Florida Spotlight: Preferences becoming clearer on top prospects
There’s never a lack of recruiting drama in Florida and the stretch run to Singing Day will be no different. The Sunshine State is one of the country’s most fertile recruiting grounds. It’s why heavy hitters are often involved with the region’s top prospects and why the players there at times seem particularly indecisive.
Below are news and notes on some of the state’s elite prospects and what the immediate future may hold for their respective recruitments.
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Johnson’s recruitment is finally starting to clear up. The highly ranked defensive back is measured and quiet when it comes to his college future, but visits are taking place and options are becoming clear. Some schools are not pressing for Johnson as hard as they once were, but it’s now clear that Clemson and Ohio State are major players.
Johnson, who toured Ohio State in late October, has an upcoming visit to Clemson. He has also toured UCLA recently, but the Bruins seems like less of a contender when you consider what could become an unstable coaching situation in Westwood. Johnson has set no timetable for a verbal commitment, so it’s possible that an announcement could follow his trip to Clemson.
If Florida’s new coaching staff decides to press for Johnson’s commitment, things here could change. For now, however, it seems as though this is Buckeyes versus Tigers.
Joseph has been teasing a commitment for some time now, so it seems as though his recruitment could come to a close at literally any moment. Alabama, LSU, Florida State and Georgia are the finalists, but the Crimson Tide are considered the favorite to land the four-star defensive back.
For weeks now, Joseph has been saying his announcement is coming “soon” but is yet to pull the trigger. The reasons for this are anyone’s guess. The longer he waits, the less certain a commitment to Alabama seems. LSU and Georgia could get more involved as time passes, but the smart money is still in Tuscaloosa.
One team seen as a Florida lean, Chatfield recently visited Oklahoma and seems to have like what he saw on his trip to Norman. Chatfield was once committed to Ohio State, but backed off that pledge earlier this year. Miami, which only recently offered Chatfield, and the Sooners seem like the two most involved parties.
On one hand, the Gators seem to be less an option these days because of the head coaching vacancy. On the other hand, Chatfield is certainly the type of prospect that will be open to listening to the new UF staff. For now, however, Miami and its infinite momentum need to be considered the favorite.
Bonitto has long maintained that Louisville leads his recruitment, but Oklahoma has turned up the heat in recent months. His Oct. 7 official visit to Norman was certainly meaningful, but what actual effect it will have on his announcement is still unclear.
Louisville still needs to be seen as the leader to land Bonitto, but Oklahoma seems primed to make a late move here should it continue to push. Miami has also recently resumed contact with Bonitto but has not yet invited him on an official visit. Bontito’s recruitment could go a number of ways at this juncture and is one to monitor down the stretch.