NEW ORLEANS — Many coveted prospects were on hand for the Rivals Camp Series event near New Orleans on Sunday and they had plenty to say about their recruitments. Below, Rivals.com uses intel gathered at the event to make guesses about where five top prospects may land.
MORE RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Woody's World | WR vs. DB highlights Part 1 | Part 2 | More than 1,300 at New Orleans combine | Full coverage/schedule
MAASON SMITH - LSU
Smith was coming off a return visit to LSU and has quietly taken a trip to Ole Miss recently. He also has visits scheduled to Florida, Florida State and Georgia. As he navigates through these top schools, expect Smith to weigh everything against the ability to stay close to home in Louisiana. There’s a long ways to go before a decision is made, but Coach Ed Orgeron has had plenty of success keeping elite defensive linemen home.
DESTYN PAZON - FLORIDA STATE
This one looked like an early win for the Tigers, too, but Florida State has made this race way more interesting. Pazon has made two trips to Florida State and has close ties with FSU assistant David Johnson and is a huge fan of the Mike Norvell offense. In addition to LSU, Florida, Oklahoma, USC and Alabama will keep this thing fluid.
KAINE WILLIAMS - LSU
Williams has his eye on the SEC and has started to frequent Alabama and LSU above the rest of the pack. He’s planning trips to Florida and Florida State, but he’s always quick to return to Baton Rouge. New defensive coordinator Bo Pelini has Williams’ attention and if he thinks there’s a chance for early playing time, then this could lead to a commitment.
BYRON TURNER - FLORIDA
Oklahoma and Texas A&M have each recently offered Turner and he made a trip out to Waco to meet with the new Baylor coaching staff. However, the Gators offered Turner way earlier in the process and have refused to take their foot off the gas. He expects to be back in The Swamp later this spring, which will give the Gators a chance to really separate from the pack.
ANTONIO HARMON - OLE MISS
There are still numerous possibilities for Harmon, but Ole Miss looks to be in a good spot early in March. He has hit it off early with Lane Kiffin, he likes the new staff and it is an in-state school. Most of the top players in Mississippi stay home, so distance is a plus for Ole Miss as well. Mississippi State, Georgia, Oregon and some others are still very much in the mix.
