Midlands mail: Jefferson prediction

The college football regular season is almost halfway home. The Top 25 looks little like it did in the preseason, which could have an effect on the minds of prospects as they take their official visits. Rivals.com analysts Jason Howell and Rob Cassidy answer fan questions Malik Jefferson, Kansas State's latest target and the effects of Texas A&M's recent slide. To reach out to our analysts for the next mailbag, contact them on Twitter.

Malik Jefferson is basically just going about the recruiting process. He is not planning to make his announcement until December and he is looking over his options. He attended the Red River Rivalry over the weekend and he is looking to take an unofficial visit to Texas A&M. He's just taking things in and playing his senior season.

When it comes to where he's going to commit, I'll give my prediction right now. I think Texas A&M is going to be hard to beat. The Aggies have been all over him for years and its close to home. It's a big-time school in the SEC and it is hard to say no to Kevin Sumlin. The Aggies also offered his friend and teammate Deandre McNeal recently and if McNeal chooses Texas A&M, it's another checkmark in the Aggies' column.

All that said, he's not rushing to make his announcement and I expect him to be thorough in his decision process and take a good look at his options.

-- Jason Howell, Midlands analyst

@Cassidy_Rob Who is the next commitment for Kansas State?- Ryan Lindquist (@ryan_lindquist3) October 12, 2014

The way Kansas State has been recruiting in the Southeast recently, it's entirely possible that the next commit could come from a player outside of my region. So don't throw eggs at my car if I miss here.

The safe bet in my territory is probably Pittsburgh (Kan.) running back Alex Barnes. Barnes, who has already visited K-State and Rutgers, is set to tour Minnesota on Oct. 18 and will likely announce a commitment shortly thereafter. With K-State seemingly poised for another solid season, it's probably going to be tough for anyone currently on his offer list to wrestle him away from the in-state program.

I don't think it will have that much of an impact. Texas A&M played two great teams back-to-back and got beat. The Aggies are pretty young, so some struggles are expected. Texas A&M's staff recruits lights out, and can close with the best of them. I really don't see this latest stretch impacting their recruiting. As long as there isn't a total collapse, the Aggies will still be celebrating on National Signing Day. Texas A&M is still the hot team in Texas.

-- Howell

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