Rivals nationwide recruiting analyst John Garcia is joined by nationwide recruiting director Adam Gorney, TideIllustrated.com‘s Jack Knowlton and FirstAndTenFlorida.com‘s Jason Higdon to sort out three matters and decide whether or not they consider every assertion is FACT or FICTION.
1. Even after one other Colorado journey, Georgia stays the highest risk to flip Julian Lewis from USC.
Gorney: FACT. There’s undoubtedly curiosity – higher but, intrigue – on the subject of taking part in for coach Deion Sanders and all the things that comes with that. There is not any doubt Julian Lewis had an awesome journey to Colorado in latest days particularly the draw being offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur having vital NFL expertise.
However I simply do not see it occurring. Georgia stays the largest risk to USC in Lewis’ recruitment for thus many causes however primarily he has a professional shot of profitable a number of nationwide titles with the Dawgs and the identical can’t be mentioned at Colorado. I do not suppose distance is taking part in the largest position right here, it is taking part in on the largest stage in Athens and profitable. I nonetheless suppose USC is sitting in a really sturdy spot right here (particularly if its protection reveals actual life this season) however Georgia is the Trojans’ largest competitors.
Garcia: FACT. There isn’t a scarcity of applications coming after the highest passer within the land, and who might blame them? Nonetheless, there does appear to be a transparent pecking order on the prime of this race in Lewis’ recruitment. Both he sticks with Lincoln Riley and USC, probably turning into the following nice arm in Los Angeles. The opposite angle is staying nearer to residence and it’s totally clear that Georgia is gunning for Lewis about as a lot because it has – or extra – for any elite prospect within the Kirby Sensible period. There was a little bit of a development with elite expertise from the Peach State not taking part in in Athens, and the workers there’s working each angle to make sure Lewis does not appear to be the following large miss for the Bulldogs. Alabama, Auburn and positively Colorado are within the combine, however it appears like they’re on the surface trying in in comparison with USC and UGA.
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2.
Alabama must flip a quarterback recruit to guide its 2025 class.
Knowlton: FACT. Whereas it hasn’t debuted but, Kalen DeBoer’s offense requires elite quarterback play. Six of the highest seven pro-style quarterbacks within the 2025 class are all presently dedicated elsewhere. The Crimson Tide will doubtless pursue flipping a type of gamers moderately than settling for a quarterback who might probably wrestle in DeBoer’s system. Julian Lewis stays the highest identify to look at. He can be again on campus April 4 because the Tide look to remain within the race to flip the USC commit.
Garcia: FACT. Until it reveals a late-riser on the sport’s most vital place, DeBoer and firm are going to proceed to work the flip sport searching for the primary prep passer to select this system in his tenure. George MacIntyre had this system in excessive regard earlier than choosing Tennessee. KJ Lacey felt equally earlier than an early pledge to Texas. Deuce Knight actually held Alabama excessive earlier than choosing Notre Dame and, after all, Lewis is the best flip candidate for loads of applications this offseason.
Pulling off anyone flip from this group can be huge, and historical past tells us we won’t assume any of the races are really over till pen meets paper. Think about if Alabama comes out of the gates with a robust downfield assault below DeBoer? It might and may get fascinating in a rush.
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3.
Florida legacy recruit Cornelius Ingram II is a lock to the Gators.
Higdon: FICTION. Once I consider the College of Florida soccer group, a number of gamers, together with Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerrfel, Percy Harvin, Tim Tebow and Emmitt Smith, pop into my head. These are a number of the most well-known Gators of all time. Emmitt James Smith IV, the son of the previous Florida working again, had an opportunity to go to Florida twice! As a substitute, he opted for Stanford after which Texas A&M. We’ve got the son of one of many biggest gamers who picked one other program twice. There isn’t a such factor as a lock. You’ll look foolish the second you begin speaking in absolutes when referring to recruiting. Simply because Cornelius Ingram‘s father performed for the Gators doesn’t imply he’s a lock to signal with Florida. They’re the group to beat if he sticks with soccer, however it’s removed from a lock.
Garcia: FACT. Name me silly-looking, I suppose. Ingram has professional basketball curiosity and gives are beginning to are available, however Florida has been urgent on the soccer aspect and it seems to be prefer it might repay sooner moderately than later. He grew up a Gator and by no means strayed very removed from campus his complete life, to not point out his father is his prep coach and the 2 have executed at a excessive degree with the prep quarterback. Ingram has the athleticism to work as an enormous pass-catcher, whether or not jumbo huge receiver or tight finish like his father earlier than him. With out loads of different soccer applications beating down the door for Ingram, it feels extra like a matter of when and never if he follows in his father’s footsteps at UF. My FutureCast is already in.