Ranking the Contenders: Four-star OT Wilkin Formby
Four-star offensive tackle Wilkin Formby released his top five last week and it has a decidedly SEC feel.
Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss and Tennessee made the list from that conference, and then Oklahoma is the other team on the list.
There is some idea that Formby could make a decision in July before heading into his senior season, but that’s not solidified and there’s a chance the four-star from Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Northridge could push things back.
In today’s Ranking The Contenders, we take a look at the top schools on Formby’s list and determine which program has the best shot at landing him.
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1. ALABAMA
Could it be this simple? Formby is a legacy. He lives in Tuscaloosa. He grew up watching the Crimson Tide and knowing all about the program and now he has an offer to play for them. Not only are those factors in his recruitment, but the massive four-star offensive lineman also respects the development of players at his position over the years.
There are so many reasons to think Formby ends up in Alabama’s class, but if it was a lock then why wouldn’t he have committed by now?
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2. OLE MISS
Ole Miss was the first Power Five program to offer Formby last summer before his junior season and that’s not something that’s going to go unnoticed by the four-star prospect. Formby has also hit it off with position coach Jake Thornton and so saying ‘no’ to him once it’s time to make a decision wouldn't be easy.
There seems to be a high level of confidence that Ole Miss could land Formby or at the very least be right there until the end.
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3. AUBURN
Auburn could provide some things that Alabama might not, and that could be a reason why the Tigers are attractive. Formby could still stay close to home by going three hours away to Auburn, a more immediate opportunity for playing time is possible there and he has developed a strong relationship with position coach Will Friend.
It would certainly not be a snap decision by Formby, either, since he’s taken numerous visits to Auburn and has familiarized himself well with the program.
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4. TENNESSEE
Formby’s visit to Knoxville went well. He liked it at Tennessee and there are plenty of other offensive line targets for the Vols, including Francis Mauigoa and Lucas Simmons, so we will see how this relationship progresses heading into the summer.
If Formby decides to make his choice before his senior season then Tennessee might be a long shot. If he waits and the Vols have a very good season and things continue to build under coach Josh Heupel, things might get interesting later.
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5. OKLAHOMA
Counting out position coach Bill Bedenbaugh for anybody is foolish, but this seems like something that is unlikely to happen at this point.. Formby liked his visit to Norman, appreciated the vision shared by the coaching staff of what the program is going to look like and the direction it’s going, but he has not been tied to the Sooners like he has other programs.
Anything is possible, and Oklahoma is a national power, but this would be a surprise.