Now that the Class of 2018 is on the clock, several of the nation’s top players have started cutting their lists in advance of a commitment announcement.
Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where Rivals250 running back Jamal Currie-Elliott might end up playing his college football. The candidates are Tennessee, Oregon and Virginia Tech
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The Situation: Currie-Elliott recently trimmed his list to the aforementioned three schools and has spoken highly of each program in the past. He’s made a few trips to Blacksburg in recent months, but his most notable visit was to Tennessee in February. He’s yet to see Oregon but has been consistent in his affinity for the Ducks and has said he plans to visit soon. A commitment could be on the horizon, so where will he end up? We asked our team experts to state the case for their respective programs and let National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney issue a verdict.
OREGON DUCKS
“The Oregon football program may not be the favorite for the nation’s fifth-ranked all-purpose back, but if he chooses them it will not be a surprise. Currie-Elliott included the Ducks in his top three last week, days after they gave him an offer. Why? He told Duck Sports Authority that he sees himself fitting into Oregon’s dynamic, playmaker-in-space offense. How much of the Chip Kelly/Mark Helfrich spread Willie Taggart retains will be known next week as the Ducks kick off spring practices, and Currie-Elliott will be making an unofficial visit to Eugene for the Oregon spring game at the end of the month to see for himself.” – A.J. Jacobson, DucksSportsAuthority.com
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
“Currie-Elliott once named Tennessee his leader before backing off that pledge and simply listing the Vols among his top three. The explosive North Carolina native has visited Rocky Top several times in the last year, building a rapport with running backs coach Robert Gillespie. Currie-Elliot's speed and vision would fit seamlessly in Tennessee's spread offense, and the Vols see him as a nice replacement for Alvin Kamara.” - Jesse Simonton, Volquest.com
VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES
“Virginia Tech's new offense under Justin Fuente needs running backs who can impact the game in multiple ways, and Currie-Elliott is just that. He's at his best carrying it from the backfield, but is also comfortable catching passes and serving as a more versatile threat - something VT lacked in Fuente's first year. He visited Blacksburg for the Hokies' first junior day in January, and the trip went very well. VT can only hope it was enough to overcome what should be tough competition for his signature.” – Tim Sullivan, HokieHaven.com
THE VERDICT
“If the decision had to be made today, Tennessee would be Currie-Elliott's destination. Playing in the SEC and taking over for Alvin Kamara as a dual-threat coming out of the backfield is definitely appealing to the four-star. The Vols have done a great job recruiting him and landing in Knoxville would not be a surprise at all. The longer his recruitment goes on, the more Oregon has a chance. It has been his dream school for a long time and playing in that wide-open, spread offense could be his best option. Watch out for the Ducks if Currie-Elliott takes his time." – Gorney
