Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney and national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman along with Jason Suchomel of Orangebloods.com and Michael Langston of Warchant.com tackle topics and determine whether they believe each statement is FACT or FICTION.
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1. Kobie McKinzie decommitted from Oklahoma and picked Texas in late November. But the Sooners could be the pick by signing day.
Gorney’s take: FACT. Right after McKinzie backed off his pledge to Oklahoma and picked Texas, he told me that he was done and “I think (Texas) is where I belong honestly.” That could still be the case and if he signs with the Longhorns it wouldn’t be a major shock. But Oklahoma is back in the hunt here. He’s always had a lot of interest in the Sooners and his comment was before defensive-minded Brent Venables got the job in Norman. I don’t think McKinzie’s recruitment is completely done yet.
Spiegelman’s take: FACT. Texas quickly secured a commitment from the West Texas four-star, but let’s not forget he was committed to the Sooners for two years. Now, of course, new Oklahoma HC Brent Venables is playing from behind, but his defensive background and reputation could be a catalyst as the early signing window arrives. It’ll be difficult to move McKinzie off his decision this late in the process, but after a wild and unprecedented coaching carousel and so many dominos still possible to fall I’m not ruling anything out.
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2. FSU will sign Azareyeh Thomas.
Gorney’s take: FACT. RIght now, it looks like Thomas will end up signing with the Seminoles. Here’s why: Coaching changes and his brother leaving Georgia Tech has set up Florida State perfectly to swoop in heading into the Early Signing Period and landing one of the state’s top players. LSU was an option but I’m not so sure anymore. Same thing with Oklahoma as coach Brent Venables figures out his wish list. Florida might not be an option and the Yellow Jackets look to be fading if it’s not a family reunion there. Florida State has smartly continued to recruit Thomas and stepped it up recently and after this weekend the Niceville, Fla., standout could see himself ending up in Tallahassee.
Langston’s take: FICTION. For now. The biggest misconception around FSU and Azareyeh Thomas is that FSU hasn't really been involved. While others were more attractive at certain points FSU was one of the more consistent teams in this race. Now circumstances with coaching changes helped FSU's chances but so did the growth of the team. That has increased the chances. I do think FSU now has a great shot but it still has to finish off in making the claim Thomas signs with FSU. But getting the last official visit is a big step to pulling that off and the Noles are at the very least trending up with their chances.
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3. With Devon Campbell canceling his Georgia visit, he’s a lock to Texas now.
Gorney’s take: FACT. I don’t even know if a late Georgia visit would have swayed Campbell and now that he’s not visiting Athens, the Longhorns look to be in even better shape. Texas has held an edge for the five-star offensive lineman out of Arlington (Texas) Bowie. As the Early Signing Period comes up in a few days, if Campbell doesn’t delay until February, I fully expect Texas to be the pick.
Suchomel’s take: FACT. With the way this cycle has gone for Texas, I’m a bit reluctant to call anything a lock but things do seem to be setting up really well for the Longhorns to land Campbell. Georgia is now a non-factor and him not visiting USC again pretty much eliminates the Trojans. Oklahoma’s head coaching change sets t back and while you can never discount a school like Alabama, the Longhorns are the team that seems to check the most boxes in this one.