Kynon's Korner: Fresno St. Snags Ex-SEC QB Commit, Miami Lands 2017 QB
Fresno State Nabs Texas Signal-Caller
Keeping up with the quarterback commitment theme of Tuesday night, it was Chason Virgil's turn as he made his pledge to Fresno State.
The 3-star pro-style quarterback committed to Mississippi State in May and shut down his recruitment. However, in late November, Hail State head coach Dan Mullen pulled Virgil's offer and set off a media firestorm about the tricky but not-so-loyal world of college football recruiting.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Virgil regrouped following Mississippi State's last-second change of heart. The 6'2", 170-pounder took official visits to Louisville, Oklahoma and Fresno State over the last three weeks. It was his last visit to California that sold him.
Why Fresno, and why now?
"I really loved Fresno and had a good vibe (on my trip)," Virgil replied. "The reason I committed now was because it needed to happen soon (graduation)."
The Bulldogs have produced NFL-caliber quarterbacks, including 2014 second-round pick Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders. Current ESPN NFL analyst Trent Dilfer had a successful career at Fresno State and later won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.
"Playing time and quarterback tradition were things that sold me," Virgil stated. "I feel as though I can play early along with everything else."
When asked if his parents were comfortable with him heading out West, he simply answered, "Yes. My family is fine with that."
As a senior, Virgil threw for over 2,700 yards with 41 touchdowns and added eight rushing scores.
Miami Snares Athletic Sophomore Quarterback
Last Saturday, the nation's top dual-threat quarterback—Marcus Mariota of Oregon—won the Heisman Trophy.
On Tuesday night, the Miami Hurricanes landed a verbal pledge from run/pass signal-caller Todd Centeio out of West Palm Beach, Florida. Miami offensive coordinator James Coley is hoping Centeio can be the next Mariota at The U.
What are the 'Canes getting in Centeio? I caught up with Centeio's private quarterback instructor Ken Mastrole of Mastrole Passing to break down the sophomore from Miami's backyard.
"I've had the opportunity to work with him the last year, and I've seen significant improvements in not only the fine-tuning of mechanics and fundamentals, but how he has approached the game from the mental side," Mastrole explained.
Coley has groomed freshman starter Brad Kaaya into an ESPN.com true freshman All-American, and Mastrole feels Centeio has similar characteristics.
"He has done an excellent job in our film study. He can diagnose coverages and concepts on both sides of the ball at a college level," Mastrole noted. "Miami will be getting a very competitive and focused quarterback who has plenty of room to grow. Plus playing at one of the highest classifications of football has benefited him since his freshman year."
Mastrole added, "Today the quarterback has to have the ability to diagnose, avoid pressure and execute with more consistency as the passing game evolves. He displays many of the must-have traits for a quarterback that college coaches are looking for when recruiting this position."
This fall, Centeio finished with over 1,000 yards passing and 18 scores while adding 500 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns.
According to his 247Sports player profile, he picked Miami over offers from Cincinnati, Nebraska and North Carolina State, among others.
Javarius Davis Recaps Miami Trip
Javarius Davis took his official visit to Miami over the weekend, and he came away impressed with the 'Canes.
"It was a great overall visit," Davis told Bleacher Report. "I went alone. My family didn't come (with me)."
Davis wanted to bond with the coaches and players, and according to him, he was able to do that. He was able to talk to the coaches about his future position at the next level.
"The coaches said they want me to replace (wide receiver) Phillip Dorsett," Davis explained. "I'm fine with that."
Originally, Miami had talked to him about cornerback, too. When asked if Miami was his leader following the trip, Davis said, "No. Miami isn't my leader. I don't have a leader."
As the NCAA dead period has arrived, expect college coaches to turn up the heat when the contact period continues as we head into the final full month of recruiting before national signing day.
All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
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