Keion Joyner Reveals Top 4: Which Schools Hold Edge in Race for No. 1 OLB?

The race to land 5-star linebacker Keion Joyner is beginning to heat up after the North Carolina product revealed his top four schools, according to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports.

“My top four are Florida State, UNC, Auburn and LSU,” Joyner told Bartow. “I want to announce at the Under Armour All-American Game. I will probably make a decision before that.”

This spring, the Havelock (N.C.) High School product has visits planned to see both Florida State and LSU, in addition to the home-standing Tar Heels.

With his favorites and timeline coming into focus, which school holds the edge for the nation’s top outside linebacker in the 2016 class?

All four schools have their strengths, but a pair of schools could be emerging from the pack with Joyner.

LSU, the Crystal Ball favorite for the 6’3”, 200-pounder, has pitched him on the role he would play in their defensive scheme.

“I like the versatility of where they want to put me on the field,” Joyner said. “I like how the coaches and players are real and how they are honest with me and tell me what they are. I am supposed to be making a visit down there pretty soon.”

Additionally, LSU failed to sign a linebacker in its 2015 class, which makes that position a priority for new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.

The Tigers were considered the early favorite, but as Sonny Shipp of Geaux247 details, Steele and the new defensive coaches have some work to do in building their relationship with Joyner.

While he mentioned that he likes the coaching staff at LSU, his strongest relationship may be with new Florida State defensive line coach Brad Lawing, who began his coaching career at Havelock.

“Brad Lawing went down there,” Joyner said. “I called him and we have long conversations about where I want to play. He wants to produce players from where he came from.”

The North Carolina product also noted that the Seminoles join the in-state Tar Heels as the schools that are recruiting him the hardest.

Additionally, the Seminoles have a huge need for linebackers in the 2016 cycle. Even though Jimbo Fisher and his staff currently have commitments from four players at that position, they are still pushing for difference-makers at that spot—with Joyner being atop their wish list, as noted by Josh Newberg of Noles247.

Auburn cannot be discounted given the momentum it's built under new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.

Former Tigers head coach and new North Carolina defensive coordinator Gene Chizik has credentials that would appeal to a player of Joyner’s caliber as well.

However, it appears that Florida State and LSU are the two teams that are trending for one of the nation’s elite defensive prospects.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani