It's been a quiet year for college recruitment

As college football's National Signing Day came and went Wednesday, things were relatively quiet in Columbia County.

Only two county players signed Wednesday. (Greenbrier's Eugene Rogers inked with Liberty University, and teammate Josh Adams signed with Tusculum.)

Now, that does not mean Rogers will be the only player to play college football from the Class of 2005. Several players led by Evans standout Cheng Ho could sign a scholarship after signing day. Ho is visiting Harvard this weekend and could sign an academic scholarship at the prestigious school and play football for the Crimson. Also, Lakeside linebacker Reggie Porter and Greenbrier lineman Tanner Hayden could still wind up on a college roster next fall.

Still, with just two players signing thus far, it could certainly be deemed a down recruiting year in the county.

Next season will not be loaded with prospects, but there are a few names to keep an eye on:

 •  Reggie Rice, 6-0, 195 lb., LB, Greenbrier

Rice is a little undersized, but he is a terrific athlete with blazing speed from sideline to sideline. Rice will definitely be recruited next season.

 •  Chris Drayton, 6-2, 195 lb., DB, Lakeside

Drayton may be one of the most underrated players in the CSRA. I have no doubt that he can play at the next level. Hopefully he will get some exposure to help him next season. He has the perfect build to play safety on Saturdays.

 •  Erik Smith, 6-0, 200 lb., LB, Greenbrier

Smith is one of the strongest kids in the CSRA. He is an extremely tough and physical player who has good speed as well. In the right college system he could put on 20 pounds and be a quality linebacker.

There could be a few other kids who garner college attention next season, but these are three players to watch.

Super Bowl is no foregone conclusion

Now that I'm done sulking over the Steelers' loss to New England, I figured I would take a stab at picking the winner for Super Bowl XXXIX.

Everyone has ordained New England as the next dynasty in college football. Who could really argue. In this day and age, to make it to three Super Bowls in four seasons is quite a feat.

However, before everyone proclaims the Patriots the champs, to steal a line from ESPN's Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend."

I actually think the Eagles will prevail. They may not be the flashiest team, but they have a defense to match up with New England. Also, they have a game-breaking quarterback in Donovan McNabb. So whether Terrell Owens plays or not, I still think the Eagles will pull the upset. So don't jump on that bandwagon just yet.

Prediction: Philadelphia 27, New England 20