The clock is ticking for five-star OL Jamaree Salyer
Rivals broke the news last week that five-star offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer had cut his list to four schools and decided to push up his commitment date.
The 6-foot-4, 305 pound mauler is down to Clemson, Florida, Georgia and Ohio State. He will announce his decision with family, friends and classmates on December 15th, the final day of school at Atlanta (Ga.) Pace Academy before Christmas break.
That day cannot come fast enough.
"I cannot wait to commit and get this over with," said Salyer. "You know me: I run from talking to reporters and doing interviews now. It is a lot to handle with school, football and all of that, so I cannot wait to be done with it all.
For Salyer, as much as he looks forward to ending his recruitment and moving on with his senior year, he knows he still has a major decision to make.
Some outsiders feel it has already been made, but Salyer quickly said that is not true when asked about that.
"It could come down to the week before I announce my decision before I know where I want to go. I have such great relationships at both schools, I feel great when I am on each campus and the decision is going to be so tough to make.
"I still have a lot of thinking to do before I make my decision.
The only official visit Salyer has scheduled right now is to Ohio State. He will be in Columbus when the Buckeyes host Penn State at the end of this month.
Salyer's only other visit to Ohio State was when they played Michigan last season, so he has seen the atmosphere at its best and he cannot wait to get back up there.
"My first visit there was crazy," said Salyer. "I didn't get a lot of time with the coaches on that visit, so I want to be around them more this time. I want to talk with them, learn more about the plan they have for me and just get a better feel for how it is there.
"I want to spend time with players, talk to them some and just see what they have to say. I know about Ohio State's history and what they have done on the field, so this visit is big for me to just get to know the people better."
A school that recently popped up and became a finalists for the No. 10-ranked prospect in American is Florida. There was some rumblings about a visit taking place last weekend, but it did not happen.
Salyer says one will take place though before he makes his decision.
"Florida will get an official visit. I really like coach [Brad] Davis (offensive line) and he is the reason why Florida is in this for me. He came up to check on me in the spring, we have talked a good bit and I just really like what he has to say.
"I have never visited Florida, so I do not want to regret not giving them a real chance. Coach Davis is a great guy, he is one of my favorite coaches and I just need to check on things there.
"I want to give him a chance to show me what he has been talking to me about."
No date is set for the visit to the Swamp yet. Another trip to Clemson is set up though. The only thing still to be determined there is if it will be an official or unofficial visit.
"I am going up to Clemson when they play Florida State (November 11) and I am not sure if it will be an official visit or not yet. We have talked about it, but they are not sure if they are going to do official visits that weekend yet or not.
"I know I will be up there then though. I just want to get back around them one more time and get any doubts in my mind out. I don't have any questions for Clemson.
"I have been there a lot and it is all about the culture for me. They not only have talented guys there, but great guys there. That is what stands out to me most about Clemson."
Georgia made a big splash by getting five-star quarterback Justin Fields committed a week and a half ago. Salyer took notice and that only helps the Bulldog's chances.
"It does help Georgia some getting a guy like Justin," said Salyer. "I first met him over the summer, we have been talking some since and he is just a humble guy. He is a great player, but so humble about I like that a lot."
The Bulldogs have made Salyer feel like a priority since Kirby Smart took the job and hiring of Sam Pittman to coach the offensive line is a key factor.
"It has really been different with me and Georgia since coach Pittman took over. He and I have established a great relationship and things have been different between me and Georgia since he came onto the staff.
"The fans are great, I really like how they are playing this season and I know Athens very well, but coach Pittman is so important here."
The days are running out for Salyer, who plans to announce his decision December 15th, then sign December 20th, the first day of the early signing period. He knows he has a lot to think about.
"Right now, what I know is it is Clemson and Georgia at the top, then Florida and Ohio State," said Salyer. "I have to make sure of everything.
"I have to make sure of everything now. I do not have much time left."
He is feeling no pressure from anyone around him. It is his decision and he will be the one making it in the near future.
"My mom does not have a favorite school. She says I am her favorite, so she will be happy with whoever I choose. My entire family is behind me.
"I have the best of both worlds right now, so it is a big decision for me. It is on me and I will be ready."