Top uncommitted prospects: Southeast
With less than three months to National Signing Day, top prospects across the country are beginning to come off the board. Here is a look at the best players in the
Southeast region who have not made their pledges yet and where things stand with each of them.
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Rank: No. 10 overall, No. 1 running back
Recruiting Wrap: The nation's No. 1 running back has been
pretty quiet about his recruitment, failing to tip his cap while focusing on his
senior season. After suffering a minor knee injury mid-season, Harris went even
further underground. The only one consistent regarding Harris during the season
was the likelihood he would be at Kentucky for a game. On five different
Saturdays during the fall, Harris was in nearby Lexington to watch the Wildcats
play and momentum seemed to swing into the local team's favor. Heading into the
season Ohio State looked like the team to beat, but with the Buckeyes showing
interest in other backs, there is some thinking that they have slipped down his
list. For the longest time it was shaping up to be a battle between the Wildcats
and Buckeyes, but his past weekend Harris was in Tuscaloosa to visit Alabama for
the first time in months. Those around the program in Alabama insist that the
Tide are still very much in the mix and with Harris scheduled to return for an
official visit at the end of the month, they very well could be. As we head into
the stretch run it looks like a three-way battle between Alabama, Kentucky and
Ohio State.
Favorite: Kentucky
Dark Horse: Alabama
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Apopka (Florida)
Rank: No. 11 overall, No. 1 offensive tackle
Recruiting Wrap: The 6-foot-5, 271-pound Ivey is another top
prospect that would likely be headed to Gainesville if not for the current state
of the Florida program. He took his official visit to Florida on Oct. 10 and was
on hand for the LSU game -- one of many gut-wrenching losses for the
Gators this season. Despite the general disarray Florida finds itself in, the
Gators are still a top choice for Ivey and it's thought to be a two-team race
between them and Auburn. Ivey took his official visit to Auburn on Nov.
8 and saw the Tigers fall 41-38 to Texas A&M. One thing working in Auburn's
favor is his Apopka teammate and best friend Chandler Cox has committed
to Auburn and there's a possibility the two will want to remain teammates at the
next level. Ivey hasn't made it known when he'll announce.
Favorite: Florida
Dark Horse: Auburn
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Glen St. Mary (Florida) Baker County
Arizona State and Texas A&M are considered to
be the favorites for Kirk.
Rank: No. 12 overall, No. 2 defensive end
Recruiting Wrap: The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Jefferson is yet
another five-star who may have been well on his way to Florida if the Gators
were the same dominant program they were during the first decade of the
millennium. But as the Florida losses add up so does Jefferson's interest in
other schools. He's officially visited Ole Miss, Alabama and most recently LSU.
Jefferson hasn't named a favorite but it's assumed the three schools he's
officially visited plus Florida are all in the mix. In addition, Jefferson and
Cowart have publicly floated the idea of being a package deal though it's
obvious neither are making that a priority. However, should the two five-stars
decide to join forces they could make an immediate impact on a given defense,
immediately and as true freshman. Jefferson is expected to announce his decision
on National Signing Day.
Favorite: Ole Miss
Dark Horse: Alabama
5
DT
Birmingham (Alabama) Shades Valley
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Rank: No. 20 overall, No. 3 defensive tackle
Recruiting Wrap: It's no secret the 6-foot-2, 339-pound Payne
has long been an Alabama lean. However the longer he waits to commit, the better
chance his other favorites - presumed to be Auburn and
Mississippi State -- have to land the five-star. Mississippi State is definitely one
program to keep an eye on because the Bulldogs have landed the commitment of
Payne's Shades Valley teammate and best friend, running back Keith Mixon.
The two have taken numerous visits to Starkville together and the rise of that
program in the SEC West has to be an attention-getter for Payne. If early
playing time is a top priority for Payne, both Auburn and Mississippi State may
be safer bets than Alabama. Payne is expected to announce at the Under Armour
All America Game.
Favorite: Alabama
Dark Horses: Auburn, Mississippi State
Adam Krohn
Southeast Recruiting Analyst
Woody Womack
Southeast Recruiting Analyst
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