Making the Case: CB Julian Humphrey
Julian Humphrey had been committed to Florida for five months and it was a big win for the Gators, who have a tremendous tradition at the defensive back position and pulled one of the top cornerbacks out of the state of Texas.
But in late October, the Houston Clear Lake standout backed off that pledge and really didn’t hide for months that he was going to look at other programs.
Over the last few days, Humphrey named a new top three of Georgia, Texas A&M and LSU, the last being a pretty big surprise because he has not really been on the radar much for the Tigers and with a coaching change coming after this season it’s highly unlikely the four-star ends up in Baton Rouge.
This looks like a two-team race. Georgia probably holds the lead at this point, and his visit to Athens earlier this season could have been the impetus behind his decision to back off the Florida commitment.
But a lot of local prospects are committing to Texas A&M and the Aggies have a chance to put together a phenomenal class, especially on the defensive side of the ball. An upcoming visit to College Station could convince Humphrey that it’s the right place for him.
In today’s Making the Case, experts from around the Rivals network make an argument for a particular school and then National Recruiting Director Adam Gorney issues his verdict as to where he sees Humphrey ending up.
RUMOR MILL: The latest chatter after big visits | Commits take visits, Notre Dame hosts big weekend
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
RIVALS TRANSFER TRACKER: Stories/coverage | Message board
RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Info/coverage on 2021 camp series
*****
GEORGIA
Georgia has been building momentum with Humphrey for a while now. He visited Athens in the final week of June, going out to dinner with the coaching staff and other recruits. He then returned for an official visit the weekend of Oct. 2, watching as Georgia’s defense dominated Arkansas. Kirby Smart, defensive analyst Will Muschamp and position coach Jahmile Addae have done a great job building a strong relationship with Humphrey, putting them in a great position with the former Florida commit. If his tweets during the Georgia-Florida game are any indication, the Bulldogs appear to be in the driver’s seat. - Jed May, UGASports.com
*****
TEXAS A&M
The Aggies have been in this race for the longest time, and he has established ties in College Station. Not only that, members of a very Houston-heavy recruiting class have been selling him on the idea of winning a championship close to home. I don't think there's much doubt Georgia leads right now, but a visit to A&M - likely later this month - could change that. It has for several other major recruits in this cycle. - Mark Passwaters, AggieYell.com
*****
THE VERDICT
LSU is considered a finalist but at this point I cannot take that really seriously since coach Ed Orgeron is out in a few weeks and who knows how that coaching situation will play itself out. If Jimbo Fisher happens to take the job - which feels like a very long shot - then anything can and will happen. If Mel Tucker gets it, then he could come in guns blazing for national talent, and Humphrey could listen even more. But right now I cannot see Humphrey ending up in Baton Rouge.
That leaves Georgia and Texas A&M, which becomes a more interesting conversation. After his visit to Texas A&M in the coming weeks, the Aggies could become the frontrunner and everything could change. But at this point, he is Georgia’s to lose. Everyone sees how dominant the Bulldogs’ defense has been this season. Everyone sees how great almost every position has been and how he’d be surrounded by elite players at every position.
Texas A&M has a lot going for it, but Humphrey is leaning to Georgia at this point and a run to the College Football Playoff could only solidify that even more. - Adam Gorney, Rivals National Recruiting Director