With the Early Signing Period starting next Wednesday, high profile prospects from around the country are zeroing in on their final decisions. With official visits now in the books, the final decisions are being made for many of the nation’s most notable prospects.
One of those players is four-star Florida defensive lineman Tyler Davis, who will kick things off on Wednesday with an early morning announcement.
Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where the versatile prospect will land. The candidates are Florida State and Clemson.
THE SITUATION
Davis has been a priority prospect for several big-time programs, but he’s kept a rather low profile despite all the attention. While Miami and Ohio State have been mentioned a lot with Davis, it’s become pretty clear that he’s either headed to Clemson or Tallahassee and the fact he made it a priority to visits both schools this fall only backs up that assertion.
So will he be the next highly-ranked defensive lineman to play for the Tigers, or will he stay close to home with the Seminoles? We asked our local experts to state the case for the schools they cover and have Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell issue a verdict.
THE CASE FOR FLORIDA STATE
“The relationship between Davis and FSU defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins is deeply rooted. Davis's father is very close with Haggins. The history of Haggins developing defensive tackles is extensive. I expect Clemson to be in the best position as the tea leaves point in that direction, but if FSU were to pull off the surprise, it's the Haggins relationship that would be the difference.” – Michael Langston, Warchant.com
THE CASE FOR CLEMSON
“When Davis postponed a summer decision, the writing was on that wall that he wanted to see how the FSU and Clemson seasons unfolded. He subsequently witnessed FSU struggle with Samford and then Clemson obliterate Georgia Southern on his official visits, after which the needle seemingly pointed firmly in Clemson’s corner.
Then when the Tigers made an intentional statement with their 59-10 triumph in Tallahassee, there wasn’t much more left to see. Defensive tackles coach Todd Bates has done an impressive job of relationship-building and mitigating FSU’s inherent advantage with defensive line coach Haggins’ longtime connection to Davis’ father.
The mystery has appeared less about where Davis will choose and more about when he would simply announce his destination publicly. With Clemson’s top three defensive tackles departing, the Tigers only return two players at the position who have posted at least 100 snaps this season. Davis is the one they have targeted since early this calendar year who looked ready-made to help out of the gate.” – Paul Strelow, TigerIllustrated.com
THE VERDICT
“I’ve got Davis to Clemson I think he sees the opportunity to be developed as Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence have and immediate playing time. Playing for a national title is something being sold to him as well and it’s easy to see why.” – Farrell
