THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 23, 1997 TAG: 9701230505
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 48 lines
Quarterback Gilbert Harris and wideout Travis Mazyck, Tallwood High's leading passing combination, made their breakup official Wednesday, saying they will sign with Maryland and East Carolina, respectively.
Harris led Tallwood to three consecutive Eastern Region playoff appearances and holds school career records of 2,235 yards passing and 16 touchdowns. He chose Maryland over Illinois State, Delaware, Richmond and Hofstra.
The Terrapins began recruiting the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Harris under former coach Mark Duffner and continued to do so after Ron Vanderlinden was hired in November.
``That was kind of stressful when coach Duffner was fired,'' Harris said. ``I had to stop and re-evaluate the process again.
``I had a good rapport with the old group of coaches and I felt the same when I met the new ones.''
Harris expects to redshirt next season.
Mazyck was a first-team All-Tidewater pick at defensive back, but will play wide receiver at ECU.
The 6-2, 180-pound Mazyck was a triple-threat as a runner, receiver and kick returner last fall and said the Pirates were impressed by his ability to run after the catch. Mazyck caught only 10 passes for 130 yards, but averaged more than 10 yards a carry rushing and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.
Mazyck rejected scholarship offers from James Madison, Richmond and Hampton.
``The coaching staff at ECU made me feel right at home, they have a top business school and they run the type of offense, a three-receiver set, that I can be productive in,'' he said.
``I'll have more chances to get on the field at East Carolina.''
Also Wednesday, Norview's Joe Jordan gave an oral commitment to Appalachian State. Jordan (5-8, 158) will be used as a wide receiver and kick returner.
He caught six passes for 67 yards and returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown against Indian River.
``The punt return is what sold him,'' Norview coach David Heath. ``Recruiters saw that on film and stopped right there.''
Jordan turned down an offer from Delaware. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Wideout Travis Mazyck was a triple-threat as a runner, receiver and
kick returner last fall.