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Florida Man: Predictions, updates and more in Sunshine State

Sam McCall
Sam McCall (Rivals.com)

This week's trip around the Sunshine State features a prediction that should put Florida fans at ease, a class-of-2024 running back with a chance to be special and an exploration on what happens on the opt-out front when a team’s season goes off the rails.

MORE: Is it time to panic at FSU?

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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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FUTURECAST OF THE WEEK: Sam McCall to Florida

The prediction isn’t a new one, but it’s one that needs to be reiterated because McCall came incredibly close to a commitment this summer, only to decide against making an announcement at the 11th hour. Alabama was definitely a factor in his decision to delay, but after visiting McCall’s school a couple weeks back, I’m fairly certain that the Gators will still eventually win this battle. It’s more of a when than it is an if at this juncture. I think McCall is interested in taking a handful of visits before shutting things down, thus the delay. Things in recruiting are always subject to change, however.

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UPDATE - Yulkeith Brown and Penn State

Yulkeith Brown
Yulkeith Brown (Nick Lucero/Rivals.com)

Last week in this space, I put in a Futurecast for Miami Central wide receiver Yulkeith Brown to Penn State. If all things are equal, Penn State will still be the pick. The problem is that, these days, things do not appear to be equal. Penn State may not be ready to accept Brown’s commitment at this time, so places such as Texas A&M and Miami could be schools to watch if they decide to press.

Brown remains in limbo of sorts because the high school football season in Miami has been delayed, leaving coaches wondering about how the prospect will perform as a senior. What the wideout does when the season begins later this month will ultimately determine his landing place.

SLEEPER OF THE WEEK - Brandon Schabert

An FAU commit, Scabert played last season at a high school not known for its football program and didn’t get a ton of recruiting attention. Now at American Heritage Delray High School, that should change. The 6-foot-1 receiver was off to a great start on the camp circuit this offseason before the Covid-19 crisis squashed his momentum. Schabert has impressive speed and reliable hands and is starting to look like an absolute steal for the Owls.

NOW ON THE RADAR - D'Marius Rucker

Just a freshman, Rucker has the speed and explosiveness to be a top-flight prospect and figures into Lakeland High’s plans this season. Scholarship offers will arrive. It’s just a matter of when, as the class-of-2024 back has the frame to add size while retaining his elite athleticism. He looked the part of a future FBS talent at a recent practice and will likely be a household name in Florida recruitment circles down the road. File Rucker in the back of your mind, as the in-state schools are likely to be involved.

PARTING THOUGHT - The opt-out bailout

Calling this college football season non-traditional doesn’t do the situation justice. Two Power Five conferences aren’t playing at all and some of the teams that are playing have done so while missing massive swaths of their rosters. There are delayed workouts, empty stadiums and players being quarantined each week. Things are only going to get more chaotic from here.

Something that hasn’t been discussed much is the apathy that takes hold when teams -- especially ones with high expectations -- start 1-4 or 2-5. With no eligibility rules in place this season, logic dictates that we’ll see a wave of this-isn’t-worth-the-trouble opt outs around the midseason mark when things have turned south in the locker room. I wouldn't blame a single player for tossing his hands up and saying “nope,” and I expect some will do just that. Just how creative coaches will be forced to get with depth charts near the end of the season is anyone’s guess, but there's certainly some shuffling ahead.

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