Making The Case: Trey Sanders
With the Early Signing Period starting Wednesday, high profile prospects from around the country are ready to announce their final decisions.
One of those players is five-star Florida running back Trey Sanders, who will make his decision known on Wednesday.
Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where the versatile prospect will land. The candidates are Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
MORE SIGNING DAY: Farrell's 10 bold predictions | Five players who could flip | Teams that should, shouldn't be excited
THE SITUATION
One of the nation’s top overall players, Sanders has been a fixture on the national stage from the time he made an early commitment to Alabama in 2016. He backed off that pledge last year and has been the main target of several major programs, narrowing his list to some of college football’s most notable schools. After taking official visits and praising each of his suitors, Sanders has done a nice job of keeping fans, coaches and media guessing all the way up until the very end. So where will he pick when he announces on Wednesday? Our local experts give their opinions and Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell weighs in with a verdict.
THE CASE FOR TEXAS
“Texas is battling some heavy-hitters from the SEC who have the edge in proximity, but the Longhorns have been more involved in this one than most have realized, and they’ve been in the race for a long time. Sanders took a Texas official visit way back in September and Texas made a very strong impression. The UT staff has continued to stay in touch, including seeing Sanders late last week. While most of the focus has been on schools like Georgia and Alabama, if Sanders and his family can’t settle on one of those schools, Texas could be a nice landing spot that everyone would agree with.” -- Jason Suchomel, Orangebloods.com
THE CASE FOR ALABAMA
“Sanders has seemed like a lock to re-join Alabama’s recruiting class ever since he de-committed from the Crimson Tide. He has kept things relatively quiet regarding his recruitment throughout most of the year. It’s very rare to get an interview with the nation’s top back.
"However, his remarks any time he speaks about Alabama has always very high. Alabama was considered the heavy favorite until he took his official visit to Georgia two weekends ago. He has not given an indication as to the Bulldogs taking the lead for his commitment, but many believe it has happened. Alabama has been fighting for the last week to get back in the race to Sanders. It may come down to the final hour for his decision, but Georgia feels its in the best position to land his commitment.” -- Andrew Bone, BamaInsider.com
THE CASE FOR FLORIDA
“For Sanders, the appeal of playing alongside his older brother has been there from the jump and Florida is the lone school that can make that happen. Sanders' mother has always been a big supporter of UF's program as well, so that doesn't hurt. While his official visit was just this past weekend, Sanders was in attendance for multiple games during the fall as well. A large part of that had to do with his brother's presence on the team, but the five-star prospect was still in Gainesville a handful of times in 2018.
"Dan Mullen's staff really put forth the effort all weekend, and definitely have a shot, but now we play the waiting game with the nation's top-ranked running back, who is doing a nice job of not revealing his cards.” -- Corey Bender, GatorsTerritory.com
THE CASE FOR GEORGIA
“Georgia seemed like a bit of an afterthought for Sanders until two weeks ago, but the winds changed steadily after his official visit. He's mentioned that he's visited Georgia numerous times and feels comfortable with the staff.
"That Georgia also has Dell McGee working the case should be cause for hope, as well. He was instrumental in landing the nation's top back in 2018, Zamir White, another five-star ball carrier, James Cook, and played a large role in the recruitment of five-star signal caller Justin Fields. McGee has made his name since arriving in Athens by continuing to stock the running back coffers. Sanders would certainly be among his biggest wins.” -- Jake Reuse, UGASports.com
THE VERDICT
