January 6, 2005

When the phone rings at 1 o'clock in the morning you're never sure if it's bad news or not. But for North Babylon halfback Jason Gwaltney, it was almost too good to be true.

Gwaltney picked up the phone and on the other end was Pete Carroll, the hottest coach in college football. About an hour after Carroll's USC Trojans demolished Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, 55-19, behind Matt Leinart's five touchdown passes, Carroll already had recruiting on his mind.

And why wait to check in on one of the country's top recruits? That attention will make any high school senior feel special.

"I was in total shock when I realized who it was," said Gwaltney, Long Island's all-time rushing and scoring leader. "I congratulated him and we talked for a few minutes. When I hung up, I looked at the clock and I still couldn't believe it."

Carroll's aggressive pursuit of one of the nation's top big backs left Gwaltney in awe. It also left him more confused as to which school to attend next fall.

"The phone call from Carroll left quite an impression on Jason," North Babylon coach Terry Manning said. "The guy just coached the national championship game and has the presence of mind to call on a recruit. That is very powerful. That's why he's the best."

Ah, remember the days when PC would hang out on this blog? Like at halftime of the Oklahoma game when he posted his big recruits' names and numbers and asked us to help him out?

"Just say things like Trpjan Family and jacked up and competition, that's what they wanna hear. Oh, and that they could play their freshman year like Reggie and LenDale."

I admit I was pretty hammered when I called up J-Gwalt that night. And I had to tell him I borrowed my friend BoscoH's cell phone so the 949 would make sense to him. But after that awkward intro, it was easy. Bummer he got away.

I know it doesn't have anything to do with Scott's post, but someone changed the subject. Jason Gwaltney went to West Virginia, in the same class as Steve Slaton, gained a couple hundred yards his freshman year, and was off the roster, I think, in 2006. Yes, Pete must have really confused him.

Am I missing something?

When was it announced Sam Baker was not starting at Left Tackle?

Whoops, Misread.
It was Right Tackle.

Fight On!

sorry drop out...just thought it was interesting.

And yeah, he is out of football hahaha

I hope Sam Baker is starting...christ..

BoscoH showing more of his class :))