Bama’s NCAA troubles a concern for North Gwinnett’s James
JaWuan James’ phone has been ringing off the hook lately. But for now at least, he’s not answering.
Everybody wants to know why the 6-foot-6, 300-pound, four-star offensive lineman from Suwanee decided to reopen his recruitment after being committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide since May. And, of course, they want to know where he might be leaning now that he’s again on the free market.
“They’re probably in hunker-down mode because they’re trying to figure out what the heck they’re doing,” said North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire, who is fielding a lot of the questions for James in the meantime.
Sphire was asked if anything happened that facilitated James’ change of heart. “No. I don’t there’s anything on Alabama. It’s all on JaWuan,” he said. “It’s just him being confused as far as being sure what he really wants to do when it’s all said and done. I’m not real happy about it but I do want him to be happy about it at the end of the process.”
Sphire theorized that Alabama’s run-ins with the NCAA this summer over a textbook scandal fueled James’ doubts.
“He did feel like when this thing came up with the text books and that kind of stuff, that kind of threw him into a tailspin,” Sphire said. “I think he’s over-worried about the consequences if something else were to happen and that kind of got him thinking. But to be honest with you I’m not real sure.”
Sphire said such a change of heart is what concerns him about his players making such early commitments.
“I try to counsel them when they want to make an early commitment like that to make sure they’re 100 percent sure that’s what they want to do,” Sphire said. “This is on him and his family. Like I say, I want him to be happy in the end but it’s really the last thing we need right now. Now we have the media and everybody calling us again.”
The Bulldogs, for whom James plays left tackle, have been getting along OK. They beat South Forsyth 42-7 Friday night to improve to 3-0 and maintain their No. 2 state ranking in Class AAAAA.
James supposedly is still considering Alabama. At the time of his commitment he said Georgia, Florida and Tennessee were among the other schools he seriously considered. His recruiting profile also lists Clemson, Oklahoma and Southern Cal. He had more than 30 offers initially.
Sphire said James did not visit anywhere this past weekend.
“I was actually down at the Georgia game [Saturday] and, of course, [offensive line] Coach [Stacy] Searels was asking me about him,” Sphire said. “But I haven’t heard from anybody else.”
James told Scout.com’s Chad Simmons, the only one to get through to him these last few days, that he is starting from a blank slate. “I am wide open,” he told Simmons. “I have no leader and I am starting all the way over again.”
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101 comments Add your comment
#2 BAMA FAN
September 14th, 2009
7:41 am
Worried about text book scandel are you freaking kidding me!! I hope the best for the kid, but he must have a used car salesman giving him advice. Hope he goes to Georgia and plays because I don’t want him to play for the crimson tide!! ROLL TIDE!!
Jeff
September 14th, 2009
7:51 am
#2 Bama Fan,
The textbook scandal is just what got us treading egg shells. I think that there is a lot of concern due to the fact that the NCAA is watching us due to the texbook thing. Couple that with this “fishing trip” and laptop issue with some nutjob named Curtis Anderson and I can see why one would be worried.
However, I don’t think anything will ever happen from the Anderson thing. It appears that he is a plant for Auburn to try and screw us up. Basically, if James doesn’t want to play for Alabama, then go someplace else and lose to us for four years in a row. Bye! We want you if you want to come but we can do without you! RTR!
Bill
September 14th, 2009
8:54 am
This young prospect needs some solid adult advice and not merely repeat and respond to “crap” from from con-artist recruiters.
ADL
September 14th, 2009
8:58 am
I guess he got his soul back from Satan.
Paddy
September 14th, 2009
8:59 am
#2bamafan….why is the text book issue such a surprise to you? Don’t you think any smart kid would at least be concerned? Maybe his parents asked him to take a step back from the whole thing. If you don’t think he will fit at Alabama for that reason, could sure use him at UGA. We will accept kids who have a mind of their own.
Houndstooth Hal
September 14th, 2009
8:59 am
Juwan, Go find a second rate SEC campus that suits your needs. Sounds like you’re not Bama quality anyways. Good luck playing for second place elsewhere in the SEC.
Tom4AU
September 14th, 2009
8:59 am
Jeff, you ‘Bammers amaze the Hell out of me! If one of your players/recruits urinated on the Bear’s grave, you would swear it was Auburn’s fault! Face it, we don’t care that much about you. James is just a mama’s boy that has a change of heart and wants to play near his home, which is closer to Athens, GA than it is to Auburn, AL. As for the Curtis Anderson incident, you have a 56 year old man that spends 3/4 of the year in Gulf Shores and swears to JC himself that he didn’t know Julio Jones played football, yea right! The reason everyone gets frustrated at the U of A is that with all the little quirks and inconsistancies that seem to have happened since the $4 million dollar fraud arrived on campus, is that it is ALWAYS someone elses doing. Just frickin admit it, not all the athletes that are recruited are stellar citizens. It is one thing to cover up your players mistakes, it is another to try and shift the blame to innocent parties.
Carty Seay
September 14th, 2009
9:14 am
Kid would look great in the Orange and Blue. Ja’Wuan come to Gainesville and play for National Championships with the top coach in the game. Or, you could go to Athens and talk about championships, but end up in a top 5 recruiting class according to the guys at “Scout.com”. Pretty easy call, GO GATORS!
Dawg Drool (BaseballVol13)
September 14th, 2009
9:16 am
Signed sealed and delivered, he’s ALL VOL!!! Along with Brandon Willis, Corey Miller and Demarco Cobbs yesterday!
Dawg Drool (BaseballVol13)
September 14th, 2009
9:17 am
Deitric Reily and Mack Brown are next.
RTR
September 14th, 2009
9:17 am
If the kid has doubts he apparently doesn’t bleed Crimson. We don’t need him in Tuscaloosa. With DJ Fluker there he would’nt step on the field anyway! RTR!!!
BAMA Ride
September 14th, 2009
9:22 am
Can this kid even spell? How did this even make the paper? Who gives a crap about JaWuan James?
Roll Tide Ricky
September 14th, 2009
9:31 am
Some one get this kid a Dodge Charger Stat!!!!!
BG
September 14th, 2009
9:35 am
Bama is being watched very closely by the NCAA.
GA Tech Insider
September 14th, 2009
9:35 am
Good grief, people, cut the guy some slack. Why is it a problem that JaWuan wants to step back and want to see how things start to clear up a bit before he makes this commitment that will lock him into a school for the next 4-5 years of his life? It sounds like he’s a rather intelligent young man if you ask me.
No one has mentioned it yet, so I’ll raise the subject; perhaps JaWuan is concerned about Alabama signing so many kids up front (more that the NCAA allows, knowing that they’ll never suit up for the University) that he just is uncomfortable about the NCAA starting to come down on that type of recruiting tactic and hurting Alabama as well.
Whatever the reason, JaWuan is a Senior in High School, and I, for one, wish him the very best this season. He has enough on his plate trying to make it through his games this fall, as well as classes the rest of the year; having to worry about where to play college ball, and how about a bunch or recruitniks feel about him, should be the least of his worries.
UGASlobberknocker
September 14th, 2009
9:36 am
To all of us who have or have had kids the age of this guy…this isnt a surprise. Indecision, emotional or irrational decisions are just part of the teen growing up experience. It is not uncommon for any student to have a hard time deciding on a college (athlete or not). Better to have doubts now than after he has signed the letter of intent. This is why I am against the early signing period even though on the surface it seems like a good idea. Too many things can change in a year.
I also dont give a crap if his high school coach is inconvenienced by the kid’s indecision. “This is the last thing we need” he says. That is a selfish attitude for someone who is supposedly looking out for his players’ best interest. I wonder if he would feel that way if it were his son having difficulties making the decision.
I hope the kid takes his time and finds the perfect fit for him..wherever that is.
TannerTider
September 14th, 2009
9:38 am
<>
These recruits will be jumping ship after seeing what Kiffin and staff do this season. They will wise up quickly. UCLA was only the beginning.
59bulldawg
September 14th, 2009
9:41 am
Come on over to Athens son! We’d be glad to have you join us.
Roll Tide Ricky
September 14th, 2009
9:52 am
Whatever. Those kids were supplying tect books to friends out of the kindness of their heart. The NCAA acts like textbooks are a commodity on a college campus. Idoiots…
Maybe we should assign him a “family friend” in TTown to “look after him” like Jimmy Johns had.
Alabama….. Where teenagers hanging out with wealthy middle aged friends is not only accepted…. Its normal.
allcrimson
September 14th, 2009
9:54 am
if he doesn’t want to be here, we don’t want him
RTR
ac
Chip Towers
September 14th, 2009
9:56 am
Bama Ride: To answer your question, yeah, this kid can spell. He’s on track to graduate from high school early and enroll in college in January. Not only can he spell but he’s apparently pretty good in math and science as well.
The Messiah
September 14th, 2009
10:00 am
UT……what a joke. Who would want to go to a second rate school….bad enough you just got beat by a second rate conference also ran….with the exception of USC the Pac 10 is a joke and the vol girls just got it handed to them by these guys for the second year in a row.
Got 12?
September 14th, 2009
10:01 am
Ricky,
Its obveeus your jealous of Alabama and all of our tradition. Coach Saban will own college football over the next 10 years.
Roll Tide Roll Baby!!!
ADL
September 14th, 2009
10:11 am
Got12,
It’s obvious you’re part of the Alabama tradition of poor grammar and spelling.
By college football, are you referring to Florida International and North Texas?
Dawgs Drool!
September 14th, 2009
10:21 am
TannerTider
September 14th, 2009
9:38 am
These recruits will be jumping ship after seeing what Kiffin and staff do this season. They will wise up quickly. UCLA was only the beginning.
What was Saban in year 1? 6-6, the Vols will be better than 6-6. Just because you Ala. bummers are losing recruits, James, Brandon Sims and can’t seem to stay away from probation is no reason to expect Kiffin to lose anyone. The best is still to come for those in Big Orange Country!
JJ
September 14th, 2009
10:23 am
Alabama’s motto – If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying.
DamntheButcher
September 14th, 2009
10:23 am
HoundstoothHal or Houndstoothal or whatever his name is making statements that this guy can go play for a 2nd place team in the SEC. When in the hell was the last time Alabama won the SEC?:
potatoslaw
September 14th, 2009
10:29 am
there are obviously people here with “BAMA” and the like in their names who are POSING as bama fans and are actually UGA fans saying bad things about Mr. James to make alabama look bad. Please disregard them. JaWuan, follow your heart big guy. Don’t let any one person or coach tell you where you should or shouldn’t go. Good luck to you.
mark
September 14th, 2009
10:30 am
Enter your comments here: This young man has a decision to make. Respect it some of you (fans,Never played past high school: never coached above Youth league,
Gdawg
September 14th, 2009
10:32 am
JaWuan,
Please come to UGA where you can play immediately and play for a great guy in CMR. CMR is building a dynasty in Athens, but we must get our players to stay at home. Don’t worry about what your current coach thinks about your decision or what anybody else thinks for that matter. I agree that you should be concerned about the recent issues concerning Alabama’s athletic programs. You just need to do what is best for you. I am very impressed that you are graduating early and plan on enrolling into college early. It appears that you have your priorities in order. Just remember to keep God first and all will work out for the best. Best of luck to you on whatever decision you make.
oldmac
September 14th, 2009
10:37 am
One of two things has happened. Either he is appalled by the typical Bammer recruiting schemes or he’s waiting for the money to get “right” before committing. Hopes it’s the former. Pretty obvious that now that Bammer is “back” that their boosters (notice I didn’t say alums) will be passing out the coin of the realm (casino chips) hot and heavy.
… now that the Auburn Tigers have rediscovered an offense, I guess the Western half can erase the check mark they already put beside that game on their schedule.
JB
Eric
September 14th, 2009
10:39 am
I wish someone would send these comments to JuWaun. He would forget about bama altogether if he read the comments of their ignorant fanbase. If you are solid to them, they love you. If you arent and need some time to make the right decision their fans say “well he is terrible anyway/who needs him” and want to cut them in half with a chainsaw. Truly pathetic. Row Tahd Row!
BlackSmoke
September 14th, 2009
10:40 am
Don’t you just love how Bama fans were worshiping this kid when he committed back in May? Now they are saying he isn’t good enough to play in Tuscaloser anyway and they don’t want him to be an Elephant??? PLEASE, grow up people
Daniel
September 14th, 2009
10:45 am
There is NO WAY that these are real Alabama fans. They have to be Georgia fans. It is typical Georgia fan behavior. Trust me on this.
Got 12?
September 14th, 2009
10:48 am
ADL,
Why the insults? Yall cant stand the fact the Bama is back!!!! Saban will own this conference for the next decade !!! And to all you haters, everyone cheats. The NCAA clearly has it out for us.
RTR
RTR
bill walter
September 14th, 2009
10:49 am
I got two words for you….Lance Thompson. Lance has been filling his ear with more lies than anyone would care to know. He is going to Tennessee and it is all based on lies. This has nothing to do with auburn, James football skills or his character. It is all lies that one day he will regret ever believing.
SEC Fan
September 14th, 2009
10:52 am
Daniel, I assume this guy is posing as an Alabama fan too. I dont have a dog in this one, but LSU is the only school that rivals Alabama when it comes to delusional sidewalk fans. I will grat to the fact that most of these people didnt go to the universities. Unfortunately they still represent them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW1bJeqYdG0
mark
September 14th, 2009
10:53 am
Enter your comments here: This young man has a decision to make. Respect it!!!! almost all of you fans (Never played past high school: never coached above Youth league,and have only 1 team u ever cheered for)Fans should be fans but when it comes to making comments about the kids,coaches,what plays are being called.Where did we lose our way in the game of football.If thats bad, Then you have these fats cats (rich men) that donate every year by the millions just to have their say on who and what comes and goes on the staff of the football team. If you donate!! Then donate!!After that keep your mouth shut)that was for all schools!!Truth to the matter 80% of the kids playing right now for the tide had offers from other schools.20% probably had it in mind that if Alabama offered grant in aide they’d take it> back to the point @ hand.This young man is on the right track!! He’s locked in on 4 schools. 3 in the SEC &the other USC.Yes,,, he committed to early to 1 school Think about when you were 18. not counting all these major school clammoring all over you.how many times you committed to something and wasnt sure this is what you wanted to do but feeling the outside pressure . Alabama or somewhere alse it doesnt matter I wish this kid the best.
SEC Fan
September 14th, 2009
10:53 am
Bill Walter, Wouldnt Lance be in a position to know the truth? Just saying. If there was something down the pipe, he would be the most likely to know AND not hide it. Just a thought.
collegeballfan
September 14th, 2009
10:54 am
Yeah, he can go to Florida & play for Meyer’s replacement after Meyer goes to Notre Dame.
bamaclass
September 14th, 2009
10:54 am
agree with bill. this one has lance thompson (UT) recruiting lies written all over it. very sad when a grown man looks into a kid’s eyes and lies to him.
AllBald
September 14th, 2009
11:00 am
There are some real BOYS on this sight! Let the kid decide and it would help a lot if the adults on this sight would attempt some maturity and wisdom. The SEC would be better if respect and perspective were added to these comments. The SEC is great not because there is a team or two that shines but because from top to bottom there are strong competitors who work hard to win. My team and your team should respect one another. A worthy opponent is still necessary for us to look good to the nation. Let Mr. James know that there are many worthy teams to consider!
Eric
September 14th, 2009
11:03 am
Got 12,
You mean Alabama will own the conference for the next decade, right??? Oh wait, I forgot that in Alabama’s case, the school is only a side note. The coach is who is really important. Nobody on the planet worships a coach like your fanbase. As for everybody cheating, you are right, everyone does. The difference is that Bama fans are so blatant with it. They should understand that when you are on probation, DONT DO ANYTHING STUPID. Row Tahd! What morons…
#2 BAMA FAN
September 14th, 2009
11:14 am
Hey Eric,
Pat Dye had a good run at the cow college and I believe was on 60 minutes with Eric Ramsey about
CHEATING so go post some where else who cares about the cow college!! YOU ARE THE FREAKING MORON!! SMF!
SEC Fan
September 14th, 2009
11:24 am
#2 Bama. We all know about Auburns issues. How many times has Alabama football been on probation since Dye got busted?
bamaspeed
September 14th, 2009
11:32 am
Simm’s either one of them will 100% Roll with the Tide
BAMAPERRY
September 14th, 2009
11:35 am
I heard he had a crack problem and Saban yanked his offer.
Da truth
September 14th, 2009
11:39 am
Dear JuWuan,
I am a BAma fan. I respect your opinion. Please pray real hard and try to make the best decision for you.
Dear Chip, Please pray real hard and try not to rely on Coach Me at the UGA game to influence a headline for your article.
Dear other SEC team fans,
We realize the NCAAtzies are watching closely. That is why we are behaving and policing ourselves….are you? Talk all the smack you want about the game…but do not misrepresent me or my Alabama Crimson Tide. It will hurt you in the end.
Sincerely yours, Da Truth
Da truth
September 14th, 2009
11:41 am
oops , one more….
Dear Bama Fans that talk, flame, and bi+&^ too much….you are not doing your team any favors!
bill walter
September 14th, 2009
11:43 am
SEC FAN. Are you that ignorant to think that Lance Thompson, a UT coach, nows anything about an alabama NCAA issue. The NCAA has already said the case is closed. Three of alabama’s recruits in the last class said Thompson lied to them. He told them that we were going to get the death penalty and ALL scholorships would be cancelled. Fortunately they were smart enough to trust the NCAA instead of some washed up, wife beating, man w*ore. He is in Juwauns ear and the high school knows it. You reap what you sow. Saban saved Lance from a deadend job at UCF and this is how he repays him.