Twists Of Fate

The ups and downs of recruiting

1) For months the word has been that the state of Florida had a meager crop of talent. In 1996-97, 67% of the players signed by Florida and Florida State came from in-state. This year: 56%.

2) When freshman backup Marques Tuiasosopo of Washington (above) threw for 270 yards against Nebraska last September while subbing for injured sophomore starter Brock Huard, Tuiasosopo scared off some top recruits who attended the game. Jared Jones of Walla Walla signed with Florida State. Brock's brother Luke signed with North Carolina.

3) Alabama signed two of the three best players in Tennessee: linebacker Kindal Moorehead and wide receiver Eric Locke. Add in quarterback Tyler Watts of Pelham, Ala., and 'Bama may have signed the best class in history for a 4-7 team.

4) Michigan signee Justin Fargas committed to Southern Cal but changed his mind when the Trojans clumsily fired coach John Robinson. While UCLA signed four USA Today first-team All-Americas, USC signed none.

5) Hampton (Va.) High quarterback Ronald Curry, who is also a top prospect at point guard, is waffling on the oral commitment he made to Virginia last fall in part because of the sagging fortunes of the Cavaliers' basketball program. Curry will visit Florida State and North Carolina later this month.
—I.M.