College Football Recruiting: Robert Nkemdiche Battle Won't End Until Signing Day

I'm not saying Robert Nkemdiche isn't a man of his word, but this year's No. 1 recruit will be hard pressed to hold the commitment he plans to announce on May 18th.

Grayson (Loganville, Georgia) High School's 6'4", 268-pound defensive end/running back is largely considered one of the most NCAA-ready prospects in years and was even described as a "once in a generation" type player.

He has offers from almost all the major players but has narrowed his choices down to five "in no particular order" according to Michael Carvell of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: LSU, Alabama, UGA, Ole Miss and Clemson.

Carvell also reports that he also "likes" Texas, Oregon, Florida, South Carolina and USC.

Countless kids make this decision every year with added pressure, but it isn't every day that someone earns the "generational" label some have heaped on the shoulders of the freakish athlete from Georgia.

The news of his supposed commitment date came on the heels of an LSU visit that Nkemdiche graded a "10," according to Carvell.

There is reason to believe the Crimson Tide have the inside track with Ole Miss as a surprise favorite for his services as well.

The one thing the Rebels have going for them is Nkemdiche's brother, Denzel, is already part of the program, and one of the star recruit's wishes is to play with his older sibling. He'd also love to play with his best friend David Kamara, a cornerback from Grayson, who has offers from the Rebels, Clemson and Mississippi State.

Who really has the inside track here?

Your guess is as good as mine, and, quite honestly, it wouldn't be surprising if the expected superstar changes his mind at least once before National Signing Day rolls around.

LSU and Ole Miss aren't going to back off if he utters the name "Alabama Crimson Tide"—nor the other way around.

Each of the programs listed, Georgia and Clemson included, have something different to offer Nkemdiche.

The Tide and Tigers boast national championship-caliber teams; Ole Miss could give him the opportunity to play with his brother and his best friend; Clemson has a great track record with gifted athletes on the defensive line, and the in-state Bulldogs are always dangerous and obviously close to home.

By the time the college and high school regular seasons finish, we have no idea what and where Nkemdiche's mind is going to be. It could be exactly where he says it is on May 18th, or it could be someplace completely different.

We simply do not know.

Nkemdiche may want this process to be over, but it is not going to be over until he faxes in his letter of intent.

Here at Signed, Sealed, Delivered we'll break down a top recruiting battle every day in one of our many daily features. Be sure to check it out and have your say too—we're all ears.

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