Rivals Camp Series: Commitment checkup
CINCINNATI – There are still eight months until 2020 prospects can sign letters of intent, but already more than 450 in that class have made college commitments. Several of those committed prospects took part in Sunday’s Rivals 3 Stripe Camp presented by adidas, and we checked up on the status of those commitments.
MORE RCS CINCINNATI: The Helmholdt Awards | Prospects that earned their stripes | Teams that should be pleased | Thoughts from the sideline
*****
Commitment percentage level: “8 out of 10”
Schools trying to flip him: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame
On his commitment: “I’m committed, but I’m still open to other opportunities. I still respect my commitment, though.”
Rivals’ take: Fleming was an early commitment for Miami (Ohio), but Power Five programs have entered the race and are swaying his focus away. While he’s saying all the right things, a spot at Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State or Notre Dame may be too good an opportunity for Fleming to pass up.
*****
Commitment percentage level: 90% to 100%
Schools trying to flip him: Kentucky
On his commitment: “It’s really about the bond. I text coach (Jon) Tenuta, we call and just stay in communication. They want to use me at safety, is what they told me. I feel I could be a pretty great fit.”
Rivals’ take: Neal has been committed to Cincinnati for just over two months, but he continues to see interest come in from new schools and is at least willing to listen when they do. Cincinnati will need to stay diligent about keeping Neal in the fold.
*****
Commitment percentage level: 100%
Schools trying to flip him: Kentucky
On his commitment: “With the program they have, how welcoming they are and how successful they are, it’s a no-brainer. I gave them my word and I don’t go back on my word.”
Rivals’ take: When you commit to coach Dabo Swinney, it’s etched in stone. It’s a trait unique in the college football recruiting stratosphere that Swinney and the Clemson football program have established. Parks has told other schools that his recruitment is over with and he’s a member of a highly regarded Tigers class actively recruiting other talented prospects to join forces in Death Valley.
*****
Commitment percentage level: 100%
Schools trying to flip him: Kentucky, Notre Dame, Minnesota
On his commitment: “I know when I get there, I know the plan. I know what I’m gonna do. It’s up from there trying to go to the league.”
Rivals’ take: Seldon is actively recruiting for the Wolverines and he feels very good about the rich, storied tradition of the program and the track for him to develop and play in Ann Arbor as well. A lot of schools are in his ear, but he feels sure about his path to Michigan and beyond.
*****
Commitment percentage level: 100%
Schools trying to flip him: Ohio State and Michigan State
On his commitment: “The relationship I’ve had with the coaches since my freshman year is why I’m staying committed. It’s a really good program and I just love it there.”
Rivals’ take: Toutant was the first player to commit to Penn State’s 2020 class in November, and he’s been trying to help the Nittany Lions recruit behind the scenes since then. He’s been so active for Penn State and steadfast in his commitment that something drastic would have to happen for him to not end up playing for Penn State.
*****
Commitment percentage level: 100%
Schools trying to flip him: Ohio State, Michigan State, Notre Dame
On his commitment: “I always wanted to go to Michigan. I grew up a Michigan fan, so the opportunity to play there is an absolute blessing. I’m 100 percent in.”
Rivals’ take: As Wheeler stated, he’s a hometown kid who dreamed of playing for the state school — and that’s with other national powers like Notre Dame and Ohio State knocking on his door. He’s actively recruiting for the Wolverines and pushing the narrative of in-state prospects staying home. His path to Ann Arbor is solidified.
*****
Commitment percentage level: "1,000%"
Schools trying to flip him: Louisville, Purdue
On his commitment: “It’s great academics, but a lot of people don’t know that they throw the ball a lot. That was obviously a factor. Then, it’s 20 minutes from Chicago and you can’t beat that.”
Rivals’ take: Yaseen was adamant in professing the strength of the commitment he made at the end of December, despite schools like Louisville and Washington State offering him since that commitment. Northwestern has a strong hold rate with commitments under Pat Fitzgerald.