Top 5 recruiting surprises

[Eric the Red]

Top 5 recruiting surprises

 

John Talman

Rivals.com

 

 

 

Green sticks with the Trojans

 

 

It was a huge pickup for USC to get the signature of running back Joe McKnight, the nation's No. 2 overall player. However, it was the decision of running back Broderick Green that surprised everyone across the country. Green had been committed to the Trojans since April, but official visits to Penn State and Ohio State had many thinking Green was going to head to the Big Ten. In the end, Green reaffirmed his decision to sign with the Trojans after wavering for several months.

 

Tar Heels finish with flurry

 

Not many people believed that North Carolina would land Dwight Jones and Marvin Austin. New Tar Heels coach Butch Davis did just that -- and more. UNC finished as well as any team in the country. Austin is the No. 7 player in the country and the No. 1 defensive tackle. Jones is the No. 22 player in the nation and the fourth-ranked wide receiver. If that wasn't enough, Greg Little switched his commitment from Notre Dame to the in-state Tar Heels late on Signing Day after talking things over with his family.

 

Rivals250 receiver signs twice, makes switch

 

During a public announcement, many expected longtime Clemson commitment Markish Jones to sign with the Tigers. The four-star wide receiver announced he was going to play for the Tigers and signed his paperwork. However, after signing his name and before sending the letter of intent to Clemson, Jones walked into his coach's office and said he wanted to go to Florida State instead. Jones then signed his letter of intent to play for the Seminoles and faxed it to FSU. Jones' high school coach said Jones' relationship with Seminoles assistant coach Jimbo Fisher made the difference in the end.

 

Ross pulls Signing Day switch on Huskers

 

After losing four-star linebacker Travis Lewis days before, Nebraska found out this morning that longtime commitment David Ross was faxing his letter-of-intent to Oregon State. According to Ross' coach, the chance of playing sooner at Oregon State was a factor. Ross, a four-star cornerback, may have changed his mind because the Huskers signed five defensive backs - including two junior college prospects that are expected to compete for early playing time in Lincoln.

 

Devine decides against signing

 

After making a commitment to West Virginia on Tuesday, the recruiting process seemed to be finished for five-star running back Noel Devine. The 5-8, 170-pound speedster surprised some by delaying things once again. Devine's high school coach, James Iandoli, said on Wednesday that Devine had a long talk with mentor Deion Sanders. During that conversation, Sanders apparently convinced Devine to wait. A visit to Florida State is possible this weekend, or Devine may opt to head to prep school in order to sure up his academic standing. It appears things are on hold not only for West Virginia, but the several other schools that are recruiting Devine.