Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney and national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman along with Jason Suchomel from Orangebloods.com and AJ Jacobson of DuckSportsAuthority.com tackle three topics and determine whether they believe each statement is FACT or FICTION.
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1. Stranger things have happened. Harold Perkins is visiting Michigan State this weekend and the Spartans could become a real contender.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. I just don’t see this coming together quick enough. Harold Perkins has been locked in on Texas A&M at the top of his list with Texas and LSU as the two other main contenders in his recruitment for so long I just don’t see a Big Ten program that has not been recruiting him all that heavily over the last few years to get into that highest group. The visit is a little curious because Perkins cancelled his Oregon trip to go there so maybe there’s something there with Mel Tucker. Do I see Perkins in the Michigan State recruiting class? Not now I don’t.
Spiegelman’s take: FICTION. Stranger things have happened -- don't get me wrong -- but Harold Perkins has been going back and forth between the same contenders for several months with a handful of teams ascending from within his final group of schools. That would be Texas, Texas A&M and LSU. The late Michigan State offer is being followed by an immediate trip up to East Lansing for one of the biggest games on the college football slate this season. With that in mind, I'm not sure the interest goes too far beyond that -- at least yet.
2. After this weekend, Oregon will emerge as the clear favorite for four-star DE Cyrus Moss.
Gorney’s take: FACT. Cyrus Moss has a top five but it looks like Oregon is in the lead for his commitment and this weekend could seal things. There are other schools that are still in the running but others have questions that definitely need to be answered before anything happens in terms of a commitment which should be figured out during the early signing period and then he will announce at the All-American Bowl. Moss has taken numerous visits to Oregon, had a great experience every time he’s there and while Moss does need to keep filling out his frame, playing in the Pac-12 where he could use his length and speed should be a huge boost for the Ducks’ defense.
Jacobson’s take: FACT. Oregon football has an opportunity to seal the deal with Rivals100 defensive end Cyrus Moss this weekend after sitting at or near the top of his list for months. His interest in the Ducks has been clear as indicated by two unofficial visits to Eugene earlier this year. After his July visit, he spoke about his serious interest. “I like them (Oregon) a lot,” Moss said. “I put them in my top five and they have continued to keep on doing good things. I am happy with how things have gone and it’s only getting better.” On Saturday, Oregon hosts Colorado along with an impressive group of highly sought national prospects on their official visits, including Moss. The atmosphere will be electric and very tempting for recruits, particularly for high school pass rushers watching what Kayvon Thibodeaux does for the Ducks.
Moss told us earlier that he wanted to narrow his focus this month, though he has indicated his preference committing closer to signing day. But certainly, his official visit to Eugene with his family this weekend has a legitimate chance to convince them that Oregon is the place for him.
3. Texas should be worried that Alabama will flip RB Jamarion Miller.
Gorney’s take: FACT. One tenet I always follow in recruiting is that Nick Saban can go anywhere for anybody and no one is safe. And I know Alabama is definitely recruiting Jamarion Miller hard and trying to flip him while also continuing to pursue fellow four-star Le'Veon Moss, who was once committed to the Crimson Tide. There’s no doubt Alabama wants another running back in this class and that Miller and Moss are definitely targets. Texas has done a great job keeping Miller in the fold and he can stick with the Longhorns but there should be concern since Goliath is also interested.
Suchomel’s take: FICTION. In talking to one person close to Miller, I was directly told that Texas has nothing to worry about and Miller is all Texas, despite the official visit to Alabama. In talking to multiple other sources and in reading the tea leaves a bit on this one, I'm not fully convinced. The fact that Miller took an official visit and tried his best to keep things quiet is a red flag in itself, and I've communicated with a few others who feel this is a recruitment worth watching closely. You can never discount Nick Saban and Alabama and I would fully expect some more twists and turns in this one before Miller signs his letter of intent.
