5-Star QB Torrance Gibson Ranks Top 7 Schools

Coveted recruit Torrance Gibson is down to seven contenders.

The 5-star quarterback from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, revealed his finalists Thursday evening, trimming the list down from the top 15 he shared earlier this month:

The most notable development among this collection is Auburn's ascension. The Tigers, previously listed as Gibson's No. 2 option, have pulled into a tie with Tennessee atop the hierarchy.

The 6'4", 200-pound playmaker is slated to visit Auburn this weekend with a group of American Heritage High School teammates, presenting head coach Gus Malzahn with an opportunity to make continued strides toward a commitment.

Gibson, rated No. 1 nationally among athletes in 247Sports' composite rankings, is being largely recruited as a dual-threat quarterback. He accounted for nearly 3,000 total yards and 29 touchdowns in 2013, as he led American Heritage to a state title.

He finished the journey with a 316-yard, three-touchdown performance in the state championship victory, according to MaxPreps (subscription required).

Gibson eliminated eight teams from contention Thursday. Clemson, Florida, North Carolina State, Oregon, Alabama, Virginia Tech, Michigan and Nebraska are no longer in the picture.

LSU remains at No. 3 among Gibson's favorites, while Oklahoma jumps from No. 6 to No. 4. Ohio State drops to No. 5 days after landing a commitment from in-state quarterback recruit Joe Burrow.

UCF is certainly a dark horse in this final bunch. The Knights managed to make his top seven despite landing at No. 11 on his initial list.

Miami, ranked No. 6, is set to welcome Gibson to campus Thursday night, according to 247Sports reporter Ryan Bartow.

A nationwide recruitment that once included more than 30 teams has entered its final stretch. Campus visits and countless coaching sales pitches lie ahead for Gibson, who's suddenly closer to a commitment than ever before.

Recruit information and statistics courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.

Follow @TDsTake