Mid-Atlantic Four-Cast: News, predictions on top prospects
After checking in on many of the top players in Virginia late last week, this Mid-Atlantic Four-Cast focuses on four of the top uncommitted prospects remaining in this talent-laden state.
The situation: Hunter has really stepped away from his recruitment recently to focus on his senior season. Over the next three or four weeks, Hunter will start getting back to his recruitment and making sure to take all the visits that he wants. There was a possibility of him making it to Notre Dame this weekend for an unofficial visit for the Stanford game, but those plans have fallen through. Watch for Hunter to take unofficial visits during the season if he can, but official visits will come after the season. Potential official visit locations are Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame and Auburn. It is unlikely that Hunter will use an official visit to go to Virginia Tech, Florida or North Carolina because he has seen the schools so many times already. Hunter still expects to commit right before Christmas, but there is a chance that date gets pushed back.
The frontrunner: Virginia Tech
The Hokies remain the favorite for Hunter. During his last visit to Blacksburg, Hunter’s comfort level was off the charts and his relationships with the coaches, players and recruits are stronger than ever.
Other option: Florida
Florida defensive backs coach Torrian Gray continues working his connections and building stronger relationships with Hunter and his family. The way the Gators’ defensive backs play and the schemes their defense runs are just a couple things Hunter likes about Florida. It will be important for the rest of the coaching staff, players and recruits to embrace Hunter if Florida hopes to close the gap between itself and Virginia Tech.
Don't Count out: North Carolina, Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Auburn
North Carolina hosted Hunter a number of times this offseason and figures to remain in the conversation until National Signing Day. Alabama is lurking and Hunter has said he will definitely take an official visit to Tuscaloosa. Auburn and Notre Dame were scheduled to host Hunter for unofficial visits this season but those visits will be rescheduled. Hunter has also said he will visit Michigan before he commits.
The situation: Becton has a lot to do before he commits on National Signing Day. He plans on taking all of his official visits but hasn’t set any of them yet.
The frontrunner: Virginia
Bronco Mendenhall and his staff have done a phenomenal job making Becton feel part of the team. Becton sees how he could play early and likes how he would be coached. While he may not say it, people around him believe distance from home could be a factor. Becton will visit Charlottesville again for the Pittsburgh game this weekend.
Other option: Michigan
The Wolverines have made it very clear that recruiting top-rated offensive linemen is a major priority for them this recruiting cycle and Becton is high on their list. Becton has been building a good relationship with the coaches and plans on taking an official visit to Ann Arbor later this year.
Don't count out: Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Georgia
Virginia Tech has a long-standing tradition and pipeline at Highland Spring High School and the Hokies have continued to heavily recruit Becton. Michigan State defensive line coach Ron Burton has always done a great job recruiting players from Highland Springs, partly because it is his alma mater. Becton talks to Spartans wide receiver and former teammate Felton Davis a lot. Georgia tight ends coach Shane Beamer has been recruiting Becton ever since he was coaching at Virginia Tech.
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The situation: Garbutt was committed to Virginia Tech for months but decided to decommit in July so he could take a few visits and make sure he was making the right choice. He’s taken a couple visits to Pittsburgh and will visit Georgia for the Auburn game later this year. Look for a commitment close to National Signing Day.
The frontrunner: Virginia Tech
Head coach Justin Fuente, defensive coordinator Bud Foster and the rest of the Virginia Tech staff have done a great job staying close with Garbutt and making sure he knows he is still one of their top priorities. Most people think Garbutt will end up back at Virginia Tech, but there is still a long way to go before that gets finalized.
Other option: Pittsburgh
The Panthers have really made an impression on Garbutt and he sees how good of a defensive coach Pat Narduzzi is. He liked the atmosphere at Pittsburgh while on his visit and he likes that they are recruiting him on both sides of the ball. Garbutt’s head coach is a Pittsburgh alumni and is from Western Pennsylvania.
Don't count out: Georgia, Florida, Maryland
Georgia assistant Shane Beamer has done a very good job recruiting Garbutt as well. He will be visiting Athens later this year for the Auburn game. Maryland defensive line coach Mike London and Florida defensive backs coach Torrian Gray, another former Virginia Tech assistant, have been recruiting Garbutt very hard too. Expect Garbutt to visit all three of these schools.
RELATED: 2017 team rankings
The situation: Brooks has been taking a slow, methodical approach to his recruitment while also taking a lot of visits. Maryland and Michigan are his two most recent visits, but nothing else is on the horizon right now.
The frontrunner: Maryland
The Terps have been making Brooks feel like he is a priority for a long time. He knows he could play early in his career in College Park and one of his best coach relationships is with Maryland linebackers coach Matt Barnes.
Other option: Michigan
The recent visit Brooks took to Michigan for the Penn State game really impressed him and his family. The atmosphere caught his attention and he liked defensive coordinator Don Brown and linebackers coach Chris Partridge. It remains to be seen how hard Michigan will push for a commitment from Brooks.
Don't count out: North Carolina, Auburn, Georgia, Duke, Alabama, Ohio State
Brooks mentioned a handful of other schools that are still in the mix but he isn’t sure which ones will get official visits and isn’t sure of his decision timetable. All of those things will get ironed out once his season ends.
