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Takeaways from the Adidas 3 Stripe Elite Camp in Georgia

MACON, Ga. – Mercer University played host to the 3 Stripe Elite Camp presented by adidas on Wednesday, with college staffs from around the country coming to evaluate talent. Coaches from Nebraska, Mississippi State, Rutgers, Kansas and N.C. State were just a few of the schools represented.

Here are some of the day's storylines that caught our attention.

MORE: Nebraska recruiting notes from camp | SEC schools watching 5-Star Challenge

Coaches target Tutt

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Four-star Georgia DB Christian Tutt
Four-star Georgia DB Christian Tutt

Four-star Georgia defensive back Christian Tutt was one of the most popular prospects at the event in terms of attention from coaches, with the Nebraska staff devoting plenty of time to him. Nebraska assistant Donte Williams, known for his recruiting process, was not only chatting with Tutt, but also working with him on the field in drills. The two seem to have a quick bond and without the satellite camp setting obviously it’s not an in-person connection that could have been made outside of Lincoln, Neb. Tutt recently delayed his decision, perhaps opening the door for Nebraska to make a move in its continuing efforts to land Tutt.

Lineman star power

Any time there’s an event in Georgia there’s bound to be talent along the offensive and defensive lines, and Wednesday was no exception. Florida State commit Christian Meadows was probably the most high profile participant in the event, but several other notable linemen were in attendance as onlookers. Rivals100 offensive lineman William Barnes, who was decked out in Florida Gators gear while watching several of his high school teammates participate in the event, headlined the group. Also in attendance but not participating was Barnes' three-star teammate Ed Montilus and four-star Georgia offensive lineman Christian Armstrong.

Young quarterbacks shine

2020 prospect Harrison Bailey
2020 prospect Harrison Bailey

The state of Georgia has three five-star quarterbacks in the class of 2018, and while that is quite the rarity, it doesn’t mean there aren’t other quality prospects coming down the line. One of the top overall performers and biggest names in attendance was class of 2020 Marietta, Ga. quarterback Harrison Bailey. Despite already holding offers from many of college football’s top programs, Bailey went through the entire workout and managed to add another SEC offer courtesy of Mississippi State. Joining Bailey in impressing was fellow class of 2020 prospect Tee Webb. The Cartersville, Ga. native currently serves as the backup to the nation’s No. 1 overall player, Trevor Lawrence, but already has offers from Rutgers, Louisville and added one from host Mercer on Wednesday. Also in attendance was class of 2021 quarterback Aaron McLaughlin, thought to be one of the names to know in his class.

New satellite setting is a winner

Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen
Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen

It was interesting to see the evolution of the satellite camp in essentially the third year I’ve covered the events. With adidas being the common thread among all the schools attending, prospects were easily identifiable, and the camp, run by Mercer’s staff, went very smoothly. By mandating that events are held on college campuses and run by schools, it seems as if the NCAA has done a nice job of taking a lot of guesswork about which schools will be at an event. What really caught my attention was the way coaches were allowed to interact with prospects both during and following the camp. The experience of having direct communication is invaluable to both coaches and prospects, and it was fun to see so much of that happening with so many different prospects and schools in one setting.

Offers are flowing

2020 Georgia tight end Arik Gilbert
2020 Georgia tight end Arik Gilbert

Several prospects picked up new offers following the camp, and the scholarships are expected to continue to flow in the coming days. Class of 2020 Georgia tight end Arik Gilbert added an offer from Nebraska, while fellow class of 2020 Georgia prospect Jordon Simmons added an offer from Mississippi State.

One of the day’s biggest stars, Orlando-area defensive back Tanner Ingle, added offers from Mercer and Indiana, and it seems as if N.C. State will be joining his list soon as well. Ingle is a classic case of a highly productive player who is under recruited because of his size, but when given the chance to showcase his skills in front of coaches he excels and ends up getting the recognition he’s earned.

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