With National Signing Day less than a week away, the majority of the nation's top recruits are already committed. But a few remain undecided, and a few commits are wavering on their choices.
Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where five-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson might end up playing his college football. The candidates are LSU, Ohio State and Florida State.
The situation: Wilson is the nation’s top defensive prospect and for long stretches during the 2017 recruiting cycle, he was the nation’s No. 1 overall player. Even though he doesn’t hold the top spot, he’s still a major priority for some of the nation’s top college programs. His finalists include Ohio State, Florida State, LSU, Oklahoma and USF. But we believe it’s down to the Buckeyes, Seminoles and Tigers. LSU received the last official visit but Wilson also raved after trips to Columbus and Tallahassee. So how will it all shake out? We asked our team experts to state the case for their respective programs and let National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell issue a verdict.
Ohio State: “Wilson has stated several times over the course of his recruitment that Ohio State was his favorite school growing up and that he may have even committed there had the Buckeyes offered earlier in the process. Despite the late start, Ohio State has made a good push since the summer and two of his good friends in Jeff Okudah and Baron Browning are working him to join them in Columbus. Ohio State has a roster loaded with three-tech prospects, but a big run-stuffer like Wilson would be an ideal fit and could see the field early.” - Marc Givler, BuckeyeGrove.com
LSU: “I’ve been covering Marvin for over two years and at no point did I ever think another school led for him. It has always been LSU with others involved. His frequent trips to Baton Rouge and fantastic relationship with Ed Orgeron is the difference. I also think defensive line guru Pete Jenkins sticking around is the cherry on top for Wilson.” – Mike Scarborough, TigerBait.com
Florida State: “I think it all starts with the personal relationships at Florida State, which I feel are stronger not just for what FSU defensive tackle coach Odell Haggins has done with former pro defensive tackles, but the connection he has with Marvin. For Marvin that personal bond has always been so strong with Haggins and that, to me, has been a game-changer with their chances. The opportunity to play in a defense that you know day one has a very strong defensive line. FSU is also bringing in defensive end Josh Kaindoh, who should be an immediate impact guy and he's been working on Marvin a lot. I think the attraction of playing in the Florida State system is also a draw because the Seminoles give their DTs a lot more freedom to both line up inside and outside to make a strong impact. FSU can point to the successes of Eddie Goldman and also Tim Jernigan recently in the NFL.” - Michael Langston, Warchant.com
The verdict: “I think Wilson picks LSU. The Tigers were his first favorite back when Les Miles was in charge but he always liked Ed Orgeron and having Orgeron as a defensive coach who has worked well with defensive linemen helps. Wilson has also always liked the thought of playing in the SEC and it's closest to home. Florida State or Ohio State wouldn't stun me because those are elite recruiters working on him, but I'll stick with LSU.”- Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Recruiting Director
