($$) Salem wide out Kwamane Bowens had a stellar high school career. He was the number one option for quarterback Bucky Hodges, who’s soon to be on his way to Virginia Tech. Bowens took a little longer to work out his recruitment. Ultimately, he found a huge opportunity, and confirmed on Friday that he’s going to take it and run with it.
Recruiting continues to roll for Bethel lineman Ricky Walker. Ricky just picked up his fourth scholarship offer in as many weeks, getting him to eleven total now. Junior Days and campus visits are in the works, but as quickly as the offers are coming in, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be possible for Ricky to get to every school that’s interested.
It’s a great way for both teams to kick off the football season. It’s a new era in football scheduling because of the VHSL’s realignment plan. Lake Taylor has dropped to Division 4. Oscar Smith maintains their status in Division 6. The new system allows Smith to play down without penalty, but this game won’t be easy for the Tigers.
After three seasons of winning football, and a fourth where the team fell short of the playoffs, Juan Jackson is out as head coach of the Warwick Raiders.
It’s been a good week for recruiting in the Bay Rivers District. Skilled utilityman Devonte Dedmon of Warhill just finished his basketball season, and he’s leapt back into the world of football. Spring practice is right around the corner and he’s hearing from colleges on a steady basis.
Princess Anne linebacker Aaron Glover has been heralded one of The 757’s Road Warriors, traveling much in the off season in an attempt to get seen and compete against some of the best athletes in the nation. Glover has competed in Five Star Showcase Events, Junior Rank camps, and January’s U.S. Army All-American Combine. All the hard work has finally paid off. While garnering interest from schools like Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia, and East Carolina, Glover nailed down his first offer today when Hampton University jumped at the opportunity to be first on his list.
Jamil Kamara might be the first player ever to be offered three times, by the same coach, but by three different colleges. Former Landstown Coach Chris Beatty is back at it again, offering players in The 757. Kamara has been offered by Beatty yet again, and that gives Jamil yet another Big Ten opportunity.
Poquoson athlete Grayson Boyce has been on a fast track since his sophomore season. Then he played linebacker and fullback but eventually progressed to defensive end as the Islanders tried to defend their 2011 Division 3 State Championship. Boyce became a team leader in his junior season as Poquoson made the postseason again in 2012, and in the process won the attention of many college coaches. Recruiting attention has come from schools big and small, near and far. A local favorite became the first to pull the trigger when they made a scholarship offer earlier this week.
Published reports have confirmed that Potomac Falls High School is gaining a head coach, while Oscar Smith is losing an assistant. The Panthers, in Sterling, Virginia, went 4-6 last season and last made the playoffs in 2008.
For some, it seemed to be no secret. For Bayside athlete Quin Blanding, announcing his decision took a huge weight off his chest. Today was the day that Blanding announced his college intentions. With very little fanfare, he donned a UVA cap, pulled off his track jacket, and announced his intent to attend the University of Virginia.
