Rivals national recruiting analyst Nick Harris, national recruiting director Adam Gorney, national rankings director Adam Friedman and Cole Patterson of Orangebloods.com tackle three topics and determine whether they think each is FACT or FICTION.
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1. While junior college recruits may not hold as much importance as they once did, there is still a solid market for 2023 JUCO recruits.
Harris' take: FACT. After the NCAA changed the transfer rules to allow a one-time transfer without losing a year of eligibility, the junior college recruiting market took a significant hit. But I don't see it being absolute death to the market. Alabama has landed two junior college commits, and more are continuing to rise weekly, including Trinity Valley (Texas) CC defensive back Channing Canada, who is one of the hottest recruits in the country, regardless of classification. These last two cycles have proved that there will always be a need for junior college talent that can come in and contribute immediately.
Friedman's take: FACT. There is still a big market for junior college players at the Power Five level. I think there are some solid offensive and defensive linemen, because there are still few players that can contribute with that kind of size. Jermaine Johnson is a great example. The defensive lineman out of Florida State who was drafted by the New York Jets is an example of the high-end talent that can be found at the junior college level. Alabama commits Malik Benson and Justin Jefferson are examples of recruits in 2023 that can contribute at a high level for the Tide next season.
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2. Kedrick Reescano is the best available offensive prospect in the Mid-South.
Harris' take: FACT. Kedrick Reescano decommitted from Michigan State on Thursday night and has immediately become the hottest commodity in the state of Texas. Oklahoma State and Ole Miss are the schools making the most noise, but I expect some big offers to come his way in the coming days, including what could be the biggest of all: from Texas A&M.
Patterson's take: FACT. Several of the top offensive prospects in the Mid-South are committed, but Reescano is one of the few still on the board after backing off his pledge to Michigan State. Temple, Texas, ATH Mikal Harrison-Pilot is a strong candidate for this answer, but I give the slight edge to Reescano. Reescano has had a very strong junior campaign at New Caney - including 20-plus touchdowns on the ground - and he has a track-and-field background to boot. It comes as no surprise that several programs have turned up the heat on Reescano this fall.
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3. Micah Hudson has cemented himself as the No. 1 wide receiver in 2024.
Harris' take: FACT. Micah Hudson is a dynamic downfield threat that has proved time and time again that he is the most dangerous offensive talent in the state of Texas, regardless of class. When looking nationally, it's such a close call between Hudson and Jeremiah Smith, but I like Hudson more, simply because I think he has more in his bag and stacks up with the best of the athletic prospects in the country.
Gorney's take: FICTION. I still think Smith is the best receiver in this class and maybe the best overall player. He’s just so special as a big, talented playmaker and someone who looked on par - or better at times - than Brandon Inniss, Carnell Tate and Hykeem Williams on the same 7on7 team. I like Hudson a whole lot and he has a huge argument to be No. 2 at the position. But putting him ahead of Smith right now? Not in my book.
