College Football Recruiting 2013: The 7 Most Heated Recruiting Battles

In recruiting, at this stage, a lot of recruits still have long lists of schools they like. Getting them to name a leader or a solid top-five is pretty rare, but some recruits do start to keen in on certain schools.

That's when their recruitment really picks up, as you can start to see what schools are really in the thick of the race for prospects. The battles become fierce, with calls, emails, Facebooking, visits and more. 

For this read, I'm going to give you a list of the most absolute heated and fiercest recruiting battles so far for 2013 recruiting. 

7. USC vs. Oregon for Max Redfield

Redfield is an athletic 6'2", 195-pound natural free safety prospect from Mission Viejo in Southern California. USC has gotten a good amount of players from Redfield's school, like Mark Sanchez and Tre Madden, in the past.

However, while Redfield has a good amount of favor with the Trojans, he's also high on Oregon too. The Trojans and Ducks will likely square off this year likely for the Pac-12 title at the Coliseum, but they're already slugging it out for Redfield on the recruiting trail. 

6. Notre Dame vs. Ohio State for Jaylon Smith

Smith likely has a couple other schools on his list, including his home school Indiana, but for me, this is an Irish vs. Buckeyes race.

At 6'3 and, 225 pounds, Smith is one of the best OLB prospects in the 2013 class and is pretty athletic for his size and position. His brother plays at Ohio State, which surely is a draw for him.

But Smith also really digs Notre Dame. Look for this battle to finally end in the late summer. 

5. Virginia Tech vs. Clemson vs. Maryland for Kendall Fuller

At 6'0", 185 pounds, Fuller has the athleticism and potential to grow into an excellent cover corner in college. He has great speed, quickness, agility and hips to transition well.

On the recruiting front, he's a prime prospect and has a slew of offers. He lists a top seven, but I think this race will come down to Virginia Tech, Clemson and Maryland.

The Terps offer Fuller a chance to play at home and early. Clemson has the small-town feel Fuller is looking for, but the Hokies are family because Fuller's brothers played in Blacksburg.

He'll make his decision likely at the Army Game. 

4. Michigan vs. USC and More for Ty Isaac

Isaac recently visited Los Angeles and loved his time at USC. With running back being a desperate position of need for the Trojans, Isaac has to be a priority for them on the trail.

However, Michigan is also heavy in the mix for the 6'3", 220 pound Isaac, as playing in a pro-stye offense in the Midwest is a huge allure for him.

Auburn and Notre Dame also got unofficial visits from Isaac this spring.

A decision could come before the season begins, so stay tuned!

3. South Florida vs. Florida vs. USC vs. FSU vs. Alabama for Vernon Hargreaves

Hargreaves—5'10", 180 pounds—is the nation's top cover corner prospect. He also has perhaps the most intriguing recruitment of any player in the country.

Hargreaves' father is an assistant coach at South Florida. The Bulls are not a bad program, but a player of Hargreaves' caliber can go to a higher-profile school, Such as USC, Alabama, Florida and Florida State. It's going to be a slug fest between those four vs. USF for Hargreaves' signed Letter of Intent.

2. Florida vs. Georgia for Laremy Tunsil

Although he is quite raw in pass protection skills, Tunsil is still the top OT in the country. The 6'6", 285 pounder hails from Florida and has good knee bend, agility and athleticism which oozes potential.

Florida State and Alabama are in the mix, but right now, it's a Florida vs. Georgia stand off for Tunsil.

Does he stay home and head over to Gainesville or head over to Athens and be a Bulldog. This isn't the first or last time UF and UGA will be in a heated battle for a prospect. 

1. Alabama vs. Clemson vs. Ole Miss vs. LSU for Robert Nkemdiche

The nation's No. 1 prospect will likely announce his choice on May 18th, but to where? 

Recent reports have it down to Alabama and LSU.

However, Clemson has seen Nkemdiche twice this spring on unofficial visits.

Yet his brother plays at Ole Miss.

This has to be the most heated recruiting battle in the country right now.