Where will the Mid-Atlantic's best commit in 2018?
Class of 2018, it's your turn.
The Mid-Atlantic region is home to some of the nation's top prospects, and the best football programs in the country are fighting furiously to get these players to commit. Here is just a taste of the battles taking place in the Mid-Atlantic.
Outlook: White is exceptionally quiet when it comes to his recruitment, but Clemson and North Carolina remain constants. The Tigers have maintained an exceptionally close bond with White from the very start. He has visited Death Valley a number of times and has strong relationships with a few of Clemson's current commitments. One of White's best friends is Tar Heel linebacker Jonathan Smith, and the coaching staff is very close with White. Georgia is also very much in the mix and seems to have a little momentum behind them. White's most recent visit was to Athens, and this staff has proven they're good at making players and their families feel like they are part of the Georgia family.
Way-too-early prediction: Clemson
Outlook: Henry took countless visits this past season and is close to releasing a short list of his top schools. Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State have put themselves in the best position so far. The tradition, ability to develop players and success at each of these schools have grabbed Henry's attention. Henry is close with a lot of big-time players across the country, and coaches have known Henry and his family for a long time. Right now is seems as though Dabo Swinney and his staff at Clemson have put the Tigers in the lead by a slim margin.
Way-too-early prediction: Clemson
Outlook: Playing for powerhouse Don Bosco in Ramsey, N.J., Friday picked up a lot of major offers early in his career and his play certainly backed up the hype. He's been in touch with many of the schools and is planning out visits. He will make return trips to Ohio State and Michigan next month and will be at Penn State again later this month. While there are many other programs that will get close looks from Friday, Michigan and Ohio State have made big impressions so far, and Penn State could be moving up his list. There is a long way to go, and if Friday were to commit today Ohio State might be the choice. However, we've all learned not to count out the Wolverines with a prospect from northern New Jersey.
Way-too-early prediction: Michigan
Outlook: Lytton holds offers from nearly all of the top ACC and Big Ten schools, along with some impressive SEC schools. Florida State has held and still holds the lead for Lytton, but that could be slipping away. Maryland has a lot of local recruiting momentum and Penn State, Clemson, and a few others have an increasing chance to become bigger players in Lytton's recruitment.
Way-too-early prediction: Florida State
Outlook: Despite receiving national offers from Florida State, Florida, Penn State, Wisconsin, and many others, Turner's focus has largely remained local. Virginia Tech, North Carolina, and South Carolina have all done a great job making Turner feel like a priority so far. Miami and Tennessee are involved in his recruitment as well, but the Hokies and Tar Heels are really at the forefront of Turner's recruitment as of now. Former UNC basketball star P.J. Hairston is Turner's brother, so the Tar Heels certainly have that working in their favor, but Turner has been a little more enthusiastic about Virginia Tech lately.
Way-too-early prediction: Virginia Tech
Outlook: Leading up to this month, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, and South Carolina have been the only real contenders for Hollifield. Now that offers from Penn State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Florida State, Stanford, and LSU have come in, things could change. All of these offers are potential game-changers, but the one that could carry the most weight is the Notre Dame offer. Hollifield build a pretty good relationship with Mike Elko while Elko was the defensive coordinator at Wake Forest. Until Hollifield regains a solid view of his recruitment, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and South Carolina still remain at the top of his list.
Way-too-early prediction: Virginia Tech … but that could easily change as his recruitment continues to unfold.
Outlook: Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, Michigan Georgia and a host of other national programs have offered Sandidge, but his focus also remains mainly local with North Carolina and South Carolina at the top of his list. The Tar Heels were the first school to offer Sandidge and that loyalty has paid dividends so far. He has made countless trips to Chapel Hill and has been very close with Larry Fedora and the coaching staff. At South Carolina, the new staff under Will Muschamp took an immediate interest in Sandidge and made him a priority from the very beginning of their tenure. He's visited the Columbia campus a couple times and maintained strong relationships there.
Way-too-early prediction: North Carolina
