Bob Jones High School Football Booster Website: Past Recruiting
 |
| Everson, Parker, Vann, Sill & McDowell |
 |
2007-2008 Bob Jones High School College Signees reaches 11
|
 |
| Andrew Walters, Hosea Perkins, Bobby Daniels, Brock Newsome |
Other Players signing after "National Football Signing Day"
Gary Ray (Sewanee), Andrew Walters (Sewanee), Bobby Daniels (Huntingdon), Brock Newsome (Huntingdon), Hosea Perkins (Southwest Baptist). Caleb Hicks was accepted at (Millsaps College) but decided not to go.
 |
|
Eric Collins signs with Air Force
| |
 | |
| Eric Collins, parents Eric and Ollie Collins, Principal Parker & Coach Brown | |
 |
|
Alabama A&M Recruit, Justin Okpara, 2006 All-Metro Wrestling Team
| |
 | |
| Justin Okpara | |
 |
|
BJHS Harmon Gage signs up to play football for Air Force
| |
 | |
| Harmon Gage to play football for Air Force | |
Wednesday, March 02, 2005, By BOB LABBE, For the Madison Spirit bob0873@yahoo.com
The recent national signing day for future college football players was highlighted by three athletes from Bob Jones High School putting their names on scholarships to play college football. Jonathon Kenlaw signed with the University of North Alabama; Dirk Caudle signed with Jacksonville State University, and Harmon Gage's choice is to leave the state and head to Colorado Springs, Colo., to play for the U.S. Air Force Academy. "The day was exciting. I signed a letter of intent to attend the academy and play football," Harmon said. "Signing my name on the letter made me anxious for the next nine years." With the signing, Harmon will attend the Air Force Academy and play football for four years. Upon his graduation the agreement also means he will join the U.S. Air Force for a minimum of five years. The letter of intent and scholarship offer mean more than just four years of football. The agreement could mean something he can be a part of the rest of his life. Harmon, 18, is the son of Jerry and Mary Harmon. He has a sister, Jenny, 15, and a brother, Justin, 13. Harmon said the entire family was very supportive while he was trying to decide where he wanted to attend college and play football. He said his father told him, "This is an opportunity of a lifetime." Harmon, a Bob Jones senior, was named Super All-Metro honorable mention while being named the team's co-captain, offensive MVP and co-MVP. As quarterback, he led the team to a disappointing 3-7 record. But the future looks bright for the Patriots, he said. Off the field, Harmon said, he would like to major in economics or business management. "I have to undergo several physical examinations before I'm actually accepted to the academy, but everything looks great," he said. "I visited the campus and the area is absolutely beautiful. The academy is awesome. While I made my visit, the academy offered me a scholarship. Once that happened, the decision was easy." Harmon fits the profile of a typical teenager: He likes to hang out with his friends, listen to today's popular music, play sports and attend school. At school, he is a two-sport athlete, playing football and baseball. He's a member of the SGA Senior Council, National Honor Society and was a member of the senior homecoming court. His baseball talents as a centerfielder and pitcher earned him the team's Best Outfielder Award and membership in the Super 100 Showcase in Alabama. He has achieved a 3.82 GPA and 31 on his ACT. Harmon admitted this scholarship was not earned by his talents alone. He said his parents, teachers, coaches and friends all played a role in this opportunity. He plans on not letting them down while representing his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force...(Taken from the Huntsville Times)
 |
|
Gage aims high, Patriots QB signs with Air Force Academy
Lindsay Vaught, Record Correspondent
Success on the football field has given Harmon Gage an opportunity to compete at the highest level in college football and receive a world-class education in the process. Gage, the starting quarterback for the Bob Jones Patriots last season, has signed a football scholarship with the Air Force Academy. Playing quarterback in coach Shannon Brown's option offense, Gage rushed for 532 yards and scored six touchdowns. He also threw for 310 yards and one touchdown. But it was his athleticism that caught the eye of coaches at Air Force. He was recruited to play wingback, a combination running back and tight end. He will also get a chance to play receiver. "After the football season, Coach Brown contacted their coaches and sent some game tapes. He did a lot to get our names out there for colleges to look at us," Gage, who was one of three Patriots to ink football scholarships on Feb. 3, said. Jonathon Kinlaw signed with the University of North Alabama and Dirk Caudle signed with Jacksonville State. "The coaches at Air Force didn't recruit me to play quarterback, but they were impressed with my athletic ability. Air Force is an option team and they say I will play wingback. That is like a tight end but he is off the line. They run a lot of motion, they get some pitchouts, catch passes, and they block a lot," Gage, who is 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, said. Gage visited the Academy the last week of January. It was a homecoming of sorts because his family lived in Colorado Springs for two years while his father, Jerry, was in the Army. His father is now retired from the military. "To think I will play football there is exciting. Going up there to visit was awesome. It is a huge stadium and a great setting. It's a tremendous place to play and they have a huge fan base. They have a JV team that travels and plays some of the big junior colleges. Players don't redshirt at Air Force because you only have four years at the academy," said Gage, who reports June 30 for five weeks of basic training. "I still had to get an appointment to go there. I had to complete a test. I had to fill out a lot of paperwork on my background. I had to write essays, and I had to have real good grades to qualify," Gage, who will be committed to serve at least five years active duty in the Air Force after graduation plus three years reserves, said. If he becomes a fighter pilot, the commitment goes up to 10 years and five years reserve after that. The thought of getting to continue his football career was foremost in Gage's mind. "If this had not come up, I would have gone to Alabama or UAB," Gage, who had been offered a full academic scholarship to Troy and a tuition scholarship to Alabama, said. "It will be a structured environment. I may lose out on the social aspects of going to college, but the leadership training and education is second to none. Students don't declare a major until the second year, but I'm thinking about business or economics," Gage said... (Taken in full from the Madison Record)
|
|
Countdown to signing day
Several local players may ink scholarships
Staff Reports, Madison Record
Several local high school football players may continue their careers at the college level. Some may attend prep school to ready themselves for college, while others may walk on. Some, however, will sign with four-year institutions on Feb. 2 on college football's national signing day.
Bob Jones Patriots
Dustin Lauterbacher, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound linebacker, has drawn interest from West Alabama, Tusculum College of Greenville, Tenn., and the University of North Alabama.
Jonathon Kenlaw, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end, is being looked at by Kentucky, Jacksonville State and UNA. Signed with UNA
Dirk Caudle, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound safety, has received interest from a lot of schools according to head coach Shannon Brown, but he has not narrowed his choices at this time. He may wind up at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas. Signed with Jacksonville State
Harmon Gage, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound running back, is committed to attend and play at the United States Air Force Academy. Signed with Air Force
LaDarrius Coleman, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound defensive lineman, is expected to sign with Miles College in Birmingham.
Thursday, May 1
Bama offers top RB/LB
Bob Jones High School in Madison (AL) is home to two of the top prospects in the state for the 2004 class. While most recruiting fans are familiar with defensive lineman David Brown, his teammate and starting running back Max Martin has amassed three scholarship offers including one this weekend while on an unofficial visit...(more)
 |
| David Brown (6'3", 255lbs, 3.7GPA, 23ACT) Bench 305, Squat 550, 40Y-5.15 |
|
Brown considered one of the state’s top prospects for 2004
Bob Jones High School standout defensive lineman David Brown is considered one of the state’s top prospects for the class of 2004. he 6-foot-3, 255-pound Madison, Alabama native had an impressive junior campaign and is receiving serious attention from a host of Division I schools. This past weekend, Brown took an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa...(more)
 |
| Max Martin (6'2", 210lbs, 2.5GPA, 24ACT) Bench 315, Squat 365, 40Y-4.67 |
|
Martin chooses Big Ten
Bob Jones' big back returns to roots, picks Michigan
By MIKE EASTERLING, Times Sports Staff mikee@htimes.com
Max Martin is going home. Or close to it. Martin, a 6-foot-2, 217-pound running back at Bob Jones High School who grew up in Chicago, has committed to play football for Michigan. He said his knowledge of the Wolverines and the school that he compiled before he moved to Madison three years ago helped in his decision. "I grew up following the team, and I always knew how good the school was academically,'' he said. "I can do what I want to do - go to the NFL and get my degree.'' Martin said he has made the necessary test scores - a 24 on the ACT and a 1070 on the SAT - and is in good standing in his core studies to be eligible. He plans to study business. Martin rushed for 1,069 yards despite missing 21/2 games because of an ankle injury as a junior. He's big, and said his fastest 40-yard dash time is 4.5. He'll join a program that will lose starting running back Chris Perry to graduation after the coming season...
David Brown at Rivals.com
Bob Jones High School defensive end/tackle David Brown is one of the Tide's top targets for the 2004 recruiting campaign. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Madison, Ala. native has over 10 offers and is receiving interest from a host of national powers.
 |
|
ESPN's Class of 2004 - Top 25 Defensive Ends
By Tom Lemming, ESPN.com
There will be many changes to the list and the schools on the list before Signing Day, but keep an eye on these prep defensive ends. As I travel around the country looking for talent, I will continue to update the list. Check back to see who drops out, drops down or moves up the list...
 |
|
Michigan recruit ranks among the nation's best power runners
No. 11 on The Birmingham News' Super Seniors List
RON INGRAM, News staff writer
MADISON -- Maxamillion Rowe Martin fell in love with the University of Michigan's football program when he was a small child living in Chicago. "I liked them because they were always winning," said Martin. While it may have come as a surprise to many college recruiters in the southeast, it was no surprise when Martin, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior running back and linebacker at Bob Jones High School near Huntsville, committed to the Wolverines this summer. "It's where I always wanted to go," said Martin, listed No. 11 on The Birmingham News' Super Seniors list. "When they offered, I accepted." Martin is one of those players who could have easily been overlooked, especially considering he missed several games with an ankle injury. And moving to Madison from Chicago, he didn't have any allegiances to Auburn or Alabama as most football prospects do growing up in the Heart of Dixie...(more)
Sunday, August 3
Wolverine Video/Scouting Report: Max Martin
| |
 | |
Michigan commitment Max Martin was being recruited as a linebacker by most of the southern schools, but Michigan wanted the talented 6-foot-2, 215-pounder out of Madison (Ala.) Bob Jones as a running back. That’s for good reason, says former Alpena (Mich.) High head coach Tom Atkinson (better known as SweeetT on TheWolverine.com message boards), who coached high school football for over 25 years and was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1994...Many analysts have likened Max Martin to an Anthony Thomas, lower-your-shoulder type back... “I was very surprised; I was expecting to see an A-Train type back, put the shoulder down, but he really doesn’t run that way,” said Atkinson. “He’s more of an Eddie George, Robert Smith, or Tony Boles type of runner. He’s a strider, and he can gallop pretty good. “My thought going in was I was going to see the A-Train, but I saw somebody more fluid than him. I think without changing personnel, he’s a person that lets an offensive coordinator just drop him into the slot where he can run with anybody, and he’ll be as tall as the taller receivers. My guess is he’s a shade over 6-foot-2; he catches the ball well, and knows how to turn it up.” While it’s sometimes difficult to judge whether a player is just that good, or if the level of competition makes him appear better than he really is, Atkinson said there were signs Martin was getting it done last season against solid defenses. “I do know because of people attacking the angles on him and so on that he’s going against good speed,” he said. “My guess is that he’s playing against competition the level of the top 10 or 15 percent in Michigan, the top division of schools in Michigan. It might be smaller, but as you get southern you tend to get into more speed, so the speed factor is really good... As would be the case for any back heading into his senior season in high school, there are areas on which Martin can concentrate to improve before his senior season at Bob Jones High (let alone his freshman year at Michigan). Ball protection is one of them, said Atkinson. “He needs to really work on ball protection; they’re going to strip the ball out of there until he does that better,” said the coach. “But he is patient. He is a back, an athlete with speed.” “He’s got a tremendously high upside. Max bounces real well, but he also has the ability to take it right up the seam, and has a very, very quick step of acceleration going right at it,” Atkinson reported. “He’s a complete back, except I don’t know about blocking; he’s going to have to block in pass protection, of course, and he didn’t have to do any of that. They would flare him out and throw to him, and he would just basically create a seam. Once he’s even with people he knows what he wants to do, and he just takes off.” Why the interest from the southern schools as a linebacker, then? “He obviously has tremendous foot speed in order to play either inside or outside. In fact, when I saw him, I thought where he could probably be an all-pro is as a strong or cover safety,” noted Atkinson. “He does have a large presence and he’s still rangy; he’s not muscle-bound at all.” Regardless, said the coach, Martin is a great get at running back for U-M. As for those who still aren’t convinced of his ability in the backfield ... “They sure should have been spending more time watching him,” said Atkinson. “He’s got a lot of ability.”
 |
|
Offer on the way for Brown?
By Mike Frank -- Posted Aug 5, 2003
Every year I find a couple of guys that I really enjoy talking to. Defensive line prospect David Brown is one of those guys that is always happy to speak to anyone. The 6-3, 265-pound defensive end/tackle has a host of impressive offers and the Irish appear to be close to offering as well. Will an offer from Notre Dame put the Irish in the drivers seat? Madison, AL native David Brown has had a very busy summer. "I've been busy," said Brown when asked about his summer. "I went to Notre Dame, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn and Alabama this summer. It really helped me compare different colleges and made me think about what was important to me."...(more)
|
|
Michigan's Newest Commitment
By Chris Pool
Alabama running back Max Martin is going to live a childhood dream and play his college football for the Michigan Wolverines. Want to know what kind of football player and person Max Martin is? We asked his head coach. The University of Michigan received verbal commitment #2 from Madison (Ala.) Bob Jones running back Max Martin. Want to know just what kind of prospect the Wolverines are getting? We asked Bob Jones head coach Mike Bates to give us the skinny. “Max is the type of running back that runs just as fast with pads on as he does in his shorts,” said Bates. “You know how some kids will run a 4.4 in shorts and then in pads they’ll lose speed? Max is just as fast or even faster with pads on. “I’d say that Max runs the 40-yard dash in the high 4.5 range or 4.6, those are legit times.” “Max is a very good cutback runner and he’s physical. He missed two games last year with an ankle injury and still had 1,200 yards rushing for us. “Max is a yes sir, no sir, hard working young man that is just one of the best leaders I’ve ever had in 25 years of coaching.” Besides Michigan, who else was in the running for Martin’s services? “He (Martin) had 23 scholarship offers,” said Bates. “Every SEC school except for Florida offered. “When Michigan offered, it was pretty much over. You know that Max grew up in your neck of the woods up there in Chicago. Max grew up a Michigan fan.”
|
|
Max Emfinger 2003 Senior National Database
NOTE: *Grades could be a problem ^I’ve seen play! Passing Test Score in Bold! Players that are Rated a "5" are early potential National Top 100 players.
Fullback or H-Back
5 Max Martin 6-1, 218, 4.5, 24, Madison Jones, AL (MICHIGAN VERBAL)
Defensive Tackles
4 David Brown 6-3, 275, 4.8, Madison Jones, AL (ALA, AUB, UGA, VANDY, STAN. LSU, SCAR)(Offers: All favorites)
|
|
ESPN's Lemming's Top 100 for 2004
62. Max Martin, RB 6-2, 210, 4.5 Bob Jones - Madison, Ala.
 |
|
Full steam ahead
Bob Jones' running back Max Martin talks about his injuries, recovery and a future with the Michigan Wolverines.
By RUBIN E. GRANT, BIRMINGHAM POST-HERALD
Max Martin dismisses talk that he's injury prone. So what if Bob Jones' 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back missed three games during the middle of the 2002 season because of an ankle injury? And so what if Martin has gotten off to a slow start this season because of a hamstring injury? Martin said it's just one of those things. "I'm not actually injury prone," he said. "I've been focusing on getting my legs stronger. It's just something that happened. It's been kind of disappointing for me. I had some hamstring problems and soon after that my left groin started acting up. I've been doing ultrasound treatments to get better. It's more aggravating than painful." Martin expected to be at full speed Friday night when Bob Jones (2-0) played host to Decatur (1-1) in Madison, and he expects to be 100 percent next week when the Patriots visit the Minor Tigers. "By the Minor game, I should be where I need to be," Martin said. In his first two games, Martin rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns. Last week in Bob Jones' 14-6 victory against Oak Mountain, Martin missed most of the first half, but gained 89 yards on 10 carries in the second half and had a 42-yard touchdown run called back in the closing minutes because of a holding penalty. Bob Jones Coach Mike Bates can't wait for Martin to be completely healthy. "He's big and strong, he's fast and he's powerful," Bates said. "And he makes me look smart." As a junior, Martin rushed for 1,069 yards on 138 carries and scored 12 touchdowns. He entered this season ranked No. 8 on the Birmingham Post-Herald's "10 Most Wanted" list of college prospects. Martin already has committed orally to Michigan. He has been a fan of the Wolverines since he was 7 years old, while growing up in Oak Park, Ill., just west of Chicago. "The main reason I liked about them is they were always winning," Martin said. His love for Michigan remained even after his family moved to Madison, just outside of Huntsville, in the heart of Alabama and Auburn country, during the middle of his freshman year 2 ½ years ago. "I was really surprised that you had to be for Auburn or Alabama after I got here," Martin said. Despite that, moving to the Deep South wasn't a culture shock for the youngster. "It wasn't that bad," he said. "I didn't like it at first, but it started growing on me. I'm happy we made the move." So, is Bates. "He's real personable and real smart," Bates said of Martin, "and he's a real good looking kid. He looks like Tarzan when he takes his shirt off. And he's funny. The kids at school all like him. He's not a prima donna." Martin believes the football in Chicago area is "more intense" than it is Alabama. "I think football is bigger up there," Martin said. "The (high) schools are certainly bigger." Martin is the prototypical big back with speed. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, bench presses 325 pounds and squats 425 pounds. "My running style is to find holes and hit them as hard as can," Martin said. Martin also plays some at linebacker. Last year, he had 53 tackles and two sacks. And he's a solid student, scoring 24 on the ACT and 1,070 on the SAT. Martin still has plenty of family ties in the Chicago area, but he said, "I haven't been home in a long while. My parents want me to stay focused down here." And the Michigan coaches want Martin to stay focused on the Wolverines. During a phone interview for this story, a Michigan coach called because he had heard Martin and his teammate, defensive tackle David Brown, attended the Southern California-Auburn game two weeks ago. Brown, who remains uncommitted, is rated No. 10 on the "10 Most Wanted" list. "I let him know my commitment was firm," Martin said. "Auburn just invited us down to see the game and take in the experience." Martin, whose older brother played at Northern Michigan, wasn't sure Michigan was going to offer him a football scholarship. Several schools in the Southeastern Conference, including Alabama and Auburn, plus Notre Dame, recruited him heavily. "Michigan was the last school that I was looking at who offered," Martin said. "When they offered, I accepted. It's where I always wanted to go. I'm very pleased with my decision." Now, Martin is concentrating on having a good senior season and helping Bob Jones, which has little football tradition, make a deep run in the Class 6A playoffs. "All I want to do is win a state championship," Martin said. "None of that other stuff matters. I'd play quarterback if I have to, to help us win. "We've got a good team. All of us have become like a family. We want to do it for one another."
|
|
Brown Remains Open
By Mike Frank -- Posted Sep 3, 2003
Madison, AL defensive line prospect David Brown has been a hot prospect of late. He’s received a number of offers from schools like Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgia, Auburn and Georgia Tech. Brown had said he wanted to make an early decision but Brown now says he will take his time and take some visits. David Brown has been a real busy man lately. The 6-3, 265-pound defensive line prospect has spent a lot of time on the phone and on the road lately. “I’ve talked to Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt so far,” said Brown of the schools that have called him. “I went to the Auburn/USC game last weekend and I plan on going to see Alabama/Oklahoma game this weekend.” Brown says he enjoyed the game at Auburn but the result wasn’t quite what he expected. “It would’ve been better if they won, that kind of put a damper on the mood. It was a good match-up. I have already experienced the pre-game there. My sister just graduated from there so I’ve been there before. It was nice to see the coaches again.” Brown is also thinking about coming up for an official visit for a Notre Dame game. “We want to take an official visit there during a game. My Dad said something about the BYU game but we haven’t set anything up yet. When I visited this summer it was like an official visit. They took me everywhere and showed me everything so I’m familiar with the school. I want to see what a game would be like there.” Coach Mattison called Brown earlier this week. “I talked to Coach Mattison and we just kind of caught up. He said they still wanted me and he helped me out with some technique that I had some questions on. We mainly talked about what has happened since I visited there this summer.” Don’t expect a decision out of Brown any time soon. “I really haven’t started to narrow it down. Other than Notre Dame, I’m not sure who else I might visit. Alabama will probably get one. After that, I’m really wide open. I want to see all the schools before I make my decision.”..(More)
 |
|
Division III Athletic Opportunities
Don't tell Don Wiedmann that athletic opportunities don't exist at the Division III level. Wiedmann, a freshman football player at Occidental College in California, is just one in a growing number of high school student-athletes who are finding athletic opportunities and financial incentives in Division III athletics...
INVESTIGATE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
Remember, Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. However, as Don Wiedmann proved, high school student-athletes can still find significant academic scholarships and grants at most of these institutions. Once you begin to establish a dialog with Division III coaches, make sure you find out what you might be eligible for in the way of academic scholarships and grants. You might be surprised at the answers!
Friday, October 10
Michael Dean Recruitment Stat Sheet
Michael W. Dean
109 Chickasaw Trail
Madison, AL 35758
(256) 971-1210
lilmikey819@knology.net
Quarterback #10 - 3 Year Starter at Alabama Class 6A - Bob Jones High School
Personal Details
5’ 11”, 190 lbs, 40-Yard Time 4.8 sec, DOB 08/19/1986
Academic Details
GPA 2.88, ACT 19 (Rescheduled Oct. 18, 2003), Graduation May 2004
Career Statistics (22 Games in which he started at QB)
Passing 210/414 – 51% for 3,242 yards
Rushing - (thru 5 Games of 2003) 283 yards
Touch Downs – 22 Passing / 10 Rushing
Athletic Awards
All 6A Region 8 - Football BJHS (2001, 2002)
All 6A Region 8 – Baseball BJHS (2002)
Alabama Top 100 (Catcher) by AHS Baseball Coach’s Association
BJHS – Most Improved Player, Football (2001), Best Offensive Back, Football (2002),
Best Defensive Player, Baseball (2003)
|
|
Max Martin: Elated To Be A Wolverine
Josh Helmholdt, TheWolverine.com Recruiting Analyst
Michigan’s victory over Ohio State on Saturday set off a frenzy of fans who jumped the walls and rushed the field to celebrate with the team. At the 50-yard line, however, security guards and ushers held back the group of recruits watching the post-game, championship-clinching ritual from getting onto the field. All but one. Reminiscent of a few moves he’s displayed on the football field, Madison (Ala.) Bob Jones running back Max Martin hurdled the wall and rushed the team with the crowd. This is what the 6-1, 210-pound back signed up for when he made a verbal commitment back in May to play for the Wolverines and that moment encapsulated everything he had hoped it would. “They had us in the front row and I hopped the fence and I was going down there with everybody. Then I went up into the locker room with the team after the game when they were doing their interviews with the Rose Bowl guy. I had a great time.” The moment of celebration was not surprising for the three-star tailback who could have predicted a similar outcome to the 35-21 Michigan victory before the game. “I was feeling it in the locker room. I knew exactly what they were going to do. Everybody was pumped up and I got pumped up off of them. I like to feel that I was pumping them up and had something to do with the victory,” he chuckled. Going back on his early season commitment was never an option, but just for good measure the official visit was the final straw that ensured Martin will be a Wolverine. The game day atmosphere, love from the fans and bonding he did with the current players all contributed to what was an exceptional weekend. “I was very, very satisfied. Nothing really stood out more than anything else, I just can’t wait until I get there. It can’t come fast enough,” Martin commented. “I’m just waiting to get up there. I’m working hard and I’m going to get good grades and be ready to go up there.” Martin was not there just for himself, however. He was there to do a little recruiting work of his own in hopes of bringing some quality athletes in with his class. “Ted Ginn was in town and I was really trying to get him to commit,” Martin remarked. “He’s a good player and we’re both going to be on the U.S. Army team together. Brett [Gallimore] was in town and us three were on our official visit. [Gallimore] said he was liking it and his family said they were liking it too, so I hope he [commits].” Another outcome from Martin’s official visit was an understanding of the situation he will be involved with for the next four years. After seeing the family-like atmosphere the team possesses and the conduct of Michigan’s captains, Martin understands the mystique of the program and plans to carry the torch. “This team, just like every other team [previous Wolverine team] that I have witnessed on television, they are keeping up with the Michigan tradition and keeping it consistent. That’s exactly what I am going to try and do when I get there. Just keep up with what the program is all about,” noted Martin. “Chris [Perry] is a great gauge of how I need to be. I know when I get up there I’m going to have some big shoes to fill. After games I go home and watch film till about two in the morning and a lot of the moves that he was making is a lot of the stuff I saw myself doing during the season, so I think I am going to fit in perfectly.” Back home in Madison, Alabama, Martin is shoring up the final details to make the move to Michigan. After already notching a 24 on his ACT, passing the NCAA Clearinghouse should be a breeze. On the football field, Bob Jones struggled to a 5-5 season and Martin was hobbled by some early season injuries. Despite pulling a hamstring and suffering a groin pull the very next week, he still managed 1300 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns on the season. “If I wasn’t so focused and didn’t have people like my brother and my family around here keeping me focused it probably would have been hard to come back off of both those injuries, but I’ve got a good support group behind me and came back strong off the injuries,” he added.
Saturday, December 13
Max Martin chosen to play in National Football game
| |
 | |
Tuesday, December 16
Top-notch DE chooses Georgia Tech
| |
 | |
|
|
Brown rambling to Atlanta
| |
 | |
By MIKE EASTERLING, Times Sports Staff mikee@htimes.com
Bob Jones defensive end David Brown, going against widespread speculation that he was going to commit to Alabama, said he is headed to Georgia Tech. Brown, a Super All-Metro and All-Region performer, narrowed his choices to Alabama -?here both of his parents graduated -?otre Dame and Vanderbilt. He said he also had Georgia high on his list for a while but the Bulldogs' interest seemed to wane. After taking a visit to Georgia Tech in Atlanta over the weekend, Brown said he decided to join the Yellow Jackets. "I made a decision after I came home,'' Brown said. "I compared (the schools) and everything was leading back to Georgia Tech.'' The 6-foot-3 Brown, who weighed 263 pounds during the season and now goes about 250, said he plans on staying at defensive end in college. And Brown, an honors student who is easily qualified, plans on being on engineer and Georgia Tech seemed to be the right fit. "It felt like the place for me academically, especially for engineering, and for athletics,'' he said. "It just felt like the right place.'' Brown was rated No. 3 on The Huntsville Times' Elite 11 preseason rankings of state prospects.
|
|
Martin heading to San Antonio for U.S. Army Bowl
| |
 | |
A young man who played football in Madison is taking his talent to the national level. Bob Jones High School standout running back Max Martin has been selected to play in the nationally televised U.S. Army All-American Bowl, to be played in San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome. The game is scheduled for live broadcast at 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3 on NBC. Martin is expected to wear number 21 during the game. "Thanks a lot. I'm taking this award for everybody," Martin said during the presentation. Students, faculty, cheerleaders and band members at the presentation gave him a standing ovation. "This is a great honor. I don't have the words to explain it," Martin said after the presentation. "I can't wait 'till the game." He said he didn't know how much playing time he might get, but he was going to try his best to win a starting position as a running back. Martin was selected from 400 players nationally nominated by ESPN's Tom Lemming for his outstanding performance on the field during his high school football career. Lemming is recognized as a top evaluator of prep football talent. "Maxamillion is a hard runner with good speed and instincts. He has All-American potential and shows a great combination of strength, size and smarts," Lemming said. Only 78 players were selected from the 400 nominees to play in the All-American Army Bowl. The East vs. West classic is said to be the premier high school all-star football game in the country. Each of the All-Americans who play in the game has the potential for nomination as the Spalding National Player of the Year Award, which will be announced at the U.S. Army All-American Awards Dinner Jan. 2. The winner will receive the Ken Hall Trophy, equivalent to college football's Heisman Trophy. Hall, known as "The Sugarland Express," is a record setting running back from Sugarland, Texas. The winning team of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl will receive the Herman Boone Trophy, named after the legendary Virginia high school football coach immortalized in the feature film, "Remember the Titans." In addition, the most valuable player of the game will receive the Pete Dawkins Trophy, named after the legendary 1958 Heisman Trophy winner. Martin ran for 1,300 yards and scored 16 touchdowns during is senior season this year at BJHS. He made seven pass receptions for 75 yards and he returned kick offs for 540 yards. He picked up more than 2,500 yards during his BJHS career, according to BJHS football Coach Mike Bates. He was named as an All-Region player for two years, he was named All-City, and he was named to The Birmingham News and the Huntsville Times super 12 to watch. Lemming, Bates said, also listed Martin as one of the top 10 running backs in the country. "When you look at Max, you can see the talent. His heart, leadership and commitment are the things you don't see." Bates said. "He's been a tremendous leader at our school and we're very proud of him." Martin is the son of Valerie and Dexter Martin of Madison. He already has made a verbal commitment to play football for the University of Michigan and expects to sign a scholarship agreement with Michigan in February. His parents said it has been a life-long dream of Martin's to play football for Michigan and that he is excited about the opportunity. The Martin family moved to Madison from Chicago. "When he was young, we lived in Chicago. He liked the (Michigan) colors and the big 'M'," Martin's mom said. "He was about 7 years old at the time." His parents said their 6-foot, 2-inch, 215-pound son is easygoing and very quite. They said he loves competition and he spends a lot of time watching game films. "Judging by the number of kids that come to visit, he pretty popular," Dexter Martin said. The Martins gave Coach Bates a lot of credit helping Martin get recognized. They said their son plans to major in business and that he would like to be an entrepreneur...(Support the Madison Record)
|
|
Football signings
|
 |
Mo Ariinejad, Grissom tight end, West Alabama
Andrew Black, Grissom offensive lineman, Jacksonville State
Jason Bosley, Grissom offensive lineman, Auburn
David Brown, Bob Jones defensive end, Georgia Tech
Deandrea Collins, Austin defensive back, Ranger Junior College
Michael Darden, Albertville quarterback, Jacksonville State
Lamar Divens, Lincoln County lineman, Vanderbilt
Tavares Edwards, Lee quarterback, Tennessee State
Theo Horrocks, Lincoln County lineman, Vanderbilt
Harley Kenney, Grissom offensive lineman, Samford
Zach Knight, Huntsville linebacker, Murray State
Reshard Langford, Tanner running back, Vanderbilt
Max Martin, Bob Jones running back, Michigan
Nikita Stover, Hartselle receiver, Alabama
Michigan man
Martin, a 6-2, 215-pound All-State pick who was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Game, has also known for some time where he wanted to play in college. He grew up in the Chicago area and always had an eye on Michigan. He moved to Madison prior to his freshman season. He was heavily recruited and narrowed his choices to LSU, Auburn, Georgia and Alabama but made his commitment to the Wolverines early in the summer. He got some pressure at home to head to LSU. His older brother, Dexter, was born in Baton Rouge where his father attended Southern University. His decision has always been firm, but there were some anxious moments as he watched LSU win the national championship last month. "LSU was No. 2 on my list,'' Martin said. "Watching them win the national championship, it was a funny feeling. But, it just made me more eager to get up to Michigan and get us up there where we need to be.'' With starting back Chris Perry graduated, Martin said he's been led to believe playing time will be available as a freshman. In fact, he said, "I might start sometime this season is the drift I'm getting.'' Whether that happens or nor, he's just ready to become a Wolverine. "I've been excited about this since the first day I knew it was a possibility,'' he said.
Tech bound
Brown, 6-3 and 260 pounds, was selected Super All-Metro twice. Like Martin, his decision has been made long enough that today will be just "another step'' in the process. Unlike Martin, he wrestled a little harder with his decision. His sister, Dayna, is an Auburn graduate. His parents, David and Yoshie, are Alabama graduates. But David never grew to love any particular program while moving around in a military family. And until he moved back to the state - his parents are originally from Birmingham and he has relatives there - he never seriously considered playing college football. "As soon as I got here in Alabama, I started eating this Southern food and I grew three inches,'' he said. He blossomed as a junior, and before his senior season the recruiters began calling. He looked long and hard at several schools, coming close to committing to Alabama. He also considered Notre Dame and Georgia Tech, and finally decided Atlanta was the place for him. He plans on studying engineering. "I wanted to go to a good school first and play for a good team,'' he said. "At Geogria Tech I felt at home. And it's close to (Birmingham). It's a great fit for me.'' With graduation, Brown said he could enter the fall third on the depth chart at defensive end. For now, Brown - who like Bosley and Martin is academically qualified - can enjoy putting any doubt about where he's headed behind him. "The biggest thing for me was committing because all the phone calls stopped and the letters stopped,'' he said. "Now, I'm just ready to go on to college.''