Decision day looms for college football recruits around the country. A number have already made their decisions through a verbal commitment, but on Wednesday will mark the first time those solid verbals can be become official with the signing of a National Letter of Intent.
A handful of recruits have yet to make their decisions known. Here are the five players still undecided at the end of January with just days to go, according to Rivals.
1. DB Adoree’ Jackson (Gardena, CA, Rivals)
Leading Candidates: Florida, USC, LSU, UCLA
This much seems certain, Jackson will be playing his college football in either the SEC or the Pac 12. Being the California native, it is no surprise USC and UCLA have been in the mix, but the Trojans look to have pick dup some steam in the recruiting game since Steve Sarkisian was named head coach. USC’s biggest need may not be in the defensive secondary, but the future outlook for USC seems more optimistic right now and that makes the Trojans a huge player heading in to signing day.
Prediction: USC
2. LB Rashaan Evans (Auburn, AL; Rivals, pictured)
Leading Candidates: Auburn, Alabama, UCLA
Considering Auburn just played for a BCS championship and knocked off Alabama to get there, it would be a major shock if the Tigers let one of the nation’s top linebacker recruits sneak right out of their backyard. Auburn’s defense was good last year but certainly not their strength. Adding some hometown star power would make a great addition.
Prediction: Auburn
3. WR Malachi Dupre (River Ridge, LA, Rivals)
Leading Candidates: LSU, UCLA, Ole Miss, Florida State, Alabama
Dupre has been making a number of visits in January leading up to signing day, but LSU still looks like a strong favorite for the Louisiana wide receiver. the 6’4” 175 pound receiver is the second highest rated recruit in Louisiana and second at his position in the country. With a need at receiver, LSU looks to have one locked in.
Prediction: LSU
4. OL Damian Prince (Forestville, MD; Rivals)
Leading Candidates: Maryland, Florida, South Carolina
Where the 6’5”, 292 pound offensive lineman from Maryland ends up is one of the more up-in-the-air decisions to be made. Maryland has long been a popular favorite for the instate lineman, but Florida and South Carolina appear to have been making a decent push. The wild card in the equation may be Penn State, and Florida State may be in the mix as well. This is a tough one to predict, but Prince would be a huge keep for Maryland if they can hold on to him.
Prediction: Maryland
5. DB John Smith (Long Beach, CA; Rivals)
Leading Candidates: USC, Notre Dame
Another recruiting battle that appears pretty wide open is likely to have two strong contenders in the field with days to go. The California wide receiver from Long Beach is believed to be choosing between USC and Notre Dame. Again, the momentum is a huge factor in this recruiting battle, and USC seems to have it at the right time. The Trojans had Smith on an unofficial visit and an official visit in January that followed up an unofficial visit in December.
Prediction: USC