How things stand with top 5 uncommitted DBs
Many thought the coronavirus pandemic and recruiting dead period would slow the recruiting process down for most recruits. Instead, it has had the opposite effect. Commitments started coming at an exponential rate, with many top prospects deciding they wanted to end their recruitments. Take a look where the recruitment of the top five uncommitted players at each position stand. Up next are the defensive backs.
TOP FIVE UNCOMMITTED: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | OLs | DTs | DEs | LBs
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022: Top 100
MORE: Rivals Transfer Tracker
Top contenders: Georgia, North Carolina, Texas A&M, Ohio State
Recruiting outlook: Grimes has a decision date of Dec. 1, but a commitment could come as early as August or September. Georgia and North Carolina are the two biggest contenders for his commitment because of the relationships that he has with the coaches and his potential for early playing time. Texas A&M has been in the picture for a very long time and he has taken a number of visits to College Station. Ohio State has yet to host Grimes and a visit to Columbus could prove beneficial for the Buckeyes.
Farrell’s take: Grimes could end up at North Carolina for sure as I feel they are very high on his list, but in the end I still think Georgia wins this battle. Mack Brown vs. Kirby Smart with Ryan Day in the mix is a fun battle to watch.
Top contenders: Florida, LSU, Florida State, Georgia, Clemson
Recruiting outlook: There was a time when it looked like Florida or LSU was on the verge of getting Collier’s commitment, but things seem to have slowed down. He remains in contact with those coaching staffs along with Florida State, Georgia, and Clemson. Don’t be surprised to see Collier’s recruitment stretch into the late summer or even the fall.
Farrell’s take: Collier is a tough one to read and many think Florida has the edge here, but I have a sneaking suspicion Florida State will win out here in the end. His dad played there and legacy recruits are hard to shake for other programs.
Top contenders: Georgia, Alabama, Clemson
Recruiting outlook: It has felt like a matter of “when”, not if, Williams will end up part of Georgia’s recruiting class. The Dawgs were close to getting his public commitment a few months ago, but everything slowed down when the pandemic popped up and the recruiting dead period was put in place. Alabama and Clemson have stayed in touch with Williams, but they have significant ground to make up if they hope to sign him.
Farrell’s take: Williams is close to making a decision and it appears that Georgia will be the winner here with little drama.
Top contenders: Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU
Recruiting outlook: McKinstry isn't the biggest fan of the recruiting process or doing many interviews but it sounds like Auburn and Alabama have the best chance of signing him. Clemson, Georgia, and LSU are in contention. But a decision doesn't seem to be imminent. Look for some sort of announcement later this summer and possibly early in the fall.
Farrell’s take: This will be an in state battle between Alabama and Auburn and I think Alabama wins out in the end. He’s hard to read and Alabama has lost some key in state stars in recent years but they won’t let this one get away.
Top contenders: Florida, Alabama, Clemson
Recruiting outlook: Florida is in a good position with Marshall, but landing his commitment won’t be easy. Clemson and Alabama are very much in this race and both have hosted him in the past. Marshall might have the most familiarity with the Gators but don’t expect Nick Saban or Dabo Swinney to take a foot off the gas.
Farrell’s take: Can the Gators hold off the two teams that have won four of the last five national titles? I think they can. My Futurecast is in for Florida.