Pros and Cons for 5-Star OT Damian Prince's Top Schools

Damian Prince is a 5-star offensive lineman who has the athleticism and agility to play left tackle. At 6'5" and 295 pounds, Prince can dance with rushers in space to protect quarterbacks.

The Maryland native has a ton of schools after him from across the country. However, per Brian Dohn of Scout.com (subscription required), just a handful of programs have a serious shot at signing the talented blocker.

Prince has a tough decision to make, so he's going to have to carefully examine each finalist.

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

Miami

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Pros:

Miami is a program that is back on the rise. Head coach Al Golden has recruited well in Coral Gables, so Prince would join a talented roster that is set up to win a ton of games in the coming seasons.

The school resides in a city with good weather, plus it has a great history of winning. Prince would also get to block with talented offensive linemen such as 5-star prospect Kc McDermott and 4-star blocker Trevor Darling.

Cons:

Miami is on its way back, but the Hurricanes are still a notch below ACC rival Florida State. There are also various distractions that loom off the field for players in Miami. 

South Carolina

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Pros:

Head coach Steve Spurrier is one of the best offensive minds in the game. South Carolina has had strong offensive lines in recent seasons, plus it's always in the hunt for an SEC East title.

Prince wouldn't be overly far from home in Columbia. He could also work his way into the lineup early in his career. 

Cons:

For one reason or another, not many elite 5-star prospects sign with South Carolina. Also, Spurrier may decide to retire before Prince graduates.

Georgia

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Pros:

The Bulldogs are a rock-solid SEC program that always contends for conference championships. They recruit good talent that receives fine coaching in Athens.

Head coach Mark Richt is stable in his position, plus he is loyal to his players. Georgia runs a pro-style offense that would help prepare Prince for the next level.

Cons:

Making it to the national championship game from Athens is hard due to UGA's conference competition. Early playing time in the trenches may not be easy to come by.

Florida

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Pros:

Florida gives Prince the chance to block in the SEC. With the defensive talent the team has, Prince would also face great competition in practice.

He would get a shot to protect 5-star quarterback Will Grier while playing in a pro-style attack. The Gators are usually among the top contenders for the SEC title, plus they are supported by passionate fans.

Cons:

Prince may not have a playing style that is a great fit for the SEC. Early playing time may be hard to come by for him, plus the Gators' offense has not be great in recent seasons. 

Ohio State

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Pros:

The Buckeyes are a dominant program in the Big Ten. They have excellent talent on their roster, plus there is stability with head coach Urban Meyer.

Prince's athleticism in the trenches would work well in Meyer's spread-option offense. Ohio State has won a lot in the past, and it will win a lot in the future. 

Cons:

Columbus doesn't always have great weather. Prince will also have to see if he likes the pace in Ohio. 

Florida State

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Pros: 

The Seminoles are probably the hottest team in the country right now. Jimbo Fisher is an offensive-minded head coach, plus the school has produced talented offensive linemen.

Florida State is one of the traditional juggernauts in college football, plus Prince would play in a ton of big games. The team also has a great deal of talent, so the big offensive lineman would win often in Tallahassee.

Con:

Prince may not get on the field often as a true freshman. 

Maryland

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Pros:

Maryland would allow Prince to remain close to home while teaming up with many players he has a personal relationship with. He would get to see his friends and family often, plus the Terps will need him to play right away in 2014.

The familiarity and comfort level Maryland offers Prince cannot be matched by any other school on his list. Head coach Randy Edsall has also shown he is not afraid to put true freshmen in key roles.

The Terrapins are also headed to the Big Ten in 2014.

Cons:

Maryland is not considered an elite national program. Staying in one's comfort zone is not always the best thing to do for a young adult. 

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

Prince's recruitment can be tracked through February via the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map!

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.