Tag Archives: Louisville

Miami CB Larry Hope plans to visit all schools that have offered this summer

Duke has offered top Miami CB Larry Hope

While Duke worked hard to improve their defense on the field this spring, the coaching staff is also working hard to upgrade the defense with a talented group of prospects in the class of 2012. The Duke staff has targeted an elite group of defensive backs who already have received verbal scholarship offers from the Blue Devils, among several other top programs. The Blue Devils added a quality cornerback from Florida in the class of 2011 in Tim Burton, and hope to do the same in the class of 2012. One of the most recent prospects to pick up a verbal scholarship offer is Larry Hope, a 5’11” 167 pound prospect from Miami, Florida.

BDN: Can you start off by describing your strengths for fans who haven’t had a chance to see you play?

Well, I think, college coaches say they like about me is that I’m the best man-to-man coverage player that they’ve seen. I’m good for my height, I’m a very big player, strong and physical, and very fast. When it comes down to shutting down a receiver, I think I’m the guy. But I like my actions to speak for themselves.

BDN: What are some of the things you have been working on this offseason?

I’m working on getting stronger. I’m in the weight room every single day, even on weekdays, weekends I’m outside trying to get faster. We’re trying to get faster and stronger.

BDN: What are some of your goals for yourself and your team in your senior season?

As a team, I want to come together and bond so we can have a better year than last year and hopefully make it to the playoffs. Me, I just want to do what I’ve been doing, come out there and play my role as I’ve been doing.

BDN: As you look at your college decision, what are the most important factors you are looking for in a school?

I’m looking for a family bond and someone that can help me become a better player for the next level, because that’s what everybody wants to do. But I’m looking for a family bond, someone that’s like a father figure at college, and most of the colleges that I’ve been talking to that have offered me, has been that. They call me, I call them, and we talk on a daily basis, get that family bond. They mostly are defensive back coaches, and mostly played DB at the next level, so that’s what I’m looking for.

BDN: Which schools have you in contact with the most, and which schools have extended verbal offers?

I have seven offers from Wisconsin, Buffalo, Nebraska, USF, Louisville, Duke, and Kansas. West Virginia and Miami, Florida State, and Florida, they all want to come to my spring practice – Ole Miss and North Carolina are all coming to my spring practice, sometime around the first of May or the first week in May.

BDN: Have you had a chance to take any visits this spring?

In the summer I plan on visiting all the colleges that have offered me. When it comes to visits, so far I’ve visited Miami, Florida State, and Florida, and USF and UCF, and that’s it.

BDN: Have any schools impressed you or surprised you at this point in the process, either on your visits or your contact with coaches?

Well, no, all the colleges that have offered me are trying to impress me, so not yet.

BDN: Do you have an idea for how or when you would like to narrow your list of schools down and ultimately make a decision?

Me and my dad are weighing my options and just sitting back and relaxing. We’re trying to gain that bond, if I feel like I’m comfortable with a school, there’s no time limit on when I’ll decide.

BDN: Is there anything else you think is important for college football fans to know about you?

I feel like I’m more loyal to football now. Everything revolves around football and I’m working harder than I’ve ever been working, and I like what I’ve been seeing and I’m going to keep putting more into my craft.

BDN: Thanks a lot, Larry, and best of luck to you.

Alright, thanks a lot.

 

Recruitng Focus – Marquis Teague ready to get down to business in June

courtesy - Indiana Star
courtesy - Indiana Star

Marquis Teague (Class of 2011, 6-1, 170, PG, Pike H.S., Indianapolis, IN) is a slick point guard prospect who makes those around him better with his ability to get them into the game.  Teague has a high level skill set and is playing AAU ball for Indy Speice.  He is the brother of Jeff Teague at Wake Forest.

Can you tell me your list of schools?

Louisville, Ohio State, Purdue, Cincinnati and Wake Forest

These schools have offered?

Yeah

Have any other schools become interested or come in of late?

Michigan State and Syracuse have been calling me.

Did you have a dream school growing up?

Not really, oh, I used to want to go to UConn.

When you finally make a decision who will play the biggest role in helping you?

Just me and my parents.  We'll just talk about it and where I could see myself playing and how I could fit in.   My parents will help, so ...

If you were to describe your game for someone who had never seen you play, how would you do that?

I would just say that I'm a leader who likes to lead the way.  I'm a strong dribbler who is fast and can get to the hoop.  Iv'e been hitting my outside shot now, so ...

What do you do off the court?

I like to play video games, eat, chill with my friends and have fun.

When will you make a decison?

My Dad and I will sit down and discuss it and we'll make it in June.

Are you still open to other schools comig in at this point?

Yeah.  I will keep my recruiting open until at least June.

Prospect Tony Kimbro continues to work on his right hand (Now free to public)

kimbro-300x255Blue Devil Nation Premium covered the Carolina Challenge this past weekend, and this is the first in a series of reports on the top players in the state of North Carolina.

So, what's changed since the last time I saw you at the Glaxo Invitational in Raleigh?

My jump shot and my right hand.

Do you mean you're working on that more often?

Yes.  I've been working on going to my right more often and my jump shot.

Has anything changed in regards to  your list of schools?

Not really.

Can you list them for me?

Oklahoma State has offered and Louisville has been in touch of late.  I'm getting a lot of letters and contacts.  I have pretty much the same list that I did in Raleigh.  (See our first interview with Kimbro which is located in our premium section)

What has Coach Gaines had to say to you?

He just said I need to step up and not just be a role player.

With Christ School's heavy losses, you will likely start ...

Yes sir.

Mason Plumlee was your roommate this past season and you obviously know him well.  What has he said to you or left you with since he will soon graduate?

He just said that when you come here (Carolina Challange) make sure that you work hard and play hard because you don't know who is looking at you or who is watching you.

Who will you play your AAU ball with over the summer?

I'm playing with Loyalty out of Louisville, Kentucky.

Of course, you are from there and your Dad played for the Cards.  Are you enjoying their run of late?

Yes, sir.  I'm loving it.

Do you think that's your dream school?

I've started to like Louisville a lot more.  I like the work they put into the game and that they never settle, always wanting more.

How do you feel about your play in the first game?

I feel like I played real well.

Are you still open to other schools besides Louisville and Oklahoma State?

Definitely.  It's still early in the process.

Good luck to you the rest of the day.

Thank you.

BDNP overview - Kimbro has some interest in Duke [private] , but the Blue Devils have made just casual contact.  Coach K sent word to Christ School coach David Gaines about what Tony needed to work on when he visited a practice earlier this past season.  Coach Gaines told me that he hoped to talk Kimbro into staying local this summer and playing for an area AAU team.  He stated that his Mom likely thought that would be a good idea too.  Kimbro still needs work on going to his right for that will be exposed at some point.  He is always around the glass and picks up a lot of garbage buckets, but needs to develop a consistent pull up jump shot.  His on ball defense is pretty good for his age.  He does take plays off on occasion, but when motivated shows off his talents. [/private]