When you’re playing for a private school, it’s sometimes hard to get noticed. When you’re 6-4 and 220, it’s hard to go unnoticed. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy quarterback Tim Burns hit the camps regularly last spring and summer, including stops at the NUC, Junior Rank, James Madison satellite camp, Wake Forest, and Coastal Carolina among others. After his senior season, more thought on the subject, and another visit, Coastal won out.
Christopher Newport University is quietly building another great recruiting class. In 2012, the Captains picked up close to twenty local commitments. For the 2013 class, they now have five, with more on the way.
First Colonial defensive end Derek Carter has made his college choice. After mulling several options, he’s decided to head to South Carolina for school, with an opportunity to earn a scholarship.
Bayside running back Taquan Mizzell has landed yet another postseason accolade. “Smoke” was named All-District, All-Region, All-757, All-State, and U.S. Army All-American. Now, he can add Parade All-American to the list.
The Granby Comets had a huge year for Coach Curt Brown and their dedicated fans. The history of Granby Football is filled with championships and legendary teams. The last state championship for the Comets was in 1966. Considering how close Granby was to beating eventual title winner Lake Taylor last year, and considering their 9-1 record, the Comets have a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to.
The Great Bridge Wildcats didn’t have the season they were looking for. The Wildcats football team struggled to an 0-10 season that got off on the wrong foot when star lineman Garrett Watts suffered a season ending injury. Nick Michalski saw time at defensive end, linebacker, and running back, plus he filled in as needed in other situations. The experience was great for him, but projecting him for a position in college could have been a little problematic.
Old Dominion University Football continues to expand their biggest ever recruiting class on their way to playing Division I FBS football. Wednesday night, they landed a commitment from Phoebus linebacker Atavius Matthews. The pipeline from Phoebus to ODU continues to flow.
Grafton athlete Marcus Spearman had to make the best of a bad situation. Academically and Athletically, Marcus has a lot to offer any school. Spearman worked hard to gain the interest of colleges as diverse as James Madison, Wake Forest, Duke, Georgia Tech and Stanford. After a long recruitment including weekend after weekend of Summer One-Day Camps, Marcus committed to Harvard in the fall.
That wasn’t the end of the story.
Division III Christopher Newport has quite a good recruiting class coming together. The Captains picked up two more local recruits this week, giving them four 757 area verbals already, with more on the way.
Oscar Smith defensive end Darren Flowers made his college commitment Tuesday night. The Tiger took a weekend visit, then got an in-home visit yesterday that sealed the deal. Darren will be going out-of-state with a full ride to play Division I ball.