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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FACT OR FICTION: Miami is for real
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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1. UCF is the best team in Florida.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. The UCF madness is beginning again after a blowout win over a Georgia Tech team that beat a bad Florida State team. Yes, UCF is better than Florida State, but it would still be a tough game and both Miami and Florida are going to be better teams this year. Remember this is a UCF team that carved up a seriously depleted Georgia Tech defense. Dillon Gabriel is good, but let’s not go down this horrible UCF road again.
Gorney’s take: FACT. I have no idea if UCF could beat Miami or Florida, but one thing I do know is that the Knights have the best path to an undefeated season and if they win all their games, then they will be ranked ahead of Florida and Miami. The biggest challenges for UCF should be Memphis and Cincinnati, but the way the team played against Georgia Tech, the Knights could win out. The Knights have the best chance at an undefeated season and that’s why I say fact here.
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2. Jacorey Brooks is the best WR in the 2021 class.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. Brooks is off to a very impressive start at IMG this season and doing things many other receivers can’t do including block like an elite NFL wide receiver. He’s the complete package, but give me Emeka Egbuka any day of the week.
I know Egbuka isn’t playing this season because his state shut it down, but trust me when I tell you — this kid is going to be special. He’s big, thick and powerful and his build reminds me a bit of Terrell Owens. He can be that kind of player. Mario Williams could also be special and Brooks is behind both. The question for me is whether Brooks is better than Williams and should be No. 2.
Gorney’s take: FICTION. Brooks has been outstanding early in the season and he’s lining up to be the next superstar wide receiver at Alabama, but I would still side slightly with Egbuka, who I’ve never seen get slowed down by any defensive backs. The Steilacoom, Wash., five-star prospect is an incredible route runner, he has deceptive speed, excellent hands and he’s physically built so he can muscle cornerbacks. Brooks might be No. 2, but Egbuka should remain No. 1.
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3. Oklahoma State won’t hang with Oklahoma or Texas.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. The Cowboys didn’t look good in a 16-7 win against Tulsa and the offensive line is a question mark, but this team has too much talent not to be able to stay with the Sooners and Longhorns. I’m not saying they will win those games, but they can hang. The injury to quarterback Spencer Sanders is a big one and a lot will be determined by his return, but don’t give up on the Pokes yet.
Gorney’s take: FACT. I want to have faith that this Oklahoma State team could be the Big 12 champion, especially since the Cowboys’ defense is so much more talented this season, but the season opener left me with so many questions. First, Oklahoma State has to watch out for West Virginia this weekend.
QB Spencer Sanders is in a boot but should practice later in the week, RB Chuba Hubbard wasn’t all that spectacular in the opener and OSU hardly threw the ball to Tylan Wallace. Look, Oklahoma might be playing on a completely different level and Texas is getting much better. I know Oklahoma State is better than what it showed against Tulsa, but it would have to be worlds better to stay with the Sooners, and maybe even the Longhorns.
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