The Anniston Star
W E d n e s d ay, m ay 1 8 , 2 0 1 1
The Anniston Star
Page 2 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s
Just a few reasons we provide innovative rehabilitation services.
Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File
Anniston running back Troymaine Pope could be the sleeper of this year’s signing class — not for the area, but statewide.
Profiles of the top five recruits from around East Central Alabama Oxford linebacker Kwon Alexander........................................................... 6 Anniston running back Troymaine Pope.................................................. 8 Oxford lineman Michael Flint.................................................................. 12 Cleburne County athlete Rocky Hayes.................................................... 18 Oxford defensive back Trae Elston........................................................... 20
Lists The Top 10 recruits from across the state............................................24-25 Rising seniors from across East Central Alabama..............................29-30 Rising juniors from Across East Central Alabama................................... 31
Anniston
Hal Yeager/Birmingham News/File
Hueytown’s Jameis Winston is the front runner to take home this year’s Alabama Sports Writer’s Association Mr. Football award.
The Anniston Star
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 3
The Home Builders Association of Greater Calhoun County
REBUILD CALHOUN COUNTY Tornado Victims Remember
• USE LOCAL PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS • CONTRACTORS SHOULD BE LICENSED AND INSURED Gary Angel............................................256-310-4665 Sam Almaroad ......................................256-435-2649 Mark Almaroad...................................... 256-435-8263 Chris Birchfield.......................................256-239-7412 Bryan Booth Homes ...............................256-835-3877 Roger Borders .......................................256-237-8047 Jeff Bradshaw .......................................256-591-1525 Bud Canter ...........................................256-831-9363 Phil Champion .......................................256-310-2116 Lynn Clowers.........................................205-369-6669 Johnny Cochran .....................................256-310-3733 Daniel Cofield ........................................205-965-6917 ACCOUNTANTS Kemp & Associate 256-237-5102 ACOUSTICAL CONTRACTORS Jennings Interiors Inc. 256-447-9898 ADVERTISEMENT Lamar Advertising (Billboards)205-599-2700 Williams Communication 256-236-1880 APPRAISAL SERVICES Talladega Appraisal Services 256-362-1800 ATTORNEYS Legal Clinic Semmes & Semmes 256-236-7354 Rice, Rice, & Smith 256-237-8080 Robinson Law Firm 256-237-7779 Vaughn Stewart 256-236-6262 Wilson, Dillon, Pumroy & James, LL 256-236-4222 Young, Wollstein, Jackson, Whittington, & Russell, LLC 256-235-2240 AUTO DEALERSHIPS Sunny King Ford 256- 831-5300 AWNING MFG. Eugene L. Evans Mfg. Co. 256-237-5821 BANK & MORTGAGE COMPANIES Alabama Teachers Credit Union 256-439-3690 BB&T 256-835-1776 Cheaha Bank 256-835-8855 Farmers & Merchants Bank 256-835-1188 First National Bank of Talladega 256-761-9442 Noble Bank & Trust 256-741-1800 Southern States Bank 256-241-1092 BRICK SUPPLIERS Alabama Brick 205-323-1560 Boral Bricks, Inc. 256-237-2886 Jenkins Brick Co. 256-538-2212 BUILDING MATERIALS ABC Supply 256-831-0749 ECMD 256-310-5316 Norandex Building Material Distribution 256-831-1185 Oxford Lumber Co. 256-831-0540 Piedmont Hardware & Lumber 256-447-6668 CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS Alabama Quality Cabinets 256-835-6565 Anniston Cabinet Shop 256-237-6689 Batey Installation, Inc. 256-447-3825 Bohannon’s Cabinet 256-236-0566 C & J Enterprise 256-435-7161 Gowen’s Cabinet Shop 256-741-8587 Integrity Cabinets, LLC 256-354-1431 Johnson & Son Cabinet Shop 256-435-5659 Keith’s Cabinets 256-831-3990 Kerr Cabinets 256-831-8270 Lott & Co 256-237-4197 M & J Cabinet Design 256-435-0365 McCulley Cabinet Shop 256-238-8610 Modern Granite & Marble Fabrication 256-310-1470 Sanders Cabinetry LLC 256-241-1802 Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. 256-396-6533 Wheeler Cabinet Shop 256-238-9785 CATERING Classic on Noble 256-237-5388 CHIROPRACTIOR Green Chiropractic 256-831-0334 COMMUNICATIONS Cable One 256-236-6492 Jacobs Broadcasting 256-741-6000 TV 24 256-782-5133 Woodard Broadcasting 256-835-1580 CONCRETE-BLOCK SUPPLYSAND/GRAVEL Waites Concrete 256-362-2318 CONCRETE
Ty Corbin ..............................................256-835-5696 Don Crider ............................................256-892-0585 Hoyt G. Davis, Jr. ...................................256-761-1986 Harold Forsyth.......................................256-835-0033 Jerry Gill Const ......................................256-237-4105 Jonathan Heathcock ...............................256-892-3523 Ronnie Helms .......................................256-831-3667 Terry Helms ..........................................256-236-3388 George Hicks.........................................256-362-9383 Wallace Higgins .....................................256-831-5052 Clyde Huckeba ......................................256-831-2478 Dee Ingram ..........................................256-820-2950
Anniston Concrete 256-236-2519 Kirkpatrick Concrete, Inc. 256-831-6663 Webb Concrete & Building Materials 256-463-2195 CONCRETE FINISHER & CONSTRUCTION Austin Concrete Construction 256-237-3070 Bank & Vault Security Service 256-447-9380 Brown Concrete & Construction 256-396-2947 Brown Construction & Development 256-463-2433 Bruce Reedy Concrete 256-447-8319 Byron Gilley Concrete 256-447-8687 Charles Wallace Concrete 256-447-7766 Creative Concrete Design, LLC 256-310-7107 Hurst Construction 256-276-4441 Hupp Inc. 256-831-6224 Jerry Gilley Concrete 256-447-7117 McCord Concrete Co. 256-494-9163 McFry Cement Floor 256-447-9820 Professional Concrete Contractors 256-831-5284 Raymond Kirk Concrete 256-447-9258 Reynolds Brothers Cement Contractors 256-447-6830 Tracy’s Vaults 256-447-8897 Vaultbuilders 256-447-2957 DOORS – WINDOW SUPPLIERS & SHELVING Adv. Fenestration Products 256-235-2225 Millworks Sales & Surplus, Inc. 256-463-7853 Stormco Manufacturing Co. 256-820-1412 DRYWALL & PLASTERING Anderson Plastering 256-472-3617 B & R Home Improvement 256-310-2709 Burrows Plastering 256-435-4312 Denham Drywall 256-223-1509 Hardcastle Construction 256-782-0731 Lewis Lecroy Drywall, Inc. 256-847-0001 Long’s Drywall 256-354-7560 Minter Plastering 256-283-9187 N.E. AL Plastering 256-239-4495 Wood Drywall & Construction 256-447-2074 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Cleburne County Career Tech. 256- 748-2961 ELECTRICIANS & ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES Adams Electric 256-831-8469 B & C Electric 256-310-5566 Elkins Construction 256-761-9060 Grady Electric 256-310-5109 Goodwin Electric 256-447-6977 Hill Electric 256-237-2848 Laminack Electric Co. 256-463-3222 Littleton Electric Service 256-835-2161 Mayer Electric 256-240-2540 McLeod Electric 256-236-1331 Quality Electric Co. Inc. 256-237-0060 R & T Electric LLC 256-892-1997 Stephens Electric Services 256-892-2094 Taylor Service & Repair 256-310-5154 ELECTROPLATING Oxford Plating 256-831-2390 ENGINEERING Bailey Engineering Inc. 256-237-4834 EXCAVATING & GRADING & DRILLING Allen’s Grade All 256-748-3402 B & B Developers LLC 256-892-3701 Cobb Grading 256-831-3038 Dirt Works LLC 256-223-0818 Earth Services 256-820-0017 Envirogrind LLC 256-354-5076 Greenwood Backhoe Service 256-238-0198 Griffin Excavating Co. 256-362-3009 H & S Welding & Construction Co. 256-463-7411
Hall Grading, LLC Harris Grading & Hauling Inc. Holmes II Excavation Ryan Smith Construction Six Ponies Construction LLC Westbrook Grading LLC Woodard Brothers Grading Inc. FARM SUPPLIES Farm Systems Inc. FENCING Atlas Fence Piedmont Fencing Oxford Fence Co. FIREPLACES Anniston Fireplace Oxford Fireplaces FLOORING AAA Carpet Sales Abbey Carpet & Floor Batey Installation Inc. Cheatwood Hardwood Chris Burkett Flooring Dalton Flooring Liquidators Danny Turner Floor Installation Diversified Services Eason Flooring Installation Inc. East Hardwood Flooring Foote Brothers Carpet One Glenn Bentley Flooring Co. Inc. Natural Flooring Smith’s Flooring Tucker Tile Turner Installation Quality Hardwood Webber Wood Works FRAMING CONTRACTORS Boozer & Johnson Construction LLC Chris Butts Construction David White Construction Inc. Double R Construction Epperson Construction Jerry Harris Framing Joey Welch Construction Knight’s New Construction Rick Crowson Framing Sutherland Cypress Homes Inc. Tommy Moore Construction Welch Brothers Framing GENERAL CARPENTRY Griffin Solutions M & G Custom Trim Inc McGinnis Custom Carpentry Paul’s Construction GENERAL CONTRACTORS Allen Contracting Co Arnold Construction & Electric Services C & W Construction LLC CWG Construction Cosper Construction Inc. Couch & Associates Inc. Farr Construction, Inc. Gilmer Building Co., Inc. Habitat for Humanity Hutto Construction Harley McGatha Construction Jerry Doss Construction Inc. JF Morgan Contractor Inc. John Clark Construction Mark One Productions
Don James............................................256-238-0106 Kennith James.......................................256-820-3056 Michael James ......................................256-225-1025 James Jennings .....................................256-831-5965 Michael Kilgore......................................256-835-0943 Winford C. Martin ..................................256-831-4511 David Mason .........................................256-310-4015 David Miller ..........................................256-237-0661 Jimmy D Miller ......................................256-835-1480 Josh Moses ...........................................256-435-9672 Tim Pate...............................................256-310-2393 Lee Patterson ........................................256-310-7843
256-435-2927 256-240-7074 256-831-9545 256-488-9032 205-369-7020 256-447-6056 256-237-7742
Petticoat Construction Randall Bentley Gen. Contr. Inc. RGC Services RMP Construction Ronald Finch Inc. Southeast General Contractors The German Torpedo Society
256-831-3532
Wesley Brothers LLC 256-362-5301 GENERAL CONTRACTORS CARPENTRY Kilgore Construction 256-435-4976 Morris Building Contractors 256-835-1080 PSC Contractors 256-831-8279 Trim Carpentry & Construction 256-488-0052 GENERAL SUPPLIES Tri-Co Supply Co. of AL Inc. 256-237-4879 GLASS COMPANIES Advance Glass & Mirror 256-892-1266 GUTTERS Quality Gutter 256-435-7468 HARDWARE MANUFACTURERS Anniston Ironworks 256-892-2831 HEATING & A/C Bain Heating & A/C 256-363-2232 Bolton Service Center 256-236-8330 CMEC Services 256-447-7949 Climate Masters 256-835-0406 Complete Service 205-368-5124 Fondron Heating & A/C 256-236-1926 HVAC Specialist LLC 256-831-7273 Mike Jinks Service Co. 256-239-0630 Morrison’s Sheet Metal 256-835-0204 Mr. Refrigeration Inc. 256-435-1904 Nelson Service Co. 256-435-3246 P & S Heating 256-253-2976 Piedmont Heating & Cooling 256-447-2902 Quality Heating & A/C 256-237-0544 Sparks Heating & Air 256-832-1042 Valley Heating & Cooling 256-820-3369 Willie C. Sims H/A Installer & Service 256-820-3369 HOME AUDIO/VIDEO Elite Home Theaters 256-832-0022 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Advanced Date Services, Inc. 256-832-1444 INSULATION CONTRACTORS Frank Arnold Insulation 256-237-2127 Johnson Insulation 256-435-3006 INSURANCE Calhoun County Insurance Center 256-435-2242 Harris McKay 256-236-0301 Insurance Planning 256-237-7541 PCA Insurance 256-447-7943 Talladega Insurance Agency 256-761-9007 The Parnell Insurance Agency 256-831-8887 LAMINATED TIMBER PRODUCTS Boozer Laminated Beam Co. Inc. 256-237-2875 LANDSCAPING & SOD FARMS Calhoun Farmer Co-op 256-435-3430 Coldwater Landscape Supply 256-835-0350 Davis Landscape Service 256-435-2667 Environmental Land Care 256-225-9724 Hugghins Sod Farms 1-800-275-4763 Nichols Landscaping 256-253-2145 Ricky Nobles Landscaping Masonry 256-820-4243 Sedmak Nursery 256-835-0854 LIGHTING & INTERIOR DESIGNS Lighting Showroom 256-831-7680 MANUFACTURERS–METAL/PLASTIC/FIBERGLASS Talladega Foundry 256-362-0056
256-761-1935 256-239-2457 256-831-4342 256-236-1114 256-831-7785 256-831-5520 256-231-0008 256-447-3825 256-463-5720 256-835-0849 256-549-1638 256-463-8995 256-223-1480 256-463-7464 256-463-1022 256-236-8400 256-237-9810 256-525-7739 770-258-2205 256-363-3301 256-463-2561 256-310-7568 256-207-2553 256-435-2705 256-861-0709 256-237-2275 256-253-2033 256-245-9310 256-591-3424 205-365-2042 256-831-4359 256-237-2088 256-253-1330 256-463-2498 256-892-9891 256-892-3540 256-369-8011 256-435-2491 256-493-6023 205-965-5578 256-238-0010 256-820-4751 256-589-5644 205-525-5556 256-435-4070 256-249-8410 256-966-7007 256-237-3700 256-761-1925 256-927-7860 256-357-9759 256-831-5284 256-239-1535 256-835-8184
205-525-0323 256-820-9711 256-835-3598 256-447-2953 256-435-6904 256-231-7812 256-488-9000
P. D. Pritchett ........................................256-435-9257 Phillip Pritchett ......................................256-435-4698 Tony Porco ............................................256-310-1912 Larry Reams..........................................256-249-3653 Donnie Sills ..........................................256-310-5258 Donald Sills...........................................256-831-7070 Jerry Sims ............................................256-618-1395 Bobby Smith .........................................256-282-3433 Greg Street ...........................................256-236-6653 John Street Jr. .......................................205-982-1996 Tony Waddell ........................................256-310-3242 Butch Welch..........................................205-369-5617
MAILBOX & STREET SIGNS Alabama Mailbox Co. 205-368-4340 MASONRY Anthony’s Concrete 256-835-6404 Benefield Masonry 256-357-4428 Big “M” Masonry 205-965-0053 Bruce Smith Masonry 256-362-0318 D.G. Masonry, Grading & Construction 256-435-9467 Precision Masonry 256-831-7068 Pressley Masonry 256-310-4664 Barry Spurlin Masonry 256-831-8616 Telford & Sons Masonry 256-435-1048 Tony & Sons Masonry 256-831-7110 METAL BUILDINGS & ROOFS A & E Metal Roofing Supplies 256-357-0051 Echols Metal LLC 256-892-0081 OVERHEAD GARAGE DOORS Overhead Door Co 256-820-5967 PAINT DEALERS & PAINTERS Alan Pierce Painting 256-310-6516 Anniston Painting Co. 256-236-2365 Chris Clark Painting 256-282-3764 Complete Painting Contractors 770-238-6896 John Day Painting 256-831-0671 London’s Painting Company 256-847-7341 M. Worthy’s Painting 256-310-3700 Pate’s Painting 256-343-5192 Picture Perfect Painting & Pressure Wash 205-441-9479 S & H Waterproofing 256-447-8620 South Central Painting 256-223-6063 Thompson Painting Co. 256-848-9714 Triplett Paint 256-236-5601 Wall to Wall Painting & Vinyl 256-295-3772 PEST CONTROL COMPANIES Cook’s Pest Control 256-466-5423 Mighty Pest Control 256-543-3752 Oxford Termite & Pest Control 256-831-0209 Sand Mountain Pest Control 256-891-7400 PLUMBING & PLUMBING SUPPLIES A-1 Plumbing Co. 256-358-0737 AAA Plumbing Co. 256-820-6216 Anniston Windustrial 256-831-2510 Becker Plumbing Inc. 256-257-0344 CMAC Plumbing 256-236-9371 Calhoun Meter Co. 256-435-7869 Crim’s Plumbing 256-832-5125 Dewberry Plumbing Inc. 256-831-3207 GLS Supply, LLC 256-235-9399 Model City Plumbing & Heating 256-236-2972 Mr. Dan’s Plumbing 256-835-6244 Ted Light Plumbing 256-362-1455 Ted’s Plumbing 256-236-6737 Turner Plumbing Co. 256-362-9459 Wallace Plumbing 256-591-5497 Wells & Wells LLC 256-236-5005 PORTABLE BUILDINGS Woodland Buildings 256-831-0048 PRINTING O C Printing & Signs 256-820-9960 PUBLICATIONS Calhoun County Homes 256-435-1994 The Anniston Star 256-236-1551 The Oxford Independent 256-238-0917 PUBLIC RELATIONS Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce 256-237-3536 REALTORS/DEVELOPERS Calhoun County Area Board of Realtors 256-236-5588 Century 21 Almaroad Properties 256-435-1771
Keith Kelley, Realtor 256-236-0377 Kimberly Realty Co. 256-236-2173 Larry Jones, Realtor 256-310-4050 Marsh Properties 256-241-2750 McIntosh LLC 256-231-1113 REMODELING & RESTORATION A/C Remodeling Inc. 256-820-5825 Freeman’s Apartment Renovation 256-236-0555 Kilgore & Company Inc. 256-820-1917 Raughton Quality Custom Homes 256-831-0102 ServiceMaster by Mimsco 256-236-2446 Star Remodeling 256-591-5911 T & G Legacy, LLC 678-333-4125 RETAIL SALES Bobcat of Oxford 256-831-1870 T & L Outdoors 256-835-5072 Quintard Mall 256-831-4180 Western Auto 256-237-0384 ROOFING & SIDING CONTRACTORS AAA Roofing 256-835-7700 Clark Restorations & Roofing 256-236-9496 Cornelius Siding & Gutter 256-831-5500 Edwards Aluminum & Vinyl Products 256-831-7989 Reece Roofing Company 256-453-2057 S & R Siding LLC 256-223-1397 Turner Roofing 256-237-6137 SECURITY SYSTEMS Systems by Design 256-831-9595 SEWER INSTALLATION Raughton Enterprises 256-831-0102 SCREEN PRINTING Opportunity Center Printing & Signs 256-820-9960 B & S Sporting Goods 256-237-6986 SURVEYING Taylor Land Surveying Inc. 256-835-4602 TILE SUPPLY & INSTALLERS East & Son Tile Co. 256-237-6971 Lucas Tile 256-310-8043 S&S 256-310-6440 TREE SERVICE Tree Service of Alabama 256-835-1859 TRUCKING COMPANY Double H Hauling 256-238-8585 Miller Trucking, LLC 256-310-0780 Two Pops Hauling 256-239-8874 TRUSSES John Co Truss Inc. 256-396-5006 Read Brothers Building 256-492-7678 Truss Joist 256-586-6750 UTILITIES Alabama Gas Corporation 800-292-4010 Alabama Power Company 256-231-3823 City of Oxford 256-831-9685 Oxford Water & Sewer Board 256-831-5618 UTILITIES CONTRACTORS Beck Inc. 256-568-2492 C & W Construction Co. 205-513-3133 Walker Construction 256-435-8058 WASTE-PORTABLE TOILETS/ROLL OFFS East Alabama Portables 256-236-6830 Macs Vacs 256-831-9889 WEBSITES Widnet Consulting 256-241-6112 National Home Builders Association, Washington D.C. 1-800-368-5242 Home Builders Association of Alabama, Montgomery, AL 1-800-745-4222
visit www.rebuildcalhouncounty.com or call (256) 237-5266
The Anniston Star
Page 4 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
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Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 5
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The Anniston Star
Page 6 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Projection: Superstar Yellow Jacket LB Alexander has projections of all sorts from positions to awards. The only thing everybody is solid on is he is a star.
By Bran Strickland bstrickland@annistonstar.com
R
OXFORD ecruiting is an inexact science. Much like the NFL draft. In 2002 — back before the internet got [italics]really [end italics] crazy — a website projected then Williamson quarterback Jamarcus Russell the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. He went first. And then washed out after a few lackluster years. But that day at the Mr.
Football banquet before Russell was handed the ultimate trophy, even that projection he’d seen beforehand was baffling to him. “I thought ‘How in the world do they have this calculated up already?’ That’s looking ahead way too early,” he said that day, the confusion beaming through his eyes. Well, nearly a decade later, things haven’t gotten less insane. Edwin Weathersby, a featured columnist for The Bleacher Report, writes on Oxford soon-to-be senior Kwon Alexander. One of the top prospects in Alabama bar none, Alexander claims no favorite schools at the moment. He will win the Butkus trophy as a junior.
This nugget of knowledge Alexander didn’t know beforehand and after being fed the news by a reporter, he uttered one word sandwiched between two long pauses. “Wow.” Barry Every, a national recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, one of the premier recruiting services, had a few more words to describe the projection. ‘Wow’ was not among them. Every knows what he likes, and doesn’t waiver easily when he sees it. But even he’s got his limitations. Even when he’s as impressed with a prospect as he was with Alexander at the recent Athens (Ga.) Nike Camp. Please see Alexander ❙ Page 15C
K won A le x an d er file Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 215 40-time: 4.4 seconds Bench: 350 Squat: 550
Stats 2010: 127 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, nine sacks and five forced fumbles. 2009: 147 tackles (91 solo, 57 assists), 51 tackles for loss, nine sacks, seven pass defelections and five forced fumbles.
Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File
Just because he plays outside linebacker, teams can’t just run away from Oxford’s Kwon Alexander. He’s known for making highlight-quality tackles chasing backs down from the other side of the field.
The skinny Alexander has an outside shot to become the first linebacker in the history of the state to win the Mr. Football award. While it would be tough with a guy like Hueytown quarterback Jameis Winston getting lots of the limelight, it could happen. He proved as much taking co-MVP honors at the recent Athens (Ga.) Nike Camp. He’s not a lock at outside linebacker in college. Some say because of his abilities he could become a strong safety. That scenario could hinge on two things: his ability to add more bulk and whether there’s need at that position where he signs.
The Anniston Star
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 7
Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star
The Anniston Star
Page 8 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
C’mon,
Feel the
noise
Anniston’s Pope brought colleges to his doorstep Numbers make noise. A year ago, this time, Anniston running back Troymaine Pope hadn’t heard from any colleges. However, rushing for 1,895 yards and 30 touchdowns in 11 games while leading your team to a region championship as Pope did in 2010 resonates with coaches both near and far. Now, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound Nick Birdsong junior holds offers from Clemson, Arkansas St. and Jacksonville St. He has received interest from several SEC schools, including Alabama, Auburn, LSU and Arkansas and has become one of the state’s top recruits. His emergence from virtual unknown to a national level recruit is one of the state best kept secrets and it shouldn’t be. “We knew he had the potential,” Anniston coach Eddie Bullock said. “We didn’t figure he’d do 30 touchdowns, but we knew he had the potential to be pretty good.” Please see Pope ❙ Page 10
Photo by Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star/File
The Anniston Star
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 9
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The Anniston Star
Page 10 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Pope Continued from Page 8
runs, scoring touchdowns or even showcasing his ability catch the ball out of the backfield. “I can catch and I can run. I need to block more. I need to make more opportunities for my teammates to make plays. If they need me to go to fullback on plays, I’ll go to fullback.” Bullock said Pope gets “real excited”
“They say they’re the best players in the state and in the nation and all this. I feel like I’m one of them.”
Much like the slight crease necessary for him to slip through the line, get to the second level of a defense and more — Troymaine Pope, Anniston running back times than not the end zone once he turns on his 4.47 speed in the 40-yard dash, all Pope needed was an opportunity to showcase his immense abilities. He did this past fall and throughout the spring, performing well at camps, including Nike Football Training Camp at the University of Georgia and the National Underclassmen Combine in Birmingham. “I look at it as an opportunity to prove myself against these players,” said Pope, who’s back to 100 percent since sustaining a knee injury that cut his 2010 season a couple games shy as the Bulldogs went to the state quarterfinals. He continued: “They say they’re the best players in the state and in the nation and all this. I feel like I’m one of them. So, I just went up there and played and showed them that I can be up there with them. I just didn’t get noticed earlier like they did.” He’s not one to get caught up in the hype and hysteria of the soap opera that high school football recruiting has turned into. However, a gesture he received during a spring trip to Clemson let him know just how much he’s come up since January when schools first started hollering at him. While on the Tigers’ field with several other recruits, Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney walked up to him, shook his hand and addressed him by name. “He talked to me like he’d been knowing me forever,” Pope said. “I felt real good about it. I like Clemson. I felt like I was special or something.” Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star/File Beyond his eye-popping stats and Back from injury, Anniston’s Troymaine Pope looks to improve on a stellar junior season where he scored 30 touchdowns. impressive speed, there are other numbers to support just how “special” Pope is. They reveal a lot about his work ethic. whenever football is discussed. He never t r o ymain e P o p e fi l e He bench presses 300 pounds and tries to get out of practice or running. Height: 5-foot-9 The skinny has already scored a 23 on the ACT. “When he’s at the fieldhouse and at footWeight: 185 What made Pope so good Pope was The Star’s Class 4A-6A ball practice, he’s 100 percent what you 40-time: 4.47 seconds was many times there was litCalhoun County Player of the Year and want,” Bullock said. Bench: 300 tle question who was getting a first-team choice to Alabama Sports That’s a number that’s sweet music to the ball — and he still put up Writers Association Class 4A all-state any coach’s ears. stats gaudy numbers. If he repeats squad. Nick Birdsong covers prep sports for 2010: 11 G., 1,895 yds., 30 TDs the feat as a senior, there’s no When asked what he was looking The Star. He can be reached at 256-2352009: 9 G., 862 yds., 9 TDs telling where he’ll land. forward to most about the upcoming 3575 or at nbirdsong@annistonstar.com season, he didn’t mention breaking long or follow him on Twitter @birds_word.
The Anniston Star
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 11
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Page 12 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
and
HERE now Oxford’s Flint on fast track to making impact in college
OXFORD — It’s hard to say how long Michael Flint takes to develop into an SEC-ready offensive lineman at Auburn, but bet on sooner rather than later. The rising senior at Oxford High School is just a get-ahead kind of guy. Flint committed to Auburn this past October, 16 months ahead of when he’ll sign his national letter of intent as a member of the Class of 2012. He plans to graduate early at Oxford, enroll at Auburn for the spring 2012 semester and participate in spring practice. Oh, and with one high school season yet Joe to play, he has already moved from tackle to Medley guard, the position he’s most likely to play in college. In offensive line lingo, that’s getting a good push. In folksy lingo, opportunity knocks. Please see Flint ❙ Page 13
M ichae l f l i n t fi l e Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 303 Bench: 435 Squat: 585 Rankings Scout: 3-stars, No. 22 nationally at guard. 247sports: 3-stars, no national ranking yet. The skinny Dominant since his sophomore season, Flint displays the rare ability of good footwork and bend. He’s also got something you can’t coach — a scrappy and tough-as-nails demeanor in the trenches. Starting early should make him a can’t-miss prospect.
The Anniston Star
The Anniston Star
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 13
flint
want to be around an atmosphere that you like. “Some places you go, you get the feeling that it’s just like a business. It’s just professional, all about football, just football. There’s a lot of other things that go with it.” Along those lines, Flint has gone about preparing to graduate from Oxford early. A 3.7 student, he was already ahead of the game through honors courses. “I’ve got all my credits done, and all I have to do is take one summer course in English,” he said. “Then next year, I’m going to double my classes up for my electives and take two histories.” On the field, he’s making the transition to the position he’s more likely to play in college, working mostly inside of tackle during spring practice. He’s making the move for Oxford reasons. “Because of the offense we’re going to run, it will be different,” he said. “I don’t know how it’s going to be different as far as what we’re running, but we’re running the big guys inside and the quicker guys outside.” While he’s making the move now for Oxford reasons, moving inside now will put Flint that much farther ahead when he reports to Auburn in January. “They’ve talked about center, but really I think I’m going to be a guard when I get there,” he said. “I think I play better at guard.” Flint is so far ahead of the game that he has committed, arranged to graduate early and begun transitioning to his likely college position before even being rated by Rivals. His list of offers says it all. They include defending national champion Auburn, 2009 national champion Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Stanford, UCLA and USC. Flint said he’d like the option to sign early. An early signing period for football has been discussed in NCAA circles but not adopted. “I still want to take my visits, but if I could sign like right after my season was over (he would),” he said. “My visits are probably going to be done either right before the season ends or right after the season ends.” Because, after all, Flint is a get-ahead kind of guy. Joe Medley is The Star’s sports columnist. He can be reached at 256-235-3576 or jmedley@annistonstar.com. Follow on Twitter @ Jomedstar.
Continued from Page 12 “I feel like it’s going to give me a shot to get ahead of the others and get a head start and get an early roll,” Flint said. “As far as Auburn is right now, they’re lacking linemen, and they’re wanting someone to come and play early. “That’s something I’d like to do, because that’s going to give me a shot to go to the pros.” Still waiting to take the next step, Flint is already thinking about the next-next step. That’s getting ahead. Then again, Flint has always been ahead. There aren’t many 6-foot-4, 303-pounders his age, and those so blessed get attention. College offers started streaming in during his sophomore year, and Alabama was among the first. He took the opportunity to work through his recruiting process early, and he’s even had time to get past his life-long crimson leaning. “I was an Alabama fan before I ever started getting recruited,” he said. “Once I got to Auburn, it was just different down there. I realized what the family atmosphere was like.” His decision to commit early hasn’t stopped the flow of mail and calls from college coaches. Oral commitments are non-binding, and the most recent recruiting rush showed that prospects can switch as late as signing day. He still plans to take the five official visits the NCAA allows, and his list of possible visits includes UCLA, Southern Cal, Oregon, Notre Dame and/or Texas Tech as well as Auburn. Flint says “it’s all ‘War Eagle!’ for me,” and committing early gave him the chance to experience recruiting without the same pressure. His call load from recruiting services like Rivals, Scout and 247 Sports has fallen off dramatically, something he welcomes. “When I wasn’t committed, you know how it goes,” he said. “They’ll hit you up at any time. It don’t matter. They keep calling you, Facebooking you or something. It’s crazy. “… I don’t like all the publicity. That’s not the kind of guy I am.” Committing so early also means he can come at recruiting from a different perspective. He has become a recruiter, trying to sell Oxford classmates Kwon Alexander and Trae Elston and other prospects on the “family atmosphere” he sees at Auburn. “That means everything,” he said. “When you go off to college, it’s not just football. It’s your education and your everyday life, and you
Photos by Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star
Oxford lineman Michael Flint has committed to Auburn, but still plans to take the five visits the NCAA allows.
“When I wasn’t committed, you know how it goes. They’ll hit you up at any time. … I don’t like all the publicity. That’s not the kind of guy I am.” — Michael Flint, Oxford lineman
The Anniston Star
Page 14 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
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Alexander
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Continued from Page 6 In Every’s transversing the lower 48 in search of the top 50, he said there’s one drill he likes the best. With cones and sideline, they narrow a field to nothing more than a running lane — a 10-yard box. Inside will reside one linebacker and one running back. It’s up to the running back not to get touched, and the linebacker to break down perfectly and be in the position to make the play. “It normally favors the running backs,” Every said, noting the group of linebackers participating as amazingly deep, then went to Alexander “He was able to break down every time … he was by far the best one.” He’s proved he knows what to do with a running back when he breaks down on him, too. Alexander finished his 2009 campaign with 147 tackles (91 solo, 56 assists), 51 tackles for loss and his favorite part of the game, nine sacks. “It’s exciting; you’re about to get the sack,” he said. “You get adrenaline pumping, and you want to do it over and over again.” Alexander walked away from the Athens Nike camp with co-MVP honors alongside Ukeme Eligwe, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound outside linebacker from Stone Mountain, Ga. The performance was leaps and bounds from where Every saw Alexander less than a year ago at a Top Gun camp, where the linebacker was one of only a handful of invited underclassmen. “He didn’t show out there, but the Athens camp — that’s another story,” he said. Alexander said he sees the improvement in himself in that short amount of time, noting in particular his pass coverage and footwork. It’s something he works hard at even away from the practice field, putting in extra time at home. All for that dream of playing on the next level. One that he’s had for quite a while. “Ever since I first started playing football, it’s been my main goal,” he said. “Ever since I was 5 years old.”
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Alexander said sometimes all the limelight and accolades seem like a dream. Upon prompting, he admitted it sometimes can feel like a nightmare, as well. But in the whole recruiting process, which is competitive in itself, Alexander said he’s made friends along the way. And some of the older players have offered up advice — not to commit early is among those that he’s heeding. If a team has a pump to blow up a football, it’s likely they’ve offered the outside linebacker, who has four-stars according to Rivals.com’s most recent ratings. He’s also among the Top 100 nation recruits checking in at 77. But with a summer full of camps, that can change in the time it takes him to break down on a running back. Bran Strickland is the sports editor for The Star. He can be reached at 256-2353570 or follow him on Twitter @bran_ strickland.
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The Anniston Star
mister Everything “We say, ‘Rock, go do this,’ and he’ll never question what we’re asking to do. I’d bet sometimes he thinks what else will they have me to do.” — Michael Shortt, Cleburne County coach
Photo by Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star/File
The Anniston Star
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 19 By Al Muskewitz amuskewitz@annistonstar.com
R
HEFLIN ocky Hayes is going places — and he’s probably going to get there a lot faster than some other prospects because he’s unfailingly flex-
Versatility making Cleburne Co. standout sought-after commodity
ible. When a reporter reached the versatile Cleburne County junior about his offseason plans late last week, he found Hayes packing for an AAU basketball tournament in Tennessee. In the coming weeks, it’ll take a GPS to find him. He already has been to several football showcases and over the next two months has plans to crisscross the South even more. There’s another AAU invitational at Clemson, and camps of varied length at Middle Tennessee, UAB, Auburn,
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Clemson and LSU. “That’s my life,” he said. “It’s been a while (since he had a weekend free). I think it was the weekend before I got off for spring break. I’d rather be doing something. I really don’t give myself a break.” Hayes will be a catch for somebody’s football team next February and to date he lists his front-runners as Auburn and Clemson. Several smaller programs already have offered. What they’re all looking at is another in a long line of do-it-all Cleburne County players with some impressive particulars — 39inch vertical leap, 4.45 40, 3.0 GPA — who isn’t stuck on the position he plays to determine his choice. There are plenty of recruiting season stories about athlete prospects who will only go to a school if he can play a certain position. The biggest programs want Hayes as a Please see Hayes ❙ Page 22
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Crude oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill washes ashore Saturday in Orange Beach.
ORANGE BEACH — Alabama’s beaches took their worst hit yet from an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday as globs of crude and gooey tar — some the size of pancakes — lined the white sands and crews worked to try to keep a giant oil sheen just a few miles away from reaching the shore. Scientists have estimated that anywhere
between about 40 million gallons to 109 million gallons of oil have gushed into the Gulf since a drilling rig exploded April 20, killing 11 workers and triggering the worst oil spill in U.S. history. The oil washing up on Alabama’s shores was the heaviest since the rig explosion and came just as the summer beach season was picking up. During a flight over the Gulf, Sean Brumley, an aerial spotter, said he saw an oily
sheen and brown patches of oil floating for miles off the Alabama coast. Boats trying to remove the oil before it hit the coast worked about three miles out. “The Gulf looks like it has chicken pox,” Brumley said. The oily sheen covered the pass leading into Perdido Bay near the Alabama-Florida state lines. Globs of brown oil floated in Please see OiL ❙ Page 11A
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Does council’s infighting hobble Anniston’s progress? By LAurA CAMPEr
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lcamper@annistonstar.com
During an Anniston City Council meeting, the audience reaction to the council’s disagreements can vary from deep sighs and rolling eyes to whispered expletives to delighted comments like, “This is better than TV.” Council members passionately argue and threaten each other. One council member even
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admits he avoids going to City Hall because of the arguments he might find himself in. “It certainly is intimidating,” said Councilman John Spain. “I avoid coming down here to the building altogether just simply because I don’t want a confrontation with the mayor.” Please see AnniSTOn ❙ Page 10A
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Photos by Trent Penny/ The Anniston Star
New director fills hole in local charity Sister Jane O’Connor assumes leadership of Center of Concern By DAniEL gADDy Star Staff Writer
wEATHEr, 12A
From top left: Councilman Ben Little, Mayor Gene Robinson, ViceMayor John Spain, Councilman Herbert Palmore and Councilman David Dawson during last Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
Sister Jane O’Connor, the new director of a long-standing charitable organization in Anniston, fires a quick response when asked about her predecessor. “I’m taking her position, but I could never fill her shoes,” she said. O’Connor recently took over Sister Mary Roy’s duties at the All Saints Interfaith Center of Concern. The organization helps Anniston residents in need of food, clothing and financial assistance. Roy served as director of the center for 27 years, earning in that time not just accolades from other civic leaders but also a ceremonial “Key to the City” and The Anniston Star’s 2009 Citizen of the Year Award. “She [Roy] is the nearest thing to a saint we’re going to find in this lifetime,” said Charles Doster, advisory board member of the Center of Concern. “She is the Mother Teresa of Anniston, but saying that brings out the worst in her.”
Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star
Sister Jane O’Connor took over Sister Mary Roy’s responsibilities at the All Saints Interfaith Center of Concern in Anniston. Roy left the center after breaking her hip in March. She relocated to the Connecticut headquarters of her order, the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, where she receives medical care. O’Connor said she hopes to meet the needs of her clients with the same compassion and love Roy displayed. “I feel like I’m treading in the joys
and sorrows of all she experienced here,” she said. Robin Gladd, office manager of the center, said O’Connor eased into her new job as if it was second nature. “She just took it and started running with it,” she said. “She’s given them hope and spiritual guidance. I think they’re walking out of here better than when they came in.” O’Connor said her success is due directly to the work of staff members like Gladd and Sandra Hall, the assistant director of the center. “They’ve been very helpful and very friendly; I couldn’t do it without them,” O’Connor said. In addition to food and clothing, the nonprofit Center of Concern also provides financial assistance with medical bills, prescriptions, utilities and transportation for those in need. O’Connor transferred to the center from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Prattville, where she served as a pastoral assistant. However, she was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and reared in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. She has a master’s degree in religious education and has worked in Catholic social services in Philadelphia as well as parishes in Virginia and Mississippi. Please see DirECTOr ❙ Page 11A
www.annistonstar.com +
my paper When I want to get the full story, I read about it in my paper
R o c k y H a y e s fil e Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 175 40-time: 4.45 seconds Bench: 275 (repped 185 pounds 17 times) Squat: 425 The skinny Hayes has the build coaches like for defensive back. He has long arms and big hands, which is key. He’s also got the skills, with explosive hips, finds the ball quickly and runs to it well, and his vertical allows him to get to the ball at its highest point. Auburn will see him on campus this week, and once one bigtime offer comes in, the rest will follow. Qualifying won’t be a problem as he has already scored a 21 on the ACT and currently has a 3.3 GPA.
The Anniston Star
Page 20 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
covered up
Elston maintains humility through raucous attention BY NICK BIRDSONG nbirdsong@annistonstar.com
I
OXFORD f Oxford’s Trae Elston were the type to believe the hype that came along with being a prized recruit, there’d be plenty of it for him to indulge in hook, line and sinker. He could type his name into the search box on Google. Upon doing so, some 40,000 results appear in .26 seconds. He could log onto the football fan message boards of any of the dozens of Football Bowl Subdivision teams that have offered him scholarships and read how much his services are desired. Or the 6-foot, 183-pound defensive back could simply show up on campus. “One time I went down to a campus, I ain’t going to say no names, but this dude came up to me after the game, took off his shirt and he was like ‘Come to our school,’ and he had my name (written) on his chest and
“He’s grown up a whole lot through this process.” — John Grass, Oxford coach
everything. “I was like, ‘This man is crazy. He must be an Internet-searcher or something like that.’” Elston, along with teammate linebacker Kwon Alexander and offensive lineman Michael Flint, an Auburn commit, are among the nation’s most-sought-after players. While the constant adoration and adulation might make the heads of some as big as the future that lies ahead of them, Elston has retained a level of humility Please see Elston ❙ Page 22
T r ae E l sto n fi l e Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 183 40-time: 4.44 seconds Bench: 275 Squat: 565 stats 2010: 101 tackles, three INTs
The skinny Elston is a solid corner who does all the little things well. So when you factor in his size and speed, it’s easy to see why he’s ranked as the No. 22 corner in the nation by Scout. He currently has 25 offers, and the list is growing daily.
The Anniston Star
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 21
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The Anniston Star
Page 22 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Elston Continued from Page 20
Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star
Oxford’s Trae Elston’s top three college choices are Clemson, Auburn and LSU.
that’s worth noting. Elston began receiving scholarship offers shortly after his sophomore season. He was a first-team selection to the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 6A all-state squad as a junior after compiling more than 100 tackles and three interceptions. He’s set to play in the Under Armour All-American game after his senior season is complete. The versatile performer, who also played cornerback, started at receiver and is Devin Hester dangerous in the return game, said he most likely won’t commit early. Instead, he’ll save his ultimate decision for national signing day next February. However, he does have a tentative top three list of school schools that have piqued his interest most. It’s Clemson, Auburn and LSU … in that order. “Clemson is my No. 1 school,” Elston said. “I was born in Augusta, Ga. Clem-
son is pretty close to Augusta. When I was little kid, you’d see Clemson Tiger paws everywhere, and their games would always be on TV. So, they’ve always been at the top of my list.” Elston has defending national champion Auburn second in the running right now. He said he’s grown an affinity for those Tigers through attending many of their games at Jordan-Hare Stadium. He credits LSU defensive backs coach Ron Cooper, who helped Patrick Peterson become the fifth overall pick in April’s NFL Draft as a main factor in why he could wind up siding with the Bayou Bengals. “He’s really good,” Elston said of Cooper. “I know he can get me where I need to go.” He’ll also travel West during the official visit period following the season, taking trips to BCS runners-ups Oregon and Southern California. As long as he’s in Oxford, he’s got his immediate family to keep him from falling prey to the praise. “My grandpa,” Elston said. “He records all my games. After every game,
he sits me down and tells me what I did wrong. My uncle stays on me, too. When I see myself on film, I see a guy who needs to improve a lot. They always tell me, ‘Don’t act like you’re the No. 1 prospect in the country.’” Elston has gained six pounds of muscle while maintaining his 4.44 speed in the 40-yard dash. He bench presses 275 and squats 565. Oxford coach John Grass said Elston is the best defensive back he’s coached in 20-plus years in the business and compared his athletic ability to former Hoover great Chad Jackson at receiver. That’s saying a lot, but it won’t get Elston too puffed up, nor will criticism – such as the rumors he’s heard about him not being as physical since sustaining a slight neck injury last season – get him down any. “He’s grown up a whole lot through this process,” Grass said. “He’s stayed humble.” Nick Birdsong covers prep sports for The Star. He can be reached at 256-2353575. Follow him on Twitter @birds_ word.
Hayes Continued from Page 18 cornerback and, after sitting down with the coaches and making an honest assessment of his best option to play at the next level, he’s genuinely and refreshingly OK with that. “I’m just trying to get an opportunity to get there; I’ll figure out what I’m gonna play when I get there,” Hayes said. “I think (unwavering) people like that are stubborn. Not a lot of athletes get to play at the next level as it is. You should seize the opportunity and take what you can get.” At Heflin next fall he’ll be doing a little bit of everything. The Tigers need him on offense, either as a receiver or a running back — he broke the school rushing record in back-to-back weeks last year — but he’ll also be in their secondary and return kicks. Tigers coach Michael Shortt has had some coaches tell him they think Hayes is among the top three athletes in the state. “He’s not a prima donna, and we’ve had a bunch of them,” Shortt said. “In a way, maybe he’s, hopefully, a product of the program. The team comes first and whatever you can do to help the team is what we do. I’m hoping that’s rubbed off on him. That’s the mindset he has. “We say, ‘Rock, go do this,’ and he’ll never question what we’re asking to do. I’d bet sometimes he thinks, ‘What else will
“Keeping You In Motion” Terry Lamb/The Anniston Star/File
Cleburne County’s Rocky Hayes broke the school rushing record in 2010. they have me to do.’” Hayes learned a long time ago the importance of staying busy and working hard. That idea was reinforced at one of his many workouts last year. “I went to my first combine and I did well, but not as well as I wanted to,” he said. “I talked to these guys who were there and they said they work out daily. After seeing and hearing that, I said I’ve got to step up my game. I said I’ve got to go hard and every since that, I’ve been going at it.” Al Muskewitz is a sports writer for The Star. He can be reached at 256-235-3577.
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The Anniston Star
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The Anniston Star
Page 24 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
It seems like you can’t turn around twice without running into somebody who boasts of being a recruiting analyst. And what skills do they really have? The Star’s prep writer Nick Birdsong has seen his share of games, and, as a voter on the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State panel, he knows all the big-time names. While he shies away from the term guru, he gave us his Top 10 prospects from the state of Alabama. Tuck this away somewhere and pull it out on National Signing Day — or in three years — to see just how true Bird’s word really is.
BIRD’S WORD
Top 10 rising seniors from inside the state
1
Kwon Alexander
Oxford, 6 - 2 , 2 1 2 , O L B
In my mind, (That’s where all this is coming from by the way) what makes Alexander the state’s top prospect is that the dude is ready right now. Feasibly, he could come in and start or be a major contributor at most schools as soon as he steps foot on campus with his skills and speed. He runs a reported 4.51 in the 40-yard dash. Most everyone is recruiting as an outside linebacker and he could excel there. He also has the ability to be an all-world safety in the mold of Alabama’s Mark Baron. Alexander said he’ll likely dwindle his list of suitors down to 10 by summer’s end but won’t commit before national signing day. Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star/File
Jameis Winston
H uey tow n , 6 - 4 , 2 00, QB
Reggie Ragland
Winston has been dubbed by recruiting analysts as a dual-threat quarterback. It’s a moniker I have my suspicions about. It unfairly penalizes players who have the athleticism to make plays out of the pocket by implying they can’t make plays in it. Winston can do both. However, I don’t have him at the top slot because of the inherent learning curve everyone quarterback must handle when making the leap from one level to the next. He’s got all the tools to be great and is an early favorite to be Mr. Football. However, he’s just as likely to take his 90-plus mph fastball and five-tool capability to the Major League Baseball draft. Uncommitted.
2
Bob Jo n es, 6-4, 245, ILB
3
If you’re looking for the next Rolando McClain, Reggie Ragland (19) is as close as you might get. He’s a prototypical inside linebacker who possesses all of the physical tools you’d want in an elite level recruit. Already committed to Alabama, Ragland could also find his way at tight end, as well. If he remains with the Tide he might be a coupe for coach Nick Saban and basketball coach Anthony Grant. He’s also a prime time performer on the hardwood.
Robin Conn / The Huntsville Times/File
The Anniston Star
4
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 25
Justin Thomas
Pr att ville, 5-11, 175, ATH
Early word is the Alabama commit, who plays quarterback, will wind up at defensive back. The possibilities are endless for one of the fastest players in the state, clocked at a sub-4.4 in the 40.
Justin Shanks
Pr att ville, 6-3, 306, DL
5
Shanks is a big man and he’s more than a big deal. The massive defensive lineman has virtually every Bowl Championship Series school hot on his trail and remains uncommitted.
Trae Elston
6
Ox ford, 6-0, 183, DB/W R
Elston patterns his game after such NFL stars as Erick Barry, Ed Reed and Bob Sanders. With an athletic build that could stand more weight without compromising his 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash, Elston has all the raw materials to become a fine finished product himself. He’s nearly as gifted wide receiver as he is at defensive back, where he’s comfortable playing cornerback or safety, his natural position. His top three college choices include Clemson, Auburn and LSU. However, he plans to visit Oregon and USC.
Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star
Trae Elston, center, must really like tigers considering his top three are Auburn, Clemson and LSU.
T.J. Yeldon
D aph ne , 6-1, 200, RB
Lloyd Gallman/Montgomery Advertiser
If Justin Thomas remains committed to Alabama, the Prattville quarterback will likely move to defensive back.
7
As the starting running back on the defending Class 6A state champions, Yeldon knows a thing or two about winning. He’s got grown-man size and ridiculous 4.43 speed and a nearly 40-inch vertical leap. He’s rated in the top 100 in the country by virtually everyone. Uncommited.
8
Beniquez Brown
F lo r ence, 6-2, 210, ATH
Every school in the SEC is looking to secure a pledge from possibly northwest Alabama’s finest prep player. He rushed for at least 1,200 yards each of the past two seasons, but his future seems brightest on defense. Uncommitted.
9 10
Chris Casher
Fa ith Acade my, 6-4, 225, DL
Casher is the long-lean type of defensive end made popular by Jason Taylor back in the day. He holds offers from Alabama, Auburn and Georgia but committed to Florida State back in January. Casher, a raw talent with huge potential, could also project as a tight end.
Troymaine Pope
Anniston, 5-9, 185, RB Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File
Troymaine Pope isn’t at the top of everybody’s list, but just wait and see.
This isn’t a homer pick by any stretch of the imagination. I just want you to remember where you heard it first. Pope should be a national-level recruit after a stellar junior season. He rushed for 1,895 yards and 30 touchdowns in just 11 games in his first year as a full-time starter. Jacksonville St., Clemson and Ark. State have already ponied up offers. Uncommited.
Daniel Giles/Florence Times-Daily/File
With his skill set and his 6-foot-2, 210pound frame, the possibility of positions for Beniquez Brown could basically come down to anywhere but in the trenches.
The Anniston Star
Page 26 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
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The Anniston Star
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 27
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The Anniston Star
Page 28 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The best of the rest A look at the college football recruits from across East Central Alabama Alexandria
Cleburne County
Tyler Burr, 6-1, 165, DB Has heard from Georgia St. and Wofford, according to coach Frank Tucker.
Rocky Hayes, 5-11, 168, RB/DB Hayes was a dynamic performer in both the offensive and defensive backfield. He rushed for more than 1,500 yards and nearly 20 touchdowns. Could be a Division I signee when it’s all said and done.
Oxford
PICTURED: Tyler Burr, Alexandria; PHOTO BY: Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File
Anniston
PICTURED: Dontavious Blair, Anniston; PHOTO BY: Stephen Gross/ The Anniston Star/File
Troymaine Pope, 5-9, 185, RB Put up video game type numbers as a junior with 1,895 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns. Holds offers from JSU, Clemson and Arkansas St. Dontavious Blair, 6-6, 260, OT Big Blair has yet to be offered but has a slew of SEC schools keeping tabs on him. Denzel Roberts, 6-1, 170, DB/LB Lafayette Ragland, 6-2, 225, LB/TE Isaiah Riggins, 6-3, 255, G/T Chad Anderson, 6-1, 240, C/G Shaquille Ashford, 5-10, 150, DB/RB
Clay County Shawncey Simmons, 6-0, 178, ATH The versatile and gifted athlete has played defensive back, wide receiver and quarterback, during his time as a Panther. South Alabama, West Alabama and Birmingham Southern have taken interest in him.
Kwon Alexander, 6-2, 212, LB What more needs to be said about Alexander, he’s rated as the top player in the nation at his position by some and one of the two highest-ranked players in the state alongside Hueytown quarterback Jameis Winston. Everyone in the country wants him, including your favorite team. Trae Elston, 6-0, 183, DB/WR With his list tentatively dwindled down to three, including Clemson, Auburn and LSU, Elston is another hot commodity. He’ll also take visits to Oregon and USC but won’t make anything official until signing day. Michael Flint, 6-4, 303, OL Already committed to Auburn. Flint’s biggest problem this year won’t be any of the defensive linemen who step in front of him, but rather convincing Alexander and Elston to join him on The Plains. Jackson Stephens, 6-2, 195, QB The three-sport star also holds a football offer from South Alabama. PICTURED: Jackson Stephens, Also, a prized recruit Oxford; as a pitcher on the PHOTO BY: Bill Wilson /The Anniston Star baseball diamond. Coty Spurling, 6-0, 176, DB/RB Spurling has taken a back seat the past two seasons, playing on a team that has produced several high-level signees. However, his talents are becoming hard to ignore with offers from Memphis and South Alabama.
PICTURED: Sharrod Cochran, Lincoln; PHOTO BY: Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star/File
Lincoln Sharrod Cochran, 5-9, 180, WR/DB Cochran plays quarterback for the Golden Bears but is being recruited at both wide receiver and defensive back. He’s drawn interest from Alabama, Clemson, Arkansas State, South Alabama, North Alabama, Kentucky and Jacksonville State Rod Green, 5-8, 235, RB The stocky back has caught the attention of Jacksonville State, South Alabama and Memphis. Jeffrey Roberts, 6-0, 200, DE Roberts could sign an athletic or academic scholarship from Birmingham Southern, Rutgers, Harvard, Duke or Samford among others.
Jacksonville Cordero Little, 6-0, 205, RB Ole Miss, UAB and JSU have all inquired about the Golden Eagles feature back. If he can qualify, he could sign with an FBS school. If not, he’ll make some junior college coach a very happy man.
Lineville Demetrius Lindsey, 5-10, 160, QB Has started to receive interest from FCS schools. Would project as defensive back or wide receiver.
PICTURED: Cordero Little, Jacksonville (right); PHOTO BY: Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star
The Anniston Star
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 29
The best of the rest A look at the college football recruits from across East Central Alabama
Jacksonville Christian John Averette, 6-3, 275, DL/OL Averette has heard from Wofford and several Division II schools.
Piedmont Jameson Trammell, 6-1, 250, OL JSU, Samford, Middle Tennessee, Arkansas State, Southern Miss. and UT-Chattanooga all plan to take a hard look at Trammell this spring. Clay Dent, 5-10, 185, OL Several small schools have contacted Piedmont coach Steve Smith about Dent. However, the multipletime state wrestling champion is likely to sign a scholarship with a big-time program in that sport.
Wellborn Dejuan Traylor, 6-2, 255, DL/DE The all-county performer is being touted due to his prototypical size and 4.8 40 speed. Has received interest from Jacksonville State, UAB, Troy, Chattanooga and Arkansas State.
dent
Saks Quinton Thomas, 6-3, 323, DL Justin Grier, 6-0, 170, DB Grier has shined at several camps throughout the Southeast. The honorable mention All-Calhoun County choice has caught the attention of a wide range of schools. The list includes South Alabama, Prairie View A&M (Texas), Occidental (Calif.), and Amherst (Mass.)
PICTURED: Justin Morgan, Pell City (left); PHOTO BY: Jerry Martin/Consolidated News Service/File
Pell City
PICTURED: Bobby White, Wellborn (right); PHOTO BY: Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File
Bobby White, 6-1, 205, LB Already academically qualified, White has drawn interest from many of the same schools as Traylor. He posted 100-plus tackles as a sophomore. Dalton Screws, 5-11, 160 DB
Cherokee County Patrick Lowe, 6-1, 210, LB Lowe has received interest from JSU, UAB, South Alabama and Memphis.
Handley
PICTURED: Justin Grier, Saks; PHOTO BY: Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star/File
Breyon Deberry, Handley, 5-8, 185, RB Coaches from UAB, Samford and Middle Tennessee State have all made their way to Roanoke to pay the dynamic running back a personal visit.
Justin Morgan, 5-11, 170, WR Mississippi State and Tennessee are among the top-level programs showing interest in the former quarterback. After being moved to wide receiver after sixth game, he had five touchdown receptions. Good speed and explosiveness are among his strong suits. Brady Isbell, 6-2, 270, C Projects as a possible mid-major signee. His 4.0 GPA is a plus. Ethan Fisher, 6-2, 270 G Also a 4.0 student, is receiving interest from Ivy League schools. Skylar Smith, 5-11, 220, DE/DT Built more like a linebacker, he led the team in tackles from his defensive end position. Carries a 3.5 GPA and could sign mid-major or Division II.
Ragland JohnMark Mintz, 6-2, 230, FB/TE/DE Has received interest from Mississippi State, Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, UAB, South Alabama and Middle Tennessee State. Cole Bearden, 6-1, 245, DL/C Interest from Huntingdon, Birmingham Southern and Maryville (Tenn.)
Talladega County Central Kendarious Swain, 6-2, 200, WR/DB UAB, Southern Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee State, Arkansas State and South Alabama are among the most interested suitors.
The Anniston Star
Page 30 Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The best of the rest A look at the rising juniors from across East Central Alabama Piedmont Jamie Major, 6-1, 275, LB Things are just heating up for Major, a first-team all-state performer and Max Preps All-American as a sophomore. Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, Ga. Tech and Florida State all have expressed interest and plan to make their way to Piedmont to see him live and in color. Marquez Gamble, 6-0, 275 DL Gamble played a supporting role alongside UAB signee Mickey Jackson a year ago; however, he should be the main attraction this season on the Bulldogs’ offensive line. He’s already on the recruiting radars of many schools including JSU, Samford and UT-Chattanooga to name a few. gamble Austin Bishop, 6-3, 250, OL
Weaver Brandell Massey, 5-10, 200, LB
Cherokee County Tanner Young, 6-3, 200, QB D.J. McAllister, 5-11, 185, RB Tae Brooks, 5-10, 185, RB/LB
Handley Bradley Bozeman, Handley, 6-4, 320, OL Likely the state’s top prospect at his position in his class, Auburn has already offered the massive lineman and as the season goes on, expect offers from virtually ever school in the Southeastern Conference.
Bozeman PICTURED: Timerick Truss, Lincoln (left); PHOTO BY: Bob Crisp/Consolidated News Service/File
Lincoln Patrick Weed, 6-1, 265, DT Jacksonville St., South Alabama and Central Arkansas have all inquired about the big lineman. Timerick Truss, 6-0, 200, S Truss already has prototypical size to be a big-time college defensive back. Alabama, Clemson and Jacksonville St. have all taken notice.
Lineville Randall Brown, 6-3, 190, LB/TE Interest hasn’t been heavy yet, but Brown is among the top prospects in the Aggies’ soon-to-be junior class.
Pell City Austin Martin, 5-11, 200, QB Possibly a mid-major quarterback, but currently lacks the size — which coach noted he could grow into his size 14 and change the recruiting outlook dramatically. Mid major.
Ranburne David Drake, 6-0, 210 LB Has started to receive interest. Trent Penny/The Anniston Star/File
At his current rate, Piedmont linebacker Jamie Major projects to be the top recruit for the graduating class of 2013. At 6-foot-1, 275 pounds, Major has the size and he already has the accolades, too.
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Woodland Al Davis, 6-4, 235, OT No offers yet, but Tennessee and UAB are among the main schools showing interest.
The Anniston Star
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Page 31
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