Highlighting Terp targets
Buried below Friday’s ‘Weekly football recruiting roundup’ post was a comment from blog reader Hogie, who was kind enough to link to a ridiculous You Tube highlight video of Maryland target O’Neill Chambers.
This video is probably old news to most of the Rivals and Scout message boarders, but I thought it deserved its own post, along with some other You Tube clips of Maryland football and basketball recruiting targets. We’ll start below with Chambers (WARNING - the music in the clip contains profanity).
Editorial Opinion: In a word, ‘wow.’ How has this guy flown under the radar? It’s especially puzzling considering Chambers is a guy who plays in Florida – arguably the best state for high school football. Regardless of his rankings, Chambers looks like a big-time player. If I were a Terps fan, he’d be high on my wish list.
Editorial Opinion: There’s a lot to like in that clip, namely, his work ethic (“I get in the gym and shoot at least 300 shots a day”), his quickness, his shot and the fact that he’s the son of a coach. Who knows how Maryland’s recruiting will shake out with guys like Sean Mosley, Chris Turner, Quintrell Thomas and Ralph Sampson still in play, but Young looks like a nice option as well. He’ll probably be a success wherever he ends up.
Editorial Opinion: Tough to tell from the camera work if that's actually Isaiah Armwood, but we'll go ahead and trust that the name tag on the video is correct. If nothing else, we’ve learned that Armwood can elevate. Shocking for a five-star player, I know. Armwood’s one of many highly-rated 2009 guys in the state.
Editorial Opinion: I’m not sure how realistic it is to pull Commings out of Georgia, but I’ve got to believe that Friedgen and company are going all out for a talent like this. He’s absurdly athletic, as evidenced by his vertical in that first interception. He showed a lot of patience in his returns, but can obviously fly when necessary. Commings would undoubtedly be a big get.
Comments
Matt:
You are doing a great job: love the coverage and the profiles- and most of all= the inside info. Keep up the great effort! The SUN has now given me a real reason to get to the Sports section sooner each day (and well, of course: to see wihich passport photo Heather D is going to use next!). Thanks
Posted by: Johnny Walsh | August 13, 2007 2:07 PM
After Kenny Tate, Chambers is probably #2 on my wish list. Another underrated kid who's high up there and moves great for his size is DT Zach Kerr. His rivals clips are impressive for a 320-pounder. He may be underrated only because of grade issues.
Posted by: Hogie | August 13, 2007 2:31 PM
Not that I mind... but the music in the 1st video is ... uh... interesting. Just sayin'.
Posted by: PhilD | August 13, 2007 2:45 PM
PHIL D -- Thanks for pointing that out. I made a note of it up top.
Posted by: Matt Bracken | August 13, 2007 3:58 PM
Keep up the good work Matt. Also any chance you will get a little interview with O'Neill? I can only watch that video so many times because I know in the end, he is a USC or FSU type kid.
Posted by: Ashytoeknuckles | August 13, 2007 4:57 PM
Matt,
You're addition to the Sun is filling a big need for me as I scan recruiting info on the Terps every chance I get.
Jimmy Z
P.S. Based on O'Neill Chambers video...I don't want him...anyone that would use a profanity-laced soundtrack on a highlight video as a means of introduction clearly doesn't understand that character is the building block of success both on and off the field.
I hope someone gets to this kid and straightens him out about his marketing strategy.
We're recruiting student- athletes...not gangstas!
As a matter of fact why don't you pull this offensive video from your site and highlight the kind of players we want?
Posted by: Jimmy Z | August 14, 2007 12:01 PM
PLEASE tell me you're joking about Chambers. I highly doubt he put that video together and chose the music himself. Also, Maryland's top competition for him at this point seems to be BYU. I'm sure Provo is really a hot-spot for gangstas!
Posted by: aschaefe | August 14, 2007 1:34 PM