'On God's Time': LB Elysee Mbem-Bosse Discusses Postponing Decision Date, Top 5

Thursday was originally supposed to be a day where two teammates at Ellenwood, Georgia's Cedar Grove High School celebrated their futures.

Thursday was still a day of celebration, but only one of those teammates—4-star defensive tackle and new Auburn Tigers pledge Antwuan Jackson—verbally committed. The other teammate, linebacker Elysee Mbem-Bosse, was in attendance supporting his good friend rather than announcing his own college plans at Cedar Grove's auditorium.

Mbem-Bosse announced via Twitter on Wednesday that he is pushing his decision date back indefinitely for what he termed "confidential reasons." He added that he has a top five, in no particular order, of North Carolina State, Oklahoma, Florida, Michigan and Auburn.

Call it a divine intervention of sorts.

"I got home, and my phone vibrated," Mbem-Bosse said. "I have a Bible app on my phone, and I saw a verse that talked about when things don't go your way on your time. If you go on God's time, it'll be better. That's what I'm doing. I'm going to do it on God's time."

Mbem-Bosse, a top-20 inside linebacker nationally, said he's comfortable with his decision and will continue doing his research to make the best decision when that time comes. He's already taken official visits to the North Carolina State Wolfpack and Oregon State Beavers.

Mbem-Bosse is a blue-collar linebacker who often played larger than his 6'3", 232-pound frame. He isn't afraid to take on larger offensive linemen in rush situations, and he has a solid nose for the football. Additionally, Mbem-Bosse has great lateral movement, which allows him to play sideline to sideline.

Mbem-Bosse said all five of his finalists have the kind of defensive schemes he's looking for. Additionally, he has good relationships with the head coaches and position coaches there.

"They're all great schools overall," he said. "I like the environments. You can't go wrong."

Thursday, however, belonged to Jackson, the nation's No. 8 defensive tackle who chose Auburn out of Florida, Georgia and Ohio State. And for now, Mbem-Bosse will be the guy cheering his teammate on instead of the person in the limelight.

Mbem-Bosse said he and Jackson have discussed being teammates in college on multiple occasions. Whether that happens is to be determined. Part of the idea revolves around Jackson's decision.

"We talk about it all the time. He told me to do what's best for me," Mbem-Bosse said. "Whatever he decides, we're still going to be teammates. He's like a brother to me. Whatever he decides, I'm good with that, as long as he's happy."

And what is Mbem-Bosse ultimately looking for in a winning program?

"First off, I'm looking for one that has to be a great program with amazing coaches," he said. "I have to have a great relationship with the coaches. A lot of people say you don't go [to college] for a coach, but you don't want to go where you don't have a relationship with a coach."

Mbem-Bosse has 20 reported offers, including Notre Dame, Tennessee, Nebraska and Iowa, among others.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles