FIFTH IN A SERIES: 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 linemen still on the market.
TOP UNSIGNED PROSPECTS: Offensive linemen | QBs | RBs | WRs
Schools in the mix: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia
Breakdown: Sandidge has been taking a deliberate approach to the process, but he’s narrowed his list to a final three and is ready to take in all three schools over the next month. Georgia is up first, followed by North Carolina and South Carolina in successive weeks. The Gamecocks are believed to be the favorite, but Sandidge is likely to go into each of his trips with an open mind.
Schools in the mix: Missouri, USC, Nebraska, Miami
Breakdown: Thompson took official visits to Missouri and USC prior to the Early Signing Period and considering the Tigers have been the leader for the better portion of his recruitment, it was a little surprising he didn’t sign. That delay has opened the door for some other programs to at least get a shot, with the Huskers and Canes among those mentioned as possible visit destinations.
Schools in the mix: Ohio State, Alabama, Michigan, Rutgers
Breakdown: Friday’s recruitment has had some ups and downs, with several different fan bases penciling him into their recruiting class at various different times. Now it appears as if he’s focused on Ohio State and Michigan, with the Buckeyes currently holding the slight edge over their hated rivals. Rutgers is campaigning hard to keep Friday close to home and Alabama also hosted him for an official visit prior to the Early Signing Period.
Schools in the mix: UCLA, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Washington
Breakdown: The coaching changes in college football threw a wrench into Martin’s recruitment, causing him to take a step back while other prospects were signing in December. Martin has already taken official visits to Oklahoma and Texas A&M and has one set to Washington for later this month. As of now it seems like the new staff in College Station has made Martin a priority, but options to stay closer to home with the Huskies - or potentially Bruins - could also play a factor.
Schools in the mix: Miami, South Carolina, Florida State, Oregon
Breakdown: Briggs has come close to committing a few times over the past six months, with Miami viewed as the team to beat during most of the process. This month he will get serious about official visits, with the Canes, Gamecocks and Seminoles all on his schedule. Briggs has also mentioned Oregon at various times, but as of now the Ducks aren’t on the schedule for an official visit.
