Road to NSD: Florida predictions
With National Signing Day 2016 less than a week away, there’s no shortage of drama or moving parts in the recruiting world. In the hotbed of Florida, things are especially uncertain. Below is a look at where some of the Sunshine State’s top uncommitted prospects could land as well as which committed prospects could have a twist in store down the stretch.
WR Nate Craig-Myers, Tampa (Fla.) Catholic (4-star)
Where things stand: Craig-Myers, a one-time Auburn commit, has been uncommitted for some time now. He’s recently narrowed his choices to include just North Carolina and Auburn. UNC made a splash with the four-star receiver during his campus visit, but the longstanding relationships he has in place at Auburn will likely be too much to overcome. Combine that with the allure of the SEC and the tradition the Tigers have in the league, and it seems as though Auburn is the heavy favorite here. Craig-Myers will announce his pick on Signing Day.
Prediction: Auburn
DB Jayvaughn Myers, Dade City (Fla.) Pasco (3-star)
Where things stand: The younger brother of Nate Craig-Myers, it seems that Myers will choose the same school as his brother. He has the same two finalists (Auburn and North Carolina), and, like his brother, will also announce his decision on Signing Day. The two have long thought to be a package deal of sorts.
Prediction: Auburn
DL Brian Burns, Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage (4-star)
Where things stand: Burns is one of the most difficult prospects in America to read. That could have something to do with the fact that his decision is still actually up in the air. When talking to Burns, you get the feeling that he is still legitimately weighing his options. Florida, Florida State and Georgia all remain involved. Florida State is thought to hold an ever-so-slight lead, though, and the fact that FSU will get Burns’ final visit may put the Noles over the edge. Anything is possible here, so any guess is just that.
Prediction: Florida State
DB Trayvon Mullen, Coconut Creek, Fla. (4-star)
Where things stand: Mullen, who has made his share of visits, was once thought to be a slight Florida State lean. LSU is seen as the only legitimate threat to lure the Rivals250 cornerback out of the state. Mullen, who recently missed a schedule FSU visit, could go either way without causing shock and awe when he announces on Signing Day, but it seems as though LSU has curried his favor down the stretch.
Prediction: LSU
WR Keith Gavin, Crawfordville (Fla.) Wakulla (4-star)
Where things stand: A one-time Florida State commit, Gavin backed off his pledge during the season. These days, his list has been narrowed to include FSU and Alabama. At this point, Gavin’s recruitment seems like a coin flip, and a decision could come down before Signing Day arrives.
Prediction: Alabama
WR Keyshawn Young, Miami High (3-star)
Where things stand: Young has never been shy about naming Michigan as his leader. His official went off well and his bond with the Wolverines’ coaches seems to strengthen with each passing month. The fact that he hasn’t already committed, however, is troubling for UM. Michigan would likely still take Young should he attempt to choose them on Signing Day, but Jim Harbaugh and company have not pursued Young as strongly in recent weeks as they did a month or so ago. Young will choose Louisville or Michigan, but is a lock to neither. USC could get involved with Young in the days leading into Signing Day, but that seems like a long shot.
Prediction: Louisville
ATH Carlos Becker, Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola (3-star)
Becker has approached his recruitment with a slow and methodical pace. These days, his options seem narrowed to Ohio State, N.C. State and Florida State. The Buckeyes will get Becker’s’ final visit, but Urban Meyer will have plenty of work to do to land Becker, who seems to be a solid FSU lean for the time being. Visits can change everything, sure, but the Seminoles have to like where they stand.
Prediction: Florida State
A FEW THAT COULD FLIP
DL Shavar Manuel, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy (4-star)
Committed to: Florida
Could flip to: Florida State
Why it’s possible: Manuel was thought to be high on Florida State earlier in his recruitment. And while his commitment to Florida is relatively new, the fact that he is visiting FSU on the final weekend before Signing Day is certainly worth noting.
DB Tyler Byrd, Naples, Fla. (4-star)
Committed to: Miami
Could flip to: Tennessee
Why it’s possible: Tennessee scored points with Byrd when it hired former Miami assistant Larry Scott, who helped score Byrd’s commitment to the Hurricanes. Byrd has not been shy about his interest in UT and will use the final visit weekend of the cycle to tour the Volunteers’ campus. A Rivals100 member, Byrd could give Tennessee’s class a huge boost should he spurn the in-state school to which he is currently pledged.
RB Zack Moss, Hallandale, Fla. (3-star)
Committed to: Utah
Could flip to: Tennessee
Why it’s possible: If Tennessee misses on a target or two in front of him, Moss could become a serious priority for the Vols’ staff. The three-star running back has two teammates headed to Utah, which gives the Utes a strong leg to stand on, but if SEC-affiliated Tennessee pushed for Moss hard during his upcoming official visit, it could be hard for him to make the long trip west to Pac-12 country.
LB Dominique Ross, Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian (3-star)
Committed to: North Carolina
Could flip to: Virginia Tech
Why it’s possible: Virginia Tech coaches visited Ross in Jacksonville this week and the Hokies will get an official visit from the linebacker over the weekend. The fact that he has a long-standing relationship with the Tech staff that stretches back to coaching regime’s time at Memphis certainly doesn’t hurt. A commitment change is not a lock, but it’s certainly a situation worth monitoring.