Georgia and Georgia Tech both settled on defensive coordinators on Friday and it was just in the nick of time.

The NCAA recruiting calendar changes from last weeks dead period to an open contact period on Monday and it will remain open for the next two weeks before closing again the week of national signing day, which is Feb. 3.

Georgia Tech hired former Virginia head coach Al Groh as defensive coordinator a week after firing Dave Wommack. Georgia hired Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Todd Grantham six weeks after dismissing Willie Martinez.

The hires seemed to invigorate recruits from both sides.

I think its great, said longtime Georgia Tech commitment Denzel McCoy of Northview High. I got a text message from one of the players on the team this morning. I think hes going to bring some new things with him and thats going to be good for us. Ive heard nothing but good things about him.

Georgia recruits are impressed with Granthams NFL experience.

Im kind of excited about it, said Port St. Lucie linebacker Deon Rogers, who was about to board a plane for an official visit to LSU. I didnt know the new defensive coordinator was going to be from the NFL. Im shocked but shocked in a good way.

Strong hires were important for both programs as they each are building defense-oriented classes. Ten of Techs 13 commitments so far may play on the defensive side of the ball. Twelve of the Bulldogs 19 commitments are expected to be defenders.

Rocky time at Tennessee

Lane Kiffins sudden departure as head coach at Tennessee threw the Vols highly-touted recruiting class into turmoil.

The Vols had five players from the state of Georgia committed for their 2010 class, including nationally ranked offensive tackle JaWuan James of North Gwinnett, who had already enrolled for spring semester. A.J. Johnson, a junior linebacker from Gainesville, also was committed to Tennessee.

James returned home from Knoxville with his mother on Thursday to reflect and discuss the rapidly developing situation with his family. Initial reports are that the 6-foot-6, 305-pounder has decided to return to Knoxville and stick with UT.

Meanwhile, Michael Taylor (Westlake linebacker) and Johnson have de-committed. J.C. Copeland (Troup defensive end) and Markeith Ambles (Henry County wide receiver) remained committed but are uncertain of their next moves.

Roby switches to Ohio State

Peachtree Ridge wide receiver/defensive back Bradley Roby committed to Ohio State last week. Rated the No. 12 player in the AJC Top 50, Roby had been committed to Vanderbilt since August. He also considered Auburn, Boston College and South Carolina. He had generated some late interest from Georgia as well.

I will be a Buckeye next year, no doubt about it, said Roby, who will join fellow Peachtree Ridge alum Cameron Heyward in Columbus, Ohio. I visited Ohio State last weekend and it was a no-brainer. I knew it was the place for me.

Though Roby earned his reputation as a prospect mainly as a wide receiver, most project him as a cornerback in college. The Buckeyes say hell get to try both.

Confusion at Louisville

Earlier this week, defensive end Malcom Strong and defensive back Chris Sharpe, both of Stephenson, said they committed to new coach Charlie Strong during an official visit to Louisville last weekend. But apparently Strong saw it another way and the two players have yet to be acknowledged as commitments. Stephenson assistant Corey Johnson said it remains a fluid situation but he clearly is not happy with the way events transpired. Meanwhile, the players are continuing to take visits. Stay tuned.

Georgia State welcomes transfers

Two transfers enrolled at Georgia State last week. Jocquez Fears is a 5-foot-9, 185-pound defensive back from Northeastern University, which dropped its football program last year. Olufemi Opanubi is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker from Los Angeles. He attended West Los Angeles Community College last year.

Etc.

Georgia is hosting a big recruiting weekend. Among its official visitors were five-star wide receiver DaRick Rogers of Calhoun, four-star receiver Kadron Boone of Ocala, Fla., committed offensive line prospect Brent Benedict of Jacksonville and athlete Jordan Akins of Union Grove High. … Marist senior kicker Justin Moore was going to tour Georgia Tech as an unofficial visitor this weekend.

Posted on January 18th, 2010 by admin
Filed under: College football news, NCAA college football