Portsmouth's John Prior (OL)

[art_vandelay]

According to posts on buckeyeplanet.com, sounds like Mr. Prior had a heck of a performance at tOSU's summer camp this afternoon and may be receiving an offer in the next day or two. If so, expect him to commit on the spot.

He already has offers from Florida State, Syracuse, Virginia, Marshall, Ohio University, etc. so he'll be fine even if tOSU decides not to offer. But here's to hoping he gets an offer from Coach Tressel...nothing like seeing a southern Ohio boy do good for himself.*

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

That's awesome.

[D Owens]

Syracuse?

I didn't know that there was a university in Meigs County.


Seriously, that is great news. Portsmouth has such a history of putting players in a position to play at the next level. That is great news for Mr. Prior, Portsmouth, and like you said, southern Ohio in general.

Along those same lines, does anybody remember this guy?

http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-fo ... ald00.html

I spoke to a Penn State alumnus in Columbus Thursday who played for Penn State in the early to mid eighties. He was an "O" lineman and he was very complimentary regarding Mr. Cadogen.

One more example of a Portsmouth football player doing well at the next level.

[biggdowgg]

Ntae younger Brother "senior" at Portsmouth this upcoming year,has already been offred at Penn state also.

OZZIE talked to John at Wal Mart this evening, and he told him he was thinking about signing with someone in the morning to get this over with..not "Ohio State" .

I really wish he would wait, because I know he really wants to go to Ohio state, and I think if he waits it out...he will get his offer..

[OZZIEOHIO]

He wants to go to Ohio State, but they havent offered. there will missing out on a good one if they dont hurry up.

[art_vandelay]

With Ohio State's class almost filled up (only 4-5 spots left), it sounds like they are awaiting the decision of an Illinois lineman (Chris Watt...who is down to OSU and Notre Dame) before making an offer to Prior. Watt is due to make his final decision sometime in July.

If Prior really wants to go to OSU though, why not wait it out and see? Those other offers are still going to be there so it's a no-lose situation for him. There's definitely no shame though in ending up at Wisconsin, Florida State, West Virginia, Virginia, etc. Either way, good luck and here;s to hoping he ends up in Columbus.*

[biggdowgg]

art, That is what I was thinking..he has all year...only thing I can figure if he signs this early, is maybe he just wants to get it over with so he can focuse on his senior year of high school.

[loganlocos]

No athlete can SIGN anything until February.

Athletes can make verbal, non-binding commitments any time they want, but they do not constitute any guarentee from either a) the institution or b) the athlete.

Until an athlete has a copy of a Letter of Intent, he has no guarentee. Vice-versa, until a school has the SIGNED Letter of Intent they have no rights toward an athlete.

Many kids want to make a verbal commitment before their football season starts so that they can avoid questions/comments and calls from coaches all football season. Still, since they cannot sign, coaches are free to call as much as they are allowed during the season.

Many coaches want to add an "Early Signing Period" like basketball has, but the NCAA has not yet fulfilled that request.


Good Luck to John. I haven't been through the process, and can't imagine how difficult the decision must be. My advice is to take your time and make the decision that fits your personality and goals AFTER football.

[biggdowgg]

thanks locos,,,,I think it is best that way,,never know what better offers come your way for waiting.

mybe he meant he was going to verbal...

[loganlocos]

biggdowgg -

You're probably right. Some kids want to verbal to decrease the questions/speculation. Plus, he could verbal to Marshall, and then if an OSU offer comes along in December, he can still change his mind and sign with Ohio State.

Wouldn't make the Marshall folks happy, but that's the business and they're used to it happening. I don't think anyone would blame a kid from upgrading from Conf. USA to the Big Ten if that is where his heart lies.

[trojandave]

Best wishes to both John and Nate Cadogen. I hope they have great senior years. 2 D1 prospects from a D4 school. And another......Gerald Cadogen at Penn State......who is getting serious looks from the NFL.

I also heard that Antonio Malone is playing for Colorado in the Arena League.

[johnsdad]

he,giving his verbal to florida , he loves the college.

[Steve]

also Malik White is getting some looks http://ohiovarsity.rivals.com/viewprosp ... 228#ticker
from the Next Level Football
One receiver that was just all around solid in every aspect was Portsmouth junior Malik White. The 5-foot-8, 158-pound White is coming off a strong junior season in which he was named a second team All-District selection. He certainly lived up to his reputation by running good, crisp routes in drills and one-on-ones and turning in a strong and well-rounded individual workout. It was hard to distinguish White's best event as he really didn't do anything poorly, notching a 4.71 40, 4.64 shuttle, 30.1-inch vertical jump, and a 35-foot, 1-inch power ball toss.

and then 5/27 update "(I've been hearing from) Miami (OH), Ohio and Cincinnati," White said. "I have a visit with Ohio (coming up). (My favorite is) probably Cincinnati, it's close to home."

[Snake]

Done Deal?

what is the latest on PRIOR?

[Ptown Playmaker]

Heard he give a verbal commit to Florida State and Bobby Bowden........?

[YOU'RE TIGER BAIT]

thats awesome having a kid from portsmouth playing for the 2 winningest d1 football coaches ever. portsmouth will actually have 2 with both cadogen's at psu. absotively awesome.

[YOU'RE TIGER BAIT]

and those guys in purple says no talent comes out of southeastern ohio. phooey.

[TrojanBuff]

Great job John, the trojan faithful are proud of you!

[johnsdad]

john ,congratulations ,you have studied and worked hard, i would tell you i,m proud of you, but you know son i have always been proud of you, now show florida what portsmouth is made of.

[johnsdad]

to coach clifford and staff,you guys are truly dedicated ,you have influenced my son more than you know,i wish every body knew the way you guys have a passion for what you do and the time you put in and the sacrifices you have made for these young men. thank you