Making the Case: Justin Fields

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With less than five months until prospects can begin signing with schools, 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 quarterback Justin Fields might end up playing his college football. The candidates are Auburn, Florida State and Georgia.

After initially committing to Penn State during the fall of his junior season, Fields saw his recruitment explode, with several new programs entering the mix. As his star continued to rise, his commitment to the Nittany Lions began to waver before he eventually re-opened his recruitment in June. Since then, he’s been a regular on the visit circuit and hasn't been shy about sharing his location on social media or his thoughts with reporters following the trips. Rumors have circulated about when Fields will announce his decision and while a firm date isn’t set, he could reveal his commitment at any time, so we asked our team of experts to state the case for their respective programs and let National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell issue a verdict.

“Obviously there are a lot of reasons for each school, but when you look at Florida State the reasons just make too much sense. First, no school in the mix has the pedigree or offense that the Seminoles showcase when you consider it's a pro-style offense that seems to fit Fields the best. FSU is the one school heavily in the mix that has shown the ability not only to spread the ball around but use their quarterbacks in a lot of different ways in getting them ready for the NFL.

“Then there is the Jimbo Fisher effect when it comes to what he does in developing quarterbacks. Christian Ponder came in as a three-star prospect and Fisher turned him into a first-round pick for the Minnesota Vikings. Not to mention the most recent five star prospect at quarterback Jameis Winston won a national title under Fisher and was also selected first overall in the draft.

“In addition, while other teams have certainly their selling points like Georgia, Auburn and so on with location or friends close to Fields, it's been very clear that the FSU offer had a huge effect on Fields and the Noles really turned up the heat. FSU focused all of its attention on Fields and Fisher hasn't let up.

“Then lastly, and maybe even the biggest reason for FSU, is that Deondre Francois could opt to go pro after this season and there isn't an established incumbent. When you look at all the young receivers and also very talented running backs the 'Noles have added, that makes FSU even more enticing. The 'Noles would be a very tough option to turn down. FSU makes the most sense both from a comfort, fit and coaching standpoint.” – Michael Langston, Warchant.com

“Auburn has several things working in its favor with Fields. First and foremost, it has Gus Malzahn's impressive track record with dual-threat quarterbacks. Auburn has been at its best under Malzahn with a quarterback who possesses the skills of Fields. See Cam Newton. See Nick Marshall. See two SEC titles and two national championship game appearances, including a win in 2010. New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey's run-pass option offense would fit Fields perfectly. He can run. He can throw. It also doesn't hurt that Fields admires Newton, aspires to break Newton's records and plays for the Heisman winner's 7-on-7 team. That's an edge for Auburn. Auburn might not be the popular pick for Fields among analysts, but don't count out the Tigers. Auburn typically does well as the underdog.” – Jeffrey Lee, AuburnSports.com

“With two five-star quarterbacks already in Athens, it might seem that the Bulldogs should have been written off long ago, but that's not been the case with Fields. Why? The five-star in his own right could bring something to Sanford Stadium that's been lacking for some time - his ability to scramble. The Bulldogs have long worked with the traditional pocket passers, but it's no secret that the last time they won a SEC championship, it was a dual-threat quarterback (D.J. Shockley) under center. That fact isn't lost on Fields, and it's what's kept the Bulldogs among the front runners throughout, as Georgia would likely conceive a package for him out of the gate. Additionally, his sister is playing softball in Athens, he's from Georgia, and he comes from a tight knit family, which is another compelling factor.” – Jake Reuse, UGASports.com

“It’s so hard to read Fields because he tells everyone what they want to hear, at least according to numerous sources, but I’ll say he picks Florida State. Do I have any inside knowledge of this decision? Nope, none. So why do I say Florida State over Georgia, Auburn and USC? It’s a hunch based on the development of quarterbacks at FSU under Fisher and the logjam of five-star quarterbacks at Georgia, where many assume he will end up. Auburn was in the mix, but I never felt they would be the team of choice and USC has always been on the outside looking in to me, so I’ll pick FSU over Georgia.

"He fits in every scheme he’s looking at and teams will tailor their offenses to his strengths, but the path of least resistance between Georgia and FSU appears to be the 'Noles and I don’t think Fields will want to sit and wait his turn. That’s my hunch.” - Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell