Rivals national recruiting analyst Cole Patterson previews some big commitment announcements coming in August, examines the new college football landscape after the latest round of realignment and spotlights five rising Mid-South prospects:
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BIG NAMES SET TO COME OFF THE BOARD
The summer was active with commitments all around the country, and that was especially true in the Mid-South Region. Prospects such as five-star linebacker Justin Williams and high four-star wide receiver Bryant Wesco were among the high-level names to announce their pledge in the months of June and July.
Now that the calendar has flipped to August, the recruiting landscape is not slowing down anytime soon. Five-star Colin Simmons is the biggest name set to make a commitment, as he will announce between Texas, LSU and Miami on Aug. 10. Four-star running back Caden Durham will reveal his decision on the same day that his teammate Simmons will, with LSU battling Oklahoma and Texas A&M in that recruitment.
Beyond those, five-star wide receiver Micah Hudson has been on commit watch since mid-June, so he could pop at any moment. Five-star defensive end Kamarion Franklin and four-star Dominick McKinnley are other names to watch as the two sort through their contenders. Rivals250 athlete Daniel Hill has a commitment date set for Aug. 23.
August could have just as many big fireworks with big names set to come off the board in the near future.
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CONFERENCE REALIGNMENT CHANGES THE LANDSCAPE
There seems to be more and more movement in the college football world as each day passes. The momentum began a couple short years ago when Oklahoma and Texas made the decision to leave the Big 12 for the SEC.
UCLA and USC are set for the Big Ten. Now, there's been even more activity in recent weeks. That includes Colorado returning to the Big 12 after leaving the conference in 2010 as well as notable West Coast programs in Oregon and Washington following the Bruins and Trojans to the Big Ten.
All of this not only puts the Pac-12 in a difficult situation as the conference loses its top brands, but it also raises questions about the future of college football. What will happen to the ACC? Does the Big 12 eventually elevate to the level of the SEC and Big Ten after adding more programs to the fold? Is this the end of this round of realignment or will there be more unexpected movement to come?
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FIVE POTENTIAL RISERS IN THE MID-SOUTH
Poe committed to Alabama on the Rivals YouTube channel earlier this summer and he has a case to move up in the rankings. Already a 5.9 four-star, Poe is one of the best interior linemen in the class. He is strong, moves well and finishes blocks consistently. His multi-sport background is even more reason to like his projection.
Okoye does not play elite-level high school competition at NOAH Homeschool Academy, but his frame jumps out on tape. At 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds, Okoye has the size, length and raw ability that point to an exciting trajectory to the next level and beyond.
Bridges is still developing his craft in the secondary but his 6-foot-4 height and lengthy arms are difficult to ignore. Paired with his basketball and track background, Bridges looks set to make a big impact at Arkansas.
Kearney is a part of a loaded crop of pass catchers in the Lone Star State for the 2024 cycle. The Oklahoma commit has the size, production, speed and playmaking ability to play early for the Sooners.
Crutchfield turned heads in a big way over the summer at the OT7 Tournament in California. Committed to Arkansas, Crutchfield grabbed nine touchdowns during his junior season in the Natural State and features impressive leaping ability at the receiver position.
