New Commitment out of Georgia

[UKCatsRock]

Michael Strickland from Marietta committed to Kentucky today. His leader, according to another site, was Oregon since summer, but chose UK today. Also had interest from Georgia and Georgia Tech from what I understand.

[keesee12]

any additional info?

[UKCatsRock]

All I've got right now is that he's 6'1, 190# and runs a 4.6. Apparently, he'll play the slot receiver. Says he LOVES jumping up in the air for the ball and has good hands. One of the top 5 receivers in Georgia.

Offers from Oregon, Bowling Green, Toledo, Miami, OH, and Kentucky with interest from the above schools I mentioned.

[RV]

If he's anything like Aaron Boone, he's a keeper. Congrats Coach Brooks, now let's reel in some of the big boys.

[Los Gatos]

Rivals rates him as two stars, Scout as three.

[Coldstream]

FWIW, we've now DOUBLED on the number 3 star players we have from last year's recruiting efforts. We're sitting right outside of #40 in class rankings but a commitment from Micah and others would send us into the Top 30.

[ukbob]

We definitely need WR's. That will be a weak spot next year, IMO.

We still need another. Hopefully from the JUCO ranks.

[UKfan215]

I'd love to add JUCO stud Maurice Purify to that list. Rob Gidel says we are all over that guy, so we'll just have to see how things play out. We are also in on a bunch of 3 star WR's. Since we already have 2 WR's, I don't see us taking more than 1 or 2 more max in this class. So if they wanna get on board, they better hurry while there are still some seats available.

[Spanish Moss]

I've talked to friends who live in Cobb Co and they say he has the best hands of any receiver in the state. He runs his routes to perfection and understands the game. In other words he is football smart. If he had another split second on his time he would be as good as anybody in the state.

I would rather have a 4.6 receiver with hands and smarts than a 4.3 or 4.4 who can't hold onto the ball. Being rated Top 5 in Georgia at your position is enough for me. I say he is a good pick up and anything we can do to keep a presence in Georgia will pay dividends down the road.

There is room on our squad for this one.

[PeachtreeCat]

Found this in this morning AJC as Strickland's high school team is entering the playoffs beginning tonight. His receiving numbers may be down this year because of this, but I think this is an excellent pickup for the Cats.

CLASS AAAAA

Walton (6-4) at No. 7 Harrison (9-1)

• When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Hoya Stadium, Kennesaw.

• Last meeting: Walton won 21-7 in 2003.

• Three things to watch: 1. Walton is 4-0 since moving Michael Strickland from receiver to tailback. 2. Harrison halfback Tyler Evans is back after missing two games with an injury. 3. Harrison's Zach MacDowall (Wake Forest) and Walton's Ross Applegate (Boston College) are ACC-bound.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/highschool/1105/04hscaps.html

[GeorgiaBlue]

shoot - my crew had that game - and i was supposed to be there tonight - but got replaced in favor of a bigger better matchup next week.

[PeachtreeCat]

Here is some more info from yesterday's AJC:

Harrison halfback Tyler Evans and Walton tailback/receiver Michael Strickland also are similar as three-way threats. Evans, back after injuries forced him out of two games, has scored six touchdowns rushing and five receiving. Strickland, a tailback for the past four games, has four touchdowns rushing, six receiving. Both players excel as return men.

[PeachtreeCat]

One more good article about him the the AJC:

http://www.ajc.com/search/content/auto/epaper/editions/sunday/northside_34b522466133b0071091.html

[PeachtreeCat]

Recap of Strickland's Walton team playoff game against Region 5 champ Harrison on Friday night:

Four yards a pop never looked so good. Neither did a 4-for-11 passing night.

But Walton's Michael Strickland did enough to keep Harrison's offense off the field most of the game, and Ross Applegate made enough key completions to give the Raiders a 27-26 double-overtime win.

...Walton then kept the ball the final 5:29 — all on the ground until the end, when the Raiders tried a trick halfback pass, then an Applegate-to-Strickland 14-yard completion got the ball to the Hoya 10.

...Strickland finished with 143 yards on 36 carries.



WALTON 27, HARRISON 26, 2 OT

http://www.ajc.com/highschool/content/sports/highschool/1105/05walton.html

This guy is a winner!

[DonnieKat]

He's not a top 5 receiver in GA (regardless of what Scout/Rivals say), but he's pretty good. My buddy played football at Walton and has been to a handful of their games. He has good size, but not breakaway speed. He gets a bunch of his yards b/c of his size and strength advantage, but he's not going to burn a lot of people. Scott Mitchell may be a good comparison IMO. He's won the Walton Offensive Player of the game award several times this year as both a WR and tailback. Walton has been a surprise in GA HS football this year....they upset Roswell, which usually puts together a tough squad.

[AndyPopCat]

bump