Tuscaloosa Visitors Bureau

October 23, 2005

Another exciting game for prospects

DL/OL Jermarcus Ricks attended Saturday's Alabama-Tennessee game.

Several top prospects were on hand Saturday to see the Crimson Tide's dream season continue with a 6-3 win over Tennessee. Here's a look at those spotted by TI on Saturday.

Official visitors

Blue Chip quarterback Tim Tebow of St Augustine-Nease, FL made his second appearance in Tuscaloosa this fall. Tebow, who attended Alabama's win over Florida earlier this month, was on an official visit to Alabama this weekend. The 6-2½, 220-pound Tebow is generally regarded as one of the nation's top five prep quarterbacks. Although he lists seven schools under consideration, it's believed he'll pick Alabama or Florida. Reports are Tebow will announce his decision on ESPN in mid-December.

Another official visitor this weekend was Chattanooga-Baylor offensive lineman Jacques McClendon (6-3, 295, 5.2). McClendon, who has been committed to Tennessee for several months, took an official visit to South Bend for the Notre Dame-Southern Cal game.

McClendon, the son of former Tennessee quarterback Sterling Henton, is from Cleveland, TN, which is less than 90 minutes from Knoxville. Sources close to the Baylor program indicate that McClendon's mother would like for her son to stay close to home.

Defensive prospects

Rome, GA star linebacker Toryan Smith (6-0, 230, 4.65) is impressed by exciting games, and for the second time this season he saw an exhilarating Tide victory. Following Alabama's win over Florida earlier this month, Smith indicated that he was on the verge of committing to Alabama over the Gators. But after visiting Notre Dame last weekend for the Southern Cal game, Smith moved the Irish to the top of his list. Smith is expected to decide soon between Alabama, Notre Dame and Florida.

Jermarcus Ricks (6-3, 285, 5.0), perhaps the state's top two-way lineman, made his first Alabama game of the season. Ricks is expected to choose between Alabama and Auburn.

Another prospect making his first Tide game was speedy linebacker Martez Smith (6-0, 205, 4.5) of Camden-Velma Jackson, MS. Smith, who has an offer from Southern Miss, is being recruited by Tide assistant Sparky Woods.

St Augustine-Nease, FL linebacker Hunter Haynes (6-2, 225, 4.7) was also at the game.

Offensive prospects

Lost in all the hoopla over Tebow is Tuscaloosa-American Christian Academy quarterback Chris Smelley (6-3, 215, 4.8). Many consider Smelley, who was on hand Saturday, as the state's top quarterback.

Wide receivers spotted were Tim Hawthorne (6-2½, 200, 4.5) of Homewood, who has been rumored to favor Tennessee, Cornelius Williams (6-0, 180, 4.55) of Hoover and Courtney Smith (6-4, 195, 4.6) of Prattville.

Three fullbacks spotted at the game were Corey Patterson (6-0, 235, 4.7) of Mobile-Davidson, Benji Maher (6-0, 245, 4.9) of Jackson Academy-Jackson, MS and Reggie Hicks (6-2, 220, 4.7) of Madison-Central, MS.

The committed

Several of those prospects already committed to Alabama that were spotted at the game include blue chip offensive linemen Taylor Pharr (6-5, 270, 5.0) of Shades Valley and David Ross (6-3½, 290, 5.2) of Homewood, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Bryan Motley (6-2, 280, 5.3) of Autaugaville, tight end Preston Dial (6-4, 240, 4.7) of Mobile UMS-Wright, wide receiver Nikita Stover (6-1, 200, 4.5) of Itawamba CC, linebacker Charlie Higgenbotham (6-0, 210, 4.6) of Mountain Brook, linebacker Charlie Kirschman (6-3, 230, 4.7) of St Augustine-Nease, FL, safety Andy Davis (6-1, 205, 4.5) of Briarwood Christian and cornerback Tremayne Coger (5-11, 180, 4.45) of Columbia-Central, TN.


	Tuscaloosa Visitors Bureau October 23, 2005 Another exciting game for prospects DL/OL Jermarcus Ricks attended Saturday's Alabama-Tennessee game. Several top prospects were on hand Saturday to see the Crimson Tide's dream season continue with a 6-3 win over Tennessee. Here's a look at those spotted by TI on Saturday. Official visitors Blue Chip quarterback Tim Tebow of St Augustine-Nease, FL made his second appearance in Tuscaloosa this fall. Tebow, who attended Alabama's win over Florida earlier this month, was on an official visit to Alabama this weekend. The 6-2½, 220-pound Tebow is generally regarded as one of the nation's top five prep quarterbacks. Although he lists seven schools under consideration, it's believed he'll pick Alabama or Florida. Reports are Tebow will announce his decision on ESPN in mid-December. Another official visitor this weekend was Chattanooga-Baylor offensive lineman Jacques McClendon (6-3, 295, 5.2). McClendon, who has been committed to Tennessee for several months, took an official visit to South Bend for the Notre Dame-Southern Cal game. McClendon, the son of former Tennessee quarterback Sterling Henton, is from Cleveland, TN, which is less than 90 minutes from Knoxville. Sources close to the Baylor program indicate that McClendon's mother would like for her son to stay close to home. Defensive prospects Rome, GA star linebacker Toryan Smith (6-0, 230, 4.65) is impressed by exciting games, and for the second time this season he saw an exhilarating Tide victory. Following Alabama's win over Florida earlier this month, Smith indicated that he was on the verge of committing to Alabama over the Gators. But after visiting Notre Dame last weekend for the Southern Cal game, Smith moved the Irish to the top of his list. Smith is expected to decide soon between Alabama, Notre Dame and Florida. Jermarcus Ricks (6-3, 285, 5.0), perhaps the state's top two-way lineman, made his first Alabama game of the season. Ricks is expected to choose between Alabama and Auburn. Another prospect making his first Tide game was speedy linebacker Martez Smith (6-0, 205, 4.5) of Camden-Velma Jackson, MS. Smith, who has an offer from Southern Miss, is being recruited by Tide assistant Sparky Woods. St Augustine-Nease, FL linebacker Hunter Haynes (6-2, 225, 4.7) was also at the game. Offensive prospects Lost in all the hoopla over Tebow is Tuscaloosa-American Christian Academy quarterback Chris Smelley (6-3, 215, 4.8). Many consider Smelley, who was on hand Saturday, as the state's top quarterback. Wide receivers spotted were Tim Hawthorne (6-2½, 200, 4.5) of Homewood, who has been rumored to favor Tennessee, Cornelius Williams (6-0, 180, 4.55) of Hoover and Courtney Smith (6-4, 195, 4.6) of Prattville. Three fullbacks spotted at the game were Corey Patterson (6-0, 235, 4.7) of Mobile-Davidson, Benji Maher (6-0, 245, 4.9) of Jackson Academy-Jackson, MS and Reggie Hicks (6-2, 220, 4.7) of Madison-Central, MS. The committed Several of those prospects already committed to Alabama that were spotted at the game include blue chip offensive linemen Taylor Pharr (6-5, 270, 5.0) of Shades Valley and David Ross (6-3½, 290, 5.2) of Homewood, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Bryan Motley (6-2, 280, 5.3) of Autaugaville, tight end Preston Dial (6-4, 240, 4.7) of Mobile UMS-Wright, wide receiver Nikita Stover (6-1, 200, 4.5) of Itawamba CC, linebacker Charlie Higgenbotham (6-0, 210, 4.6) of Mountain Brook, linebacker Charlie Kirschman (6-3, 230, 4.7) of St Augustine-Nease, FL, safety Andy Davis (6-1, 205, 4.5) of Briarwood Christian and cornerback Tremayne Coger (5-11, 180, 4.45) of Columbia-Central, TN.