Simmons Scoop: The latest on James Simon, Vernell Brown III, Jordan Young and more
As the spring temperatures rise, recruiting is heating. Decision dates are being set, lists of top schools are being narrowed and more top recruits are moving closer to a commitment.
On3’s Chad Simmons shares the latest intel:
5-star DL Justus Terry
The buzz: He is USC’s to lose, but the Trojans have a hard battle ahead to keep Justus Terry in this class. He is from a very small town in Georgia, a lot of people around him would like him close to home and Georgia is still right there with USC. Terry could be back in Athens later this month for an unofficial visit before taking his official visit in June. Alabama is another school in the mix. Florida State as well. USC does get the final visit of the summer, but this one won’t be over until Terry signs the papers. When talking state of Georgia recruits, this one will be one to watch like KJ Bolden’s recruitment last cycle.
4-star EDGE Isaiah Gibson
The buzz: Isaiah Gibson is planning to visit Georgia on May 18, then return to Athens for an official visit on May 31. Gibson is committed to USC, but he has six official visits lined up and USC isn’t one of those. Gibson is still exploring his options. Oklahoma intrigues him. Georgia is the in-state school. Those are the two I am hearing the most about when talking about threats to USC. Gibson will likely take all of his official visits and then review his recruitment and commitment to the Trojans.
4-star WR Vernell Brown III
The buzz: The more and more I talk to sources about Vernell Brown III, the more and more it seems to be trending that the playmaker in the Sunshine State stays home in the end. Ohio State had a lot of buzz around it at one time. When he was in Columbus earlier this spring, the Buckeyes sounded like the team to beat. Last month I said, I mentioned I would bet the field over Ohio State. I feel more confident in saying that now. Florida State is doing an excellent job here. He loves that staff. Brown is a Florida legacy, and some thought the Gators were on the outside looking in, but that is not the case. Miami is hanging around too, but Florida State and Florida have positioned themselves well heading into summer visits and they are likely to be the last two schools Brown visits before he makes his decision.
4-star SAF Jordan Young
The buzz: Heading into official visits, Clemson and Florida State are doing the best job in this race. Michigan offered Jordan Young a little later with the new staff, but his visit to Ann Arbor opened his eyes too. Official visits will be a big factor for him, but a decision is not expected until the fall. The Seminoles and Tigers are setting the pace, but Michigan has quickly jumped into this race.
4-star RB James Simon
The buzz: A decision could be nearing for James Simon. The running back out of Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist visited around half a dozen schools over the last two months and his recruitment is coming into focus. I have mentioned numerous times over the last month that Texas is picking up steam and I like where the Longhorns are positioned. Tashard Choice and Steve Sarkisian have a great chance to get Simon out of the Boot State and a decision could come soon. Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame and Texas A&M have been on Simon’s list, but Texas has created some separation.
4-star RB Jordon Davison
The Buzz: Over the weekend, Jordon Davison trimmed his list to Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon. Official visit dates to these schools are expected to be finalized and revealed soon, but since a recent visit to Columbus, the Buckeyes have taken control of this race. Davison has always had Ohio State high on his list, and them losing Tony Alford gave him pause, but replacing him with Carlos Locklyn was key. Davison and Locklyn has a strong bond and the Buckeyes are the team others are chasing heading into official visits. Alabama is likely running fourth, but Davison is keeping consistent communication with all four schools.
4-star OT Juju Marks
The Buzz: Missouri is a school that has been near the top of his list, but Juju Marks is likely shifting his recruitment toward other schools. Keep an eye on Kansas, a school he has visited multiple times. The staff is doing an excellent job with Marks. They are trending early in May. USC and Oregon are two west coast schools to keep an eye on and Wisconsin could receive an official visit.
4-star WR Corey Simms
The buzz: I like Missouri’s position for Corey Simms. USC is their competition, but Jacob Peeler, Drinkwitz and that staff is working hard to keep Simms home. The wide receiver in St. Louis sees an opportunity to play early for the local school, he likes the offense and the program close to home is trending.
3-star ATH Elijah Dotson
The buzz: Elijah Dotson has Michigan cleats on at the Overtime OT7 regional Sunday, and the Wolverines are in the mix, but the buzz is around Pittsburgh heading into his May 18 commitment. Pittsburgh was the first school to offer the versatile player out of Detroit and that means something. Michigan State and Penn State are finalists as well, and Dotson is still finalizing his decision, but the Panthers have done a great job in his recruitment.
The post Simmons Scoop: The latest on James Simon, Vernell Brown III, Jordan Young and more appeared first on On3.
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