Coming to you from....

...Jacksonville Florida. That's right. For some reason I had a business trip at the last minute to the city hosting the Superbowl the week prior to the game. Craziness for sure.


On the cool note, I had my 3rd celebrity encounter. I flew on the same plane from ATL to JAX with Kenny Mayne (pic here), the announcer from Sportscenter (at least I'm 99% sure)........ If you're curious the others are James Earl Jones and Cher. I ran into JE Jones a couple of years ago in the Greenville airport and he walked by me and said in his deep Darth Vadar voice "Good Mooorrrrning". No kidding. Saw Cher at the Detroit airport with an entourage a few years back.


Well, what's happening in the world of GT sports? Actually a decent bit of news to report, so let's get it started:


FOOTBALL


In the world of recruiting, the Jackets pick up a real player from the state of Florida, Colin Peek, an outstanding 6'6" 250lb Tight End. He is ranked by Rivals as the 65th best player in the state, and the #27 Tight End overall. He chose GT over Alabama and Duke primarily. Something interesting is happening. We are stockpiling Tight Ends. Colin Peek, Michael Johnson (who many consider to be the best player in the state of AL and one of the top 5 TE's in the country, and wants to walk-on the hoops team), and then there is Louisville transfer Wayne Riles (I think is his name). Sure, they may not all end up at the TE position, but personally, I think this is an outstanding move by Coach Gailey. If you noticed in our bowl game this year we very effectively utilized the TE position. That's a great outlet for Reggie Ball and we had a real threat at that position, I could see some consistency growing in our offense. Looks great if you ask me..........


There's word from Rivals that the Jackets have received a committment from top 20 Linebacker Quentin Taylor, out of Florida. However, there seem to be some family issues clouding the decision. He is also considering Florida and Ole Miss.....


To continue with the recruiting theme, here are some articles..... This on Peek and how B.Bowden / Joe Paterno keep reeling in the playa's.......... More on Peek with some stats...... A reminder about the signing day celebration with the coaches if you're in town....... Here's a fascinating article about the money that GT spends on recruiting, including $1,035 on a sports psychologist......... This class has gone a long way shoring up the O-Line for future years....... Here's an interesting note. One of the top QB's in the nation - Ryan Perrilloux, has some hoops game, and was watched by a GT coach recently on the hardwood......... Vance Walker committed to the Jackets and then his dream school, VaTech, came through with an offer the day after he committed. What did he do? He stayed with his pick. Way to go Vance!!! More on Walker....


Now, I will be on a plane on signing day and probably won't start reporting any info until later in the day, so make sure to use the chatterbox if you want to keep the conversation flowing.


In other team news, I.Perfection Harris is leaving the team. Certainly disappointing, but evidently he wants to pursue a track career at another school. Not sure about his football future. Not sure who the leading candidate for the Sports Illustrated All-Name team will be. He is the reigning national champion. Personally Mansfield Wrotto is one of my personal favorites. Of course Tennessee's Jim Bob Cooter will be hard to beat.......... Calvin Johnson's knee is back to 100%.......... Chris Reis will move back to his safety position in the spring......


It's official - Greg Gathers has more heart than you and I.....literally. Sad news - his transplant has been postponed because it has been found he has an enlarged heart. Story here.... Now there's a guy that represents what Georgia Tech is all about. Looks like he is getting into coaching. Good for him. All the best from GT nation.....


Where are they now - Dorsey Levens. A great article on Levens looking back at his real early football days............ James Butler had the only INT in the senior bowl, showing that he is a gametime player, as his practices did not go well. Hopefully his showing will help his draft position.....


CFN.com looks at various college football notes, including the best conference next season........ Did you know that Dave Wannstedt, the former Miami Dolphin coach and now Pitt head coach, called Chan Gailey to ask questions about the transition from the NFL to college. It's true......


HOOPS


Dennis Scott will be honored at halftime of one of the ACC Tourney semi-final games, along with a historic player from each ACC school......... The Wooden Award mid-season list is out and Jarrett Jack is the sole remaining Jacket. Elder and Schenscher were dropped off as top 30 finalists...... Jackets fall to 0-3 on road.......MD Stuffs GT.....Post-game quotes from MD/GT...... Evidently MD fans had a sign that said "Luke, why do you exactly like me.... idiot". The picture was of "Napoleon Dynamite". See for yourself. Yes those chants you heard were "Napaleon....Napoleon".......... The road woes continue............. ACC mid-season grades, including the Jackets winning the coveted "worse than advertised" award from ESPN.......... Anthony Morrow - "a shooter is supposed to shoot".......... Will Bynum, "A break was all he needed". All right coach, what does he need now?............ Jackets still in ACC picture........


Where are they now - Dean Keener. Having a rough go of it with JMU....


If Duke's roster wasn't short enough, it just got shorter.........


BEESBALL


Tyler Greene as a "player to watch"...... More on Greene as a possible top SS pick in the upcoming draft.....