Mid-Atlantic Four-Cast: Where will the top prospects land?
With the season started, the Mid-Atlantic region's top-rated prospects are inching closer to their commitments. The waters are getting murky, but Big Ten, SEC, and ACC teams all have a shot with these four big-time players.
The situation: For months it has been Michigan versus Clemson for Singleton and, depending on who you ask, both and neither could be leading at any point. A few other teams are in the mix after visits in August, but this will likely come down to Michigan and Clemson.
The frontrunner: Michigan
The ebb and flow of the recruiting process has seen Singleton's interest in Michigan fluctuate. It looks like the Wolverines are back on top after Singleton and Paramus Catholic played a game in the Big House and took an unofficial visit last weekend, then said he will also take an official visit to Ann Arbor. I expect the lead to go back and forth between Michigan and Clemson at least a couple more times before Singleton signs his National Letter of Intent.
The other option: Clemson
Singleton was back at Clemson in July and continues to be high on the program and coaches. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has a very strong relationship with Singleton and his family. Clemson will definitely be getting an official visit from Singleton as well.
But don't count out: Alabama
The Crimson Tide hosted Singleton in early August and he came away as impressed as one might expect. He has said he will take an official visit there too. Watch for Auburn and Rutgers to possibly get Singleton's last two official visits.
The situation: If you ask Hunter he will tell you he is working on narrowing down a top 11 of Alabama, Clemson, Auburn, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, Penn State, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Michigan. A short list of about five is expected in the next few weeks followed by a few official visits and a decision right before Christmas.
The frontrunner: Virginia Tech
Hunter visited Virginia Tech again in mid-August and, even though he's been to Blacksburg many times, this visit was different. He didn't see or do anything new while on campus, but the Virginia Tech coaches let Hunter unveil the new uniforms the Hokies will wear this weekend for the matchup against Tennessee at Bristol Motor Speedway. That seems like it made a huge impact on Hunter and it seems like he has been embracing the family atmosphere at Virginia Tech. His relative media silence since that trip also lends itself to the visit making a bigger impact that previous visits.
The other option: Florida
The Gators seemed like Hunter's leader up until that visit to Blacksburg in August. Assistant coach Torrian Gray has a long-standing relationship with Hunter, his family and the people close to him. Florida is leaning heavily on those relationships, along with its facilities and potential early playing time. There is a growing concern that playing close to home is becoming more of a factor for Hunter, but if there is one school that could get Hunter to leave home, it's Florida.
But don't count out: North Carolina
Larry Fedora and his staff have been doing a phenomenal job recruiting Hunter and they are gaining momentum. Chapel Hill is closer to home than Blacksburg and Hunter knows plenty of players on the team. The potential for early playing time is also there at North Carolina and has Hunter strongly considering the Tar Heels.
The situation: This was supposed to be a big season for McFarland, but unfortunately it was over before it started. He broke a bone in his leg in mid-August during a scrimmage and will spend the rest of his senior year recovering. McFarland is still focusing on his recruitment and released a top five of Miami, Maryland, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. A decision is expected at the Under Armour All-America Game or on National Signing Day.
The frontrunner: Maryland
The Terps have been heavily involved with McFarland since day one of his recruitment and he remains their top target in 2017. The injury hasn't discouraged head coach D.J. Durkin and McFarland was back on campus in College Park again for the opening game against Howard. The relationships he has with the players, coaches and other students on campus are all stronger than with any of the other schools in his top five.
The other option: Miami
The Hurricanes have been steadily closing on the lead position in McFarland's recruitment. He still needs to visit Coral Gables again before moving Miami any higher on his list, but there is some reason for Hurricane fans to be optimistic. Mark Richt and Thomas Brown are the best weapons Miami has to fight for McFarland and they shouldn't be taken lightly. Miami was set to host McFarland for the Florida State game but those plans have not been confirmed since the injury.
But don't count out: Alabama
It seems like Alabama has been trending downward with McFarland since early August. The injury certainly doesn't help Alabama's interest level in McFarland, but it still sounds like he will take an official visit to Tuscaloosa. He had planned to visit for the Iron Bowl but he hasn't confirmed those plans since getting hurt.
The situation: Georgia has been the leader in Webb's recruitment for a long time, but Alabama and Penn State are giving chase. Look for a commitment from Webb in the next week or two, possibly on Sept. 16 when Archbishop Wood hosts Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph's.
The frontrunner: Georgia
Webb, the cousin of Rivals100 running back D'Andre Swift, is closing in on a decision and the Bulldogs have to love that Georgia's newest commitment is related to him. The two have been planning on going to the same school pretty much since they started getting recruited. Webb has visited Athens plenty of times, feels very comfortable in that atmosphere, and he believes in the coaching he would get there.
The other option: Alabama
The Crimson Tide have been gaining ground for Webb since he visited this summer. The facilities, mentality and coaching are all things he really liked. Look for Webb to find his way back to Tuscaloosa for an official visit before National Signing Day.
But don't count out: Penn State
The Nittany Lions have historically done well at Archbishop Wood and Webb really likes what Penn State has done with its wide receivers over the past couple years. He gets along great with the coaches and players as well.
