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Recruiting is much like a relay race. The first leg sets the foundation, but the most important leg is the last because that is the leg that essentially wins or loses the race. Week 0 in high school football is a small barometer of where teams stand with themselves and where college football teams stand with recruits.
OU Before It Started
Many were surprised when five-star receiver Brandon Inniss (American Heritage, Plantation, FL) decided to commit just before his junior high school season. Most highly sought-after talents like Inniss wait until the end of their senior season to make a decision, but the home feel at Oklahoma that Head Coach Lincoln Riley and others provided on his visit to Norman this summer proved to be the difference.
Brandon Inniss @brandon5star2 has committed to @OU_Football. The 2023 5 ⭐️ wide receiver is one of the most dynamic playmakers to come out of South Florida. See interview from just two days ago of why he chose #OU. #Recruiting https://t.co/M2gmgVj2ld
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) August 22, 2021
I must remind fans of the other schools that were in contention (Miami, Ohio State, Alabama, Florida) that it is still early in Inniss’s process. Although the precise route runner is adamant about his commitment, there’s still a chance that he can waiver based on others that have taken a similar path. Jaylan Knighton (Deerfield Beach, FL), running back for the Miami Hurricanes, originally committed to Oklahoma for before his junior season, then committed to Florida State before his senior season started before eventually committing to stay close to home at the U near the end of the season. So much can happen in two seasons.
HALFTIME: @IMGAcademy leads @AH__Athletics 14-9 at halftime. Check out this catch and run by 5 ⭐️ @brandon5star2. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/J6sBy1q8Q3
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) August 21, 2021
Little Giant
Earl Little Jr. (American Heritage, Plantation, FL) is a big-time prospect. Little (6-0, 175) was not tested much all night against the defending national champions, IMG Academy. Little did have a few tackles in the game as his team played man-to-man coverage for the majority of the game. The 2022 Miami legacy plans to visit a trio of SEC schools this season and may take a visit to the west coast.
“I have Alabama, LSU, Florida and I might go to Oregon,” said Little, Jr. “I’m enjoying my process. It’s about where I want to go to.”
USC and Miami were previously in contention, but are now completely off the radar. Alabama and LSU are in the most contact with Little by his account.
Waiting on Tated Breath
Another high school junior looking to make his college decision early in Carnell Tate. During the game against American Heritage the IMG wide receiver and kick returner was smooth and intentional running with the football. Every kick received seemed as if it was going the distance. Tate (6-2, 185) actually took his first kick the distance, but it was called back due to a block in the back penalty. Tate, currently rated as a four-star prospect, plans to announce his commitment on October 8th.
The Ascenders of @IMGAcademy are pulling away. @carnelltate_ catches this one on 4th down to extend the lead. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/x9qBSxgNZN
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) August 21, 2021
“We have a top-five but it’s unreleased yet,” said Tate. “We’re still narrowing things down, but I’ll hope to put out a top-five before everything goes down.”
Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Florida State, Michigan, and Texas are among the front-runners for Tate.
Son Set On December
Perhaps the best edge rusher of the 2022 class has narrowed down his search to three college football playoff contenders and his father’s alma mater. Marvin Jones, Jr., the Florida State legacy, registered a sack Friday and was relentless coming off the edge. The (6-4, 242) power five ready pass rusher will be aiming to make his decision by the end of the year.
“I think I’m going to make a decision in December,” said Jones, Jr. “Lately I’ve been slowing things down. I have four officials set up, Oklahoma, Florida State, Alabama, and Ohio State.”
Miami is also looking to land the four-star on campus but Jones doesn’t feel the need to press the issue.
“I could always get down there so it’s not important for me to make an official visit.”
The Underrated
One of the standouts from the weekend was Deshawn Willoughby (Deerfield Beach, FL) who had a monster game against Tru Prep Academy Thursday night. Willoughby had three sacks and put consistent pressure on the quarterback. The senior has a quick first step and takes great angles in pursuit of the football.
“I got two offers right now, Keiser and Allen University but I’m still working to get more, said Willoughby. I’ve been working on my get-off and my hands.”
HighLights Vs Tru Prep Academyhttps://t.co/oHenoAkT3s @DB_BucksFB @CoachPickOC @TheCribSouthFLA @MCYELL @CoachKrutsch @CoachMylesRuss @CoachMac_YSU @CoachHolmes5 @larryblustein @_BenjaminReport
— Deshawn Willoughby (@NewEraDeshawn) August 21, 2021
The (6-2, 235) edge rusher would love to hear from any D-1 school to be honest but hopes to stay close to home and play for his number one choice, the University of Miami.
“That’s my dream school, Ray Lewis! The Goat! Out of every school, that’s my dream school.”
Also, a player that would love to stay home is Omar Simpson Jr. (Tru Prep Academy, Miami Gardens, FL). The former Stranahan defensive back will get one last shot to prove what he can do on the high school gridiron. The 2021 prospect, has a high football IQ and was granted another year of high school eligibility. The skillful DB, rated as a three-star, is in contact with D-1 programs Indiana and UAB, but would relish the chance to play for “The U.”
.@omarsimpsonjr of @TruPrepFootball with the athletic one-handed interception in the end zone. pic.twitter.com/o5JuNbihQZ
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) August 20, 2021
“If I had the opportunity I would love to make the crib great again,” said Simpson Jr.
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