Fact or Fiction: Harold Perkins could be the No. 1 OLB in the 2022 class
Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney and national recruiting analysts Sam Spiegelman and Ryan Wright along with Josh McCuistion from SoonerScoop.com tackle three topics and determine whether they believe each statement is FACT or FICTION.
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1. Oklahoma is now the team to beat for four-star Azareyeh Thomas following his weekend visit.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. After Azareyeh Thomas visited LSU in recent months, the rumor was that the Tigers jumped to the top. There’s no question Oklahoma is surging in his recruitment and has now become a major contender for his commitment but I hesitate to say the Sooners are the team to beat right after his visit. Let the dust settle and see if Oklahoma stays right at the top or if Florida or Georgia Tech (where his brother plays) can regain control here. There might be some concern over the Gators’ defense and if there will be coaching changes there - which could further benefit the Sooners - but to say they’re at the top now might be jumping the gun. We will see.
McCuistion’s take: FACT. I can't really believe it has happened so fast for Oklahoma after being a peripheral figure in his recruitment for months. However, the Sooners brought him in and made a strong impression. With Oklahoma's need for elite talent in the secondary it makes a lot of sense that they are pushing hard. Apparently he has a tendency to fall in love on his visits so maybe nothing 'official' will come out of this but right now Oklahoma seems in great shape.
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2. Harold Perkins should be considered for the No. 1 outside linebacker spot in the 2022 class.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. I love Harold Perkins and his game is terrific. He should be in the five-star discussion although Rivals already has two five-star outside linebackers in CJ Hicks and Gabe Powers. Notre Dame pledge Jaylen Sneed is going to be in the discussion as well. But I still give the edge to at least Hicks over Perkins because of his length and ability to cover downfield. Perkins can do it all near the line of scrimmage or in space but Hicks’ length sets him apart. I love how he plays the position and while Perkins has an argument for that No. 1 spot I still side a tad bit with Hicks.
Spiegelman’s take: FACT. Perkins certainly belongs not only the five-star conversation but the discussion over the top outside ‘backer in the country. Perkins, who is a perfect example of positionless football, has the rare skill-set to rush the passer, drop back in coverage or roam sideline to sideline. He’s versatile, plays downhill and has a knack for causing turnovers and splash plays. To me, he’s as chaotic a defender as there is in this 2022 class. Texas A&M, Texas and LSU are battling it out for the Houston standout.
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3. It’s only a matter of time until Shemar James commits to Alabama after his Florida de-commitment.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. It was a major hit to Florida when the high four-star linebacker decommitted from the Gators on Wednesday because he’s so talented and so versatile on defense. Alabama is 100 percent a major player in Shemar James’ recruitment and the Crimson Tide want him in the class. It sounds like a no-brainer - kid flips from Florida to Alabama - but Georgia is going to have its say here as well. James is expected in Tuscaloosa this weekend and that might be the ballgame but he just visited Georgia and the Bulldogs are persuasive for top prospects.
Wright’s take: FICTION. On May 2, James narrowed all his offers to Alabama and Florida. In June he took official visits to Alabama and Florida, while also visiting Auburn. Since June 20, the Mobile (Ala.) Faith Academy linebacker has been a big piece of the Gators’ 2022 class. After watching top-ranked Georgia dismantle Kentucky 30-13 during an unofficial in Athens, the consistent work by head coach Kirby Smart, defensive coordinator Dan Lanning and inside linebackers coach Glenn Schumann appears to be paying off with James’ announcement that he was decommitting from Florida. A new contender may have jumped into James’ top two.
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