Predictions on top RCS New Orleans prospects
JEFFERSON, La. -- The second leg of the 2016 Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour included a stop down on the Bayou, with Louisiana’s best talent converged on New Orleans for a one-day event. The stop was rich with college-bound prospects. Below are early predictions on where 10 of the prospects that participated may land on Signing Day 2017.
MORE: Rivals Camp Series | Rivals Recap: RCS New Orleans | Recruiting notebook | Fab 15 offense | Fab 15 defense
Recruiting wrap: Moses has been on the recruiting scene since he received his first offers as a middle schooler. Since then he’s been committed to LSU, re-opened his commitment and left the Tigers out of his top five, all while moving from Louisiana to Florida for high school. Now Moses lists a top group that includes Alabama, Florida, USC, UCLA and Texas, but it seems hard to believe LSU won’t be involved until the end.
Prediction: LSU
Recruiting wrap: Harris already has an impressive offer list, but continues to add to it as more schools catch up on their 2017 evaluations. He recently picked up offers from Arizona State and Louisville and took a visit to Mississippi State last month. But despite all the love from out of state schools, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Harris doesn’t end up at LSU. He’s already made several visits to the school and the Tigers always make in-state prospects a priority.
Prediction: LSU
Recruiting wrap: Swilling is one of the most outgoing personalities in the 2017 class and he’s handling his recruitment with the same attitude. He continues to look at several programs, including Alabama, Texas A&M and LSU. He visited Alabama earlier this year and the Tide promptly offered, setting up another battle with LSU for a top Louisiana prospect.
Prediction: LSU
Recruiting wrap: Despite being one of the top prospects in Louisiana, Stewart has yet to be offered by LSU, opening the door for several other big-time programs. Among those heavily in the mix for Stewart are Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Mississippi State. The Bulldogs appear to have the early edge and have recruiting Louisiana well before, so it wouldn’t be a shocker to see them walk away with Stewart.
Prediction: Mississippi State
Recruiting wrap: Despite being one of the country’s most electric athletes, Smith doesn’t yet have the long offer list that some offer prospects boast. But the one-time Georgia commit already has offers from heavy hitters like LSU and Alabama, and the two powers are already going toe-to-toe. Smith has the ability to play offense or defense at the next level and has drawn comparisons to Odell Beckham because of his ball skills. It will likely be a battle to the end, but if the offensive staff stays in place in Tuscaloosa, the Tide could have the edge.
Prediction: Alabama
Recruiting wrap: White holds a handful of scholarship offers. Three of them are from in-state programs. He’s familiarized himself with most of the teams recruiting him and, at least at this point, seems like a pretty good bet to stay in state. White is taking hard looks at Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Southern Miss. So while other offers will likely come this spring, the Mississippi-based schools are out to a lead when it comes to building a relationship with the four-star prospect. For now, White’s connection with Mississippi State seems especially strong.
Prediction: Mississippi State
Recruiting wrap: Jordan-Swilling has one of the most impressive offer lists in the state, with schools from all over the contry reaching into the Bayou in an attempt to pull him out of state. Right now Notre Dame and USC are on his short list, joined by regional schools Texas A&M, LSU and Alabama. But the Aggies are high on his list and have had success in the state before and could end up being the surprise destination for Jordan-Swilling.
Prediction: Texas A&M
Recruiting wrap: The one-time Auburn commit recently backed off his pledge and since has seen heavy interest from all over the country. But the talented dual-threat quarterback has LSU written all over him and it should only be a matter of time before he’s in the fold with the Tigers.
Prediction: LSU
Recruiting wrap: Jones has yet to cut his list, but schools like Ole Miss, Texas A&M and LSU appear to have the early jump on the competition when it comes to the edge rusher. He’s yet to visit the Rebels or the Aggies. Jones says visits to both schools are on the docket for the coming weeks, but assuming he’s a take for the Tigers, it’s another likely grab for the school.
Prediction: LSU
Recruiting wrap: Allen lists a top two of LSU and Alabama and it looks like it will be a lengthy battle between the two programs to land his commitment. Allen grew up as a fan of the Tigers and even said he nearly committed when the school offered, so it will be tough for the Tide to pull him out of the state.
Prediction: LSU