Recruiting: National Notebook

The actual play on the college football gridiron has taken center stage over the last few weeks in the college football world (go figure). Slowed recruiting efforts during the heart of the regular season are nothing new. Important top-25 match-ups and high school playoffs taking place could steal the focus of any good coach, but this weekend featured a big time spike of recruiting activity. Three Athlon Consensus 100 players have committed recently and a few other teams had fruitful weekends.

Dyer Picks Auburn

Marcus Lattimore (No. 1) and Lache Seastrunk (No. 2) are the top two running back prospects in the nation. No. 3 is Little Rock (Ark.) Christian’s Michael Dyer. The record breaking runner checks in at 5-foot-8 and 195 pounds. Dyer recently became the state of Arkansas’ all-time leading rusher after a 178-yard, five touchdown performance two weeks ago. He currently is rated as the No. 11 player in the AC100 making him one the highest rated recruits Auburn has signed in recent memory (assuming he signs with the Tigers come National Signing Day).

There are some who actually believe that Dyer could be the best tailback prospect in the nation. He has an extraordinary blend of size, speed and power. His low center of gravity and powerful lower body consistently allows him to gain yards after first contact. Dyer hits the hole quickly and does it with squared-up pads in a north-south manner. He is a prototypical heavy workload type of back.

Dyer picked Auburn over Ole Miss, Tennessee and Arkansas among others. He cites the comradery of the players and the leadership of the coaching staff as his primary reasons for picking the Tigers over other SEC powers. This is a massive recruiting coup for head coach Gene Chizik, who — in his brief time as head coach — has proven to be an effective recruiter. Not only is it a big victory because Dyer is rated so highly, but because Ben Tate is graduating. With promising current freshman Onterio McCalebb nursing an injury, the talented freshman-to-be could make an immediate impact in the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

Bama Lands 5th AC100 Talent

Greensboro (N.C.) Norther Guilford athlete Keenan Allen has been rumored to have been an Alabama lean for sometime now. This week, the 6-foot-2, 185 pound prospect made it official and announced he will be heading to Tuscaloosa to play his college football. Allen is one of the nation's most versatile players and checks in as the No. 53 rated prospect in the AC100.

Allen plays all over the field for his high school squad: Cornerback, safety, running back, wide receiver and is a dynamic return specialist. He is a smooth, fluid player who is right at home attacking the football and playing in open space. This probably puts him at wideout or safety with a potential impact on special teams as well.

There have been rumors that the three Greensboro prospects (Allen, Gabe King and Chris McCain) would all like to play together. While that is still possible it seems more unlikely. King has moved to Eugene, Ore., and is a heavy Ducks lean while McCain has been an Oregon commit since September.

Lastly, the bloodlines are strong as his brother, Zach Maynard, is the starting quarterback at Buffalo.

Bittersweet Knews In Knoxville

Lane Kiffin and company stole a big time prospect from the Alabama Crimson Tide this week. Unfortunately, some AC100 prospects from the 2009 class tried to steal a lot more — but more on that in a minute.

Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett offensive lineman JuWuan James announced this week that he would be heading to Knoxville to play his college ball. For a long time, James had been committed to the Crimson Tide only to decommit a month ago and reopen his recruitment. The Georgia Bulldogs and Vols stepped up and filled the void left by the Tide. The Vols won out and landed the big 6-foot-6, 300 pounder.

James has every tool needed to be an elite college blocker. He has great size, tremendous agility and quick feet and above average power in both the upper and lower body. He just needs to put the entire package together on every play. Balance, footwork, hand placement, pad level among other things will be the primary focus of the coaching staff at Tennessee. He already has solid pass blocking skills and has a chance, once coached properly, to be a complete player along the offensive line.

The recent news that former AC100 players Nu'Keese Richardson and Janzen Jackson (along with Mike Edwards) were arrested for armed robbery at a Knoxville gas station has certainly put a damper on the positive momentum that had previously been gaining steam around the Vol program. It is an absolute embarrassment to the Tennessee fans, alums, coaches and players. It could turn out to be a complete and utter waste of god-given athletic ability and could not come at a worse time for the Vols who travel to Oxford, MIss., to play Ole Miss this weekend. The Vols are one win away from bowl eligibility in Kiffin's first season.

Big Red Machine

While Nebraska didn't land any marquee recruits this week, few teams can argue that they are hotter than the Bo Pelini-led bunch. A five commitment week pushed the Huskers' 2010 total from 11 to 16. The top rated commitment came from Houston-Eisenhower defensive tackle Jay Guy. The 6-foot, 310 pounder plays hard on every play and is the emotional leader of his team. He is as perfect as a defensive tackle prospect can be other than his slight lack of height.

The defensive line got a huge boost this week with not only Guy but also local Lincoln-Southeast end prospect Jake Cotton who checks in at a monstrous 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds. Up north, Plymouth (Minn.) Wayzata defensive end Tobi Okuyemi (6-3, 250) helps make this D-line class much stronger than it was a week ago.

Pelini went out west for the other two verbals. Junior college tight end Chase Harper (Corsicana-Navarro) checks in at 6-foot-6 and nearly 250 pounds. Harper also had offers from Miami and Kansas State among others. Corona (Calif.) Eleanor Roosevelt cornerback Joshua Mitchell (5-10, 160) rounds out the five-some of talented commitments for the Big Red Machine.

Quick Hitters:

— The Miami Hurricanes kept their strong momentum rolling with a couple of more local commitments. Carol City wide receiver Allen Hulls (6-1, 170) and St. Thomas Aquinas defensive back Keion Payne (6, 170) both announced this week that they will be joining the Canes next fall. These two commits come on the heals of a trio of solid verbals last week including AC100 tailback Eduardo Clements (Greg Dent, Storm Johnson).

— The Buffaloes of Colorado landed one of the more talented quarterbacks left on the recruiting board. New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr Magnet passer Munchie Legaux (6-4, 185) announced he was headed to Boulder. The dual-threat prospect completed nearly 70-percent of his passes as a junior as he accounted for 22 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing scores. The Buffs also landed Ontario (Calif.) Colony cornerback Jared Bell (6, 170).

— Steve McNair Jr. announced his intentions to play football at Southern Miss. The 6-foot, 190 pound wide receiver hails from Hattisburg, MIss., and was sporting offers from Ole Miss, Miss. State, West Virginia, Nebraska and Minnesota.

— Avondale (Ariz.) Westview cornerback Jourdan Grandon (6, 180) make his commitment to the Arizona Wildcats. If the Cats can keep what is turning into a very solid season on the field going, Mike Stoops and company could reap the benefits on the recruiting trail.

— Louisville (Ohio) safety Bobby Swigert committed to Boston College. The Louisville high school product is listed at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds.

— Greensboro (N.C.) Dudley safety David Amerson announced his intentions to play for N.C. State. The in-stater is listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds.

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