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Murray, Giddins Named Parade All-Americans

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By KATHERINE SMITH

ksmith@tampatrib.com

Published: January 19, 2009

Updated: 01/19/2009 07:00 am

TAMPA - Ryne Giddins and Aaron Murray enjoyed a healthy rivalry when the two lined up opposite each other the past two seasons. Now the two are on the same team after Parade magazine recognized them for their talent and skills.

Giddins, the Armwood defensive lineman who is heading to USF, and Murray, the former Plant quarterback who already is enrolled at Georgia, were named to Parade's 46th annual All-American High School Football Team.

Murray, who came back after breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle to help lead the Panthers to the Class 4A state championship last month, was one of seven quarterbacks nationwide selected. Murray's 84 passing touchdowns in his two years as a starter for Plant set a Hillsborough County record. He broke former Jefferson quarterback Stephen Garcia's record of 83 in the state title game.

Giddins, who recently was recognized as the top lineman in Hillsborough County, was one of 18 offensive and defensive linemen selected. He finished his high school career as the Hawks' sack leader and also was named the CSTV National Defensive Player of the Year.

Past Parade honorees include Tim Tebow, Reggie Bush, Peyton Manning, Dan Marino and Emmitt Smith.

This year's team will be featured in Sunday's issue.

OYEGUNLE PICKS THE CITADEL: Gaither two-way player Yemi Oyegunle verbally committed to The Citadel, Cowboys coach Mark Kantor said.

The wide receiver/defensive back chose The Citadel over Charleston Southern, Hofstra and UMass.

Last season, Oyegunle collected 11 receptions for 166 yards and one touchdown. He also had 40 tackles and two interceptions.

CHARLES SPENDS TIME WITH GATORS: Plant wideout Orson Charles, who led the state in receiving last season, took an official visit to Florida this past weekend. It began with dinner at Coach Urban Meyer's house and also included a tour of the educational facilities, the new weight room and great seats at the Gators men's basketball game.

"I've been there before so I know all about the facilities, so this trip was about me getting to know the coaches," Charles said. "I need to be comfortable with the coaches if I'm going to spend the next four years there and they admitted they were a little behind in that."

Charles visited FSU last weekend and plans to visit Georgia and former Plant quarterback Aaron Murray this weekend. He'll finish up his officials visits with a trip to Tennessee and USC.

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