Kynon's Corner: 4-Star Drives 900 Miles Looking for Offer, ND vs. FSU Visits
Milton (Georgia) linebacker Quart'e Sapp is a talented defender with 15 offers under his belt. However, one of the schools in Sapp's top group has yet to offer the Peach State standout. Over the weekend, Sapp and his mom, Angel, made the 900-mile drive to College Station, Texas, for an unofficial visit to Texas A&M in hopes of securing an offer.
Sapp told Bleacher Report, "The drive was long, but it was fun. I saw a lot of cattle. My favorite part was the stadium. On a scale of one to 10, it was a nine. If they could've pulled out the win, it would've been a 10."
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The rangy 'backer decided to make the visit without an offer because he was personally invited by coach Kevin Sumlin. His mom told me, "Quart'e didn't want to schedule a visit without an offer, but who turns down an invite from coach Sumlin? Now things are in place and we will return in November."
When asked if his mom is comfortable with him going to school in the Lone Star State, he replied, "Yeah, my mom loved it and she doesn't mind me going to school out of state." Sapp has family in Texas, so that will help with his next visit and if he decides to play for the Aggies at the next level.
Sapp liked the defense and what the coaches were telling him about the program. He stated, "At the linebacker position, they are missing downhill-playing guys and I think I can fill that role. Both coach (Mark) Hagen and coach (Terry) Price are recruiting me and I have a good relationship with each of them."
So after the long haul, did Sapp come home with an offer? "They didn't offer, but I had a long talk with coach Hagen and coach Price after the game and I should be hearing back from them real soon. The trip was worth it and I would do it again."
The Aggies already have two outside-linebacker commitments and they are in the mix for 5-star prospect Malik Jefferson. Space is limited, but college coaches preach commitment and sacrifice daily to their teams and when talking to potential recruits. Sapp's commitment to traveling halfway across the country on his own dime should bode well for him when they fill their final scholarship spots.
High-Profile Florida State-Notre Dame Visitors
Plantation (Florida) American Heritage cornerback Tarvarus McFadden will make his first official visit of the fall to Florida State this Saturday for the Seminoles' prime-time matchup against Notre Dame. McFadden confirmed to Bleacher Report that he will be in attendance along with ESPN's College GameDay crew.
The 6'3", 198-pound cover man took the SATs over the weekend and he has been too busy with his senior season to make many visits. This visit is huge for the 'Noles staff, which is looking to impress McFadden and his family before he makes his college decision on Oct. 31. Georgia and LSU are the biggest threats to FSU. The Dawgs may have a slight lead, in my opinion, but I think FSU can swing things because of the distance factor with McFadden's immediate family.
Kendall Sheffield out of Missouri City, Texas, is expected to make an official visit to FSU. Sheffield is a bit of a wild card for the Seminoles. FSU's ability to get him on campus is a major plus for the 'Noles and ace recruiter Tim Brewster, who serves as the primary recruiter for Sheffield. In fact, both 5-star defensive backs are being recruited by Brewster, whose track record of success in South Florida and Texas is worth noting. Brewster was instrumental in FSU's signing of Dalvin Cook in addition to nabbing Vince Young while at Texas. So if there is anyone that can pluck this pair, it's certainly the FSU tight ends coach.
On Oct. 1, 247Sports insider Josh Newberg reported 5-star quarterback Malik Henry would visit Tallahassee for the FSU-Notre Dame game, according to a source (subscription required). I caught up with Henry to confirm his plans for the highly anticipated tilt.
"I'm not sure. My dad is trying to plan everything," Henry told me directly. "I will likely know by Wednesday." As of now, things are tentative, but Henry is trying his best to make it to the Sunshine State. He likes what he is seeing from the FSU offense.
"I really like their offense. I think coach (Jimbo) Fisher is a great coach," Henry added. "The atmosphere out there is amazing. It's a football town. I really want to go the game to see how everything plays out."
Henry is considering FSU and Notre Dame, so seeing both is a win-win for the signal-caller and his family. Notre Dame landed a commitment from 4-star Brandon Wimbush out of Jersey City (New Jersey) St. Peter's Prep early last week.
When asked if that will impact his decision on Notre Dame, he replied, "It doesn't affect my decision at all."
It sounds like Henry won't shy away from competition wherever he chooses to go at the next level. He said he will likely make a decision in the next month.
5-star DE CeCe Jefferson Staying Busy Despite Injury
On Oct. 8, strong-side defensive end CeCe Jefferson had successful surgery for an upper extremity injury, according to his father, Leo. Three days later, Jefferson was in Gainesville for Florida's heartbreaking 30-27 loss to LSU. Despite the outcome, Jefferson liked what he saw from the Gators defense:
Jefferson's father accompanied him to the game, which was the 5-star's fourth visit to to The Swamp in the last two and a half months. Two weeks ago, the Jeffersons were in Oxford for the Ole Miss win over Alabama. Next up is another road trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to check out the Tide when they take on Texas A&M.
Leo told Bleacher Report, "Everything is going well with CeCe. He had surgery and he has been in and out of it. We went to the Florida game over the weekend and they lost a close one. This weekend, we are headed to Alabama to visit the Crimson Tide."
When asked how he feels about Nick Saban, Leo replied, "He is a great coach. I like Tuscaloosa. We are looking forward to the trip."
Alabama will look to sell CeCe on playing the "Jack" position or a 3-technique end when the Tide employ a traditional 4-3 alignment. The Tide's defensive schemes have been successful under Saban and his staff, so it will be more of a chance for Jefferson to see it with his own eyes.
Even with all the Alabama accolades, I still see Jefferson staying home in the Sunshine State. Florida and Florida State are likely to be neck and neck when Jefferson decides. Alabama and Ole Miss are still very much in the mix, with continued hot-seat talk of Will Muschamp in Florida. The Gators are trending for Jefferson, according to the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions. Although, there is still a long way to go between now and national signing day.
2016 RB Putting Up PlayStation Numbers
It's been a breakout year for New London (North Carolina) North Stanly running back Antonio Williams. The 4-star running back has racked up 1,630 yards on 132 carries and 21 touchdowns. Williams isn't taking all the credit, though. He is quick to praise the big uglies paving the way.
"It feels good, but the key to all my success is having a great offensive line," Williams said. "I've had that every year. Anytime a running back has a good offensive line, it makes a running back look 10 times better. I'm planning on having a big steak dinner for them at the end of the year."
On Friday, Williams ran for 202 yards and three touchdowns. This season's rushing total has put him at 5,212 yards and 52 touchdowns for his career. Of course, putting up ridiculous numbers attracts college coaches in droves. As a sophomore, Williams committed to the in-state North Carolina Tar Heels. Over the summer, the 5'11", 210-pounder decommitted from UNC to give others an equal opportunity to recruit him.
Last week, Auburn and Notre Dame extended verbal offers and Williams was humbled by the opportunities.
"Auburn is an offer I've been waiting on all summer. They've been high on my list even without the offer, but with them offering me, it pushes them to the No. 1 spot for me," Williams told me. "I'm planning to go there for the Texas A&M game. Coach (Tim) Horton offered me and we have a great relationship. He coached Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at Arkansas. He has a great history of coaching running backs."
The Irish offer caught Williams by surprise, but he definitely had strong interest before they pulled the trigger.
"Notre Dame is a great school academically and a strong football tradition," Williams said. "That offer meant a lot to me and they jumped in to that top group, too. Coach (Mike) Elston came by my school last year and I was committed to North Carolina, so they didn't talk to me. They respected the fact that I was committed. Since I opened things back up, we've been talking a lot."
Williams named a top six consisting of Auburn, Duke, Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame and Wisconsin. He said "Auburn and Wisconsin are right there for that No. 1 spot," but he will take his time before making his commitment. The Blue Devils are firmly in the mix for the local standout.
"I went on a Duke visit earlier this year. I really liked it," Williams said. "Coach (David) Cutcliffe is a great guy and he has coached some of the all-time great players. For him to be recruiting means a lot."
The fleet-footed running back will visit Wisconsin in two weeks. He is looking forward to seeing Badgers running back Melvin Gordon in person. Gordon and Todd Gurley are two running backs he tries to pattern his game after when toting the rock.
Christian Kirk Gives Local School a Look
Shortly after returning home from a visit to Auburn, dynamic wideout Christian Kirk of Scottsdale (Arizona) Saguaro announced via Twitter that he would make an official visit at nearby Arizona State in November:
Kirk has been to campus unofficially on several occasions, but the official visit will give him a chance to spend more time with the current players.
"Obviously it's going to be a big game, plus Notre Dame is playing real well this season," Kirk said. "At first when it came down to taking an official visit there, I wasn't going to, but after thinking about it more, I decided I wanted to take one. Even though I've been there a lot, I want to get around the players more and spend time with them. D.J. Foster went to my high school when I was a freshman and I'm close to Tyler Whiley and Manny Wilkins."
The Arizona State coaches have a clear message to Kirk.
"The coaches always stress that it's great to be able to play in front of all your family and friends every Saturday," Kirk said. "And to be able to get other big-time recruits in the state to stay home and build the program up. They are pushing that as of late, but at the end of the day, it's about what I'm looking for and where I feel comfortable."
The Sun Devils have some work to do. Kirk was in Auburn for the Tigers' 41-7 thrashing of LSU and he came away impressed with the trip.
"It was my second time there. The atmosphere was awesome," Kirk remarked. "The thing I like about Auburn is they are a family there. They treat you like family and like you are at home. Coach (Gus) Malzahn is a great coach, he's a players coach. He cares about his guys. I would rate at a seven or eight out of 10. I had a good time."
The Arizona prospect is an early enrollee and will report to college after the Under Armour All-America Game concludes on Jan. 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained firsthand. Recruiting information and ratings courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.
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