I guess it's time to start the 2004 Class as I was informed today that John Lalor of Houston HS has commited to Mississippi State and Zach Cozart of Collierville HS has commited to Clemson University.

Congratulations to two of the state's top players in making their choice to attend two top programs.

And the "Big Orange" beat goes on and on and on.

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

clemson and ms. state got two really good players and young men, some of us are really excited about them going to these schools(cause we won't have to play against them) good luck to these guys and the other future signees.

Lalor is Ms. State bound. Cozart visited and was offered by Clemson, but chose Ole Miss.

quote:

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And the "Big Orange" beat goes on and on and on.

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Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Bizazz,

Is there anyone close to Mike Hamilton that would let him know what is going on with the in state recruiting. I know that it is hard to get the players out of Memphis but this is getting crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike seems to be a perceptive individual. I haven't had the opportunity to talk to him personally. However I wouldn't be surprised if others have talked to him.

Just imagine the uproar if 80-90% of the state's top 10 football players elected to play at other SEC schools.

Poles,
That's interesting news on Cozart. My first reaction on his Clemson news what that I knew Taylor Harbin (SS) from Traveler's Rest, South Carolina had already committed to Clemson and he is a very good player. I've watched him for years with the SC Spirit. He holds the South Carolina prep career home run record with 43 going into his senior year this spring.

I think that one has been a done deal for some time.

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Bizzaz and CBG,
Don't worry about the "Big Orange". I understand the air miles are pilling up from flights to Califorina and Florida and news of incoming freshman will soon follow.

What everyone forgets is that players can run faster and throw the ball harder from the warm climate in those states. By the time they get to Tennessee they have a swagger in their gait that our local boys just never have.

I personally think that the swagger is from money in their pockets while our boys only get books.

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

HV, I don't know of Taylor Harbin. I'm sure he's a good player if he's headed to Clemson. They lost 2 players in the first round this summer, one of which was a shortstop. Cozart was offered a very substantial package and told he was their #1 shortstop recruit.

Congratulations to Cale Iorg and family on his commitment to the University of Alabama.

Could it be that some of the best talent in Knoxville and around the state will be at other SEC programs again?

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Hiwassee,
It's tough to give congrats to a Bammer but (quietly) congratulations to the Iorg family. Are you suggesting that Rod might miss a good Tennessee player every now and then?
Fungo

Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.

Congratulations to Cale and his family. I'm happy for Cale. But, as a Vol fan, it's tough to see another local product travel South to Tuscaloosa.

Here's an article on Zach Cozart. At least the Vols were "considered."

http://www.gomemphis.com/mca/baseball/article/0,1426,MCA_464_2261708,00.html

Bizazz,
Thanks for the link to the Cozart article. Here is the one for John Lalor.

Link: John Lalor takes own trail with 'Dogs

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

Congratulations to Will Powell of Jackson Central-Merry in Jackson, TN. Will has verbally commited to play for Arkansas State University.

Congratulations to Will and family on his commintment to a fine school.

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."

HV:
I am catching this fall with the South Carolina Spirit and Taylor Harbin is playing shortstop.Taylor is one of the best at this position. He has the speed, glove and arm to make any D1 coach rise to his feet. He has made some unbelieveable plays this fall against very good competition. Taylor's bat speaks for itself. He has one of the smoothest and most powerful swings I have seen this year. He has the ability to sit on the curve and take the fastball out of the park. He sprays the ball really well. I haven't played with or seen Zach but if he is as good as Taylor Clemson has to be grinning!!!

i believe that you will see more and more tn. kids signing with A-State. coach kessinger is doing a great job getting out and seeing the west tn. kids for sure. i think this is great, cause this will give more opportunities to more kids.

Coach Kessinger was a very good recruiter during his stay at Carson Newman. He had that program on the upswing.

I would expect nothing less for the Arkie State program.

Keith is a fun guy to just sit and talk baseball with.

Bob,
Head cook and bottle washer around this place

Congratulations to John Hooper of Nashville Goodpasture HS on his commintment to UT Martin.

John's Dad (hoop) now has a new avatar.

"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."