FOLEY — The 2007 Riviera Utilities/Coca-Cola Classic at Ivan Jones Stadium proved to be another huge success as college coaches from over 15 schools were on hand to watch the days activities.
While the main focus was on Foley's Julio Jones, …
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FOLEY — The 2007 Riviera Utilities/Coca-Cola Classic at Ivan Jones Stadium proved to be another huge success as college coaches from over 15 schools were on hand to watch the days activities.
While the main focus was on Foley's Julio Jones, players from several other programs were seen. Foley, McGill-Toolen, Opelika, Theodore and Fairhope were the teams represented in the classic.
"I think it's not only Julio, but all these teams," said host head coach and athletic director Todd Watson. "They all have good football teams and that is why we started this. To get the coaches here to take a look at the players. They have been turning out in numbers and I think it's a great thing for football in the area and everyone involved."
The defending National Champion Florida Gators were represented by head coach Urban Meyer and assistant head coach Charlie Strong. Auburn's Tommy Tuberville, Will Muschamp, Greg Knox and Patrick Willis were on hand, along with Alabama's Nick Saban.
Among the wide receiver's coaches in attendance were Charlie Williams of UNC, Mike Canales of South Florida and Miami's Joe Pannunzio. Other schools represented were Southern California, Southern Mississippi, UAB, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tuskegee and Louisiana - Lafayette among others.
Butch Davis' program was represent by Williams who didn't mention any names, but stated there is one person everyone came to see, of course speaking of Julio Jones.
"We're here for the same person everyone else is," he said. "I think we are going to offer him the same things other programs are; a great education and a chance to play football early."
Williams also indicated there were several other prospects on teams featured in the spring classic the Tar Heel program was interested in.
For others such as Pannunzio, the trip to Foley is part of the rebuilding process at Miami.
"This is a great area for high school football and the coaches do a great job here with the kids," he said. "We are going to take our program back to where it should be and it starts with the players. I think college coaches are overrated, it's all about recruiting the right players."
Even though Jones was the main spectacle of the day coaches continue to look for players that will fit specific schemes, and Baldwin and Mobile counties are quickly turning into a recruiting hot-bed.
The second annual event continues to bring recognition to Baldwin County and in-particular Foley High School, where Watson is creating an even stronger program.
"I think it's good for the community and for Foley High School," Watson said. "I appreciate all the support the city of Foley has given us, along with Coca-Cola and Riviera Utilities who have put a great deal of effort into making this a special event."