Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge: Commitment checkup
ATLANTA -- Registration day at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by adidas saw dozens of committed prospects representing their future teams. The event provided a chance to check in on the strength of said verbal pledges and we head toward signing day.
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JAYION MCCLUSTER - FLORIDA STATE
Why he’s staying committed: “Relationships are getting stronger and out class is tight. We all have a goal. We’re trying to turn Florida State around. We’re all committed to the mission. We’re all in. We’re not going anywhere else.”
Schools still in pursuit: None
Rivals' reaction: Barring something unforeseen, McCluster will sign with the Seminoles. There’s no indication that he’ll take a serious look around this fall. And while things could certainly change, FSU should feel good about landing his letter of intent in December.
JAVON BAKER - ALABAMA
Why he’s staying committed: “They should believe because there is nothing like Alabama.”
Others schools in pursuit: LSU, Georgia, Arkansas, Louisville, Maryland and Ohio State
Rivals' reaction: Baker is one to watch. He is an Alabama commit, and those are always hard to flip, but he visits a lot of schools. He will be one to track until he signs the papers.
MUHSHIN MUHAMMAD - TEXAS A&M
Why he’ll stay committed: “I’m strong with Texas A&M. I’m only looking forward to getting down there. I believe I’m going to be part of a national championship team. And, like Coach [Jimbo] Fisher says, he doesn’t have to recruit outside Texas, so him coming to recruit me was big.”
Schools still in pursuit: Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina
Rivals' reaction: Muhammad says he is “keeping in contact with other schools,” but doesn’t plan to take visits at this time. It seems as though all is well between the four-star wideout and the Aggies as the fall approaches.
DEREK WINGO - FLORIDA
Why he’ll stay committed: “I’d definitely say the weather helps. Also, I know I have a chance to go in there and play early with some of the young guys. I have an intention to go in there and start. It’s a close enough place for my family to come up for every home game. Then, the coaching staff. They were great and never pressured me when I was committed to Penn State. They never said a bad things about Penn State. Florida never did that.”
Schools still in pursuit: Michigan
Rivals' reaction: This one is likely over. Michigan remains aggressive when it comes to pursuing Wingo, but it seems the four-star linebacker will sign with the Gators in December.
RASHAD TORRENCE - FLORIDA
Why he’s staying committed: “Fans should believe that I will stay committed because Florida is a great place. Where else would you want to be?””
Schools still in pursuit: Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia Tech and Louisville
Rivals' reaction: It seems like Torrence is locked in with Florida. Yes, he still may take a visit or two, and Tennessee could be one to watch, but the Gators look to be in a good spot right now.
MAX JOHNSON - LSU
Why he’s staying committed: “Fans should believe I am going to stay committed because I’ve never had any doubt after my decision, and I haven’t visited other schools, and I haven’t contacted anyone else. I can see myself in Baton Rouge and playing for the LSU Tigers.”
Schools still in pursuit: None
Rivals' reaction: This one is over, and it has been over since he committed.
SAIVION COLLINS - MIAMI
Why he’s staying committed: “My mom. For her, Miami was her dream school. She wasn’t able to go there, but I have that chance. She wants the best for me and I want to be able to make her happy. If I’m able to get there and express her dreams and my dreams, that’s the best thing for me.”
Schools still in pursuit: LSU, Florida.
Rivals' reaction: Florida seems like a real player here. The Gators are in touch with somebody in Collins’ camp almost weekly. So while Miami has held Collins’ commitment for years, there could be some tense moments ahead.