Pros and Cons of 5-Star LB Raekwon McMillan's Top 5 Schools

Raekwon McMillan is a 5-star linebacker from Georgia who is regarded as one of the premier prospects in the country. 

At 6'2" and 242 pounds, McMillan combines excellent size with power, agility, instincts and athleticism. He gets a jump on plays by anticipating at the snap, explodes to insert himself in gaps and can shock an offensive player at the point of attack.

McMillan will be physically ready to make an immediate impact as a true freshman, which is why many programs want his services. The stud 'backer recently revealed to Chad Simmons of Scout.com (subscription required) that he has narrowed his list to five schools.

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

Florida

Pros:

McMillan would not do himself a disservice by signing with the Gators. Florida always has a talented roster, especially on defense. Will Muschamp—a defensive-minded head coach—would make sure the team is loaded with defensive linemen who can keep McMillan clean, so he can go make plays.

Florida isn't overly far from McMillan's home in Liberty County, Georgia. The program has great support from its fans, good facilities, a history of winning and is always in the hunt for an SEC and national title.

Cons:

The Gators have not set the world on fire on offense, which could hinder their winning. Florida also has solid young talent at the linebacker position, so McMillan would not be certain to get playing time as a freshman.

Alabama

Pros:

Alabama's head coach Nick Saban, along with defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, constantly fields one of the stingiest defenses in the nation.

Regarded as the nation's premier program, Alabama wins a ton of games, SEC titles and has three national titles in four years under Saban. It has awesome facilities, a roster full of other 5-star and 4-star recruits, and it gets a lot of exposure to NFL scouts. Its fans are intense, treat football players like kings, and the program receives national coverage in the SEC. 

McMillan could find himself paired with 2013 elite linebacker Reuben Foster one day.

Cons:

With the Tide's talented roster, McMillan will likely redshirt at Alabama. The program's serious approach demands a challenging mental and physical commitment from its players.

Georgia

Pros:

UGA is in-state for McMillan, and there is something special about playing for the powerhouse program in your state. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham runs an NFL-style 3-4 defense, and McMillan would make a solid fit as an inside linebacker.

Georgia also has a solid fanbase, great talent and good facilities. It constantly is a threat to win the SEC East and get to the SEC title game. 

Cons:

There seems to be a disconnect between McMillan and Georgia, which he alluded to when speaking with Chad Simmons of Scout.com (subscription required). 

Clemson

Pros:

McMillan seems to admire the relationships he's built with the coaching staff at Clemson. He was at the game versus Georgia, and the atmosphere impressed him. 

Clemson has solid talent on the roster, would allow McMillan to stay in the South, and early playing time could be available for him. The Tigers reside in a close-knit community that supports the football team with passion, and Clemson has a gorgeous campus and solid academics.

Head coach Dabo Swinney is one of the more well-liked coaches in the country.

Cons:

Clemson is still seen as "behind" programs like Alabama and Florida. 

Ohio State

Pros:

The Buckeyes are led by head coach Urban Meyer, a proven winner. Meyer recruits extremely well, has built a roster that will allow Ohio State to compete with SEC teams, and the program has a rich history of winning.

Ohio State plays in many big games, receives national coverage and is a flagship program in the Big Ten and nationally. It has a large fanbase, great facilities and is part of one of the best rivalries in sports.

Cons:

Columbus is not close to Liberty County, so distance could be a factor. 

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

Use the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map to locate McMillan and other top recruits. This interactive tool should serve as a main source of information for recruiting fans through February!

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.