Florida Spotlight: Best two-team recruiting battles
With two the state’s three biggest programs breaking in new head coaches and Miami experiencing a bit of an up-and down season, recruiting in Florida is as interesting as ever. Today, we take a look at some of the two-team battles that are heating up inside the Sunshine State as we hurl toward December’s early signing period.
Trey Sanders -- Florida vs. Alabama
Sanders was committed to Alabama for a long stretch before backing off that pledge prior to the season. Most still see the Crimson Tide as the favorite to land the five-star running back, but Florida is certainly a realistic option as well. Sanders has an older brother at UF and has visited campus enough times to be feel hyper-comfortable around Gainesville.
The same level of comfort, however, is present in Tuscaloosa, where Sanders will take an official visit on Nov. 24. The Gators’ rapid improvement on the field this fall certainly hasn’t hurt their chances, but toppling Alabama on the recruiting trail is nearly as difficult as besting it on the field.
Tyrique Stevenson -- Miami vs. Georgia
This battle seems to get more interesting as time passes. This summer, Stevenson was seen as a near lock to Georgia. In fact, it seemed as though he would commit to UGA prior to the season. That commitment never came, however, as Miami closed whatever gap existed.
These days, the picture is further blurred. Stevenson doesn’t often comment on his recruitment and has yet to set a single official visit. The Bulldogs need to be considered the favorite here, but Miami has at the very least given the four-star defensive back plenty to consider. The longer this battle continues, the more it benefits the Hurricanes.
Keon Zipperer -- Florida vs. Miami
The tug-of-war over Zipperer heated up this fall when the four-star tight end visited Miami and Florida on consecutive weekends. He was wowed by both trips and spent the days after waffling between the two in-state programs. There are other schools involved to some extent, but it would be a massive shock to see Zipperer leave the state. A commitment could be coming soon and it will almost certainly be to either the Gators or Hurricanes.
Evan Neal -- Alabama vs. Miami
A prospect that says little when it comes to his recruitment, Neal names a long list of potential landing places, but Alabama and Miami seem to be the most realistic options. The massive tackle will take an official visit to Alabama in November, a trip that will have an enormous effect on his recruitment.
It’s too early to make a call on where Neal will land, but it seems as though Miami may get the last visit, which is certainly worth noting. Other schools could further insert themselves later, but for now this seems to be a two-team battle.