Heading into the final weekend of official visits, the drama is high for many of the Class of 2013’s uncommitted five-star prospects.
Despite his visit to LSU this weekend, we feel comfortable continuing to project Robert Nkemdiche to Ole Miss.
National Recruiting Director JC Shurburtt and I offer our latest projections. Stay tuned as we will roll out our final projections on five stars, flips and the rest of the Top247 just prior to next Wednesday’s national signing day.
Robert Nkemdiche, DE, Loganville (Ga.) Grayson
In the Hunt – Ole Miss, LSU and Florida
The Skinny – While the 6-foot-4, 285-pound consensus top prospect has made an official visit to Florida and will be at LSU this weekend, this recruitment is all Rebels. Prediction – Ole Miss
Laremy Tunsil, OT, Lake City (Fla.) Columbia
In the Hunt – Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama
The Skinny – In a battle that was believed to be Georgia vs. Alabama for a few months, Ole Miss made the most of last weekend’s official visit and has quickly become the team to beat for the 6-foot-6, 295-pound elite tackle. With the move Ole Miss has made on the U.S. Army All-American, the Rebels are now a real threat to sign the top three prospects in the country. Prediction – Ole Miss
Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, Auburn (Calif.) Placer
In the Hunt – USC, UCLA, Notre Dame, Alabama and Washington
The Skinny –The 6-foot-2, 310-pound Vanderdoes will make his final official visit this weekend, to Alabama. The former USC commitment tripped to Notre Dame last weekend following visits to USC, Washington and UCLA, and remains a bit of mystery headed into the weekend. Some think USC will win out in the end, while others believe it will be Notre Dame. Prediction – USC
Montravius Adams, DT, Vienna (Ga.) Dooly County
In the Hunt – Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia and Florida
The Skinny – The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Adams will make a visit to early favorite Auburn this weekend following January visits to Florida, Clemson, Alabama and Georgia. While Clemson has been the program talked about the most in recent weeks, there is also growing talk behind the scenes that Adams will opt for an SEC school. This recruitment began with Auburn and Clemson as the two teams to beat. Prediction –Auburn
Matthew Thomas, OLB, Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington
In the Hunt – Florida State, Miami, Southern California and Alabama
The Skinny – This one has truly been an in-state battle from the word go, and that theme is continuing. While visits to Southern California and Alabama have taken place, and Trojans head coach Lane Kiffin was in-home this week, the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder is likely headed a little Northwest for college.; and not a lot. Prediction – Florida State
Reuben Foster, ILB, Auburn (Al.)
In the Hunt – Auburn, Alabama and Georgia
The Skinny – While the 6-foot-1, 237-pound hard-hitting Foster has made official visits to Washington and San Diego State, that is the last time they will be mentioned in this prediction story. This one comes down to Auburn and Alabama, where Foster bas been committed are various times during the process, and Georgia. Auburn gets the last visit this weekend, and is the favorite. Prediction – Auburn
Alex Collins, RB, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) South Plantation
In the Hunt – Miami and Arkansas
The Skinny – The 5-foot-11, 204-pound Collins has long been though as a prospect that would end up signing with the Hurricanes. After a visit to Arkansas last weekend, the seemingly easy decision is a little more in doubt. Despite the connections to the Arkansas coaching staff at South Plantation, this one still feels like the home-town university with Collins set to announce on Monday.
Prediction – Miami (Hamilton), Arkansas (Shurburtt)
Tony Conner, S, Batesville (Ms.) South Panola
In the Hunt – Ole Miss and Alabama
The Skinny – The recruitment of the 6-foot-1.5, 203-pound Conner has been a two team race for over a year between in-state and close to home Ole Miss and back-to-back national champion Alabama. While Conner talks up Alabama and Nick Saban at every chance, the Rebels continue to be the favorite behind the scenes. Prediction – Ole Miss
Vonn Bell, S, Rossville (Ga.) Ridgeland
In the Hunt – Tennessee, Ohio State and Alabama
The Skinny – The versatile Bell has made official visits to Ohio State, Alabama and Tennessee the last three weekend with the Volunteers gaining momentum behind the scenes. While some believe the Crimson Tide was the team to beat in recent weeks, the commitment of Eddie Jackson (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson) and possibly playing corner at Alabama leaves that belief in doubt. Tennessee, who was the early favorite for the 5-foot-11.5, 180-pounder, appears to be the best fit with playing safety being a key in the recruitment. Prediction – Tennessee
Gerry Hamilton is the lead national recruiting analyst for 247Sports. Follow him on Twitter @GerryH247Sports
- Gerry Hamilton
- National Scouting Director - 247Sports