N.C. State QB Recruit Shines in All-Star Game

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N.C. State QB Recruit Shines in All-Star Game

By Sammy Batten

Jan 9, 2008

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The inaugural Under Armour All-American High School Football Game in Orlando , Fla. , offered an eye-opening glimpse into N.C. State ’s future Saturday.

Wolfpack quarterback commit Mike Glennon from Chantilly , Va. , stole the show from some of the nation’s best college prospects with his rifle arm and decision-making skills.

The 6-foot-6, 200-pounder completed 5-of-12 passes for 91 yards and scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to earn most valuable player honors for the Red squad, which lost 17-14.

Glennon also beat out five other highly rated quarterbacks, including Florida State commit E.J. Manuel and Oklahoma ’s Landry Jones, to win the Burger King Pass Attack competition in a skills challenge last Thursday.

“It was funny because when we were there at all the practices during the week all the quarterbacks struggled,’’ said Jamie Newberg, national editor for Scout.com and part of the ESPN broadcast team that covered the practice sessions and the game.

“But when it was game time, Mike threw the best of any of them. He showed an NFL arm and some mobility, too. He looked very good Saturday, no question.’’

Glennon will be a welcome addition to an N.C. State quarterback competition next fall that is expected to include returning starter and senior Daniel Evans, junior letterwinner Harrison Beck, sophomore Justin Burke and promising redshirt freshman Russell Wilson.

Clearing up the rumor

Recruiting message boards can often be interesting and informative reads. But sometimes posters can turn reality into a twisted rumor.

Such was the case last week at the Under Armour All-American game regarding the announcement by defensive back Spencer Adams regarding his decision to attend Clemson.

Adams had agreed to tape his announcement Thursday at practice so it could be replayed during ESPNU’s broadcast of the skills challenge on Friday.

The choice came down to the Tigers or North Carolina , although Adams had hats from Florida and Michigan present, too, before walking up to grab the Clemson hat.

“I know he was torn,’’ Scout.com’s Jamie Newberg said.

So were message board posters, some of whom began a rumor that ESPN had actually taped two segments with Adams , including one in which he committed to UNC.

Not true says ESPN spokesperson Tillea Coleman.

“We only taped one announcement and that was the one in which he committed to Clemson,’’ Coleman said. “I was there and so were his Under Armour teammates and other fans.’’

The commitment to Clemson made Adams the second major in-state prospect to choose an out-of-state program in the last month.

Wilmington New Hanover offensive lineman Nick Becton, who had offers from Alabama , East Carolina , Maryland , N.C. State , Penn State and South Carolina , made a commitment to Virginia Tech just prior to the Christmas holidays.

Becton became the fourth North Carolina prospect to announce for the Hokies, joining defensive back Eddie Whitley from Matthews, Greensboro offensive lineman Michael Via and Fayetteville defensive back Lorenzo Williams.

No. 1 QB to visit Duke?

Nothing is set in stone yet, but the nation’s No. 1-ranked quarterback Terrelle Pryor from Jeannette , Pa. , may be making an official visit to Duke.

That’s the kind of clout new Blue Devil head coach David Cutcliffe has with recruits. Cutcliffe was helping Tennessee recruit Pryor before getting the job at Duke last month. Pryor consequently dropped Tennessee from his list and has added the Blue Devils. Florida , Michigan , Penn State and Oregon are the other schools he’s considering.

A New York Times story on Pryor last week reported he “might’’ make an official visit to Duke on Jan. 18. But athletic officials at Jeannette could not confirm that date Tuesday and head coach Ray Reitz could not be reached for comment.

Pryor, a 6-6, 230-pounder, isn’t expected to announce a decision until close to national signing day on Feb. 6.

Veteran reporter Sammy Batten covers recruiting for The Fayetteville Observer. His reports will run on WRAL.com this recruiting season. He can be reached at battens@fayobserver.com or (910) 486-3534.

Most Recent Comments

I agree TBK one of the strong points when he was coach at BC was how solid their offensive line was every year. I am very optimistic he will make State a contender in the ACC. After all this is his 2nd year as coach and really 1st he can recruit in the areas he wants to improve the team.

The O-line was improved this year over last year, and there are more O-linemen coming. TOB teams are known for their O-lines. I don't think this will be a problem. State really needs a QB. I like Daniel Evans, but he's made to be a backup or third stringer, IMO. Even with a strong O-line, he's not getting the job done.

Another QB is all well and good... but what the Pack need is Offensive Line to protect all these QBs. After all, you can't throw the ball if your on your back and you can't complete a pass effectively if you're running from linebackers.

hell yeah... I wonder if maybe he is a good point guard as well

And sometimes, an incomplete pass is the best thing that can happen. When all receivers are covered, or the O-line is not holding up, the QB needs to be smart enough to throw it away and not take the sack.

I watched Glennon's first drive. I just wish he was already at NC State right now!!! The kid is good!!!

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