Predictions on prospects from QB Challenge and iLLSPEED Finals
BALTIMORE -- The Rivals Quarterback Challenge Finals and the first-ever iLLSPEED Finals took place over the weekend, pairing some the country’s best quarterbacks with some of it’s most electrifying playmakers. But on-field performance wasn’t the only thing the Rivals.com staff was tracking over the weekend. Plenty of new recruiting information was shared, and now we’re ready to share our latest projections on where the event’s best will end up.
RELATED: Live from QB Challenge Finals | Recruiting notes | Rivals Camp Series coverage | Rivals Recap
Recruiting wrap: Jones has been a popular man on the recruiting circuit over the past few months, with Tennessee, Georgia, Clemson and others quickly jumping to the front of his list. Jones nearly committed to Tennessee earlier this month before deciding to wait a little longer, partially because of new interest from Ohio State. He very well could end up as the top dual-threat prospect in the class, so the Buckeyes won’t be the first new program to enter the mix.
Prediction: Tennessee. The Vols have the edge now and will need a big name in the 2018 class and Jones is that guy. – Wommack
Recruiting wrap: Lawrence is pretty guarded when it comes to revealing who has the edge in his recruitment but conventional wisdom says his top group includes Georgia, Clemson, Tennessee and Florida. Each fan base has their own opinion on where he will go, but only Lawrence truly knows who has the edge at this point. With a commitment likely coming sometime over the next few months, upcoming visits could be key to his decision.
Prediction: Florida. Unlike the other schools on his list, Lawrence could walk into a perfect situation in Gainesville. A recent trip to campus appears to have the school in good position. - Wommack
Recruiting wrap: Terrell has been one of the hottest prospects in the country over the past few months, collecting offers from coast-to-coast while dominating major camp events. Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Florida and several others have all put themselves in the mix.
Prediction: Florida. The Gators are Terrell’s dream school and it would be hard to see him turning down a chance to play for the Gators. - Wommack
Recruiting wrap: Sears has options from coast-to-coast but it looks like a three-team race between Tennessee, UCLA and Washington at the moment. Sears recently visited the Vols and gave the school high praise following the trip.
Prediction: Tennessee. The Vols have honed in on Sears as their prime target and his willingness to visit bodes well. - Wommack
Recruiting wrap: The five-star wide receiver is one of the most sought-after prospects on the west coast but his recruitment has gone national over the past few months. Arizona, Nebraska and Oklahoma seem to have the upper hand.
Prediction: Nebraska. The Huskers are building a ton of momentum on the west coast and Lewis could be the next player to join the fold. - Wommack
Recruiting wrap: Lindsey’s exciting skillset would fit well in a number of offenses, but Ohio State, Texas A&M and Nebraska have all jumped out of the pack with their unique plans to get the ball in his hands. Lindsey’s visits have kept people guessing when it comes to a favorite and his recruitment will likely go down to the wire.
Prediction: Nebraska. Another one for the Huskers? Lindsey’s close relationship with several of the other California commits can only help Nebraska’s chances here. - Wommack
Recruiting wrap: McFarland was an early Georgia lean but the coaching carousel made him rethink his recruitment. Maryland and Miami are the two biggest contenders for McFarland’s commitment right now but Alabama is lurking and so are a number of other schools. He is committing at the Under Armour All-America Game and until then he will debate the pros and cons of each school. It will be difficult for any school to make him forget all the connections he has to Maryland.
Prediction: Maryland – Friedman
Recruiting wrap: Jones isn’t very close to a decision. He took visits to Penn State and North Carolina over the past few weeks but Maryland, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, and Oklahoma are in good shape with him. Jones is planning official visits to Florida, Florida State, and Oklahoma. In the end, his relationship with Terps defensive backs coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will prove too much for the other schools to overcome.
Prediction: Maryland - Friedman
Recruiting wrap: Bell is still a long was from announcing a commitment. He wants to take all five of his official visits and already knows that Michigan, Clemson, Tennessee, and Florida will get four of the five possible visits. Rutgers and their new staff have made a great impression on Bell but Michigan seems to be his leader at this point.
Prediction: Michigan - Friedman
Recruiting wrap: There were rumors a month or two ago that Sullivan-Brown could be close to committing to Maryland. That obviously didn’t happen and now he has the Terps, Penn State, and Duke on top. Sullivan-Brown wants to commit before the season and this will come down to a Penn State vs. Maryland battle.
Prediction: Maryland - Friedman