Pros and Cons of 5-Star DT Trent Thompson's Top Schools

Trent Thompson is a 5-star defensive tackle from Georgia. He is the No. 1 recruit in the 247Sports Composite Rankings. At 6'4" and 292 pounds, the Peach State native has the quickness and power to do whatever he wants at the snap.

Thompson is wanted by just about every major program in the country. However, he told Kipp Adams of 247Sports (subscription required) earlier this spring that he has several schools in front of the rest of the pack.

Thompson will have to continue to narrow his list, and he'll have to weigh the pros and cons of each school before arriving at a final decision.

All recruiting ratings and rankings are from 247Sports' Composite Rankings.

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

Tennessee

Wade Payne

Pros

Tennessee is a program on the rise, and Thompson would surely get early playing time in Knoxville. The Volunteers have a lot of young talent on their roster, which Thompson could grow and help build with.

Head coach Butch Jones is quickly becoming a fantastic recruiter. Plus, the facilities aren't shabby on Rocky Top. The fans support the team with passion, and running through the "T" is special.

Cons

Tennessee is still young, which means it may not be primed for an SEC title run until a few seasons from now. Thompson would win with the Vols, but maybe not as much as he would at other schools on his list. 

Alabama

Butch Dill

Pros

Alabama is supported by one of the most intense fanbases in all of sports. It's also led by perhaps the greatest coach in the history of college football in Nick Saban. The facilities are among the best in the business.

The roster in Tuscaloosa is full of NFL prospects, and Saban has won three national titles as the leader of the Crimson Tide. Thompson would get prepared for the pros about as well as he possibly can at 'Bama.

Cons

Early playing time is hard to come by in Tuscaloosa. Also, Thompson's one-gap attacking style may not fit well in Alabama's defensive scheme. 

Florida State

Chris Carlson

Pros

Florida State won the national championship last season, and head coach Jimbo Fisher appears to be just getting started in Tallahassee.

Fisher has established himself as one of the better head coaches and recruiters in the sport. The Seminoles boast a talented roster. Plus, they play in front of terrific fans.

The program has a history of winning, and Thompson wouldn't subject himself to the overly physical play of the SEC by signing with ACC member Florida State.

Cons

Early playing time for Thompson would not be guaranteed in Tallahassee. Plus, if he's keen on playing in the SEC, FSU obviously wouldn't be the right fit. 

Auburn

Wade Payne

Pros

After making it to the national championship game last season, Auburn has quickly got back on its feet. Head coach Gus Malzahn is a stable figure who promotes a family atmosphere on The Plains.

Thompson could join a young and dynamic defensive line unit at Auburn, and he could warrant playing time as a true freshman. Auburn is another SEC school with passionate fans, solid facilities and good tradition.

Cons

Auburn is in the SEC West division, which is probably the most competitive division in all of football. Making it out of there alive without a loss is almost impossible.

Woody Wommack of Rivals.com (subscription required) wrote on April 9:

"

Thompson and his mother enjoyed their recent trip to The Plains and it's believed that the Tigers have firmly entrenched themselves at No. 2. 

"

Georgia

David Goldman

Pros

With Thompson being a Peach State native, UGA gives him the opportunity to stay in his native state. The Bulldogs are led by head coach Mark Richt, who is well-liked by his players.

Athens isn't a bad place to live for a few years. Plus, Georgia has good facilities. The Bulldogs are always in the hunt for the SEC East crown, and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt is one of the best defensive minds in the country.

Georgia also has fantastic fans, and it fields a talented roster of players each season.

Cons

Georgia hasn't won an SEC title under Richt since 2005. The Bulldogs receive a lot of national attention, but not as much as SEC rival Alabama and a few other nearby schools.

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.