Most Important College Football Recruiting Visits of Week 1
The college football season starts this week, launching long-awaited championship chases across the country. It also opens the door for star high school prospects to take a closer look at campuses and game day atmospheres, especially for senior athletes slated to take expenses-paid official visits with family members this fall.
Each week at Bleacher Report, we'll examine anticipated recruiting visits that may ultimately shape the outcome on national signing day. Here's a look at key travel plans for the 2015 campaign's opening weekend.
Notre Dame: 4-Star ATH Demetris Robertson
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Class: 2016
High School: Savannah Christian Prep (Savannah, Georgia)
Size: 6'1", 165 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 athlete; No. 39 overall
Demetris Robertson initially pledged to Alabama before his junior season but backed off that verbal pledge in April. He's still expressed interest toward a potential college career in Tuscaloosa, but this recruitment is rather wide open entering the season.
Robertson, who could play defensive back or wide receiver at the next level, is in communication with several coaching staffs. He spent time on campuses at Georgia and Florida this summer, while Stanford is an intriguing West Coast option.
His first official visit takes him to South Bend this weekend and is expected to be just one of five before national signing day. The Fighting Irish are also focused on securing a return trip from Robertson in December, according to Tom Loy of 247Sports.
Georgia: 4-Star WR Nico Collins
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Class: 2017
High School: Clay-Chalkville High School (Pinson, Alabama)
Size: 6'4", 185 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 11 wide receiver; No. 71 overall
Nico Collins returns to Athens for his second visit with the Bulldogs this year, per Rusty Mansell of 247Sports. The junior playmaker previously visited in February and rapidly became a coveted SEC recruit after his breakout sophomore season.
He averaged more than 20 yards per reception as a sophomore, resulting in 805 yards and 15 touchdowns. His size and early success make Collins one of the premier pass-catchers in the 2017 class.
Collins stated five college programs stand out this summer during a discussion with Drew Champlin of AL.com. Aside from Georgia, he is also eyeing Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss and Clemson.
"I like Coach (Mark) Richt. He cares about the players and makes sure everything's good. He cares about your academics," Collins told Champlin.
The Bulldogs already hold a commitment from elite 2017 quarterback Bailey Hockman, so offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer aims to piece together a strong supporting cast. An eventual commitment from Collins would be a strong step in that direction.
UCLA: 4-Star WR Keyshawn Johnson Jr.
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Class: 2017
High School: Calabasas (Calabasas, California)
Size: 6'1", 195 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 20 wide receiver; No. 160 overall
The son of USC legend and former first overall NFL draft selection Keyshawn Johnson will cross into "enemy" territory during college football's first action-packed Saturday of the season. He is expected to attend UCLA's opener against Virginia, according to Adam Gorney of Rivals.com.
Keyshawn Johnson Jr., who caught a career-best 40 passes last season, was expected to visit Nebraska this weekend, but a late alteration plays into the Bruins favor. There's a chance his eventual college choice could correlate with 4-star quarterback and Calabasas High School teammate Tristan Gebbia.
Ohio State figures to be a primary player in this pursuit, while Alabama, Arizona, Clemson, Ole Miss and USC are also in the mix.
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Florida State: 4-Star LB Michael Divinity
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Class: 2016
High School: John Ehret (Marrero, Louisiana)
Size: 6'2", 218 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 5 outside linebacker; No. 65 overall
Odds are in favor of Michael Divinity landing in the SEC next season, but don't discount the Seminoles. The talented defender will take his first official visit to Tallahassee this weekend with family members, per Josh Newberg of 247Sports.
Divinity, a balanced linebacker who can provide support in pass coverage and stuff the run with equal efficiency, could add to a Florida State recruiting class that already features seven defensive players rated 4-star or better. This collection includes impressive linebackers Josh Brown and Tyree Horton.
Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher faces stiff competition for the Louisiana standout, as LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M are viable contenders. Divinity is expected to spend an official visit with the Aggies next weekend, according to Newberg.
Notre Dame: 4-Star RB Melquise Stovall
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Class: 2016
High School: Paraclete (Lancaster, California)
Size: 5'8", 180 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 4 all-purpose back; No. 168 overall
Notre Dame is set to host this scintillating West Coast standout for an official visit. The Fighting Irish are widely viewed as his top potential landing spot beyond state borders a month after Melquise Stovall decommitted from USC.
His skill set shines in multiple facets of an offensive attack.
Stovall averaged eight yards per carry last season, gaining 1,603 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. He added 21 receptions for 415 yards and two scores.
A positive on-campus experience could push Notre Dame into the driver's seat for this recruitment process.
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