Tag: 247 Sports

Report: Ducks add Matt Lombardi as analyst to football program

Report: The Oregon football program is expected to hire Matt Lombardi as an analyst.

According to Matt Zenitz of 247sports.com, the Oregon Ducks football program is expected to hire Matt Lombardi as an analyst.

Ever since Dan Lanning arrived in Eugene, he has transformed the football staff to look more and more like a professional organization and the hiring of Lombardi is another step in that direction.

The newest member of the Duck football staff is coming most recently from the Las Vegas Raiders and he has experience with the Carolina Panthers. With the Raiders, Lombardi was an offensive assistant and an assistant receivers coach.

A bonus is that he worked with current offensive coordinator Will Stein when the two were at Louisville.

Oklahoma offers one of nation’s top 2026 defensive backs in Justice Fitzpatrick

Oklahoma offered five-star 2026 prospect Justice Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is the younger brother of NFL star Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Oklahoma has been on an offer spree in January, and it’s very apparent the Sooners are attempting to build their recruiting board for 2025 while also starting to piece together their board for the 2026 class.

While the class of 2025 is the next up, relationships start years before they become seniors, which rings true as the Sooners’ offer 2026 five-star defensive back Justice Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick is already a composite five-star across the primary recruiting services and is ranked in the top 30 on most recruiting websites.

He stands six feet tall now and showcases a level of feel and understanding for football beyond his years. He’s played both cornerback and safety in his two years at the high school level. He is also a track participant and is the brother of one of the best defensive backs in the NFL, Minkah Fitzpatrick.

He is already a state title winner at St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the most well-known football programs in the country. Alabama, his brother’s alma mater, has yet to offer, but some heavy hitters, including Oklahoma, have entered the pursuit for the talented and versatile defensive back.

Justice Fitzpatrick’s Recruiting Profile

HUDL

Where Clemson’s 2024 recruiting class ranks after finalized Top247

Here is a look at where Clemson’s 2024 recruiting class ranks following 247Sports finalized Top247 rankings.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson coaching staff have continually done an excellent job recruiting, and that didn’t change with the Tigers’ 2024 recruiting class.

While other programs build their teams through the transfer portal and recruiting, it is ALL recruiting for Clemson, which makes hitting on these recruits that much more essential. Luckily for Clemson fans, Swinney and his guys know how to recruit. 

247Spors recently updated their Top 25 classes after finalizing the Top247 in the 2024 cycle, with Clemson landing at No.12 in the country. 

Clemson continues to shy away from the transfer portal, which means the focus for Dabo Swinney remains on high school recruiting. The Tigers signed one of the top classes in the ACC with a pair of five-stars in linebacker Sammy Brown and wide receiver Bryant Wesco highlighting the haul for the 2024 cycle. Talent development is still the plan of attack for Swinney as he enters 2024 at Clemson.

Clemson had some huge hits in this class, headlined by linebacker Sammy Brown. According to 247Sports composite rankings, Brown is the No.2 linebacker and No.17 overall player in the class.

On the offensive end, Clemson needed help at wide receiver, and they got it in two five-star recruits. Bryant Wesco is a composite 5-star, and T.J. Moore was recently upgraded to a 5-star for 247Sports site rankings.

This class could be yet another fantastic one.

SIGNED: 4-star Ryan Pellum is officially a Duck

The Oregon Ducks officially signed 4-star WR Ryan Pellum, adding him to the 2024 class.

That receiver room at Oregon is going to have to make room for one more.

Wide receiver Ryan Pellum, once thought to be a lock for USC, has changed his mind on signing day and has signed on to be an Oregon Duck.

At 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds out of Long Beach, Pellum turned down Alabama, both Arizona school and of course the Trojans in order to become a Duck.

According to national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins of 247Sports:

Pellum is a two-way player who is being recruited primarily as a receiver. He shows the ability to be a game-breaker and a true home run hitter from anywhere on the field. He’s a natural pass catcher with strong hands and is a smooth route runner. He’s explosive after the catch as well and should be an early impact guy in the return game. He’s a fiery competitor, which you like, but it’s also something he needs to reign in at times as his emotions can get the best of him. At his best, he’s an impact player with the talent to play immediately at the college level. He has the skill set and toughness to be big time corner in college as well but prefers the offensive side of the ball.

It will be interesting to see how the Ducks plan on using Pellum, perhaps has another Tez Johnson-type, a receiver in the slot as well as a kick returner. Both would make a lot sense. The last player in this mold that spurned USC for the Ducks is De’Anthony Thomas and that worked out all right.

Here are some highlights from Pellum:

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Oklahoma Sooners land commitment from talented 4-star OL Eddy Pierre-Louis

Oklahoma has continued to stack up offensive line depth for the future, earning a commitment from four-star guard Eddy Pierre-Louis.

We are now just days away from Oklahoma finalizing their 2024 recruiting class with the early signing period coming on December 20th. Many athletes are having signing day ceremonies early since some schools will be out for winter break during that time.

The recruiting process has ended for many prospects, but for some, it has taken them a lot longer to figure out where they would play college football.

Oklahoma had to play the waiting game for one of their prospects, but with the athleticism and the upside that this one possesses, it could end up being worth the wait. Four-star Tampa Catholic offensive lineman Eddy Pierre-Louis announced his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners on Friday.

Pierre-Louis chose the Sooners over offers from Oregon, Alabama, UCF, Auburn, Florida, Michigan, USC and many others. The talented offensive lineman is a composite four-star at 247Sports is Rivals number one guard prospect in the country.

This recruitment has been a roller coaster, with UCF holding a distinct advantage at times. Oregon led for some time, as did Oklahoma. The one constant in this was Oklahoma’s ability to never get too far down the pecking order. When the opportunity came for the Sooners to seize control for good, they did just that.

Eddy Pierre-Louis has game-ready size as he stands 6-foot-4 and weighs over 315 pounds already. He is most definitely a guard in college, but he could end up being an all-conference type of guard if his athleticism translates to the collegiate level.

He runs track and field, and his high school tape showcases a physical player who thrives as a pulling lineman, where he can get out in space and punish defenders. With Oklahoma using many more gap-oriented run schemes, which Seth Littrell has incorporated in his offenses before, he has a clear path to showcasing his best skills.

Bill Bedenbaugh is getting a terrific talent whose athleticism raises his ceiling significantly. With Oklahoma’s lack of depth along the interior, it’s entirely possible that Pierre-Louis needs to be ready to play at some point next season.

With him in the boat, the Oklahoma Sooners have 28 high school commitments and remain one of the ten best recruiting classes in the country.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.

Texas A&M LB Taurean York has been named 247Sports ‘True Freshman of the Week’

After leading the Aggies in tackles in Texas A&M’s 27-10 win over Auburn, freshman LB Tauren York is 247Sports’ True Freshman of the Week.

Texas A&M freshman linebacker Taurean York has been a revelation for a team that may have found the missing link in the middle of the defense. Coming in a three-star player in the 2023 recruiting class, York’s ascendence as a first-year starter may have surprised the Aggie fan base, but for head coach Jimbo Fisher, he is wise beyond his years.

“Very mature. He’s a kid that is 18 going on 30, and I say that from a standpoint of how he learned and how he act. He’s a very intelligent guy and a very well-rounded guy that has had a very good cam. A true freshman that can make calls for you.”

So far, so good, as York, starting at the MIKE linebacker spot, is second on the team in tackles with 22, making nearly every defensive call. During the Aggies 27-10 SEC opening win against Auburn on Saturday, the Temple, Texas native had himself a day, recording a game-high 11 tackles with half a sack and two tackles for loss while perfectly positioning the defensive line to record seven sacks on the afternoon, their most in six seasons.

With one of the best defensive performances on the college football weekend, York was named 247Sports‘ “True Freshman of the Week,” notably quarterback a defense that held the Tigers to only 10 points, 3.1 yards per play, and only 54 yards through the air.

Not only was Taurean York making the defensive calls that led to consistent pressure in the pocket, but his playmaking ability and impressive speed and tackling in space are something I expect to see every week. In contrast, his sneaky ability to rush the passer is very intriguing moving forward. Again, give Jimbo Fisher a ton of credit for finding York and luring him away from Baylor, where he was previously committed for most of his recruiting process.

“He’s only going to get better with what he does, the reads he makes, and the assignments. The kid is a heck of a player and he’s a very mature kid. Happy for him.”

Congratulations on the honor, Taurean! Gig ’em.

Texas A&M will now travel to AT&T Stadium to face the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 11:00 a.m. CT., and air on the SEC Network.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

247Sports projects Crimson Tide to appear in the Citrus Bowl

247 Sports predicts the Tide to appear in the Citrus Bowl if they fail to make the CFP

After a slow start to the 2023 college football season, the Alabama Crimson Tide currently stand at 2-1 heading into SEC play this weekend. The Tide’s lone loss this season came against one of, if not the best teams in the entire country against the No. 3 Texas Longhorns in Bryant-Denny Stadium. As a result, many people have written Alabama out of the playoff race as well as SEC title contention.

While it will be no easy task, the Tide still have a chance to win the SEC and find their way into the final four, but their margin for error is zero. Ole Miss will be no easy task this weekend as they have one of the highest-flying offenses in the country behind former Alabama OC, Lane Kiffin. However, if the Tide want to get their season turned around there is no better opportunity than to get a victory against a Top 15 opponent.

It is still very early in the season with nine games to go, but 247Sports predicts that the Crimson Tide will miss the playoffs and appear in the Citrus Bowl against the Maryland Terrapins. The matchup doesn’t have the glitz and glamour that the Alabama faithful are accustomed to seeing, but squaring off against former OC Mike Locksley and Taulia Tagovailoa would be an intriguing headline.

“During the rare years the Crimson Tide failed to reach the New Year’s Six under Nick Saban, they played here in Orlando. And the Citrus Bowl’s not going to pass up a possible opportunity to get Alabama in its game this time around either as a possible three or four-loss team. Alabama was lucky to escape Saturday’s trip to Tampa against USF with a victory as a 34-point favorite. Meanwhile, Maryland’s 3-0 under Mike Locksley after scoring 42 unanswered points during a pasting of Virginia.”

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Future Clemson LB, Sammy Brown, #1 on 247 Sports Freak List

For the third year in a row, 247 Sports released its list of the top 50 freakish athletes in high school football, and once again, the top player is a defensive standout. 

For the third year in a row, 247 Sports released its list of the top 50 freakish athletes in high school football, and once again, the top player is a defensive standout.

Luckily for Death Valley, it’s the Tigers’ top recruit, Sammy Brown.

According to 247 Sports, Brown has the most impressive measurables since they began creating the list. Using their contacts at different programs nationwide, Brown is recognized as the most freakish athlete in the class of 2024.

A player like Brown is why we wanted to create this list. He’s a one-of-a-kind athlete with one-of-a-kind athletic markers, including – Andrew Ivins, 247 Sports

  •  A 405-pound power clean
  • A 600-pound back squat
  • A 395-pound bench press
  • A 10.70-second 100-meter dash
  • A 23-foot, 3-inch long jump
  • A 39.5-inch vertical jump
  • A perfect 5.0 PAI score from Tracking Football

Sammy’s father, Mike Brown, has been a football and strength coach at a high school for a long time. While some may think that Sammy was over-trained, Mike, who is older, insists that Sammy was always smart.

Initially, Sammy only did body-weight exercises, but they added weights to the barbell in middle school. This is when Mike realized that Sammy was exceptional in the weight room.

“We were locked down like everyone else during the pandemic, so we set up a gym at home,” Mike explained. “After six weeks, I decided to test him, and he power-cleaned 260 pounds. I knew from his God-given ability that it was a good lift for a high schooler, let alone an eighth grader.”

Brown dominated both football and wrestling at Jefferson High School in Georgia for the past two years, with a record of 88-5 and two state titles on the mat. Recently, he was crowned the MaxPreps Male National Athlete of the Year for the 2022-23 season.

According to his father, Mike Brown, Sammy has always had a passion for weightlifting and has been training in the gym since he was young.

He kind of grew up in that world. – Mike Brown, Sammy father.

The future Tiger is expected to shatter numerous weightlifting records at Clemson under the tutelage of strength and conditioning coach Joey Batson, who mentored his father, Mike, at Furman University.

 

Former Texas A&M CB Denver Harris is facing a possibly lengthy suspension with LSU

Former Texas A&M cornerback Denver Harris and current LSU Tiger is reportedly facing suspension after only seven months with the program.

Former Texas A&M cornerback Denver Harris, who, amid two suspensions with the Aggies during the 2022 season, saw playing time in five games while recording 14 tackles and three pass breakups, transferred to LSU in late December looking for a fresh start with the opportunity to stay in the SEC.

In August, during his first fall camp with the Tigers, Harris was reportedly involved in a fight during one of the earlier practices this month, as Nola.com LSU Beat writer Wilson Alexander noted just how bad things transpired in the heat of the moment:

“Fight broke out at #LSU practice during 11-on-11. Punches thrown, guys taken to the ground, multiple people involved. Malik Nabers and Kyren Lacy got sent to the locker room. Harold Perkins didn’t play another snap. Brian Kelly was not happy.”

This scuffle resulted in two consecutive missed practices this week after Harris’ notable exclusion from LSU’s team photo. Without making any assumptions concerning what’s to come, LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly is set to answer questions regarding a possible suspension on Wednesday.

Harris joins three fellow Texas A&M 2022 recruits who have, for better words, hit significant snags in their football path, including wide receiver Cameron Marshall (dismissed from Ole Miss), defensive back Smoke Bouie (dismissed from Georgia), and linebacker Ish Harris (no longer listed on Houston’s roster).

Denver Harris was a five-star prospect, the 2nd-ranked player, and the 2nd-ranked cornerback in the 2022 recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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Oklahoma in top 6 for four-star edge Danny Okoye

Oklahoma makes the top six for four-star instate star EDGE Danny Okoye.

Securing the state’s best prospects has been essential for the Oklahoma Sooners under Brent Venables.

On Sunday, they received a commitment from in-state four-star wide receiver Jaden Nickens. Nickens raved about how they made him feel at home and how playing for his home state was essential.

While the 2024 class doesn’t have nearly the nationally recognized talent that the 2025 class does in the Sooner Stare, legitimate Power Five prospects are still available.

One of those talents is Danny Okoye, a 247Sports composite four-star who is ranked No. 158 in his class.

He’s been a target of Oklahoma for a while now. After he visited the Sooners for Party at the Palace, Oklahoma made themselves a prominent figure in his recruiting. Okoye dropped his top six schools on Sunday afternoon, and Oklahoma made the cut.

The Sooners join Texas, Tennessee, LSU, Alabama and Colorado in his top six. Tennessee has developed a notable relationship with Okoye, making them a real threat in this recruitment. Alabama has also positioned itself in a favorable spot as well.

When speaking to Brett Greenberg of 247Sports (Subscription required) about his thoughts on each school, Okoye said this about Oklahoma:

”OU has always been showing the love for me since the beginning. One of the reasons they are in the top six is just after their last season, the amount of work that they’ve put in and the amount of progress they’ve made as a team and program, it’s definitely worth being noticed. The coaching staff is a national championship coaching staff, and I can definitely see OU winning the national championship in the future.”

No timetable for a decision has been confirmed, but Okoye told Bama247 he is planning for a mid-October to early November commitment. So it’s plausible this recruitment could see itself lasting well into the fall.

Okoye would also be a take regardless of what happens with the impending decisions of five-star edge target Williams Nwaneri and five-star defensive tackles David Stone and Dominick McKinley. Oklahoma could take up to seven defensive linemen in this class, and if they land Okoye, he would be one of them.

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