National Signing Day 2011: Isaiah Crowell's Dog, Clemson and More Analysis

First, why the hell did Isaiah Crowell hold up this dog at his press conference?  Yay, you’re a Georgia Bulldog!  Put on your hat, and give us a smile.  Bulldogs are ugly.

Secondly, bravo to Cyrus Kouandjio for not sending his letter of intent to Auburn. I’m glad he’s reconsidering because he will not be going into a real great situation there. He would obviously be the heir to LT Lee Ziemba, who was stellar this season protecting Cam Newton.

But with all the talent Auburn is losing, might a top-flight prospect like Kouandjio be better served at Alabama or Iowa?  Notice my exclusion of New Mexico—that is intentional.  Put it this way, over the next four seasons, I can’t see Auburn getting to a BCS bowl again, whereas Alabama will probably be in four.

For a kid who could easily be a top five NFL draft pick, where do you think he would get more exposure?  I predict he’ll give Auburn the shaft and end up in Tuscaloosa.

A few more notes:

As if it wasn’t obvious enough already, USC’s reign over the Pac-10/12/16/2492 is officially over.  "The Black Mamba", De’Anthony Thomas of LA’s Crenshaw High, sent in his letter of intent to Oregon, spurning the hometown Trojans.  Thomas is a tremendous prospect who projects as a defensive back, but come on, if you can share a nickname with Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, you’re pretty special.  Nice work by Chip Kelly and the Ducks.

Penn State still does and probably always will hold the title as "Linebacker U".  But how about Clemson yesterday?  Not only did they get 5-star WR Sammy Watkins, they picked up the nation’s top two linebackers, Stephone Anthony and Tony Steward.  Of all the schools, I’d say without a doubt Clemson was the biggest surprise.  At No. 8 in the country according to ESPN, the Tigers' recruiting class might put them right up there with Florida State in terms of ACC contenders.

Speaking of which, FSU, as much as it pains me to say it, had an incredible day.  Being the No. 1 recruiting class in the country is no easy task, and Jimbo Fisher has established himself as a master recruiter.  Now, let’s not all start crowning the Seminoles as a top 10 team.  The kids they’re bringing in are excellent, and the team isn’t losing much from 2010, but let’s wait until they play Oklahoma to see how good they really are.

Also on FSU, Tim Jernigan is such a schmuck!  This story ran in the UF newspaper today.

Benedict Jernigan.

Saw this yesterday.  All together now—AWKWARD.

Jadeveon Clowney isn’t signing until Valentine’s Day.  Everyone wants him, but then again, who wouldn’t?  He's 6'6", 250 lbs. and fits the mold of a Mario Williams or Julius Peppers.  Lots of schools are in contention for Clowney—Alabama, Clemson, South Carolina, North Carolina and LSU are among them.  Given their strong history of developing defensive lineman, I think Clowney will shock the SEC and sign with the Tar Heels.

Ohio State should get a good boost at offensive line.  I hear this Chris Carter has great hands for a lineman.

Props to the Florida Gators for a very acceptable recruiting class, despite all of the turmoil in Gainesville; great defensive backs and good pieces on offense.

That’s all for now—back to listening to my PR professor (see also: getting teeth pulled).