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'I need to want to hurt people'

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Mid-Atlantic | Midlands | Midwest
Northeast | Southeast | Southwest | Far West

Linebacker Michael Craven (6-1, 225, 4.55) from La Quinta, Calif., has excellent quickness, agility and speed. "I rely on my ability to make plays; I play with reckless abandon," said SuperPrep's No. 1 linebacker prospect. "I need to be more fierce. I need to want to hurt people."

"He does everything well," said one recruiting coordinator. "He has great explosiveness. Very versatile, a strong pass rusher who has good coverage skills. Also, excellent intelligence and toughness. Great athleticism, and he can really run."

Craven denies reports he is committed to UCLA.

Craven says he favors UCLA (sister is a sophmore) just slightly over STANFORD (uncle is a grad and strongly favors STANFORD). Both lead WASHINGTON (Dec. 15 visit), FLORIDA STATE (will need to reschedule Nov. 17 trip because Craven is a candidate to receive the Watkins Award in North Carolina on the 19th), MIAMI and OHIO STATE.

"I'll probably visit UCLA on the Dec. 1 weekend instead of STANFORD," Craven said. "They both want me to visit that weekend because it's a big one for each school. But I will not commit early, so it shouldn't make that much difference. I have no idea which school I would choose now.

"I went to the STANFORD-UCLA game last weekend and both teams looked about even. I'll probably base my decision on something not involving athletics or academics -- like feeling comfortable and how I like the area. I like Los Angeles a little more than Palo Alto. I spent some time with [UCLA LB] Ryan Nece when I was at the game. I've looked up to him. .... I haven't totally ruled out USC, but I'd like to go to a stable program. They are still in touch with me. I'd probably think about them more once they changed coaches, because I hear they might be making changes."

Now, an update on some recruits around the country. For more detailed information on these and other players, visit www.superprep.com.

Mid-Atlantic

Currie favors CLEMSON (Jan. 12 official trip, only two-and-a-half hours away -- "I just feel at home there," he said. "I know most of the coaches and I know some people there. They are having a great year and I know I could compete early there," 80 percent chance) big over FLORIDA ST. (Jan. 5 visit, great offense, attended CLEMSON game), GEORGIA (Jan. 9), MICHIGAN ST. (Oct. 28 -- host Charles Rogers -- "I liked the players. They were very cool. It's a very welcoming place. The people were really relaxed.") and TENNESSEE.

"I'll take my last trip to either TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA or GEORGIA TECH," he said.

Demetrius Warrick, DE, 6-7, 230, 4.9, Wilmington Mt. Pleasant, Del. "I'm good at pass rushing," said Warrick. "I have good quickness, mobility and I can run down a play. I need to improve my strength (bench presses 250) and my overall speed."

Seven-game (5-2) stats: 50 tackles, five sacks.

Warrick favors DUKE (Dec. 8 official trip, parental preference -- academic prestige, likes ACC, chance to play early, "I haven't told them I'm gonna commit, but I told my family if my visit goes well, I'll commit," he said. "That's why I'm not setting up other trips yet. I'm strongly leaning toward DUKE right now," 85 percent chance) big over SYRACUSE ("I like the Dome, and New York is only six hours away, which isn't bad."), PITTSBURGH (first to offer in May), NOTRE DAME (only favorite which hasn't offered) and N.C. STATE. RUTGERS, TEMPLE, DELAWARE and WYOMING have also offered.

Midlands

Janet denies reports he has committed to OKLAHOMA. "I was just talking with Mike and Bobby Stoops, and I told them I was thinking about committing," he said. "I told them the other day that I was still planning on taking my other visits and that I'm not committed. I did tell them they are my top choice, but they understand why I don't want to commit yet.

"I love the way they pass the ball. Plus, they are only one-and-a-half hours away and I have a great relationship with the coaches. There's an 85 percent chance I'll go to OU."

OKLAHOMA (attended NEBRASKA game) leads big over UCLA ("The distance isn't a factor because I have a lot of family around that area."), GEORGIA TECH (Jan. 20), ARIZONA ST., NORTHWESTERN (Jan. 5) and KANSAS ST. All offered except UCLA. Gerren Crochet, ATH, 5-11, 155, 4.5, Denver Bear Creek, Colo.

Nine-game (7-2) stats: 47 receptions, 896 yards, 12 TDs; 23 tackles, three picks. Crochet's great speed could possibly steer him to a school with an excellent track program. He's a fantastic hurdler. Excellent student: 3.4/1,320 SAT.

Gerren favors STANFORD (mom's preference -- academics, "I'm finishing up my essay and I've already mailed out my recommendations.") slightly over CAL (offer, "I like the Bay Area. The weather there is great and it's also a prestigious school."), TEXAS, ARIZONA ST. and COLORADO. INDIANA has also offered.

"Both TEXAS and ARIZONA STATE have increased their interest in me," Crochet said. "They call me each week. ARIZONA STATE said they will let me know about an offer in the next few weeks. NOTRE DAME's track coach sent me an application and said he's gonna talk to the football coaches. They need my film. If they were recruiting me, they would be in my top five."

Midwest

Seven-game (4-7) stats: 46 receptions, 774 yards, seven TDs. Excellent student: 3.3/1,070.

Essex favors NORTHWESTERN (Jan. 26 official trip, "I like their wide-open offense and how much they have improved," he said. "They have great coaches," 40-45 percent chance) solid over MIAMI (Dec. 1, "I like that they use the tight end a lot and it is always warm in Florida. Plus, they are always a contender for the national title."), ILLINOIS (Dec. 15), NOTRE DAME (Dec. 8, dad's preference --tradition, attended NEBRASKA game) and PURDUE. All offered.

"I'll decide after my fifth trip but anything can happen if I really like a school during my visit." Corey Mays, LB, 6-1, 235, 4.7, Chicago Morgan Park, Ill.

A playmaker who gets to the ball quickly. Hard-working team player. 11-game (8-3) stats: 130 total tackles, four sacks. Superior student: 4.0/24 ACT.

Mays favors NOTRE DAME (offer, Dec. 1 official trip, "I can go there and get a great degree, so even if football doesn't work out, I'll still be able to get a job," Mays said. "It's a big chance that's where I'm gonna go. I haven't committed, but they know they're in good shape," 90 percent chance) big over BOSTON COLLEGE (offer, "I loved the city. It's not just a college town. There's a lot of internship and job opportunities."), PURDUE (offer, Oct. 7 -- "I loved the campus and the activity going on. I expected them to be pretty stuck up, but they weren't. Even Drew Brees was very cool and not conceited."), NEBRASKA, MIAMI and MICHIGAN ST. (offer, Dec. 8).

Northeast

"I'm fluid and smooth and I'm a good cover guy," said Bolen. "I have a 45-inch vertical. I'd like to get faster."

Seven-game (4-3) stats: QB - 25-of-48 for 720 yards, five TDs; 45 yards rushing/eight TDs; 25 tackles, one pick.

Bolen still favors VIRGINIA TECH (Dec. 1 official trip, competitive and hard-playing, team on-the-rise, chance to play early) slightly over NOTRE DAME ("They said they'd offer me on my trip," he said. "They have a beautiful campus and surroundings, plus you can't beat their tradition."), PENN ST. (attended PURDUE game, "They've been recruiting me a lot more since my season has started and I think they will offer. They want me to set up a visit."), TENNESSEE and PURDUE (offer). Has visited all favorites.

Mike Bazemore, LB, 6-3, 225, 4.75, Philadelphia West Catholic, Pa.

"I get to the ball fast," Bazemore said. "I'm very physical and I cover good. I have good size that helps me match up with bigger tight ends and wide receivers."

Ten-game (4-6) stats: 70 tackles, four sacks, six fumbles caused; 12 receptions, two TDs.

Bazemore still favors MICHIGAN ST. (Oct. 28 -- host Renaldo Hill -- "I really liked the athletic director," he said. "He seemed to really enjoy helping the student athletes and they seem to make sure you're on top of things.") slightly over PURDUE ("The players are very close and were very open when I met them. There's not many distractions there so you really can focus on school and football."), PENN ST. and NOTRE DAME. "I will set trips to PURDUE, PENN ST. and NOTRE DAME," he said.

Southeast

"Coaches and people around me seem to compare me to Eddie George, " said Shelton. "My strength is that I can outrun DBs, but I still like to run over people. I give it all I can on the field. I'm a gymnast and I have good flexibility. This is only my second full year running the ball."

Final 11-game (7-4) stats: 1,400 yards, 12 TDs; 35 tackles, four sacks, 12 tackles-for-loss.

Shelton, a SuperPrep preseason Elite 50 choice, favors FLORIDA ST. (Dec. 8, attended GEORGIA TECH game, "They feature the running back and have an amazing offense," he said. "They let the running back do it all," 50 percent chance) solid over OHIO ST. (likes big back tradition and chance to play early, "The social atmosphere is great. I went to the MIAMI of OHIO game. I felt a part of everything and like I fit in."), TENNESSEE (Dec. 15), FLORIDA and LSU ("I like how they are recruiting me. Coach [ Nick] Saban has a knack for turning programs around and making great players.")."

"NEBRASKA is too deep at running back," he said.

Keldrick Williams, RB, 5-9, 195, 4.45, Montgomery Sidney Lanier, Ala.

"I'm both a finesse and a power runner and I have good hands," Williams said. "I need to improve at attacking the line of scrimmage."

Nine-game (8-1) stats: 1,400 yards, 19 TDs. Williams claims to bench press 400 and vertical jump 37".

Keldrick favors AUB (one hour from home -- small factor, attended LSU game, "I like the entire program," he said." They have a great offense and good fans too.") slightly over TENNESSEE (great school for RBs), ALABAMA (attended UCF game, "I want to know who the coach is going to be and what he's going to do. If I like him and his philosophy, then it won't matter."), LSU and MISSISSIPPI ST. All offered except MISSISSIPPI ST.

Southwest

"I really go after it," Harris said. "I'm aggressive and I'm really strong [bench presses 405]. I'm just blessed. That's all I can really say." Has 139 tackles, eight sacks, 21 tackles-for-loss. 57' shot.

Harris, a SuperPrep preseason Elite 50 team member, favors OKLAHOMA (likes DL coach Jackie Shipp -- "I really like his honesty," said Harris. "He's very down to earth and they have been after me hard.") and TEXAS slightly over FLORIDA ST. (childhood favorite, Jan. 19 official trip, criminology major), MIAMI, TEXAS A&M (Dec. 9, great defense, tradition, 1 hour, 45 minutes away -- not a factor). All offered.

"The schools don't say much to me about my grades right now. They all told me to qualify," said Harris. "Jackie Shipp made a plan for me on how to get my grades up, and he said they have great academic support there."

Derek Farmer, RB, 6-0, 192, 4.5, Tyler Lee, Texas

Any running back coming out of the Rose City will face the unfortunate burden of being touted as the next Earl Campbell. Farmer obviously doesn't have Campbell's size but does have an Earl-like penchant for breaking tackles. "I can run through you or around you, plus I can catch in the backfield," said Farmer. "But I need to keep my feet moving when breaking tackles."

Nine-game (8-1) stats: 1,505 yards, 18 TDs.

He favors MIAMI ("They want me to visit them before they offer," said Farmer. "They produce amazing caliber running backs. They have a great offense.") solid over TEXAS A&M (offer, tradition, likes running game, two-and-a-half hours away -- small factor), TEXAS TECH (Oct. 7 --"I liked the atmosphere. The players are like a family over there. They just seem the most interested and pay me a lot of attention."), TCU (offer) and NEBRASKA. MISSISSIPPI ST., OKLAHOMA, KENTUCKY and BAYLOR have also offered.

Far West

Bowen is incredibly strong. He benches 425. Also has good agility.

Bowen favors UCLA (offer, only favorite visited, "I can't really compare them to anyone because I haven't been to any other of my favorites," he said. "I just like the campus and the program," attended ALABAMA and MICHIGAN games) slightly over ARIZONA ST. (offer, childhood favorite, Dec. 8 official trip, "I could possibly start as a freshman. I don't want to redshirt, and they said that I'm physically capable of playing right now."), OREGON (Jan. 5), LSU and COLORADO (offer, Dec. 1). FRESNO STATE has also offered.

Kaelen Jakes, DL, 6-5, 255, 4.9, Valencia, Calif.

This SuperPrep preseason All-America has excellent quickness and size.

"He runs well and he has a good frame," said one recruiting coordinator. "He can really rush and contain. He could get to 270 and could play either end."

Jakes denies a leader but favors TEXAS (Sept. 23 -- "The people are very sincere and genuine," he said. "I really like the fan support too."), WASHINGTON ("I really like Rick Neuheisel. He's a great coach and really personal with his players. I was born in Seattle and lived there two years."), MIAMI, UCLA (will not visit officially because the BRUINS are so nearby) and USC ("They are still a great program. I don't think who the coaches are would really change my opinion. They don't talk about that stuff with me. I haven't heard from them in a few weeks though."). All offered except MIAMI.

For more from SuperPrep, click here.

 

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