Top 15 Burning Questions in 2013 College Football Recruiting

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One of the great aspects of college football recruiting is the fact that there is something always going on. Rumors are always going around, and there are always questions until a recruit signs his letter of intent in February. We gave some burning questions in the summer, and now that fall is here, it's time we give you some more.

Where are certain recruits leaning? Could a decommitment occur from the nation's best prospect? Did Mack Brown do a smart thing? Could we see several recruiting upsets take place for five-star prospects?

We'll ask all of those questions and many more as we give you the top 15 burning questions in college football recruiting right now.

15. Is Greg Bryant Still a Lock for the SEC?

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When Bryant decommitted from Oklahoma, his main reason was because he wanted to play in the SEC. The Florida native has told Scout.com that Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina are schools he likes.

However, since then Bryant has also added Florida State into the fray. Could Bryant actually wind up in the ACC?

14. Is Someone Getting a Steal in Mike Mitchell?

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Mitchell shot up the board in the offseason when he displayed excellent size and athleticism. From Texas, he's a tough middle linebacker prospect that can play everywhere in a 4-3 or 3-4.

247Sports.com shows that Oklahoma and Ohio State are leading Florida State, Texas A&M and Oregon. Mitchell's athleticism, speed and toughness could make him a steal. 

13. Is USC Really Done?

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The Trojans have the scholarship restrictions that we all know about and already are up to their full 18 scholarship limit.

Does this mean that they are finished with 2013 recruiting? Not if you ask Leon McQuay, Priest Willis, Tahaan Goodman, Matthew Thomas and Montravius Adams among others.

Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron may have some roster tricks up their sleeves. 

12. What Is Montravius Adams Really Thinking?

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Adams is fresh off a trip to Michigan State and tells Scout.com that USC, Oregon and LSU are where he wants to visit. In-state power Georgia is still in the hunt, but many feel this is truly between Auburn and Clemson.

If that's the case, then how serious is Adams about the other schools he is considering? We won't know until signing day. 

11. Could a Hot Year Ascend Tyner Back to No. 1 RB Status?

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When this year opened up, many had Thomas Tyner as the nation's No.1 running back prospect. He is considered the nation's fastest player when healthy.

At 6'0" and 218 pounds, Tyner is a dangerous offensive weapon, and that was proven a few weeks ago when he rushed for 10 TDs and over 600 yards in one game.

Tyner fell on many boards because he has been injury-prone. A healthy and record-setting year could ascend his ranking back to the top. 

10. Could Florida Get Walker to Gainesville?

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DeMarcus Walker committed to Alabama a few weeks ago, but the Jacksonville native could still take visits to other schools. One of the schools that will press hard for Walker is Florida, as the big defensive lineman is close to Gainesville and fits Dan Quinn's defense well.

Look for the Gators to hustle hard for Walker until his decision is official. 

9. Is Robert Foster a Lock for Pitt?

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For quite some time now, the Panthers have been quietly whispered as the favorite to land speedy Pennsylvania receiver Robert Foster. Alabama and Ohio State are also serious contenders, according to PantherDigest. This could be a huge coup for Paul Chryst.

8. Is Alabama in Prime Position for Another No. 1 Class?

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Alabama is a serious contender for many of the nation's top uncommitted prospects. From Robert Foster, Antonio Conner, Matthew Thomas, Tim Williams, Laremy Tunsil and Vonn Bell, the Tide is rolling for big time talent.

Already with a current top five recruiting class in my rankings, if Alabama can get just a couple of their top remaining targets then they will have to be considered for No. 1 status, again. 

7. Is Tim Williams Serious About Spurning LSU?

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Williams is a Baton Rouge native and resident. His school campus is basically on the same property as LSU. Yet Williams, per Rivals.com, has Miami leading Florida State with Alabama and LSU after that.

Les Miles has as strong a fence up around his recruiting territory as any coach in the nation. He rarely lets big time talent leave the Bayou State, so the recruitment of Williams will be among the most interesting to follow. 

6. What Will Mackensie Alexander Do?

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Notre Dame, Boise State, Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama and Nebraska have been mentioned by Alexander, according to reports from Scout.com.

The Irish may be the leader, but Alexander gives a lot of mixed signals when he does speak to the media. It will be very fascinating to see how his recruitment plays out and where he ends up.

5. Will There Be Any Surprises with Derrick Henry's Decision?

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Derrick Henry is set to announce his decision this Thursday, and it will be between Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia. 'Bama comes into this thing as the overwhelming favorite, but Tennessee put it on thick a few weeks ago at a trip to Knoxville.

Are we in for a surprise, or will Alabama be celebrating?

4. Is Clemson Going to Lose Nkemdiche?

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Robert Nkemdiche is committed to Clemson, but many maintain that he will not sign there. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Nkemdiche's mother told ESPN she is "not happy" with his decision.

His mother is a state legislature and works in Nigeria often, so when she comes back to the U.S., there could be a decommitment brewing.

3. What Will Vonn Bell Do?

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Various reports, including one at Scout.com, state Vonn Bell has narrowed his list down to Tennessee, Alabama and Ohio State. Tennessee is felt by many to be the team to beat here, but Ohio State and Urban Meyer have scored major points with the talented safety.

Alabama would be a great school to attend as a defensive back too, so Bell has three great choices. Let the speculation continue on where he will play in college. 

2. Is Florida State Back in the Mix for Laremy Tunsil?

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The Seminoles were thought to be all but eliminated from the Laremy Tunsil sweepstakes, but Chad Simmons of Scout.com spoke with Tunsil last week, and there has been a change.

FSU is now even with both Georgia and Alabama. A shocking turn of events, as one time it was felt Tunsil would sign with rival Florida.

A conversation with FSU offensive line coach Rick Trickett has gotten the Seminoles in prime position to land the No. 1 OT prospect in the country. 

1. Was Mack Brown Wrong for Quitting on Ricky Seals-Jones?

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Texas once had a commitment from Seals-Jones, and even when he decommitted, he kept the Longhorns amongst his favorite schools. Per ESPN, Texas has stopped recruiting Seals-Jones and has pulled its scholarship offer to the pass catcher.

Seals-Jones, the top player in Texas this year, is now down to LSU and Texas A&M, with the Longhorns bowing out of the race. A bit of controversy has ensued based on Texas' decision, and some are questioning Mack Brown's choice.

What is your opinion?

 

Edwin Weathersby has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena League. He spent a year evaluating prep prospects & writing specific recruiting and scouting content articles for Student Sports Football (now ESPN Rise-HS). A syndicated scout and writer, he's also contributed to WeAreSC.com, GatorBait.net and Diamonds in the Rough Inc., a College Football and NFL Draft magazine.