National recruiting director Mike Farrell and national recruiting analyst Adam Gorney tackle three topics daily and determine whether they believe the statements or not.
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MORE FARRELL: Who is his new favorite to win national title?
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1. Miller Moss will win the USC job over Jake Garcia.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. First off, does it matter? It’s a tad early to project this, but that is our job. Both quarterbacks are excellent, but I like Jake Garcia a ton and like his arm and decision making a bit better. We all know one will win the job and the other will likely transfer. It’s a good problem to have for USC, but I give the edge to Garcia.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. I give the slightest edge to Garcia here, but I’m still not certain USC will end up with both quarterbacks in this class. Miami and many others are pursuing Garcia and there are still many months until Signing Day. If you’re writing off Miller Moss, though, you’re mistaken. That kid can play. He’s a tremendous leader, super smart and he can absolutely win this job. Still, I have to pick and Garcia has the edge right now.
MORE: Analysis of Miller Moss' pledge to USC | Moss goes in-depth with TrojanSports.com
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2. FSU recruiting, ranked No. 25, is down this year.
Farrell’s take: FACT. I believe in Mike Norvell much more as a coach than I did in Willie Taggart, but recruiting is a work in progress under the new staff. At least on paper. There is some talent in this class for sure as Brandon Jennings, Luke Altmyer and Hunter Washington are key gets at important positions. And there are some versatile players such as Kevin Knowles, but I’d like to see the Seminoles recruiting a bit more close to home and beat some bigger programs for recruits. It’s hard because you have a new coach who is working under unimaginable circumstances during COVID-19, but the Seminoles could be reaching on a few players.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. There are definitely challenges ahead for Florida State and it does hurt that a lot of the state of Florida’s top targets are already committed, but when Norvell shows signs of a turnaround, top talent is going to flood to Tallahassee. I have faith Norvell can get it done.
Over the years, Florida State has had the top recruiting class in the ACC, happening last in 2017. The Seminoles should finish near the top again this recruiting cycle, even though they are currently fifth. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: The best thing that could have happened for Norvell is the tenure of Taggart because if Norvell can show the slightest bit of improvement, the top kids will want to play for him. It’s slow now but there is still a long way to go until signing day. FSU will be just fine.
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3. Alabama will have the best defense in the SEC.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. The Crimson Tide will be loaded for sure next year, especially with the return of Dylan Moses as the leader of the defense, but Georgia will have the best defense in the SEC led by a great secondary and emerging playmakers like Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean. Tyson Campbell, Eric Stokes and Richard LeCounte lead an amazing secondary, Azeez Ojulari and Smith will head up the pass rush from the outside and this defense has a ton of young talent. Alabama, LSU, Florida and others will be good, but Georgia will be the best.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. I’m leaning to Georgia here especially since leading tackler Monty Rice and many other top defensive players return to the Bulldogs as coach Kirby Smart keeps loading up and young players will also emerge like Smith and Dean among others.
But I don’t think LSU is getting enough respect here. The Tigers are loaded at linebacker and in the secondary, and LSU has rarely struggled up front. LSU should be in the conversation for the best defense in the SEC, even ahead of Alabama.
MORE: The past, present and future of the SEC at each position | SEC recruiting rankings
