SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The nation’s No. 1 prospect, Apopka (Fla.) offensive tackle Martez Ivey, was initially unsure if he would announce his decision on Saturday during the 2015 US Army All-American Bowl. However, Ivey told SB Nation Recruiting on Monday that he does plan on ending his recruitment at that time.
Top prospect Martez Ivey set to decide at Army Bowl between Auburn, Florida, LSU
Though the Florida star is “pretty set” on his decision, calls to coaches on Monday evening could loom large in his choice.
And though Ivey also said on Sunday that he’s down to Auburn and Florida, he added LSU to the mix a day later.
“Yeah, you know, I’m going back and forth here and there. My decision is pretty set, but I’m going to talk to coaches tonight and see if I’m making the right decision,” he said.
Coaches from all three of the aforementioned schools will receive those potentially critical Monday evening calls in the final days of Ivey’s recruitment.
Florida
The Gators have remained in strong contention for the 6’6, 270-pound tackle despite their recent coaching change. An in-home visit from new head coach Jim McElwain helped the two start to establish a relationship.
“He’s pretty straight forward and a pretty funny guy,” said Ivey. “He just wants to get Florida back where they were as a powerhouse. I like coach McElwain a lot.”
Auburn
If the decision for the elite prospect comes down to comfort level, Auburn could well be the choice.
“Just the atmosphere, the coaching staff, how the players all stick together like a big family, which is similar to my program at my high school,” he said when asked what he likes about the Tigers.
And in fact, Ivey said that his comfort level with a school would be the biggest factor in his decision since he believes that he can “get a great education and play great football” anywhere he goes.
LSU
As for LSU, the Tigers are perceived to be on the outside looking in since he doesn’t always name them among his finalists, but there is one thing that stands out about the program run by head coach Les Miles.
“I like the desire to win championship at LSU -- just the desire to win. They don’t want to lose and in talking to coach Les Miles, he always talks about winning national championship, just winning, winning the day and being the best you can be.”
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For many highly rated prospects, the potential to play early factors heavily into their decisions. That’s not the case for Ivey, who said that he hasn’t looked at any depth charts.
“Anywhere you go there’s going to be competition. There’s always going to be competition. Wherever I go, I’m just going to keep doing my best and hopefully see some playing time.”
Florida has been the longtime leader in the 247Sports Crystal Ball for Ivey and currently sits with 80 percent of the predictions, compared with 20 percent for Auburn.
