It's the last weekend before 2010's National Signing Day, Friday is coming to a close, and already the dominoes have begun to fall. On Friday, within an hour of each other Longhorns received commitments from two of the top players in the nation with the addition of 5 star prospects DE Jackson Jeffcoat and ILB Jordan Hicks. While the Longhorn's have already closed strong with these additions, many questions still linger surrounding top programs as well as top prospects, can Florida build on momentum built in early January and finish strong, how do Lane and company finish off USC's class, does Markeith Ambles stick with Tennessee or head to USC, however the biggest (literally and figuratively) question might just be who does OT Seantrel Henderson choose on NSD. The ride is almost over, but in a sense we all know it's truly just the beginning, so strap in, and get ready for chaos and stick right here on TMB for the best discussion on the internet on NSD.
This National signing day there are fifteen recruits in Scout's top 100 that have yet to announce their school of choice, seven of which the site ranks
's. In this piece we'll look at all of the uncommitted prospects left on the board, and discuss where TMB thinks their ultimate destination will be.
Seantrel HendersonNumber 1 Overall, Number 1 OTHenderson is possibly the most hyped offensive line prospect since Orlando Pace, blessed with outstanding size, great feet, and an unmatched frame, Henderson has all the tools to be an all pro tackle at the next level. Henderson stands 6'8 and weighs in at around 330 lbs, combine that with his great foot work, and pass blocking skills, and you've essentially built yourself a can't miss prospect. Henderson has a host of schools still after him, but in reality it probably comes down to USC, OSU, and Florida, with all of the information out there, the truth is really noone know's officially what he'll do, but in TMB's opinion, this one looks very good for the Buckeyes. Had Pete Carroll not left USC, this might be more of a battle, but at this point I'd stack the odds at OSU 85%, USC 10%, and Florida 5%. Unless he decides to shock the world, the scarlet and grey can go ahead and count this one for their class.
Prediction:
Keenan AllenNumber 5 overall, Number 1 SafetyScout.com Ranks Allen as not only the number one safety in the class, but also the premier player in all of the Southeast. The one time Bama commit decided to look around earlier in the cycle, and will decide in the coming days where to spend the next four years of his life. Clemson is involved here, so is Cal, among others, and at this point picking where Allen goes is essentially a crap shoot. If he wants to play wide receiver, Clemson or Cal may be better options than Bama, but honestly this kid is a safety on the next level, and for that, Bama is easily his best option. This one will come down to the wire, and look for more factors including the decisions of friends to weigh heavily on where he decides to attend.
Prediction: This one is close, I'll take Clemson in a mild surprise over Alabama.
Marcus LattimoreNumber Nine Overall, Number One RBThe Byrnes product is in my opinion one of if not the most overrated prospects on Scout's top 100, Lattimore has decent speed, and average elusiveness. At 6' 200 lbs I suppose he could bulk up and go the power back route, but Byrnes players do have the reputation for being maxed out by the time they hit college, lowering their ceiling at the collegiate level. Lattimore could very well prove me wrong and be an all american at the next level, but personally I just don't see it. As for Lattimore's decision, it's a two horse race between South Carolina, and Auburn.
Prediction: Lattimore to the South Carolina, been a done deal for months imo.
Christian GreenNumber Nineteen Overall, Number Five ReceiverGreen is a player I really like. Great size at 6'2 190, and speed to burn. Green is a bit of a project on the next level having played QB for Tampa Catholic in high school, but his upside is absolutely through the roof. It may take a year or so for the offense, route running, and blocking techniques to catch up, but when they do, look out. Green is an impact player at receiver on the next level, and could be a gamebreaker for the team he chooses on NSD. Georgia made a solid push for Green early on in the process and made quite an impression, but will the home state Noles be too much to overcome?
Prediction: Anything other than the Garnet and Gold will be an absolute shocker.
Corey NelsonNumber Forty Four Overall, Number Four Outside LinebackerNelson has been verbally committed to Texas A & M for nearly 7 months, but recently the linebackers been non committal about his commitment. Technically still a "soft verbal" make no mistake the final decision likely wont be made until Wednesday when the Skyline product signs his name on the dotted line. At this point after canceling a last minute visit to USC, the final two options for the Five star Texan appear to be Texas A&M and Oklahoma. He apparently is still waiting to talk to the A & M staff about his commitment status, and in my honest opinion, if that conversation happens, they will likely hang onto Nelson, however if he goes into next week without speaking to them look for OU to pull this one out.
Prediction: I'll take Texas A & M in a close one.
Corey LemonierNumber Forty Six Overall, Number Seven Defensive EndLemonier is a stud. He's got nice size, with a great frame to add weight. At 6'4 225, he's definitely on the thin side, and improving his strength and bulk will be job 1 and 1-a as soon as he gets to college, but Lemonier's speed is really what sets him apart from others. Lemonier has the skillset to be an elite pass rusher on the next level, but is a guarantee for a redshirt his first year on campus. He's a guy you should look for in 2 years or so, because he has all the makings of a great player on the college level.
Prediction: This one comes down to Auburn and Florida State, I'll take the home state Noles.
Owamagbe OdighizuwaNumber Forty Nine Overall, Number Eight Defensive EndBesides having a name that has pissed up substitute teachers for years, Owa has an elite skill set that translates very well to the next level. Most of Owa's major issues are technique, needs to stay lower, and use better leverage. Despite having very average stats against sub par competition in Oregon (90 tackles, 10 sacks his senior year), Owa has nice size at 6'3 235, but will obviously need to add some weight which he will easily do in a strength and conditioning program. Owa has really blown up in the last month with a very good performance in the Army All American game, he'll be a great addition for some school in a 5 days, but where does he head?
Prediction:
That concludes the five stars of 2009-2010, look for predictions before the end of the weekend and we will have predictions for the rest of Scouts top 100. Stay tuned to TMB for all of your NSD 2010 coverage.
