'12 MI ILB James Ross (Michigan Verbal)
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• James Ross, Jr. (Rivals/Scout/ESPN) is already being heavily recruited by in-state rivals Michigan and Michigan State. He told the Detroit News:
“There is another school, Penn State, that we're looking at,” Ross Jr. said. “They recruited (quarterback) Rob Bolden from our school and he committed to them. So (Penn State assistant) Coach (Ron) Vanderlinden has been talking to me. I actually sent him my highlight tape and he said he really liked it.”
Ross is a 6-foot-0, 200-pound linebacker who's raised eyebrows early in his career, led his Eaglets' defense with 103 tackles, five sacks, five forced fumbles, seven fumbles recovered and an interception.
http://www.linebacker-u.com/2010/03/wednesday-recruitin-spacey-to-repel.html
“There is another school, Penn State, that we're looking at,” Ross Jr. said. “They recruited (quarterback) Rob Bolden from our school and he committed to them. So (Penn State assistant) Coach (Ron) Vanderlinden has been talking to me. I actually sent him my highlight tape and he said he really liked it.”
Ross is a 6-foot-0, 200-pound linebacker who's raised eyebrows early in his career, led his Eaglets' defense with 103 tackles, five sacks, five forced fumbles, seven fumbles recovered and an interception.
http://www.linebacker-u.com/2010/03/wednesday-recruitin-spacey-to-repel.html
Analysis: A can't miss prospect. James Ross, as a sophomore, already has what it takes to play at the next level for a BCS team. Ross has the size, speed, and strength to compete at a very high level in varsity ball. He shows great strength at the point of contact. Once Ross wraps you up, the play is over. Ross also shows great tackling technique and continues to drive his feet through the ball carrier after contact. Ross has the speed and athleticism to excel in pass coverage and to play sideline to sideline. He'll have plenty of time to get bigger, gain strength and work on his speed. Ross will be one of, if not the top prospects in the state of Michigan in 2012 and possibly a top 100 player in the nation.
http://michigansportszone.blogspot.com/2010/02/2012-prospect-profile-james-ross.html
http://michigansportszone.blogspot.com/2010/02/2012-prospect-profile-james-ross.html
2012 standout LB James Ross visited both MSU and UM this weekend, checking out both scrimmages. Ross got to talk with Coach Rod and Defensive Coordinator Greg Robinson. Ross will be back in Ann Arbor for the Wolverines' Spring Game
http://mgorecruit.blogspot.com/
http://mgorecruit.blogspot.com/
Every year brings a new crop of high school football players that have dreams and goals of playing at a major Division 1 college. Fans from major colleges all over the country are tuned into football recruiting and reading about which high school prospects might or might not go to their favorite team. The popularity of college football is at an all time high and college coaches are under an enormous amount of pressure to win or their jobs will be in jeopardy. The excitement and anticipation from week to week is addicting and all of the hype and build up revolves around recruiting. The Rivals Network gets millions of page views everyday and high school players are on center stage and in the spotlight at an early age.
The state of Michigan received national attention throughout the year on players from the Class of 2010. This has been with out a doubt one of the best classes ever. One football player from the Class of 2012 that is headed down the same path of getting national recognition is Orchard Lake St Mary's James Ross. The sophomore linebacker has played like a veteran all season long and his team is peaking at the right time. We don't normally do articles this early in a player's career, but this is well deserved.
Two years ago I sat in Devin Gardner's living room in Detroit and did his first Rivals interview with him called "Ahead of His Time". He sent me some video from his sophomore season and after watching it I knew that he was something special. He was surprised at the time that I even wanted to do an article on him. He had no idea what was in store down the road for him. He is now rated the #1 quarterback in the country and is committed to the University of Michigan.
In 2006 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, we had our only 8th grader to ever attend my Midwest Elite Football Camp and his name was Robert Bolden. Although he was the youngest player there, Rob held his own and we knew he would be a household name. Rob is now ranked #101 player overall in the country in the Rivals Top 250 and is committed to Penn State University.
James Ross has a similar background with some of the greatest players ever to come out of Detroit and the entire state of Michigan. James started playing football when he was 8 years old for the Westside Cubs. Some say the Cubs are the best youth football team in Michigan. The Cubs have a laundry list of great players including Larry Foote (Detroit Lions), Braylon Edwards (New York Jets), Michael Westbrook (Washington Redskins), Chris Floyd (NFL Alumni), Nick Perry (USC), Dion Sims (Michigan State), Trevor Anderson (Michigan State), Dionte Allen (Florida State), Robert Bolden (Penn State commit) and many more…
"Outside of my dad and Pastor, my biggest role model is William Tandy. He was my West Side Cubs Football Head Coach. Coach Tandy helped mold me to be the person that I am today. He also works tirelessly to improve the lives of young people. I believe the Cubs is one of the greatest youth organizations in the United States. It prepared me to be a great athlete as well as a well rounded young man.," said Ross.
James didn't know what to expect his first varsity practice this season being just a sophomore. "I was very nervous coming in this year playing varsity for OLSM, but when I saw Rob Bolden wearing those old A-Team West Side Cub pants, I knew I was home."
James has really picked things up quickly in his first varsity season. He has some great mentors guiding him along in Bolden and Earnest Thomas. "Over the season, Earnest has become like an older brother too me. He tells me things that I need to do in order to get myself to the next level," said Ross.
Orchard Lake St Mary ended the regular season with a 4-4 record and was up in the air if they were even going to make the playoffs. "Right after we lost the game to Catholic Central in Week 9, I thought that was the end of our playoff hopes. Our coach assured us that we may have a second chance. He said he was 99.9% certain that we were in. Later that night that .1% was eating at me. That next day we gathered together as a team to watch the selection Sunday Show. When they called our name, we all shouted in total excitement and I thought with this second chance we need to make the most of it."
Last week James was outstanding in the District Finals helping OLSM knock off 10-0 Melvindale. Ross had a key interception in the 2nd quarter, a big sack and 14 tackles on defense. "Winning the game against 10-0 Melvindale was a great victory! I was very happy with our performance, but I know that there is still room for improvement. Our defense made great plays putting the offense in position where they needed to score. The offense also played well."
James has developed into one of OLSM's leaders on the team even though he is just a sophomore. "I feel that each of us lead in some capacity. We all have different gifts and talents. When we carry out our assignments correctly, we are a great defense."
OLSM has been really playing at the top of their game right now and their tough conference schedule has prepared them well for the playoffs. "Each game in the Detroit Catholic League (DCL) is like a playoff game. Some of the state's top teams are in this league. Brother Rice and DeLaSalle are still alive. The fans remind you of a student section in a college game; chanting, yelling, no shirts and all trying to get you off of your game. Each team in the DCL is very competitive and there are always a couple of big time players on their team that make a big impact in the game."
This week OLSM will take on a great Detroit Crockett team in the Division 3 Regional Finals. Ross knows in order to advance the defense must play well. "Our defense needs to come out very aggressive and know each of our responsibilities. We can't let the QB (Tony Lippett) hit the edge on us. He is a good player so the D-line must bring pressure like they have in the past few weeks. This will help the secondary make big plays. Also, the inside linebackers must be on their game by stopping any type of running threat."
James Ross like Devin Gardner is ahead of his time and will be a household name like Rob Bolden before you know it. James is determined to succeed. "I strive to make my family proud and I aim to be a positive role model to my younger brother Josh. My belief in God and my commitment to my church keeps me striving toward excellence. My family celebrates me for all of my accomplishments whether it is in academics and/or sports. The high regard that they have for me also keeps me going."
James is just getting his feet wet with colleges starting to get to know him and it will only be a matter of time before he is bombarded with interest. "I attended multiple football camps in the summer. Michigan and Michigan State displayed some interest in my talent during those camps, but nothing more than that. At this point, I am high on the following schools: Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, USC, and UCLA."
James talked about what his strengths on the field are and what he brings to the table. "My strengths are having a high motor, having a great combination of strength and quickness, fearlessness and willing to attack blocks from anyone on the field."
http://nucfootball.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-star-in-making-james-ross-u100-top.html
The state of Michigan received national attention throughout the year on players from the Class of 2010. This has been with out a doubt one of the best classes ever. One football player from the Class of 2012 that is headed down the same path of getting national recognition is Orchard Lake St Mary's James Ross. The sophomore linebacker has played like a veteran all season long and his team is peaking at the right time. We don't normally do articles this early in a player's career, but this is well deserved.
Two years ago I sat in Devin Gardner's living room in Detroit and did his first Rivals interview with him called "Ahead of His Time". He sent me some video from his sophomore season and after watching it I knew that he was something special. He was surprised at the time that I even wanted to do an article on him. He had no idea what was in store down the road for him. He is now rated the #1 quarterback in the country and is committed to the University of Michigan.
In 2006 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, we had our only 8th grader to ever attend my Midwest Elite Football Camp and his name was Robert Bolden. Although he was the youngest player there, Rob held his own and we knew he would be a household name. Rob is now ranked #101 player overall in the country in the Rivals Top 250 and is committed to Penn State University.
James Ross has a similar background with some of the greatest players ever to come out of Detroit and the entire state of Michigan. James started playing football when he was 8 years old for the Westside Cubs. Some say the Cubs are the best youth football team in Michigan. The Cubs have a laundry list of great players including Larry Foote (Detroit Lions), Braylon Edwards (New York Jets), Michael Westbrook (Washington Redskins), Chris Floyd (NFL Alumni), Nick Perry (USC), Dion Sims (Michigan State), Trevor Anderson (Michigan State), Dionte Allen (Florida State), Robert Bolden (Penn State commit) and many more…
"Outside of my dad and Pastor, my biggest role model is William Tandy. He was my West Side Cubs Football Head Coach. Coach Tandy helped mold me to be the person that I am today. He also works tirelessly to improve the lives of young people. I believe the Cubs is one of the greatest youth organizations in the United States. It prepared me to be a great athlete as well as a well rounded young man.," said Ross.
James didn't know what to expect his first varsity practice this season being just a sophomore. "I was very nervous coming in this year playing varsity for OLSM, but when I saw Rob Bolden wearing those old A-Team West Side Cub pants, I knew I was home."
James has really picked things up quickly in his first varsity season. He has some great mentors guiding him along in Bolden and Earnest Thomas. "Over the season, Earnest has become like an older brother too me. He tells me things that I need to do in order to get myself to the next level," said Ross.
Orchard Lake St Mary ended the regular season with a 4-4 record and was up in the air if they were even going to make the playoffs. "Right after we lost the game to Catholic Central in Week 9, I thought that was the end of our playoff hopes. Our coach assured us that we may have a second chance. He said he was 99.9% certain that we were in. Later that night that .1% was eating at me. That next day we gathered together as a team to watch the selection Sunday Show. When they called our name, we all shouted in total excitement and I thought with this second chance we need to make the most of it."
Last week James was outstanding in the District Finals helping OLSM knock off 10-0 Melvindale. Ross had a key interception in the 2nd quarter, a big sack and 14 tackles on defense. "Winning the game against 10-0 Melvindale was a great victory! I was very happy with our performance, but I know that there is still room for improvement. Our defense made great plays putting the offense in position where they needed to score. The offense also played well."
James has developed into one of OLSM's leaders on the team even though he is just a sophomore. "I feel that each of us lead in some capacity. We all have different gifts and talents. When we carry out our assignments correctly, we are a great defense."
OLSM has been really playing at the top of their game right now and their tough conference schedule has prepared them well for the playoffs. "Each game in the Detroit Catholic League (DCL) is like a playoff game. Some of the state's top teams are in this league. Brother Rice and DeLaSalle are still alive. The fans remind you of a student section in a college game; chanting, yelling, no shirts and all trying to get you off of your game. Each team in the DCL is very competitive and there are always a couple of big time players on their team that make a big impact in the game."
This week OLSM will take on a great Detroit Crockett team in the Division 3 Regional Finals. Ross knows in order to advance the defense must play well. "Our defense needs to come out very aggressive and know each of our responsibilities. We can't let the QB (Tony Lippett) hit the edge on us. He is a good player so the D-line must bring pressure like they have in the past few weeks. This will help the secondary make big plays. Also, the inside linebackers must be on their game by stopping any type of running threat."
James Ross like Devin Gardner is ahead of his time and will be a household name like Rob Bolden before you know it. James is determined to succeed. "I strive to make my family proud and I aim to be a positive role model to my younger brother Josh. My belief in God and my commitment to my church keeps me striving toward excellence. My family celebrates me for all of my accomplishments whether it is in academics and/or sports. The high regard that they have for me also keeps me going."
James is just getting his feet wet with colleges starting to get to know him and it will only be a matter of time before he is bombarded with interest. "I attended multiple football camps in the summer. Michigan and Michigan State displayed some interest in my talent during those camps, but nothing more than that. At this point, I am high on the following schools: Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, USC, and UCLA."
James talked about what his strengths on the field are and what he brings to the table. "My strengths are having a high motor, having a great combination of strength and quickness, fearlessness and willing to attack blocks from anyone on the field."
http://nucfootball.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-star-in-making-james-ross-u100-top.html
QUOTES
On Himself: “I emulate a Ray Lewis on the field. I like how he plays, and I try to imitate everything that he does. It really fits me how he plays.”
Interest (11/15/09): “At this point, I am high on the following schools: Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, USC, and UCLA."
ANALYSIS
Jon Jennings, UMGoBlog.com: “A great linebacker prospect who has the speed and lateral movement to run sideline to sideline as well as anyone. Ross is very strong at the point of contact and athletic in the open field. For a sophomore to-be-Junior Ross is as good as they get at the position.”
Sean O’Connell, UMGoBlog.com: “Likely the top linebacker in Michigan for 2012 and one of the top in the Midwest, Ross is a complete linebacker. He has a great nose for the ball and packs quite a wallop when he makes contact with the ball carrier. James does a great job of getting off blocks and has the speed to stick with running backs while in coverage. Ross also has the one quality in a defender that can't be taught; instincts. Michigan has already extended a verbal offer to Ross and he will be a top priority for the 2012 class.”
Allen Trieu, Scout.com: “Everyone in Detroit already knows this kid they call “Biggs.” That is because Ross has been as dominant a PAL player the city has had in recent years. He is already pretty filled out for a kid as young as he is and his footwork in drills was quick and fluid. He has a great chance to start this year for the Eaglets and a good season will really catapult him as far as recruiting goes.”
Sam Webb, Scout.com: “Extremely physical, fast, reminds a lot of Jonas Mouton .. Odds on favorite to be the best in the state for the class of 2012.”
http://umgoblog.com/post/2012JRoss.aspx
On Himself: “I emulate a Ray Lewis on the field. I like how he plays, and I try to imitate everything that he does. It really fits me how he plays.”
Interest (11/15/09): “At this point, I am high on the following schools: Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, USC, and UCLA."
ANALYSIS
Jon Jennings, UMGoBlog.com: “A great linebacker prospect who has the speed and lateral movement to run sideline to sideline as well as anyone. Ross is very strong at the point of contact and athletic in the open field. For a sophomore to-be-Junior Ross is as good as they get at the position.”
Sean O’Connell, UMGoBlog.com: “Likely the top linebacker in Michigan for 2012 and one of the top in the Midwest, Ross is a complete linebacker. He has a great nose for the ball and packs quite a wallop when he makes contact with the ball carrier. James does a great job of getting off blocks and has the speed to stick with running backs while in coverage. Ross also has the one quality in a defender that can't be taught; instincts. Michigan has already extended a verbal offer to Ross and he will be a top priority for the 2012 class.”
Allen Trieu, Scout.com: “Everyone in Detroit already knows this kid they call “Biggs.” That is because Ross has been as dominant a PAL player the city has had in recent years. He is already pretty filled out for a kid as young as he is and his footwork in drills was quick and fluid. He has a great chance to start this year for the Eaglets and a good season will really catapult him as far as recruiting goes.”
Sam Webb, Scout.com: “Extremely physical, fast, reminds a lot of Jonas Mouton .. Odds on favorite to be the best in the state for the class of 2012.”
http://umgoblog.com/post/2012JRoss.aspx
JasonS
Football Moderator
A Peek Ahead to the 2012 Class
But Jenkins-Stone is not a shoe-in to be the top linebacker prospect in Michigan for the 2012 class. James Ross of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s was the early frontrunner for that honor after he picked up offers from Michigan and Michigan State. Jenkins-Stone and Ross know each other well and have a friendly rivalry brewing.
“We’re real good friends,” Jenkins-Stone said. “We’ve been bumping heads since the (Westside) Cubs.”
http://www.freep.com/article/201005.../1245/HSS07/A-peek-ahead-to-the-class-of-2012
But Jenkins-Stone is not a shoe-in to be the top linebacker prospect in Michigan for the 2012 class. James Ross of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s was the early frontrunner for that honor after he picked up offers from Michigan and Michigan State. Jenkins-Stone and Ross know each other well and have a friendly rivalry brewing.
“We’re real good friends,” Jenkins-Stone said. “We’ve been bumping heads since the (Westside) Cubs.”
http://www.freep.com/article/201005.../1245/HSS07/A-peek-ahead-to-the-class-of-2012
http://recruiting.scout.com/2/1044739.html (free)
Quote:
Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Mich.) four-star junior linebacker James Ross picks up an offer from the Big East.
James Ross is one of the top juniors in the Midwest and the hard hitting middle linebacker picked up another offer today to add his already solid list.
"I just got offered by Pittsburgh today," the four-star prospect reported.
The 6-1, 215-lb Ross now has offers from the Panthers, Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue. He reports additional interest from Notre Dame, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Ohio State and others.
He has started two varsity season for the Eaglets and recorded 96 tackles (61 solo), four sacks and two fumble recoveries this past season while making the Detroit Free Press Dream Team.
Quote:
Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Mich.) four-star junior linebacker James Ross picks up an offer from the Big East.
James Ross is one of the top juniors in the Midwest and the hard hitting middle linebacker picked up another offer today to add his already solid list.
"I just got offered by Pittsburgh today," the four-star prospect reported.
The 6-1, 215-lb Ross now has offers from the Panthers, Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue. He reports additional interest from Notre Dame, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Ohio State and others.
He has started two varsity season for the Eaglets and recorded 96 tackles (61 solo), four sacks and two fumble recoveries this past season while making the Detroit Free Press Dream Team.
http://footballrecruiting.247sports....larships-14434
Quote:
Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary’s linebacker James Ross picked up his sixth verbal scholarship on Monday from Arizona State, his father confirmed with 247Sports.
The Sun Devils join Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Purdue in offering the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Ross.
This past fall, Ross battled through injury to help lead St. Mary’s to the state championship game, totaling a team-high 77 tackles including 14.5 for loss with four sacks. He also broke up two passes, forced one fumble and intercepted a pass. As a sophomore, Ross had over 100 tackles, five sacks, five forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and an interception.
Besides the schools that have offered, Ross is also hearing from the likes of Ohio State, Penn State and Miami.
Quote:
Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary’s linebacker James Ross picked up his sixth verbal scholarship on Monday from Arizona State, his father confirmed with 247Sports.
The Sun Devils join Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Purdue in offering the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Ross.
This past fall, Ross battled through injury to help lead St. Mary’s to the state championship game, totaling a team-high 77 tackles including 14.5 for loss with four sacks. He also broke up two passes, forced one fumble and intercepted a pass. As a sophomore, Ross had over 100 tackles, five sacks, five forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and an interception.
Besides the schools that have offered, Ross is also hearing from the likes of Ohio State, Penn State and Miami.
http://footballrecruiting.247sports....sts-best-15622
Quote:
Best of the Midwest Football Camp.
Many of the top prospects from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio will be on the Michigan campus in Ann Arbor for this event, consisting of position drills, 1-on-1s and 7-on-7. The names of who preregistered was provided by Maximum Exposure.
HEADLINERS
James Ross: One of the country’s most instinctive linebackers, the Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary’s talent has been offered by Arizona State, Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Purdue.
Quote:
Best of the Midwest Football Camp.
Many of the top prospects from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio will be on the Michigan campus in Ann Arbor for this event, consisting of position drills, 1-on-1s and 7-on-7. The names of who preregistered was provided by Maximum Exposure.
HEADLINERS
James Ross: One of the country’s most instinctive linebackers, the Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary’s talent has been offered by Arizona State, Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Purdue.
The prior coaching staff at Michigan gave Ross one of his first offers, and last week on a visit to the campus, he got a chance to meet with new Wolverines coach Brady Hoke, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison and the rest of the staff.
“They had a really great message,” Ross said. “They portrayed to me that they really cared about this University. I actually enjoyed the original Michigan staff that offered me, I liked them, and for some staff to impress me even more was shocking. I didn’t know it would be like that.
“I really enjoyed Coach Mattison,” Ross continued. “We actually went over what I’d be doing in the defense, and I’d actually be playing WILL, and he was just showing me how the WILL was covered up and has the freedom to make plays.”
Ohio State offered Ross late last week, and a third personality quickly developed.
“Nobody was at the house, so I did a quick little dance,” Ross said. “Nobody saw, but it was cool.”
Ross has been keeping in touch with Buckeyes assistant coach Paul Haynes.
“I grew up watching Ohio State,” Ross said. “Ever since I was born, they were the ones in the Big Ten between Michigan and Ohio State I watched. Just that consistency of winning they have, that’s what I really like about them. They’re always somehow on top.”
This spring, Ross says he’ll try to visit as many schools as possible. The coaches at each place will get to meet the nice quiet guy.
http://footballrecruiting.247sports.com/Article/The-different-sides-of-James-Ross-16009
“They had a really great message,” Ross said. “They portrayed to me that they really cared about this University. I actually enjoyed the original Michigan staff that offered me, I liked them, and for some staff to impress me even more was shocking. I didn’t know it would be like that.
“I really enjoyed Coach Mattison,” Ross continued. “We actually went over what I’d be doing in the defense, and I’d actually be playing WILL, and he was just showing me how the WILL was covered up and has the freedom to make plays.”
Ohio State offered Ross late last week, and a third personality quickly developed.
“Nobody was at the house, so I did a quick little dance,” Ross said. “Nobody saw, but it was cool.”
Ross has been keeping in touch with Buckeyes assistant coach Paul Haynes.
“I grew up watching Ohio State,” Ross said. “Ever since I was born, they were the ones in the Big Ten between Michigan and Ohio State I watched. Just that consistency of winning they have, that’s what I really like about them. They’re always somehow on top.”
This spring, Ross says he’ll try to visit as many schools as possible. The coaches at each place will get to meet the nice quiet guy.
http://footballrecruiting.247sports.com/Article/The-different-sides-of-James-Ross-16009
http://www.irishsportsdaily.com/recr...-super-friends
Quote:
They were just boys playing for the Westside Cubs in the Detroit Police Athletic League when Terry Richardson, James Ross and Royce Jenkins-Stone started dreaming of playing football in college.
“Me, Royce and Ross we all grew up together,” Richardson said. “We were playing for the Cubs since we were eight, nine years old. We always played together on the Cubs. We built a nice friendship that’s going carry on for life.”
Jenkins-Stone and Ross also said it was a great experience.
“We were always watching college football games together and talk about wanting to be there some day,” said Ross.
Jenkins-Stone remembers the success they had.
“We made it to the championship, but we lost,” he said.
Ironically, the trio would become close with a member of the team that beat them in the title game.
“I was on the Giants and they were on the Cubs,” Laron Taylor said. “We ended up beating them in the championship game by one point off a field goal.”
Taylor, who joined Richardson and Jenkins-Stone at Cass Tech High School, still reminds his current teammates of when they were competitors.
“Yeah, he still teases us,” said Jenkins-Stone. “He’s got a little bragging rights.”
“That always sticks in their minds,” Taylor said. “I’ll be playing with them all of the time about it.”
While Taylor teamed up with Richardson and Jenkins-Stone in high school, Ross went off to St. Mary’s Prep in Orchard Lake.
“I played with them for about 10 years,” Ross said of Richardson and Jenkins-Stone. “It was just different not going to the practices together or riding together in the car. But I still work out with Terry every day. We’re very close. That’s about the closest friend I have. We talk about the recruiting situations and just thanking God that we made it this far.”
Indeed, the young boys have grown into young adults receiving attention from colleges across the country. Ross, Jenkins-Stone and Taylor all play linebacker while Richardson is one of the top rated cornerbacks in the class of 2012.
All four are being recruited by Notre Dame along with a host of others. Richardson and Ross each picked up Irish offers earlier this week.
They understand how unlikely it is that all of them will play together in college, but they are at least considering it.
“When we were little, we wanted to play together, but we know how difficult that may be,” said Ross. “If it works out, it does and that would be great, but we probably won’t make our decisions based off what somebody else does.”
Jenkins-Stone agrees.
“It would be good for us to go to the same school again and play together, but I don’t where their hearts are yet and I don’t know what I want to do yet,” he said. “I’m still waiting on some more offers before I can make my decision.”
Taylor has enjoyed his time at Cass Tech and would like to continue it at the next level.
“It’d be great to play with them guys in college,” he said. “It’s great to playing with them now. They get me better every day. They push me, we push each other.”
Each has plenty of options and even if they aren’t able to stick together, all four are close to accomplishing a dream first thought of a long time ago.
“The time is coming that we’re being able to achieve the goal,” said Ross. “It seemed like so long ago that we wanted to play college football and it’s just great to see that goal soon to be accomplished.”
Quote:
They were just boys playing for the Westside Cubs in the Detroit Police Athletic League when Terry Richardson, James Ross and Royce Jenkins-Stone started dreaming of playing football in college.
“Me, Royce and Ross we all grew up together,” Richardson said. “We were playing for the Cubs since we were eight, nine years old. We always played together on the Cubs. We built a nice friendship that’s going carry on for life.”
Jenkins-Stone and Ross also said it was a great experience.
“We were always watching college football games together and talk about wanting to be there some day,” said Ross.
Jenkins-Stone remembers the success they had.
“We made it to the championship, but we lost,” he said.
Ironically, the trio would become close with a member of the team that beat them in the title game.
“I was on the Giants and they were on the Cubs,” Laron Taylor said. “We ended up beating them in the championship game by one point off a field goal.”
Taylor, who joined Richardson and Jenkins-Stone at Cass Tech High School, still reminds his current teammates of when they were competitors.
“Yeah, he still teases us,” said Jenkins-Stone. “He’s got a little bragging rights.”
“That always sticks in their minds,” Taylor said. “I’ll be playing with them all of the time about it.”
While Taylor teamed up with Richardson and Jenkins-Stone in high school, Ross went off to St. Mary’s Prep in Orchard Lake.
“I played with them for about 10 years,” Ross said of Richardson and Jenkins-Stone. “It was just different not going to the practices together or riding together in the car. But I still work out with Terry every day. We’re very close. That’s about the closest friend I have. We talk about the recruiting situations and just thanking God that we made it this far.”
Indeed, the young boys have grown into young adults receiving attention from colleges across the country. Ross, Jenkins-Stone and Taylor all play linebacker while Richardson is one of the top rated cornerbacks in the class of 2012.
All four are being recruited by Notre Dame along with a host of others. Richardson and Ross each picked up Irish offers earlier this week.
They understand how unlikely it is that all of them will play together in college, but they are at least considering it.
“When we were little, we wanted to play together, but we know how difficult that may be,” said Ross. “If it works out, it does and that would be great, but we probably won’t make our decisions based off what somebody else does.”
Jenkins-Stone agrees.
“It would be good for us to go to the same school again and play together, but I don’t where their hearts are yet and I don’t know what I want to do yet,” he said. “I’m still waiting on some more offers before I can make my decision.”
Taylor has enjoyed his time at Cass Tech and would like to continue it at the next level.
“It’d be great to play with them guys in college,” he said. “It’s great to playing with them now. They get me better every day. They push me, we push each other.”
Each has plenty of options and even if they aren’t able to stick together, all four are close to accomplishing a dream first thought of a long time ago.
“The time is coming that we’re being able to achieve the goal,” said Ross. “It seemed like so long ago that we wanted to play college football and it’s just great to see that goal soon to be accomplished.”
http://ohiostate.scout.com/2/1051327.html (free)
Quote:
Orchard Lake St. Mary's (MI) linebacker James Ross picks up a significant offer.
Penn State is hoping lightning strikes three times at Orchard Lake St. Mary's, as the Nittany Lions have offered another one of their stars.
"I just got offered from Penn State," junior middle linebacker James Ross reported to Scout.com.
The 6-1, 215-lb Ross added offers from Indiana and Notre Dame this week as well. He has offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Arizona State, Illinois, Purdue, Pittsburgh, and others.
In previous years, the Nittany Lions have picked up commitments from fellow Eaglets, quarterback Robert Bolden last year and wide receiver Allen Robinson this year.
Ross has indicated that he will visit Happy Valley in the spring.
Quote:
Orchard Lake St. Mary's (MI) linebacker James Ross picks up a significant offer.
Penn State is hoping lightning strikes three times at Orchard Lake St. Mary's, as the Nittany Lions have offered another one of their stars.
"I just got offered from Penn State," junior middle linebacker James Ross reported to Scout.com.
The 6-1, 215-lb Ross added offers from Indiana and Notre Dame this week as well. He has offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Arizona State, Illinois, Purdue, Pittsburgh, and others.
In previous years, the Nittany Lions have picked up commitments from fellow Eaglets, quarterback Robert Bolden last year and wide receiver Allen Robinson this year.
Ross has indicated that he will visit Happy Valley in the spring.
