National Signing Day 2017: Predictions for the Top 10 Uncommitted Recruits

National signing day is now just two weeks away, presenting a pivotal final stretch for prospects who remain uncommitted. Months and, in many cases, years of campus visits and consistent communication with collegiate coaching staffs have helped plenty of these players narrow down contenders.

High school seniors have opportunities to utilize official visits through the final weekend of January, allowing undecided recruits to gain more intimate impressions of programs alongside family prior to the Feb. 1 festivities. These late trips play integral roles for those still sorting through options, while staff dynamics, depth charts and academic opportunities also carry clout throughout the process.

Key commitments still loom as this 2017 cycle nears its conclusion, and 10 of the top 50 prospects in Scout.com's rankings are still searching for ideal fits. Here's a rundown of those prized playmakers and forecasts for where we envision each will land next season.

Jeff Thomas (WR)

Credit: Scout.com

High School: East St. Louis (East St. Louis, Illinois)

Scout.com Ranking: No. 7 receiver; No. 50 overall

Schools to Watch: Illinois, Louisville, Miami, Oregon and Tennessee

Prospect Analysis

Despite his steady presence as a top-rated pass-catcher in this class, Jeff Thomas remained under the radar as a national recruiting storyline for much of the cycle. That's changed as other receivers have announced collegiate intentions, and a dominant effort in the Under Armour All-America Game further enhanced an expanding spotlight on this downfield threat.

Thomas turned three receptions into 148 yards and two scores during the New Year's Day showcase, flashing elite speed while racking up substantial gains after each catch. The performance capped off a prep career that featured 3,532 receiving yards and 41 touchdown catches, according to 247Sports.

"Thomas is a 4-star who looked the part of a 5-star at the Under Armour All-America Game," B/R analyst Damon Sayles said during our recent recruiting roundtable. "Now, it's all about which school will land him. He's so poker-faced with his recruiting process that everyone will be watching his every move from now on."

Prediction: Miami Hurricanes

Thomas tweeted Monday that a decision is coming "real soon," with several schools still under consideration. He identified in-state Illinois, Louisville, Miami, Oregon and Tennessee as teams to monitor moving forward. 

Nasty weather conditions last weekend resulted in a cancelled trip to Louisville, according to Andrew Ivins of 247Sports, and that may benefit ACC foe Miami. The Hurricanes are set to host Thomas for an official visit, have a definitive need at receiver and offer him a chance to create quite a tandem with freshman All-American Ahmmon Richards.

Jarez Parks (DE)

Credit: Scout.com

High School: Sebastian River (Sebastian, Florida)

Scout.com Ranking: No. 4 defensive end; No. 48 overall

Schools to Watch: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State and North Carolina

Prospect Analysis

Considered the top-rated uncommitted defender in talent-laden Florida, Jarez Parks probably shouldn't expect much quiet time between now and national signing day. A two-time all-area first-team selection, he is fresh off a senior campaign that included 85 tackles—21 for loss—and 10 sacks, according to Jon Santucci of TCPalm.com.

The 6'5", 255-pound prospect is a force off the edge, equipped with a frame that can handle additional weight as he advances through collegiate training plans. Parks projects as an edge-rusher who can attack the passer with authority while providing stout run support, and his future may lie at outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide

It should come as no surprise to see Alabama head coach Nick Saban in the equation for one of America's most coveted defensive standouts. The Crimson Tide—seeking a seventh consecutive composite No. 1 recruiting class—brought Parks to Tuscaloosa for an official visit this season. 

In-state rival Auburn provides legitimate competition, as do Florida and Florida State. However, he's established a strong bond with an Alabama defensive staff that's set to produce multiple first-round picks in the upcoming NFL draft, which could provide a separating factor.

"Everyone there is very welcoming, loving and very generous," Parks told Drew Champlin of AL.com. "Instead of asking you what position you play, they ask how you are and want to learn about you."

Jay Tufele (DT)

Credit: Scout.com

High School: Bingham (South Jordan, Utah)

Scout.com Ranking: No. 3 defensive tackle; No. 37 overall

Schools to Watch: BYU, Michigan, Ohio State, USC and Utah

Prospect Analysis

Jay Tufele enjoyed a strong week in San Antonio earlier this month while working as a member of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl roster, and he has several of college football's top coaches looking toward Utah. The 6'3", 297-pound lineman provides interior penetration and has proved he can chase after the quarterback while also stifling rushing attempts.

Tufele tallied 130 tackles and 20.5 sacks during his high school career, according to Brandon Judd of the Desert News. Given his developed physical stature and impressive performances in national settings such as All-American Bowl practice sessions and The Opening, there appears to be immediate-impact potential, regardless of which university he chooses to attend.

Prediction: Utah Utes

Ohio State, USC and Michigan are among the college football blue bloods attempting to lure Tufele away from home turf. Those three made the cut last month when he narrowed options to five schools, situated alongside in-state suitors Utah and BYU.

Salt Lake City looks to be the most likely landing spot if Tufele stays close to home, putting Utah in position to sign its top local target after a third consecutive season with at least nine victories. Ohio State is best situated to swipe him away, and he was in Columbus when the Buckeyes beat Michigan to seal a College Football Playoff spot.

USC is expected to issue a final in-person sales pitch for Tufele's relocation to Los Angeles this weekend. However, we expect his next contact with the program to occur as a member of the visiting team's sideline.

Tedarrell Slaton (OL)

Credit: Scout.com

High School: American Heritage (Plantation, Florida)

Scout.com Ranking: No. 2 offensive guard; No. 34 overall

Schools to Watch: Baylor, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami and Ole Miss

Prospect Analysis

Widely considered one of this cycle's elite interior offensive line recruits, there's a strong case to make for defensive consideration when it comes to Tedarrell Slaton's role in 2017 and beyond. A relentless athlete in the trenches, roster needs and individual staff evaluation will dictate where he begins his collegiate journey, though his versatility leaves room for a move later in the process if necessary.

Slaton, who stands 6'4 ½" and weighs 341 pounds, provides an anchor up front on either side of the ball. His bullish approach wears down opponents, and he possesses the attitude of a team leader who can help establish the tone for how a squad approaches competition.

Prediction: Florida Gators

Count Florida among programs that anticipate Slaton's strengths are best served on defense. It's a key part of a recruiting race that sees the Gators in an enviable position.

"That's kind of what I want to play in college, and that's why Florida is my leader," he told Zach Abolverdi of SEC Country earlier this month.

Florida already claims commitments from high school teammates Marco Wilson (cornerback) and James Houston (linebacker), and attempts to flip fellow American Heritage lineman Kai-Leon Herbert are well underway. Schools such as Georgia, Ole Miss and Kentucky present SEC alternatives, but the Gators can take another step toward closing this weekend, when Slaton is expected to visit Gainesville.

Austin Jackson (OL)

Credit: Scout.com

High School: North Canyon (Phoenix)

Scout.com Ranking: No. 6 offensive tackle; No. 30 overall

Schools to Watch: Arizona State, USC and Washington

Prospect Analysis

Few players in this cycle offer as much "high ceiling" potential as Austin Jackson, who brings basketball athleticism to the offensive line. He is tremendously athletic for his size (6'5", 290 lbs), has excelled on both sides of the ball at North Canyon and looks capable of competing for reps at guard, tackle or even as a jumbo tight end. 

Based on our assessment, Jackson is a year or two of technical advancement away from becoming a "franchise" bookend. He flashes the quickness to cut off top-tier edge-rushers, clears rushing lanes at the second level and has a physical foundation that can handle substantial weight increase without sacrificing mobility.

Prediction: USC Trojans

It's a Pac-12 battle for Jackson, who recently told Jordan Hamm of Scout.com he is focused on Arizona State, USC and Washington. At this stage, we lean heavily toward the Trojans without discounting the in-state Sun Devils.

The Trojans extended an offer to Jackson shortly after his sophomore year and brought him into town for an official visit in November, when he watched USC dismantle Notre Dame. Arizona State has enjoyed elevated local recruiting success lately but will be hard-pressed to hold off the surging Trojans in this case.

Devonta Smith (WR)

Credit: Scout.com

High School: Amite (Amite, Louisiana)

Scout.com Ranking: No. 2 receiver; No. 24 overall

Schools to Watch: Alabama, Florida State, LSU and Miami

Prospect Analysis

Devonta Smith was on the verge of a college commitment shortly before his senior season but opted to postpone an August announcement following record flooding in the region. Even five months later, the group of contending teams remains consistent—Alabama, Miami and LSU—though they may have some late company.

This group of programs will aim to add a paramount offensive piece on national signing day, as Smith creates big-play opportunities on every target. The 6'1", 167-pound speedster is smooth after hauling in passes, proceeding to sprint past defenders for huge gains. Elite ball skills and an impressive wingspan make him a tough cover near the end zone.

Smith is also a threat on special teams. Even if he doesn't command a role in the receiver rotation as a freshman, his initial impact could come as a kick returner.

Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide

This recruitment is about as murky as any on our list, though Alabama is considered a heavy favorite in 247Sports' crystal ball with 94 percent of experts' predictions. Miami feels like an underdog, but that staff will get its shot with an official visit later this month, while Florida State surprised many by securing an official visit earlier this week, per James Smith of NOLA.com.

It remains to be seen what the Seminoles accomplished, especially since his perceived "top three" has been established for months, but this may be another collision course between Alabama and LSU.

The sustained presence of receivers coach Dameyune Craig and hiring of highly respected offensive coordinator Matt Canada could have LSU trending in the right direction at the perfect time. Still, indications strongly pointed toward Tuscaloosa earlier in the process, and we're not quite ready to assume that outlook has drastically shifted.

Aubrey Solomon (DT)

Credit: Scout.com

High School: Lee County (Leesburg, Georgia)

Scout.com Ranking: No. 2 defensive tackle; No. 20 overall

Schools to Watch: Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and USC

Prospect Analysis

Aubrey Solomon was the lone interior lineman—on either side of the ball—recognized as a U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year semifinalist. His 6'3", 304-pound frame is ready for the rigors of college football, and he is a candidate to contribute in multiple spots along the defensive front.

Strength is a major asset, but so is speed, and these elements combine to create a wrecking ball up the middle. Solomon is balanced versus the run and pass, and he racked up 45 tackles—13 for loss—11 quarterback hurries and eight sacks through the first six games of his senior season, according to Chad Simmons of Scout.com.

Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide

Michigan previously held Solomon's pledge, and head coach Jim Harbaugh continues to make moves toward bringing him back into the fold. The Wolverines leader and members of Michigan's staff spent time with Solomon's family during an in-home visit on Monday that featured go-kart racing and earned the title of "best visit ever" from the 5-star lineman's mother, according to Sam Webb of Scout.com.

That's not great news for his other finalists—Alabama, Georgia and USC—but Solomon was on record during U.S. Army All-American Bowl preparation stating the Crimson Tide are his leader "by a lot", per Jeff Sentell of DawgNation. This recruitment has featured so much ebb and flow that nothing seems imminent, but we'll bank on Alabama's strong track record of sealing the deal late with elite defensive recruits.

Joseph Lewis (WR)

Credit: Scout.com

High School: Augustus Hawkins (Los Angeles)

Scout.com Ranking: No. 1 receiver; No. 15 overall

Schools to Watch: Arizona State, Nebraska, Oregon and USC

Prospect Analysis

Joseph Lewis helped form a fearsome duo with fellow 5-star Jalen Hall (top-ranked 2018 receiver) at Augustus Hawkins High School, where he rose to prominence as an underclassman. His first three varsity seasons featured 121 receptions for 2,605 yards, per MaxPreps.

Lewis did a lot of that damage by turning short pass completions into big pickups, weaving through traffic with excellent burst and vision. Quite polished from a fundamental standpoint, an ankle injury derailed the final stretch of his senior season, but he should vie for early snaps during the next phase of his career. 

"Joseph just dominates," Hall told B/R. "He has the ability to attack the ball at its highest point and take cornerbacks up top. He can be unstoppable."

Prediction: USC Trojans

Pac-12 programs such as Arizona State and Oregon would love to make a late push for Lewis, but he essentially identified this as a two-team race at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Lewis pointed to Nebraska and USC as top contenders during a conversation with Shotgun Spratling of Scout.com.

Since then, the Cornhuskers landed a blue-chip receiver in former Ohio State commit Tyjon Lindsey, who continues an impressive pipeline between Lincoln and California. The Trojans have been a steady suitor here, and considering recent offensive success, proximity and the presence of ace recruiter Tee Martin, expect USC to add to its compelling stockpile of young pass-catchers. 

Marvin Wilson (DT)

Credit: Student Sports

High School: Episcopal (Bellaire, Texas)

Scout.com Ranking: No. 1 defensive tackle; No. 11 overall

Schools to Watch: Florida State, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma and South Florida

Prospect Analysis

Considered the country's most heavily pursued uncommitted lineman, Lone Star State stud Marvin Wilson will command a large spotlight until he puts pen to paper. The self-proclaimed "Real-Life Goon" is a relentless disruption inside and posted one of the best defensive performances this summer at The Opening.

He moves with excellent fluidity for a 6'4", 329-pound athlete, beating opponents with brute force and sudden movement alike. He secured 103 tackles—34 for loss—and 19 sacks as an underclassman and continued to sharpen his craft while working against Episcopal teammate and 5-star Stanford offensive tackle commit Walker Little.

"He forces you to become a better blocker in every aspect," Little told B/R. "I've seen Marvin destroy offensive lines."

Prediction: LSU Tigers

Wilson has kept things relatively open throughout an expansive recruiting process, reciprocating serious interest with an array of schools. Florida State, Ohio State, Alabama and Oklahoma are among programs that have taken turns presenting pitches to the punishing tackle this cycle, while South Florida is a stealthy member of the top-five list he released three weeks ago.

The Buckeyes and Seminoles are on the radar as legitimate contenders, but this feels like LSU's race to lose. He rated a recent official visit to Baton Rouge as a "12" on a one-to-10 scale, according to TigerBait.com, and head coach Ed Orgeron—who formerly recruited Wilson as the Tigers' defensive line coach—is in excellent position to add another building block on national signing day.

Devon Hunter (S)

Credit: U.S. Army All-American Bowl

High School: Indian River (Chesapeake, Virginia)

Scout.com Ranking: No. 1 safety; No. 5 overall

Schools to Watch: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, North Carolina, Ole Miss and Virginia Tech

Prospect Analysis

Versatility is probably the most alluring element of what Devon Hunter brings to a roster. The 6'1", 205-pound prospect attacks offenses with the authority of a linebacker while surveying the field with a defensive back's athleticism, and he's a dangerous weapon on offense.

Erik Richards, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl national recruiting director, compared him to a former Florida State star who contributed in multiple roles during an All-American college career. He feels the winner of this recruitment may land a plug-and-play talent.

"They're getting a Jalen Ramsey," Richards told B/R. "That's the best comparison of who I've scouted. We all see where Ramsey got drafted (fifth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars) and what he did in the league this year."

Prediction: Virginia Tech Hokies

This would be an immense recruiting win for Hokies head coach Justin Fuente, who is competing against a group of finalists that also features Alabama, Auburn, Florida, North Carolina and Ole Miss. Hunter plans to announce his decision on Friday and remains undecided about taking any more official visits.

He traveled to Gainesville last weekend, spending time with the Gators days before his declaration. However, Hunter understands the potential gravity of his pledge to Virginia Tech, where he cited multiple personal ties and an opportunity to earn reps on offense as motivating factors.

"I know I'm probably one of the most important recruits in the history of Virginia Tech, so if I were to commit there, it would be big," he told B/R. "That's one thing I really like about Virginia Tech—the effect I would make."

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Quotes and observations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Prospect ratings courtesy of Scout.

Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.