Big recruiting weekends are sparking changes in the recruitment of highly ranked uncommitted prospects. This week we are taking a look at where the recruitment of top uncommitted prospects stand, with the Mid-South region being next up.
*****
RELATED: How things stand with top uncommitted prospects on the East Coast
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals100
TRANSFER PORTAL: Stories/coverage | Message board
*****
In what has been one of the more unpredictable recruitments up to this point, Arlington (Texas) Martin five-star cornerback Javien Toviano has done a great job of keeping his decision process close to the vest. In recruitments like this, actions speak a lot toward where a recruit could be leaning.
With that in mind, LSU has to be given a close look after the Tigers hosted Toviano and his family in September for an unofficial visit weekend. Everything out of Baton Rouge indicates that things went well, but Toviano won't be one to allude to much more than that. A couple of weeks later, Toviano was in attendance for Texas A&M's bout with Arkansas down the street from his home in Arlington at AT&T Stadium.
Michigan hosted Toviano for an official visit in the summer, but I'd like to see the Wolverines get him back on campus this fall before I like their chances. No commitment date is set, but I could see this one wrapping up close to or on National Signing Day.
*****
While LSU probably holds the edge for Fulton (Miss.) Itawamba Agricultural four-star safety Isaac Smith, other major programs are giving their best efforts toward landing the Magnolia State's No. 3 prospect.
Oregon offered in August and has had a big presence in the state since Dan Lanning took over as head coach, and Vanderbilt has long been persistent in its approach both on and off the field with the Commodores' academic opportunities. Texas A&M and Mississippi State have also been heavily involved in some facet in recent months and could both look to sneak Smith into the class close to National Signing Day.
I see Smith ending up somewhere in the SEC West, but until someone can challenge what LSU has been able to do in this recruitment recently, I see Smith heading west to The Boot.
*****
In what has been a strange recruitment up to this point, Manor (Texas) four-star defensive end Princewill Umanmielen is easily one of the more athletic and violent pass rushers in the country, but his recruitment tells a different story. Only a handful of programs have been able to maintain contact with the Central Texas star and Umanmielen has only taken one official visit (Kansas State).
The Wildcats probably have the best shot, but if Florida keys in on him as a target, it would be an easy land given that his brother is now in his third year at Florida. Had Houston started this season better, I would be factoring in the Cougars a lot more, but their finish in the 2023 class will be largely dictated by how they finish on the field.
Umanmielen's recruitment could see a major program get heavily involved late, but if the current trend stays through National Signing Day, I could see the four-star becoming an immediate contributor at Kansas State in his freshman season.
*****
Converse (Texas) Judson four-star defensive end Johnny Bowens decommitted from Texas A&M earlier this year to explore his options, but I see those options leading him back into the Aggies' 2023 class.
Bowens took consecutive visits in September to Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Oregon, and it appears that it is close to decision time for one of the best players in the San Antonio area.
Texas A&M remained in steady communication with Bowens following his decommitment and has been clear in its vision for him in College Station. That continues to resonate with Bowens and his family, as it becomes clear that Texas A&M could be the choice.
That being said, Oregon was a major reason for his initial decommitment and the Ducks have been just as persistent in their pursuit. As decision time closes in, both programs continue to throw the kitchen sink into this recruitment.
*****
Garland (Texas) Naaman Forest four-star defensive tackle Markis Deal has been adamant since the beginning of his recruitment that he would be making a late decision, and that hasn't stopped some of his main contenders from making a hard push. Of those, Texas has probably made the biggest impression after hosting Deal and his family for September's bout with Alabama.
Georgia is fresh off of hosting Deal for an official visit in late September and remains Texas' biggest threat. TCU also remains in the mix following an unofficial visit for the Horned Frogs' rout of Oklahoma and a continued strong season this fall.