Bailey Hockman Tweets Visits Plan: Which Team Needs 4-Star QB Most?

Months after decommiting from the Georgia Bulldogs, coveted quarterback recruit Bailey Hockman plans to expand his process during upcoming weeks.

The 4-star prospect, rated No. 7 overall among pro-style passers in the class of 2017, shared that outlook Tuesday on Twitter:

Hockman, a 6'2", 210-pound junior at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, backed off his sixth-month verbal pledge to the in-state Bulldogs on Dec. 14. The decision occurred shortly after the departure of former Georgia head coach Mark Richt. On Twitter, Hockman expressed motivation to "open back up my recruitment and make sure I am at the best place for myself and development as a student-athlete."

He received scholarship offers from Michigan and Arizona State within days of his decommitment, presenting him with several options a year shy of national signing day. Hockman commanded widespread collegiate interest with a breakout 2014 campaign, recording 3,597 passing yards and 42 touchdowns, according to Jeff Sentell of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

Among his scheduled visits, all four coaching staffs are still searching for a quarterback who can become the centerpiece of their 2017 offensive hauls. Though each program is fresh off signing at least one 2016 prospect at the position, it's imperative for teams to stockpile talent, given the propensity for injuries, transfers and, inevitably in some cases, underwhelming play from former prized prospects.

Hockman is set to start his four-school tour Feb. 16 at Auburn. The Tigers welcome a pair of passers to the roster entering 2016 after signing junior college standout John Franklin and 4-star Orlando product Woody Barrett. 

Following a 2015 season that featured just 11 total touchdown tosses and 12 interceptions, the Tigers must improve passing efforts in order to contend for SEC titles. Auburn made strides by signing three of the nation's top 20 wide receiver recruits earlier this month, but the situation behind center remains murky.

"Our quarterback position is wide-open," Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn said last week, via Brandon Marcello of AL.com.

While this disarray is troublesome for Auburn fans, necessity for improvement in the passing game could prove extremely attractive for Hockman. The Tigers lost grips on a commitment from 4-star 2017 passer Lowell Narcisse in January, further intensifying Malzahn's search for a future offensive catalyst.

Auburn does claim a commitment from highly regarded 2018 Florida quarterback Joey Gatewood but that's a long-term process that doesn't exactly offer much when it comes to certainty. Like Narcisse or Hockman, Gatewood could ultimately elect to change course during the second half of his high school career.

Fellow SEC possibility Tennessee will punctuate this upcoming stretch of visits. The Volunteers seemed to secure a stud at quarterback in August, when No. 1 overall 2017 passer Hunter Johnson pledged to the program, but he flipped to Clemson this winter. 

Tennessee signed top-rated 2016 dual-threat quarterback Jarrett Guarantano. The New Jersey native is a sensational athlete and Elite 11 finalist, but various injuries prevented him from completing a full season as a starter at Bergen Catholic, and there has to be at least mild concern about his ability to stay on the field as an eventual full-time SEC playmaker.

Volunteers head coach Butch Jones has done an excellent job redefining the culture for recruits in Knoxville, and his tenure features results on strong signing day. Coming off a nine-win campaign (his best through three years with Tennessee) and back-to-back bowl victories, his staff can sell a squad on the rise during discussions with Hockman, which can't exactly be said for Auburn after a 2-6 season against conference opponents. 

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher has played a part in the development of four first-round NFL draft picks at quarterback, including Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall selection Jameis Winston. Fellow No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell flourished in his offensive attack at LSU, while Christian Ponder and EJ Manuel preceded Winston at Florida State.

Given Fisher's track record at the position, it probably doesn't come as a surprise that the Seminoles aren't exactly desperate for talent at quarterback. Florida State signed Deondre Francois (No. 3 pro-style passer in 2015 class) and Malik Henry (No. 4 pro-style passer in 2016 class) during the past two cycles.

Both young gunslingers are on campus this spring and look ahead to four seasons of collegiate eligibility apiece.

Credit: 247Sports

North Carolina presents another ACC destination. Junior Mitch Trubisky is expected to take over as starting quarterback following the departure of Marquise Williams after consecutive 3,000-yard passing seasons. 

The Tar Heels passing attack has been predominately on point since head coach Larry Fedora arrived in 2012, producing 117 touchdown tosses in the past four seasons. Trubisky is now the trigger man but is left with two years of eligibility (one remaining when Hockman would enroll). 

North Carolina landed two quarterbacks in the 2016 cycle, with 3-star Logan Byrd already on campus and 4-star Chazz Surratt entering the mix this summer. 

Given current quarterback situations and rising talent on rosters, Auburn would appear to edge out North Carolina as the program most in need of Hockman's services.

The Tigers could present an immediate opportunity to compete for the starting role if aerial efforts don't significantly rebound next season. Barret, Auburn's lone incoming high school quarterback, may only have a seven-month head start on 2017 preparation if Hockman manages to enroll early.

While Auburn, Florida State, North Carolina and Tennessee enter the spotlight with this round of visits, expect others to push for Hockman's pledge as things progress.

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.