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Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
One of the most anticipated signing days in recent history will be upon us Wednesday. Many highly rated young men will embark on their next steps toward an NFL career. Their selection of of higher education is critical to the trajectory of their career. Some will barely be mentioned after national signing day (NSD). Some fans will hear names for first time and will chant that same name for the next three or four years. Here are some predictions for Wednesday.
Miami Gets Two Out of the Four Heritage Boys
Miami is in contention for four unsigned American Heritage High School athletes set to declare Wednesday at 9:30 AM on ESPN. Defensive tackle Nesta Silvera committed to the Canes about a year ago and has not waivered on his declaration. He has however visited Tennessee and Florida and there are murmurs of him going elsewhere. Tyson Campbell has been on Miami’s radar early, but Campbell has other schools on his radar. Georgia and Alabama made strong pushes for the five star cornerback within the month, and all have a legitimate puncher’s chance at Tyson. The other five star corner, Pat Surtain Jr. has long leaned to LSU with family ties, but Pat likes what he sees from the Canes. He visited Coral Gables last weekend and can realistically be living in Dade County for his college years. Alabama is also a strong contender for the athlete as he visited Tuscaloosa weeks ago with Campbell. Then there’s Andrew Chatfield. The four star defensive end received an offer from the Canes late in his senior season and immediately became the front-runner as it’s been reported that UM is Chatfield’s dream school. Chatfield has been courted by state foes Florida and Florida State and is projected to go to either of the three.
Predictions
Surtain Jr. – Miami
Campbell – Georgia
Silvera – Miami
Chatfield – Florida
Remaining Five Stars Will Determine Recruiting Crown
Along with Surtain Jr. and Campbell two more five star players remain on the board. Offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere Berkeley Prep (Tampa, FL) and cornerback Olaijah Griffin Mission Viejo (CA) are the remaining five stars that still have yet to decide where they are going to play their college ball. The path to the number one class goes from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa to California. My guess is that these players stay at home.
Predictions
Petit-Frere to Florida
Griffin to USC
Most Flips Ever
Early signing day creates a different dynamic for the original NSD. The uncommitted and undeclared are coveted even more by college teams looking to recover from a bad early signing day or looking to fill holes missed. I expect to see many of these young men change their mind as schools have been heavily enticing them within the month.
Predictions
Four star LB Otis Reese Michigan to Georgia
Three start DL Derrick Eason NC State to Notre Dame
Four star LB Quay Walker – Alabama to Tennessee
Alabama’s Reign of Number One Recruiting Classes Ends at Seven
Alabama, of the top ten teams has the most to gain in the next couple of days and it eerily feels as if they are building the drama on purpose. They currently have 18 players on their 2018 class roster with a possible six or more to sign. It seems as if this is a three team race for the number one recruiting class. Ohio State, Georgia and the Tide seem to have the inside track to the 2018 recruiting title with Miami as a long shot. Buckeyes and Dawgs have 24 and 22 recruits respectively. Georgia has six five stars and may add another with Campbell. Alabama has lost four four star kids which is quite unlike the Tide. Cornerback Nadab Joseph, Miami Norland (signed with Georgia), running back Dameon Pierce, Bainbridge, GA (Signed with Florida), tight end Malcolm Epps, Dekaney, TX (signed with Texas) and defensive tackle Dare Rosenthal Ferriday, LA (signed with LSU) all were four star Bama commits and are Bama commits no more. Either way this will be a story at the end of signing day. Who will take home the crown? Alabama is going for its eighth consecutive number one recruiting class but unlike the national championship Georgia should squeak out a close one.
Prediction
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Miami
- Alabama
- Clemson
