GT Swarm Recruiting Live Chat - January 4th, 2014

[SwarmBot]

Jan 4, 2014 6:27 AM - John just pruned the chatroom.
Jan 4, 2014 10:46 AM - Eric: Hey geys
Jan 4, 2014 10:50 AM - Eric: Chat working for everyone?
Jan 4, 2014 10:52 AM - Eric: Okay, should be fixed now
Jan 4, 2014 10:53 AM - BainbridgeJacket: alright
Jan 4, 2014 10:54 AM - Eric: I will start it off with this...Any DT recruits still a take right now?
Jan 4, 2014 10:55 AM - LittleGeorge: Morning fellas
Jan 4, 2014 10:55 AM - Eric: I do not think so at this time...we have bigger needs ahead of DT. Staff wants a RB, CB and DE or LB. But I could see them taking a flex guy like Bowen if things fall the right way.
Jan 4, 2014 10:56 AM - BainbridgeJacket: who's our main target remaining at each position?
Jan 4, 2014 10:57 AM - Eric: Next question from the thread...since there will be an extra roster spot and does this mean we might try and add another QB?
Jan 4, 2014 10:57 AM - Eric: I personally do not see us taking another QB unless they find someone they really like, this late in the game I would be surprised to see us land one.
Jan 4, 2014 10:59 AM - Eric: The main targets are....Myles Autry (RB), Mike Rogers (DB/ATH), Darius West (DB Kentucky Commit), Lamont Simmons (DB), Jimmy Bayes (DE/OLB USF Commit) Ja'merez Bowen (DL)
Jan 4, 2014 11:00 AM - Eric: Troy Vincent (DB)...Vincent is the staffs favorite and they would take him over the other DBs listed.
Jan 4, 2014 11:00 AM - Eric: Staff prefers Rogers over Autry as well.
Jan 4, 2014 11:02 AM - CuseJacket: Darius West is a name I haven't heard before.. what's his story?
Jan 4, 2014 11:05 AM - Jerry the Jacket: Do you think Matthew Jordan has the kind of skill set that would potentially allow him to get on the field as a true freshman?
Jan 4, 2014 11:05 AM - Shaun Boatwright: Do we have any shot at the duo from Ohio? I saw where one them tweeted their pick would be a surprise.
Jan 4, 2014 11:06 AM - Eric: West is a Kentucky commit who we have been working for awhile now...He missed all of his Senior year due to injury but has a lot of upside. He has OVed to Michigan State...he says he is solid to Kentucky..but he has been listening to other schools and we hav ebeen on him a long time. We are pushing hard for a OV.
Jan 4, 2014 11:07 AM - BainbridgeJacket: You had mentioned that you think we are going to flip 1 or 2 commits to other schools. At liberty to name them yet?
Jan 4, 2014 11:08 AM - Jerry the Jacket: With UCF's success do you think Rogers is now going to be nearly impossible to rip away from O'Leary?
Jan 4, 2014 11:08 AM - Eric: Out of all the Qbs we have landed I think Jordan is the one that has the best chance of seeing the field early...Him coming in early is a big deal and depending on how quick he picks up the offense he very well could see the field. The coaches have told him to be ready when he got here....If I had to guess I think he redshirts but it is not certain. His work ethic is great and he is a fighter.
Jan 4, 2014 11:09 AM - Eric: No shot at the Ohio kids...They are committing today and it should be to Ohio State...Kentucky is the other school in the mix for them. Good players though.
Jan 4, 2014 11:10 AM - Shaun Boatwright: I would rather see them go to OSU than UK. Sick of crappy SEC teams getting good players.
Jan 4, 2014 11:10 AM - Eric: I still think we are going to flip one...I cant say the name until he at least takes his OV here. I think he will be here the 17th or the 24th. He is a defensive recruit.
Jan 4, 2014 11:11 AM - Shaun Boatwright: Any poteential names at WR? I am worried about losing Smelter and Waller after next year.
Jan 4, 2014 11:11 AM - Eric: Mike Rogers is one I do not feel good about...he went to a all star game this past week with three UCF commits and bonded really well. He is recruiting for UCF and will be taking his OV to them on the 17th....I think he will be a hard flip. It will be telling if he decides to take a OV to GT or not after his UCF one.
Jan 4, 2014 11:12 AM - tkw26: Any idea if we will have anymore transfers? I have heard there could be a couple more.
Jan 4, 2014 11:14 AM - Eric: Qua is coming in at WR...Jalen Johnson could also end up there. We have some young guys the staff likes in Jeune, Messick and Summers. Autry will also be back next season...The staff isnt concerned about this spot.
Jan 4, 2014 11:14 AM - scotts: how many more recruits do you think we will take?
Jan 4, 2014 11:14 AM - Pj4prez01: Do you think we have a shot landing any Louisville recruits?
Jan 4, 2014 11:14 AM - Eric: We also turned down a transfer from Kent Taylor.
Jan 4, 2014 11:15 AM - Beevis: I think you said you were worried about one commit wavering, can you say who it is?
Jan 4, 2014 11:15 AM - Eric: I have said I expect 2-4 to leave the team...Vad was one. The others to watch are Zenon, Bostic and Bailey. Could be one outside that group but I do not expect all of them to leave...Bailey could get a medical hardship
Jan 4, 2014 11:16 AM - Jerry the Jacket: If Golden leaves Miami and Franklin leaves Vandy are there any prime candidates in their classes that we would target to try and flip.? If so what are their names?
Jan 4, 2014 11:16 AM - Eric: I think we will take 4 more...that is my guess as of now.
Jan 4, 2014 11:17 AM - Eric: No I dont see us landing any Louisville guys.
Jan 4, 2014 11:17 AM - Eric: Miles Taylor is the commit that worries me...It is key that he has a good visit on the 17th.
Jan 4, 2014 11:18 AM - BainbridgeJacket: where is Miles looking elsewhere? Also, what about the Auburn looking OL?
Jan 4, 2014 11:18 AM - Eric: I do not think we would get any interest from the Miami commits...From Vandy Cole Hardin (OL) is one we loved early on and he chose Vandy over us...I would hope we try to go after him. Jesse Burkett is another but he would likely head to Stanford.
Jan 4, 2014 11:18 AM - scotts: If we miss out on both Rogers and Autry, then who are the other RBs on our list?
Jan 4, 2014 11:19 AM - Jerry the Jacket: How is the O lineman, I think Stickler, coming along with the knee injury? Did they have to operate on him?
Jan 4, 2014 11:20 AM - Eric: Miles isnt just looking at a certain school...he just isnt as solid as he once was IMO. A good visit could seal him up though...Iowa, PSU and Wisonsion have been after him. PSU was the one to worry about but we are good there now.
Jan 4, 2014 11:20 AM - Eric: I have not heard Auburn and Andrew Marshall talked about in awhile...I would not be shocked to see him pick up more offers before NSD though. he is good.
Jan 4, 2014 11:21 AM - Eric: I could not tell you the other RBs on the list...I have no idea who they would go after next.
Jan 4, 2014 11:21 AM - gtechsta: Is the Griffin, GA QB DI material? I've heard yes and no.
Jan 4, 2014 11:21 AM - boozinbuzz: Any ideas on how the Bruce Feldman report came about yesterday?
Jan 4, 2014 11:22 AM - Eric: The Olineman is Jake Whitely and no he does not need surgery...he is fine now. I did a interview with him on here now long ago.
Jan 4, 2014 11:22 AM - Eric: I would not take Griffin for us...I think he would be great at Army or somewhere like that.
Jan 4, 2014 11:23 AM - Brian Johnson: Do you think we land Autry? I saw a tweet saying he is interested in FL?
Jan 4, 2014 11:24 AM - Eric: Good question on Feldman...I am not sure. He usually is pretty good with his info...I am not sure where he got that info from. It was
Jan 4, 2014 11:24 AM - Eric: it was just bad info.
Jan 4, 2014 11:24 AM - Eric: Autry will be a mystery till he signs somwhere.
Jan 4, 2014 11:25 AM - Squint: are we recruiting any new position coaches... hahaha
Jan 4, 2014 11:26 AM - BainbridgeJacket: Since we're talking about coaches, who do you think has been doing the best work on the recruiting trail this year?
Jan 4, 2014 11:26 AM - Eric: haha would have to have a opening first.
Jan 4, 2014 11:28 AM - Eric: Best work hmm...McCollum is always our best but Owens has done well this year if I had to pick a surprise...
Jan 4, 2014 11:28 AM - tkw26: If GT record is 7-6 will PJ be back the next season?
Jan 4, 2014 11:28 AM - Matt E: Are we in danger of losing any of our position coaches that could impact recruiting?
Jan 4, 2014 11:28 AM - Squint: Wasn't Roof supposed to have an impact on recruiting? How's that working out?
Jan 4, 2014 11:29 AM - Eric: I cant answer that...only the admins would know that. I would not expect him back if that happens though...JMO.
Jan 4, 2014 11:29 AM - tkw26: Ok
Jan 4, 2014 11:30 AM - tkw26: Thanks
Jan 4, 2014 11:30 AM - ramblin_man: who is one more recruit that you'd love to see sign with GT
Jan 4, 2014 11:31 AM - Eric: Losing any coach hurts recruiting...lets say we fired Sewak then we would likely lose Stickler...I would not be surprised to see someone come after CAM soon.
Jan 4, 2014 11:31 AM - Eric: Roof has done very well...kids love him. He was huge in landing Tre Jackson and CJ Leggett. Roof is great with kids.
Jan 4, 2014 11:31 AM - Moonknightatl: Any updates on the JC player we have targeted?
Jan 4, 2014 11:31 AM - Eric: Mike Rogers hands down.
Jan 4, 2014 11:32 AM - Eric: Nope, we wont know anything on Whitehead for awhile. I think he will be at GMC for one more semester.
Jan 4, 2014 11:34 AM - Squint: Is our DL trending up or down?
Jan 4, 2014 11:35 AM - Eric: I expect a fall-off at DL next year with Attaochu leaving and no rush DE that I see ready to make a impact...Overall I woul say up. Pelton seems to be a good coach and we have some good young players that have potential...we just have to develop it.

 

[SwarmBot]

Jan 4, 2014 at 11:36 AM - Moonknightatl: Any of these guys options at punt returner? worried about using Golden in that role as he is needed in D backfield
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:36 AM - Squint: It seems our DBs are trending up, I just don't get that impression elsewhere on the D.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:36 AM - tkw26: What about the CB positions? How did we end up with just 2 CB returning?
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:37 AM - ramblin_man: If you had your choice of OL coaches to bring to GT who would uou pick and why?
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:38 AM - Eric: I dont expect to see any true Fr returning punts..Golden will have the job but as Smelter showed this year he isnt bad.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:38 AM - ramblin_man: will Hamilton be back with us next year?
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:39 AM - gtechsta: Gotsis to Rush End is a rumor I've heard.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:39 AM - kg01: gut feel on troy vincent or any other pennst kids?
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:39 AM - Eric: Just bad depth and losing Tolando to Miss St last year hurt...Golden could switch to CB as could Milton although hes better at S.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:39 AM - Eric: I could not pick a OL coach for GT...dont know enough about the guys out there. Sorry.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:40 AM - Eric: I expect Joe back next year...would be shocked if he left.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:40 AM - Eric: Gotsis could end up at DE depending on how the other DTs perform...as of now he is still at DT though.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:41 AM - tkw26: Good that we are bring in a lot of CB'S in this class
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:41 AM - gtechsta: Thanks and thanks for doing the chat
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:41 AM - BainbridgeJacket: Golden mentioned he's at Safety recently on his twitter (didn't expect to switch to CB)
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:41 AM - Eric: Troy is the only one we have a shot with..I will have to see him visit before I think we have a good shot at him. My gut says he ends up elsewhere.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:42 AM - Eric: Not Goldens choice I can tell you that the coaches are thinking of moving him to CB. A decision will be made in the Spring.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:42 AM - Eric: Yep we needs CBs bad.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:42 AM - tkw26: I keep hearing we want another safety, but it seem to me we have a lot of them.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:43 AM - GTsgs: Any update on Lo Wood?
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:43 AM - Eric: we need more DB depth in general...I would love to take another DB in this class.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:44 AM - Eric: Lo Wood is headed to Miami of Ohio.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:44 AM - Squint: Thought the austin twins were DBs
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:44 AM - kg01: i worry about the one db we have from nc who cant stay healthy. name escapes me
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:44 AM - ramblin_man: whithead?
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:44 AM - Eric: Austin twins are both CBs.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:45 AM - tkw26: He is at safety.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:45 AM - Eric: Noble...yeah that has been a concern. We need more bodies back there
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:45 AM - Eric: I updated Whitehead above.. Nope, we wont know anything on Whitehead for awhile. I think he will be at GMC for one more semester.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:45 AM - Squint: we get several DBs back from injury right?
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:46 AM - tkw26: No CB'S
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:46 AM - Squint: true
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:46 AM - Pj4prez01: Is Isaiah Johnson expected to be back next season
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:46 AM - tkw26: Yes
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:46 AM - Eric: Johnson will be a SR and Golden a upperclassman.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:47 AM - Eric: He is expected back.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:48 AM - tkw26: To me on defense CB is a position of concern.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:48 AM - Squint: yeah I guess you're right...
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:48 AM - tkw26: Great concern.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:48 AM - Pj4prez01: Do you know if legget was recruited as an a or b back
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:48 AM - Squint: I think of them (DB) as interchangeable
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:49 AM - Eric: Leggett was recruited as both...likely start out at A back.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:50 AM - tkw26: I don't. Some can play CB and some Safety.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:50 AM - Eric: Just depends on the player..some are and some arent. Not everyone is Jemea Thomas.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:51 AM - tkw26: Correct
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:52 AM - CuseJacket: Eric, what are your expectations for GT's 2015 class? Is there a strong group of rising Seniors in GA? Do you expect the new recruiting approach to pay dividends?
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:53 AM - Eric: Great question...I am a little worried to be honest. With the rumors abotu CPJ swirling around and a few very average seasons it will be something to watch in recruiting...GA will be loaded as always. Tons of good RBs in state next year.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:57 AM - Eric: Would be cool if you did a rundown of the 2015 class needs...My guess Qb (1-2) A back (2-3) B back (1) WR (2) OL (3) DE (2) DT (1-2) LB (3) CB (1-2) S(1-2)..think we see a class near 20 people.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:58 AM - Moonknightatl: Losing B. Douglas last year to UGA hurt the depth at bback. Any other small school guys like Douglas in the wings for this class?
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:59 AM - Eric: Not sure who we end up taking at RB..I hope to see two more. I would love Mike Rogers to be one of them.
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:59 AM - BainbridgeJacket: What is the perception of our S&C program among recruits as compared to other ACC/SEC schools?
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:59 AM - AE 87: any news on Jabari and Roof? We seemed to play a lot of nickel our last two games and got gashed up the middle
Jan 4, 2014 at 11:59 AM - tkw26: Our class will end up with 22-25
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:00 PM - Eric: I have never heard a recruit mention a S&C program to be honest...I can tell you that ours has improved with Sisk.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:00 PM - Moonknightatl: IMO Douglas would have been a beast at bback here based on his fr year at UGA
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:01 PM - MacDaddy2: We should never speak of Mr. Douglas
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:01 PM - MacDaddy2: he is dead to us
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:02 PM - Eric: Nothing to report on Jabari he just has not been playing well...missing last Spring really hurt him. He is a really motivated guy and team first player...He will working hard to get ready for next year. I expect him to get back to the player that showed so much potential his first year.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:02 PM - Moonknightatl: You are right MD2 wish we had a clone of him though
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:04 PM - MacDaddy2: Anyone know if we are looking at Bettistea from Allatoona High in Acworth
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:05 PM - kg01: any possibilities with anymore big uglies
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:09 PM - Eric: Bowen is visiting the 17th...There are some we are still recruiting. We are done with OL though.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:12 PM - Moonknightatl: Will Donovan have a chance to break through at aback next season?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:12 PM - Eric: I woould love to see a finish with Rogers, Vincent Jr, Autry and one more guy. I would also be happy with landing Simmons.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:12 PM - CuseJacket: Eric, it seems Twitter played a big role in this year's class forming relationships early on and sticking together. Is this a microcosm of what's happening elsewhere in the country? It seemed telling that Kinlaw was disengaged and now tweeting much about GT while he was committed.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:15 PM - Eric: Twitter has really been a big factor for a couple of years now..it is huge with the kids that age. It is happening with recruits everywhere...its cool to see....as you said in the Kinlaw case you can usually tell if someone isnt all Tech.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:15 PM - Eric: He could see some time this year but he has some depth ahead of him...after this year I think he will see a lot of PT.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:17 PM - BainbridgeJacket: who do you think will be the first to send in their LOI on signing day?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:19 PM - Eric: Not counting the EE's I think it would be Jalen Johnson but due to him being a hour behind I will say Whitley.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:21 PM - Eric: Our next big OV weekend is the 17th btw

 

[SwarmBot]

Jan 4, 2014 at 12:21 PM - Ibeeballin: Could we get back in on Marvin Zander
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:22 PM - GT21: How much of a long shot on the players you listed to finish with?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:22 PM - Eric: Zanders seems sold on Mizzou now...He says UF offered recently but he is staying with the Tigers.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:23 PM - Eric: None of them are real longshots...just have to get them all on campus. If we do then we have a real chance with all of those guys
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:24 PM - Eric: Keep in mind there will be new names coming up soon that we havnet heard mentioned before...maybe a QB is in that group, we will have to see.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:25 PM - Eric: Any last questions?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:26 PM - ramblin_man: have we dobe away with the "migration" theme?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:27 PM - kg01: whatre you gonna do with your time off?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:27 PM - Eric: haha, nah I would think we see that come back in the off-season.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:28 PM - Eric: Sleep haha...likely watch football. I am looking forward to seeing the Packers game..weather looks unreal.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:29 PM - Ben Jones: Sorry for joining late, but is there any truth to PJ wanting out or cook to army?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:30 PM - Ben Jones: I just feel that these things can't be made up
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:30 PM - Ben Jones: Love this message board. Tanks for all that you do
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:30 PM - Eric: No worries...Nope, the CPJ story is totally false. I talked to someone very close to CPJ yesterday and was told that it could not be further from the truth...CPJ was pretty upset by the report.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:31 PM - Eric: As for Cook he told me himself that it wasnt true...time will tell on that one though.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:31 PM - Eric: Thanks!
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:31 PM - Ben Jones: I think we will know after nsd if it is true
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:31 PM - Eric: You are right.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:32 PM - Ben Jones: Also, I hear that one of our better coaches is going to leave ... Have you heard this?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:32 PM - Eric: Ben, I have heard that. CAM is the one that I am worried about.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:33 PM - Ben Jones: BINGO
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:34 PM - Eric: I have about 5 mins left before I have to run.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:34 PM - Ben Jones: Any names you can mention on leaving early?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:35 PM - Eric: Bostic, Zenon and Bailey are ones to watch...Cheeks as well. None are decided yet though.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:36 PM - BainbridgeJacket: thanks for doing the chat, eric
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:36 PM - Eric: yes sir, thanks for you all joining in. hopefully I answered things as well as I could.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:37 PM - Ben Jones: Thanks again Eric. You run a great sire!
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:37 PM - Ben Jones: Site. Sorry
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:37 PM - southernhive: You did great. Thank you for your time!
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:38 PM - Eric: Thanks guys...want to thank you all for making the site what it is...couldnt be here without you all!
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:38 PM - Towaliga: On your post about the recruits still committed, the ones not listed, is it because you haven't been able to contact them, or are more than 1-2 waivering?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:39 PM - Eric: The ones not listed are the ones I did not get in contact with.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:39 PM - Towaliga: Good. Thanks, and thanks for all your work on t his site, but when do you ever sleep?
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:39 PM - poodleface: No questions, but thanks for taking the time, Eric.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:40 PM - Eric: haha i find time here and there...John also puts in a lot of work in the site and I couldnt be here without him. He may be behind the scenes a lot but he has done a great job.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:41 PM - Eric: Cuse also has been a great Mod and makes things easier for me, great two guys to work with.
Jan 4, 2014 at 12:42 PM - Eric: Remember if you guys have any questions feel free to ask in the Recruiting Q&A thread...Thanks again and I look forward to doing this again soon.