And how many will sign during the early signing period.
We’ve reached the point where the majority of the country’s top 2018 prospects are already verbally committed to some school or another. Most of those commitments will stick, though not all will. This post is a rundown of the 11highest-rated prospects who don’t have a current verbal commitment to any school. Predictions by SB Nation recruiting analyst Bud Elliott.
Micah Parsons, five-star DE, Harrisburg (Pa.)
The five-star prospect is the No. 1 prospect out of the state of Pennsylvania, and he’s visited Georgia and Penn State in the last month. Prediction: Parsons had strong Oklahoma, Ohio State, and Georgia interest at different times during his recruitment, but I fully expect the pass rusher to end up back where he was first committed — Penn State.
Patrick Surtain Jr., five-star CB, American Heritage (Fla.)
He’s the son of former three-time Pro Bowler Patrick Surtain. He’s got his father’s talent, too — Surtain Jr. is the No. 5 player in the country, with 33 offers. The Fort Lauderdale (Fl.) American Heritage prospect has been an LSU lean for some time. Prediction: Most would say LSU, due to the family’s connection to the state, but this seems too soon to call, since he is not signing early. Clemson, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Miami, and Georgia are all also in the mix. The official visits in January should yield more information.
Eyabi Anoma, five-star DE, Pace Academy (Md.)
Out of Baltimore (Md.) Pace Academy, Anoma is this year’s No. 7 prospect in the country. He took three officials in the last two months, to Michigan, Alabama, and Maryland. Prediction: Everyone thinks the Tide will again go to the Atlantic region and pull another five-star, and I agree.
KJ Henry, five-star DE, Clemmons (N.C.)
The Clemmons (N.C.) West Forsyth prospect’s last visit came in October to South Carolina. Henry has a good blend of size and burst. He visited Clemson in September, where he is expected to be a lean. Prediction: Georgia and South Carolina tried their best, but I expect Henry to sign with Clemson during the early signing period.
Jackson Carman, five-star OT Fairfield (Oh.)
The No. 1 OT in this year’s class has 41 offers, including ones from Ohio State, Clemson, and USC. Carman, out of Fairfield, (Oh.) took visits to USC and Clemson this past month. Prediction: It is just so hard to pick an elite player from Ohio at a position of need going somewhere other than the Buckeyes. So I won’t. Urban Meyer wins this battle.
Jamaree Salyer, five-star OG, Pace Academy (Ga.)
The Atlanta (Ga.) Pace prospect is this year’s top-rated guard for the class of 2018. He’s expected to land at Georgia and stay close to home, but he took an official visit to Florida this month, too. Prediction: Georgia is rapidly building momentum in an attempt to sign the No. 1 class in the country, and I expect Salyer to join it.
Terrace Marshall, five-star WR, Parkway (La.)
The nation’s No. 1 receiver for 2018 has 27 offers, including ones from LSU and Texas A&M. Due to his talent, the Bossier City, (La.) Parkway prospect is on a lot of teams’ big boards this cycle. Prediction: Jimbo Fisher’s move from FSU to Texas A&M has probably made this closer than some realize, but you’ll go broke predicting LSU to miss on top targets from its state, so the Tigers are the pick.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, five-star WR, Mater Dei (Calif.)
The Anaheim (Calif.) Mater Dei prospect is the No. 1 prospect out of California this year, and he holds 26 offers. Although he could definitely stay out west, Notre Dame has been recruiting him hard, too. St. Brown is one of the best slot receivers to come along in a while. Prediction: There was a time when I thought Notre Dame had a real shot due to his brothers, Osiris and Equanimeous, but now all of my sources think USC is the choice.
Cade Mays, five-star OT, Knoxville Catholic (Tenn.)
The Knoxville (Tenn.) prospect was a longtime Tennessee commit, but that ended with Butch Jones’ departure. Since he’s been back on the market, he’s taken visits to Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Georgia. Prediction: Despite Georgia’s commitments barking that the Dec. 15 visit was enough to get Mays to Athens, I’m sticking with Clemson for the former Vols commitment. Clemson has playing time to offer, and Mays is also tight with several Clemson prospects.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, five-star OT, Berkeley Prep (Fla.)
Out of Tampa (Fl.) Berkeley Prep, Petit-Frere took a few visits to Notre Dame this fall. His 6’6, 272-pound frame makes him a coveted position with the size he already has coming out of high school. Prediction: Frere is not expected to sign early, and I suspect he’ll potentially take officials to Florida, Alabama, Florida State, and other Southeastern powers before making a decision.
Devon Williams, five-star WR, Antelope Valley (Calif.)
The nation’s No. 4 wide receiver holds 15 offers, including ones from Oregon, Utah, and Alabama. Williams is a major deep threat. There’s a chance the Lancaster (Calif.) Antelope Valley prospect could stay closer to home. Prediction: With the continuity hire of Mario Cristobal at Oregon, I expect that the Ducks will remain in a good spot and sign the speedy receiver.