B/R Faceoff: Where Will the Top 25 College Football Recruits Land?

As most of you have probably noticed, Bleacher Report writer Michael Pinto has joined me in covering the 2011 college football recruiting circuit.

Based on buzz, backchannels and that old, reliable gut feeling, Michael and I would like to offer our side-by-side predictions for where the 25 best (still uncommitted) recruits will be signing for come February.

As you'll see, he and I agree on some, and wildly disagree on others. But that's the nature of predicting recruiting. It's like the weather—sometimes, nobody's right.

James Wilder, ATH

Bio: James Wilder (Tampa, FL) was Scout's No. 1 outside linebacker after notching 136 tackles as a junior, but he's since declared he will play offense in college. Tabbed by MaxPreps as 2011's top recruit, a top tenner to most everyone. An absurdly talented running back with blue-chip balance, speed and durability.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Wilder's recruitment got interesting when the Florida Gators hesitated to offer him at RB. But he's since revisited Gainesville and gotten the lowdown on where he fits into an offense that, surprisingly, will also find room for a fullback. It sounds like the Gators are open to remolding their offense practically in his image; I think a commitment is the least he can do to return the favor.

Prediction: Florida

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Wilder is the top prospect in the state of Florida and while most experts believe he'll stay in-state, it isn't a certainty. Alabama, Florida, USC, Miami, and Georgia are recruiting him the hardest, but don't discount FSU from the mix either.

Prediction: FSU

Cyrus Kouandjio, OT

Bio: A 6'7", 322-lb man-mountain five-star out of Hyattsville, MD, with offers from every school with a working printer. Has the technique to go with NFL-caliber size, and the most recent measurement has him at a slimmed down 290, which should help his mobility.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: For a while I was championing Kouandjio as a recruit fighting for the little guy. He paid visits to Virginia, Maryland, Pitt and Penn State this spring, and opined that he didn't have the knowledge of college football history that makes the decision easier for most recruits.

Then, a slimmer, more professional looking Kouandjio showed up at a combine in Baltimore and started talking Georgia, Florida, UCLA and Cal. At this point, it's off to the races. The end of the summer should tell us more, but just by fumbling blindly in the dark, I come up with...

Prediction: Cal

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Cyrus Kouandjio is one of the most athletic left tackles you'll find for a long time, but he's not rushing into his decision to pick a school. He plans on cutting down his list to a few choices before the start of his senior season; right now he holds over 50 offers and seems open to a lot of options. His older brother will be playing at Alabama and I have a feeling he'll be joining him.

Prediction: Alabama

George Farmer, WR

Bio: Gardena, CA recruit and former teammate of 2010 USC signee Robert Woods, Farmer is the total package at receiver. Bigger than Woods by a few inches, just as fast when he hits all of his gears and has outstanding body control through the air. Michael compared him to Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson. With more weight, I can dig that.

Where Bryan thinks he's going: Gosh, this was an easy call for USC a few months ago, but will the sanctions change things? Likely not. He's reaffirmed his interest in USC and seemed like an official visit away from committing as early as a few months ago. The class will have plenty of room for him, but with another WR, Victor Blackwell, also in the fold, expect USC's receiver recruiting to end here.

Prediction: USC

Where Michael thinks he'll go: An elite combination of size and speed, George Farmer is at the top of most teams' wish list and has over 15 offers on the table from most of the top programs in the country. His latest offers come from Oklahoma, LSU and Michigan, but sanctions or no sanctions, Farmer seems ready to sign on with USC, as most thought up until a couple weeks ago.

Prediction: USC

Timmy Jernigan, DT

Bio: Tim Jernigan (Lake City, FL) is a 6'2", 275 lb tackle with a quick first step who can split double teams with ease. His speed enables him to track down running backs from behind. Registered a jaw-dropping 132 tackles as a junior. Five-star and top DT in the class per Scout.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Jernigan was an early lean to Florida, but the buzz has waned as he's matured—it happens more often than you think with childhood favorites. Of Jernigan's top six (LSU, Florida, Florida State, Alabama, USC, Michigan in no order), he had a lot to say about LSU and Glenn Dorsey after a visit to Baton Rouge. I know Michigan is dying for an elite defensive tackle, and I've got the strangest feeling they can pull it off. Perhaps that's what homerism feels like.

Prediction: Michigan

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Jernigan is a hulking defensive tackle who's among the top prospects in Florida. He's got offers from Florida, Florida State, Miami, Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, and USC, but at the moment the Gators are in the lead. Based on the coup they've gathered of defensive lineman over the last few years, they must know how to sell these guys.

Prediction: Florida

Isaiah Crowell, RB

Bio: Running back Isaiah Crowell out of Carver, GA blends smooth cuts and vision with unreal speed. Hasn't had to carry the load as an every-down back because he's been part of a talented backfield, but that's the only knock on him.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Crowell has been down to Alabama and Georgia for some time, and it looked like the Dawgs were letting it slip away after he skipped on a visit to a UGa Junior Day. Alabama, meanwhile, hasn't faltered; they just hosted him for a weekend visit with his parents in tow; always a good sign. On the strength of what's shaping up to be an awesome 2011 class, Georgia will make it a fight, but the Tide will be too strong.

Prediction: Alabama

Where Michael thinks he'll go: He's made visits to Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, and Georgia, but his favorites are Alabama and Georgia based on his experiences with the players and coaches.Georgia was always his favorite school growing up, don't discount that.

Prediction: Georgia

Nick O'Leary, TE

Bio: Rivals' second-best tight end is an elite pass catcher and blocker for Dwyer High School in West Palm Beach, FL. A 6'4", 215 lb prospect, O'Leary is predicted to develop into one of the better NFL prospects in the class.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Miami performing well with receiver recruiting in 2011—an elite commit already, one or two more possibly on the way in four-star DaVaris Daniels and/or 6'6" stud Kelvin Benjamin. The Canes turned tight end and ex-basketball player Jimmy Graham into a NFL draft pick, and have an offense that could make O'Leary dangerous in the red zone. His interest in Miami is genuine, and will pay off with a commitment.

Prediction: Miami

Where Michael thinks he'll go: O’Leary is one of the top tight ends in the country, so any school that favors his position has got to have an advantage. His top four are Miami, North Carolina, Alabama, and FSU, but when he was asked for his thoughts on each school, Alabama stood out. O’Leary loved the fact that the Crimson Tide run a ton of two and three tight end sets.

Prediction: Alabama

Sammy Watkins, WR

Bio: Watkins (Fort Myers, FL) is a receiver ideally suited for the spread scheme, a dangerous pass catcher on underneath routes, options, and slants. He has both lateral and straight-line speed and very good size (6'1", 185 lbs) for a slot athlete. Resembles former Gators wide receiver Louis Murphy in build and on film.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: After a visit to Michigan's spring game that turned him off of cold weather, it's evident Watkins will remain in or near Florida. That still leaves three top programs vying for his attention. Florida State (Rashad Greene) and Miami (Phillip Dorsett) just landed two top receivers, and their systems don't suit Watkins as well as Florida's does. I think the Gators are in line for the next big one.

Prediction: Florida

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Watkins has one of the best pairs of hands in the country and when he brings the ball in, he holds it close to the chest. That's exactly how he's playing the recruiting game so far.He has offers from Florida, Miami, Michigan, Georgia, LSU, Alabama, and Clemson. His brother signed with Florida a year ago and may consider Watkins to be leaning toward the Gators himself.

Prediction: Florida

Ray Drew, DE

Bio: Rivals' 15th best player overall is drawing rave reviews (and offers) for everything from his pass-rush technique to his uninhibited play on special teams. His production—72 tackles, 16 TFLs, seven sacks and three forced fumbles—earned him an invite to both the Under-Armour and Army All-American games.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Despite his desire to hold out until Signing Day, I think the pressure will be too great for him to commit early. Georgia Tech, Clemson, Florida, LSU and Auburn are making a big push for that early decision, but he's visited each and resisted the desire to pull the trigger. As his recruitment gets bigger and more visits are conducted, a surprise becomes more and more likely. Who could that be? I'm selecting Stanford, who shocked everyone by landing another Georgia defender, LB James Vaughters, a week ago.

Prediction: Stanford

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Ray Drew is a pass-rushing demon, but he's in no hurry to give anyone a list of schools he's giving the most consideration to at the moment and doesn't plan on announcing anything until national signing day.There are offers from Georgia, FSU, Georgia Tech, USC, Notre Dame, LSU, Clemson, Auburn, and Illinois to name a few, and the interest appears to be especially mutual between Drew and Georgia.

Prediction: Georgia

Kris Frost, ATH

Bio: Outstanding two-way player out of Matthews, North Carolina who projects as an elite linebacker but has also hit up camps as a receiver.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: This is going to sound like homerism, but I have it on good authority that Frost was and remains a big Michigan lean mostly unfazed by the Wolverines' struggles. He grew up a UM fan, and is on campus as we speak visiting with his parents. Some of the more optimistic of us are on commitment watch. As of yet he's visited Auburn a handful of times, and I don't underestimate the Tigers' ability to make this ugly, but I like our chances and our razor thin depth chart at LB (well, not really, but in this case I do). Holding on to him is, of course, a different matter altogether, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Prediction: Michigan

Where Michael thinks he'll go: This versatile athlete is near the top of a lot of recruiting lists and while he won’t name his top choices just yet, a couple trips to Auburn, one of which was spur of the moment, has a ton of people assuming he’s leaning that way. I’m inclined to agree.

Prediction: Auburn

Kasen Williams, WR

Bio: Number one on the B/R 100, Williams (Sammamish, WA) has size, speed, hands, lateral quicks and acceleration. he caught 74 passes for 1209 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior, and earned all-state honors. A Crabtree in the making.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: After losing their grip on WR DaVaris Daniels due to academics, the Fighting Irish will redouble their efforts with Williams. Notre Dame was one of the few concrete names out of Williams' mouth at the start of his recruitment, and they made his cut to a top ten. A year of watching Michael Floyd torch defenses will convince him ND's new system will be very beneficial. South Bend is the right call.

Prediction: Notre Dame

Where Michael thinks he'll go: One of the best receivers in the country, Kasen Williams has drawn a ton of interest from schools across the country, particularly in the SEC. His top ten schools, in no particular order, are Washington State, Washington, Cal, LSU, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Georgia Tech. Both his parents went to Washington, it's closest to home. He has a lot of family and friends in the area; he'll be nudged in that direction.

Prediction: Washington

Stephone Anthony, OLB

Bio: Anthony (Wadesboro, NC) is a 6'3", 220-lb outside linebacker who notched 120 tackles and 18 TFLs as a junior. The No. 20 player in the nation and best overall in a loaded year for NC.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: This battle ended when Anthony visited Gainesville and came back with them in his top group. Florida has struggled to overcome some assistant coaching changes and the temporary hiatus of its alpha male, but the depth chart is favorable for an early splash at linebacker, and Anthony is a top priority. Clemson and maybe UNC will make it interesting, but not for long—consider it payback for the Tigers stealing Florida native Mike Bellamy.

Prediction: Florida

Where Michael thinks he'll go: The North Carolina native might be the best prospect of the state and there’s good reason to believe he won’t be going far from home. He listed Florida, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgia, NC State and UNC as his top choices. No one has recruited him harder than NC State though and I’ve got the feeling this darkhorse wins the race.

Prediction: NC State

Jay Rome, TE

Bio: Considered one of the purest NFL-caliber talents in the class, Rome has speed and size (6'6", 240 lbs), and can split out wide or push the pile as an extra blocker. A native of Valdosta, GA, he's down to Clemson, Georgia and Alabama.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Georgia is hitting a weird stride in recruiting. Not that Clemson isn't, but the Dawgs bested the Tigers for QB Christian Lemay in a head-to-head and are putting up better borders in-state than they have in past classes. Clemson has the paternal connection—Rome's father played for the Tigers—and if Georgia struggles this fall, Rome might be inclined to look elsewhere. But Clemson has already taken an elite tight end in Eric MacLain, and I think UGa will get the better of them here.

Prediction: Georgia

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Jay Rome is the best tight end in the nation and has offers from all over the country, but lists his top five as Clemson, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee. His father went to Clemson and played both football and basketball for the Tigers. At the end of the day, Rome's going that route.

Prediction: Clemson

Demetrius Hart, RB

Bio: Stud scatback out of Orlando, FL whom Rivals ticketed as their second-best all-purpose runner. Shows great vision and cutback ability to go with good open field speed.

Where Bryan thinks he's going: Hart sounded like a lock for Michigan after visiting for the spring game and leaving with what many believed was a silent commitment, to be made official sometime in May. But since leaving, Hart changed his mind and moved his decision date to January. People right up close to this situation are more confused than people far away from it. I know teammate and Alabama commit Ha'Sean Clinton Dix has been in his ear about the Tide, who join Auburn in his final three. If I were to predict which Michigan lean would be a casualty of the sanctions, the negative press and the losing record, it would be Hart. If true, I hope he goes to Auburn. Alabama, with all due respect, runs the wrong system for his talents.

Prediction: Beat Michigan State

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Michigan fans were expecting Hart back in town after he visited for the spring game, but hearts dropped when he traveled to Alabama instead. That trip was supposedly just business though. His top three schools are Michigan, Auburn, Alabama, but based on his comments, a return to Ann Arbor appears to be on the horizon.

Prediction: Michigan

Curtis Grant, OLB

Bio: Curtis Grant, a 6'3", 222 lb linebacker out of Hermitage, VA, won Linebacker MVP at the Blacksburg Nike Camp and has been hitting up the camp circuit ever since. A five-star and No. 1 inside linebacker to Rivals.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Grant, as I've mentioned, was off my radar early in the recruiting season, and I'm just catching up to his recruitment. He has several visits planned for a busy summer and hasn't nailed down a list of favorites, so right now I'm just going on instinct. I've seen some things around town about Georgia Tech getting him on campus, and they have the need. I've ruled against them in a few of these picks, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt here.

Prediction: Georgia Tech

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Grant has over thirty offers on the table and plans on making us wait awhile before announcing anything official. He doesn't plan on making a decision until after his senior season, but lists his main priorities as early playing time, the coaching staf, and players on the roster. Grant is very interested in LSU and LSU is VERY interested him.

Prediction: LSU

Jadeveon Clowney, DE

Bio: 2011's best player to both ESPN and Rivals, Jadeveon Clowney (Rock Hill, SC) plays the weakside position but is as good at rushing the passer as he is at stringing the play out and getting running backs to make unwise cutbacks. An elite frame, great get off the LOS and a wingspan that swallows running backs whole.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Whoa, that's the million dollar question. Clowney showed he was willing to change favorites after switching from South Carolina to UNC this spring. With a visit to Alabama wrapping up last week, he can now expect an all-out war. Still, I really think UNC has a shot here. Their defensive line is slated to play strong this fall, which advertises itself (and will look even better if end Robert Quinn has the season people are expecting). Plus, Clowney's relationship with UNC D-line coach John Blake was what Clowney said stood out among the rest. This is the year coach Butch Davis lands the big fish.

Prediction: North Carolina

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Jadeveon Clowney is an athletic freak with nearly unmatched playmaking ability. The Rock Hill native has garnered attention from every corner of the country, but the good money is on him staying close to home. Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina have the best chance of landing him, but looking at the way the Tar Heels have developed defensive lineman, I give them the edge.

Prediction: North Carolina

Brett Hundley, QB

Bio: Hundley is the top prospect on a loaded roster at Chandler High School in Arizona. A terrific dual-threat athlete with quick feet and great accuracy on short and intermediate routes.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Hundley named a top five of UCLA, Washington, Oregon, Texas A&M and Arizona after spending the spring accruing offers. I remember seeing his name among Texas A&M circles early in the process. Getting in early is beneficial, Mike Sherman can recruit, and the fact that they made his cut and will have a gaping vacancy at QB should help their chances. Absent of any true leader, I'd pick them, but I give Arizona an outside chance at keeping him in-state if they show better on-field improvement than the Aggies do.

Prediction: Texas A&M

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Hundley recently dropped his list of schools from 21 to five. In no particular order they are Washington, UCLA, Arizona, Oregon, and Texas A&M. He’s an intelligent, well-spoken young man who listed education first when asked what was most important to him. UCLA fits on and off the field.

Prediction: UCLA

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE

Bio: Austin Seferian-Jenkins of Gig Harbor, WA, is an intimidating 6'7", 250 lb athlete who blew up at a Nike Combine in Oregon, earning MVP honors and the respect of every defensive back in coverage.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: After talking Cal, UCLA and Florida for most of spring, Seferian-Jenkins had the sudden realization that Texas was the ideal offense for him, and started angling for a Longhorns offer. With no tight ends in the class and room for at least one more fringe five-star commit, Texas should give it out, but they're probably the pickiest school in the country at this business, so there's a chance he falls short. He set a visit date for Austin and would likely commit on the spot if Mack Brown wills it. Keep an ear out for when he's in town.

Prediction: Texas

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Top tight ends always get a lot of offers so we’ll skip the list and go straight to the juicy bits. His top eight are Washington, UCLA, California, Alabama, Texas, Florida, LSU, and Stanford. Stanford is the newest addition to the list, replacing USC. They’re the wildcard in the mix and the fit seems like a good one.

Prediction: Stanford

Aaron Green, RB

Bio: Green (San Antonio, TX) lacks only elite size to complement speed, durability, fluidity and explosiveness. In any other year, he would coast to the No. 1 ranking as an all-purpose back.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Green and Nebraska have been making moon eyes at each other since a visit to the NU spring game, followed by an in-home visit from the Nebraska coaches. The move to the Big Ten is a bit of an X factor considering Green is from San Antonio and his family would be inconvenienced, but I don't see the tide turning now. Texas and Oklahoma are all full, and Green would do more to change the culture in Lincoln than Austin or Norman, anyhow.

Prediction: Nebraska

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Aaron Green is one of the most complete running backs in the country and recently narrowed his list down to Nebraska, Texas, FSU, and Cal. He plans on making three more visits before he makes a decision, but go ahead and cut Texas off the list; there's no carries to go around at RB, especially if Malcolm Brown commits. Nebraska really looks like a great fit.

Prediction: Nebraska

Savon Huggins, RB

Bio: Huggins is 6'0", 190-lb running back out of Jersey City, NJ who has dominated at every level of competition. On film, he will remind you of Ohio State's Beanie Wells, with a running style wilder but no less versatile or effective. He's landed upwards of 50 offers.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: I'm in the habit of picking underdogs, which will make me look foolish, but I'll do it again here: I think Savon Huggins will choose Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights are on an upward trend with Greg Schiano not just on the field, but off it, beating Michigan for DB Rashad Knight in the 2010 class and getting five-star Cyrus Kouandjio on campus for a visit. Rutgers has been the one constant in Huggins' shifting sympathies, and their offensive style matches his. When the glamour of the national attention wears off, he'll be a Scarlet Knight.

Prediction: Rutgers

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Five star running backs always get a lot of attention and while we'll have to wait a little longer for Huggins to announce his top ten choices, this New Jersey boy has a strong relationship with the Rutgers coaching staff. He's always listed them as an option when balking at doing the same for others.

Prediction: Rutgers

Trey Depriest, OLB

Bio: Depriest is a 6'2", 231-lb linebacker out of Springfield, OH who compiled 101 tackles, 10 TFLs, seven sacks and three forced fumbles for Springfield HS as a junior.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Package deals fail more often than they succeed, and I'm betting the deal's off between QB Braxton Miller and OLB Trey Depriest. Miller's commitment to Ohio State was in the bag from the beginning, but DePriest is digging Bama's vibes way too much—enough that rumors of a silent commit to the Tide have surfaced since a recent visit to Tuscaloosa. That may sound like heresy, but is it really too hard to believe?

Prediction: Alabama

Where Michael thinks he'll go: After attending friend Braxton Miller's commitment ceremony to Ohio State, DePriest named Alabama, Florida, and Ohio State as his top three programs. He and Miller are good friends and you have to think he's in his ear trying to convince him to join him with the Buckeyes.

Prediction: Ohio State

Greg Robinson, OT

Bio: Robinson is a 6'5", 296 lb tackle out of Thibodaux, LA, listed as the fourth best tackle per Rivals.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: I didn't realize this wasn't much of a competition. But the closer you look, the more it appears LSU will have a top-tier left tackle to complement the right one they're getting in La'El Collins (who, as Michael mentions, has been a major reason this one is in the bag for the Tigers). USC sanctions likely sealed the deal—there was some reciprocal interest between he and the Trojans, and lead recruiter Ed Orgeron may still make it a fight to the finish line.

Prediction: LSU

Where Michael thinks he'll go: One of the top offensive guards in the country, this Louisiana product has said from the beginning his heart is with LSU, but that he doesn’t want to commit too early. He’s spoken to other LSU commits like five star tackle La’el Collins and the feeling is its only a matter of time before he joins the fold.

Prediction: LSU

Quan Bray, ATH

Bio: Quan Bray of Hogansville, GA is a coveted athlete electric with the ball in his hands. who splits duty as a quarterback and running back but could play either one, plus receiver, at the next level.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Who utilizes raw athletes best in this country? That question could best determine Bray's path. Michael likes Clemson here, but I don't think the pro-style attack is where he fits best. He's just visited Auburn and reminds me a bit of 2010 signee Trovon Reed, another versatile athlete from a state neighboring Alabama. Bizarrely, Scout isn't reporting an Auburn offer, but Rivals is, and I think that's where he fits best. I hear they're getting pretty good at recruiting, too.

Prediction: Auburn

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Bray has over 35 offers from all over the country, but here’s a short list: Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, South Carolina, Stanford, Tennessee, USC, and West Virginia. Those are the schools that have gone after him the hardest. Clemson got into his ear and told him he’d be a great fit in the offense “ASAP”; that’s something he must like to hear.

Prediction: Clemson

Malcolm Brown, RB

Bio: Brown, a 6'0", 205 lb recruit out of Cibolo, TX, marries unreal physical talent with play well beyond the years of his competitors. The total package as a running back and the best in a banner year for the position.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: Even someone obsessed with upsets has to pick their battles sometimes. He's going to...

Prediction: Texas

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Malcolm Brown is the type of prospect that could turn Texas from the best in the country to the one of the best of all time. He holds offers from all over the country, lists his favorites as Oklahoma, Texas, TCU, Georgia, and Texas A&M, but there's a hunch here that the rumblings out of Texas will prove true.

Prediction: Texas

Tony Steward, LB

Bio: Tony Steward is Rivals top middle linebacker and a Class 3A first team All-State selection from St. Augustine, FL. He's listed as the country's second-best player by Rivals.com, with college offers from virtually every major college football program.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: From an early top three of Florida State, Alabama and Clemson, I'll have to take the Tigers. The Seminoles landed Steward's virtual clone in Jeff Luc, a top linebacker in last year's class, so going with his childhood favorite would be unwise. I think Alabama will make a play for him, but for conference affiliation reasons, he'll stay in the ACC. That leaves Clemson, which, as Michael mentions, has done a good job recruiting him and getting him on campus. The Tigers may not seem capable of pulling in a big-time defensive commitment, but remember, they took 2008's best player, DE Da'Quan Bowers. And this year, they've raided Florida for Mike Bellamy. However, just to hedge my bets, I can't believe the Gators will let someone of his talent go by without a fight.

Prediction: Clemson

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Tony Steward is a man amongst boys and one of the most physically-ready prospects in the country. Everyone in Florida has their eye on this linebacker. For awhile it appeared like Florida State was in the lead, but a recent trip to Clemson has everyone in-state left on the outside looking in. After his visit, Steward said Clemson was right at the top of his list.

Prediction: Clemson

Doran Grant, CB

Bio: Akron, OH cornerback Doran Grant set the SPARQ rating (a measure of raw talent that combines 40 time, shuttle time, power-ball throw and vertical leap) record at a Nike Camp in Massillon, Ohio. He shot up to Scout's No. 2 CB ranking and is holding offers from a number of elite schools, including Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State and USC.

Where Bryan thinks he'll go: This was a two-man game for some time. Ohio State held the lead over Michigan State, with Penn State and Michigan battling for third. But Grant apparently reopened his recruitment to both coasts, and some recent visits have me thinking Grant may have changed his mind on OSU. He ventured to UNC, took in Cal, visited Arizona unofficially and announced he'll have a new top five by summer's end, with a decision to come later. At this point, my shot in the dark hits Arizona, who just pulled in a top-tier defensive commit from middle linebacker Rob Hankins.

Where Michael thinks he'll go: Grant is my favorite cornerback of the 2011 class. He’s got over 25 offers and claims they’re all even at the moment. Academics and a chance to play as a true freshman are the most important factors for him and both of those add up at Cal. The coaches loved him when he visited recently and said he’ll get the chance to start if he works hard.

Prediction: California