Markeith Ambles is making a strong statement in Junior College Football. The Ga native that once was a marquee recruit for Lane Kiffin and the USC Trojans is found a temporary home among the Matadors of Arizona Western Community College in Yuma, AZ. He made a huge splash in his second showing with 10 receptions for 276 yards and 2TDs. This day at the park tied a school record for receptions and yards for single game action. According to the NJCAA, Markeith Ambles ranks #2 in the Nation behind D. Long of Iowa Western. Ambles has a whopping 23 receptions for 494 yrds and 5TDs. This is in a 4 game span. He is on pace to have a very impressive season down in the desert.
This comes as great timing for Ambles who has had interruption after interruption in the continuity of his craft as a receiver since leaving Henry County High School in 2010. There is still plenty of ball left to play for Arizona Western and I feel really confident that between QB Tanner McEvoy and Ambles the Matadors can "make it rain" in dry country!
While Matt Barkley is still projected as a top-five prospect, he may not even be the first QB off the board in the 2013 NFL Draft. Barkley has long been considered the most talented snap-caller in this year's class, but his play through four weeks has not done much to help his case. After all, through four weeks in 2010, the top QB prospect was Jimmy Clausen, and 2011's was Jake Locker.
One of the reasons that Barkley has lost momentum is the unbelievable talent that he is surrounded with. Silas Redd was a an All Big-10 selection before he transferred to USC, and Redd is the least threatening option in the Trojans' offense. His two favorite targets, Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, were both preseason All-Americans, and their offense has still looked pedestrian at times against three poor defenses and an unproven Stanford Cardinal team. While one test is hardly significant, Barkley's stat-line against Stanford was extremely discouraging as he looked incapable of leading a game-tying drive with three minutes left. He also made horrendous decisions that resulted in turnovers and points for Stanford.
Could this be a sign of things to come for USC? They still have to go to Washington and UCLA, plus meetings with Oregon and Notre Dame in November. I could see the Trojans dropping two or three more games as the season closes. If this is the case, any shot Barkley has at the Heisman will fade away, as will his draft stock. With his size and arm strength in question, it will take a big second half of the season for Barkley to secure an early spot in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Another reason that Barkley's value has fallen in the first few weeks of the season is his competition at QB. Between Geno Smith, Tyler Bray, AJ McCarron and Tyler Wilson, there has been an emergence of other talent in the 2013 Draft Class. All four also possess prototypical arm strength and size that Barkley lacks.
ESPN: Matt Barkley Falls on Draft Boards
Smith has put up numbers that are similar to RG3's through four weeks last year, has a monster arm and is built like Cam Newton. He has yet to throw an interception and has looked great running the high-octane West Virginia Offense. He checks it down, uses his tight ends and takes calculated deep shots, which leads to the best completion percentage and TD-to-Interception ratio in the country.
If Smith is not traditional enough for you, Tennessee's Tyler Bray, Alabama's AJMcCarron and Arkansas' Tyler Wilson have emerged as the best QB prospects from the SEC. The Southeastern Conference has never produced great quarterbacks, but this class is different. All three face tough tests the rest of the way, but have looked efficient in their small sample size.
Tyler Bray has brought the Volunteers back to relevancy, and loves to look to his big play weapon, Justin Hunter. Derek Dooley has a top-ten pass offense and a quarterback with a monster arm. That should give the Vols some hope when they go to Athens, facing off against #5 UGA. (CBS, 3:30 EST) This could be a coming out party for Bray, who will be leaned on heavily against Georgia, whose primary defensive holes are in the secondary.
AJ McCarron is beginning to look like the star of an Alabama offensive attack that has put up 42 PPG so far this season. While they only average around 225 yards through the air, McCarron has completed nearly 65 percent of his passes with 10 yards per attempt. Of all the QB prospects, McCarron and Smith have been the best decision makers under center in all of college football this season. He is the beneficiary of a great offensive line and defenses that have to respect the play action, but with a touchdown thrown every 8 attempts, it looks like McCarron has shed the title of game manager.
While Arkansas' team is nowhere near what it was projected to be, they still have 2012 1st Team All-SEC Tyler Wilson under center. Wilson suffered a concussion in their loss to Louisiana-Monroe, and was out in their humiliating 52-0 home loss to Alabama. He still has put out 8 touchdowns to three interceptions and has shown flashes of brilliance. This season will be frustrating for the Razorbacks after their three early losses, but they go into College Station looking to play spoiler at Texas A&M. I do not look for the Hogs to win it, but should Wilson get rolling, they could put up a big number on the Aggies defense.
Oakland Raiders fans have the reputation of being loud, well-costumed, and sometimes even obnoxious. Now, they will also be known as supporters of education.
Every season ticket purchased and paid in full between May 1 and June 30 will have 10 percent of its gross donated to the Oakland public schools. With season tickets starting at $260 a piece and costing as much as $1,510, the donation to the schools can be substantial.
The schools could use the help. Last year, the school district went through a funding crisis. Teachers were laid off and programs were cut. The schools need help from the community, and the Raiders are stepping up.
Hopefully, the commitment doesn't stop there. Perhaps the Black Hole could show up at a Spelling Bee or Mathlete competition? Every NFL team gives back, but few have shown such a bold commitment to their community. Kudos to the Raiders and their fans.
Things started slow, but by December the ball was rolling. Byrd and his parents didn’t know how the recruiting game was played, however, so they leaned on family friends, like former high school basketball coach Vic Butler, and professional recruiting services, like Redzone Recruits, to get the word out.
“It started with him getting selected to the all-star team (in December),” Rosado said. “That really opened up the door for everything. From there, a lot of schools were calling,”
Byrd’s pursuit of a college scholarship started too late in the process to attract any offers in time for National Signing Day on Feb. 1, but the persistence of him, his family, his coaches and the professionals at Redzone Recruits eventually earned him the scholarship he coveted.
“We were driving somewhere, I think San Antonio or Houston, and then our recruiter called from Redzone and told my dad (I’d gotten a scholarship offer),” Byrd said. “I was excited. I was just smiling. Somebody was actually looking at me (to play college football), it felt great.”
“It’s quite an example for our younger kids coming up to always keep that dream and keep that hope and to work hard,” Sanchez said. “Good things come of it.” (full story)
Alot has been said about Oregon's 2012 class, arguably the best in school's history. Today we take one step closer into meeting the prized verbal commit of 2013 and arguably the top Running back in the class, Thomas Tyner.
With signing day over, we feel it necessary to check in with Tyner and see what he has to say about recent events around signing day, and his status with the ducks....along with some fun as well.
(Redzone) : First off, you know I've got to ask Thomas, you've been an Oregon commit for a very long time. How were you able to solo Oregon out as the place for you and when did you really see yourself THERE as a member of the ducks? (I'm guessing your speed in that offense had something to do with it? hah)
Tyner: Because I really wanted to stay close to my family. They have a great journalism program (which I want to do), and also a great track/ football program. I'm still very open with my college decision. I want to take visits out to schools in California.
(Redzone) : You're known for your speed, but you've also gotten a lot of credit for being able to bounce off defenders or break tackles. People don't seem to expect this too much from running backs dubbed "Speed backs." Do you think that your style of running is similar to what Oregon lost this year in LaMichael James?
Tyner: I don't compare myself to LJ. He uses more quickness and change of direction than I do. Im more of straight ahead runner. I will need improvement before I compare myself to anyone.
(Redzone) : In your mind, how close to wavering away from Oregon (if at all), were you with the entire Chip Kelley to Tampa Bay situation? Did that seem to bother you or set you further away from the program in your mind?
Tyner: When I heard of Chip leaving, I was in shock. Just that he didn't even tell me he was considering leaving when I committed. The thought of him leaving still worries me. I've heard people say, "I don't expect him to stay much longer." I've always wanted to go to a program that I can trust, and will stay loyal..
(Redzone) : You were recruited by the highly touted RB Coach for the Ducks, Gary Campbell, how has your relationship been with Coach Campbell and was he the one who kind of locked you in as far as your commitment with the program?
Tyner: Campbell and I were able to have a very fun and humorous relationship the first time we met. I love that guy as a coach and as a person.
(RedZone) : Sounds great, have heard only but the best about Coach Campbell. Let's move on to some lighter stuff!
In the house of Thomas Tyner, what is currently in your fridge?
Tyner: You'll find nothing but healthy food in my fridge now. I changed my ways from McDonalds to healthier foods...Surprisingly.
(RedZone) : In your down time, what do you do to unwind or to set aside from all of the serious aspects of your life right now?
Tyner: I like to play piano, go to church, and just watch movies with friends. Im a pretty chill and outgoing person, so im always down for an adventure.
(RedZone) : How pumped are you to wear 1 billion different uniform combinations? Do you honestly think that plays into recruits minds for Duck recruiting (maybe not you but for others?)
Tyner: Its very exciting! Uniforms shouldnt be what makes a recruit choose the school though. Chip said that himself at Junior Day.
(RedZone) : If you were to pick a celebrity crush, who would that be (We all know everyone has one if they think about it lol)
Tyner: Lol well my favorite artist now is Chris Brown, but probablyHayden Panettiere
(RedZone) : What is one thing that the public does not yet know about Thomas Tyner? Can be something small, and nothing significant...or maybe something you enjoy to do, or a hidden talent...etc
Tyner: Probably playing piano
(RedZone) : Finally Thomas, What Camps or plans do you have for this upcoming summer?
Tyner: I dont go to fb camps over the summer, I travel for USATF JR Olympics
Not only does Tyner travel, but he shines. Thomas set the Oregon state record for the 100m in 2011 on three separate occasions. By most accounts, he is the fastest athlete to ever step foot in the state of Oregon. Something a lot of people don't know about Tyner, who officially committed verbally (per rivals) on November 20th 2011, for the class of 2013 is that he was not always only interested in the Ducks. Oregon State was actually the first to offer Tyner and he has been slated as always feeling something for the beavers, the first to show him mainstream attention. However, with Oregon State losing to Sacramento State at home, and Tyner in attendance and leaving at halftime, all seemed to be lost as far as Mike Rileys hopes to snatch this top Running back from right out of their own backyard before anybody else woke up. Waking up is exactly what the University of Oregon did with the 6 foot 200 pound junior running back, who rushed for 1,136 yards and 12 touchdowns while missing 6 games due to injury. Looking at film he looks like he has the straight away speed similar to De'Anthony "Black Mamba" Thomas, with ability to take on contact and get yards after carry. We will have to wait and see how this youngster pans out for the Ducks, or if a team swoops in and poaches him last minute right out of Oregon's hands. One thing is for sure however, Oregon offense + Tyner Speed=Bad news for PAC opponents in 2013-14.
I believe sometimes we get over joyed at the size of kid and tend to overlook their capabilities. When I look at a kid like Rob Nkemdiche and think to myself, I can't help but wonder about his upside potential. I believe a kid his size (6'5 270lbs.) right now is fairly maxed out. And honestly when I look at his film he does not possess the game changing ability and dominance I look for in an athlete of his size on the high school level let alone major college level. I have heard arguments from both sides of the coin so I present his film as evidence and let the community be the judge. Is it me? Am I tripping? Please don't be afraid to call me out on this one. After all when you are rated as the #1 athlete in the country you have to expect those are some big shoes to fill. And it's not his fault either so I'm not going hard on the kid, I just don't see the beast.Previous Article on Nkemdiche Redzone Recruits, high school football recruiting, college football recruiting, division 1 football,
Owen Williams and Nick Keefe, who have been teammates for four years at Lake Forest High School, will be lining up against each other for next four years.
Williams, who finished his senior season with 1,206 yards and 20 rushing TDs, will be playing for the University of Dayton next fall. Keefe, a star on the Scouts’ defense, will be suiting up for University of San Diego.
These two NCAA Division IAA schools compete in the 12-team Pioneer Football League. Dayton’s Flyers are scheduled to play the Toreros on Oct. 27. 2012 in California.
“Both of these guys are going to great schools,” said Lake Forest head football coach Chuck Spagnoli. “And best of all, they’re going to schools where they really wanted to go to.”
Last year, San Diego went 9-2 overall and won the conference with a 7-2 record. Dayton finished 6-5, 4-4.
Without a doubt, Dayton will be adding a playmaker to the mix. He basically was unstoppable for the past two seasons. As a junior, he rushed for 1,266 yards and 18 TDs. His career included not one, but two six-touchdown games.
Keefe capped off his three-year varsity career with a sterling senior season. He was all over the field, finishing with 56 tackles, seven quarterback sacks and 13.5 tackles-for-loss.
Meanwhile, Keefe’s defensive sidekick, Brandt Pfeifer has agreed to be a preferred walk-on at Division I Kent State, which competes in the Mid-America Conference.
Pfeifer was a defensive difference maker for the Scouts (8-3, NSC Lake co-champs). He wound up with 55 tackles, including five for loss.
Spagnoli said a couple of his other players still are weighing their options.
It’s down to three schools for quarterback Jordan Beck: West Point, Dayton and Augustana. Lineman John Marwede is looking at Bowdoin and DePauw, while Tyler Funk is undecided. Ca high school recruiting, redzone recruits, college football recruiting, get scholarships, west coast football, top 100 football recruits, football recruiting, division 1, division 1aa, fbs recruiting, fcs recruiting
Oakland Raiders fans have the reputation of being loud, well-costumed, and sometimes even obnoxious. Now, they will also be known as supporters of education.
