Published Feb 26, 2018
Hot teams in Mobile: Which programs should be pleased?
Rob Cassidy and Chad Simmons
Rivals.com

MOBILE, Ala. -- With the Rivals Camp Series presented by adidas now in full swing, we take a look back at Sunday’s Rivals 3 Stripe Camp in Mobile to identify five college programs whose fan bases should be feeling good after the event. Whether it was an impressive performance by a commit on the field, or buzzworthy comments by top targets during the media session, here are the five hot teams.

RELATED: Prospects who earned their stripes | Mobile Takeaways | Schedule

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LSU 

LSU commit Kardell Thomas dominated Sunday’s camp and was unmatched in his consistency. He took home MVP honors and looked like a player that could challenge for five-star status. Running back Tyrion Davis, another LSU commit, looks like a college-ready prospect and was in the mix for MVP honors for the entirety of the day. The Tigers were mentioned often during interviews Sunday, and it’s clear that the Tigers’ coaching staff has some semblance of momentum in the region.

ALABAMA 

Sunday’s camp took place on the heels on Alabama’s junior day, which happened the day before. That resulted in a number of players arriving in Mobile with the Crimson Tide on the brain and discussing the day that was in Tuscaloosa. Elite class-of-2020 prospect McKinnley Jackson arrived at the event rocking a crimson Alabama shirt and said he remains high on the Tide, from whom he already holds an offer. The defending national champions remain the premier program in the state, and the buzz around Nick Saban’s program isn’t going anywhere. Kardell Thomas, an LSU commit who took home MVP honors, is still seriously considering Alabama. Chester Kimbrough, who recently scored an Alabama offer, also showed well at camp.

MISSISSIPPI STATE 

DJ James committed to the Bulldogs on Saturday, so Joe Moorhead and the new staff in Starkville had a good weekend. James was strong at cornerback with an interception and some pass break-ups Sunday. Some in-state targets for Mississippi State had nice showings as well. Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo won the MVP award for his position, as did defensive end De’Monte Russell. Jarrian Jones was in the discussion for the defensive back MVP and he is a top Bulldog target. Kyzaih Pruitt informed Rivals after the camp that Mississippi State is his top school.

GEORGIA 

Georgia had a small group of recruits on its campus Saturday, and some showed up in Mobile on Sunday. LeDarrius Cox was in Athens on Saturday and he was one of the top defensive linemen this week. KJ Jefferson is a quarterback out of Mississippi and he received an offer from the Bulldogs earlier this month. New Orleans cornerback Chester Kimbrough is on the Georgia board and he also had a nice showing. Running back Tyrion Davis, who is committed to LSU, is planning to visit Georgia as well.

TENNESSEE

Since taking over at Tennessee, Jeremy Pruitt has been attacking the state of Alabama on the recruiting trail. Defensive tackle LeDarrius Cox plans to visit Knoxville this weekend. He had a good day. Defensive lineman Patrick Lucas was offered quickly after Pruitt took over and he has real interest in the Vols. A 2020 running back who Tennessee offered early, Jordon Ingram, stood out at his position. Another young prospect is Kris Draine, a 2020 wide receiver who is a Vols target that flashed quickness and hands.