Its Signing Day!!

[SoCalBronco]

Confirmed Commitments 11 AM EST
Miami, Fla.
11:00

Demitri Stewart
Luqman Abdallah
A.J. Trump
Bruce Johnson
Courtney Harris
Antonio Dixon
Eric Houston
Matt Pipho
Kenny Phillips
Randy Phillips
Darryl Sharpton
Jerrell Mabry
Richard Gordon
Chris Barney

so far so good with the big hitters we are 2 for 2. Rouse in 40 minutes to announce, i still dont think he is coming. Smith and Cushing in the afternoon. :thumbsup:

[SoCalBronco]

best OT in the land, Reginald Youngblood is in. 11:30 EST. DE Kyle Moore chooses UM over USC, he is also in.

[NaptownChief]

My Hoosiers have gotten all but 3 of the planned targets inked...Their top recruits(Demetrius McCray) is one of the holdouts however. Iowa is after him...Hopefully they don't lose him. Chris Banks/WR is one of their better ones also and he is still unsigned.


Signed Letter of Intent
Name Pos Stars RR Ht/Wt Rank Hometown
Josh Bailey WR 5.1 6-2/200 NR Indianapolis, IN
Justin Carrington RB 5.2 6-0/195 NR Bealeton , VA
Bruce Hampton DB 5.2 5-10/178 NR University Heights, OH
Ty Harangody TE 5.2 6-1/214 NR Merrillville, IN
Eugene Johnson LB 5.1 6-1/198 NR Bartow, FL
Neal Jones DE 5.1 6-4/238 NR Orlando, FL
Dan Kinsey DB 5.1 6-3/195 NR Lisbon, OH
Jammie Kirlew DE 5.3 6-2/217 NR Orlando, FL
Joe Kleinsmith K 5.2 5-10/173 24 Lakewood, OH
Andrew Means WR 5.2 6-2/205 NR Avon Lake, OH
Todd Newman TE 5.2 6-4/245 NR Bartlett, IL
Bryan Payton RB - 5-9/185 NR Fork Union, VA
Nick Polk WR 5.2 6-0/185 NR Milwaukee, WI
Tim Sergi ATH 5.1 6-3/200 NR Indianapolis, IN
Austin Thomas DB 5.0 6-2/205 NR Canton, GA
Terrance Turner WR 5.1 6-2/180 NR West Bloomfield, MI
Dennis Underwood RB 5.3 6-0/183 NR Louisville, OH
Troy Wagner TE 5.3 6-6/215 NR O'Fallon, IL
Brandon Walker-Roby WR 5.2 6-0/170 NR Indianapolis, IN
Brian Zematis DE 5.1 6-4/230 NR Bloomfield Hills, MI

Committed/Not Yet Signed
Name Pos Stars RR Ht/Wt Rank Hometown
Chris Banks WR 5.2 6-3/175 NR Alliance, OH
Emile Bass DT 5.0 6-2/275 NR Detroit, MI
Demetrius McCray RB 5.5 6-0/180 37 Seffner, FL

[SoCalBronco]

wow USC takes a hit. WR DeSean Jackson (from the army all star game) to California. A big get for Tedford.

[NaptownChief]

On that South Florida topic...I bet the sell they are using is their move into the Big Least and the easy shot at BCS garanteed spots. Hopefully the BCS gets blown up or at least gets rid of the Big Least automatic spot but certainly could see how Leavit is able to sell that.

[SoCalBronco]

Spencer Adkins to the U. Waiting on Rouse i still think he is FSU all the way.

[SoCalBronco]

No. 3 TE Dajleon Farr is in. So far so good Larry.

[SoCalBronco]

Fred Rouse to Florida State.

[freak6]

CU Buffs are looking to sign a 6-7 WR-SG out of Socal, should fit in well with the team, goes by the name Kobe.

[DBroncos4life]

Reggie Smith is going to OU.

NU got every other commit that they had!

Hey SoCal? How come rivals has only one player for Miami on the letter of intent?

[NaptownChief]

Reggie Smith is going to OU.

NU got every other commit that they had!

Hey SoCal? How come rivals has only one player for Miami on the letter of intent?



The rest of them had to get a witness to the "x" before they could make them official.

[SoCalBronco]

DB4Life, we have all the LOIs in right now, we are waiting on three people, Antone Smith, Brian Cushing (who i think will bolt at the last second for BC just like damn Toal last year) and Kyle Moore.

[DBroncos4life]

DB4Life, we have all the LOIs in right now, we are waiting on three people, Antone Smith, Brian Cushing (who i think will bolt at the last second for BC just like damn Toal last year) and Kyle Moore.


Just wondering. I clicked on the top 5 or 6 teams names to see who they still had left and Miami had only one signed. Thought that was odd.

[Saulbadguy]

Cameron Morrah still wavering. It isn't looking good.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Buffs have everyone they expected so far, except for Geer, Zimmerer, and McKay. The former two have signing ceremonies in less than an hour at their respective schools, but no one can get ahold of McKay or his coaches to see if he's signed yet.

[NaptownChief]

Cameron Morrah still wavering. It isn't looking good.



Is he leaning towards becoming a Liberal Bear?

[Saulbadguy]

Is he leaning towards becoming a Liberal Bear?
Yep. I wouldn't be too upset, though.

Jonathan Lewis DE 5.8 6-2/256 16 Carrollton, TX

Plays the same Weakside position as Cameron. It would have been nice if we could have landed Eugene Germany as well, but he committed to Meeshagan.

[SoCalBronco]

My God im about to cry. Antone Smith to FSU. That casts a pall on our entire day. All down the tubes. Jeez, how could this happen.

[Saulbadguy]

Funniest thing of the day, Ryan Perilloux commiting to LSU. /m\

[SoCalBronco]

****. everything is ruined now.

[SoCalBronco]

this is the worst signing day of my life.

[SoCalBronco]

i thought you loved us Twan' i thought we were your childhood dream. What about that Cane cell phone and those Cane slippers you were wearing? Man i cant take this. I am depressed as hell.

[NaptownChief]

Yep. I wouldn't be too upset, though.





Anybody who wants to live in Berkely for four years is badly confused or smokes too much weed....Probably not the kind of kid you want at wholesome program like K State. ;D

[SoCalBronco]

no WR, no QB, no RB thanks alot Coker!!!!!

[SoCalBronco]

i dont give a **** about Cushing now. Smith was the crown jewel and now he is gone.

[NaptownChief]

I know you big time program followers don't care to hear about he peons that IU signed but here is one that IU snagged at the last second that they didn't expect who has a chance to be a steal:

Terrance Turner WR 5.1 6-2/180 NR West Bloomfield, MI


Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame were all in the running. Tall, fast and very athletic. Here is his bio note from Rivals:

"Only player to post top 20 numbers at the Columbus Nike in the 40, shuttle and vertical jump. Averaged nearly 20 yards per catch playing in a run oriented offense."

[Kid A]

OU got Reggie Smith, but NU has nothing to complain about. Probably the best class in a decade or more. Big congrats to Tennesse, Iowa, and Oklahoma for their classes too. Can't wait for fall already! Go Big Red.

[FADERPROOF]

Breaks my heart to see Miami fans upset with their recruiting...

No surprises from OSU, just can't wait to see what we're gonna look like with Jamario O'Neal out there.

[Kid A]

Breaks my heart to see Miami fans upset with their recruiting...


Ha. At least they didn't get as screwed as much as Texas. Not the classiest of moves by Ryan Perrilloux, but nobody outside of Austin is crying over it. Big XII fans should be glad he won't be lining up against their teams.

[Darkhawk24]

Texas and Miami getting "Screwed" in recruiting? I doubt anyone sheds a tear over that....

[Darkhawk24]

Saul,

I will enjoy watching Eugene Germany play... Tough luck!

[Smelvin]

Hey SoCal...what can you tell me about Ekom Udofia? He chose Stanford over UM and USC. I know the fact that his brother plays for Stanford had a lot, if not everything, to do with it.

Last time Stanford battled Miami for a recruit was when Teyo Johnson chose Stanford over Miami. I find it quite odd that any kid would narrow his choices down to those two schools. The only similarities I can think of are kick-ass baseball programs.

[Breck Bronc]

Last time Stanford battled Miami for a recruit was when Teyo Johnson chose Stanford over Miami. I find it quite odd that any kid would narrow his choices down to those two schools. The only similarities I can think of are kick-ass baseball programs.Is that supposed to be a shot at Miami? They're both private schools on the coast. Donna Shalala has stated that she wants to pattern Miami after Stanford, and it has hurt football recruiting a bit over the past few years, as we can't take some of the kids NC State, FSU and Tennessee can.

[bendog]

Where'd that Prieuleaux (or something) kid qb outta Louisiana go? Mississippi State still had some slim hope.

[Breck Bronc]

Where'd that Prieuleaux (or something) kid qb outta Louisiana go? Mississippi State still had some slim hope.He signed with LSU and has already given some quotes bashing the current LSU QB's. Real classy.

[Smelvin]

Is that supposed to be a shot at Miami? They're both private schools on the coast. Donna Shalala has stated that she wants to pattern Miami after Stanford, and it has hurt football recruiting a bit over the past few years, as we can't take some of the kids NC State, FSU and Tennessee can.

Right...everyone says they want to model their schools after Stanford, but very few actually do when push comes to shove. Stanford told Reggie Bush he didn't even come close to meeting academic standards. How many other schools would do that?

I root for Miami because my family all grew up in Coral Gables and the Cane roots run deep, but come on now. They freakin admitted Willie Williams just a year ago. Dude has a rap sheet for the ages.

The only schools with somewhat "big time" sports that even come close to rivaling Stanford's academic standards are Notre Dame and Vanderbuilt. Duke is a fraud. They allow Coach K 3-6 "exempt" scholarships per year.

UCLA, Cal, UNC, Michigan...all very good schools from an academic perspective, don't maintain such standards within athletics.

It's an old argument, but Stanford is basically in a class by themself.

[NaptownChief]

It's an old argument, but Stanford is basically in a class by themself.


Oh come on...I'm sure Northwestern was running the tightest ship in the business when it comes to recruiting...at least during the Gary Barnett years. ;D

[Nuggets4]

Funniest thing of the day, Ryan Perilloux commiting to LSU. /m\

Damn Saul, you keep this up and I might forgive you for being a Chiefs fan! LOL

CU had a nice day. That said, we're gonna have high expectations next year, so I predict 3-8.

[SoCalBronco]

Right...everyone says they want to model their schools after Stanford, but very few actually do when push comes to shove. Stanford told Reggie Bush he didn't even come close to meeting academic standards. How many other schools would do that?

I root for Miami because my family all grew up in Coral Gables and the Cane roots run deep, but come on now. They freakin admitted Willie Williams just a year ago. Dude has a rap sheet for the ages.

The only schools with somewhat "big time" sports that even come close to rivaling Stanford's academic standards are Notre Dame and Vanderbuilt. Duke is a fraud. They allow Coach K 3-6 "exempt" scholarships per year.

UCLA, Cal, UNC, Michigan...all very good schools from an academic perspective, don't maintain such standards within athletics.

It's an old argument, but Stanford is basically in a class by themself.

if you really loved Miami you wouldnt use the baseball team's sins against the football team like you did before. Udofia is a big time DT, i think his brother or some family went to Stanford that is why he went there. As usual, Miami is the bridesmaid for a big prospect.

[SoCalBronco]

I dont blame the experts at Grassy for telling me Smith was a lock. His own mother started crying and ran out of the room when he chose FSU and in the beginning refused to sign his LOI (u gotta be 18 or cosign). Than that little bitch has the gall to go to the VT-UM game tonight wearing a UM jersey. I hope Willie ****s him up next year. Twan will prolly do kick returns at the very least. Willie better **** him up.

[Saulbadguy]

Damn. Thats unfortunate.

[SoCalBronco]

As far as i am concerned, this staff should be on the hot seat. This is the third straight year there has been a falloff right at the last second in recruiting and one more 9-3 season is more than enough reason to clean house. We arent on probation. This isnt 1997. There is no excuse this time. Your sitting in the middle of South Florida, the nation's best hotbed of talent with no one in hundreds of miles, 3 regular season losses is abominable. One more year. Im sick of this ****.

[Smelvin]

if you really loved Miami you wouldnt use the baseball team's sins against the football team like you did before. Udofia is a big time DT, i think his brother or some family went to Stanford that is why he went there. As usual, Miami is the bridesmaid for a big prospect.

I root for the Canes for what they are...a pro program no different than any of the other pro programs. Sure they may have cleaned things up a tad from the days of Erickson and JJ, (and I give Butch the credit there) but lets call a spade a spade. When they admitted Willie Williams last year that spoke volumes as to where their priorities lie. Do I really need to rehash his rap sheet? He made Lamar Thomas, Dump Davenport, Ray Ray etc. look like choir boys. Hey, it's just the way it is. No sense in going into denial trying to compare UM's ethics and standards to that of a Stanford....the two programs are apples and oranges. And that's precisely why Miami is a top 5 team year in and year out while Stanford remains off the map in football.

[Saulbadguy]

Also, Martellus Bennet is an asshat "look at me" thug. Anyone who saw his announcement should agree...

[SoCalBronco]

I root for the Canes for what they are...a pro program no different than any of the other pro programs. Sure they may have cleaned things up a tad from the days of Erickson and JJ, (and I give Butch the credit there) but lets call a spade a spade. When they admitted Willie Williams last year that spoke volumes as to where their priorities lie. Do I really need to rehash his rap sheet? He made Lamar Thomas, Dump Davenport, Ray Ray etc. look like choir boys. Hey, it's just the way it is. No sense in going into denial trying to compare UM's ethics and standards to that of a Stanford....the two programs are apples and oranges. And that's precisely why Miami is a top 5 team year in and year out while Stanford remains off the map in football.

How ignorant you are of UM football. From your statement the inference all Miami guys are thugs naturally flows. Im sure glad to know Ken Dorsey is a thug. I am sure glad to know Frank Gore is a thug (he is a dumb**** too right?), Willis Mac, Joaquin Gonzalez, Jonathon Vilma, Vince Wilfork, Ed Reed etc. This program is totally different than the one prior to 1995. You admitted it in your post. You take one example (and even there you are not really informed on WW) and then extrapolate it to the whole team talking about UMs ethics vs. Stanford. You dont know the first thing about UM football. Since you basically said the whole program is a bunch of thugs, ill hold you to that statement. See below.

[Saulbadguy]

Vinny Testeverde is a thug.

[Smelvin]

I never once called them ALL a bunch of thugs. If you want to put words in my mouth to solidify your point go for it. Not all of them are thugs. Not even close. Please advise where I said that. In fact, I DID say that they have cleaned up the program, but look where it once was? Go read the book 'Pro's and Con's: The Criminals in the NFL. It's basically about UM during the JJ and Erickson days. They have definitely taken positive steps forward in that regard. But they do still recruit certain thugs that many other schools wouldn't touch. WW is case in point. If you can sugar coat that one I'd like to see it. Dude had multiple assault and battery charges on him before he even got his driving permit.

I don't think you could have misinterpreted my post any more than you did. But whatever. your perrogative.

[SoCalBronco]

I never once called them ALL a bunch of thugs. If you want to put words in my mouth to solidify your point go for it. Not all of them are thugs. Not even close. Please advise where I said that. In fact, I DID say that they have cleaned up the program, but look where it once was? Go read the book 'Pro's and Con's: The Criminals in the NFL. It's basically about UM during the JJ and Erickson days. They have definitely taken positive steps forward in that regard. But they do still recruit certain thugs that many other schools wouldn't touch. WW is case in point. If you can sugar coat that one I'd like to see it. Dude had multiple assault and battery charges on him before he even got his driving permit.

I don't think you could have misinterpreted my post any more than you did. But whatever. your perrogative.

Tell me which "thugs" they recruit that no one else would touch? Explain.
Your post was filled with inferences and i stand by my statement. "dont compare the ethics of UM vs. Stanford", lets call a "spade a spade".

[Smelvin]

jesus...I'm not gonna get into a pissing match with you about this. And honestly, my statement about ethics has as much to do with academic standards as it does criminal behavior. Stanford denies guys routinely with well ver 3.0 GPA's and over 1100 on SAT's. They hold their athletes to standards that are very similar to that of their general student body. Of course they're a tad below, but the fact remains you have to be a very very good student with good test scores to get in. At Miami that is absolutely not the case. If you can play, for the most part, you are in. If you REALLY think otherwise you are fooling yourself. That was my point. The two programs operate under different prioities. Almost every school operates under different priorities than does Stanford.

If you want to read my posts, make your own blanket assumptions about what I 'meant" to say, than go for it. You should consider yourself a certified mind reader...albeit a poor one.

[Breck Bronc]

Tell me which "thugs" they recruit that no one else would touch? Explain.
Your post was filled with inferences and i stand by my statement. "dont compare the ethics of UM vs. Stanford", lets call a "spade a spade".I'm sure Smelvin knows all about Nate Harris and how he ended up at Louisville instead of Miami. Or how Bobby Washington ended up at NC State.

And Smelvin, if you're going to bring up Williams' arrest record, which is certainly fair play, at least get it right. He's never even been charged with assault and battery, let alone being convicted of it multiple times before he could drive, as you stated. He did have multiple theft charges, including the main one for stealing a car stereo from an electronics store. There's no defending that, but at least it's better than assault. Miami is taking a huge risk in keeping Williams, giving him a final chance to make something of his god given talents. Needless to say, it's not a popular decision around the country, but if Willie stay out of trouble, which he is doing, I don't think you can say anything about UM keeping Williams after his childhood record was leaked by UF sympathizers. If he does decide to steal something, then shame on Coker, Shalala, Dee and everyone else.

SoCal, when did Smelvin call D.J. a thug? If he did, that tells a lot.

[SoCalBronco]

I'm sure Smelvin knows all about Nate Harris and how he ended up at Louisville instead of Miami. Or how Bobby Washington ended up at NC State.

And Smelvin, if you're going to bring up Williams' arrest record, which is certainly fair play, at least get it right. He's never even been charged with assault and battery, let alone being convicted of it multiple times before he could drive, as you stated. He did have multiple theft charges, including the main one for stealing a car stereo from an electronics store. There's no defending that, but at least it's better than assault. Miami is taking a huge risk in keeping Williams, giving him a final chance to make something of his god given talents. Needless to say, it's not a popular decision around the country, but if Willie stay out of trouble, which he is doing, I don't think you can say anything about UM keeping Williams after his childhood record was leaked by UF sympathizers. If he does decide to steal something, then shame on Coker, Shalala, Dee and everyone else.

SoCal, when did Smelvin call D.J. a thug? If he did, that tells a lot.

Dont expect Smelvin to know anything about Nate Harris or Bobby Washington or how we had to turn away Kellen Heard because of grades or how Nate Robinson qualified under the NCAA SAT minimum standards but did not make it under UMs by a mere 20 points and we still refused him. He wouldnt know anything about Ali Highsmith or Leo Waiters. He could never understand how Miami could not even fax an offer to the best DE in America and a huge canes fan because of academics. BTW, his post above essentially said in a very snooty manner that everyone from Miami is a thug and that we should "call a spade a spade". Since he believes that, he shouldnt have a problem with me quoting him that DJ must also be a thug because he went to the U. Leave it to Smelvin to be more worried about fire extinguishers going off and fat cows from UF getting hugs rather than baseball heroes taking steroids and tainting the game forever.

[Breck Bronc]

Dont expect Smelvin to know anything about Nate Harris or Bobby Washington or how we had to turn away Kellen Heard because of grades or how Nate Robinson qualified under the NCAA SAT minimum standards but did not make it under UMs by a mere 20 points and we still refused him. He wouldnt know anything about Ali Highsmith or Leo Waiters. He could never understand how Miami could not even fax an offer to the best DE in America and a huge canes fan because of academics. BTW, his post above essentially said in a very snooty manner that everyone from Miami is a thug and that we should "call a spade a spade". Since he believes that, he shouldnt have a problem with me quoting him that DJ must also be a thug because he went to the U. Leave it to Smelvin to be more worried about fire extinguishers going off and fat cows from UF getting hugs rather than baseball heroes taking steroids and tainting the game forever.Back to signing day.

What's the word on Ricky-Jean Franciois? Is he going to a Juco in order to qualify for Miami or did he sign somewhere else?

And with the open scholarships, are there any guys we may sign late, like we did with Ray Lewis and Edge James in the past?

It's not the end of the world that we didn't get Smith, it hurts, but it just means that Charlie Jones and Derron Thomas need to come to play in the next few years while we sign Edge's cousin in '06. What I want to know is how Smith had the gall to show up at the UM basketball game tonight with Cane stuff on. I hope his mom knocks some sense in to to that kid. I can see him going to Auburn of UF, but FSU? How stupid a decision that was.

I'm happy about the big-time offensive lineman we signed. I'd rather have a great offensive line and merely good skill guys than great skill guys and a poor offensive line. It all starts up front and we still have very good skill guys on the roster. And our defense is going to be sick for the next few seasons.

Now Coker needs to do a much better coaching job than he did in '04. We can't lose to the UNC's and Clemson's of the world. I also think a lot of the skill offensive guys didn't want to come to UM after seeing how bland and mediocre the offense has been under Brock Berlin. Hopefully Kirby or Kyle can use all of their weapons and prove to be good QB's. Our offense is great when the QB can get the ball to the TE, WR's and even FB's. Brock just couldn't do it, even when he improved this past year.

[SoCalBronco]

Back to signing day.

What's the word on Ricky-Jean Franciois? Is he going to a Juco in order to qualify for Miami or did he sign somewhere else?

And with the open scholarships, are there any guys we may sign late, like we did with Ray Lewis and Edge James in the past?

It's not the end of the world that we didn't get Smith, it hurts, but it just means that Charlie Jones and Derron Thomas need to come to play in the next few years while we sign Edge's cousin in '06. What I want to know is how Smith had the gall to show up at the UM basketball game tonight with Cane stuff on. I hope his mom knocks some sense in to to that kid. I can see him going to Auburn of UF, but FSU? How stupid a decision that was.

I'm happy about the big-time offensive lineman we signed. I'd rather have a great offensive line and merely good skill guys than great skill guys and a poor offensive line. It all starts up front and we still have very good skill guys on the roster. And our defense is going to be sick for the next few seasons.

Now Coker needs to do a much better coaching job than he did in '04. We can't lose to the UNC's and Clemson's of the world. I also think a lot of the skill offensive guys didn't want to come to UM after seeing how bland and mediocre the offense has been under Brock Berlin. Hopefully Kirby or Kyle can use all of their weapons and prove to be good QB's. Our offense is great when the QB can get the ball to the TE, WR's and even FB's. Brock just couldn't do it, even when he improved this past year.

RJF: He didnt even go to school today for good reason, he apparently didnt even get an offer from a single school, including USF!! Im not sure what shocked me more today, Smith going to FSU or kindergarten caliber schools like NC State and Tennessee not even offering him becuase of grades. This guy's grades must be beyond terrible if he cant even get a fax from anyone. He is one of the best if not the best DE in America. In the chat tonight, chef said Gordon isnt close to qualifying and RJF is much further behind Gordon. I dont know whats going to happen to RJF. I think he is going to have to understand that at absolute earliest he isnt going anywhere until January. I think if its as bad as it looks, he is going to have to go to JUCO the full 2 years. Good points about the blandness of our offense. I didnt like how Coker and Werner were trying to force Brock to do something he doesnt like. He is a purely shotgun QB and he was damn good whenever he was in the gun. Your right, we did do pretty well on the OL and on defense generally. Just cant believe how, outside of Dajleon farr, we didnt get a single skill position player this year. The coaches put all their eggs in one basket at RB and they arrogantly ignored other RBs like Stewart and Wells. I was furious when i found out about him at the game tonight. WTF. I hope he rots as a mediocre back on a mediocre team in Trailorhassee after having so much promise in High School. He will be another Lorenzo Booker. All everything and then...just another back. There have been alot of super reports the last few months on Derron Thomas. They are comparing him to a young portis. Alot of people think he will beat out Fat Ty Moss and Charlie Jones for the job. Too bad Andrew Johnson tore that acl. We cant afford to keep sucking dick at WR. We gotta bring in 3 guys next year. I think if Moore has at least an okay season he will bolt because he has that NFL size and we will be left with Leggett and a bunch of scrubs. Also i am fearful that if Olsen has a great season he will bolt. I hope not.

[Smelvin]

SoCal, when did Smelvin call D.J. a thug? If he did, that tells a lot.

Yes, I too would like to see where I wrote that. Now I know how athletes feel when they are completely misquoted in an act of fraud.

[SoCalBronco]

Good luck at F$U, loser. I cant wait till Willie pounds him into the ground.

Smith picks FSU
By Greg Stoda

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Thursday, February 03, 2005

PAHOKEE — A mother's tears sometimes drown out the masses' cheers.

So it was Wednesday afternoon at Pahokee High School, where one woman's quiet sadness outside a small room was louder, and much more poignant, than anything happening inside.

Pahokee running back Antone Smith spreads the news of his decision to go to FSU, but he didn't tell his mother before the rest of the world.

The over-the-top choreography that has become part of national signing day — the culmination of the courtship of high school football stars by college programs — doesn't get much more distasteful than this.

Antone Smith is going to Florida State, and good for him and the Seminoles.

But bad on him for how he chose to make the announcement, which left Classie Smith all but inconsolable. She wanted her son, who was Florida's Mr. Football last season in leading the Blue Devils to a state title, to go to nearby Miami so she could easily attend all his home games.

No problem that Smith decided to go to Florida State, because a young man in his position has to do what he feels is best for himself above all else. His mother even acknowledged her own selfishness for wanting Smith to become a Hurricane.

The problem, though, had to do with her son's dramatic production in a big and theatrical tease.

Know when his mother found out he'd be going to Florida State? The same time everybody else did.

That's more than sad. That's callous and cruel.

"He never told me," she said after having composed herself. "I wish he had told me."

She deserved that much at the very least.

What she absolutely didn't deserve was to be reduced to the lead victim in her son's shell game.

Smith, who by most accounts is a good and decent kid, didn't hide the fact he enjoyed the attention throughout the recruiting process.

Again, nothing wrong there. Until, that is, he started pulling all the wicked strings Wednesday while seated at a table right there next to his mother with five invitations — one each from Florida State, Miami, Florida, Auburn and Rutgers — spread out in from of him.

"Any questions before I make a decision? Any questions? Any questions?" Smith asked.

Never mind that one of his friends said Smith knew Monday night after making a weekend visit to Florida State that he would pick the Seminoles.

Never mind, either, that it would be sheer folly for anyone to believe Smith waited until he had pen in hand to sign a binding document before making the absolute call on what supposedly had been an agonizing process.

This was a grand orchestration very much in keeping with the atmosphere of these moments.

"I won't let it blow my head up," Smith said.

Oh. It already hasn't?

Smith took obvious glee in turning over and pushing away the folders from Florida and Rutgers and Auburn, taking those schools out of the mix. He was building drama for everyone gathered in the room, and that was only the beginning.

It was down to Florida State, considered to be a long shot, and Miami, favored to land Smith all along.

"Champions, baby!" someone shouted.

"Which one has the best tradition of running backs?" yelled another voice.

And then something about all the money to be made as a pro.

Smith pushed away the Florida State pamphlet, listened to the celebration . . . and pulled it back. He pushed it away again, and pulled it back again. He studied the Miami papers, closed the folder and signed with the Seminoles to stunning effect as dozens of cellphones clicked open and into calls.

Moments later, his mother rushed from the room.

Leaning against a brick wall, her shoulders shaking with her sobs, she waved off friends: "Get away! Get away! I don't want any of this."

Her son's explanation was that Florida State is "where my heart was." Fine. But was there a need to break his mother's in satisfying his own?

The day has become too big. Enjoying the moment and basking in the glory of accomplishment and expectation aren't enough.

It's not much ado about nothing, of course, because high school players of Smith's caliber frequently become college and NFL stars. Anquan Boldin, a former Pahokee star and Mr. Football himself, went that route to Florida State and the Arizona Cardinals.

But shouldn't someone — a parent, a coach, an administrator, a confidant — guide an Antone Smith to understatement rather than aggrandizement?

"It was all up to me," Smith said. "It was my decision. I've been having people tell me what to do (and) what not to do, but it was my decision."

Maybe he heard demands rather than advice. And maybe too many voices angered or confused him. He deserves congratulations, no matter what, for making the difficult choice. But not for the presentation.

"I know it's his life," his mother said. "He'll be there three or four years. He needs to be where he wants to be."

She just wishes she had been told.

She just wishes her son — the one who scored 81 touchdowns and gained 6,431 yards — wouldn't have run over her on his way out.

[Darkhawk24]

Man talk about some hard feelings! We haven't forgotten these were High School kids have we? :)

I admit I wasn't sure what I wanted to do at that age! Wowsers!!!

[SoCalBronco]

Darkhawk i understand these are high school kids. What i dont like is the fact that you let one school rely on something and then do another. What is the inference that Miami gets when the kid repeatedly tells everyone that it is his dream school and is seen wearing Miami Hurricane slippers and a Miami Hurricane cellphone. All along he was a lock until the last second. We ended up with no RBs. He made us so confident that we didnt even recruit another running back. I dont have a problem with a kid struggling over a decision and being close and choosing one over another. I do have a problem when you act like its a lock and let the coaches rely on your decision to their detriment. And then the problem gets compounded further when after you commit to the biggest rival, the same night you go to a UM-Virginia Tech basketball game wearing a UM jersey.

[Darkhawk24]

Socal I can see your frustration but he is a kid... And kids do things that will make you pull your hair out!

Miami coaches knew there was a chance this could happen. Miami isn't the only school it has happened to. If I was a Miami fan I'd be more dissapointed in my coaches then a Highschool kid playing mind games.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

What an asshole to do that to your mom

[SoCalBronco]

Socal I can see your frustration but he is a kid... And kids do things that will make you pull your hair out!

Miami coaches knew there was a chance this could happen. Miami isn't the only school it has happened to. If I was a Miami fan I'd be more dissapointed in my coaches then a Highschool kid playing mind games.

Oh believe me i am very disappointed in the coaching staff. Very much so. This is the second straight year they have failed to close. I wont blame them for Fred Rouse, but we had Kyle Moore in our hand and failed to close. It never should have even been close for Smith. We had Cushing and then he bailed at the last second in an eerily similar way to another top ranked LB from NJ last year with Toal. Same thing. And its not like they are a good gameday staff either. Losing to North Carolina? Losing to Clemson? Losing to Virginia Tech in Miami? I like Coach Coker very much as a person. He is a really nice man. But he isnt a great coach. Randy Shannon is a good recruiter but he is extremely unflexible as a coach. He will play one and only one coverage and will not switch up even when we are getting slaughtered. He will never help out the Defensive line with Blitzes, never be creative. The offense is boringly predictable and very conservative. They will not play to their strengths. Berlin hates the I formation and the under center play action game. He is strictly a shotgun QB. They stick with their conservative offense. I appreciate the fact that Coker runs a clean ship and actually cares about his players. I appreciate the fact that unlike other programs in the South, we dont have a street agent and we dont pay players to come. But 9-3 is not acceptable. This team has lost 5 games over the last two seasons. They are sitting in the middle of the biggest hotbed of high school talent in America and there isnt another major program for hundreds of miles. The "State of Miami" hasnt been locked down. We let Georgia take Max Jean Gilles from under our noses. We let Tennessee take Dee Morley from right under our noses. I could go on and on and on. The bottom line is we better lose no more than 1 regular season game next year. Anything less than 10-1 should be grounds for dismissal as it would be the third straight disappointing season. The fact that we only have 2 scholarship QBs on the entire roster neither one of which has started a single college game will not be an acceptable excuse for the coaches either. That's the bed they made now they have to sleep in it. 1 loss or your out, barring massive injuries to the team. We went to the Peach Bowl this year. The ****ing Peach Bowl. This staff is on thin ice. Believe me, i am not letting the staff off.

[Darkhawk24]

Point taken... I can understand your frustration I just was suprised at the anger point towards the kid is all. :)

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

The whole recruiting process has become too much of a public spectacle. I think it is hurting the game by making the athletes feel bigger than the team.

[FADERPROOF]

What an asshole to do that to your mom

Yet what an awesome guy to do that to Miami :)

[Breck Bronc]

The whole recruiting process has become too much of a public spectacle. I think it is hurting the game by making the athletes feel bigger than the team.Yup, the whole thing has become a joke. Just print the list of who went where and be done with it. The internet has created a whole new animal with recruiting.

[alkemical]

Hey guys, how'd PSU rank this year?

I don't really follow college, but they are "the" team in my area. But i hate talking to PSU homers around here.

[Crushaholic]

Cameron Morrah still wavering. It isn't looking good.

Yeah...Morrah decided to go to Cal. We lost Morrah to Cal and QB Zac Robinson to Oklahoma State. Otherwise, there weren't any big surprises in the K-State class. KU lost many more recruits..... ROFL!

[SoCalBronco]

josh, PSU signed one of the nation's top athletes in derrick williams but i do not think their class was ranked in any top 25s.

Breck, did you read that Miami herald story on the street agent, antron wright. i found it kind of morbidly amusing that the team he was on in the NFL for that one year was the Ratbirds. It all kind of makes sense. Trash begets trash. Too bad he is going to be a thorn in our side for years helping out the likes of NC State and Tennessee.
Also, i am getting a really bad gut feeling that our friend Dot had his hand in this Antone fiasco somehow.

[alkemical]

thanks so cal

[Saulbadguy]

Well it said that K-State got a late recruit today. I can't find out who yet. We are going after a DT named Willie Williams, though. :D

[Saulbadguy]

Cool. Its Willie. We got 'em.

Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College defensive tackle Willie Williams returned home from Kansas State on Sunday armed with information to help him make his final college choice. After committing to Oklahoma State in June, the Cowboys decided to go in another direction earlier this month. The four-star prospect narrowed his list to K-State and Troy State and began a four-day process of making his decision on where he would play his college football.

Audibles: "He's mean. He's strong and quick and he'll put the fear of God in your eyes if you line up against him." -Hutchinson coach Craig Jersild

[Master___Pain]

Cool. Its Willie. We got 'em.

Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College defensive tackle Willie Williams returned home from Kansas State on Sunday armed with information to help him make his final college choice. After committing to Oklahoma State in June, the Cowboys decided to go in another direction earlier this month. The four-star prospect narrowed his list to K-State and Troy State and began a four-day process of making his decision on where he would play his college football.

Audibles: "He's mean. He's strong and quick and he'll put the fear of God in your eyes if you line up against him." -Hutchinson coach Craig Jersild

How was Troy in the running for this kid??

[Saulbadguy]

How was Troy in the running for this kid??
Troy was closer to home for him.

Actually, didn't you see that Troy DT score a TD against Missouri this year? Maybe he thought he would get the opportunity to score? ???

hehe

[SoCalBronco]

Saul the JUCO LB you should have targetted was Nate Harris. That guy is going to be great. I hope he has overcome some of his problems but he had NFL written all over him a few years ago. I think he went to Louisville. I hope he succeeds. When i heard he was going to JUCO after he got out of that corrections program, i was like Saul is going to love this kid, assuming you guys were going to get him since you get a whole bunch of JUCO studs.