5-star DT Marvin Wilson has FSU and LSU on top, thanks largely to fellow recruits

ORLANDO — Houston area five-star 2017 defensive tackle Marvin Wilson named his top five schools Tuesday: LSU, FSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USF.

Wednesday, he spoke with reporters at the Under Armour All-America Game practices, and Wilson gave some insight as to the teams at the top of his group.

Wilson revealed that LSU and FSU are tied at the top, with Ohio State not that far behind. Wilson has already used his official visit to Florida State, one of several times he has been in Tallahassee to see the Seminoles.

“They had that home feeling,” Wilson said of Florida State. “[Defensive tackles] coach Odell Haggins has been recruiting me since my sophomore year. Their relationship has been with me through thick and thin. I had great home visits with Florida State.“

Wilson also mentioned coaching stability when discussing Florida State. Jimbo Fisher recently signed an eight-year contract extension, turning down LSU’s second offer in as many years.

“You want someone who is going to put you in the league, push you, be like a dad on and off the field,” Wilson said.

Perhaps most important for Florida State’s case is the relentless work being done by current FSU commitments, like defensive back Stanford Samuels III, running back Cam Akers, defensive end Joshua Kaindoh, and tight end Tre’ McKitty.

LSU has several things going for its recruitment, as well. On Wilson’s list, is the closest school to the player’s home. Its new head coach, Ed Orgeron, is a career defensive line coach. And, Wilson has not yet used his official visit to Baton Rouge. LSU insiders believe for the school to be tied with FSU going into the Tigers’ official visit this winter is a positive sign.

Wilson recently had LSU’s coaches for an in-home visit.

“We made some gumbo for them,” Wilson said. “My mom is from Louisiana, so she made gumbo. We ate, had a good time, talked about what Coach Orgeron is going to do at LSU.”

Wilson has a good idea of what he’ll be looking for on his Jan. 13th visit to Baton Rouge.

“Is it home?” Wilson said of his major question. “I know everyone there. I know the scheme, where they see me playing, but I want to know what it feels like.”

LSU’s pitch to Wilson is also interesting, offering the opportunity to play against a rival that happens to be the best team in the country.

“They say it’s the SEC and I can go against ’Bama each year,” Wilson said.

Did that appeal to Wilson?

“Of course,” he said.

National Signing Day is Feb. 1.