Take Two: Will Rakim Jarrett stick with LSU?
Take Two returns with a daily offering tackling an issue in the college football landscape. Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney lays out the situation and then receives takes from Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell and an expert from the Rivals.com network of team sites or a regional analyst.
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THE STORYLINE
Rakim Jarrett made a surprise commitment to LSU in late April, but he’s going to keep things interesting over the next few months.
The Washington (D.C.) St. John’s five-star receiver remains committed to the Tigers but Alabama is definitely making a major play to flip him and Jarrett took a visit to Maryland last weekend.
Terps coach Mike Locksley had a big hand in getting five-star receiver Stefon Diggs years ago and there could be some parallels to Jarrett, who is not expected to announce his final decision until February’s National Signing Day.
That allows for many more weeks of speculation and chatter.
LSU’s offense has been incredible this season and its receivers have thrived in a downfield passing attack. Alabama is definitely taking its shot at Jarrett, who’s been to Tuscaloosa and has high interest in the Crimson Tide. And the Terrapins had a bad season, but staying closer to home could be a consideration.
Will Jarrett stick with LSU or is he headed somewhere else?
FIRST TAKE: ADAM FRIEDMAN, MID-ATLANTIC RECRUITING ANALYST
“Maryland is definitely a threat, but the chances Jarrett flips there are a little less than what the chances are of him flipping to Alabama. That remains the biggest threat to LSU right now.
“The visit to LSU for the Texas A&M game signaled that things appear to be going a little better between LSU and Jarrett. There are still a lot of rumors flying around that Alabama is working very hard to flip Jarrett and it doesn’t seem like they’re going to let up. They really want him along with Arian Smith and they will take one or both of those guys. Getting one does not rule out the other.”
SECOND TAKE: MIKE FARRELL, NATIONAL RECRUITING DIRECTOR
“Alabama is a big threat. LSU’s offense looks amazing and it’s the first year they’ve done it, but those receivers look amazing. Those are the two options that are the most attractive when you’re looking at winning and performance on the field over Maryland.
“Could this be another Stefon Diggs situation where he waits and waits and waits and then decides he wants to stay close to home and his family? Possibly. Locksley did beat out some big-time programs for Diggs. The problem is Maryland is coming off a really bad season and they’re a long shot to keep Jarrett home.”