The Georgia State football team began spring practice on Monday, and while coach Bill Curry is focused on getting the 2011 team better, recruiting never stops. The Panthers coaching staff extended their first offers of the 2012 cycle to Floridians ATH Travares Copeland, RB Gabe Johnson and WR Bernard Davis.
Travares Copeland is a six-foot, 180-pound highlight-reel athlete who will play at the factory known as Treasure Coast HS as a Senior. He played QB for Ft. Lee Westwood and did it all playing QB, WR and DB in 2010. He currently holds offers from Kentucky, South Florida and Louisville.
Rivals.com Chris Nee on Copeland: Copeland is a special talent. He plays QB in high school but can be a very good WR at the collegiate level. Kid is very well put together and very athletic with good hands. He will blow up as a senior at Treasure Coast.
Gabe Johnson is a five-foot-nine, 190-pound power running back who may have fallen on some boards after reportedly not showing well at a combine. His offense is a very good fit to what OC John Bond and the Panther run. His Jr. numbers may not be eye-popping, with 86 carries for 432 yards and 5 TDs. He has proven to be a valuable pass receiver out of the backfield the last two seasons with 30 catches for 416 yards and 3 TDs. Georgia State is his first confirmed offer.
Rivals.com Chris Nee on Watson: Saw him last season against St. Augustine (Fla.) Pedro Menendez. I liked him. Capable back with good hands who is a receiving option. His speed on the field is good, but heard he recently ran a poor 40 at a camp or combine.
Bernard Davis is a 6'2, 175lbs X WR who has very strong hands. He has very good ball skills and has been very productive for Lake Worth HS with 38 catches for 635 yards and 13 TDs. With starting X WR Senior Sidney Haynes moving on after this season, Davis looks like a capable replacement. Georgia State is his first confirmed offer.