Best Available: A look at the top unsigned defensive backs
The first-ever Early Signing Period has changed the college football recruiting landscape dramatically, with a good portion of the nation’s recruits signing with the colleges of their choice. That has left some programs searching to fill spots, opening new doors for the players who elected to wait and sign in February. With the dead period now over and the month-long race to Feb. 7 now on, we take a look at the best available unsigned prospects at each position this week. Today we take a look at highest-ranked defensive backs still on the market.
Schools in the mix: LSU, Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State
Breakdown: The list of schools still trying to get in on Surtain could be even longer than listed above but his recruitment seems to be close to being wrapped up. He spent this weekend on an official visit to LSU, the school long considered the favorite to land his commitment. He’s set to visit Alabama next weekend and then has two more available visit weekends. Will he take them or will he focus on the Tigers and Tide heading into a Signing Day announcement?
Schools in the mix: Alabama, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Georgia, USC
Breakdown: Taylor-Stuart has a busy month of visits on the schedule, starting with a trip he’s currently on to nearby USC this weekend. The in-state option seems like the most likely for Taylor-Stuart but he’s openly talked about his love for several SEC programs, including Alabama and Georgia. He will visit both schools over the next month and also try to fit in a visit to see the Vols. He visited Texas A&M back in the fall and says the Aggies are still in the mix as well.
Schools in the mix: USC, UCLA, Tennessee, Auburn, Florida
Breakdown: Griffin has been in the news quite a bit over the past few weeks, first after de-committing from the Bruins and then for naming Tennessee as his leader and turning heads on the field with his play at the Under Armour Game. He’s gearing up for even more trips back to the Southeast, with Auburn and Florida both set to receive official visits. USC is also a major factor in his recruitment and may be in a better position to land him than any of the contenders. His officials will go a long way toward determining if he’s really read to get far away from home or not.
Schools in the mix: USC, Washington, Notre Dame
Breakdown: Irvin delayed signing during the early period and has been relatively quiet about his plans ever since. Most expected him to commit and sign with Notre Dame in December but now USC and Washington appear to be very much in the mix. Expect the Trojans to receive an official visit this month that could go a long way toward determining his future home.
Schools in the mix: Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State
Breakdown: Campbell has done a pretty good job of keeping schools guessing but as one of the most talented defensive backs in the country, he’s well worth the effort for several elite programs. He spent this weekend on an official visit to Georgia and many think the Dawgs are trending in the right direction for Campbell. He will be on campus at Alabama next weekend, while Miami and Ohio State are also both working to get him back on campus.