This comes from San Antonio, where Rivals.com is covering the U.S. Army All-American prep football game. Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes' DE Brandon Willis, a big-time prospect, recently decommitted from Tennessee, and has been heavily rumored to be Chapel Hill-bound since then.
But here's what Rivals reporters have gleaned while working the practice sessions:
"Defensive end Brandon Willis was a done deal to North Carolina as of Sunday and all of his early enrollment paperwork was signed and in order. He had even changed his major from Engineering to Physical Therapy to play to the academic strengths at UNC.
"However, he is now struggling with the decision and UCLA is very much back in the picture.
"Amazingly, Tennessee is not out of it yet either despite Willis eliminating the Vols last week. One source said that if Willis can't decide between the Tar Heels and Bruins by week's end, he might just stick with Tennessee."
The Tar Heels aren't out of it either, of course, but what some where calling a sure thing suddenly isn't sounding very sure at all.
--Stan Olson
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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Rivals is reporting its between UNC and UT. That it was UT then UNC and right now it is back to UT. His folks are supposed to meet with him this weekend for his final decision. IF he intends to be an EE he has to hurry up!
"Farrell analysis: It was all North Carolina heading into the week but as Willis has talked to more and more kids down here and after a long discussion with Tennessee, the Vols are very much back in here. If he can't decide between UNC and Tennessee he might just get out of the area and head to UCLA. But I'll say Tennessee right now has him back"
http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=880&CID=1035208
thought i'd provide a link.....
He is not a Program Changer. Let him go to UT....
Not sure what a program changer would be in todays college landscape. It certainly isn't any individual player. Willis will be a big time player where ever he ends up.
The Heels (and anyone else for that matter) need as many "star" players as possible. Willis is not exception. However, it is beyond me with all that has gone on at UT that any sane athlete would commit to such a place. It would be different if comparing to another school like it. But we are talking apples to oranges for academics, future and even professional opportunities and only UNC would give him that. It should be down to UCLA or UNC if this kid wants anything of a current and future success.
Nice reporting on someone else's reporting, Stan. You're a gem.
I think Willis is looking more toward an NFL future. Where ut gives him his best shot, plus UT is not a bad school. As far as "what has gone on there", welcome to big time college football. Although for better or for worse Kiffin has had the media spotlight on the Vols. The violations that get reported are really not out of line with plenty of other programes. They have less serious violations against them currently, then LSU, Alabama,and many others and the same # of secondary vilotions as GA run by very respectable Mark Richt.they have no more arrest them most SEC schools. The media just is focused on the Vols thanks to Kiffin(for good and bad). Although the gun arrest are troubling againwelcome to big time football. These guys are saints. Many of these 4 and 5 star players have gang ties especially from the recruiting hot beds of S. Florida and California. Not trying to knock UNC fans, but this is not college basketball recruiting. Its much sketchier then that.
still a Tar Heel. Nothing to see here. You can't have a big announcement on National TV without some suspense. Plus, it should be noted that Mike Farrell has hated Carolina for years, dating back to his days on the UVa boards. He also had Greg Little to ND and Marvin Austin to FSU 4 years ago. Even now he has backed off of some of the comments he said earlier. Again, Tennessee is out of it and its down to UCLA and Carolina. And its going to be UNC.
I think this is a definite maybe for young Willis
Nice Scoop Stan. Sounds like some definite possibilities that he might play college FB for some school....
Scout is saying the same thing....Its not a done deal yet.
How many times did he visit UNC? Not comparing number of visits, but just curious.Thanks to anyone who may be able to help.
In terms of academics, UNC is closer to Tennessee than it is to UCLA. It might be ranked closer to UCLA in all the magazines, but the divide between the truly elite public schools (UVa, Cal, UCLA, Michigan) is much greater than the drop from a UNC to a Tennessee.
As are you, gem boy anon. I'm not in San Antonio, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to post news on this blog just because I didn't get it.
It seems to be of interest to a number of folks, don't you think?
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