Mid-Atlantic Four-Cast: Where will region's top prospects land?
We break down the recruiting process for four of the top players in the Mid-Atlantic region, and who has the edge for their commitment.
The Situation: Wilson has taken a methodical approach to the recruiting process and is gearing up for official visit season. He recently took unofficial visits to Georgia, Alabama and Michigan but is set on committing later in the process. He has official visits set to Florida State (Nov. 11), Michigan (Nov. 19), and Alabama (Nov. 25) but is going to schedule official visits to Georgia and USC during basketball season.
The Frontrunner: Alabama
The Crimson Tide continue to lead Wilson’s recruitment and it doesn’t look like they will give up their stranglehold on the top spot any time soon. A recent multi-day unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa went a long way toward Alabama really putting itself in front.
The Other Option: Michigan
The Wolverines were the early leader for Wilson and they are still major contenders for him. He had a great time in Ann Arbor over the weekend for the BBQ and still has very good relationships with the coaches and players at Michigan.
But Don’t Count Out: Georgia
The Bulldogs made a big surge earlier this offseason after a great experience at a camp in Athens. Wilson enjoyed bonding with the coaches and felt like it could be a good fit for him.
The Situation: Wade took plenty of visits over the past couple months to Penn State, Pittsburgh, Ohio State, Alabama, Mississippi State and many others. As an early enrollee, Wade has to commit before the end of this year. He expects to commit on Dec. 16 but will take his official visits.
The Frontrunner: Penn State
Penn State leads by a narrow margin for Wade mainly because it is recruiting him the hardest. He has taken a lot of visits to Happy Valley and continues to have strong relationships with the coaches and players, but he wants to see what happens on the field this season.
The Other Option: Tennessee
The Volunteers led for a little while earlier in Wade’s recruitment but contact with the coaching staff has fallen off a little lately. He still likes Tennessee a lot and will take an official visit to Knoxville for the Florida game.
But Don’t Count Out: UCLA, Ohio State, Pittsburgh
UCLA has kept the pressure on Wade and he will take an official visit for either the Arizona or USC game. Ohio State’s relationship with Wade has been tenuous at times but the Buckeyes remain in the fold and could get an unofficial visit for a practice in the near future. Wade recently visited Pittsburgh for a practice and the Panthers continue to remind him how much they need him.
The Situation: Plenty of schools have hosted Hunter this summer as he tries to narrow down his list of top schools. He plans on committing just before Christmas but will take official visits before committing. Auburn, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida State, Florida are involved.
The Frontrunner: Florida
The Gators have a lot going for them with Hunter, but nothing had more of an impact than adding Torrian Gray to the coaching staff. Hunter built a strong relationship with him when he was the defensive backs coach at Virginia Tech and that has carried over. The Gators have hosted Hunter a few times and they will likely get an official visit from Hunter.
The Other Option: Virginia Tech
Hunter grew up a fan of Virginia Tech and many of its famous alumni have been trying to recruit him to join the family. If Virginia Tech performs well this season it could overtake Florida and land Hunter’s commitment.
But Don’t Count Out: North Carolina
North Carolina has been gaining a lot of momentum with Hunter over the past month or so. He visited Chapel Hill three times over the last couple weeks and the coaching staff has done a good job building a strong relationship relatively quickly. Look for the Tar Heels to be a contender with Hunter until National Signing Day.
The Situation: Georgia was McFarland’s favorite school early in his recruitment but that quickly changed once the coaching staff moves took place. Maryland, Alabama and Miami are battling for McFarland’s commitment, which will come at the Under Armour All-America Game or on National Signing Day.
The Frontrunner: Maryland
The Terps are slightly edging out Alabama right now and it is purely because of the relationships McFarland has with the current players and coaches in College Park. McFarland needs to figure out how exactly Maryland would use him in its offense before feeling comfortable enough to sign.
The Other Option: Alabama
McFarland knows exactly how Alabama would use him in its offense and has seen players have success in that role in the past. He also trusts the coaching staff but doesn’t have as many strong relationships in Tuscaloosa as he does at Maryland.
But Don’t count Out: Miami
Mark Richt and Thomas Brown are two of McFarland’s favorite coaches. They have to convince McFarland that he could be comfortable in Miami and have a lot of success there before he signs.