Ranking the Contenders: Audric Estime
Audric Estime was planning on having a busy spring and summer but the pandemic and recruiting dead period really derailed his plans for visits. A few programs have done a great job building relationships with Estime through phone conversations and virtual tours, but only a couple teams have been able to get him on campus in a significant way. A decision is not on the horizon, so expect something this fall or even after the season. Take a look at the teams in the best position to land Estime's commitment at this point.
MORE: How things stand with top five uncommitted DT
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022: Top 100
1. RUTGERS
Rutgers has a lot going for it right now with Estime because of his relationships with the coaches there and the number of times that he's visited the campus. Estime and his former head coach and current Rutgers assistant coach Augie Hoffman are very close and the two talk on a consistent basis. Estime is looking forward to seeing how the offense plays this year so he can get a better idea of how he fits into their scheme.
2. VIRGINIA TECH
Estime took a visit to Virginia Tech and felt great about the environment while he was on campus. He really likes the coaches there and they've been in touch with him for a long time. Expect the Hokies to continue to push for Estime as the recruiting process continues, and getting him back on campus once the dead period is over is key.
3. MICHIGAN STATE
The new coaching staff at Michigan State has identified Estime as one prospect that they really like and could fit into their scheme. The two sides are building a relationship and the Spartans think they have a good chance at landing him down the road. A visit would go a long way towards closing the gap between them and Rutgers at the top of this list.
4. NEBRASKA
Estime doesn't have a ton of connections to Nebraska, but one player has done a great job at making sure he feels comfortable with the Huskers. Rahmir Johnson is a former northern New Jersey standout and knows Estime very well. That relationship is going a long way to push Nebraska up Estime's list.
5. ARIZONA STATE
As with most prospects interested in the Sun Devils, the NFL experience that Herm Edwards and his coaching staff brings to the table really caught Estime's eye. He's done a good job staying in touch with the Arizona State coaches and he feels like he's growing closer to them each time they talk. His confidence in those coaches and his ability to have success in that scheme is another reason Arizona State is doing well in his recruitment.