Making The Case: Derek Stingley Jr.

The 2019 class is on the clock and several of the nation’s top players have begun to cut their lists in advance of a commitment announcement.

Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where five-star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. might end up playing his college football. The candidates are Florida, LSU and Texas.

MORE SIMMONS: Who's trending for these four elite prospects?

Stingley is the No. 1 cornerback in the 2019 class and he not only looks the part — he plays it too. He is exactly how you would draw up an elite cornerback physically, but he is also smart, he has great feet, his ball skills rate high and he is a prospect that is going to make an impact early in his college career.

Not long ago he cut his list to three finalists and he has already taken official visits to Florida and Texas. He lives just down the road from LSU’s campus, but he has visited the Tigers more than any other school. In fact, Stingley was at one time committed to LSU early in his recruitment.

He is an elite talent that many covet for obvious reasons and a decision is coming June 20. With a decision coming into focus we asked our team experts to state the case for their respective programs and let National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell issue a verdict.

“With "DBU" label attached to their resume, the Gators have a strong reputation for pumping out top-shelf defensive backs, and Dan Mullen's staff has told Stingley they see him following a similar path if he chooses their program.

"The five-star cornerback was in Gainesville for the Orange and Blue Game in mid-April, and saw enough to slide the Gators all the way up into his top three. Secondary coach Charlton Warren also made an impression when the two were in the meeting room leading up to the spring game. Mullen's straightforward approach and energy as a head coach has caught the attention of Stingley as well.

Like many youngsters, Stingley took a strong liking to the Gators when Tim Tebow was running the show in Gainesville, and told his brother he hoped they would recruit him one day. Each year elite defensive backs take a strong look at the Gators, and Stingley certainly fits that label.” – Corey Bender, GatorsTerritory.com

“Stingley was once committed to LSU and despite re-opening his recruiting process a long time ago, I've never felt that LSU was not the leader. LSU defensive backs coach Corey Raymond has a very strong relationship with Stingley and there is certainly a very conducive depth chart for him with Patrick Surtain Jr. choosing Alabama on Signing Day and high probability that Greedy Williams elects to go pro at season's end.” – Mike Scarborough, TigerBait.com

“It's never going to be easy to get a top player from the state of Louisiana away from LSU, but Texas has done a good job in this one of at least giving itself a chance. Stingley took an unofficial visit to Texas last year and liked it enough that he insisted he'd be back again for an official visit, and he kept his word by taking a Texas visit in early May.

"He has developed a really good bond with Texas cornerbacks coach Jason Washington and he's highlighted that relationship every time I've asked him about Texas. Stingley also liked UT's updated facilities that he was shown on his visit, and Texas did a good job of breaking down its depth chart and showing him that he'd have a chance to compete for playing time as a true freshman.” – Jason Suchomel, OrangeBloods.com

“I’m going with LSU here despite the visit to Texas and being to Florida twice. It’s so hard to pull kids out of Louisiana and his comfort level with the staff as well as the DBU reputation makes me think he will be an LSU commitment.” – Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Director of Recruiting