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After an impressive visit to Florida State, there is a true three-way race for Josh Harvey-Clemons.
It's not all that uncommon for a coach to visit a jail for recruiting purposes. Many times, one or both parents are locked up. But that doesn't mean that they don't want to be involved in the recruiting process. But Mark Richt went to jail for a very different reason on Wednesday night.
As the AJC explains, linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons' grandfather Woodrow owns a bail bondsman's service in Valdosta. Josh is an employee and a licensed bail bond agents. Wednesday night, Clemons had to go to work:
"I told Coach Richt ‘Josh has to go to jail and get somebody out. You can go with him or stay here until he gets back," said Clemons, who added that Richt initially decided to stay.
"My kids are at the age where they have to work and do something. They’ve got to start learning about the real world. And with being bond agents, they can pick up the ‘fear’ of going to jail … Josh understood he had to go do this. I own the business and one day Josh will own part of it, so he knows the responsibilities that come with it. And it definitely beats working at Walmart or a hamburger joint."
This is where it gets more interesting: "My daughter called because she happened to leave her ID in the van at church," said Clemons. The ID was needed to post bond for the clients. "Coach Richt and Coach Bobo went to jail with my wife to take the ID to them. Coach Richt wanted one more time to talk with Josh before they hit the road. They talked at jail for about 20 or 30 minutes I guess."
Harvey-Clemons is considering Georgia, Florida and Florida State. Wednesday night was likely the last time Harvey-Clemons and Richt will see one another facet-to-face before National Signing Day (February 1).
For more on Georgia recruiting, head to Dawg Sports. For more on Florida recruiting, head to Alligator Army. For more on Florida State recruiting, head to Tomahawk Nation.
There's a new contender for the signature of linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons, as Florida State has put itself squarely in the discussion for his commitment. Clemons visited Florida State over the weekend, and FSU insiders, including those at Tomahawk Nation, say that the visit could not have gone better. Florida State opened Clemons' eyes to a number of things about the school. And equally as important, the 'Noles impressed Harvey-Clemons' grandfather and legal guardian, Woodrow Clemons. The AJC has more:
"It went surprisingly well at Florida State," Clemons said. "They had a lot of questions to answer. I was curious to why they didn't pursue Josh as hard as all the rest of the schools earlier. They explained that it wasn't from a lack of interest but that they didn't want to get the reputation of acting like a used car salesman like a couple of the other schools. Coach Fisher wanted to get Josh down there, show him what they've got, and let that speak itself. We were impressed."
The battle for 'JHC', as he is known in recruiting circles, is quite intense. And the beneficiaries are the the members of Mt. Calvary Baptist, who got to worship with Will Muschamp last week, and will have bible study with Georgia head man Mark Richt on Wednesday night. According to the AJC, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher was just late on reserving his spot at worship with the Clemonses:
Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher desperately wanted Richt's seat in the church pew on Wednesday night. "Coach Fisher volunteered to come to church while we were on our visit last weekend. We'd love for Coach Fisher to be there, but he can't because it's the same time that Coach Richt will be there. Instead we're going to meet Coach Fisher to lunch on Thursday - probably at Cheddar's [restaurant]."
While all schools are close to Harvey-Clemons' hometown of Valdosta, Florida and Forida State are only half as far away from home as Athens.
How big of a player are the 'Noles for Harvey-Clemons? Today on radio in Atlanta, ESPN national recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg told host Chuck Oliver that the race was close, but that he believes the 'Noles are in the lead.
Many insiders, however, believe that there is not a clear leader for JHC, and that this battle will come down to National Signing Day (February 1). Clemons has one official visit left, which he might take to either Miami or Louisville. Neither the Cardinals or Canes are expected to be players in the process, however.
For more on Georgia recruiting, check out Dawg Sports. For more on Florida recruiting, head to Alligator Army. And for more on Florida State recruiting, point your browser to Tomahawk Nation.
Josh Harvey-Clemons of Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes is arguably the top player in the Peach State. The 6-foot-5", 200-pound outside linebacker is a playmaking machine who lined up all over the field in high school. The national recruiting services rate him between four and five stars.
Last weekend, Harvey-Clemons visited the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia is one of the two major frontrunners for Harvey-Clemons, along with Florida. Harvey-Clemons detailed his visit to the Atlanta Journal Constitution:
"Coach Richt and Coach Grantham said the same things: They need Josh in the ‘Sam’ linebacker position. With his frame and his speed, he’s the perfect fit for that scheme. They said he could go to the next level at that position. And they said he could come to Georgia and compete for playing time as a freshman."
Clemons is supposed to take his official visit to Florida State this weekend. Most Florida State insiders do not believe the 'Noles have a real chance to land the Valdosta linebacker. But that he's taking the official visit says FSU is not completely out of the picture.
Next weekend, Harvey-Clemons will take his final visit of the recruiting cycle to see the Florida Gators down in Gainesville. It's worth noting that even though Harvey-Clemons is from Georgia, the University of Florida is actually closer to his hometown of Valdosta than is Athens. Clemons, who will decide on National Signing Day (February 1st), has said that he believes both Georgia and Florida have very similar programs. UF's angle here seems to be the opportunity for early playing time.
But don't underestimate Louisville in this race. As SB Nation's Card Chronicle shares:
Harvey-Clemons tweeted out the following on Wednesday:"Coach Strong came to see me today. Realist coach I've met."Even if the Cards are a long shot to land ESPN's No. 17 overall player in the class of 2012, it's nice to see Strong making such a sizable impression on one of the nation's top talents.
.Realistically, though, this is thought to be an SEC East battle between the Bulldogs and the Gators.
VIDEO: Josh Harvey-Clemons Commits To Georgia Bulldogs Over Florida State, Florida
Josh Harvey-Clemons, a top linebacker recruit, has committed to Georgia. Harvey-Clemons plays for Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes High School, and holds offers from more than 30 schools, including Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Tennessee and USC. Clemons is rated four or five-stars by the major recruiting services.
Harvey-Clemons stands 6'5" and weighs about 200 pounds. He's not likely an instant-impact player on defense, due to his lack of bulk. That he received such a high rating as a developmental prospect, however, certainly says something about his athleticism and potential.
Via ESPNU, you can see Harvey-Clemons surrounded by family members representing various local fan bases. He was clearly excited about getting to use props in his announcement, but probably should have prepared his setup better. Important stuff.
Harvey-Clemons played all over the field for Lowndes High, including receiver, quarterback, safety, linebacker and defensive end. Once he settles in as an outside linebacker and gets into a college strength program, he should develop quickly. Until then, Harvey-Clemons could be a standout on special teams, receive some snaps on passing downs, or perhaps even redshirt.
For more on Georgia recruiting, visit Dawg Sports. Looking for National Signing Day coverage of other teams or recruits? Head to SB Nation College Football Recruiting.
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Feb 01 9:19a by Bud Elliott - 0 comments