Louisville out in front for four-star prospect but new interest looms

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- There’s new buzz around Nikolas Bonitto. Miami’s in contact. As is Texas. Oklahoma wants to get him in on a visit. But while new schools are mulling scholarship offers, the four-star defensive end is sticking to the status quo. At the top of his recruitment sits one program, and it’s the same one that’s occupied the spot for weeks.

“Louisville is still out in front,” Bonitto said on Friday. “It’s still pretty much just them”

Bonitto speaks of “fit” when asked why the Cardinals lead his recruitment. He also mentions the effort Bobby Petrino’s staff has made when it comes to landing his commitment. This, it seems, is a matter of relationships.

“They’re promising me a lot,” Bonitto said. “They keep telling me that they really need me in the class and that I’d be the main guy in the class.”

All that said, other major schools lurk in the weeds. Oklahoma is pursuing Bonitto. As are a few other major programs. And if hometown Miami comes with an offer, everything may change quickly.

“Alabama, Texas and Miami; They’re all in there,” Bonitto said. “They’re all interested. I just need to see what’s up with them as far as offers go. I’m trying to plan some visits and just waiting it out.”

RIVALS REACTION: It seems likely that Bonitto will commit to Louisville unless, of course, Miami decides to enter his recruitment late. Bonitto has visited Miami and has a sound relationship with the staff. In speaking to the four-star prospect, it’s clear that an offer would give him something to think about to say the least. Other schools may come on late, but the Hurricanes seem to be the major threat to the Cardinals at this juncture