Georgia football makes final two for five-star prospect

Georgia football makes the final two for five-star prospect James Williams.

2021 5-star athlete James Williams has released his final two schools.

It’s down to Georgia and Miami for the nation’s No. 1 ranked athlete, who hails from Plantation, Florida and plays for powerhouse American Heritage.

Currently, according to 247Sports, Georgia is the favorite to land Williams, with nine expert predictions going in Kirby Smart and the Dawgs’ favor. He was once committed to Miami, but backed off that commitment a little over a year ago.

Williams ranks as the nation’s No. 10 overall recruit, No. 1 athlete and No. 1 player in the state of Florida.

At 6-foot-5 and nearly 220 pounds, Williams’ size (particularly his length) is rare for a defensive back. Smart, a former safety, and defensive backs coach Charlton Warren would have big plans for a player with the speed and vision necessary to play both strong and free safety combined with the size and physicality to play STAR.

That speed and vision give the out-of-state standout the ability to quickly diagnose plays and react accordingly. Whether he joins the Dawgs or the local Hurricanes, he is capable of making an immediate impact as a true freshman.

WATCH: Former Miami Hurricanes discuss pass interference call from 2003 Fiesta Bowl

Two Miami players, Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams, discuss the pass interference call from the 2003 Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State.

Buckeye fan or not, the pass interference that was called on Miami during the first overtime in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl that benefitted Ohio State is one of the most controversial in the history of college football. Even OSU fans will agree on that based on the responses it continues to elicit both then and even today.

To be honest, that play is probably to Miami fans what the overturned fumble call in last year’s Fiesta Bowl is to Ohio State fans now. Misery now loves company it seems.

But we haven’t really heard too much from the Hurricane players that were involved in the call that prolonged the game back in the desert night of 2003. Until now, that is.

Two linebackers off that Miami team, Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams were a part of the replay of that game on Thursday night on ESPN. They took time to provide some commentary on the game, and one of the most interesting parts of what they had to say was surrounding that pass interference call.

So, if you want to get a take on that call from a Miami perspective, click on the below and listen to what Vilma and Williams had to say. As you can probably guess, they aren’t looking at it with a scarlet and gray slant.

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ESPN’s Mark Schlabach calls pass interference call against Miami in 2003 Fiesta Bowl one of the worst in history

Mark Schlabach called the pass interference call against Miami in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl as one of the worst in college football history.

In case you haven’t heard, ESPN will be replaying the 2003 BCS national championship Fiesta Bowl between Ohio State and Miami tonight at 8PM Eastern. It has set off some memorable reflections and debate across media circles, and even we have taken the bait.

You can read five memories of that game we reminisced about, or you can either agree or disagree with three of our writers ranking running back Maurice Clarett as the best Ohio State football player to ever wear jersey No. 13.

But first things first, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach and Bill Connelly got into a debate about the penalty that was called on Miami’s Glenn Sharpe at the end of the first overtime in that game. One that kept the game alive and set the stage for Ohio State to spring the upset. Depending on what team your allegiances lie with, you probably view it as a great call, or one that triggers you even to this day. It’s one of the most polarizing calls in college football history, and it has sparked a lot of attention over the last 17 years.

So it was with Schlabach. When asked about where that penalty ranked in the history of college football calls, he said it could be the worst penalty flags thrown ever, and that you could even make a case for it being the worst ever.

Next … Schlabach’s response

Miami vs Ohio State 2003 BCS Fiesta Bowl will replay tonight on ESPN

The Ohio State vs Miami Hurricanes 2003 Fiesta Bowl for the BCS national title will replay on ESPN Thursday night.

Ohio State vs Miami Hurricanes was a classic Fiesta Bowl in 2003, and one can relive it again tonight on ESPN.

As part of their CFB Classics’ Throwback Thursday, the beloved network will air one of the most crucial games in Ohio State history, noting the game by “The Call that Changed it All.”

Thankfully, on January 3, 2003, Ohio State downed Miami, a game that many argue changed both team’s programs permanently. This was the team’s first national championship in over 30 years.

OSU won the tightly-fought battle 31-24 in double overtime as freshman back Maurice Clarett ran for the game-clinching touchdown after so many iconic and memorable moments.

As many recall, Ohio State trailed in the first overtime after Miami opened the period off with a touchdown. With a little help from the officials, the Buckeyes stormed back and defeated the No. 1 ranked Hurricanes.

The instant classic that shocked the football world almost two decades ago will be one that many tune in for. Will you?

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

We have a forum and message board now. Get in on the conversation about Ohio State athletics by joining the Buckeyes Wire Forum.

Ohio State vs. Miami 2003 Fiesta Bowl: 5 things I remember

ESPN is replaying the classic 2003 Fiesta Bowl national title game between Ohio State and Miami. Here are 5 things remembered.

In case you missed it, ESPN will be replaying the 2003 Fiesta Bowl BCS national championship game Thursday night at 8PM between Ohio State and Miami. It’s a part of a flashback series the sports network giant has rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of you reading this are too young to remember the game, which makes me feel pretty old (hey, today is my birthday after all). Some of us though remember the game very well, almost like it was yesterday. Either way, no matter what era of OSU football you grew up with, you’re no doubt aware of this game as one of the most iconic in Ohio State football history.

In honor of what was billed as an instant classic back in the desert air of that January night, I wanted to share five things I remember about the buildup of the game and what unfolded during the contest.

Next … Ohio State football wasn’t what it is today

Jags come to terms with fourth-round selection Shaquille Quarterman

The Jags have locked up their first pick from the 2020 NFL Draft in LB Shaq Quarterman, who is a native of Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected 12 rookies in the 2020 NFL Draft and have now inked their first member from the group. Per sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, the Jags came to terms with fourth-round linebacker and Jacksonville native, Shaquille Quarterman.

The Jags selected Quarterman out of Miami with the No. 140 overall selection and he was one of three fourth-round picks they made alongside St. John offensive lineman Ben Bartch and Michigan State cornerback Josiah Scott, both of whom were taken before Quarterman.

Quarterman is coming off a 2019 season in which he garnered first-team All-ACC honors as a senior after racking up 107 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and one sack. He proved to be an ironman, starting in all 52 games he was there, which was a school record for consecutive starts.

He’ll now join a linebacker group that’s spearheaded by Myles Jack, Joe Schobert, both of whom will be great examples for him to learn from. He also should see a lot of time on the field for special teams where his hard-hitting ability could maybe cause some turnovers.

Per Over the Cap, Quarterman’s projected salary for 2020 will be around $610K and the total value of the contract is estimated to be over $3.7 million. His signing bonus will total out to be $494K which will be distributed evenly over four years.

College Football News Preview 2020: Miami Hurricanes

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Miami Hurricanes season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Miami Hurricanes season with what you need to know.


Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
Schedule Analysis
– Miami Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 6-7 overall, 4-4 in ACC
Head Coach: Manny Diaz, 2nd year, 6-7
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 49
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 60
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 22

NOTE: Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: Miami Hurricanes Offense 3 Things To Know

– The offense was a stunning disaster. No one was expecting high-end pyrotechnics, but it wasn’t supposed to be a total dud at times that stalled in puzzling moments.

The Canes averaged just 367 yards and 26 points per game, but most of the points came in two games – scoring 63 against Bethune-Cookman and 52 against Louisville. Take away those two games, and they averaged fewer than 20 points per game over the other 11.

In comes new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee after handing the high-powered SMU offense over the last two years. The receivers are going to be a bit of a question mark, but he’s got the quarterback.


CFN in 60 Video: Miami Hurricanes Preview
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Former Ohio State transfer Tate Martell didn’t really work – he threw and completed one pass – and N’Kosi Perry was okay at times, but Jarren Williams was the surprise starter in the opener against Florida. Williams is looking to transfer because the Canes got a star.

D’Eriq King was a dominant statistical force for Houston, with the quickness and creativity sorely lacking in last year’s Miami attack. He threw for 4,925 yards and 50 touchdowns with ten picks, and ran for 1,421 yards with 28 scores – in his 34 games of work with the Cougars. Now he needs someone to throw to.

Junior Brevin Jordan is a next-level talent at tight end, but leading wideout KJ Osborn is gone along with Jeff Thomas. Mike Harley and Dee Wiggins combined for 58 catches with seven touchdowns, but the recruiting class should play a role early on with Michael Redding and Xavier Restepo two good-looking prospects.

There wasn’t a running game. The Canes finished dead last in the ACC in rushing, partly because the combination of a rebuilt line and young quarterbacks led to a disastrous year for the pass protection. Fortunately, the front five that was so young and had so many issues should be a whole lot stronger. All five starters are expected back, working around 6-6, 345-pound senior Navaughn Donaldson at one guard.

Leading rusher DeeJay Dallas bolted early for the NFL, but juniors Cam’Ron Harris and Robert Burns have just enough experience to be okay. If all goes according to plan, King will be good for at least 500 yards from his quarterback spot.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Miami Hurricanes Defense 3 Things To Know

Miami 2020 Preview: CFN in 60

Miami Hurricanes 2020 Preview: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead with what you need to know.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Hurricanes 2020 Preview: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead with what you need to know.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Friday, College Football Morning Announcements Style

2002 Miami vs. Florida State brought back all of the memories for me last night.

Congrats, you’ve made it to Friday.

I’m not sure if you’re working from home, still having to go to your place of employment or if you haven’t stopped going into work but you’re almost to the weekend and sometimes you just have to give yourself a small pat on the back for making it there.

Last night I was working on a couple things and scrolling channels, only to come across a college football game from when I was 16.  It took me a bit down memory lane with the NFL talent that was everywhere and it made me really want to go back to my parents basement and play NCAA Football ’03 with my high school friends.

That game is the basis of most of this Friday’s podcast.  Enjoy some discussion on the great Florida State vs. Miami rivalry, Sean Taylor and Greg Reid love and please tell me how a certain Hurricane was so loved nationally.

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We’ll be in touch on here with a few things throughout this Friday but enjoy your weekends.