The Top 5 Most Important Recruiting Visits for Week 9
Week 9 has another round of great games, but some crucial recruiting visits will also be made this weekend.
Prospects receive five-star treatment on trips. Coaches do all they can to impress them, plus they get to see how electric a stadium's atmosphere is before and after a game.
A stud defensive end is headed to an SEC school, while a versatile athlete will check out a Pac-12 power. Also, a dominant linebacker will visit a school that could be his favorite.
Malik Dorton, DE/LB
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Malik Dorton is a 4-star defensive end who is 6'3" and 230 pounds. He can also play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
The California native is committed to USC, but there is no permanent head coach in Troy. Oklahoma is trying to capitalize off of the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the Trojans, which is why it will host Dorton for a visit this weekend, per Scout.com.
With the Sooners being the more stable program, it would not be surprising to see Dorton flip to Oklahoma if the visit goes well.
Dalvin Cook, RB
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Although he is committed to Florida, 5-star running back Dalvin Cook will head into enemy territory. The 5'11", 190-pound speedy prospect is scheduled to visit Florida State this weekend, according to 247Sports.
The Gators and Seminoles have always been bitter rivals, so Cook visiting Tallahassee is a big deal. Also, an interesting note to this visit is that Florida State insider Patrick Mahoney of RantSports.com predicted last week that Cook will sign with FSU.
Perhaps Mahoney knows something Florida doesn't.
John Smith, ATH
3 of 6A California native, John Smith is one of the country's top players. Possessing a frame that is 6'1" and 200 pounds, the 5-star athlete has outstanding speed and agility.
Smith has many schools on his trail, but 247Sports shows he is scheduled to visit Oregon this weekend. The Ducks have outstanding facilities, plus their stadium is one of the best places to play in the nation. It also doesn't hurt that Oregon is a dominant team in the Pac-12.
Smith would be an ideal fit in Eugene due to his athleticism and explosiveness. This is a visit with national implications due to the many programs who covet him.
Da'Shawn Hand, DE
4 of 6Alabama will roll out the red carpet this weekend for Da'Shawn Hand, as the 5-star defensive end will be in Tuscaloosa starting Friday, says 247Sports. This is not only one of the most important visits in Week 9, but also one of the most important visits of the year.
Hand is a 6'4", 254-pound Virginia native who has tremendous strength. He is one of the Crimson Tide's top recruiting targets, so head coach Nick Saban will surely attempt to work his magic on the talented defensive end.
Michigan and Florida are the other top schools for Hand, per 247Sports, so 'Bama needs to make sure he has a great time.
Raekwon McMillan, LB
5 of 6The Buckeyes are adding more speed and athleticism to their defense, which is why they would love to have 5-star linebacker Raekwon McMillan.
From Georgia, he is 6'2" and 242 pounds. McMillan is a terror versus running plays due to his strength and power. However, he flashes the athleticism to develop into an adequate player in coverage. The stud 'backer will arrive in Columbus on Saturday, reports 247Sports.
McMillan is the type of player that will help Ohio State compete with SEC teams in future playoff games. Many experts at 247Sports expect him to sign with the Buckeyes, so Ohio State must pull out all the stops to seal the deal during this visit.
2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map
6 of 6The 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map is a great interactive tool for recruiting fans! Use it to obtain information on the nation's best prospects!
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