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Ranking the contenders: Four-star 2023 OG DJ Chester

Georgia 2023 OL DJ Chester
Georgia 2023 OL DJ Chester (Rivals.com)

The pickings are slim on four-star offensive linemen left available as the Early Signing Period approaches putting a bigger spotlight on the upcoming decision of DJ Chester. The Georgia product out of Eagle’s Landing Christian released a top-six on Oct. 30 ahead of his Nov. 3 announcement at 9:30 a.m. ET. We breakdown the contenders on his list.

The top-six: Auburn, Florida A&M, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, and Ole Miss

THE LEADERS

Michigan: The timing of Chester’s commitment should favor the Wolverines. Chester is fresh off his official to Ann Arbor, which typically favors host team with a quick turnaround decision. Working against Michigan, is one visit to Ann Arbor enough, how far out in front has LSU been all along, and growing up in SEC territory, is playing in the SEC a factor?

LSU: Since June, the talk along the recruiting trail has favored the Tigers landing Chester. What could have prevented an earlier announcement favoring LSU was seeing the product new head coach Brian Kelly and staff put on the field. At 6-2 (4-1 SEC), the Tigers look good heading into their showdown against Alabama after beating then-No. 7 Ole Miss 45-20.

PREDICTION: LSU

THE CONTENDERS

Auburn, Florida A&M, Florida State, and Ole Miss.

Of the contenders, Florida State is the squad that could pull off the shocker. Chester has made multiple visits to Tallahassee, camped with the Seminoles, and officially visited the Noles in September. Head coach Mike Norvell and his staff would take Chester’s commitment, but one area where FSU is flush is at guard. The fit maybe there but the opportunity for early playing time might be more challenging.

Ole Miss got Chester on campus for an official on Oct. 1. As an offensive lineman, there is value playing in Lane Kiffin’s offense knowing he will run and pass the ball with equal opportunities to develop those skills for NFL scouts.

With all the uncertainty at Auburn after head coach Bryan Harsin’s dismissal earlier this week, it is easy to say these Tigers are no longer in the running.

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