Making the Case: Xavier Worthy
With the early signing period right around the corner, several of the nation’s top prospects are nearing final decisions in advance of officially signing their letters-of-intent on Wednesday.
Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where four-star receiver Xavier Worthy will sign. The contenders are Michigan, where he’s been committed for months, or Alabama, a school that has come on strong recently.
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THE SITUATION
Xavier Worthy committed to Michigan in July as his recruitment really heated up after a big-time junior season and he raved about what the Wolverines had to offer.
They recruited him harder than most other schools. The coaching staff outlined how they’d utilize his speed and playmaking ability in the offense. The four-star receiver from Fresno (Calif.) Central hit it off with offensive coordinator Josh Gattis.
It all looked like it was pretty much over in Worthy’s recruitment. But the Michigan season did not go as planned and the offense took a step back. For months, Alabama had made Worthy a priority - as did Oregon and Auburn - but the four-star was sticking with his pledge and said recently that he would not be de-committing.
Things continued and Worthy decided to take a visit to Alabama for its rivalry game against Auburn. That trip made Worthy’s recruitment even more interesting and he will announce his final decision on Dec. 16, as to whether he’s sticking with the Wolverines of flipping to the Crimson Tide.
The case for Alabama
"Alabama has considered Worthy one of its premier targets since extending him an offer in the spring. The Crimson Tide currently sits with the No.1 class in the country which includes three Rivals100 wide receivers: Jacorey Brooks, Christian Leary and Agiye Hall. Alabama hopes to add another receiver to its arsenal.
"Worthy attended Alabama’s game against Auburn in the Iron Bowl a few weeks ago. There has been speculation regarding the future of the coaching staff in Ann Arbor, but it doesn’t appear any decisions will get made until after the early signing period. Worthy and his family have a great relationship with the Michigan staff, specifically Gattis, the former Alabama wide receivers coach. It may be enough to keep him on board, but there is a significant difference between the two offenses.
"Worthy has been compared to DeVonta Smith, who is receiving plenty of Heisman buzz. Many will assume Alabama will land his commitment, but Worthy’s recruitment can go either way especially with the relationships built in Michigan." - Andrew Bone, BamaInsider.com
The case for Michigan
"Michigan has done a terrific job of re-recruiting Worthy since his visit to Alabama. While there is a lack of stability in Ann Arbor, and Worthy and his mother loved their time in Tuscaloosa, there is still a sense of optimism around the Michigan program. In fact, Jim Harbaugh and company had a really good virtual in-home visit with Worthy this weekend.
"The Worthy family has a strong bond with Gattis, and if they feel he will be back on the fold next season, Worthy should stick. With that said, the family likely won't get a straight answer before signing day. I felt like he was a goner right after his trip to Bama, but now I believe it's much closer to a coin flip". - EJ Holland, TheWolverine.com
THE VERDICT
"I have Michigan but its close and he could end up at either place,. But his relationship with the Michigan staff and his comfort level there makes them my guess." Mike Farrell, Rivals.com