This week in recruiting is a collection of thoughts and things of interest from me as a recruiting expert that either didn’t rise to the level of being their own story, or for which I did not have time to make into a story this week.
The Week in Recruiting: Trends with 5-star defensive ends
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Of interest
This week was big for momentum in the recruitments of two elite defensive ends.
- There is a lot of smoke that Kayvon Thibodeaux is trending to Oregon. The No. 1 player in the nation from Thousand Oaks (Calif.) is considering Oregon, Alabama, USC, FSU, and Florida. He was on hand as Oregon upset Washington, and has a visit to Florida this weekend. That would be a huge get for Oregon, and would allow Thibodeaux to stick on the West Coast. Thibodeaux is an early enrollee.
- I was surprised this week at the chatter from people I trust in the industry who believe Alabama has a shot to flip Georgia defensive end commitment Nolan Smith, of the IMG Academy. Smith is a pass rushing freak and will see the field immediately wherever he goes thanks to his great explosion. At the moment, I’m not buying it and will stick with Georgia.
- And several 247Sports crystal balls have come in on Michigan from people I respect in the Midwest, like Allen Trieu and Steve Wiltfong, for five-star defensive end Zach Harrison, of Lewis Center (Ohio). And credit to Luke Stampini, who had the scoop first. This would be a huge get for Michigan to beat Ohio State if it can pull it off. Harrison is incredibly raw, but at 6’5.5, 250 with great athleticism, he has unlimited potential.
These three defensive ends will heavily impact the race for the No. 1 class.
Commitments
- Georgia Military College four-star CB DJ Daniel flipped from South Carolina to Georgia.
- Marcus Crowley, an excellent receiving running back from Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian, flipped from Miami to Ohio State.
- Milton Wright, a four-star receiver from Louisville (KY) committed to Purdue. He’ll be a flip candidate if Jeff Brohm ends up at Louisville, obviously.
- The Wisconsin Badgers gained a commitment from Rodas Johnson, a four-star DT from Columbus (OH).
It was also a busy week for underclassmen prospects.
- Mississippi State had an incredible Thursday, gaining three commitments in the class of 2020 from four-star prospects Javorrius Selmon (ATH), E. Jai Mason (WR), and Lideatrick Griffin (ATH). Early rankings are of course finicky, but that is a great sign for the Bulldogs.
- LSU added a pledge from four-star Cedar Hill (Texas) offensive tackle Courtland Ford, another 2020 recruit.
- And staying in Texas, Ohio State picked up Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a four-star 2020 receiver from Rockwall Texas.
Decommitments
- See above, with South Carolina losing Daniel to Georgia, and Miami losing Marcus Crowley to Ohio State.
Big recruiting weekends
- Arkansas has a big time weekend of visitors set up, including four-star CB Devin Bush and four-star LB Lakia Henry.
- Alabama is also having a big recruiting weekend.
Quickly
- Who is doing the best job recruiting Florida? Right now, it’s FSU and Miami. But look out for the Gators.
- Here are my top bets of the week. It’s been a very strong season for my gambling column.
- Three teams have already hit their season win totals established by Vegas!
- LSU is nearing the home stretch and Paul Crewe has a recruiting update.
- This Michigan recruiting roundup is well worth the read.
