Rivals 3 Stripe Camp Columbus: Predictions on top prospects

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The majority of three and four-star rated prospects who took part in Sunday’s Rivals 3 Stripe Camp presented by adidas are still uncommitted. Here are projections on where five of those prospects could be headed.

The latest: Dowell will announce his commitment May 29 and the finalists are Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State and Pittsburgh. His most recent visit went to Maryland on May 6, and the Terrapins appeal to him because their proximity to Washington D.C. fits well with his desired academic pursuit of political science. Trips to Indiana and Iowa are possible before May 29, but not currently set. Dowell’s older brothers both attend Michigan State.

The pick: Michigan State. Dowell has named only the Spartans as his leader in the past. There’s no reason to think anything has changed.

The latest: Smith announced a top 12 of Alabama, Cincinnati, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, UCLA and USC on April 28. He has seen about half of those schools in-person, including Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State and Pitt. This summer he has visits scheduled to UCLA and USC, and will look to schedule trips down to Cincinnati and Texas. He plans to take all five official visits before committing to a school.

The pick: Ohio State. There is so much recruiting yet to be done here, but Urban Meyer rarely loses on recruits in his own backyard and they are off to a great start with Smith.

The latest: This recruitment started early with a commitment to Michigan during his sophomore year, but Taylor backed away from that pledge last summer. In the time since, Taylor has gone about the process much slower. He made spring visits to both Kentucky and Iowa State. His next visits are being planned for the summer and include stops at Alabama, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Tennessee. He does not have a set top group and does not plan to sign in the early December period.

The pick: Kentucky. The UK-Springfield connection is strong and with recruiting savant Vince Marrow also being Taylor’s expected position coach, this one sets up well for the Wildcats.

The latest: Morton named Iowa State, Northern Illinois and Pittsburgh as his top three earlier this spring. Indiana has also been pushing hard in recent weeks. Other schools, such as West Virginia, have been showing interest and could be on the verge of offering. Next on the schedule for Morton is a trip to Iowa State on May 27 and one to Pittsburgh in June for a summer camp.

The pick: Iowa State. Since offering in February, the Cyclones have done a great job of developing a relationship with Morton. Do not be surprised if he leaves Ames later this month with a decision made.

The latest: Square released a top 10 on May 4 that consisted of Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, LSU, Kentucky, Michigan State, Pitt, Syracuse and Wisconsin. This spring, he took trips with his Cass Tech team that includes stops at Louisville, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. A planned early enrollee, Square plans to take advantage of the early signing period, but would like to have his commitment made before his senior season even starts.

The pick: Michigan State. This is another one battle we expect the Spartans to win. It feels like they have been the team to beat since offering nearly a year ago.