Predictions on the top five uncommitted 2020 safeties
With the dead period over and rankings updates around the corner, now is a perfect time to take a look at the top uncommitted prospects at each position. Last week, we looked at each of the offensive positions and this week the spotlight is on the defensive side of the ball. In the final installment of this series, here is a summary of where the recruitments of the top uncommitted safeties stand heading into their senior seasons.
RELATED: Top 2020 uncommitted QB | RB | WR/TE | OL | ATH | DT | DE | LB | CB
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Top contenders: Texas A&M, Alabama, Missouri
Recruiting outlook: Johnson committed to Tennessee in June but just announced his decommitment after visiting Texas A&M last weekend. The Aggies are expected to land his eventual commitment but Alabama and Missouri won’t sit back and let that happen. Johnson took a visit to Tuscaloosa this offseason and Missouri continues to stay in touch with Johnson. That being said, it will take a lot to keep Johnson from choosing the Aggies in the end.
Farrell’s take: Johnson is a big loss for Tennessee and should be a big pickup for Texas A&M. It’s no coincidence his decommitment came after a great visit to the Aggies, and despite the efforts of others I can’t see this going any other way.
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Top contenders: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Texas A&M
Recruiting outlook: A commitment from Alford isn’t far off and it seems like Alabama is the leader right now. He took a lot of visits this summer and made it on campus at each of these schools. Alford likes that Auburn needs defensive backs and he has a really good relationship with defensive backs coach Torrian Gray at Florida. Texas is also pushing for Alford but he has a lot of connections to Texas A&M. Still, Alabama seems to hold a lead for Alford and the Tide have a great chance of signing him.
Farrell’s take: Alford could choose one of many schools, and don’t count out teams like A&M, Florida and Auburn. But if Alabama wants him I think Alabama gets him. The Tide should close the deal sooner than later.
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Top contenders: TCU, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Texas
Recruiting outlook: Thompson has a commitment on his mind and it looked like he would be choosing between TCU, Arkansas, and Oklahoma State before Texas offered. He just visited Austin and everything went well while he was on campus. Offseason visits to Arkansas, TCU, and Oklahoma State helped each school and it will be interesting to see if any of them will be able to carry the momentum they gained into this season.
Farrell’s take: The Texas offer is a game changer, I think, when it comes to Thompson and I think he ends up there. The Longhorns have so much recruiting momentum these days and I think they will be too much for others to overcome.
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Recruiting outlook: Look for Thompson to announce a commitment on Aug. 4, with either Texas or Auburn being the choice. Both teams have been hot on the recruiting trail, adding major commitments to this recruiting class. It would be a major coup for Auburn if the Tigers were to land the defensive back out of Texas. The Tigers have been known to pull off such recruiting wins, but this would be a big one considering Thompson has a teammate committed to Texas.
Farrell’s take: This one is happening in a few days and there seems to be little doubt its going to be Texas barring a big surprise. However, Auburn has done a great job here.
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Top contenders: Kentucky, Oklahoma, Louisville
Recruiting outlook: Tisdale’s commitment is likely coming after the season, but Kentucky should feel very confident at this point. The Wildcats look like the favorite, but Oklahoma continues to keep tabs on Tisdale. The new coaching staff at Louisville is working on making in-roads as well but Kentucky is looking pretty strong right now.
Farrell’s take: This should be an in-state decision and the Wildcats will be too tough to beat.