Making The Case: Five-star Kayvon Thibodeaux
WEEKEND VISIT PREVIEW: Florida, Georgia and Oregon hosting five-stars
With the Early Signing Period starting next Wednesday, high profile prospects from around the country are zeroing in on their final decisions. With lists being cut and final visits being made this weekend, it’s time to start looking and where the most notable prospects will land.
One of those players is five-star California defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, who isn’t waiting on Wednesday to reveal his choice, instead announcing on Saturday.
Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where the versatile prospect will land. The candidates are Alabama, Oregon and Florida State.
THE SITUATION
One of the top players in the country and a fixture on the recruiting scene for years, five-star prospect Thibodeaux has been through plenty during his time as a recruit. With offers from coast to coast, Thibodeaux entertained several programs before narrowing his focus over the past month. Experts across the country are split on where he will end up, showing just how much uncertainty is surrounding his decision. So where will he end up? Our local experts give their take and national recruiting analyst Adam Gorney issues a verdict.
ALABAMA
“Alabama sits in very strong position with Kayvon Thibodeaux after his in-home visit with Nick Saban last weekend and a visit earlier this week from defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi. Alabama is seen by many elite recruits as program which can help prepare for the next level. That is one of of Thibodeaux' main goals. He has visited Alabama three or four times. He is comfortable with the environment. He loves the winning culture and the coaching staff. It definitely seems like Alabama is in the driver's seat heading into his decision on Saturday.” – Andrew Bone, BamaInsider.com
FLORIDA STATE
“It's been a wild ride with Thibodeaux, and while I think the talented five-star doesn't know the choice I think there are a lot of things that are working in the favor for Florida State and if he lands there this is why. First, Kayvon, unlike a lot of elite five-stars isn't locked into just playing for a elite team right off the bat. You can tell the culture, family and the people around him that he trust is a big part of the decision in being comfortable and from all indications I feel FSU has done the best in these areas. Second, there is a strong early need for the defensive end position, and Thibodeaux has shown to be a guy that he wants to be a part of something he puts his print on and I think that fits FSU. My opinion at this stage is that it's an FSU/Alabama battle here. In most cases the Crimson Tide would be a for sure choice, but like I've said Thibodeaux is different and if he bases all the things covered FSU could likely win out here.
Another big thing for Thibodeaux is that he really connects with the coaches at Florida State, especially Mark Snyder, David Kelly and Willie Taggart. He believes in that vision for the future that Taggart has. Sure, it was not good at all this year, but Thibodeaux believes in where is going to be in the eyes of Taggart and this FSU staff. The 'Noles also got the last in-home visit so I believe they got the last message to keep that message strong in his head. I've also heard his Mom really likes FSU, likely even better than any of the favorites. So that could also be something that might aid the 'Noles if the choice is Florida State.“ – Michael Langston, Warchant.com
OREGON
“Kayvon Thibodeaux is the type of talent that would never be scared away by competition. But at the same time, the Oregon depth chart at defensive end would give him the opportunity to not just get playing time right away, he has the potential to be an early star. With senior Jalen Jelks graduating and two juniors in this years’ two-deep, the defensive end position at Oregon is looking for heroes, guys who can play and make an impact early. Thibodeaux clearly likes the Ducks, as evidenced by their inclusion in his final two and several unofficial visits to Eugene. It should not shock anybody if he were to choose Oregon on Saturday.” -- A.J. Jacobson, OregonSportsAuthority.com
THE VERDICT
"Thibodeaux has been in the limelight for years but when it comes down to where he's going to college it's still a difficult decision to make. My guess is Alabama. After all the recruiting and all the visits and all the talks with all the coaches, Thibodeaux still wants one thing: To be developed to the maximum of his ability so he can play in the NFL one day. That means looking at coach Nick Saban's track record along the defensive line and thinking he could be the next special defensive lineman in Tuscaloosa. I would not be shocked at all if Thibodeaux picks Oregon because he had a great visit to Eugene and he loves the coaches there. Any other school would be a surprise with Florida State and Florida in his top four. My instinct is telling me to lean toward the Crimson Tide but if he picks the Ducks it would not shock me one bit." – Adam Gorney, National Recruiting Analyst