7 2013 College Football Recruits Who Picked the Wrong School

Recruits must be careful when making a commitment, as they will regret their choice if they pick the wrong school. The prospects who do extensive research, lay out a plan and have a detailed timeline for how they want their recruitment to unfold usually are the most comfortable people on signing day.

Whether it's overlooking the depth chart, not keenly studying if they fit in a school's scheme or bypassing better situations for more glamorous opportunities, each recruiting cycle has several recruits who choose the wrong school.

A defensive tackle signed with a prestigious program in 2013, but almost immediately started having regrets. A pair of great running backs committed to a school after it already had two pledges from great players at their position. Also, a cornerback could have been nearly guaranteed a starting position if he would have stuck with his original commitment.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports and ESPNU.

Asiantii Woulard, QB—UCLA

Asiantii Woulard is one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2013 class. The Florida native was committed to play at South Florida, however, he opted to sign with UCLA.

Choosing to play for the Bruins was not a bad decision, but Woulard bypassed a potentially better situation at USF. Along with having great energy and confidence, new Bulls head coach Willie Taggart is a former dual-threat quarterback who also is from Florida, so he would have been an excellent tutor for Woulard.

The Bulls also did not sign a quarterback in their 2012 class, whereas UCLA technically signed two passers in Devin Fuller—who is now a multi-purpose offensive player—and T.J. Mlilweard. 

Instead of staying close to home and likely getting early playing time, Woulard chose to go across the country to battle a talented passer like Milweard for the right to replace current UCLA QB Brett Hundley in the future. 

Darrien Howard, LB—West Virginia

A huge linebacker at 6'1" and 260 pounds, Darrien Howard is great versus running plays. He quickly reads his keys, finds the football and explodes to fit into gaps to make tackles.

However, he is not great versus passing plays and lacks great athleticism in space. Howard flashes good hands, but struggles in coverage.

He is headed to West Virginia, who runs a high-scoring offense that forces opponents to throw the ball more than run it since the Mountaineers play with the lead in most of their games. 

Also, West Virginia is in the Big 12, which is a conference known for having many programs run the spread offense. Howard's physical style of play is better suited for the Big Ten or SEC, rather than the pass-happy Big 12.

Alvin Kamara and Derrick Henry, RBs—Alabama

Alabama signed four fantastic running back prospects in 2013, as Alvin Kamara, Derrick Henry, Altee Tenpenny and Tyren Jones all chose to play in Tuscaloosa.

All four runners are talented enough to where they could have signed with other schools and been assured carries as true freshmen. 

Tenpenny and Jones committed to 'Bama in January and February, respectively. Henry pledged in September, while Kamara announced for the Tide in February.

Knowing Alabama already had not one but two great running backs committed in the same class, Kamara and Henry probably should have gone elsewhere to be lead-backs. Instead, they chose to compete in a freshman running back royal rumble, that will likely last for several seasons. 

Jalen Ramsey, CB—Florida State

USC did all it could to hang on to Jalen Ramsey, as the talented cornerback spurned the Trojans and signed with Florida State. 

Ramsey is a big cornerback who is 6'1" and 195 pounds. He has smooth athleticism, quick feet and great cover skills.

Choosing to play for Florida State is never a bad decision, but Ramsey will have to battle talented incumbents such as Ronald Darby, Lamarcus Joyner, Nick Waisome and Tyler Hunter to get on the field this season.

With USC having a glaring need for cornerbacks this season, with a solid fall camp Ramsey would have likely started as a true freshman for the Trojans.

Matthew Thomas, LB—Florida State

Recruiting got hectic for Matthew Thomas, especially as signing day approached. With schools such as Florida State, USC and Georgia all heavily recruiting him, Thomas settled on the Seminoles.

However, as the spring moved forward, Thomas and his family asked FSU to release him from his scholarship, according to Joe Schad of ESPN.com. Head coach Jimbo Fisher balked at the request, as he wanted Thomas to honor his National Letter of Intent.

Thomas wished to play for USC or Georgia, as he felt his decision was rushed. After some deliberating, he decided to honor his commitment and will play in Tallahassee.

One has to believe that though Thomas will play for 'Noles, he will always feel he is not at the right school for him. 

Eddie Vanderdoes, DT—Notre Dame

Eddie Vanderdoes is a 6'2", 310-pound bully in the defensive trenches. He has impressive strength and power, as Vanderdoes plays like an elephant at the point of attack.

After committing to USC, Vanderdoes backed off his pledge to the Trojans and ultimately signed with Notre Dame. However, due to family issues, Vanderdoes sought a release from his National Letter of Intent, as he wanted to be closer to his family in California, according to Chip Patterson of CBSSports.com. 

After a second appeal to the NCAA—which did not sit well with Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly— Vanderdoes was granted immediate eligibility at UCLA. 

Vanderdoes picked the wrong school in Notre Dame because the California native should have originally signed with UCLA to assure a close proximity to his family. 

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.