Recruiting Roundup: Recruitments heating up, closing out for locals

Two local football players verbally committed to Conference USA schools in the last few days.

Shaw long snapper TJ Harvey started the C-USA train on Saturday when he verbally committed to Southern Mississippi. On Tuesday, Central offensive lineman Jahlil Ryles continued it by committing to MTSU.

Central wide receiver Justyn Ross, considered the top player in the Alabama Class of 2018, visited Alabama this past weekend. The Crimson Tide are one of Ross’ top 5 schools, alongside Auburn, Clemson, Florida and Florida State.

Northside linebacker Caleb Johnson visited Georgia on July 21. Johnson, considered a three-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite, visited Tennessee the following day. He holds 12 offers from the likes of Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, Louisville and LSU.

Glenwood wide receiver Cameron O’Neil visited Pittsburgh on July 22. O’Neil said he plans to verbally commit to a school on Aug. 1.

Former Northside quarterback and baseball catcher Bryce Valero confirmed he has transferred to Glenwood. Valero is one of several locals who are now Gators, including former Kendrick players Navy Harris and Kayleem Bonds.

Bonds remains busy as well and attended a camp at UAB on Thursday.

Central defensive back Latavious Calhoun and defensive end/linebacker DeAnthony Miles visited UT-Chattanooga on July 21.

Central football added another accomplishment to its summer, winning Alabama’s 7-on-7 title for the second straight year. The Red Devils lost its opening game in the 7-on-7 before winning seven straight.

Former Smiths Station tight end Moss Saccomanno has picked up an offer from Kansas. Saccomanno is now playing at Dodge City Community College.

Jordan senior defensive back Quinten Duke and junior athlete Emmanuel Mann visited Jacksonville State on July 26.

Spencer linebacker Davonte Webster has been named to the Recruit Georgia Class 2A Preseason All-State First Team Defense.

Baseball

Former Smiths Station pitcher Blake Rivera has committed to Auburn. He has been pitching at Wallace State, where he went 7-1 with 72 strikeouts and a 1.94 ERA in 2017.

This story was originally published July 27, 2017 at 12:05 PM with the headline "Recruiting Roundup: Recruitments heating up, closing out for locals."