Ranking the contenders for No. 1 Derek Stingley
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The No. 1 prospect in the country for 2019 is set to commit this week. Derek Stingley Jr. will announce his decision on his birthday, Wednesday, June 20 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Will it be Florida, LSU or Texas for the elite cornerback?
Today, we take a look at the contenders for his services and how they stack up.
1. LSU TIGERS
Stingley committed to Les Miles and the LSU Tigers less than a month after he completed his freshman year in high school. A lot has happened since then — Miles was fired, Ed Orgeron took over at LSU and Stingley decommitted. What didn't change is LSU's place at the forefront of Stingley's recruitment. He has a great connection with the staff in Baton Rouge, especially defensive backs coach Corey Raymond. LSU coaches have made sure Stingley felt like a priority and have worked hard to convince him to stay home.
2. FLORIDA GATORS
Who is DBU? Is it Florida? Dan Mullen would say so. LSU would say otherwise. Mullen, Todd Grantham and Charlton Warren have tried to sell to Stingley that he could be the next star DB in Gainesville. What really hit home with Stingley was the plan Grantham has for him if he chooses the Gators. Stingley wants to compete. He wants to be pushed and Florida getting him on their campus twice in the spring has put them in this race.
3. TEXAS LONGHORNS
Texas signed Stingley’s former teammate Michael Williams in 2018 and he recently moved into Austin, so there is a connection there. Stingley has formed a bond with defensive backs coach Jason Washington as well. The Longhorns signed six defensive backs in 2018, but the staff in Austin has made it clear Stingley could make an early impact. The city of Austin appeals to Stingley, as does the resources available at Texas.
