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Published Dec 17, 2014
UA 15: Five interested programs
Mike Farrell
National Recruiting Director
Da'Vante Phillips
You can't mention Alabama recruiting without mentioning Florida State because the two programs are on a stratosphere above the rest of the recruiting world. The 'Noles have six commitments in the game and Miami (Fla.) Miami Central wide receiver Da'Vante Phillips appears to be a lock already. FSU wants Marshall very badly and would like to pull a last minute Jalen Ramsey-like steal away from USC, the team considered the favorite for Marshall. Missouri City (Texas) Thurgood Marshall cornerback Kendall Sheffield is announcing at the game, but all signs point to Texas A&M right now, although counting out Jimbo Fisher these days isn't wise. FSU feels good about their chances for defensive end Terry Beckner Jr. (although Missouri might have something to say about that) and the 'Noles could very well be the current leader for Cowart. FSU commits will be talking up the 'Noles, so, Florida State will be on flip alert for a few players as well.
3
Tyron Johnson
The Tigers were the team on the spot last year with Leonard Fournette, Jamal Adams, Tony Brown, Gerald Willis III and Speedy Noil all announcing their decision and they pulled in only Fournette and Adams. This year, the only player with an LSU hat on the table (that they have a shot at) will likely be Tyron Johnson, but he's a five-star wide receiver and a must-get. They are also trying to flip wide receiver Daylon Charlot from Alabama, are in on wide receiver DaMarkus Lodge and are hoping to pull upsets on linebacker Malik Jefferson, defensive back Kendall Sheffield or defensive tackle Daylon Mack although all appear to be Texas A&M leans (Mack is a soft commitment). There won't be as much on the line for LSU this year, but with three commitments in the game and numerous targets, they will still be very interested in the week.
4
Damien Harris
Kentucky seems like an odd choice here as it usually isn't well-represented at all-star games. However, with Harris being such a huge target for them and defensive back Marcus Lewis possibly making a decision as well, BBN will be watching. The biggest thing they need to worry about? All those Alabama commitments working on Harris with zero Kentucky commitments on hand to sell the program. Lewis is leaning right now towards the Wildcats, but he has changed his mind often. If he does commit to Kentucky early in the week and works on Harris (they are teammates) all week, that could have a nice impact. Either way, this could be a make-or-break week for Harris and Kentucky.
5
Byron Cowart
With a new coach in Jim McElwain and having been a player or leader for so many top prospects before the heat rose too high on Will Muschamp, the Gators will be watching closely and trying to get in on a few guys late. Amazingly, they only have one UA commitment, offensive lineman Tyler Jordan from Jacksonville (Fla.) Bishop Kenny. The Gators hope to land Cowart, stay in the game for linebackers Roquan Smith from Montezuma (Ga.) Macon County and Jeffery Holland and defensive tackle Kendrick Norton (both from Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Catholic). If they can land Cowart on national TV, that will attract additional interest. They may not be well represented, but they will certainly be in play for a few of these guys down the stretch.
Mike Farrell
National Recruiting Director
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