one Marcus Lattimore, and even Caffey admitted he wants none of that. He did also mention, though, that he is open to playing defensive back in college and, based on his size, I assume that means the safety position specifically. He did not, however, differentiate between schools and what position each is recruiting him to play.
Marcus talked about Kentucky as well, and expressed some loyalty since it was the second school to extend an offer, but he seemed much more excited when talking about two northern schools, Illinois and Purdue. Mostly, Caffey thinks he can see the field much earlier in the Big 10 than in the SEC, and that is at least one of his considerations in coming to a decision.
Still, though, if Georgia comes through with an offer by January – and that is a Caffey-mandated deadline, not one I made up – the Bulldogs will be very tough to beat. And, to me, they are crazy if they don’t give the kid a serious look; as of now, they haven’t even talked to him.
Looking at Georgia’s running back board right now, it’s either Isaiah Crowell or bust. The problem is, Isaiah won’t announce his decision until late in the process, and by then Georgia may have no other options. So, then, I ask, what’s a bigger risk: Taking Caffey now and risking that you sign two backs in this class when you maybe only wanted one, or playing hardball with Caffey, missing out on Crowell, and ending up with no one? I know for sure that I prefer risking the former.
So that is, unfortunately, all for today’s lesson, CLASS. Until next time, be good and keep reading.
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