Eight is enough for Blanks

Rivals100 defensive back Travis Blanks unveiled a top eight, likely final eight, for his services on Sunday evening.

"Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, TCU, Ohio State, LSU, Miami," Blanks said. "Official top eight, in no order. The school I choose will be one of these."

The Tallahassee (Fla.) North Florida Christian product shared why the timing was right to release such a shortened list from his more than 25 offers.

"I have seen enough from the coaches of the schools that I was considering to know that those are the schools that I am feeling pretty confident about or a school that I still have interest in learning more about," Blanks said.

The four-star cornerback has been on campus at Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson previously. He got a feel for each of the schools while on campus and shared why they are amongst his finalists.

"Georgia is just a place that I can flourish spiritually under Mark Richt and they need corners. Auburn, same situation, they need corner and they are a great group of guys under Gene Chizik. Alabama, that is self explanatory, they have arguably the best defensive backs coach in Nick Saban. Clemson, I enjoyed going to Clemson, and I plan to go down there in two weeks and spend three more days. That is another place that needs corners," Blanks said.

As for his other finalists, the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder intends to see them soon. He will visit Miami this coming weekend, Clemson in early June, and also intends to see LSU, Ohio State, and TCU during the summer. When he steps on campus at those schools, he is hoping to get a feel for what they have to offer.

When the time comes to make some tough decisions and select one school from his top eight, Blanks knows what he is looking for in his future home.

"I want to be under a coach that I have built a relationship with, I am talking head coach, that I can talk to, that I feel I can develop spiritually under," Blanks said. "I want to be under a guy that I can thrive spiritually under, that I can feel comfortable around, and that provides a good atmosphere. I have to feel comfortable so I can play my best. I just want to feel comfortable."

Another factor that will influence his decision is the opportunity to play cornerback at the next level. Blanks has the versatility to play cornerback or safety, but prefers the cornerback spot. He said all eight of his finalists are recruiting him as a cornerback.

As for a decision, don't expect that anytime soon.

"I probably won't commit this summer," Blanks said. "I might, I might not. I plan to take my time. At this point the schools are in no order because I am still analyzing them all and trying to find what is best for me. It is no order at this point."

As a junior, he totaled 104 tackles and four interceptions. On offense, at receiver, he hauled in 37 catches for 356 yards and six touchdowns and also returned a pair of punts for scores.