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Published Sep 3, 2012
SE Mailbag: Who lands Laremy
Kynon Codrington
Recruiting Analyst
Rivals.com recruiting analyst Kynon Codrington answers readers' questions regarding the Southeast region.
What are Alabama's chances of landing Laremy TunsilClick Here to view this Link.? Is the success of the offensive line under Nick Saban a factor? -- Ty Meeks from Atlanta (via Facebook)
Did you see the AlabamaClick Here to view this Link. thrashing of MichiganClick Here to view this Link. on Saturday night? I did and I've come to the realization the success of Nick SabanClick Here to view this Link. can help factor into anything ranging from his three national championships, superior game day preparation, and recruiting. Laremy TunsilClick Here to view this Link. took it slow with recruiting this summer after making trips to AlabamaClick Here to view this Link., FloridaClick Here to view this Link., and GeorgiaClick Here to view this Link.. He chose not to participate in any of the elite camps and hasn't set up an official visits as of yet.
Alabama is in the mix and if the Tide continues their high level of play on the field that certainly helps their cause. Florida and Georgia will be tough to beat, but don't count out USC. Some experts feel the five-star offensive tackle ends up at Florida while others have him favoring Georgia. USC is trying to get him to campus for an official visit, but distance could be a factor in his decision. All signs point to this being an SEC battle and like I said before, you can never discount Saban's effort especially when it comes to recruiting.
How are the Hurricanes doing with recruiting in "the state of Miami"? -- Mike from Ormond Beach, Fla. (via email)
The 'Canes have done a good job so far with four of their 10 commitments coming from the tri-county area of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach county. The class is going to be on the smaller side with about 15-17 prospects after Al GoldenClick Here to view this Link. signed more than 30 players a year ago.
Delray Beach (Fla.) Atlantic defensive lineman Keith Bryant fills a position of need in this class. Miami lacks an elite defensive tackle and Bryant can help add depth. Artie Burns out of Northwestern and Jamal Carter from Southridge are two versatile defensive backs. Pardon the pun, but Burns is a burner. He has world-class speed and can play corner or safety. When healthy Carter is an above average free safety with playmaking ability as a punt returner.
Perhaps one of the more underrated committed prospects is Plantation (Fla.) South Plantation running back Alex Collins. Collins led Broward County in rushing last fall and is one of top backs in the area. Miami will have to fight to hold onto him as Florida State and Wisconsin are making a push to flip him. If they can keep Collins and lock up area stars such as five-star Matthew Thomas along with four-stars Denver Kirkland, Stacey Coley, Jordan Cunningham, and Jermaine Grace they have a chance to finish with a top 15 class.
Which of the Big Three in Florida are doing the best job recruiting for the Class of 2013? -- Leigh from Coral Springs, Fla. (via email)
FloridaClick Here to view this Link. has the top overall class in the Rivals team rankings. They certainly helped themselves on Saturday when Rivals100 wide receiver Alvin BaileyClick Here to view this Link. announced he would be playing in "The Swamp." The Gators are in the mix for elite receivers LaQuon TreadwellClick Here to view this Link. and Marquez NorthClick Here to view this Link.. Even with four receiver commitments Coach Muschamp's offense is in need of playmakers, so expect them to heavily pursue Treadwell and North.
The Seminoles are sitting right outside the top ten, but they should finish inside come Signing Day. Fan expectations are high for the program coming off a successful recruiting class. However, some players seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach to see if Florida State is finally back.
The 'Noles have a chance to flip the previously mentioned Collins. Christian Morgan told Warchant.com that he was having second thoughts about his pledge and distance is playing a factor. They have recently made a move with four-star safety Leon McQuay III. Plantation (Fla.) cornerback Sojourn Shelton decommitted last month, so they may look to add another prospect to the secondary following the loss.
Click Here to view this Link.
Miami has a long way to go if they plan on catching in state rivals although they closed well last year reeling in Tracy Howard and Malcolm Lewis. Kevin Olsen is the headliner of the class. The Elite 11 quarterback looked great this summer on the camp circuit. Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit three-star tight end Travis Johnson is a great pick up for Tight End U. Johnson doesn't have the best body and isn't the fastest, but he has sure hands. Alex Gall of Moeller isn't a big name, but he is capable tackle that should develop under Art Kehoe.
I don't think Golden and his staff can unseat Florida. But if Miami can pluck a couple of local prospects like I mentioned earlier in Thomas, Kirkland, Cunningham, Coley, or Grace they can challenge Florida State's standing. It's going to be difficult and you can expect for Florida and Florida State to use the looming NCAA sanctions against Miami in every recruiting battle.
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